MID-WEEK LETTER from Grace United Methodist Church

September 7, 2006 Editor: Linda Entwistle

LAST WEEK:

I love fall. Maybe it is the former teacher in me. To a teacher, fall signals the beginning of a new year- new students, new materials, new units of study; renewed faith in and focus on the work to which she (or

he) has committed herself.

The church year feels a lot like that, too. After the laid-back, easy- going, informal summertime during which we physically recharged our batteries, fall comes and calls us back to action.

Grace was a busy place Wednesday night: the Cherubs had their first practice of the new year; Life Song continued their rehearsals (which they did all summer long- obviously, they are being fed by that activity, rather than drained. If I could carry a tune, I would join them!); Quest United Methodist Church, which is currently renting worship space in a hotel, met here to do leadership/discipleship training; the Pastor- Parish committee met to begin working on the requisite forms for our charge conference (which will be early this year- October 15); and WellSpring met (as they have faithfully, year-round, for several years now).

Children, elders, friends, and strangers-- engaged in praise, spiritual development, stewardship, and compassionate caring-- all here to renew their commitment to furthering the Kingdom of God and to being Christ to one another.

I can not think of a better use for our building, our time, or our lives.

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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: tuna, tomatoes, cake mixes

Please note that the food pantry currently has an EXCESS of peanut butter, jelly, and spaghetti sauce. Other items are more needed.

Thank you for supporting this ministry!

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

Additional income of $151,647 Expenses of $164,972

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

Sunday, Sept. 10: Grace Years worship service at Parkview in Savoy at 2:00 p.m.

* Philo Road Kids' Fair, 5:00 to 7:00. For ages 3 years through 5th grade. Want to volunteer? Contact Karen Knight (344-7494).

* NO HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH FELLOWSHIP MEETING TONIGHT.

* Church Council meeting at 7:00 in the Seekers Sunday school room.

Monday, Sept. 11: Growing in Grace will rehearse at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

* Finance meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Seekers Sunday school room.

* UMW meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Guest speaker: Janet Fredrick.

Tuesday, Sept. 12: Staff meeting at 10:30 a.m. in the pastor's study.

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

Quilters will meet at 6:30 p.m.

Chancel Choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Wednesday, Sept. 13: The Men's Breakfast Group will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

* Grace Years ministry team will meet at 9:30 a.m in the pastor's study.

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

Life Song will rehearse at 6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary.

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

Thursday, Sept. 14: * XYZs will head for the Arcola area at 9:00 a.m. Contact the Ricketts (367-2098) for details and reservations.

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

Saturday, Sept. 16: * Farewell potluck for Pat Ziebart at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Drinks and table service

will be provided. Please bring a dish to share.

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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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