MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

September 28, 2006 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

Last Sunday was an eventful one for Grace Church.

We celebrated the official birth of a new ministry- the Parkview chapter of the Grace Years Christian Fellowship- although we have nurtured its slow and steady development for just over two years (no jokes here about elephants, please).

This project has been such an inspiring example of what can be done when organization takes place at the grassroots level. It started with a few members of our congregation who lived at Parkview talking to their friends and neighbors about a worship service that would be offered on Sunday afternoons. The minister would be United Methodist, but the service was intended to be multi-denominational. A small, diverse group of people came, liked what they experienced, and they in turn talked to their friends and neighbors, and the worship grew.

But it didn't stop there. The people who attended the worship service also talked to each other of other needs, concerns, and desires in their lives. From that, they created the "buddy ring" program (a simple system that allows others to be aware when there may be a problem). And they didn't keep it to themselves... they told yet more friends and

acquaintances- even those who chose not to attend worship- about the project, and some of them joined in.

Then they hosted an "Issues of Aging" seminar, and invited even more people to participate. Now they are touching lives in a variety of ways, at many different points of need: spiritual care, safety concerns, end- of-life issues, companionship...

And the vast majority of this growth and activity occurred without e-mails, or postings on bulletin boards, or newspaper public service messages, or announcements in service. It sprang from people talking to people about something they were excited and enthusiastic about.

Wow. The things we can learn from our elders...

We also hosted our final evening of the Philo Road Kids' Fair. This project was a variation on Vacation Bible School, which Grace has a long tradition of providing to the children of the neighborhood.

Some three dozen people who love Grace Church opened it up to the community, welcomed whoever showed up, and shared with these strangers a brief glimpse of faith and love of the Lord.

Seeds were planted. And just as the parable recorded in Mark 4 tells us, some will never sprout; some will grow briefly, then wither; and some will take root and grow strong and fruitful. And so we wait, and watch, and nurture those seeds whenever we are given the opportunity, and trust in God.

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: cereal, juices, fruit

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

Additional income of $161,476 Expenses of $176,020

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

Thursday, Sept. 28: * Women's sharing group will meet at 7:00 in the parlor. New members are welcome.

Sunday, Oct. 1: Grace Years worship service at Parkview in Savoy at 2:00.

Grace Years worship service at Florida House at 4:00.

* NO HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH FELLOWSHIP MEETING TONIGHT.

Monday, Oct. 2: Growing in Grace will rehearse at 4:00 in the sanctuary.

* Stewardship team meeting at 7:00 in the pastor's study.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: 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.

* Van drivers will meet at 6:30 in the pastor's study.

Chancel Choir rehearsal at 7:30 in the sanctuary.

Wednesday, Oct. 4: 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.

* Praise and worship service with Life Song at 6:30 in the sanctuary.

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

Thursday, Oct. 5: * Children's ministry team will meet at 6:30 in the pastor's study.

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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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