MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

January 11, 2007 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

During the last couple of weeks of December and the first couple of weeks of January, people are generally so tied up in their personal lives and in special activities that the more everyday things are often given a break. But true to long-standing Grace tradition, our mission work continues.

Of course, the most visible mission undertaking was the holiday mission challenge to support the hospital in Ganta, Liberia.

Contributions to that cause ranged from a handful of coins drawn from a child's piggybank to checks for several hundred dollars- some written with ease, some possible only through careful and prayerful reassignment of funds and reordering of priorities.

Through your financial gifts (current total $6,433) the hospital will be able to purchase much-needed refrigerators and washers and driers. It is awesome to consider that we have helped to improve the financial, physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual outlook for hundreds of thousands of people!

On a smaller scale, we kept Ray Allen very busy for the two weeks or so leading up to Christmas- we just couldn't get ahead of the demand for Grace's popcorn! We are all grateful to Ray for taking responsibility for that on-going task. And I am grateful to those of you who pitched in and packaged up your own containers in a pinch!

Of course, all of the money raised through our popcorn project goes toward mission work.

In addition, Grace currently has a freezer filled almost to over- flowing with homemade soup for the TIMES Center. The ladies of the church (and a few of the men, too!) have been very generous with their time, talents, and special recipes.

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: canned meats, tuna, and cookies

END-OF-YEAR FINANCIAL UPDATE: We started 2006 with $12,662 in advance pledges in hand. Through December 31, 2006, we have had:

Additional 2006 income of $226,221 Expenses of $241,247

If you do the math, we ended 2006 just $2,364 short.

As of December 31, we had also taken in $10,455 in advance pledges for 2007, so we start the year in great financial shape!

We give God the glory, and we give each other thanks for our commitment to Grace Church and the work of the kingdom of God.

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

Thursday, Jan. 11: J.O.Y. sharing group will meet at 7:00 in the

parlor.

Sunday, Jan. 14: Grace Years worship service at Parkview at 2:00.

Monday, January 15: Growing in Grace rehearsal at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

* The Finance meeting that was postponed from last week will take place at 7:00 in the Seekers Sunday school room.

Tuesday, January 16: Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Angelus hand bell choir will rehearse at 6:30.

Chancel Choir will rehearse at 7:30.

Wednesday, Jan. 17: 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.

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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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