Getting to Know Our Church Family…

Judy and Dan Deloney

-By Karen Knight

Over 107 years, Grace Church has been a part of many people’s lives, for some, a short while and, for others, a lifetime.  It has been a place of comfort.  As Judy Deloney says, “It’s home”.  The Deloneys have been a part of Grace for a long time.  Judy started attending as a child when the church was on Main Street and in walking distance of her home.  She really became involved as a teenager when Ruth Weidner asked her to join the Methodist Youth Fellowship.  Dan was also an MYF member at that time.  Judy remembers the youth group as being large and active with several members eventually marrying.

Dan likes sports.  He is an Illini fan as well as a Cardinal fan, understandable since he is originally from Venice near St. Louis.  He played softball and with Jim Jones from Grace Church and helped establish the first slow pitch softball league in Champaign-Urbana. Grace Church was one of the 8 charter members of the league. As his children advanced in baseball, he coached their teams from Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion.  Dan retired from Sears after working there 37 years.  He is now planning a second retirement from Parkland’s Business Development Center after working there 6 years as program manager.  Judy is retired from Carle where she worked as a medical secretary.  Being a homebody now, she is enjoying her time reading, sewing and gardening.  

The Deloneys have three children.  Mike and family live in Overland Park, Kansas.  Scott and family live in Plainfield, Indiana.  Daughter Stephanie is a counselor in Urbana at Cunningham Children’s Home.  Judy and Dan enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren.  The Deloney family has many holiday traditions, including going to the movies during the Thanksgiving holidays.

Over the years, Judy and Dan have had the opportunity to serve Grace Church in various ways from teaching Sunday school, being MYF counselors, serving on a number of committees, to currently serving on the Mission Team.

Birthdays for January:

Bill Gladson            1

Sara Rivier              1

Bobbie Ford            4

Chuck Routh          4

Alex Ferguson        7

Ian Ferguson          7

Mindy Smith           13

David Burns            18

Frank Silver            21

Abby Morgan           22

Ruth Aaron             26

Jessica Hartke        30

Anniversaries for January:

Carolyn and Lowell Dickey 2

Phyllis and Paul Trinkle      6

Diane and Mike Pittman    14

Niel and Ron Stinebring     24

Thank you

12-7-06

To My Friends at Grace U.M.C.

Words cannot express my gratitude for the many acts of kindness during my long illness.

The outpouring of love and respect was truly over-whelming.

Your prayers, comforting words, cards, flowers and visits were deeply appreciated.

A special “Thank you” to Pastor Mike for his special prayers and many visits and encouragement.

I’m not out of the woods as yet, but things are looking up.

My prayers and thanks are with all of you.

                                                            Love in Christ,

                                                                Margaret Hudson

The Music of Grace

-By Karilyn Newnam

The Christmas season touches many senses: the smell of pine, the smell of baking, the sights of the bright Christmas lights and decorations, and the sounds of bells and Christmas music. Last Sunday evening at the annual Winter Concert, we realized once again that Grace Church is blessed with a wonderful music program, under the direction of Gordy Wilson. Music is a blessing to those who listen and is an offering of praise from the musicians to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Angelus Bell Choir is under the direction of Callie McFarland and includes Lisa Searing, Scott and Marcia Burns, Barb and Mandy Wood, Rose McCarthy, Jim Ferguson, Karen Henderson, Karen and Emily Knight, Connie Wilson and Bob DeJong. Every Tuesday evening at 6:30, this group of dedicated volunteers is practicing so we can enjoy the beautiful sounds of the bells. Callie selects a variety of music and is an accomplished bell-ringer. We’ve all enjoyed her hand bell solos.

That same evening at 7:30, more volunteers arrive to practice choral music, led by Gordy Wilson, an accomplished musician who shares his talents and musical knowledge unselfishly.  The Chancel Choir includes (but is not limited to): Sharon King, Rose McCarthy, Konnor Williford, Karilyn Newnam, Callie McFarland, Connie Wilson, Jim Ferguson, Bob Bentz, Todd Searing and Bob deJong. There are others who are unable to attend on a regular basis, but are very gracious to lend their talents when asked, for which we are very grateful. Any amount of time that volunteers can contribute is appreciated.

 It’s always interesting and fun to learn a variety of styles of choral music. As the children’s song goes: “All God’s critters got a place in the choir, some sing low, some sing higher, some sing out loud on the telephone wire, and some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got now…”

The sights and sounds of children and Christmas are a blessing to everyone. The children of the Cherub Choir are led by Robin Styan and include Emma Searing, Madison Routh, Nathan and Daniel Wright, Jillian Carter, Katie and Annie Carroll, and Makinzi Smith. Everyone enjoys watching and listening to the children as they sing the songs they have practiced and memorized. The Cherub Choir practices every Wednesday at 5:30. A “thank you” goes to the parents who bring the children so they are able to participate in the choir. Robin is a talented musician and does a wonderful job in leading the children.

Growing in Grace is a transitional choir between the Cherubs and the Chancel Choir. These are very busy young people who are active in school activities and also share their talents with the church. Members include Catlyn Baker, Hannah King, and Kolbi Williford.

Sunday evening they not only shared their vocal talents, but included some choreography with their song. This group practices on Monday

evenings at 4 pm.

Life Song is under the direction of Steve and Sandy Ater and includes Karen Henderson, Robin Styan, Vic Christman and Barb Wood. This group practices weekly and once a month presents a praise service on Wednesday evening at 6:30. The music is a combination of newer songs as well as some old favorites. The words to the songs are projected for all to see, as well as inspirational pictures. Their voices blend beautifully together and these programs are very inspirational. Make a point to come to their next service.

The concert showcased other individuals who shared their talents: piano solos by Colin Ramage and Carol Erb, trumpet solo by Ben King, vocal solos by Konnor Williford and Matt Peters, violin solo by Joey Smith, a harp solo by Bobbie Ford, and piano/organ duets by Gordy and Karen.

What a blessing it was to hear the beautiful music! The musicians shared their God-given talents with us, and, in turn, praised God from whom all blessings flow.