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!
*******************************
“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine”, Titus 2:1
I like reading what I call, “the little books”. The books in the bible that are about a page or 2 long. These “little books” are filled with a lot. J
Paul gave Titus a lot of advise in this little book, and when I read the above scripture, I could not help but think about our own Pastor Bates.
Paul goes on to say in Chapter 2 what should be taught to everyone; men, women, and how what is heard is to be shared with those who are “young”. (aren’t you glad that we tape our Sunday messages, now we don’t have to miss any messages!). We are blessed at Grace to have a pastor who has such a passion for “teaching” the Word.
It’s June. The start of a busy summer at Grace. Be sure to keep your calendars handy so you can experience all that Grace UMC has to offer.
In closing, I wanted to take a moment to say, “Happy Anniversary, Pastor and Rona Bates”. Thank you for your prayers for Grace, and thank you for challenging us to become the disciples God has called us to be.
Blessings & Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastors column
Grace to you,
This is a summer of Great Expectations!
The Bible word “Hope” is properly defined as an “earnest expectation”. Meaning, I am looking intently for the answer to my questions, doors opening, problems solved, etc. While I’m looking, I am also making preparations for these answers.
I am expecting a wonderful summer in God’s Word. We are currently involved in the study of the “Holy Communion.” In just a few weeks, we will learn to walk in the “Vision” that God has set for us. VBS is coming! Finally, of course, our time of refreshing in “Immersion of Grace 2013!”
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.
Your calendars should already reflect the dates of August 18-20, 2013 which is our series of services called “Immersion of Grace 2013.” We will immerse ourselves in the Word of God for three straight powerful days. I remind you that we will have special speakers nightly at 7pm, powerful worship and music ministry, and daily 9am teaching services where we will dig deep into God’s word.
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 ministry!
Stay in Love with God and each other,
Pastor Bates and Rona
Sharing Grace
East District Annual Conference
Notes from the Lay Leader:
A new District Lay Leader has been assigned to the East District. I have met Sherry Doty of Red Oak. She is very enthusiastic about the Lay Servant Ministry. Sherry is open to working local churches in effort to increase the strength of lay ministry. If you are interested in Lay Ministry training please speak with Pastor Bates or the Lay Leader, Billie Ray.
Below is Lay Ministry information and a list of Lay Ministry training opportunities and requirements for each. (See paragraph 271 of The Book of Discipline.)
THE NEW LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES
In 2012 the General Conference of The United Methodist Church approved legislation to change the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. For several quadrennia various name changes were proposed – none of which adequately described the role of this leadership development program.
The term servant was chosen because it best describes what Jesus told his disciples in John 13 after he himself had performed the duties of the lowliest servant. We should be honored to serve as our Lord and Savior did. We are called to live out our discipleship as servants in leadership!
LOCAL CHURCH AND CERTIFIED
LAY SERVANTS
There is no change in the process of becoming a local church or certified lay servant from the former lay speaker process. There was, however, a role of lay speaker added to the program, which includes specific preparation and accountability processes.
Local Church Lay Servant
Serve primarily in the local congregation
Requirements:
1. Pastor and charge conference approval
2. Complete the Basic Course in LSM
3. File annual report
4. Take a refresher course every 3 years
Certified Lay Servant
Local Church Lay Servants who have taken an advanced course in LSM; serve in the local congregation and beyond
Requirements:
1. Pastor and charge conference approval
2. Take an advanced course after the Basic Course
3. File annual report
4. Complete 1 advanced course every 3 years
Lay Speaker
Certified Lay Servants who provide pulpit supply
Required Courses:
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, Preaching, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (UM Heritage), Leading Worship, Life Together in the United Methodist Connection (UM Polity)
Requirements:
(Are Certified Lay Servants)
1. Pastor and charge conference approval
2. Complete the required courses for lay speaker
3. Interview with District Committee on LSM
4. Approved by annual conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries
5. File annual report
6. Every 3 years complete 1 advanced course and interview with District Committee on LSM
Certified Lay Minister
Certified Lay Speaker or Servant who is assigned by the District Superintendent to a particular ministry within the district or annual conference. (Certified Lay Servant--recommended)
Requirements:
1. Pastor and charge conference approval
2. DS approval
3. Apply to district Committee on Ordained Ministry
4. Complete required course work
5. Certified by Director of Connectional Ministries
6. Recertify every 2 years
Thank You,
Billie L. Ray, Lay Leader
******
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - SUMMER 2013
ST. ALBANS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
KINGDOM ROCK – Where Kids Stand Strong for God!
Ages: 4 years through 5th Grade
June 17th – 21st
9:30am – 12:30pm
Register on line at: www.saintalbans.org
*********
GRACE NIGHT AT THE TEXAS RANGERS BALLPARK
Friday, June 28 will be GRACE NIGHT AT THE RANGERS BALLPARK. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Put this date on your calendar - come out and support GRACE and the Texas Rangers!
More information will be provided in the upcoming weeks.
Thanks,
Billie Ray
*****
Volunteer Opportunities:
Children and Youth Ministry opportunities:
Grace UMC Vacation Bible School – Hip-Hop Hope, Jesus Makes Me Glad.
Plans are underway for our Vacation Bible School, July 15 – 19, 2013. We will have our first meeting on Saturday, June 8th at 10:00 am. If you are interested in serving in this ministry area please see Pam Pinkerton.
-------------------------------
The Man They Want
One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.
- Unknown
Be ready to imagine the impossible!
*******************************
“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine”, Titus 2:1
I like reading what I call, “the little books”. The books in the bible that are about a page or 2 long. These “little books” are filled with a lot. J
Paul gave Titus a lot of advise in this little book, and when I read the above scripture, I could not help but think about our own Pastor Bates.
Paul goes on to say in Chapter 2 what should be taught to everyone; men, women, and how what is heard is to be shared with those who are “young”. (aren’t you glad that we tape our Sunday messages, now we don’t have to miss any messages!). We are blessed at Grace to have a pastor who has such a passion for “teaching” the Word.
It’s June. The start of a busy summer at Grace. Be sure to keep your calendars handy so you can experience all that Grace UMC has to offer.
In closing, I wanted to take a moment to say, “Happy Anniversary, Pastor and Rona Bates”. Thank you for your prayers for Grace, and thank you for challenging us to become the disciples God has called us to be.
Blessings & Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastors column
Grace to you,
This is a summer of Great Expectations!
The Bible word “Hope” is properly defined as an “earnest expectation”. Meaning, I am looking intently for the answer to my questions, doors opening, problems solved, etc. While I’m looking, I am also making preparations for these answers.
I am expecting a wonderful summer in God’s Word. We are currently involved in the study of the “Holy Communion.” In just a few weeks, we will learn to walk in the “Vision” that God has set for us. VBS is coming! Finally, of course, our time of refreshing in “Immersion of Grace 2013!”
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.
Your calendars should already reflect the dates of August 18-20, 2013 which is our series of services called “Immersion of Grace 2013.” We will immerse ourselves in the Word of God for three straight powerful days. I remind you that we will have special speakers nightly at 7pm, powerful worship and music ministry, and daily 9am teaching services where we will dig deep into God’s word.
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 ministry!
Stay in Love with God and each other,
Pastor Bates and Rona
Sharing Grace
East District Annual Conference
Notes from the Lay Leader:
A new District Lay Leader has been assigned to the East District. I have met Sherry Doty of Red Oak. She is very enthusiastic about the Lay Servant Ministry. Sherry is open to working local churches in effort to increase the strength of lay ministry. If you are interested in Lay Ministry training please speak with Pastor Bates or the Lay Leader, Billie Ray.
Below is Lay Ministry information and a list of Lay Ministry training opportunities and requirements for each. (See paragraph 271 of The Book of Discipline.)
THE NEW LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES
In 2012 the General Conference of The United Methodist Church approved legislation to change the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. For several quadrennia various name changes were proposed – none of which adequately described the role of this leadership development program.
The term servant was chosen because it best describes what Jesus told his disciples in John 13 after he himself had performed the duties of the lowliest servant. We should be honored to serve as our Lord and Savior did. We are called to live out our discipleship as servants in leadership!
LOCAL CHURCH AND CERTIFIED
LAY SERVANTS
There is no change in the process of becoming a local church or certified lay servant from the former lay speaker process. There was, however, a role of lay speaker added to the program, which includes specific preparation and accountability processes.
Local Church Lay Servant
Serve primarily in the local congregation
Requirements:
1. Pastor and charge conference approval
2. Complete the Basic Course in LSM
3. File annual report
4. Take a refresher course every 3 years
Certified Lay Servant
Local Church Lay Servants who have taken an advanced course in LSM; serve in the local congregation and beyond
Requirements:
1. Pastor and charge conference approval
2. Take an advanced course after the Basic Course
3. File annual report
4. Complete 1 advanced course every 3 years
Lay Speaker
Certified Lay Servants who provide pulpit supply
Required Courses:
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, Leading Prayer, Preaching, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (UM Heritage), Leading Worship, Life Together in the United Methodist Connection (UM Polity)
Requirements:
(Are Certified Lay Servants)
1. Pastor and charge conference approval
2. Complete the required courses for lay speaker
3. Interview with District Committee on LSM
4. Approved by annual conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries
5. File annual report
6. Every 3 years complete 1 advanced course and interview with District Committee on LSM
Certified Lay Minister
Certified Lay Speaker or Servant who is assigned by the District Superintendent to a particular ministry within the district or annual conference. (Certified Lay Servant--recommended)
Requirements:
1. Pastor and charge conference approval
2. DS approval
3. Apply to district Committee on Ordained Ministry
4. Complete required course work
5. Certified by Director of Connectional Ministries
6. Recertify every 2 years
Thank You,
Billie L. Ray, Lay Leader
******
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - SUMMER 2013
ST. ALBANS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
KINGDOM ROCK – Where Kids Stand Strong for God!
Ages: 4 years through 5th Grade
June 17th – 21st
9:30am – 12:30pm
Register on line at: www.saintalbans.org
*********
GRACE NIGHT AT THE TEXAS RANGERS BALLPARK
Friday, June 28 will be GRACE NIGHT AT THE RANGERS BALLPARK. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Put this date on your calendar - come out and support GRACE and the Texas Rangers!
More information will be provided in the upcoming weeks.
Thanks,
Billie Ray
*****
Volunteer Opportunities:
Children and Youth Ministry opportunities:
- Sunday School
- Children’s Church
- Vacation Bible School
Grace UMC Vacation Bible School – Hip-Hop Hope, Jesus Makes Me Glad.
Plans are underway for our Vacation Bible School, July 15 – 19, 2013. We will have our first meeting on Saturday, June 8th at 10:00 am. If you are interested in serving in this ministry area please see Pam Pinkerton.
-------------------------------
The Man They Want
One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.
- Unknown