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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“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord” Psalm 134:2
Sometimes when I’m entertaining my grandchildren, I start singing. One of the songs they like to sing is “if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands”, etc. Even now I want to get up and start clapping, stomping my feet, and saying amen!
Think about a childhood song that made you happy. Think about what happens when you sing one of your favorite songs now. Does it make you smile? Does it make you want to get up and start moving? When I enter into the sanctuary, I try to come with ready to praise God. Sometimes, however, that is not the case. But that’s ok because one of the things I like about entering Grace to worship is singing praises to God. Once the singing begins, my troubles start to go away. I allow the message in the song to minister to me. Sometimes the message is simple; like the song “Let’s just praise the Lord”.
God has done so many things for us. He never leaves our sides. He loves us like no other. He protects us, He comforts us. We ought to come into the sanctuary ready to sing praises to him! God is great, and greatly to be praised. Lift up your hands, stomp your feet, give God praise not just today, but every day.
“May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion” Psalm 134:3
Blessings & Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastors column
Grace to you,
This summer of Great Expectations continues!
I have enjoyed observing the things that God continues to do in the middle of our Church and ministry. Spiritual, Numerical, and Financial growth continues! I am anticipating the week of VBS, where the adult class will revolve around “Discovering God’s Plan for Our Lives!” The 1st Sunday study of “Holy Communion” continues and of course, “Living a Rock Steady Lifestyle” series has just begun. Praise the Lord!
The time of refreshing is soon upon us. We call it “Immersion of Grace 2013!” I cannot fully express the excitement that I have for this time where God will renew, restore, and refresh all who are willing to be immersed.
These events will work towards fulfilling our 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.
Get ready to have your lives refreshed, needs met, and burdens removed by the immersion of the grace of God!
Let’s continue to stay faithful in cooperating with God as we fulfill this facet of our ministry! Stay in Love with God and each other,
Pastor Bates and Rona
Sharing Grace
What is God telling us?
What is God telling us with the problems He permits in our lives? The problems we face will either defeat us or develop us, depending on how we respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in our lives.
l. God uses problems to DIRECT us. Sometimes God must light a fire under us to get us moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change our ways (Proverbs 20:30).
2. God uses problems to INSPECT us. People are like tea bags. If you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptation; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3).
3. God uses problems to CORRECT us. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child our parents told us not to touch a hot stove, but we probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something like health, money, or a relationship by losing it. "My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness" (Psalm 119:71-72).
4. God uses problems to PROTECT us. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Thank about the person that got fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem-but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. Joseph said "...ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good..." (Genesis 50:20).
5. God uses problems to PERFECT us. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
God is at work in our lives even when you do not recognize it or understand it. However, it is much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him. Remember, I did not say that God causes disasters in our lives; I'm saying, God uses problems in our lives to direct, inspect correct, protect and to perfect us.
Submitted by:
Scott Marshall
Admin Council Chair
Outreach
The Outreach Committee will be collecting school supplies from July 2nd - July 31st for our Back-to-School Health Fair on August 3, 2013. Here is the list of basic school supplies for Arlington ISD students.
1 box Ziploc baggies - quart size
1 box Ziploc baggies - gallon size
1 composition notebook, black marble, 100 count
1 pkg. 12x18 construction paper, assorted, 50 count
1 spiral notebook, 70 count
1 box tissue
1 box of crayons, 24 count
1 box of crayons, 8 count
4 pocket folders w/brads (yellow, red, green, blue)
1 bottle of white glue - 4 oz.
1 glue stick
1 pkg washable markers, wide tip, 8 count classic colors
1 box baby wipes 80 count
1 pkg #2 pencils
1 bottle liquid hand soap 7.5oz
1 pump or hand sanitizer
1 scissors - sharp point
1 scissors - blunt point
2-eraser (pink)
1 pkg notebook paper (Wide Rule)
1 pkg notebook paper (college rule)
1 ruler – (metric and inches)
Please see Rev. Penny Stemley if you have any questions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Following are upcoming events and what is needed to ensure the success of each.
Vacation Bible School, July 15 – 19, 2013. 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
Opportunities:
Health Fair/Back to School Community Event – Saturday, August 3rd, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Opportunities:
Growing in Grace
Missed a sermon? Want to hear it again? No problem. We’ve got the Sunday worship messages on cds Please see Rona Bates to order your copies in the fellowship room immediately after service.
Bible class update:
We are studying the Book of Galatians. What does it mean to be guided by the Spirit? With so much “conflict” inside and around us, we have to learn to be submissive to the Spirit. The more you practice, the more you perfect. Join us Tuesday evenings at 7pm as we continue discussing the elements of a godly character.
Sunday School for all ages – each week at 9:15 am.
Be ready to imagine the impossible!
*******************************
“Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord” Psalm 134:2
Sometimes when I’m entertaining my grandchildren, I start singing. One of the songs they like to sing is “if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands”, etc. Even now I want to get up and start clapping, stomping my feet, and saying amen!
Think about a childhood song that made you happy. Think about what happens when you sing one of your favorite songs now. Does it make you smile? Does it make you want to get up and start moving? When I enter into the sanctuary, I try to come with ready to praise God. Sometimes, however, that is not the case. But that’s ok because one of the things I like about entering Grace to worship is singing praises to God. Once the singing begins, my troubles start to go away. I allow the message in the song to minister to me. Sometimes the message is simple; like the song “Let’s just praise the Lord”.
God has done so many things for us. He never leaves our sides. He loves us like no other. He protects us, He comforts us. We ought to come into the sanctuary ready to sing praises to him! God is great, and greatly to be praised. Lift up your hands, stomp your feet, give God praise not just today, but every day.
“May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion” Psalm 134:3
Blessings & Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastors column
Grace to you,
This summer of Great Expectations continues!
I have enjoyed observing the things that God continues to do in the middle of our Church and ministry. Spiritual, Numerical, and Financial growth continues! I am anticipating the week of VBS, where the adult class will revolve around “Discovering God’s Plan for Our Lives!” The 1st Sunday study of “Holy Communion” continues and of course, “Living a Rock Steady Lifestyle” series has just begun. Praise the Lord!
The time of refreshing is soon upon us. We call it “Immersion of Grace 2013!” I cannot fully express the excitement that I have for this time where God will renew, restore, and refresh all who are willing to be immersed.
These events will work towards fulfilling our 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.
Get ready to have your lives refreshed, needs met, and burdens removed by the immersion of the grace of God!
Let’s continue to stay faithful in cooperating with God as we fulfill this facet of our ministry! Stay in Love with God and each other,
Pastor Bates and Rona
Sharing Grace
What is God telling us?
What is God telling us with the problems He permits in our lives? The problems we face will either defeat us or develop us, depending on how we respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in our lives.
l. God uses problems to DIRECT us. Sometimes God must light a fire under us to get us moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change our ways (Proverbs 20:30).
2. God uses problems to INSPECT us. People are like tea bags. If you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptation; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3).
3. God uses problems to CORRECT us. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child our parents told us not to touch a hot stove, but we probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something like health, money, or a relationship by losing it. "My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness" (Psalm 119:71-72).
4. God uses problems to PROTECT us. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Thank about the person that got fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem-but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. Joseph said "...ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good..." (Genesis 50:20).
5. God uses problems to PERFECT us. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).
God is at work in our lives even when you do not recognize it or understand it. However, it is much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him. Remember, I did not say that God causes disasters in our lives; I'm saying, God uses problems in our lives to direct, inspect correct, protect and to perfect us.
Submitted by:
Scott Marshall
Admin Council Chair
Outreach
The Outreach Committee will be collecting school supplies from July 2nd - July 31st for our Back-to-School Health Fair on August 3, 2013. Here is the list of basic school supplies for Arlington ISD students.
1 box Ziploc baggies - quart size
1 box Ziploc baggies - gallon size
1 composition notebook, black marble, 100 count
1 pkg. 12x18 construction paper, assorted, 50 count
1 spiral notebook, 70 count
1 box tissue
1 box of crayons, 24 count
1 box of crayons, 8 count
4 pocket folders w/brads (yellow, red, green, blue)
1 bottle of white glue - 4 oz.
1 glue stick
1 pkg washable markers, wide tip, 8 count classic colors
1 box baby wipes 80 count
1 pkg #2 pencils
1 bottle liquid hand soap 7.5oz
1 pump or hand sanitizer
1 scissors - sharp point
1 scissors - blunt point
2-eraser (pink)
1 pkg notebook paper (Wide Rule)
1 pkg notebook paper (college rule)
1 ruler – (metric and inches)
Please see Rev. Penny Stemley if you have any questions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Following are upcoming events and what is needed to ensure the success of each.
Vacation Bible School, July 15 – 19, 2013. 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
Opportunities:
- Greeters (to show people to their room assignments) supplies needed
- Magazines/books with pictures of fruits and vegetables
- Toilet paper and paper towel rolls
Health Fair/Back to School Community Event – Saturday, August 3rd, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Opportunities:
- Parking Lot Greeters/attendants
- Face painter(s)
- Bounce House attendant(s)
- Folding tables/chairs
- Outdoor canopy(s)
- Water (bottle) donations
Growing in Grace
Missed a sermon? Want to hear it again? No problem. We’ve got the Sunday worship messages on cds Please see Rona Bates to order your copies in the fellowship room immediately after service.
Bible class update:
We are studying the Book of Galatians. What does it mean to be guided by the Spirit? With so much “conflict” inside and around us, we have to learn to be submissive to the Spirit. The more you practice, the more you perfect. Join us Tuesday evenings at 7pm as we continue discussing the elements of a godly character.
Sunday School for all ages – each week at 9:15 am.