Getting to Know Our Church Family…

The Smith Family       - by Karen Knight

Julie Smith describes Grace as a “comfort zone”.  Being a survivor of Hurricane Andrew, her feeling is understandable.  Julie and Joe are both Illinois natives, Julie of Bondville and Joe of Kewanee; however, they met in Florida.  After high school, Julie moved to the Florida Keys where she taught windsurfing at Bahia Honda State Park for 7 years.  Hurricane Andrew came through while she was living in Homestead.  Joe, a carpenter, came to Florida to help rebuild after the storm.  Eventually, they were married in the United Methodist Church in Florida City, Florida.  Their family now includes Joey, 12, and Makinzi, 6. 

The Smiths started attending Grace in 1999.  Living nearby, they had passed the church often.  When they came to Grace, Julie remembers thinking Bradley Watkins, the minister at that time, was so kind and gentle-spoken for a man of such big presence.  

Julie, Makinzi and Joey have helped with the corn project.  Julie is a scripture reader for worship service.  This year, she has been a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, an opportunity she has truly enjoyed.  The older generation, especially her grandparents, hold a special spot in Julie’s heart.  She likes to hear their stories and has much respect for how they started with little, faced life’s obstacles and still had great faith.

Like all families with growing children, the Smiths are busy.  Joey is a 7^th grader at Urbana Middle School where he is on the student council.  This is his fourth year of learning to play the violin.  He plays baseball and basketball.  Makinzi is a 1^st grader at Prairie School. This year, she has started taking piano lessons and is learning to ice skate.  She is a part of our Cherub Choir.  Joe is a union carpenter.  He coaches Joey’s basketball and baseball teams.  Having strong feelings about what they wanted for their family, Julie and Joe together made the decision for her to be a stay-at-home mom.  Besides volunteering at her children’s schools, she enjoys working in her yard.  Together the family enjoys fishing and camping.

Small Groups at Grace - J.O.Y. Sharing Group (Jesus, Others, Yourself)

-by Karilyn Newnam

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” – Philippians 2: 1-2

The J.O.Y. sharing group is a Bible-based sharing group for women. Currently, the group is using the book “Favorite Bible Passages” as a guide. Each meeting starts with a “centering in” prayer and reading of a Bible passage. The women then discuss the passage, using ideas from the book as well as their own thoughts. The women share their joys, concerns, whatever is going on in their lives, all in confidentiality-and close with prayer. The group is supportive of each individual and strives to find the joy in their lives.

The group was started by Luann Wiedenmann, who has since moved. Mary Hackl and Joy Valentine wanted to continue the group, so they became facilitators for the group. Mary is the current facilitator and the participants take turns leading the group, depending on how people feel about leading.

The J.O.Y. sharing group meets the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays at 7 pm in the church parlor. Anyone can join at any time – the group is always open to new members. You will be welcomed.

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Birthdays for November:

Adam Burns           2

Wanda Adams         5

Carolyn Dickey       6

Fred Neumann        16

Genelle Ingram       20

Konnor Williford      20

Ruth Douglas           21

Jeannie Barnett       22

Ken Frick               22

Phylis Jarrett           22

Ben King                24

Mike Pittman          25

Betty Clark             26

Kolbi Williford         27

Mary Ann Hudson   29

Madison Routh       29

Lucille Exton           30

Anniversaries for November:

Fred and Joan Neumann    13

Orval and Phylis Jarrett     16

Jim and Judy Wright          22

Bill and Marilyn Gladson    24

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Thank You Notes

Many thanks to all who came to our farewell potluck and especially to those who helped organize, decorate, and serve.  Leaving our church family is one of the hardest things about moving away.  You will always have a special place in our hearts, and we'll see you often on visits.

I also hope to see you sometime in balmy Atlanta.  The welcome mat is out. 

Blessings,

Pat and Sarah Ziebart

Dearest Friends of Pauline Meier,

I want to let you know how much my mom  enjoys receiving your cards and prayers each month.  Her health continues to decline, but her mind is as sharp as ever.  She remembers all of your names when I read them to her.

Love,

Jan Meier

This is an overdue Thank You to all those involved with the 2006 Philo Road Kids Fair.  We would like to report what a success this event was - there was a total of 49 children that attended one or more of the event nights, with many of these children from the neighborhood surrounding the Church.  There were many exciting things to witness on any and all of those Sunday nights in September and it would not have been the possible without the many hands and hearts from the congregation that touched the lives of these children.

Again, thanks to all those involved.

On behalf of the Children's Ministry Team,

Marilyn Wright

Marilyn,

You made it happen.  You're the one who deserves the biggest thank you.  Our Church is a better place because of the time and energy you give to the children of Grace.

Thanks,
Connie Wilson

Marilyn,

AND, an overdue Thank You to you as well for all the coordination that went on behind the scenes.

You did a GREAT job.

Robin Styan

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Hello Grace United Methodist Friends,

I am hoping to start a new feature to be published in Snapshots regularly.

There has been talk of the need to articulate what is positive about our
church. I feel this is a way to do just that.

I would like you to give considerable thought and prayer to expressing your
feelings in any form you choose as long as it can be published in the
monthly snapshots. The general heading for the articles (don't let that word
intimidate you; it's just a fancy way of saying "things") should be “Why I
love Grace Church”.  If you are a fairly recent Grace participant it could
also be “What brought me to Grace Church and What keeps me here”.

This idea could be an excellent running discussion on the mailing list
serve. I will pull your responses from the group list, or, if you like, you
can send e-mails or e-mails with attachments directly to me at
gordy.wilson@insightbb.com.  I would also be glad to receive items in print
form if that is what you prefer. Just bring them to the church.

I know our church is a loving church!  We need to express that love!

Gordy

Hello,

It is interesting that this came out for that is just what I have been
thinking the past few days.  After the kids fair Sunday evening I was so
proud of everyone for their help in putting that all together.  I got
thinking later just how wonderful the people of Grace are that they always
come through.  Here are just some examples that come to mind:  When we
needed a projection system people came through with donations, when the
parsonage roof needed replaced people pitched in and helped to the work
and pay for the materials, when we ran into a year end budget crunch people
came up with additional money, when the education wing needed remodeled
people pitched in with work and money, when we have a VBS or kids fair
people give of their time and money to make it a success, when there is a
need for Cunningham Children's home kids we give generously, When it comes
to hours and hours needed for the corn project people are there.  I am
sure there are many more and hopefully people will add to this list, but
these are some examples of just how great the people of Grace are and why
I love this congregation.

Richard King

Richard,

Having known you since we were children, I can attest that you are one
person who has given hundreds and surely thousands of hours in support
of Grace and God's work there.  You don't ever seem to look for thanks
but you deserve it.  

Anne Parker

Dear Grace Friends:

 Richard has expressed how many of us feel. That is why it
was so difficult for me to leave GUMC. When I walk through the door it is
like putting on a pair of comfortable shoes or favorite sweat pants. When I step
into the Narthex and look into the sanctuary with all my friends and all the
support, my anxiety disappears. Grace is the the one place where people are
happy to see me and embrace me without reserve. When I have had difficult times,
I can't wait to get to GUMC to find what I need; the love of God in this
special place, friends who know my strengths and my faults, and the spirituality
that sustains me.   GUMC was the one place where I could find and use my gifts
that were given to me. My prayer for GUMC is that others may feel the same way.
  There are so many people who need to feel the grace of Grace. Love to all,

Luann Wiedenmann

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