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November 2013 - Grace Notes

10/29/2013

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Welcome to this edition of Grace Notes
 a Newsletter from Grace United MethodistChurch, Arlington, TX. This newsletter comes to let you know about happenings at Grace, and to invite you to reflect on your walk with God as you strive to follow Jesus’ summary of the commandments: to love God, one another, and oneself. 
Be ready to imagine the impossible!
*******************************
"When he came near to the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"  Daniel 6:20

Greetings Grace,
 
One of the Sunday school lessons I heard as a child was the story of  Daniel in the Den of Lions. I remember as the story was being read, thinking about how was this “Daniel” going to survive! I remember sitting with the other children in class as we waited for our teacher to read the outcome. What was going to happen when the king got to the den? Was Daniel going to answer when the king called his name? 

This is just one of the many stories that we all heard as a child in Sunday school. We learned at an early age the importance of what it means to serve God. As I re-read this story, I thought about how Daniel was one of 3
administrators. He had a job to do and he took his job seriously. One thing that stood out about Daniel was we know he loved God because other people were able to see that in him.  As a matter of fact, it got to be so much that the other administrators knew that the only way to get Daniel in trouble was to base it on “something to do with the law of his God” (Daniel 6:5).  They tried to hit him where they thought it would hurt! 

Isn’t that what people do today? When jealous, when upset, when things aren’t going the way they would like and they see things are going good for you; they try to hit you where it hurts!  However, Daniel shows us that when he was thrown in the den, it was  just another regular day for him. We learn from Daniel, that when serving God, it has to be something that we do each and every day. When Daniel was thrown in the den, it was
just another regular day for him because he wasn’t thrown off by the fact that he was going into the den. He was in such a habit of serving God that whatever went on that day, it didn’t matter because “he had trust in
his God
” (Daniel 6:23).

What do you do to serve God on a daily basis? Are others able to see God in you every day? There are several opportunities at Grace to help you on this journey, starting with Sunday school. I remember Sunday mornings and my teacher. I remember sitting in class learning and talking about all that God has done in the lives of others, and how He would also do things for me. 
 
There are so many opportunities and ministries here at Grace where you can use your talents to serve God. There are opportunities listed in this edition of Grace Notes and there are opportunities listed in the bulletin.  If you have not experienced all that Grace UMC has to offer, I am inviting you to “Experience Grace”

Blessings and Peace,
Pam Pinkerton 
 
Pastors  column
 
Grace to you, 
It is time to give Thanks and Praise to God!  Psalm 34:1-3 says;

     1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be in my mouth.
     2 I praise the Lord—let the suffering listen and rejoice.
     3 Magnify the Lord with me! Together let us lift his name up high!

Although we are approaching a season where we look forward to spending time with family and friends and giving thanks for the many blessings, it is still well to remember to praise the Lord at all times.  “For what?” some may ask.  I encourage you to spend time in the presence of God—remembering…  Remember how God made ways when there was “no way.”  Remember-- God’s faithfulness when others had counted out the possibility of the situation turning around for your good.  Let’s follow the example of the Psalmist in blessing and praising the Lord at all times.

Preparing for the Advent season and the New Year at Grace UMC Arlington is an exciting time. This is a place to look back and forward at the same time. Great events are planned for 2014, including;The Relationship Seminar, the Financial Freedom Seminar, and Immersion in Grace 2014.  Also, new to 2014, will be a Women of Grace Conference.  How exciting! Look for the dates soon so you can make your plans to attend these“growing in grace” events.

We are continuing to cooperate with God’s grace as we fulfill this mission at Grace UMC Arlington, where we are called to;  Bring people into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ, by making disciples through our words and actions in cooperation with God’s grace.

Let’s continue to stay faithful in cooperating with God we see His faithfulness towards us!

Stay in Love with God and each other, 
Pastor Bates and Rona 
 
Growing  in Grace
 
Each month Mrs. Mattie Battles will honor us with a birthday party for everyone celebrating a birthday during that particular month.  Our first “Everybody’s Birthday Party” will be held after worship service  on Sunday, November 24th. Everyone is invited! 

Your Grace 2014 Planning team (comprised of the pastor and ministry leaders) met to discuss “plans”;God’s plans and our plans for Grace UMC. We are excited at what God has planned for Grace. Please keep all ministries of Grace UMC in your prayers. And be sure to check out the monthly calendars for meetings and upcoming events here at Grace. 
  
2014 Grace Planning Team
 
Ministry  Opportunities

Member Call Ministry
volunteers needed – interested, please contact Pastor Bates. 
 
Holy-ween Harvest Festival!
Volunteers needed –interested, please see Rodrione Robinson. You can also support this ministry by bringing young people to this event. There will be activities such  as; Trunk or Treat, various races, face painting, contest, and games. Prizes, Treats, and Food!!!!  Start making plans to attend. Thursday, October 31st 5pm - 9pm

THANKSGIVING BASKETS - November 23, 2013
On Saturday, November 23rd we will distribute Thanksgiving Baskets to needy families of our faith community and surrounding area. Watch bulletin inserts/Grace Website for more information.

ANGEL TREE - December 21, 2013

On Saturday, December 21, 2013 we will distribute Christmas Gifts to children of the incarcerated who are in our community. "Angel Tree is a program (of Prison Fellowship) that focuses on transforming the lives of prisoners' children and fostering reconciliation between the child, prisoner-parent, and family. This month, we will begin our marketing and advertisement of the events as we "seek to bring people into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ, by making Disciples through our words and ACTIONS in cooperation with God's
grace.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Volunteers will be needed to prepare and/or deliver the Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gift bags. Please see Rev. Penny Stemley to volunteer or for more details. 

Grace United Methodist Women help support the mission of The Bethlehem Center. They are in need of clean, gently used men’s casual clothing; and coats and sweaters for men, women and children. Betty Smith will collect clothing donations starting Sunday 11/3 through 12/15. Please let her know if you have questions.  
 
Sharing  Grace 
Community Eye Clinic, comprehensive eye care, diabetes, glaucoma, dry eye, injury/infection, glasses, and  prescriptions. 655 Taylor Street, Fort Worth, TX, 817-289-6800.

Arlington Urban Ministries
, formed in 1997 as an extended arm of the United Methodist Churches of  Arlington, provides help with electric bills or other emergency assistance. 
Mrs. Evelyn
Flood-Coles

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October 2013 - Grace Notes

10/1/2013

0 Comments

 
Welcome to this edition of Grace  Notes
a Newsletter from Grace United Methodist Church, Arlington, TX.
This newsletter comes to let you know about happenings at Grace, and to invite  you to reflect on your walk with God as you strive to follow Jesus’ summary of the commandments: to love God, one another, and oneself. 

Be ready to imagine the impossible!
*******************************
 "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…"  Ecclesiastes 3:1

Greetings Grace,

When we chose to be surrounded by people who know and love God, we’re in a position to be able to hear reminders of “Who” is in charge of all that happens in our lives. We’re able to see what God is doing; and we are challenged to continue to grow into the person that God has designed us to be.

We learn at an early age the value of time. We either find out that we are wasting it when we do everything but our homework; we feel that there seems to be not enough of it when we try to juggle all that we feel we need to
accomplish in a day; and as we grow we learn to value“time”. 

Ecclesiastes is a Book of Wisdom. When we read this Book, we are reminded that life is “meaningless” without God. God has already planned our days. He has allowed time for everything we are to do. Not only has he given us spring, summer, fall and winter, he has designed a season for every activity that takes place in our lives. 

While we expect the seasonal changes that take place each year, we do not always expect or anticipant the changes that happen to come our way. We have heard how to stay steadfast, how to remain “Rock Steady” when things change in our lives. We were recently reminded that we are“Ambassadors for Christ”. We are
called to live, respond and act the way that Jesus has taught us.

Our most recent bible study lesson reminded us of “time”. It was a reminder to take a look at how much time we spend each day to continue to grow spiritually. We make a choice each day how we spend the time we have been given. 

Who and what is regulating your time? Is it time to make some adjustments? Have you been searching for ways to enhance how you use your time? There are several opportunities for you to utilize some of your time at Grace. Some are listed in this newsletter. If you have not experienced what Grace UMC has to offer in a while, I
am inviting you to “Experience Grace”

Blessings and Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
 
Pastors Column 
 
Dearest Members, Partners, and Friends, 

Let me first remind you of God’s precious promises; Proverbs 3:9-10 says; Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first of all your crops. Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will
burst with wine.


2 Corinthians 9:6  says; What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous
crop.


With the inherent promise of Luke 6:38saying; Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.”

We are at a pivotal place in our current ministry context at Grace UMC Arlington.  In plain speech, we are out of room in our current facility.  Because God has caused us to grow, and if we are to continue to grow and
remain vibrant in ministry, we must move within the next 6 to 9 months.  We remain in an active search for
worship, administrative, and educational space that will sustain our anticipated expansion.  The sooner we move the better!  

We are expanding Sunday school classes and therefore are in need of additional classroom space
for our children and adult classes.  

W
e have received office equipment and have administrative needs with no current place to execute
the needed operation.  

Our sanctuary space is above the recommended 80% average capacity.
 
Finally, our vision requires a regional location to expand our outreach into the surrounding 
communities.


Starting September 29, 2013, and until we reach our goal of $10,000.00, I am requesting that every person who believes in the mission and ministry of Grace UMC Arlington to give extra, over and above your regular giving in order to prepare for the needed move.  I believe we are well able to reach this goal before Thanksgiving. 
We will keep you informed of the progress on a weekly basis and will celebrate our benchmarks with powerful praise and worship!

Thank you in advance for your continued faithfulness and cheerfulness in this Kingdom partnership.  To
God be the glory! 

Yours in Christ, 

Fred Bates, Jr., Pastor                                  
Sarah McMillion, Finance Chairperson 

Growing  in  Grace
 
Have you marked your calendars for our Reunion Weekend, October 12th and 13th? Flyers and information is located on the Witness table in the fellowship room – right next to the Worship CD ordering table.Don’t forget to sign up for the Lay Servants Training, Dates and Times: Oct. 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Oct. 19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m.  Place: Grace UMC, Arlington.   
 
Ministry  Opportunities

Member Call Ministry

volunteers needed – interested, please contact Pastor Bates. 
 ******************
THANKSGIVING BASKETS - November 23, 2013
On Saturday, November 23rd we will distribute Thanksgiving Baskets to needy families of our faith community and surrounding area. Eligibility and pre-application are required. We will request donations of can goods and other Thanksgiving grocery items from the congregation. Applications, for head of house-hold will be available around November 1st. Watch bulletin inserts for more information.

ANGEL TREE - December 21, 2013
On Saturday, December 21, 2013 we will distribute Christmas Gifts to children of the incarcerated who are in our community. This is our first year partnering with Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree program and we are excited about the possibilities of ministry. "Angel Tree is a program (of Prison Fellowship) that focuses on transforming the lives of prisoners' children and fostering reconciliation between the child, prisoner-parent, and family. This year we have partnered with Prison Fellowship to sponsor 10 children. Each child is to receive one gift and one toy. During the month of November we will begin our marketing and advertisement of the events as we "seek to bring people into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ, by making Disciples through our words and ACTIONS in cooperation with God's grace". Please join us in being the hands and feet of Christ this Christmas. God Bless and thanking for supporting our Outreach Ministry. 

2013 Committee Members are:
Tynesha Bergeron Smith, Scott Marshall, Pam Pinkerton, Billie Ray and Penny Stemley

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Volunteers will be needed to prepare and/or deliver the Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gift bags. Please see Rev. Penny Stemley to volunteer or for more details.
************************ 
We invite you to spend some time checking out Children’s Church. This is one place where we help the young people to grow. If you have a gift of storytelling or love helping to share the Good News of God, we need a little of  your time. Please see Wilma Davis or Pam Pinkerton for more information. 

Grace United Methodist Women help support the mission of The Bethlehem Center. They are in need of items at the center.  Men and women, if you are preparing to do some fall cleaning, please hold on to some of your clothing items. In the weeks to come, we will have a specific list of items needed at the
center. 
Thank you.
************************
All Grace UMC Arlington's children, their families and friends are invited to our Halloween alternative called 
Holy-ween Harvest Festival!

Activities such as; Trunk or Treat, various races, face painting, contest, and games. Prizes, Treats, and Food!!!!!  Start making plans to attend.Thursday, October 31st 5pm -9pm
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