MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

February 1, 2007 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

Several times each year, one of the tasks for the office is to contact groups that use our building for meetings and activities to see what their needs will be for the near future.

Some of our on-going, long-term groups like the Men's Breakfast, Quilters, various musical groups, the J.O.Y. sharing group, and Sunday schools don't change much. But we do have short-term groups, as well:

There was a stewardship group, one on leadership, a Death and Dying seminar, Issues of Aging...

And we host groups from outside the church, too: Communiversity courses through the YMCA, district lay leadership, Mothers of Twins, etc.

I just recently said "good-bye" to two long-term guests: our sister church, Quest UMC, had been using our facilities once a month for leadership training and spiritual development for the past two years.

That group has matured to a point were participants will begin leading their own smaller groups, and thus will be meeting in each other's homes.

And Robin Kearton, from the Bowdacious String Band, announced that after several years, the group is now strong enough to support a place of their own. Their practices, concerts, summer camps, and workshops can now all take place under one roof.

Both groups expressed deep appreciation for our support during those dicey "start up" phases. They indicated that Grace had lived up to its name and had been a blessing to them.

I think of this service rather like foster care. Those groups are not ours to control, but to nurture and support for whatever period of time God chooses to put us together, so that they in turn can go out into the world to nurture and support others.

And may God bless us all in our efforts.

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: canned meats, cookies, muffin mixes

FINANCIAL UPDATE: To date, we have had:

Income of $16,548 Expenses of $16,179

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

Friday, Feb. 2: * Issues of Aging seminar will meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Seekers Sunday school room. Anyone is welcome to join this group at any time.

Sunday, Feb. 4: Grace Years worship service at Parkview in Savoy at 2:00.

Grace Years worship service at Florida House at 4:00.

* There will be no Youth Group meeting this evening.

Monday, Feb. 5: Growing in Grace rehearsal at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

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

Angelus hand bell choir will rehearse at 6:30.

Chancel Choir will rehearse at 7:30.

Wednesday, Feb. 7: Men's Breakfast Group will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

Grace Years worship service at Canterbury at 3:00.

Cherub Choir will practice at 5:30.

* First in a series of supper and discussion gatherings. Meal at 5:30; discussion on "Cultivating Fruitful Relationships" will begin at 6:30. (Advance reservation helpful-call the church office).

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

WellSpring service will begin at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

Thursday, Feb. 8: XYZs will have lunch at the parsonage at 11:30 a.m. (Advance reservations helpful-call the church office).

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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