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!
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"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing" Psalm 145:16
Greetings Grace,
In a few days we will enter into a new year. God has been good to Grace! We have grown spiritually and physically this past year. Psalm 145 is a psalm of praise. It is a reminder to give God praise each and every day. As I think about all the lessons we’ve learned at Grace, the ones that stay on my mind most are those that dealt with “purpose”; what is our purpose and how to identify our purpose and assignment.
As we moved through the lessons, we were reminded that no matter what we go through, we are to give God praise. And know that God desires our praise. Psalm 145:16 reminds us that God “opens his hand” so he can satisfy our desires. We are also reminded in this psalm that God hears our cries and watches over us (vs. 19, 20).
The Advent Season is a reminder that God gave us the best gift of all – his Son, Jesus. I know that we all randomly give God praise. However, right now, in this moment, I encourage you to God praise… just because.
Blessings and Peace
Pam Pinkerton
Be Encouraged
2013 proved to be a glorious year of Mission/Outreach ministry here at Grace. We successfully held numerous events through-out the year that enabled our family, friends and community to "Experience Grace".
During the first part of the year we had our Easter egg hunt and Back-to-School Health Fair. Later, we held the Holyween Trunk-or-Treat event and provided gifts of love during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday season. In addition we continued the tradition of serving meals at the Arlington Life Shelter. This is God's love in action.
However, I must say that the most memorable event occurred during the Angel Tree "Happy Birthday Jesus" celebration when little Lazaro gave his life to Christ. What a joy! Many of the children desired to worship with us the following Sunday and one child expressed a deep interest in our Overture to Music Ministry.
As you know, the ultimate goal of every Outreach ministry is to bring people into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ..... Yes, the natural blessing is fine, but the move of the Spirit working in peoples’ lives is eternal and everlasting. This is the foundation for everything we do.
On behalf of the Outreach Committee, I want to thank each of you for being the hands and feet of Christ. We could not have done this without you. Thank you so much!
Let's all anticipate a glorious 2014, filled with wonder and amazement, as we continue to move forward in Him; for we can (indeed) do all things through Christ for He strengthens us.
God Bless. Rev. Stemley
Growing in Grace
On Monday, December 9th, the Administrative Church Council will meet at 7pm. We ask that everyone who is current or future chairperson and ministry committee member attend this meeting.
Grace United Methodist Women
The UMW, meet every month to pray, share, and learn about ways we can make a difference in the lives of women, children and youth. This group is open to women/young women of all ages. The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is:
To know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ.
To develop a creative supportive fellowship.
To expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
On Saturday, January 25th, Grace UMW will meet to install the 2014 officers. There will also be a special Black History Program. We invite all women of Grace to join us.
For more information, please see Pam Pinkerton or Juanita Rischer.
Leadership Development
On Sunday, February 23, 2014, the East District will be offering Leadership Development Trainings directed related to Trustees, Finance and Missions. More information will follow.
Be ready to imagine the impossible!
*******************************
"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing" Psalm 145:16
Greetings Grace,
In a few days we will enter into a new year. God has been good to Grace! We have grown spiritually and physically this past year. Psalm 145 is a psalm of praise. It is a reminder to give God praise each and every day. As I think about all the lessons we’ve learned at Grace, the ones that stay on my mind most are those that dealt with “purpose”; what is our purpose and how to identify our purpose and assignment.
As we moved through the lessons, we were reminded that no matter what we go through, we are to give God praise. And know that God desires our praise. Psalm 145:16 reminds us that God “opens his hand” so he can satisfy our desires. We are also reminded in this psalm that God hears our cries and watches over us (vs. 19, 20).
The Advent Season is a reminder that God gave us the best gift of all – his Son, Jesus. I know that we all randomly give God praise. However, right now, in this moment, I encourage you to God praise… just because.
Blessings and Peace
Pam Pinkerton
Be Encouraged
2013 proved to be a glorious year of Mission/Outreach ministry here at Grace. We successfully held numerous events through-out the year that enabled our family, friends and community to "Experience Grace".
During the first part of the year we had our Easter egg hunt and Back-to-School Health Fair. Later, we held the Holyween Trunk-or-Treat event and provided gifts of love during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday season. In addition we continued the tradition of serving meals at the Arlington Life Shelter. This is God's love in action.
However, I must say that the most memorable event occurred during the Angel Tree "Happy Birthday Jesus" celebration when little Lazaro gave his life to Christ. What a joy! Many of the children desired to worship with us the following Sunday and one child expressed a deep interest in our Overture to Music Ministry.
As you know, the ultimate goal of every Outreach ministry is to bring people into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ..... Yes, the natural blessing is fine, but the move of the Spirit working in peoples’ lives is eternal and everlasting. This is the foundation for everything we do.
On behalf of the Outreach Committee, I want to thank each of you for being the hands and feet of Christ. We could not have done this without you. Thank you so much!
Let's all anticipate a glorious 2014, filled with wonder and amazement, as we continue to move forward in Him; for we can (indeed) do all things through Christ for He strengthens us.
God Bless. Rev. Stemley
Growing in Grace
On Monday, December 9th, the Administrative Church Council will meet at 7pm. We ask that everyone who is current or future chairperson and ministry committee member attend this meeting.
Grace United Methodist Women
The UMW, meet every month to pray, share, and learn about ways we can make a difference in the lives of women, children and youth. This group is open to women/young women of all ages. The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is:
To know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ.
To develop a creative supportive fellowship.
To expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
On Saturday, January 25th, Grace UMW will meet to install the 2014 officers. There will also be a special Black History Program. We invite all women of Grace to join us.
For more information, please see Pam Pinkerton or Juanita Rischer.
Leadership Development
On Sunday, February 23, 2014, the East District will be offering Leadership Development Trainings directed related to Trustees, Finance and Missions. More information will follow.