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!
*******************************
“Justice and only justice, you shall pursue…” (Deut. 16:20)
On Sunday, October 21st, Grace UMC will join with thousands of other congregations across the nation in the annual multi-faith National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths weekend sponsored by non-profit, non-partisan Children’s Defense Fund and supported by more than 200 religious organizations and denominations.
The 2012 Children’s Sabbath, “Pursuing Justice for Children and the Poor with Urgency and Persistence” will focus on protecting children from budget cuts at the federal, state and local levels and closing the educational achievements gap that leaves too many children, especially poor and minority children, reading and doing math below grade level in the 4th, 8th, and 12th grades if they have not already dropped out of school into the pipeline of prison. It is time to reorder our priorities and focus on prevention, not punishment, so that every child is set on the path to a promising, productive future that God intends for each every one.
At Grace, we will join in this united voice for children through a special prayer for children during the worship service. This is our first time celebrating the Children’s Sabbath.
Blessings & Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastors column
Grace Family,
Where is the time going? It seems the month of September went by so fast, I could hardly believe it is ending. Could it be the fact that my time at Perkins (12 hour semester) is causing me to lose track of time?
The wrap up session with the Relocation Committee, their Administrative Council report, and the awesome support during that evening was a reflection of the power that comes when people work together to get things done. Progress, progress, progress! I look forward to seeing the fruit that comes from the seeds of wisdom this committee planted.
As I close the series, “The Purpose and Function of the Church”, I want to leave you with these thoughts that were taken from Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Church”.
Purpose 1: Worship - Love the Lord your God with all your heart
Purpose 2: Ministry - Love your neighbor as yourself
Purpose 3: Evangelism – Sharing the power of Christ with people
Purpose 4: Fellowship - Baptizing and incorporating people into the Body
Purpose 5: Discipleship - Teaching people to grow in grace! (This is where my passion lies, but I can’t only focus in this area, or we will become dysfunctional)
Remember, we are on a road that is filled with opportunities of success in doing powerful ministry for the Kingdom of God! We continue to pursue our purpose to make an impact on Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Fort Worth, because God is able to do, “…far beyond all that we could ask or imagine according to his power at work within us”.
Look for the new series, “The Power of Partnership”, and our wonderful Anniversary and Reunion weekend!
Stay in love with God and each other. Grace to you!
Pastor Bates
Grace Happenings and Special Thanks!
Grace United Methodist Church Anniversary Celebration
October 13 & 14, 2012
We will be kicking off the weekend with a Brunch on Saturday, October 13, from 10:00 a. m. until 2:00 p. m. at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 2190 E. Lamar Blvd. in Arlington, Texas 76006.
We invite you to come and enjoy soft music by the Ultra Sounds Jazz Ensemble and a Style Show under the direction of Ms. Carol Lofton.
Tickets are $35.00 Please see Scott Marshall for tickets.
We will continue our Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 10:30 am.
The speaker will be our own, Pastor Fred Bates.
ATTENTION TRAIL BLAZERS (AGE 50+)
∞∞∞∞
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME A C T I O N ?
Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!
Please see Billie Ray, for more information
*************************************
Grace United Methodist Woman would like to thank all for your prayers and support of UMW Sunday. All women are encouraged to join us in providing support of women, youth & children at home and abroad. We meet the 4th Saturday of each month.
The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is:
Dear Grace Family,
It is with our deepest gratitude that the Jones family says thank you for honoring the memory of husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, Robert C. Jones, Sr. Our lives will for ever be impacted by the Robert C, Jones, Sr. scholarship fund that will support graduating seniors in continuing their education.
I am grateful that my mom, Mary Jones and my dad followed me and my daughters, Melissa and Morgan all of those years ago and became a part of the Grace family. Little did we know the powerful impact the journey would hold for us. Over the years Mr. Jones worked tirelessly for God through the ministries at Grace, working with the youth, leading several committees, and always working behind the scenes, just being a humble servant willing and ready to serve God.
The impact of his big heart and love for the Lord and Grace United Methodist Church is immeasurable. We can still hear him say in that baritone voice "Lord hear our prayer". His presence at Grace is truly missed but never forgotten. Thank you Grace for remembering Mr. Jones!
In His service,
Mrs. Robert C. Jones, Sr. (Mary), Ms. Carole Jones-Lofton, The family of Robert C. Jones, Sr.
******************
news around the church
from United Methodist News Service – http://umns.umc.org
Ebony ranks UM colleges among top schools NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Six United Methodist-related schools were among the top-ranked historically black colleges and universities included in the September issue of Ebony magazine. Making the list were Bethune-Cookman University, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Philander Smith College and Rust College.
UMW joins rally against hate ads
NEW YORK — Representatives of United Methodist Women who gathered at 9 a.m. Sept. 25 on the steps of City Hall to denounce anti-Muslim hate advertisements posted on New York City subway platforms. The rally was organized by the New York Interfaith Coalition.
All committee chairs are invited to share information for Grace News. Information can be handwritten, typed or emailed:
pinkerton.pamela@yahoo.com
Please submit your information to Pam Pinkerton by Sunday, October 28, 2012
621 church plantings in four years NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Discipleship’s board of directors completed its 2009-12 quadrennial of service by celebrating landmark accomplishments in church renewal, new church planting and central conference resourcing. Among those successes, the agency’s New Church Starts (Path1) unit helped plant 621 churches during the past four years. That marks a 223- percent increase over the previous four years. Witness for political conventions
TAMPA, Fla. — United Methodist clergy in Tampa and Charlotte, N.C., are preparing to welcome guests to the Republican and Democratic national conventions. Religious leaders in both cities have joined in prayer and a statement of common witness for the U.S. political process and the wider world. The RNC will meet Aug. 27-30 in Tampa, and the DNC will meet Sept. 3-6 in Charlotte.
Attending church in prison
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As many as 120 women serving sentences for crimes that range from embezzlement to murder participate in Grace Place Ministries, a newly approved mission congregation at the Mark H. Luttrell Correctional Center. “It gives them a real connection to other United Methodist churches,” says the ministry’s executive director.
Publishing House to sell property
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Board of Directors of The United Methodist Publishing House has voted unanimously to agree to sell the 201 8th Ave. S. building, the adjacent Cokesbury store and several nearby parking lots in Nashville. The directors agreed to sign a sales agreement after a group of investors approached them. The sales arrangement is not yet final, and the closing will not occur until the end of 2012.
Joplin worship center to reopen
JOPLIN, Mo. — The rebuilding of the worship center at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, left in ruins after the May 22, 2011, tornado that destroyed part of the city of Joplin, is nearly complete after a year of construction.
New bishop elected in Congo
KOLWEZI, Democratic Republic of Congo — The Rev. Gabriel Unda Yemba, of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, was elected Aug. 23 as a United Methodist bishop by delegates of the Congo Central Conference. He will lead a new episcopal area in a nation where the church is growing rapidly.
Worship attendance resource available
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — To help churches improve worship attendance, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership is offering a free 10-minute video with practical suggestions. Find the video online at www.churchleadership.com/attendance
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!
*******************************
“Justice and only justice, you shall pursue…” (Deut. 16:20)
On Sunday, October 21st, Grace UMC will join with thousands of other congregations across the nation in the annual multi-faith National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths weekend sponsored by non-profit, non-partisan Children’s Defense Fund and supported by more than 200 religious organizations and denominations.
The 2012 Children’s Sabbath, “Pursuing Justice for Children and the Poor with Urgency and Persistence” will focus on protecting children from budget cuts at the federal, state and local levels and closing the educational achievements gap that leaves too many children, especially poor and minority children, reading and doing math below grade level in the 4th, 8th, and 12th grades if they have not already dropped out of school into the pipeline of prison. It is time to reorder our priorities and focus on prevention, not punishment, so that every child is set on the path to a promising, productive future that God intends for each every one.
At Grace, we will join in this united voice for children through a special prayer for children during the worship service. This is our first time celebrating the Children’s Sabbath.
Blessings & Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastors column
Grace Family,
Where is the time going? It seems the month of September went by so fast, I could hardly believe it is ending. Could it be the fact that my time at Perkins (12 hour semester) is causing me to lose track of time?
The wrap up session with the Relocation Committee, their Administrative Council report, and the awesome support during that evening was a reflection of the power that comes when people work together to get things done. Progress, progress, progress! I look forward to seeing the fruit that comes from the seeds of wisdom this committee planted.
As I close the series, “The Purpose and Function of the Church”, I want to leave you with these thoughts that were taken from Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Church”.
Purpose 1: Worship - Love the Lord your God with all your heart
Purpose 2: Ministry - Love your neighbor as yourself
Purpose 3: Evangelism – Sharing the power of Christ with people
Purpose 4: Fellowship - Baptizing and incorporating people into the Body
Purpose 5: Discipleship - Teaching people to grow in grace! (This is where my passion lies, but I can’t only focus in this area, or we will become dysfunctional)
Remember, we are on a road that is filled with opportunities of success in doing powerful ministry for the Kingdom of God! We continue to pursue our purpose to make an impact on Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Fort Worth, because God is able to do, “…far beyond all that we could ask or imagine according to his power at work within us”.
Look for the new series, “The Power of Partnership”, and our wonderful Anniversary and Reunion weekend!
Stay in love with God and each other. Grace to you!
Pastor Bates
Grace Happenings and Special Thanks!
Grace United Methodist Church Anniversary Celebration
October 13 & 14, 2012
We will be kicking off the weekend with a Brunch on Saturday, October 13, from 10:00 a. m. until 2:00 p. m. at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 2190 E. Lamar Blvd. in Arlington, Texas 76006.
We invite you to come and enjoy soft music by the Ultra Sounds Jazz Ensemble and a Style Show under the direction of Ms. Carol Lofton.
Tickets are $35.00 Please see Scott Marshall for tickets.
We will continue our Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 10:30 am.
The speaker will be our own, Pastor Fred Bates.
ATTENTION TRAIL BLAZERS (AGE 50+)
∞∞∞∞
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME A C T I O N ?
Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!
Please see Billie Ray, for more information
*************************************
Grace United Methodist Woman would like to thank all for your prayers and support of UMW Sunday. All women are encouraged to join us in providing support of women, youth & children at home and abroad. We meet the 4th Saturday of each month.
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.
Dear Grace Family,
It is with our deepest gratitude that the Jones family says thank you for honoring the memory of husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, Robert C. Jones, Sr. Our lives will for ever be impacted by the Robert C, Jones, Sr. scholarship fund that will support graduating seniors in continuing their education.
I am grateful that my mom, Mary Jones and my dad followed me and my daughters, Melissa and Morgan all of those years ago and became a part of the Grace family. Little did we know the powerful impact the journey would hold for us. Over the years Mr. Jones worked tirelessly for God through the ministries at Grace, working with the youth, leading several committees, and always working behind the scenes, just being a humble servant willing and ready to serve God.
The impact of his big heart and love for the Lord and Grace United Methodist Church is immeasurable. We can still hear him say in that baritone voice "Lord hear our prayer". His presence at Grace is truly missed but never forgotten. Thank you Grace for remembering Mr. Jones!
In His service,
Mrs. Robert C. Jones, Sr. (Mary), Ms. Carole Jones-Lofton, The family of Robert C. Jones, Sr.
******************
news around the church
from United Methodist News Service – http://umns.umc.org
Ebony ranks UM colleges among top schools NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Six United Methodist-related schools were among the top-ranked historically black colleges and universities included in the September issue of Ebony magazine. Making the list were Bethune-Cookman University, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Dillard University, Philander Smith College and Rust College.
UMW joins rally against hate ads
NEW YORK — Representatives of United Methodist Women who gathered at 9 a.m. Sept. 25 on the steps of City Hall to denounce anti-Muslim hate advertisements posted on New York City subway platforms. The rally was organized by the New York Interfaith Coalition.
All committee chairs are invited to share information for Grace News. Information can be handwritten, typed or emailed:
pinkerton.pamela@yahoo.com
Please submit your information to Pam Pinkerton by Sunday, October 28, 2012
621 church plantings in four years NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Discipleship’s board of directors completed its 2009-12 quadrennial of service by celebrating landmark accomplishments in church renewal, new church planting and central conference resourcing. Among those successes, the agency’s New Church Starts (Path1) unit helped plant 621 churches during the past four years. That marks a 223- percent increase over the previous four years. Witness for political conventions
TAMPA, Fla. — United Methodist clergy in Tampa and Charlotte, N.C., are preparing to welcome guests to the Republican and Democratic national conventions. Religious leaders in both cities have joined in prayer and a statement of common witness for the U.S. political process and the wider world. The RNC will meet Aug. 27-30 in Tampa, and the DNC will meet Sept. 3-6 in Charlotte.
Attending church in prison
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As many as 120 women serving sentences for crimes that range from embezzlement to murder participate in Grace Place Ministries, a newly approved mission congregation at the Mark H. Luttrell Correctional Center. “It gives them a real connection to other United Methodist churches,” says the ministry’s executive director.
Publishing House to sell property
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Board of Directors of The United Methodist Publishing House has voted unanimously to agree to sell the 201 8th Ave. S. building, the adjacent Cokesbury store and several nearby parking lots in Nashville. The directors agreed to sign a sales agreement after a group of investors approached them. The sales arrangement is not yet final, and the closing will not occur until the end of 2012.
Joplin worship center to reopen
JOPLIN, Mo. — The rebuilding of the worship center at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, left in ruins after the May 22, 2011, tornado that destroyed part of the city of Joplin, is nearly complete after a year of construction.
New bishop elected in Congo
KOLWEZI, Democratic Republic of Congo — The Rev. Gabriel Unda Yemba, of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, was elected Aug. 23 as a United Methodist bishop by delegates of the Congo Central Conference. He will lead a new episcopal area in a nation where the church is growing rapidly.
Worship attendance resource available
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — To help churches improve worship attendance, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership is offering a free 10-minute video with practical suggestions. Find the video online at www.churchleadership.com/attendance