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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Greetings Grace,
Have you ever felt like you put your best foot forward when completing a task, only to feel like no one noticed? Have you fought for something, and when finished felt like no one cared? When that happens, have you felt discouraged, and thought about giving up because of that?
Being a disciple for Christ may seem like no one noticed, no one cared. You may even feel like you are alone.
“God isn’t unjust so that he forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake when you served and continue to serve God’s holy people” Hebrews 6:10 (CEB)
The scripture reminds us that when we do what we do for God, i.e. “Bringing people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ”, God remembers that.
.”But we desperately want each of you to show the same effort to make your hope sure until the end”. Hebrews 6:11 (CEB)
As we are helping to make disciples for God, we are reminded to “show the same effort to make our hope sure until the end” That’s why it’s important to stay connected to the Word.
12 This is so you won’t be lazy but follow the example of the ones who inherit the promises through faith and patience”, Hebrews 6:12 CEB.
It is important that we check in regularly with our Power Source in order to balance all the things God has us to do; in order to have patience when things are not moving like we’d like.
We all have a part in, “Running with the Vision”. It takes the community to join together so we can be where God needs us to be. During this time it may seem like things are not moving fast enough. That is why we pray, “Thy Will Be Done”.
While we are moving, doing, being, bringing, we need to remember to take time out for God, praying collectively as a group and individually.
Blessings and Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastor’s Column
Grace to you,
“Where there is no vision, the people perish:...” Proverbs 29:18a
This is an exciting month as we are about to “Experience Grace” in our 2015 Women’s Conference (March 20-22). The focus of this year’s conference is “Empowered for Vision”. Many people have had plans and ideas from God, but because of life situations and unforeseen challenges, the Heavenly Vision has been crushed. This conference is specifically designed to resurrect and empower the God given vision inside each of us. Make plans to saturate yourself in every worship service and empowerment session in order to get the full benefit of God’s grace!
If you have missed any of the services, make sure to order your CD for listening, studying, sharing with others, and downloading onto your favorite device. The “6 Principles of Vision” series and the “Preparation for Vision” series will be available in the four pack album for your spiritual enrichment as we make plans to start “Running with the Vision”.
Finally, as we are in the midst of this Holy Season, remember to invite others to our special Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter services. They will be full of God’s presence and joy as we celebrate the death, burial, and yes… the mighty resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!
We continue to love and pray for your growth in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bates and Rona
****************************
Growing in Grace
United Methodist Women
Funding the Mission
Women prayerfully make financial pledges to their local organization or district each year. Their pledge offerings contribute to the local mission, spiritual formation, programs for membership development and outreach in the community. For most members, making an offering to her unit’s Pledge to Mission is a way of supporting the organization and expressing her commitment to mission. However, a pledge or financial gift is not a prerequisite for membership.(United Methodist Women, On a path for Mission)
Grace United Methodist Women will meet on March 28th at 10:00 am. We will be celebrating African American History. Please join us; all women are invited to attend this special program.
Save the Date!
April 11, 2015 – Central Texas Conference Young Women’s Event, First UMC Crowley. This event is for all young women of the church. Please see Pam Pinkerton for more information.
Pam Pinkerton, Grace UMW President
*********
I currently don't have insurance and I had been paying $115.32/mo for one of my prescriptions. I went to pickup a refill last week and it was only $16.40. I went to the Pharmacy today and asked why the difference - make sure it wasn't an error. I found that they had setup a Texas Drug card for me. I didn't know this existed. Glory to God!
I just want to pass it on; It might bless someone else.
http://texasdrugcard.com/index.php
Submitted by Rev. Penny
*****
If you would like to share how good God has been to you, please submit your story to Pam Pinkerton, Media Department.
March is Women’s History month. It is a time to celebrate women role models, women who have stepped outside the box, woman who have inspired others, powerful women.
his is the 35th anniversary of the Women’s History Movement.
Go online to www.nwhp.org/womens-history-month/theme to find stories of women from all cultures and classes.
UMNS Weekly Digest
Five new bishops proposed for Africa
MAPUTO, Mozambique (UMNS) — Africa will have five new bishops in 2021 if General Conference approves. The Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters recommended the change after a team evaluating three episcopal areas — in North Katanga, South Congo and Zimbabwe — reported that the overall need in Africa reaches far beyond what was anticipated.
Black church pastors told to `take real risks' for God
ATLANTA, Ga. (UMNS) — More than 450 pastors of black churches were urged to "take real risks for the reign of God" at the Convocation for Pastors of Black Churches.
Africana Hymnal Project documentary wins Emmy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A film tracing the history of black sacred music, produced by Discipleship Ministries as part of The Africana Hymnal Project, has received a regional Emmy for best documentary. The film, "Reflect, Reclaim, Rejoice: Preserving the Gift of Black Sacred Music," captures songs that blacks who were enslaved in America four centuries ago created for solace even during the most inhumane conditions.
Report looks at children raised 'without church or God'
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — In a report for the World Methodist Council, Sarah Friswel of the Methodist Church in Britain touches upon the notion of a "missing generation" of children brought up without church or God in their lives. The report is titled "Nurturing Children of Unchurched Parents."
Louisiana Conference recommits to 7th Ward
NEW ORLEANS (UMNS) – Since Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, there has been no United Methodist presence in New Orleans’ storied 7th Ward. But that’s changing, the Louisiana Conference announced. Effective July 1, the Rev. Hadley Edwards will be appointed to the ward. Read about the conference’s plans.
Full versions of the stories with photographs and related features can be found at www.umc.org/news
Volunteer Opportunities
It’s Easter egg time once again! We have a special event planned for children and youth on Saturday, April 4th at noon. We will talk about the true meaning of Easter, play games, eat food and have lots of fun!
We are asking that you bring filled plastic eggs to the church by Friday, April 3rd.
We are also seeking outreach suggestions. Our goal is to do a better job with missions. Please see Paul Toviessi for volunteer and more information.
***
Hospitality Volunteers needed to:
Be ready to imagine the impossible!
*******************************
Greetings Grace,
Have you ever felt like you put your best foot forward when completing a task, only to feel like no one noticed? Have you fought for something, and when finished felt like no one cared? When that happens, have you felt discouraged, and thought about giving up because of that?
Being a disciple for Christ may seem like no one noticed, no one cared. You may even feel like you are alone.
“God isn’t unjust so that he forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake when you served and continue to serve God’s holy people” Hebrews 6:10 (CEB)
The scripture reminds us that when we do what we do for God, i.e. “Bringing people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ”, God remembers that.
.”But we desperately want each of you to show the same effort to make your hope sure until the end”. Hebrews 6:11 (CEB)
As we are helping to make disciples for God, we are reminded to “show the same effort to make our hope sure until the end” That’s why it’s important to stay connected to the Word.
12 This is so you won’t be lazy but follow the example of the ones who inherit the promises through faith and patience”, Hebrews 6:12 CEB.
It is important that we check in regularly with our Power Source in order to balance all the things God has us to do; in order to have patience when things are not moving like we’d like.
We all have a part in, “Running with the Vision”. It takes the community to join together so we can be where God needs us to be. During this time it may seem like things are not moving fast enough. That is why we pray, “Thy Will Be Done”.
While we are moving, doing, being, bringing, we need to remember to take time out for God, praying collectively as a group and individually.
Blessings and Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastor’s Column
Grace to you,
“Where there is no vision, the people perish:...” Proverbs 29:18a
This is an exciting month as we are about to “Experience Grace” in our 2015 Women’s Conference (March 20-22). The focus of this year’s conference is “Empowered for Vision”. Many people have had plans and ideas from God, but because of life situations and unforeseen challenges, the Heavenly Vision has been crushed. This conference is specifically designed to resurrect and empower the God given vision inside each of us. Make plans to saturate yourself in every worship service and empowerment session in order to get the full benefit of God’s grace!
If you have missed any of the services, make sure to order your CD for listening, studying, sharing with others, and downloading onto your favorite device. The “6 Principles of Vision” series and the “Preparation for Vision” series will be available in the four pack album for your spiritual enrichment as we make plans to start “Running with the Vision”.
Finally, as we are in the midst of this Holy Season, remember to invite others to our special Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter services. They will be full of God’s presence and joy as we celebrate the death, burial, and yes… the mighty resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!
We continue to love and pray for your growth in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bates and Rona
****************************
Growing in Grace
United Methodist Women
Funding the Mission
Women prayerfully make financial pledges to their local organization or district each year. Their pledge offerings contribute to the local mission, spiritual formation, programs for membership development and outreach in the community. For most members, making an offering to her unit’s Pledge to Mission is a way of supporting the organization and expressing her commitment to mission. However, a pledge or financial gift is not a prerequisite for membership.(United Methodist Women, On a path for Mission)
Grace United Methodist Women will meet on March 28th at 10:00 am. We will be celebrating African American History. Please join us; all women are invited to attend this special program.
Save the Date!
April 11, 2015 – Central Texas Conference Young Women’s Event, First UMC Crowley. This event is for all young women of the church. Please see Pam Pinkerton for more information.
Pam Pinkerton, Grace UMW President
*********
I currently don't have insurance and I had been paying $115.32/mo for one of my prescriptions. I went to pickup a refill last week and it was only $16.40. I went to the Pharmacy today and asked why the difference - make sure it wasn't an error. I found that they had setup a Texas Drug card for me. I didn't know this existed. Glory to God!
I just want to pass it on; It might bless someone else.
http://texasdrugcard.com/index.php
Submitted by Rev. Penny
*****
If you would like to share how good God has been to you, please submit your story to Pam Pinkerton, Media Department.
March is Women’s History month. It is a time to celebrate women role models, women who have stepped outside the box, woman who have inspired others, powerful women.
his is the 35th anniversary of the Women’s History Movement.
Go online to www.nwhp.org/womens-history-month/theme to find stories of women from all cultures and classes.
UMNS Weekly Digest
Five new bishops proposed for Africa
MAPUTO, Mozambique (UMNS) — Africa will have five new bishops in 2021 if General Conference approves. The Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters recommended the change after a team evaluating three episcopal areas — in North Katanga, South Congo and Zimbabwe — reported that the overall need in Africa reaches far beyond what was anticipated.
Black church pastors told to `take real risks' for God
ATLANTA, Ga. (UMNS) — More than 450 pastors of black churches were urged to "take real risks for the reign of God" at the Convocation for Pastors of Black Churches.
Africana Hymnal Project documentary wins Emmy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A film tracing the history of black sacred music, produced by Discipleship Ministries as part of The Africana Hymnal Project, has received a regional Emmy for best documentary. The film, "Reflect, Reclaim, Rejoice: Preserving the Gift of Black Sacred Music," captures songs that blacks who were enslaved in America four centuries ago created for solace even during the most inhumane conditions.
Report looks at children raised 'without church or God'
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — In a report for the World Methodist Council, Sarah Friswel of the Methodist Church in Britain touches upon the notion of a "missing generation" of children brought up without church or God in their lives. The report is titled "Nurturing Children of Unchurched Parents."
Louisiana Conference recommits to 7th Ward
NEW ORLEANS (UMNS) – Since Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, there has been no United Methodist presence in New Orleans’ storied 7th Ward. But that’s changing, the Louisiana Conference announced. Effective July 1, the Rev. Hadley Edwards will be appointed to the ward. Read about the conference’s plans.
Full versions of the stories with photographs and related features can be found at www.umc.org/news
Volunteer Opportunities
It’s Easter egg time once again! We have a special event planned for children and youth on Saturday, April 4th at noon. We will talk about the true meaning of Easter, play games, eat food and have lots of fun!
We are asking that you bring filled plastic eggs to the church by Friday, April 3rd.
We are also seeking outreach suggestions. Our goal is to do a better job with missions. Please see Paul Toviessi for volunteer and more information.
***
Hospitality Volunteers needed to:
- purchase/set up for hospitality hour
- clean up afterwards