Grace United Methodist Church
NEWS/EVENTS
February - March, 2012

TOPICS
COVERED
HERE:

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS

Choir News

Trustees Report

STAFF/PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE

WOMEN IN GRACE SERVING (WINGS)

GRACE UMC 2012
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

CHOIR NEWS

JUNIOR:
 
Happy 2012!

The choir is busy getting songs ready for the new year.  We look forward to some fun songs and arrangements to sing and one or two songs on the bells.  From the comments I received after the Christmas bell performance it sounds like you enjoy hearing the bells as much as the kids do playing them.  Thank you for all the positive feedback.
             Bonnie

SPOTLIGHT ON MISSIONS
JOANN

WOW! I really don't know where to begin except to say thank you all so much for your kindness and generosity.  Because of your generous donations to the Missions projects here at Grace we were able to help numerous individuals this Christmas.  Your donations provided Christmas gifts for twenty (20) children who without your help, would have awakened Christmas morning to a bare floor under the Christmas tree.  These families were also provided food and other essentials so they could experience a wonderful Christmas dinner as a family.

Your generosity has also allowed us to help others that needed assistance with food, heat, utility bills, medicine and the list goes on.  Sometimes it's hard for those of us that are so blessed to even think that people in our own community go without food, medicine, heat, etc., but they do.  Remember Jesus' words when he said, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Let's not forget the Angel Tree program which Grace participated in again this year.  This program reaches out to those children who's parents are incarcerated.  Your gifts may be the only one that child receives at Christmas time.  Thank you so much for reaching out to these children with your love and kindness.

The Cold Weather Shelter is another project that reaches out to those less fortunate in our community.  On Sunday nights from December 1st thru March 31st, Grace Church prepares hot meals for those who reside at the shelter.  We also pack lunches for the residents to take with them when they lave Monday morning.  If you would like to be a part of this awesome outreach program we would love to have your help.  You may sign up on the posters outside the kitchen door at the Church or contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you have have.

Again, THANK YOU ALL for giving both monetarily and with your time to make these programs run so smoothly.  You always answer the call to help others in need.  You are amazing!

The Trustees are busy addressing the many repair and maintenance issues in the church.  some items that have been successfully taken care of include:

► range hood system in the kitchen has been upgraded
► Fire extinguishers have been checked and a few      more will be added
►New gates have been installed between the church and the Employment Building next door

other items in the process are:

► converting to a gas furnace
► removal of ground oil tanks at the back of the   church

If you have any concerns about the church building feel free to contact me.

STAFF/PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE
GENE, CHAIRPERSON

THE ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT PASTOR JAY'S RETIREMENT, EFFECTIVE JUNE 30TH, CREATED THE NEED TO FIND A NEW PASTOR.  THE SPRC MET WITH THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, THE REVEREND GARY MOORE, ON DECEMBER 4TH TO START THE PROCESS.  reverend moore asked the committee to identify the  most important pastoral needs of grace church and the characteristics we are looking for in a new minister.  the committee was impressed with our new district superintendent.  he listened intently to our desires, and his suggestions and comments were well received.

i met with rev. moore again on january 9th to confirm his and our understanding of the needs of grace church.   we are confident he will work hard to find the right minister for us.  when he makes his selection the sprc will be notified.  stay tuned for updates.  your prayers and your support are greatly appreciated.

WINGS began in January 2009.  Bonnie was the first president.  Since then JoAnn and Nan served in that capacity and Diane has taken on the spot for 2012.  We thank those who have taken leadership roles and we look forward to many more years together serving Grace UMC and our community.

Over the past year, WinGS continued its mission of service.  Projects included:

Participation in a tutoring program in the Dorchester County Public Schools

Giving Easter baskets to the children in two families and providing Christmas gifts for nine children.

Coordinating and maintaining the flower beds and gardens at Grace

support of the Human Society

Finishing touches to the bathrooms on the second floor

Support of the Flack's mission trip to Bulgaria

Annual supplies to teachers

Support of the Homelessness Resource Day held at Grace

Support of the Grace Membership Committee as well as participation in other events, projects, and programs at Grace

The ladies of WinGS are just everywhere!

As we look forward to our work in 2012 we would like to take this opportunity to invite other ladies to join WinGS.  There is work for everyone (as well as fun) and everyone is welcome.  We meet once a month for about an hour or so.  Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 23rd at 5:30 p.m.  If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch with Diane, JoAnn, Chris, Martha or call the church office.

WINGS WANTS YOU!!