August 2014

Volume 16 Issue 7

Glimpses of Grace at

Grace United Methodist Church

Grace UMC

Sunday Services

Contemporary

Worship

9:00 am

Sunday School

10:05 am

Traditional Worship

11:00 am

2113 Old Monrovia Road

Huntsville, AL 35806

(256) 430-0003

www.graceumchsv.org

Grace Staff

Senior Pastor

Bryan Sisson

Associate Pastor Todd Noren-Hentz

Director of Youth

Ministries

Adam McNeil

Director of Children’s

Ministries

Darcy Bierer

Office Administrator

Vicki Sheehy

Music Director

Gianna Gimenez

Praise & Worship Leader

Doug Wright

Accompanist

Curtis Lindsay

Facilities Manager

Ben Allen

Nursery Coordinator

Kalyn Polatty

Sign Up Now for 6 New Adult Studies Beginning in August!

Wednesday nights:

Religion & Science: Ancient & Modern Wisdom Meet Led by Dave Hickman and Todd Noren-Hentz

Wednesdays at 6:00 pm, August 13th thru October 1st in Fellowship Hall Room #1 This course is intended to give you some insights into the processes by which God’s creation may have occurred. We’ll examine reasons for tensions between these two worlds, some of the great contributors to each field, and gain deeper insights into both worlds. Being a whiz in science is not needed. No text is required, and read-ahead handouts will be provided.

Dare to Dream: Creating a God Sized Mission Statement for Your Life by Mike Slaughter

Led by Pastor Bryan Sisson

Wednesday Evenings from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, August 13th-September 17th Are your goals too small? Are you living the “just get by” plan? Or is there a greater God dream for you that if lived to the fullest could permeate and inform every move you make? Participants will learn how to develop a life mission statement that helps the fully commit to a God-directed lifestyle. Books have been ordered and can be purchased from Pastor Bryan at the first session for $12.

Meditation Led by Chris Weaver and Phil Graham

Wednesday Evenings from 6:30–7:15 pm, August 13th - September 17th **Note time – good option for those committed to helping with meal cleanup, making 6:00 pm start time difficult.** The format for the ‘Meditation Period’ will include periods of reflective silence and both Scripture readings and meditation readings taken from the Celtic Daily Prayer. An action component as a living response to contemplative practice will also be introduced in each period. Both Chris Weaver and Phil Graham will provide resources for those who wish to commit and fully participate.

Class Offerings at Other Times:

Growing As Parents

A Free, 6-week course on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 pm in the Craft Room

Childcare & programing available for kids (great for parents with kids in GraceFull Singers!)

Join us for a series of weekly, topical discussions led by various experts from the community, including Rocket City Mom, Jim & Holly Cecil, Rev. Jim Norris, Lysa Parker, and Pastor Todd.

Let Your Life Speak Listening for the Voice of God by Parker J. Palmer Led by Christy Noren-Hentz Tuesday Evenings at 6:00 pm from August 12th - September 30th We’ll discuss God’s call on your life and how God wants to use you in Kingdom work. We’ll also discuss the problem of depression and searching for meaning in your life. With wisdom, compassion, and gentle humor, Parker J. Palmer invites us to listen to the inner teacher and follow its leadings toward a sense of meaning and purpose. Order your book through Amazon for $10.99 Childcare provided upon request.

Children of the Day: A Study of First and Second Thessalonians A Woman’s Bible Study led by Mary Graham Tuesday Mornings at 9:30 am, begins August 12th Join our Tuesday morning Women’s group and Beth Moore to walk the shores of Thessalonica with this verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. See page 7 for more details on this study.

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Pastor’s Ponderings

“Continue to love each other with true Christian love. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.” – Hebrews 13:1-2, New Living Translation Recently I have been in a great deal of prayer and reflection over the growth of Grace. In particular, I’ve tried to be more spiritually attentive to how it is that we, as church, can reach out to and encourage those who are new (as well as those who are “regular” visitors and members) to find their place within the Body of Faith here at GUMC. My personal time with God has led to conversations and discussions and meetings that all come down to one thing – a desire for the church to connect with those who are not yet fully participating members. No doubt – spiritual growth happens in worship, but what I’ve been more focused upon within the last few months is how is growth happening outside that one hour a week? How is it that we’re being called to help lead and inspire and encourage people to take next steps in journeys of faith and to find opportunities to more meaningfully/spiritually CONNECT with others? A few weeks ago a friend passed along an article to me that I found interesting. It touched on possible reasons why your local church isn’t growing, and it challenged the reader to consider reasons why churches who want to grow end up staying small. Honestly, the read was a painfully real look at the possibilities of why the local church might not be connecting with those wanting to join and grow through spiritual connection. What the author suggests is that what it comes down to is a willingness (on the current members’ part) to connect, - to invite and share love with someone new. And it doesn’t have to happen AT CHURCH. Often relationships formed outside the walls of the church building lead to renewed spirits within. Sharing a personal experience he writes, “We used to have friends over on Friday night to play cards. We would have dessert, tell jokes, and play games together. One day I suggested to my wife that we invite a couple who had visited the church to join us on Friday night. We did, and we had a good time in the process. During the entire evening,” he writes, “we never said anything about church or Sunday school or the Bible or anything remotely religious. But, do you know what? They joined the church in a few weeks. Now, he is teaching a class himself. And they would both tell you that they were not living the disciples’ life before they played cards and ate dessert with us that night.” Interesting experience: that new couple joined – they became more involved and had opportunity to grow on a deeper level – through a simple act of invitation. And not even to “church” at that! They were able to take a next step in their faith journey as a couple as a result of the invitation to connect.

And for me, one of the areas where we – as a church - have room to grow in our reaching out to others is through INVITING. We forget what it’s like to be new, we forget what it’s like to try to connect when others already seem so connected. Quite frankly, it’s hard – no matter how old we are - to walk into a situation as a new person and try to begin to make meaningful connections with the people around us. It can prove daunting. And truth be told, walking into a church for the first time can be just as difficult as being a young kid and starting over in a new school or an adult starting a new job. We wonder where we’re going to sit in worship...we wonder if people will even say “Hello”...we wonder if the whole experience will be a comfortable one and whether or not we will feel “at home.” And quite frankly, because of those questions and more, many people in our society today choose to avoid the situation all together. Church becomes one more “area” in life that they tend to avoid because they’re fearful of whether or not they will fit in. My hope and prayer for Grace UMC is that as people of faith we will begin to change that, that we will do everything in our power to encourage people into God’s house for worship and fellowship AND CONNECTION. And that begins with inviting people to attend worship with us, friends and neighbors we know are new or looking for a church home (How about claiming the challenge of inviting someone new to come worship with you this month?!?!)...It begins with SPEAKING and WELCOMING people at church, going out of our way to make sure that all who are new and entering God’s doors for the first time feel as if they have a place (How about claiming the challenge of speaking to FIVE new people in worship this month?!?!)...It begins with opening our eyes and hearts to brothers and sisters around us and, as Paul suggests, continuing “to love each other with true Christian love.” This is the challenge before us - offering, sharing, living out God’s call to love others as Christ first loved us. Will you join me in responding to that call??? I look forward to seeing you SOON!

- Pastor Bryan

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Happenings At Grace

Blessing of the Backpacks

Hey kids and teens!! Bring your school backpacks to church Sunday, August 3. During both services, Pastor Bryan will share in a special blessing over them during the Children’s Message. So bring your packs, and let’s prepare for the first day of school TOGETHER!

Exploration Classes Begin Soon!

Pastor Bryan will be leading a five-week class on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 pm for those new to the church and wanting to join. It will begin Sunday, August 3, and each week we will discuss topics pertaining to our faith and spiritual journey here at Grace UMC. We will meet in Fellowship Hall #3, and all are invited to come and learn more! Childcare will be available for those who need it - just let us know! If you would like more information or want to sign up, please contact Pastor Bryan at (256) 430-0003.

Church Workday On Saturday, August 9, Grace UMC's Trustees are heading up a workday to focus on cleaning up the church grounds. We will gather from 8:00 am-12:00 pm to work on trimming bushes, cleaning out shrubbery beds, and general grounds clean-up. All are invited and welcome to join in! Please bring tools (shovels, trimmers, etc.) and gloves. If childcare is needed, please contact the Kalyn Polatty at (256) 430-0003.

Wednesday Family Nights Begin Soon!

Join us for food, fellowship, and Bible Study for the entire

family. The fun begins on August 13 and continues through

September 17. We will have dinner from 5:00-5:45 pm.

Then at 6:00 pm we will offer Bible studies for children (Wee

BZ & BZ), youth, and adults. Mark your calendars and plan

on being a part of this special fellowship!

Wednesday Night Meal Hosts Needed! Can you believe it? School starts soon and so do the Wednesday Night Suppers! Food and Fellowship is looking for groups within the church family to sign up to do a dinner between August 13 and September 17. You will have help from a member of Food and Fellowship. Please discuss this with your committees, Sunday school classes, etc. and help us make it a fun fall for Wednesday Night Suppers. Look for the signup sheet outside of the Sanctuary, and choose a Wednesday night. For more information, contact either Nancy Jackson (256-830-0678 njackson@knology.net) or Donna Evans (256-527-2414 donnakevans@ardmore.net).

Calling All Youth and Kids in Grades 1-8! GraceFull Singers begins August 17 and we want YOU! We will be preparing a Christmas musical to be presented Sunday, December 7, followed by a church-wide potluck. Come and join us for lots of fun, singing, drama, and more. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 4:00 -5:30 pm. We will take a few holidays off; full schedule will be distributed after we begin rehearsals, but feel free to contact director Gianna Gimenez if you have questions before then. Dress rehearsal is December 6. Sign up on Grace's website, or at the table in the hallway at church. Can’t wait to see you!

Soda Price Increase Congregational Care uses the money raised from the soda machine to fund the Steak-Out coupons sent out to individuals in the congregation, cards, caring for homebound, fruit baskets, and any need in the congregation. Due to the increase in Steak-Out coupons, increase in soda prices, and the team taking on additional responsibilities, the soda price was recently raised to 75 cents. Thank you for understanding the price increase and your continued support to these ministries.

Outdoor Church

Grace UMC is sponsoring Outdoor Church at the Manna House

in downtown Huntsville in Saturday, September 6th, from

8:00 am - Noon. If you’d like to help as a volunteer cooking

food for the homeless on that Saturday, please contact Brian

Mitchell at brianmitchell@gmail.com or (256) 527-4583.

2014 Church Picnic - Save the Date

The 2014 Church-Wide Picnic will be on Sunday, October 12, at Monte Sano State Park from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Plan to join in the fun!

Serving Communion in Worship Would you like to assist in serving communion during the Sunday morning services and at other special services? You can sign up now on the bulletin board across from the kitchen at church. Dates are available from now until the end of the year.

New Banners for Hallway and Sanctuary We are in the process of raising funds which will enable us to purchase new banners to decorate the hallways outside the Sanctuary, as well as decorating the Sanctuary itself. If you would like to be a part, please place a check into the offering plate made out to the church with “Banner Fund” noted in the memo line. Thank you!

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Family Life Ministry News

Men of Grace

Each week at 11:30 am various men from Grace UMC and their friends gather for lunch at a local restaurant to talk about life, faith, and our church. We rotate to a different day of the week each month. In August, we will meet on Tuesdays. To receive information about upcoming lunch gatherings, visit http://graceumchsv.org/mailman/listinfo/ mog_graceumchsv.org and sign up for our email list, or contact Buddy McMullin at (256) 683-4164 or buddymcmullin@gmail.com.

Join the Grace Supper Club!

It’s time to sign up for the 2014-2015 Grace Supper Club. Our monthly small group meals will be held from September 2014 through May 2015 at a local home or restaurant selected by the host. GSC is a low-commitment, low-stress way to get to know other people in our congregation a little bit better. There are no prerequisites, and anyone can participate either as an individual or as a family.

Everyone at Grace UMC is welcome to participate in this great fellowship opportunity. and for 2014 we’re adding a Substitute List for people who feel they cannot participate in every scheduled GSC but who would still like to participate occasionally.

See the sign-up table at Grace or contact Jim Marconnet at (256) 772-3946 or jmarconnet@gmail.com for full information. We need everyone to register by mid August in order to get the small groups and hosts assigned so that monthly meals can start in September.

Grace Disc Golf Association

The Family Life Ministries Team has started the Grace Disc

Golf Association. It’s for all ages and skill levels. Disc Golf

is free to play and easy to learn. If you don’t have your own

discs, we’ve got some to share. On the last Sunday of each

month through September, we’ll gather for lunch somewhere

quick at noon and at a different Disc Golf course at 1:00 pm.

So join us for lunch, or just join us at the course. If it is

raining, we will not meet. Our next outing will be on

Sunday, August 31. We’ll eat at Schlotsky’s (University

Drive) and play disc golf at UAH (meet at first

hole across from WLRH studios). Check out the

church website for future dates and locations.

For more information, contact John Lawson at

(256) 503-2700 or Pastor Todd at

toddnorenhentz@graceumchsv.org.

Pick-up Basketball

We have Pick-up Basketball every Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm in the gym. Interested in staying informed about Pick-up Basketball? Ask Pastor Todd to put you on the email list! We also have a Facebook and Twitter for basketball if you’d like to keep up that way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceUMCBB Twitter: @GraceUMCBB

Grace Family Fun Fly

Sunday, August 3, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm

We fun-loving pilots, spectators, family, and friends get together in the Grace Ministry Center Gym once a month to fly our small indoor electric radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters, and multi-copters. New pilots, experienced pilots, and spectators of all ages are always welcome to sport fly for fun. We have several small electric R/C race cars available for

younger children to drive, without cost or obligation. Contact Jim Marconnet at jmarconnet@gmail.com or (256) 772-3946 for more information.

Grace Golf Association

The Grace Golf Association (GGA) is an informal golf group open to all members and friends of Grace United Methodist Church. Our mission is simple: enjoy Christian fellowship and friendly competition playing a game we enjoy. Men and women, juniors, seniors, hackers, and scratch players are all welcome.

GGA plays once per month between March and October. Contact Scott Kowerduck (scott@pce-llc.com) for more information or to get on the email list for information pertaining to GGA events. The next GGA outing will be on Saturday, August 23, to Joe Wheeler State Park in Northwest Alabama.

Parents’ Night Out

PNO is for infants and children up to 5th Grade and is conducted on select Friday evenings. PNO is a “drop-in” type program and is open for participating parents and children between 5:00 and 10:00 pm. PNO relies upon adult volunteers, paid nursery staff, and youth helpers. We hope you will invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to be a part of this program.

The next scheduled PNO is Friday, September 26, from 5:00 to 10:00 pm and costs $10 per child, with a $20 family maximum. Children 5 and under are asked to be picked up by 9:00 pm. You can register online at www.graceumchsv.org/pno.

Our final PNO date for 2014 is Friday, December 5.

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Missions

Missions That We Regularly Support

with Donations:

Huntsville Assistance Program – Food donations

Blount Hospitality House – Personal-sized toiletry items

Redbird Community – Soup barcodes from Campbell’s

Labels for Education

Ronald McDonald House – Pop tabs from soda cans

New Futures Homeless Shelter – Monetary donations

Volunteer Your Time with

These Important Ministries:

Salvation Army Soup Kitchen – Make sandwiches at Grace at

8:30 am on Mondays, August 11 & 25

Contact: Imogene Johns, (256) 837-0324

Meals-on-Wheels – Meet at the Huntsville Senior Center on

Drake at 10:15 am on Friday, August 15,

to serve meals to the homebound.

Contact: Donna Evans, (256) 420-6401

Wheelchair Ramp Installation – Meet at the church at

8:30 am on Saturday, August 9.

Contact: Chuck Evans, (256) 527-2413

Please note: Chuck reports that the

ramp being installed this month is

fairly large, and that extra help is

needed.

Huntsville Assistance Program Needs HAP is in need of donations to help those without enough food in our area. In an attempt to bring awareness and reminders to everyone, we highlight the most needed items in the newsletter each month. For August we are requesting

soap, shampoo, and Kleenex. Please bring your non-expired, non-perishable food items to the Joel Curry Food Pantry in Fellowship Hall #3. Mark out the barcodes before putting them in the pantry.

Please note: The food pantry at HAP is always in need of basic food items. We ask for additional non-food items because individuals can not use Food Stamps to purchase any paper products or soap products.

Meals to Grow - Backpack Food Program

Our community has a great number of children who

don’t get enough to eat at home. During the school

year, the free lunch program helps provide for these

children during the week, but the weekend can seem

very long when you are hungry. Trinity United Methodist

Church in Huntsville started addressing this problem in 2008

with the Meals to Grow program (www.mealstogrow.org).

Every Friday, bags of food are placed inside the backpacks of

children at high risk of hunger during the weekend. In 2012,

we began collecting and packing food at Grace to contribute

to the great need at University Place Elementary School.

As the program has grown, we have been able to serve other

schools. In 2013, we began serving children next door at

Providence Elementary School, and students at Montview

Elementary School. It’s humbling to see the gratitude of the

children, teachers, principals, and staff at each of the schools.

The children’s eyes grow wide with delight when they see us

bringing in food. The team of people working at the school,

who know the needs better than anyone, thank us endlessly. I

am grateful our congregation has been so generous

responding to the need.

If you are called to serve in this ministry, there are many ways

to help. We always need food, monetary donations, and

prayer. We need help packing bags, too. Contact Rachael

Benton at engineermom@gmail.com for more details on how

you can get involved.

We resume packing on the 3rd Monday of every month at 6:00

pm starting on August 18. We owe a special thank you to the

children at VBS this year! They collected over 800 items for

this mission to give us a great start on the new school year!

Thanks, Grace Kids!!!

The following items are needed for each bag:

1 Pop-top can of soup with meat (such as Progresso, Chunky, etc.)

1 Pop-top canned meal (such as Chef Boyardee Ravioli, etc.)

1 Fruit cup or pop-top can of fruit

2 Packages of peanut butter crackers or cheese crackers

2 Individual sized boxes of cereal or 2 cereal bars (or breakfast product)

4 Healty snacks (such as granola bars, Cheez-Its, packages of crackers, fruit snacks, Rice Krispie Treats, raisins, Sun Chips, etc.

1 Shelf-stable milk in juice-box size (such as Yoohoo! Or Hersheys, etc.)

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Join the Fun at Grace

Literary Ladies

All women of the church are invited to join the Literary Ladies in their monthly discussion

of a book. They meet the third Monday of each month at 10:00 am. Nursery care can be made available if needed. For more information, contact Callie Vincent at (256) 539-9870 or caldon@knology.net.

Our upcoming books are:

August 18: “A Good Man: Rediscovering my Father, Sargent Shriver” by Mark Shriver Please read and come discuss “A Good Man” with us, no matter what your political persuasion. Written by his son, this is a personal, inspiring, funny, and sad look at the life of Sargent Shriver who was a good man of great faith, hope, and love who did a lot for our country.

September 15: “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power” by Jimmy Carter

GraceFull Players/GraceFull Players Dancers

Luncheon on Sunday, August 10 Our next GraceFull Players/Dancers luncheon will be on Sunday, August 10, after the second service at 12:00 pm. Please plan to join us and bring a covered-dish for lunch, fellowship and planning. Discover the wonderful ways you can give and receive through our ministry of sacred dance and drama. We would love to see some new faces involved! For more information, contact either Shannon Rosenthal at serosenthal@knology.net or (256) 895-0253, or Susan Allen at (256) 895-9191 or SRAtapping@bellsouth.net.

Scrapbook/Craft Night

The Scrapping/Crafters will meet at the church on Friday, August 8 from 5:00 - 11:00 pm. We would love to see you there. It’s always a good time of food and fellowship. You can come for the entire time or for only part of the time. Please join us and bring a snack and beverage to share. Feel free to bring a friend or two or three, and enjoy this time together. For more information, contact Susan Brown at (256) 722-3898 or scrappingsusan@gmail.com.

Grace United Methodist Women Friendship Circle News

The Grace United Methodist Women will have their August meeting on Thursday, August 28, at noon. All are invited to bring a sack lunch and join us! A dessert will be furnished. For further information, contact Betty Lawson at (256) 837-2824.

Fun Timers News

Overview of Our Last Meeting

The FunTimers met at the church July 14. We had a special guest, lots of fellowship, and some tasty snacks. Our special guest was our Associate Pastor, Todd Noren-Heniz. Todd shared with the group his journey to becoming a United Methodist minister. Todd was brought up in the Baptist faith, and it wasn’t easy to make the decision to change.

As most of you know Todd is married to Christy who is also a minister, and she is the pastor of a church in Huntsville. They have one son, Carter. Carter is very active in all of the activities of the church. You will see him most often as an acolyte in the morning service.

Todd brings to the church a lot a serious wisdom but also, he is very funny and loves to make people laugh. We can all say, THANKS!!

Upcoming Meeting Join us on Monday, August 11, when our guest speaker will be our County Commission Chairman, Dale Strong. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about Dale, things that are

happening in our county, ask questions, and enjoy a time of fellowship!

You don’t have to be a member of the Fun Timers to go with us on trips, but you do need to be fun-loving regardless of your age! Come join us! For more information, contact Callie Vincent at (256) 539-9870 or caldon@knology.net.

Christmas Card Class There will be a Christmas card class at the church on Saturday, August 9 at 9:00 am. Participants will get a stamp set, a punch, adhesive, and make a dozen cards for $45. There will also be a raffle with nice prizes in which all of the raffle proceeds go to the New Futures home. Contact Marsha Hosner at (256) 771-0025 if you would like to participate.

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For Your Information

New Planters Special thanks to the Green Team for paying for and having installed the beautiful planters at the church front door and around the sign at the street. We appreciate our gift of beautifying the church grounds!

Upcoming Women's Bible Study Begins Tuesday, August 12, at 9:30 am

Join our Tuesday morning Women's group and Beth Moore to walk the shores of Thessalonica with this verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. During this nine week study, you'll learn how to let go of past mistakes and discover your circumstances are not coincidental - God's timing is impeccable! Whether you're facing family crises, medical diagnoses, relationship troubles, doubts, or fears, you'll come away encouraged that even though it may not feel that way, you are exactly where Christ wants you to be! All are welcome- this is a great opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to share in the learning, joy and friendship of our group! Study guides are available at the Lifeway Christian Bookstore. Childcare can be made available- but Mary will need to know if you need it. Please call her and let her know so she can coordinate with the nursery staff. Please call or email Mary Graham at (256) 424-3835 or marygraham6@bellsouth.net with any questions.

The Children of Grace Need You! Have you lived in another country? Are you willing to share your experiences? We are looking for Grace members or friends to come and share their life experiences with the children of Grace. We ask that you talk to the kids for 20 minutes one Wednesday night. You can share your experiences; games you play; songs you sing; and favorite places to go. What a wonderful gift it would be to them, so please consider sharing in this special way!

Mission Madness is starting soon. Contact Holly Cecil at hacecil@bellsouth.net if you would like to help.

New Baby! Congratulations to Nathan & Katie Rigoni on the birth of Charlotte Elliana Rigoni on July 19, 2014. Charlotte weighed 8 lbs.13 oz. and was 19½ inches long. Welcome, Charlotte!

Recent Baptism We celebrate with Nancy Horvath on her recent baptism and

profession of faith on Sunday, July 27! Congratulations to you, Nancy!

Memorial & Honorary Gifts to Grace

Banner Fund

In memory of Juanita Owen’s mother

- given by Maryann Golson

In memory of Mandy Mitchell’s Nana

- given by Maryann Golson

General Fund

In memory of Juanita Owen’s mother

- given by Dell Segler

Green Team

In honor of the Wheelchair Ramp Team

- given by Larry & Denise Pelham

Imagine No More Malaria

In memory of Fran Goodrich

- given by Anonymous

*To make a memorial or honorary gift, please make checks

payable to Grace UMC. On the memo line, list the name of

the person being honored or memorialized, and the fund in

which you wish the money to be deposited.

Prayer Concerns: Helen Matthews, Joann Wiemers, Jim Martin, Martha Rothermel, Herb Goodrich, and Stacey McIntyre.

Welcome to Our Newest Members!

We are so happy to have you in our Grace Family!

Tim & Nancy Horvath

222 Turtle Creek Drive

Huntsville, AL 35806

timhorvath66@rocketmail.com

hallmarknancy@hotmail.com

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The Grace Youth Times

Issue #47 August 2014

Due to budget cutbacks, we’ve eliminated all fact checking from the Grace Youth Times. Therefore, you may not be able to believe anything you read on this page.

LIVING STONES TRIP LABOR DAY WEEKEND – HUNTSVILLE, AL – The youth of Grace UMC are headed to Camp Living Stones in Engelwood, TN August 30 – September 1. The trip costs $165 per person, due by August 24. A $30 deposit is due by August 3 to reserve a spot.

Students are excited to return to Living Stones. “It’s tradition, you know. We always go and it’s a great time.” says one Sr. High student. “This time last year, I was warned that a mutiny was planned if we didn’t go to Living Stones,” says Youth Director Adam McNeil. “This year, I got us signed up early and we’ve planned all the fun stuff the students love.”

The weekend includes high and low ropes courses, zip lining, white water rafting, and a new element the students haven’t experienced before.

Go to youth.graceumchsv.org for more info, signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CABAA29ABF85-living to sign up.

YOUTH TO STUDY ZOMBIES, PASTOR CONCERNED – HUNTSVILLE, AL – Pastor Bryan Sisson is concerned about the youth of his church. “They’re just so interested in zombies, it has me worried. I understand that they plan to study zombies this fall on Wednesday nights. [Youth Director] Adam assures me that the study is Biblically relevant, but I just don’t see it.”

Starting August 6 at 6:00 pm, GUMY will begin reading The Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide for Teenagers in small groups. The book is designed to get students talking about what seems like small issues today, that become bigger issues under the stress of the ‘zombie apocalypse.’

“Some of the lessons are kind of fun and light. Many get very deep. We talk about a time with no cell phones, but we also talk about making bonds with others in order to survive. The youth will have plenty to say on all the topics.” explained one Small Group Leader.

The study takes place each Wednesday at 6:00 pm from August 6 – September 24.

Dates to Remember August 3 – Living Stones Deposit Due ($30) August 6 – September 24, 6:00 pm – Small Groups August 8, 8:00 pm – Lock Out August 10 – Promotion Sunday, New Sunday School classes start August 13 – Family Night Meals begin August 24 – Living Stones Balance Due ($135 after deposit) August 30 – September 1 – Living Stones Trip

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Children’s Ministry Notes

Our Children’s Ministry exists to be a place where kids:

Know the love and joy of Jesus Christ Invite everyone to know Him Develop a heart of service

Seek God and his Word

With each letter in our KIDS Logo having a meaning, we hope that this assists each of us in sharing with others what Grace KIDS ministry is all about.

Promotion Sunday On Sunday, August 10, all children will move up to their new Sunday School classes.

Grades Kindergarten - 5th will meet upstairs for Sunday School at 10:05. They will meet with Mrs. Darcy for a few minutes and then break down into 3 age groups: K/1st, 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th. We hope this will bring more age appropriate learning to all the children at Grace.

Age 4 meets in Room 104 with some great volunteer teachers.

Ages 2/3-We’d like to once again be teaching these young ones during Sunday School hour. If you are willing to rotate into this classroom, please contact Darcy Bierer.

Children’s Worship and Wonder for 4 year olds-2nd

Grades meets during each service. Children are dismissed during the service to attend this class.

Children's Church Has a New Name! Beginning Sunday, August 10, Children’s Church will become Children's Worship and Wonder. We have some great stories and activities planned, so don't forget to join us on Sundays during the 9:00 and 11:00 services. Worship and Wonder is for 4 year olds-2nd Grade. Parents: There will be an Open House on Sunday, August 3 after the second service. Come and see the materials and pick up some information.

WEE BZ and BZ Wednesday night Wee BZ and BZ classes are just around the corner! Come join us for some fun, interactive time with the Bible. BZ, for Grades K-5th, will be all about Science and how it relates to God. We'll have guest teachers who know their stuff, games and other awesome activities! Wee BZ, for ages 2 years-PreK, will be a fun, age appropriate time to learn about God's love and His Son, Jesus. All the fun begins on Wednesday, August 13, at 6:00 pm. See you there!

Acolyte Training Acolyte Training will take place on Sunday, August 17, at 3:00 pm. Children who are in 1st Grade and up and are interested in being Acolytes at the 11:00 Service should attend. Questions? Contact Darcy Bierer.

Club 45 Starting Sunday, August 17, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm

Are your tweens feeling left out? One program is too young, and the other program is too old. Come check out Club 45, a program for the middle years which will be led by Jim and Holly Cecil. The program is designed with your tween in mind. It will help bridge the gap as the kids transition from our elementary program to our youth program. We will be using materials designed by Preteen Ministries.

The first meeting will be an informational meeting for parents. While parents hash out the details, the kids will be playing games and getting to know each other. Do you have questions, concerns, or are you excited to help? Please contact the Cecils at (256) 828-1387.

Mission Madness Starting Wednesday, September 24, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, bring your kids to Grace to learn about the people who have embraced the sentiments of the song, Here I Am, Lord.

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if You lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

The kids will learn about missionaries and the countries they serve. Our first program will be about John Wesley, England, and the English people. Come join us as we learn, sing songs, play games, and eat!

Movie Mania for Grace Kids Keep an eye out for upcoming Movie Nights for Grace’s Kids. The first movie with be Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Club 45 kids will know why this movie was selected. If movies are not your child’s thing, bring a board game to share. Watch for more details coming soon. This will be a great time of fellowship and fun for the kids.

Nursery Ministries Grace UMC is blessed to have the following

Individuals serve on the Nursery Ministries Team:

Nursery Coordinator: Kalyn Polatty

Brittany Allen Olivia Bell

Sarah Davis Caroline Dobbie

Van Ely Cassie Flowers

Deanna Gipson Samantha Ramsey

Jenny Shaw Ashley Sylvester

Brittany Walton Samantha Weir

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Grace Family Events

Notes!

A big thanks to Grace United Methodist Church for your continued support of Relay for Life of Madison. You are making a meaningful difference. We al know too many people who’ve been touched by cancer. Thank you for joining us in this fight to find a cure.

We truly appreciate you, Karen Borden, American Cancer Society

Dear Grace United Methodist Church, Thank you so very much for allowing us to use your church building for our Lion’s Gate Book Sale in May! You have blessed us in so many way. Please accept this donation as a part of our appreciation.

In Christ’s Love, Lion’s Gate Members

Talent & Treats to Triumph Join us with your friends and family on Saturday, September

6, from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Grace gym for a delicious potluck

dinner and a delightful talent show with participants of all ages

presenting a wide variety of talents. Admission to the talent

show and dinner is free! Also, a selection of scrumptious baked

goods and desserts will be available for sale to take home with

you following the show.

This event is a fundraiser for a very

special 28 year-old named Jenny

Rhoden who is currently in a

professional treatment center called

the Center for Change in Orem, UT

battling for her life and mental

health against anorexia. A love

offering will be taken during the event to help her cover the

high costs of medical and living expenses while she receives the

care she so desperately needs. All proceeds from the bake sale

will also be put towards these costs.

Jenny is my best friend and a blessing from the Lord to all who

know her. She desires with all her heart to triumph over

anorexia, but she cannot do so without God’s provision. One

of the ways that I know God will bless her is through the

contributions, no matter what size, of people like you. I look

forward to seeing you soon at this fundraiser! If you are unable

to attend, please consider giving a donation. I can give you

information on how to do so if this option is best for you. My

email address is sheehy.ashley@gmail.com. Thank you so

much, and God bless you! - Ashley Sheehy

Due to the large number of events at Grace, only a few important church events are highlighted here. Visit our online calendar at www.graceumchsv.org/calendar for full details. A weekly calendar is also posted on the church office door.

Important Grace Events in August

August 3 (Sunday) Both Services – Blessing of the Backpacks

August 3 (Sunday) 1:00 pm – Grace Family Fun Fly

August 3 (Sunday) 3:00 pm – Explorations Class Begins

August 6 (Wednesday) 6:00 pm – Youth Small Group Begins

August 8 (Friday) 5:00 pm – Scrapbook/Crafters Night

August 8 (Friday) 8:00 pm – Youth Lock Out

August 9 (Saturday) 8:00 am – Church Outdoor Work Day

August 9 (Saturday) 8:30 am – Wheelchair Ramp Install

August 10 (Sunday) – Promotion Sunday

August 10 (Sunday) 4:00 pm – SPRC Meeting

August 10 (Sunday) 12:00 pm – GraceFull Players Luncheon

August 11 (Monday) 8:30 am – Salvation Army Sandwiches

August 11 (Monday) 2:00 pm – Fun Timers’ Meeting

August 12 (Tuesday) 9:30 am – Women’s Bible Study Begins

August 13 (Wednesday) 5:00 pm – Wednesday Family Nights

Meal & Bible Studies Begin

August 15 (Friday) 10:30 am – Meals on Wheels

August 17 (Sunday) 3:00 pm – Acolyte Training

August 17 (Sunday) 4:00 pm – GraceFull Singers Practice Begins

August 17 (Sunday) 5:30 pm – Club 45 Parent & Child Information Meeting

August 18 (Monday) – Newsletter Deadline

August 18 (Monday) 10:00 am – Literary Ladies

August 18 (Monday) 6:00 pm – Meals to Grow Packing

August 23 (Saturday) – Grace Golf Association

August 24 (Sunday) 5:30 pm – Club 45 Begins

August 25 (Monday) 8:30 am – Salvation Army Sandwiches

August 28 (Thursday) 12:00 pm – United Methodist Women

August 30 - September 1(Saturday - Monday) – Youth Trip to

Camp Living Stones

August 31 (Sunday) 12:00 pm – Disc Golf Association

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Greeters

9:00 am

3 Bart Bierer/Don Love 10 Gail Linton/Andrew Riley 17 Liz Hayes/Mary Hayes 24 Mary Iffrig/Gina Barlow 30 Betty & Nick Van Valkenburgh

11:00 am

3 Sangita & Ashok Bhatnagar 10 Steve & Charli Goetz 17 Joanne Weis/Lynn Higginbotham 24 Martina MacIntyre/Tony Lee 31 Amit Patel/JoAnn Gore

Acolytes (11:00 am)

3 Carter Noren-Hentz/Harper Rasmussen 10 John Allison/John Murray Jr. 17 John Murray Jr./Ainsley Lenahan 24 Josie Sisson/Robbie Pierson 31 Carter Noren-Hentz

Guest Deliveries

3 Don Love 10 Jennie Rountree 17 Gina Barlow 24 Tonia Stulting 31 Carl Ivey

1 Ken Philippart

2 Jessica Pelletier

2 David Reynolds

3 Mary Beth Bowman

4 Patrick Shockley

5 Lia Brown

5 Andrew Miller

5 Jay Polatty

5 Connie Weis

7 Margie Milstead

7 TJ Parsons

7 Sammie Pelham

10 Jake Polatty

11 Donna Willis

12 Taylor Thornton

13 Wayne Weis

14 Roy McIntyre

14 Emily Stinson

14 Jerry Weimers

16 Ash Mahanna

16 Sandy Strickland

17 Noah Taylor

17 Connor Graham

18 Jim Myers

19 Nancy Jackson

19 Jim McWard

20 Shannon Rosenthal

22 David Hickman

22 Gene Matthews

23 Gianna Gimenez

23 Garrick Merrill

26 Barbara Andersen

26 Susan Brown

26 Lynn Krome

27 Jonathan Davis

27 Nathan Gunn

27 Cindy Thornton

28 Tricia McCoy

28 Debbie McMullin

28 Christy Noren-Hentz

29 Jake Morgan

31 Marilyn Melis 11:00 am Children’s Church

3 Audra Johns/Renee Davis 10 Darcy Bierer/Patti Runyan/Corey Tolbert 17 Lia Brown/Corey Tolbert 24 Betsy Allison/Shelley Lenahan 31 Darcy Bierer/Bart Bierer

9:00 am Children’s Church

3 Gail Linton/Darcy Bierer 10 Darcy Bierer/Mandy Mitchell 17 Mandy Mitchell/Gail Linton 24 Gail Linton/Gina Barlow/McKenna Barlow 31 Angela Ward/Emily Ward

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2113 Old Monrovia Rd. Huntsville, AL 35806

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS The church office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Our pastors and staff are available by appointment in the afternoons. If you need to contact Pastor Bryan on Friday or Saturday, call his mobile phone at (256) 527-5042.

BULLETIN DEADLINE

The deadline for information for the church bulletin is Tuesday afternoon. Please contact Vicki Sheehy at (256) 430-0003 about information that needs to be included.

ARE YOU RECEIVING E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS? If you have e-mail, we encourage you to join our announcements list. You can sign up online from the church web page at www.graceumchsv.org.

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION The newsletter is published monthly, on the 4th Monday of each month. Articles are due by the 3rd Monday of the month. Articles are received by e-mail: vickisheehy@graceumchsv.org OR place articles in newsletter mailbox in church office. Thank you for your contribution of articles.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Pastor’s Mobile/Voice Mail # - (256) 527-5042 Pastor’s email—bryansisson@graceumchsv.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Grace UMC is a “Safe Sanctuary” Church. Summaries of our Child and Youth Protection Policy are always available.