MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

November 22, 2006 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

Just under 135 people attended Grace's Homecoming banquet last Sunday.

The room was packed. There was a lot of good food and a lot of good fellowship. I actually had the opportunity to meet a couple of people in person that I had previously only known through mail correspondence or phone conversations (in one instance, the two of us attend opposite worship services; in the other, a woman who has not been able to attend services for some time was able to attend this as a special event).

I also had the opportunity to have substantial conversations with a couple of people that I had only formally met and had a "nodding acquaintance" with. And I sat with two invited guests who were getting to know us for the first time.

Our guest speaker, Casey Watts, told us about his experiences on mission trips to Liberia. Then Doug Bauling, the chair of our Missions ministry team issued a holiday mission challenge:

For each dollar that we, the members of Grace Church, spend on Christmas presents for family, friends, co-workers, service providers, etc., we are being challenged to contribute 50 cents to a fund that will benefit the Ganta United Methodist Hospital.

The hospital has 120 beds and a single household refrigerator. Can you imagine your refrigerator serving 120 people? And what needs to go into the refrigerator is not just food, but medicines.

Our goal is to collect at least $8,000 toward the purchase and shipment of a new refrigerator (or refrigerators-- the mission team is still in the process of finding out exactly what type and size is needed).

Some people have voiced dismay over how much is being requested-- an additional 50 percent of our gift-giving expenses?! Where are we supposed to find that kind of money?

Well, it could be an issue of finding 50 percent MORE money, or it could be an issue of spending 50 percent LESS this season than you are accustomed to spending, and giving the 50 percent that you "saved" to the mission challenge. This may require a "bold" move your part.

Mike was talking about being bold in his sermon on Sunday: bold in approaching God, bold in hope without wavering, bold in provoking one another to love and good deeds.

Casey and his wife Tricia know a few things about being bold in their faith. They are members of a church in Homer that actually SOLD their building in order to finance the construction of an orphanage in Liberia.

This was not a decrepit old structure that needed to be given up anyway.

It was 10 years old, and at the time it was built had state-of-art audio-video equipment installed and other upper-end items. The congregation now meets in inexpensive rented space in a public building to worship and to plan their participation in bringing the kingdom of God to the people of Liberia. And they were very touched, grateful, and enthusiastic about our participation, as well.

During this coming time of Advent and the Christmas season, while pondering what role your family will be able to play in the mission challenge, remember:

"...for God so loved the world, that He gave His only son..."

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: canned meats, spaghetti, gelatin desserts

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

Additional income of $199,965 Expenses of $214,283

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

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: Happy Thanksgiving! The office will be closed today and tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 24).

Sunday, Nov. 26: Grace Years worship service at Parkview at 2:00.

Grace Years worship service at Sunnycrest at 4:00.

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

Monday, Nov. 27: Growing in Grace will rehearse at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

* The third of our stewardship receptions will take place this evening at 7:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

Tuesday, Nov. 28: Staff meeting at 10:30 a.m.

Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Angelus hand bell choir will rehearse at 6:30.

Chancel choir will rehearse at 7:30.

Wednesday, Nov. 29: 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.

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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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