MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

October 12, 2006 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

Bob Hackl stopped by the office to prepare some materials for the Death, Dying, and Grief seminar that he is going to lead this fall.

He already has 24 people planning to attend and is considering what he might be able to do in order to accommodate others- perhaps add an evening group or do the seminar over again in the spring.

This topic is one that is relevant to people on so many levels.

"Death" and "dying" are not just physical phenomena; we experience emotional deaths, as well. Because Grace is now a venerable 107 years old, many, many people in our congregation have had and are experiencing a multitude of losses: deaths of friends and family members; children grown up and moved away; loved ones entering into nursing homes and assisted living facilities; poor health or limited physical abilities.

And it isn't only the elders in our congregation that are suffering.

Our younger families and middle-aged members have issues, as well: the loss of dreams; lack of meaningful employment; marital difficulties; pregnancy loss.

But despite all the grief and pain that these issues raise, we are alive. And there is more of life available to us, if we can process our grief and pain, come to terms with it, and move on.

We need to learn intellectually about the way grief affects us and the stages we pass through. We need to learn what's "coming", so that we can prepare for it and it will become less overwhelming.

We need to share our pain with others, give voice to it. We need to allow others to comfort us and bolster us.

And then we can begin to heal, and find new hope, and anticipate new joy, and embrace life and move forward again, sharing our experience with others. That's what Christianity is all about: new life.

Our thanks to Bob (and Mary) for bringing their hard-earned wisdom and compassion to this issue. May God bless this endeavor, the participants, and the congregation as a whole, as the ripple effect touches each of us.

**********

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: soups, fruits, juices

FINANCIAL UPDATE: We started 2006 with $12,662 in advance pledges in

hand. To date, we have had:

Additional income of $173,533 *Expenses of $186,485

* A seldom seen phenomenon: Jim Roush didn't have to pay ANY expenses this week!

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

Thursday, Oct. 12: The JOY sharing group will meet at 7:00 in the parlor.

Sunday, Oct. 15: Grace Years worship service at Parkview at 2:00.

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

Grace's Charge Conference will be held at the Mahomet UMC (1302 E. South Mahomet Road) at 6:30.

The charge conference is an open meeting.

Monday, Oct. 16: Growing in Grace will rehearse at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

Tuesday, Oct. 17: Angelus hand bells practice at 6:30 in the music room.

Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Chancel Choir will rehearsal at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

Wednesday, Oct. 18: Set-up for the Fall Festival will begin this evening. The Fellowship Hall will not be

available for use for the rest of the week.

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

Grace Years worship service at Canterbury at 3:00.

The Cherubs will practice at 5:30 in the sanctuary.

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

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

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

If you prefer not to receive these weekly e-mails or know someone who

would like to receive them, please respond to the address above.