MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

February 8, 2007 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

With Shirley Nortrup's departure for Florida, Janice Roy has stepped in as a substitute "counter". She is a useful lady to have around.

On Monday morning, she arrived at the church to prepare for the task of counting the offering. Coincidentally, she discovered that we had no water. So she called the pastor and the trustees. All before I had even arrived for work.

Darrel and Virginia did what they could to track down the problem (no water in the education wing, but the kitchen and upstairs restroom were okay), then called the plumber. The plumbers, of course, were very busy that day- lots of frozen pipes in town. So we crossed our fingers, said a prayer, and waited.

Miraculously, the water spontaneously started to flow several hours later, saving us a plumbing bill. It was recommended that we leave a faucet drip and that we leave the office door open as much as possible to help regulate the heat in the education wing (darn...).

Tuesday's weather assured a quiet day around the church. When I took the mail out to the box, I pushed the snow shovel ahead of me to clear a path. Within an hour, when I went to pick up the incoming mail, I had to do it again. There was no way to keep the walkway cleared. Later in the day, the quilters and the Angelus bell choir even decided to cancel their evening activities.

But we had the parking lot and sidewalks cleared on Wednesday, and things were up and running as usual... the Men's breakfast group met and Mike had multiple appointments at the church during the day. In the evening, the Cherubs met, about ten people gathered for the first supper and discussion session, and WellSpring closed out the evening.

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: canned meats, cookies, muffin mixes

FINANCIAL UPDATE: To date, we have had: Income of $30,364 Expenses of $22,563

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

Thursday, Feb. 8: * The XYZs luncheon at the parsonage HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 15TH. (RSVP only if you have changed your plans).

J.O.Y. sharing group will meet at 7:00 in the parlor.

Friday, Feb. 9: 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. 11: Grace Years worship service at Parkview in Savoy at 2:00.

Youth Group will meet at 5:00 in the Fellowship Hall.

College age Bible study at 6:00 (see Rev. Mike).

Monday, Feb. 12: Growing in Grace rehearsal at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

Finance meeting at 7:00 in the Seekers Sunday school room.

* Reservations due for XYZs April trip to the Passion Play. Call Janet Fredrick.

Tuesday, Feb. 13: Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Angelus hand bell choir will rehearse at 6:30.

Chancel Choir will rehearse at 7:30.

Wednesday, Feb. 14: 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 will begin at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

Thursday, Feb. 15 * XYZs luncheon at the parsonage at 11:30. If you had reservations for the 8th, there is no

need to call. If you would like to be added, contact the church office.

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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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