MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

April 19, 2007 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

Grace Church seemed to take a bit of a rest the week after Easter- in part because we needed to catch our breath after all the extra activity of Holy Week, and in part because we wanted to savor the spiritual renewal that Holy Week can bring.

But this week was a busy one, with several new things occurring along- side older, more-established things:

As one facet of the Jericho Retreat project, Grace started a small, intimate Saturday evening worship service. And the "Jesus, Others, Yourself" sharing group continued their twice a month gatherings.

The 4th/5th grade Sunday school class participated in a Bible Bowl at East Bay Camp in Bloomington, placing 7th among 14 teams. And the XYZs attended the Passion Play in Bloomington the same weekend.

Rev. Mike's daughter, Scarlette, met the members of the high school youth group and Sunday school class. And the retired ministers gathered at Grace for their fellowship luncheon.

And so we continue to stretch our hearts and minds and spaces to accommodate and welcome the new and the unknown, the gifts of God.

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: pork and beans, spaghetti sauce, and juice

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FINANCIAL UPDATE: To date, we have had:

Income of $69,667 Expenses of $67,430

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THE CALENDAR: (Please note especially items marked with an asterisk).

Friday, April 20-

Sunday, April 22: * The UMW is supporting the Festival of Quilts to benefit Cunningham Children's Home. At Lincoln Square Village, during all mall hours.

Saturday, April 21: Saturday evening worship service at 5:30 in the old nursery.

Sunday, April 22: Grace Years worship service at Parkview in Savoy at 2:00.

Grace Years worship service at Sunnycrest at 4:00.

College-age Bible study at 5:00.

High school youth meet at the church at 6:30.

Monday, April 23: * Drop-offs begin for the annual garage sale; 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. thru Thursday, April 26.

Growing in Grace rehearsal at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

Tuesday, April 24: Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Angelus hand bell choir will rehearse at 6:30.

* CHANCEL CHOIR WILL NOT BE REHEARSING THIS EVENING.

Wednesday, April 25: Men's Breakfast Group will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

Cherub Choir will practice at 5:30.

Life Song will practice at 6:30 at the Aters' home.

WellSpring service at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

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If you know of someone who is in need of pastoral care, please contact the church office (328-1414) or respond to the e-mail address above.

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