Grace United Methodist Church NEWSCASTER

Dear Fellow Travelers on The WAY:

BACK TO SCHOOL – BACK TO THE BIBLE! John 8:31 “If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples...” What does “home” mean? It is the place where we live with those that we love and those who love us. It is the place where we find nourishment and rest. It is the place where we learn and grow. Home is all of this and more. It is said that “home is where the heart is.” If you make the scripture your “home” and dwell there with God, you will find that your heart grows closer to God, and that God will nourish and care for you, that God’s Word will sustain you when nothing else will. DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY The purpose of DISCIPLE Bible study is ―to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. ~Ephesians 4:12. DISCIPLE is based on the model of Jesus and the twelve disciples. This small-group study works best with 8-14 members including the leader. Group members may come from all walks of life, may or may not be members of the church, or may be first time or experienced students of the Bible. Regardless of their background, groups covenant together in terms of commitment of time, daily and weekly preparation, and attendance at all weekly sessions. Methods used in the weekly class meet-ings include a workbook, video by distinguished theologians and lively class discussions. Groups will meet weekly for 2 hours for 34 weeks.

When will Disciple I be offered? Pastor Jim will lead a weekday morning class at 10:00 a.m. and a weekday evening class at 6:30 p.m. The days are still to be determined. If you are interested in Disciple I Class and have a preference of day, please let the church office or Pastor Jim know as soon as possible. The class will begin in late August and continue through May. Registration begins on August 4. How much does it cost? The fee for each Disciple class is $40. Weekly installment payments are welcome. Scholarships are available. I have already taken Disciple I - can I repeat it? Yes! Many people enjoy repeating Disciple I and gaining new insights. When did Disciple Bible Study begin? In March 1986, a group of eighteen persons gathered in Flower Mound, TX, committed to a dream of developing a Bible study for training Christian Disciples. Together they shaped the dream into a vision of what became DISCIPLE: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. Now several million persons in 34 denominations have taken DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY. I love being your pastor, Pastor Jim

Family Ministry at Grace! We hope you will explore the information highlighted here by visiting the Webpage for more information on how to connect with various opportunities for families. Check it out: http://graceontheisland.com/#/family-ministry

The NEW vision for Family Ministry is as follows: COMMITTing GOD’S STORIES: Getting into the

Bible and the World CONNECTing GOD’S PUZZLE: Connecting Families

to one another, the church, and the community CULTIVATing GOD’S GARDEN: Building a strong

foundation of faith for families CREATing GOD’S HOUSE: Rebuilding from the

inside out CARRYing OUT GOD’S WORD: Going out into the

world

GATEWAY: A New and Exciting Sunday Evening Ministry

Come together as a family (families of children and youth) for dinner, worship, study, fellowship, games, arts-n-crafts, and service. Every week families of all kinds will join together for dinner. The first Sunday of the month following dinner, everyone will gather together for a worship experience that puts parents and kids in the same room. The following weeks after dinner, all gather together for a 15 minutes worship service. Then children, youth, and parents break up into small groups based on the theme for the night. Sometimes we will have parenting workshops, marriage enrichment opportunities, book studies, arts-n-craft and games nights, and much more! These activities will be based on a theme for the month and experiences will grow out of these themes. The youth (grades 6-12) will occasionally go off campus after dinner for various activities such as concerts, mission projects, sporting events, scavenger hunts, prayer walks, beach trips, and more!

Our first event will be Sunday, August 25 from 5-7. Come

and be a part of a worship experience for the WHOLE FAMILY. High energy music, skits, Bible

stories, and more! Dinner will begin at 5pm.

RALLY DAY Come and learn all about the opportunities for your family at our 3rd annual rally day celebration. You are invited to join us from 10-11 on Sunday, August 18, in Punch Hall, to see all the many opportunities to grow in your faith individually

and together as a family! See you then.

Blessing of the Backpacks Calling all Children and Teachers!!! In both worship services

on Sunday, August 18, children will need to bring their backpacks so they can blessed as they begin a new school year. Teachers, we want to bless you as you begin a new

school year as well. As we bless the children, we will also share how they will be moving up to the next class for

Galaxy! If you are a teacher, please call the church and let us know. We don’t want to miss anyone this year!

Family Movie Night Join us on Friday, August 2 for family movie night. We

will watch Kung Fu Panda 2. Pizza and fun from 5:30-7:30. Meet us in Punch Hall for this great event!

Back to School Bash! Everyone is invited to join us for our 2nd Annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 17 from 4-7pm. Come on out for a great time in the Bounce House,

great games, yummy food, and a good time. Stay for as long as you can! One way to enjoy the last weekend

before school starts back up! Bring your friends!

Church-Wide Retreat Looking for a weekend away from the busy-ness of

life? Want to learn more about how you and your family can connect more with one another and God? Do you just want to go camping with friends? Then this is the retreat for you! Join us in Lithia, Florida September

27-29 for a weekend at Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center. Registration form included in the newscaster and the bulletin. Oh, don’t forget, you can

register on the website as well! Questions, contact Kristin Mikarts at mommamikarts@gmail.com or

941-468-1817.

Moving On Up! With a new school year, new Sunday school classes begin. On August 25, parents are invited to join their children in the Sunday school area to learn about the NEW curriculum we are using for this year, meet the

teachers, presenters, and staff, and see how your children will move from class to class. In addition, we

will graduate every child into their new space and would love for you to be a part of this exciting morning!

In addition to launching new curriculum, we will be launching a new TWEEN class (5th and 6th graders)!

Grace Travel sponsored by United Methodist Men Jan. 25-Feb. 2, 2014: 8 night eastern Caribbean Cruise. Now available single studio for the single traveler. Ship: Norwegian Epic. Contact Cris at Expedia Cruise Ship Center at1-800-527-8666 Ext 623. Holy Land Tour May 12-21, 2014: hosted by Bishop Ken Carter with Educational Opportunities Tours.

NEWSCASTER DEADLINE Please submit all articles by August 12 for inclusion in the September Newscaster. Thank you, Katrina Cook

Meetings

Church Council Committee Meeting Monday, August 12 at 7:00PM in Chapel

Staff Parish Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 13 at 7:00PM in Chapel

Mission Committee Meeting Sunday, August 18 at Noon in the Library

Finance Committee Meeting

Tuesday, August 20 at 8:00AM in the Library

Good Samaritan Migrant ministry will no longer be accepting any type of clothing donations.

United Methodist Men

Pick Up Take Home 8/4 Bob Bainbridge Bob Bainbridge 8/11 Sheldon Toepfer Sheldon Toepfer 8/18 Terry Winfrey Steve Boone 8/25 Robert Waldron Monty Andrews

Mel & Phyllis Johns

Audrey Harris Marion Ogle

8/4 F Jack & Jill Schmidt B Billie Reichard 8/11 F Bill & Bonnie Stuck B Judy Johnson 8/18 F Marty & Art Swenson B Marjorie Buchanan 8/25 F Barb Newcomb

AUGUST VOLUNTEERS

Lots of things are happening with our Youth Ministry at Grace. Some changes, some things stay the same. It is an honor for me to be given the opportunity to serve as the temporary youth director (as a volunteer) of our church.

I am looking forward to see where the Holy Spirit leads us. It is a tremendous blessing to be given the respon-sibility to guide our youth on their faith journey. I know the congregation will be supporting us all the way. We have lots of plans for the coming school year! We start off with our "KICK OFF WEEK"! August 12 –16 Monday.... Adventure Island water park Tuesday....Tampa Aquarium Wednesday....Wacky Water Games at Grace Thursday.....Car Wash for the community Friday....Fishing for the whole family Saturday….Back to School Bash at Grace Lots more info to follow. So tell your friends and come join us for the start of something really exciting.

Yours in Christ, Mike Kramer

Temporary Youth Director

Confirmation Is your young person wanting to learn more about their faith and the United Methodist Church? Are you ready for them to embrace their faith on their own and walk

the journey towards growing more with the Lord? Then you and your young person are invited to join us on Au-

gust 25 at 11:30 for an overview of the Confirmation curriculum, mentoring process, retreats, and schedule. Youth who are beginning 8th grade and up are invited

on this

EVERY SUNDAY 8:15 - 11:00 Coffee Time, TFEC 9:00 LifeJourney Worship, TFEC 9:00 Galaxy; Children’s Sunday School 9:30 & 10:10 LifeWAY Classes 11:00 Traditional Worship, Sanctuary EVERY MONDAY

EVERY TUESDAY 5:30 GraceTones Rehearsal, Music Room 5:30 Girl Scouts, TFEC Room 203 6:30 Cub Scouts, PH/EW/WW/MRC 7:00 AA, Parlor B EVERY WEDNESDAY 9:00 Piecemakers Quilting, A8 & PH 6:30 Boy Scouts, PH/EW/WW 6:30 Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Music Room 7:00 Al-Anon, Mtg. Rm C

EVERY THURSDAY 7:00 AA, Parlor B 7:00 LJ Praise Team Practice, TFEC EVERY FRIDAY 7:30 Men’s Bible Study, Parlor B 9:00 Threadcatcher Circle, A8

Be sure to check the Church Calendar on our website at: www.graceontheisland.com The calendar is updated daily and is now the MAIN calendar for the church!!

AUGUST Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 5:30PM Family Movie Night, Punch Hall

3

4 Communion

5

6 7 8 1:30PM VOI Communion

9 10 2:00PM Eagle Scout Ceremony, PH

11 Mission Opportunity 11:30AM Your Turn Class gathering, PH

12 September Newscaster Information DUE 7:00PM Church Council, Chapel

13 7:00PM Staff Parish Meeting, Chapel

14 6:30PM Preschool Parent Meeting, Sanctuary

15

16 9:00AM Rally Prep day, Punch hall

17 4:00PM Back To School Bash, Outside Punch Hall

18 Children’s Coin Ministry 10:00AM Fall Kick Off (Rally Day), Punch Hall 12:00PM Mission Mtg., Library

19 Public School Starts Preschool Starts 6:30PM Suncoast Emmaus Meeting, EW

20 8:00AM Finance Mtg, Library 12:30PM Preschool Directors Meeting, MRC

21 8:00AM Newscaster Collators, MRC

22 6:30PM Scout District Mtg., EW

23

24

25 Canned Food

26 4:30PM Community Dinner, Punch Hall 7:00pm Exsultate Meeting, Music Room

27 28

29

30 5:30PM Family Movie Night, Punch Hall

31

If your birthday or anniversary is not listed but should be, or if there are any errors, please email or call the church office so that a correction can be made. Thank you!

Thank you JUNE LifeJourney Greeters

Toni Bell, Sue Bensen, Terri & Jim Chastain,

The Roy Cook Family, Jay Geerdes, Mike Shahan, Kathy & Tom Granata, and

Lorry & Gene Stover

1 Mazie Quigley Jane Ann Jennings Barbara Wood 2 Mary Earnest Sue James Bev Rogers Elaine Dobbins 3 Bethany Gallo 4 Bernice Camp 5 Susan Kramer 6 Mark Beebe 7 Rev. Bill Granberry Ernestine Schattner 8 Lois Curran Aida Dulmer Michael McMahon 9 Lamont Andrews Matt Ramsland 10 Missy Carfield Vanessa Carusone Nicholas Carusone Chris Freeman Hannah Matosky Al Lynn Bill Stuck

11 Jo Ann Crumbley Tom Taylor James Clinch 12 Patricia MacLeod 13 Nathan Hogue Susan Bensen Margee Katterheinrich 14 Chuck Kresse Roxie Price 15 Clayton Jacob 17 Helen Kresse Marvin Foulk Edith Murray 18 Diana Horvath Michael Carpenter 19 Ken Walker Marcia Morley Carolyn Blethen John Kern 20 Sherry Angus 22 Cora Paquin Jack Dulmer Megan Cogburn

23 Martha Grant 24 Jackie Gabriel 25 Reita Burroughs Megan Delehanty 26 Karen Maniago Lucas Hogue Phyllis Riedler 29 Nathan Stubbs Debbie Gailbreath Ken Logerquist Abey Drew 30 Martha Milton Wanda Weaver-Karasek Lovyne Turner 31 Haley Vidolin Bev Newton

2 Walter & Mae Armstrong 6 Richard & Virginia Warner Larry & Diane Bender 8 Gary & Celless Beck Tom & Kathy Granata Chuck & Laurie Schumacher 10 Richard & Anna Armstrong Paul & Diane Cline Kenneth & Tami Taylor 12 Robert & Beth Piel Pat & Ren Sullivan 14 William & Reita Burroughs 15 Jack & Patsye Dulmer Matt & Darla Hager Harold & Penny Collins

17 Jim & terry Chastain 18 Mike & Susan Kramer 19 Bill & Maggie Rodgers Terry & Carolyn Winfrey 20 Dan & Mary Earnest Eric & Susan Mori 21 Jim & Nancy Mitchell 24 Bill & Pat Davis 25 David & Elizabeth Taylor 27 Joseph & Vanessa Carusone Parvin & Sally Russell 29 David & Joanne Farley Brett & Kim Stephens 30Tom & Ginny Derrough Albert & Virginia Del Sordo

Thank you JULY LifeJourney Greeters

Diane & Larry Bender, Terry & Jim Chastain, Beth & David Levan,

Shayla Rossheim, June Townsend, and the Whitaker family

To whom it may concern: I am Cynthia Costin Cooper. On Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 1pm, the church held a memorial service for my dad; Alphers E. Costin. It is for this reason I write; Thank you. The service was wonderfully executed by pastor Jim Mitchell. The staff and volunteers where thoughtful and comforting to my family. Grace Untied Methodist Church will always have my gratitude. Warmest regards, Al Costin’s Daughter, Cynthia Cooper.

The Newscaster is sent as an E-Mail publication. Contact Katrina Cook at 941-488-1374 or

trina@graceontheisland.com to be added to the list or pick up a hard copy in the Narthex.

JUNE 2013 ATTENDANCE

Worship - 327 Sunday School - 72 Yearly Attendance Average Worship - 517

Recent Special Offerings April Missions: $267.00 Peace with Justice Ministries: $10.00 UMCOR: $200.00 Children’s Home: $825.65

News from the

As you know, the Board of Trustees supervises and maintains all property belonging to the congregation. A physical plant that is “well-groomed” and attractive is much more welcoming, safe, and hospitable than one that shows signs of benign neglect. Much of the work of the trustees is governed by specific requirements of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church. The following is some of what has been done: -On July 03, 2013 the Trustees installed our first security Digital Video Recorder (DVR) in TFEC. It can handle up to 16 cameras. The data is now recorded. If something is stolen or damaged, the police department can see what happened. Punch Hall and the offices are on scheduled to also get a DVR. -The Trustees are currently collecting bids for the Parsonage back yard privacy fence and a small patio. Funding for this project will come from the Trustees savings account, which is handled by the United Methodist Foundation for administration and investment. The small patio is complete. -The contractor painting of the Bell Tower, steeple and the top of TFEC are out for paint bids. We had the entire campus, and parsonage painted with the help of our Community Service helpers. The painting contractor states this was a savings to the church of about $20K. -All of the 35 church historical documents that are in the church safe were transferred over to our office computer, with an off-site back up. We still maintain the originals in the church safe. -All of the campus outside windows, as well as the Pre-school and Parsonage windows, were cleaned by Community Service helpers. -The Florida Conference has provided us, for free, a contractor that has done an appraisal of the entire church campus. We will soon get the results. These results will help with insurance matters and building replacements values. -The small sink by the Punch Hall stage has been leaking at different times. We have found the problem, it was not the sink, but a pipe under the sink, and it was repaired. We will be replacing the tile floor, in that area, that was damaged by the water. - Mortgage balance: $245,551.91

The Trustees want to thank all of you, who are helping to cut costs, by volunteering. We also appreciate your bequeaths, and “cash donations” toward any project, without them, we could not get the upgrades done. If you can help, please call Gene Stover at 941-716-0636.

Happy Anniversary to ME! This month I celebrate having been employed by Grace UMC, Venice, for twelve years! I played

my first service as the organist for Grace Church on the 19th of August, 2001. Six years later, I was entrusted with the additional responsibilities of Director of Traditional Music wherein I conduct the Chancel Choir and the GraceTones Handbell Ensemble. During this time, I have experienced continued love and support from the people of God at Grace on the Island. Thank you for allowing me to serve you, and I look forward to continuing in these capacities for many more years. When you need to remember or honor a loved one in a special way, please consider a donation to the General Music Fund , the Handbell Fund, or the Organ Fund. My heartfelt “Thanks!” for your ongoing support and encouragement. I remain, as always, your humble village organist. Gene Hodges

Greetings from your Staff Parish Relations Committee: As most of you know, Matt Ramsland tendered his resignation as Youth Director/Praise Team Leader as of the end of June, 2013. We certainly wish Matt, Nicole and Eva the best in their future endeavors. For the immediate future, Anddrew Toepfer and Ed Campbell have agreed to take over management and planning for the Praise Team while we look for an interim leader. For the youth, Mike Kramer stepped up to the plate as volunteer leader for the month of July and has agreed to act as Interim Youth Director effective August 1, 2013 while we plan for the future. Mike already has ideas in the works for activities and outings with our youth. Finally, in the area of Family Ministries, Ashlei Anderson will be coming on board as an intern, working under the direction of Devon, to assist with the planning and implementation of programs in this ministry area. We ask your prayers and support for all these folks as they move forward in areas of ministry.

The Piecemakers’ News The Piecemakers continue to meet on Wednesdays in the East Wing, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. All are welcome. If you like to sew and would like to use your talent to aid our church and community, come and join us. Our mission is “to support each other in fellowship and love as we create quilts for our babies, shut-ins, and friends of Grace United Methodist Church who need comfort; and to make items for sale to assist our church financially.” If you know of someone in the congregation who would like to receive a visit and a comfort quilt please let the Piecemakers know. If you have a son or daughter returning home from active duty in the military and would like to have him or her receive a quilt, please call Carol Simpson at 497-5460 or Audrey Tamblingson at 497-5478. The Threadcatchers quilting circle meets every Friday 9am – Noon in Room A8. For information call Lorry Stover at 485-0094.

MEMORIALS MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF HILDEGARDA WINNICZEK by Jaroslaw Winniczek. MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF GLENN DAVIS by Cindy & Sheldon Toepfer. MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF EVERETT TAYLOR by Susan Rowe.

ALTAR FLOWERS Kindly consider enhancing the beauty of our worship areas by

placing flowers on the altar. Flowers can be given

IN MEMORY OF or IN HONOR OF loved ones or friends.

Bouquets are $30.00 each and are yours to claim after the 11:00 AM

service. Sign up on the flower Calendar in the hallway by

the staff offices.

IN MEMORIAM Hildegarda Winniczek ~ Al Costin

Everett Taylor ~ Helen Wantland ~ Toni Bell

Grace Grows is an intergenerational retreat for our whole faith community. We will explore strengthening families, building int-ergenerational relationships, being more connected with God and

one another and growing together in Christ!

September 27-29, 2013 Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center

Lithia, FL Family Name: ________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ Email: ______________________________________ Best Phone Number: ___________________________ Number of Adults attending: __________________ Number of Children attending: _______________ Ages/Grades of Children attending: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Dates My Family will be at the Retreat (please check all that apply): ___ Friday Night (dinner not provided) ___ Saturday all day ___ Sunday ___ Yes, my family is willing to bring snacks to share. Please let us know what to bring! ___ Yes, my family would LOVE to go canoeing! Type of housing request: ___ Rustic Cabins ___ RV Site ___ Tent camping ___ Air Conditioned Lodge ___ Here is our families $50 deposit to attend. If for some reason we are not able to come, we know that our deposit is non-refundable. ___ Our family would LOVE to attend, but cost is a factor for us. Please let us know if there is scholarship assistance available to attend.

COST Cost of the weekend is dependent on the number of

people who are registered. Air conditioned lodge will be most expensive. We are trying to make the MAX

amount spend per family no more than $225. The cost includes ALL meals, lodging, and activities. There will

be Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on Saturday and Breakfast on Sunday.

Grace United Methodist Newscaster (USPS 581-930) is published monthly (except July) by Grace United Methodist Church, 400 field Avenuce East, Venice, FL 34285-4035. Periodicals Postage Paid at Venice, FL 34285, and additional mailing offices.

Grace United Methodist Church 400 Field Avenue East Venice, Florida 34285-4312 941-488-1374 Website: www.Graceontheisland.com

Postmaster: Send Address Changes to:

Grace United Methodist Church Newscaster

400 Field Avenue East , Venice, FL 34285-4035

LABEL

CHURCH STAFF Ken Carter, Resident Bishop, Florida Conference

Rinaldo Hernandez, District Superintendent, SW District

Jim Mitchell, Pastor Devon Beisser Ducheneau, Children & Family Minister

Gene Hodges, Organist/Director, Traditional Music Patsye Dulmer, Preschool Director

Cheri Chambers, Business Manager Katrina Cook, Church Secretary

Frank Hall, Custodian Karen Bowles, Housekeeper

Mary Davis, Housekeeper Mary Jeanne Moorman, Pianist

Tyler Sherknus, Sunday Opening/Setup

We cannot believe that summer is almost over! It has been a great summer with all kinds of field trips and special classes. Our fall session will begin August 19 with a full house! We are so blessed to have such an amazing preschool with an awesome staff. Our parent meeting for all new families will be August 14 at 6:30pm in the sanctuary. All families will receive a letter from their new teacher informing them of the open house for that classroom. Sign up for dance and gymnastic classes will also be held during the parent meeting. Many of our staff will be attending the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children Conference in Orlando September 27-29. This is a great way for them to network with other teachers and to learn new ways of teaching. We look forward to another great year at Grace.