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May 2014 Grace Notes

5/4/2014

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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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Happy May!  
It’s hard to believe that we are almost half way through the year. People have been planting, beautifying their lawns and getting gardens in order. The weather has been a little crazy at times but we made it through. 
It’s about trusting in God’s process. 
 
I recently heard a song by William Murphy – “It’s Time”. The song reminds me that, “this is my season for grace, for favor”. We’re reminded in the song that God “has a seed in the ground, and he’s blessing, so no more stressing”. God sees well beyond what we are capable of seeing, he challenges us to trust in the process. One of the ways we can do that is to challenge ourselves through scripture.  

     “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise”  Proverbs 1:5-6.
 
When is the last time you read through the Book of Proverbs? What a way to trust in the process! Solomon has something to tell us regarding every aspect of our lives. All we have to do is take a moment to read, reflect, and add to what God has already been telling us. 
 
If you have started growing in an area of your life, and you feel a little threatened by storms that may come your way, I encourage you to trust in the process. God will make adjustments to help you continue on your journey.
Don’t let challenges discourage you. They come to make us stronger. Hold on. Trust in the process and enjoy what God has for you.
 
Blessings and Peace
Pam Pinkerton 
 
Pastor’s Column
Grace to you,  

Why do we do what we do?  What is the purpose of our existence?  No, I’m not asking some deep theological question that involves a long reflection upon the cosmic power of God. (Smile)  I am actually asking if you know the purpose for which Grace UMC Arlington exists. If you answered 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…
 
…then you are absolutely correct.  You have just read and answered the mission statement for our church. 
Notice the underlined portion of our mission statement.  I have it highlighted because I want to place emphasis on the two words, “making disciples.”  
 
In the next few months I want our focus to extend beyond “making visitors” “making good church members” or “making attendees”. With the addition of our young men’s “School of Disciples” and other rich discipleship programs, we should be able to plug whole-heartedly into this vision.  
 
Here’s a little tip that I’ve learned thus far…, you can’t lead, where you have never been.  In order for us to “make disciples”, we have to learn to follow Christ all the same.  Remember, we exist 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 as we experience His faithfulness towards us!
 
Stay in Love with God and each other,  
Pastor Bates and Rona 
 
UMNS Weekly Digest 
United Methodist Women assembly Hillary Clinton: ‘Time to roll up our sleeves, make it happen’
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (UMNS) —In her speech to the United Methodist Women assembly, Hillary Clinton highlighted her United Methodist roots and commended the denomination’s commitment to the social
gospel.

Clark Atlanta awarded $7.4 million for cancer research ATLANTA (UMNS) — The National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities awarded a $7.4 million
renewal grant to the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development at Clark Atlanta University, one of The United Methodist Church’s historically black colleges and universities.

History of Hymns: ‘Now the Green Blade Riseth’ DALLAS (UMNS) — For those in the northern hemisphere who live in areas where springtime usually coincides with Easter, the image of growing plants and vegetation in this hymn speaks clearly. The connection of the Easter event — the rising of Jesus — is unmistakable. The simple phrase “Now the green blade riseth” reminds us that Jesus is risen today just as he rose on that first
Easter morning, writes C. Michael Hawn of Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology.

Texas church honored for prison ministry THE WOODLANDS, Texas (UMNS) -- Prison ministry outreach leaders at Christ Church United Methodist of The Woodlands recently received a Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award. The ministry provides Blessing Bags to inmates, containing toiletries, fresh fruit and inspirational messages. 

Deadline to register for six online courses offered by United Methodist Communications, Tuesday,
May 6
 — United Methodist Communications will offer the following courses May 7-June 18: “Communicating Faith in the 21st Century,” Welcoming Ministry 100,” “Web Ministry 100: What is Web Ministry?,” “Moodle 100 — Basic Training,” “Moodle 300: Course Facilitation”and “Connectional Giving.” Costs vary. Connectional Giving is free.
 
NOTE: This is a digest of news features provided by United Methodist Communications for April 28 - May 2. It includes summaries of United Methodist News Service stories and additional briefs from around the United Methodist connection. Full versions of the stories with photographs and related features can be found at http://umns.umc.org.
  
Volunteer Opportunities at Grace 
Volunteers needed for VBS, July 7-11, 2014. Please see Jocelyn Hobdy if you are interested in serving in this ministry area.
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Church Bulletin Blunders
Sermon this morning: “Jesus walks on the Water”. Sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus” 
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM – prayer and medication to follow.
For those who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs. 

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” Prov.
17:22


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