MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

February 16, 2007 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

Extreme weather and natural disasters have a way of reminding us of the vastness and power of God. The past several days have been both humbling and beautiful, and in some instances, frightening.

My family suffered a sense of disorientation: we couldn't determine if the swirling snow was falling from the sky or blowing up from the ground. We couldn't easily engage in many of the activities we normally would have. So we had a lot of time to sit and to watch...

During the storm, we were amazed to discover that snow drifts "migrate" and change shape in just the same way sand dunes do. We watched the whole process unfold on our back deck during the course of the day.

This, of course, is an event that has been played out endless times, but we've been too busy or too self-absorbed to notice.

The day after, we ventured forth to examine the new landscape- we appeared to no longer have shrubbery, or garbage cans, or even a mailbox- and to try our hand at re-shaping it where necessary, with a shovel. The silence, the stillness of the air, the brightness of the snow, sun, and sky were breath-taking.

The church (building) was closed for three days. The driveways and parking lot were not plowed out until early Thursday evening, so there was no way to get into the office. Well, okay, I could have put on all my ski paraphernalia, parked over at Renner-Wikoff, and trudgedthrough 2 and a half foot of snow. But I didn't.

Reverend Mike and I made phone calls and sent e-mails on a daily basis, letting various people know they should not attempt to come in for meetings, work, activities, etc. Bear in mind that we had to rely on our memories for all the names that went with any given event, since we couldn't get into the office for our lists. I think we did remarkably well, under the circumstances, but please forgive us if we missed someone!

When I finally got in today, there were about a dozen messages on our machine. All but two of them were people letting us know that they had no intention of being out and about this week.

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The food pantry is sufficiently stocked for the time being. The Mens' Group thanks everyone for their support of this ministry.

FINANCIAL UPDATE: To date, we have had: Income of $33,011 Expenses of $28,038

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

Friday, Feb. 16: Issues of Aging seminar will meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Seekers Sunday school room.

Sunday, Feb. 18: Grace Years worship service at Parkview in Savoy at 2:00.

College age Bible study at 5:00 (see Rev. Mike).

* Note the change in time: Senior High Youth Fellowship will meet at 6:30 in the fellowship hall.

Monday, Feb. 19: Growing in Grace rehearsal at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

Tuesday, Feb. 20: Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Angelus hand bell choir will rehearse at 6:30.

Chancel Choir will rehearse at 7:30.

Wednesday, Feb. 21: Men's Breakfast Group will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

Grace Years worship service at Canterbury Ridge at 3:00.

Cherub Choir will practice at 5:30.

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

* Ash Wednesday worship service will begin at 7:30. There will be van service this evening.

Please contact the office by Tuesday if you would like to reserve a ride.

Thursday, Feb. 22: Children's ministry team will meet at 6:30. J.O.Y. sharing group will meet at 7:00 in the parlor.

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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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