MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

September 14, 2006 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

Last Sunday evening, Grace hosted Part 1 of the Philo Road Kids' Fair.

38 children and youth attended, from 28 different families.

Entertainment for the evening included three different "chalk talks" by Herschel (aka "Pierre") Cline. Many of the kids were fascinated by these and made it a point to show up at all three.

After one presentation, a young guest asked Robin Styan if "that man is really an artist?" Robin told him yes and offered to show him more of Herschel's work.

The child was enthused, so Robin took a small band of children up to the sanctuary, stood them in the middle of the dim room, and went up to turn on the light behind the stained glass panel in the chancel.

The kids' jaws dropped, they "oooohed" and "aaahed", and Robin invited them up for a closer look. They spent the next several minutes lost in the meaning of this picture and the discovery of the many marvelous little details that give it life.

God works through serendipitous moments. Although we're grateful for the Children's ministry team that did all the planning for this event, and for the two dozen people who volunteered their time to provide food and entertainment, it is always God who graces us with success, often in unexpected ways.

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The food pantry is sufficiently well-stocked for the time being. Thank you for your on-going support of this ministry! The men will let us know when supplies need to be restocked.

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

hand. To date, we have had:

Additional income of $155,665 Expenses of $167,068

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

Thursday, Sept. 14: * Organizational meeting for a new women's sharing group at 7:00 in the parlor. Contact Mary Hackl (355-8563) for information.

Saturday, Sept. 16: * Farewell potluck for Pat Ziebart at 6:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Drinks and table service will be provided. Please bring a dish to share.

Sunday, Sept. 17: Grace Years worship service at Parkview in Savoy at 2:00.

* Philo Road Kids' Fair, 5:00 to 7:00.

* NO HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH FELLOWSHIP MEETING TONIGHT.

Monday, Sept. 18: Growing in Grace will rehearse at 6:30 in the sanctuary.

Steering Team will meet at 7:00 in the parlor.

Lay Leadership committee will meet at 8:00 in the 4th/5th Sunday school room.

Tuesday, Sept. 19: Staff meeting at 10:30 a.m. in the pastor's study.

Angelus hand bells practice at 6:30 in the music room.

Quilters will meet at 6:30.

Chancel Choir rehearsal at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

Wednesday, Sept. 20: The 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.

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

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

Mission Team will meet at 7:00 in the Seekers Sunday school room.

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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