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!
*******************************
"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…" Ecclesiastes 3:1
Greetings Grace,
When we chose to be surrounded by people who know and love God, we’re in a position to be able to hear reminders of “Who” is in charge of all that happens in our lives. We’re able to see what God is doing; and we are challenged to continue to grow into the person that God has designed us to be.
We learn at an early age the value of time. We either find out that we are wasting it when we do everything but our homework; we feel that there seems to be not enough of it when we try to juggle all that we feel we need to
accomplish in a day; and as we grow we learn to value“time”.
Ecclesiastes is a Book of Wisdom. When we read this Book, we are reminded that life is “meaningless” without God. God has already planned our days. He has allowed time for everything we are to do. Not only has he given us spring, summer, fall and winter, he has designed a season for every activity that takes place in our lives.
While we expect the seasonal changes that take place each year, we do not always expect or anticipant the changes that happen to come our way. We have heard how to stay steadfast, how to remain “Rock Steady” when things change in our lives. We were recently reminded that we are“Ambassadors for Christ”. We are
called to live, respond and act the way that Jesus has taught us.
Our most recent bible study lesson reminded us of “time”. It was a reminder to take a look at how much time we spend each day to continue to grow spiritually. We make a choice each day how we spend the time we have been given.
Who and what is regulating your time? Is it time to make some adjustments? Have you been searching for ways to enhance how you use your time? There are several opportunities for you to utilize some of your time at Grace. Some are listed in this newsletter. If you have not experienced what Grace UMC has to offer in a while, I
am inviting you to “Experience Grace”
Blessings and Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastors Column
Dearest Members, Partners, and Friends,
Let me first remind you of God’s precious promises; Proverbs 3:9-10 says; Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first of all your crops. Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will
burst with wine.
2 Corinthians 9:6 says; What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous
crop.
With the inherent promise of Luke 6:38saying; Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.”
We are at a pivotal place in our current ministry context at Grace UMC Arlington. In plain speech, we are out of room in our current facility. Because God has caused us to grow, and if we are to continue to grow and
remain vibrant in ministry, we must move within the next 6 to 9 months. We remain in an active search for
worship, administrative, and educational space that will sustain our anticipated expansion. The sooner we move the better!
We are expanding Sunday school classes and therefore are in need of additional classroom space
for our children and adult classes.
We have received office equipment and have administrative needs with no current place to execute
the needed operation.
Our sanctuary space is above the recommended 80% average capacity.
Finally, our vision requires a regional location to expand our outreach into the surrounding
communities.
Starting September 29, 2013, and until we reach our goal of $10,000.00, I am requesting that every person who believes in the mission and ministry of Grace UMC Arlington to give extra, over and above your regular giving in order to prepare for the needed move. I believe we are well able to reach this goal before Thanksgiving.
We will keep you informed of the progress on a weekly basis and will celebrate our benchmarks with powerful praise and worship!
Thank you in advance for your continued faithfulness and cheerfulness in this Kingdom partnership. To
God be the glory!
Yours in Christ,
Fred Bates, Jr., Pastor
Sarah McMillion, Finance Chairperson
Growing in Grace
Have you marked your calendars for our Reunion Weekend, October 12th and 13th? Flyers and information is located on the Witness table in the fellowship room – right next to the Worship CD ordering table.Don’t forget to sign up for the Lay Servants Training, Dates and Times: Oct. 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Oct. 19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m. Place: Grace UMC, Arlington.
Ministry Opportunities
Member Call Ministry
volunteers needed – interested, please contact Pastor Bates.
******************
THANKSGIVING BASKETS - November 23, 2013
On Saturday, November 23rd we will distribute Thanksgiving Baskets to needy families of our faith community and surrounding area. Eligibility and pre-application are required. We will request donations of can goods and other Thanksgiving grocery items from the congregation. Applications, for head of house-hold will be available around November 1st. Watch bulletin inserts for more information.
ANGEL TREE - December 21, 2013
On Saturday, December 21, 2013 we will distribute Christmas Gifts to children of the incarcerated who are in our community. This is our first year partnering with Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree program and we are excited about the possibilities of ministry. "Angel Tree is a program (of Prison Fellowship) that focuses on transforming the lives of prisoners' children and fostering reconciliation between the child, prisoner-parent, and family. This year we have partnered with Prison Fellowship to sponsor 10 children. Each child is to receive one gift and one toy. During the month of November we will begin our marketing and advertisement of the events as we "seek 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". Please join us in being the hands and feet of Christ this Christmas. God Bless and thanking for supporting our Outreach Ministry.
2013 Committee Members are:
Tynesha Bergeron Smith, Scott Marshall, Pam Pinkerton, Billie Ray and Penny Stemley
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Volunteers will be needed to prepare and/or deliver the Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gift bags. Please see Rev. Penny Stemley to volunteer or for more details.
************************
We invite you to spend some time checking out Children’s Church. This is one place where we help the young people to grow. If you have a gift of storytelling or love helping to share the Good News of God, we need a little of your time. Please see Wilma Davis or Pam Pinkerton for more information.
Grace United Methodist Women help support the mission of The Bethlehem Center. They are in need of items at the center. Men and women, if you are preparing to do some fall cleaning, please hold on to some of your clothing items. In the weeks to come, we will have a specific list of items needed at the
center.
Thank you.
************************
All Grace UMC Arlington's children, their families and friends are invited to our Halloween alternative called
Holy-ween Harvest Festival!
Activities such as; Trunk or Treat, various races, face painting, contest, and games. Prizes, Treats, and Food!!!!! Start making plans to attend.Thursday, October 31st 5pm -9pm
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!
*******************************
"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…" Ecclesiastes 3:1
Greetings Grace,
When we chose to be surrounded by people who know and love God, we’re in a position to be able to hear reminders of “Who” is in charge of all that happens in our lives. We’re able to see what God is doing; and we are challenged to continue to grow into the person that God has designed us to be.
We learn at an early age the value of time. We either find out that we are wasting it when we do everything but our homework; we feel that there seems to be not enough of it when we try to juggle all that we feel we need to
accomplish in a day; and as we grow we learn to value“time”.
Ecclesiastes is a Book of Wisdom. When we read this Book, we are reminded that life is “meaningless” without God. God has already planned our days. He has allowed time for everything we are to do. Not only has he given us spring, summer, fall and winter, he has designed a season for every activity that takes place in our lives.
While we expect the seasonal changes that take place each year, we do not always expect or anticipant the changes that happen to come our way. We have heard how to stay steadfast, how to remain “Rock Steady” when things change in our lives. We were recently reminded that we are“Ambassadors for Christ”. We are
called to live, respond and act the way that Jesus has taught us.
Our most recent bible study lesson reminded us of “time”. It was a reminder to take a look at how much time we spend each day to continue to grow spiritually. We make a choice each day how we spend the time we have been given.
Who and what is regulating your time? Is it time to make some adjustments? Have you been searching for ways to enhance how you use your time? There are several opportunities for you to utilize some of your time at Grace. Some are listed in this newsletter. If you have not experienced what Grace UMC has to offer in a while, I
am inviting you to “Experience Grace”
Blessings and Peace,
Pam Pinkerton
Pastors Column
Dearest Members, Partners, and Friends,
Let me first remind you of God’s precious promises; Proverbs 3:9-10 says; Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first of all your crops. Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will
burst with wine.
2 Corinthians 9:6 says; What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous
crop.
With the inherent promise of Luke 6:38saying; Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.”
We are at a pivotal place in our current ministry context at Grace UMC Arlington. In plain speech, we are out of room in our current facility. Because God has caused us to grow, and if we are to continue to grow and
remain vibrant in ministry, we must move within the next 6 to 9 months. We remain in an active search for
worship, administrative, and educational space that will sustain our anticipated expansion. The sooner we move the better!
We are expanding Sunday school classes and therefore are in need of additional classroom space
for our children and adult classes.
We have received office equipment and have administrative needs with no current place to execute
the needed operation.
Our sanctuary space is above the recommended 80% average capacity.
Finally, our vision requires a regional location to expand our outreach into the surrounding
communities.
Starting September 29, 2013, and until we reach our goal of $10,000.00, I am requesting that every person who believes in the mission and ministry of Grace UMC Arlington to give extra, over and above your regular giving in order to prepare for the needed move. I believe we are well able to reach this goal before Thanksgiving.
We will keep you informed of the progress on a weekly basis and will celebrate our benchmarks with powerful praise and worship!
Thank you in advance for your continued faithfulness and cheerfulness in this Kingdom partnership. To
God be the glory!
Yours in Christ,
Fred Bates, Jr., Pastor
Sarah McMillion, Finance Chairperson
Growing in Grace
Have you marked your calendars for our Reunion Weekend, October 12th and 13th? Flyers and information is located on the Witness table in the fellowship room – right next to the Worship CD ordering table.Don’t forget to sign up for the Lay Servants Training, Dates and Times: Oct. 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Oct. 19, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00
p.m. Place: Grace UMC, Arlington.
Ministry Opportunities
Member Call Ministry
volunteers needed – interested, please contact Pastor Bates.
******************
THANKSGIVING BASKETS - November 23, 2013
On Saturday, November 23rd we will distribute Thanksgiving Baskets to needy families of our faith community and surrounding area. Eligibility and pre-application are required. We will request donations of can goods and other Thanksgiving grocery items from the congregation. Applications, for head of house-hold will be available around November 1st. Watch bulletin inserts for more information.
ANGEL TREE - December 21, 2013
On Saturday, December 21, 2013 we will distribute Christmas Gifts to children of the incarcerated who are in our community. This is our first year partnering with Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree program and we are excited about the possibilities of ministry. "Angel Tree is a program (of Prison Fellowship) that focuses on transforming the lives of prisoners' children and fostering reconciliation between the child, prisoner-parent, and family. This year we have partnered with Prison Fellowship to sponsor 10 children. Each child is to receive one gift and one toy. During the month of November we will begin our marketing and advertisement of the events as we "seek 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". Please join us in being the hands and feet of Christ this Christmas. God Bless and thanking for supporting our Outreach Ministry.
2013 Committee Members are:
Tynesha Bergeron Smith, Scott Marshall, Pam Pinkerton, Billie Ray and Penny Stemley
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Volunteers will be needed to prepare and/or deliver the Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas gift bags. Please see Rev. Penny Stemley to volunteer or for more details.
************************
We invite you to spend some time checking out Children’s Church. This is one place where we help the young people to grow. If you have a gift of storytelling or love helping to share the Good News of God, we need a little of your time. Please see Wilma Davis or Pam Pinkerton for more information.
Grace United Methodist Women help support the mission of The Bethlehem Center. They are in need of items at the center. Men and women, if you are preparing to do some fall cleaning, please hold on to some of your clothing items. In the weeks to come, we will have a specific list of items needed at the
center.
Thank you.
************************
All Grace UMC Arlington's children, their families and friends are invited to our Halloween alternative called
Holy-ween Harvest Festival!
Activities such as; Trunk or Treat, various races, face painting, contest, and games. Prizes, Treats, and Food!!!!! Start making plans to attend.Thursday, October 31st 5pm -9pm