MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

November 16, 2006 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

I think that as most of us arrive at church on a Sunday morning, we are most likely to be looking down watching our footing or looking around greeting others. Except on particularly beautiful days, most of us probably don't tend to look upward.

But this Sunday you should. The trustees were finally able to find a company willing to scrape and paint the steeple and fix the soffit and fascia.

Ben King had actually suggested that the high school youth group wouldn't mind doing that.... We decided the lives of six promising young men were worth more than the expense involved.

The first two stewardship receptions took place this past week.

Gordy produced a very nicely done slide show with photographs, art work, music, a number by the Chancel Choir, voice-over by Gary Ricketts... all celebrating the mission and vision of Grace Church.

A couple of members of the congregation (different people at each) talked briefly about what drew them to Grace Church and the importance of Grace (and grace) in their lives.

And Grace seldom gathers without food being involved, so there was plenty of that, as well.

Despite the miserable weather the evening I attended, those present felt it was worth braving the elements to be there.

Thanks to the many people involved in preparing for and hosting these events.

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: rice, crackers, cookies

FINANCIAL UPDATE: We started 2006 with $12,662 in advance pledges in hand. To date, we have had:

Additional income of $195,523 Expenses of $211,420

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

Friday, Nov. 17: Issues of Aging seminar will be held at Bob Bentz' home at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, Nov. 19: * Homecoming Banquet at the Park Inn at 12:15. Grace Years worship service at Parkview at 2:00.

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

Monday, Nov. 20: Growing in Grace will rehearse at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

* Pastor-Parish Relations committee will meet at 6:30 in the pastor's study.

Tuesday, Nov. 21: Staff meeting at 10:30 a.m.

* Joint Thanksgiving worship service with Saint

Matthew's Lutheran Church, here at Grace at 7:00.

* Chancel Choir will rehearse at 6:30 for the Thanksgiving service.

* NO ANGELUS HAND BELL PRACTICE THIS EVENING.

* THE QUILTERS WILL NOT MEET THIS EVENING.

Wednesday, Nov. 22: Men's Breakfast Group will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

* CHERUBS WILL NOT REHEARSE THIS EVENING.

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

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

Thursday, Nov. 23 The church office will be closed in honor of

and Friday, Nov. 24: the Thanksgiving holiday.

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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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