Grace United Methodist Church NEWSCASTER

Dear Thanks-Givers of Grace Church: It hasn’t always been easy for Americans to agree about Thanksgiving. In his essay “The Thanksgiving Story,” Jerry Wilson reports that “George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, although some were opposed to it. There was discord among the colonies, many feeling the hardships of a few Pilgrims did not warrant a national holiday. And later, President Thomas Jefferson scoffed at the idea of having a day of thanksgiving.” “It was Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, whose efforts eventually led to what we recognize as Thanksgiving. Hale wrote many editorials championing her cause in her Boston Ladies’ Magazine, and later, in Godey’s Lady’s Book. Finally, after a 40-year campaign of writing editorials and letters to governors and presidents, Hale’s obsession became a reality when, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving.” “Thanksgiving was proclaimed by every president after Lincoln. The date was changed a couple of times, most recently by Franklin Roosevelt, who set it up one week to the next-to-last Thursday to create a longer Christmas shopping season. Public uproar against this decision caused the president to move Thanksgiving back to its original date two years later. And in 1941, Thanksgiving was finally sanctioned by Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November.”

—Jerry Wilson, “The Thanksgiving Story,” Thanksgiving Traditions and History Web Site, Wilstar.com. I am so glad that we have Thanksgiving as a way to remind us to give thanks to God for all of God’s many blessings. Even in these difficult economic and financial conditions, we can join our pilgrim ancestors in giving thanks to God as they did in the midst of their terrible hardships. As the worship song says, “Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ his Son. And now let the weak say, ‘I am strong’; let the poor say, ‘I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us.’ ” Give thanks with a grateful heart to God for all that God has done for you! We wish the best for you and your family during this Thanksgiving Season. We give thanks to God for you!

I Love Being Your 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

Have you and your family made it to Gateway yet? In case you haven’t, it is definitely something you don’t want to miss! We consider Gateway the place where kids can teach their parents and where we are can grow together in our relationship with Christ. It is an additional time of worship, study, prayer, singing, and learning for our families and our community! Dinner is provided every week. See you from 5-7pm every Sunday in November!

Family Bible Workshop Want to learn more the books of the Bible, how the Bible came into existence, and make some great tools...all while learning how to use your Bible? Then you and your family (no matter what kind of family you have) are invited to join us on Sunday, November 10 from 10:15-12 for a Family Bible Workshop. Please email or call Devon if you would like to come!

Operation Christmas Child Join us on Sunday, November 17 at 12pm to wrap boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We will also be packing boxes during Sunday school. So during the month of November, please bring in items you would like to donate to this great cause! Please make sure you have the boxes ready and we can wrap the boxes and create cards for the children. This is such a great way to begin to get into the Christmas spirit-by giving! If you have any questions, please contact Mary King at 492-9809.

GALAXY: Sunday School On Sunday, September 1

Gateway made a few modifications in our Sunday morning

schedule. Here are the changes we made! Don’t come to the classroom to

drop your children off.

1. Children will be going into worship for the first 15 minutes of the service for a time of praise and worship. Then the children will be encouraged to come into room 108 and 205 for a message and lesson that is appropriate for them.

2. Galaxy Sunday School will continue until 10:15 every Sunday. This allows for parents to fellowship after worship.

3. Parent Sunday School will begin at 10:15 in room 103. Come and be a part of this wonderful class.

4. While parents are in class, children will have time to dig deeper into the lesson.

5. If you get a chance, please download the app for your phone called “Parent Cue” from Orange. This app can be put on your phone and allows for families to engage in daily devotionals, fun activities that connect to the weekly lesson, and download the theme song for the month, and podcasts about parenting.

Stop Hunger Now You are invited to signup to work at this event on Saturday, November 23 to help make meals. Stop Hunger Now is an international organization that provides nutritious meals in countries all over the world. Our goal is to make 25,000 meals in that time frame. This is a great opportunity for your family to serve others together. Help make an impact to STOP HUNGER! Leadership Teams Devon is in the process of creating 4 different leadership teams to help oversee and implement Children and Family Ministry. We will be creating teams for Galaxy, Gateway, Major Events, and Adult Education. If you would be interested in serving in one of these areas, please contact Devon. We hope to have these teams in place by the end of the year.

Lots going on this month. We have our Rev 3 Triathlon Fundraiser on Friday the 8th- Sunday the10th. We have Trampoline night on Friday the15th and we will be wrapping shoe boxes on Sunday the 17. On Friday the 22nd the Jr. high kids will be going to the Hillsong United concert in Tampa, we will then return to the church that evening and have a "Lock in" till

Saturday morning. We will be with Will Deifenbach and his youth from Englewood United Methodist Church. Tickets are $30.00 this includes our Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning. If you need any information about these events please call Mike at the church or at 941 451-3824. Confirmation Sunday is November 24. We have 5 youth who will be taking their Confirmation vows. Payton Harris, Audrey Harris, Haley Vidolin, Shane Toepfer, and Paul Mackey. Congratulations to each of them, they have worked very hard studying the Word and the ways of the Methodist Church. We are so proud of them and hope the entire congregation will be there to welcome them to our Church family.

Grace Travel sponsored by United Methodist Men 2014 HOLY LAND TOUR

Bishop Ken Carter will be leading the Florida Conference on a Holy Land Tour May 12-21, 2014, with Educational Opportunities Tours. The all-inclusive pricing begins at $3,398. Contact Jerry

Mumford or Pastor Jim for more information. Brochures are available at the travel table in the Narthex.

2014 Grace Travel Dec. 11 - Palm Dinner Theater, "Swingin Christmas" $70.00 Jan-Feb. Cruise Jan 25-Feb. 2, 2014 Cruise March - Baseball game, date, TBD March 27 - Sarasota “Sailor Circus" $30.00 April 9 - Palm Dinner Theater, "Les Miserable’s" $80.00

Meetings

United Methodist Men

Grace United Methodist Women are currently asking for new and used items for our sales at the Pancake Breakfasts beginning in October. We will price the items, unless you wish to set a certain price. If so, mark the price in RED prior to donating. No clothing or furniture, but all other donations are very much appreciated. Questions? Contact Judy Johnson 488-6929.

United Methodist Women

PANCAKE BRAKFAST: The breakfasts are every 1st and 3rd Saturday morning through April. For those of you that helped make last year’s breakfast such a success I hope I can count on you again. Please come to TFEC at 7:30 am for servers and clean up or 7:00 for kitchen duty. If you didn’t help last year and you want to be a part of this church outreach, all are welcome. Please see me on a Pancake Breakfast Saturday morning. If you don’t feel you can work the breakfast you can still help by coming to breakfast and letting us serve you. We do a great job!

United Methodist Men Supper will be held in Punch Hall at 6:00p.m., Monday, November 4, 2013. The dinner will be prepared by the United Methodist Women. Please call your reservation in no later than noon on the meeting day. The Southwest District of Florida in Lakeland will provide a speaker to explain the purpose of United Methodist Men. The plan is to re-certify with both the Local Conference and the General Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. This year John Milton will represent our group with the Southwest district, distribute their materials and review the possibilities of leading interested members in attending a Southwest district or Florida Conference retreat. We had 17 in attendance at the opening meeting; however we missed many of you! The leaders for our group for 2014 were introduced. Our speakers shared information on the Salvation Army, Interfaith Outreach covered Community Dinners and Habitat for Humanity.

United Methodist Women—LIVING OUT VISION United Methodist Women is turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world. We provide opportunities and resources to grow spiritually, become more deeply rooted in Christ and put faith into action. We are organized for growth, with flexible structures leading to effective witness and action. We equip women and girls around the world to be leaders in communities, agencies, workplaces, governments and churches. We work for justice through compassionate service and advocacy to change unfair policies and systems. We provide educational experiences to lead to personal change in order to transform the world.

Luncheon Meeting: Grace United Methodist Women Luncheon Meeting on Tues. Nov. 12 with 11:30 lunch in Punch Hall. World Thank Offering—Ayleen Durrer. Circle Meetings: All Grace women are invited. On Tuesday, November 19 at 9:30 AM, the day circles meet in Punch Hall areas. We encourage new membership.

Men’s Club Dinner Monday, November 4 at 6:00 PM in Punch Hall

United Methodist Women Executive Board

Tuesday, November 12 at 10:00 AM in East Wing

United Methodist Women Luncheon Tuesday, November 12 at 11:30 AM in Punch Hall

Staff Parish Committee Meeting

Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 PM in the Library

United Methodist Women Circle Meetings Tuesday, November 15 at 9:30AM Various rooms

Finance Committee Meeting

Tuesday, November 19 at 8:00AM in the Library

Church Council Sunday, November 24 at 3:00 PM in Punch Hall

Proverbs 31 Please join the Proverbs 31 women's group on Thursday, November 14 and December 12 at 7:30 pm in Meeting Room C (This month only.) Childcare is provided!

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Proverbs 31:31

ALL SAINTS OBSERVANCE Sunday, November 3

We will celebrate All Saints Sunday on November 3 at both worship services. We will remember those members of our church family who died during this past year with a Roll Call of the Honored Dead – reading of the name, lighting of a candle, and ringing of a bell. We will also remember those special family members and friends of the church family who died during the year with an additional candle and ringing of a bell. The music that Sunday will be lead by Mary Jeanne Moorman, piano, and her sister Suzanne Berndt, organ. Be sure to come and celebrate this special Sunday.

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 5:00 Gateway, TFEC EVERY MONDAY 9:00 MMO, Nursery 10:00 Staff Meeting, Library 12:30 Preschool Dance, TFEC 6:30 Disciple I Class, Parlor B 7:00 First Place 4 Health, West Wing

EVERY TUESDAY 9:00 MMO, Nursery 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 MMO, Nursery 9:00 Piecemakers Quilting, A8 & PH 10:00 Disciple I Class, Parlor B 12:00 Preschool Gymnastics, TFEC 6:30 Boy Scouts, PH/EW/WW 6:30 Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Music Room 7:00 Al-Anon, Mtg. Rm C

EVERY THURSDAY 9:00 MMO, Nursery 12:00 Preschool Gymnastics, TFEC 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!!

NOVEMBER Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2:00PM Directory

Picture Directory taking, Parlor B

2 8:00AM Pancake Breakfast, TFEC 10:00AM Directory Picture taking, Par-lor B

3 Communion Time Change 3:00PM Stop Hunger Now Benefit Concert, Sanctuary

4 6:00PM United Methodist Men Dinner, Punch Hall

5 6 6:30PM Preschool Auction Mtg, TFEC 101 6:30PM Beth Moore BS, Library AND Christian Care giving class, Parlor B

7 4:00PM Rotary/Interact Dinner, PH

8 9

10 Mission Opportunity

11:30AM Your Turn Class gathering, PH

12:00PM Discipleship Mtg., TFEC 103

11 November Newscaster Information DUE 7:30AM Preschool Pictures, TFEC Lobby

12 7:30AM Preschool Pictures, TFEC Lobby 10:00AM UMW Executive Meeting, EW 11:30AM UMW Luncheon, PH 7:00PM Staff Parish Meeting, Chapel

13 7:30AM Pre-school Pictures, TFEC Lobby 6:30PM Beth Moore BS, Library AND Christian Care giving class, Parlor B

14 11:00AM Piecemak-ers Open House Set up, PH/WW/EW 1:30PM VOI Com-munion 6:00PM The Journey Class, WW 7:30PM Proverbs 31!, (Meeting Room

15 8:00AM Piece-makers Open House, PH/WW/EW

16 8:00AM Pancake Breakfast, TFEC 8:00AM Piecemakers Open House Set up, PH/WW/EW 10:00AM Exsultate Rehearsal, Sanctuary & MR

17 Children’s Coin Ministry 9:00AM Operation Christmas Child Wrap-ping, PH

18 4:30PM Community Dinner, PH 6:30PM Suncoast Emmaus Meeting, EW

19 8:00AM Finance Mtg, Library UMW Circle Meetings, Campus 12:30PM Preschool Directors Meeting, MRC

20 8:00AM Newscaster Collators, MRC 6:30PM Beth Moore BS, Library AND Christian Care giving class, Parlor B

21 6:30PM Scout District Mtg., EW 6:00PM The Journey Class, WW

22 5:30PM Family Movie Night, TFEC

23 10:00AM Stop Hun-ger Now, Punch Hall 3:00PM Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Choir Practice, Sanc-tuary & MR

24 Canned Food United Methodist Student Day Special Offering 12:15PM Church Council Meeting, Punch Hall

25 6:00PM Exsultate Rehearsal, Sanctuary & MR

26 10:00AM Book Lovers Group, Parlor B

27 5:45PM Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Choir Practice, Sanc-tuary & MR 7:00PM Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve

28 Thanksgiving Office Closed

29 Office Closed 6:00PM Exsultate Dress Rehearsal, Sanc-tuary & MR

30 10:00AM Exsultate Setup, Punch Hall

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!

Pick Up Take Home 11/3 Bob Bainbridge Bob Bainbridge 11/10 John Thurston Shelton Toepfer 11/17 Terry Winfrey Shelton Toepfer 11/24 Robert Waldron Monty Andrews

Randy & Lynda Johnson

Barb Newcomb Diane Slikas

11/3 F Terry Winfrey B Helen & Marlin Boruff 11/10 F Bonnie & Bill Stuck B Carol Simpson 11/17 F Marty & Art Swenson B Jack & Jill Schmidt 11/24 F Paul & Diane Cline B Judy Johnson

OCTOBER VOLUNTEERS

Thank you, OCTOBER LifeJourney Greeters

Terese Bensen, Mary King, Rose & Mike Dolan,

Jan & Bill Ewell, Maggie & Bill Rogers

Advent Devotional Our 2013 Advent Devotional this year will include devotionals written by members of our Grace Church family about Christmas memories. We need 20 persons to submit devotionals for the weekdays during Advent. Sundays will include the Advent Wreath candlelighting devotionals. Sign up for a day by calling the church office. Utilize the “Upper Room” format for your devotional: A scripture reading, the devotional (around the Christmas theme), and a brief prayer. The devotionals should be submitted by email in “Word” format to the church office no later than November 8.

3 Seth & Lisa vonMarschall 7 Richard & June Kagy Clint & Tammy Dreyer 13 Ed & Teri-Jo Scott 20 David & Beth Levan 21 Mark & Kristen Mikarts 24 M Bill & Janie Ewell 27 Bryon & Tony Clinger Jack & Evelyn Mahoney 29 Rick & Catherine Kallman

1 Karen Donoghue Bryon Clinger 3 Carol Erb 4 Janet Cavallo Katie McVicker 5 Will Cogburn Bill Maule Kerri Dieffenwierth Geno Maniago 6 Allison Laudenslager 7 Andrew Hager Robert Koehler 10 Jerry Craw 11 Doris Baldwin Thomas Blake 12 Jon Allen Sue Nash

13 Doug Fingles James Dieffenwierth Cari Ann Berbert 14 Marge Buchanan Joan Bertuglia Pastor Jim Mitchell 15 Donna Gilliam 16 Helen Dickinson David Levan Brian Horvath Michael Williams Richard Hofmann Jacob Hunt Matthew Cary 17 Shellie Matosky Ryan Mikarts Terry Winfrey 18 Rosalee Fish Kaitlyn Kramer 19 Andrea Poole

20 Dorothy Behm Nina Howard 21 Harold Dore William Burroughs 24 Suzi Mills Lois Probst 26 Jim Tallman 27 Hazel Davis Jane Gill Pam Hinton Arla Henthorn 28 Faith Kern Chris Remo 29 David Schoenthaler Dick Hawke

News from the

The Trustees spent the month of September and October getting the Parsonage ready for the new Pastor and his family. This project is now completed and the Pastor and family have moved in. We had a lot of volunteer help and it was very much appreciated. The Trustees wish to thank all who helped, and gave words of wisdom. The following Campus projects were worked on in October: 1. We had a request from a few of our church ladies for a

Butterfly garden. Three of our Community Service helpers pitched in, and in two days, we had a beautiful Butterfly garden made with lots of love and care. We even have a bench to enjoy the view. The Trustees bough the mulch, ($100) and the ladies and some donations are taking care of the bushes and plants. 10/17 we had our first butterfly in the garden.

2. We received about 2,000 turtle stakes, and paint, from Mote Marine Lab. For the Community Service helpers to repaint. These yellow stakes will be used for the 35 miles of nesting beach under Mote control. These stakes will be ready for the 2014 turtle nesting season. Our Brownie Troop, Summer Camp kids, and others have also helped in this painting project. (no cost)

3. We have replaced both the TFEC and Parsonage water heaters. (about $4,000)

4. During the last rain storm the Pre-school and TFEC developed some small leaks. Our roof contractor did the repairs on both buildings. ($700)

5. We have been notified that the Trustees have an estate check, on the way.

6. Our old lawn blower has passed away. We will purchase a new one when they go on sale.

7. The Punch Hall security project is underway and will be completed soon. ($1,299)

8. All Parsonage locks have been changed. (about $250) 9. Sidewalk pressure cleaning is underway, rugs are being

cleaned, white tables and chairs are being cleaned, all by our Community Service helpers.

10. Painting of the bell towers last two sections and the steeple are on hold due to lack of funding.

11. Trustees are doing a study to see what signs in the church need to be updated, added or repaired. If you are new, it is very hard to find a room. We have divided this project into six parts. We have a sign contractor that will help us do the project. (about $3,242)

12. Trustees, once again, are looking into how we can cut our big electric bill each month.

13. We are also checking into more window blinds, for the TFEC

14. As of October 11 the church mortgage is down to $231,447.28

If you would like to help on any project please contact a Trustee or Gene Stover at 941-716-0636.

Once again this November, our church will host the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service in our Sanctuary. The service will be on

Wednesday, November 27, at 7:00 PM. A chorus made up of members of the choirs from the various participating organizations will lead the service. All are welcome to be a part of this mass choir - just show up for a rehearsal on Saturday, Nov 23 at 3pm, and again an hour prior to the service. Let me know if you’re interested in participating in the choir. If you've never attended one of these very meaningful services, make your plans now to join us in the sanctuary of Grace United Methodist Church on Thanksgiving Eve, November 27, at seven o'clock. You may think you're too busy to stop in the middle of you plans for Thanksgiving, but I promise you that you will receive a blessing from this beautiful service. Happy Thanksgiving from the entire Traditional Music Department at Grace Church! Your humble village organist,

Gene Hodges

Hello Grace family! It's very common these days that our daily experience of worship is heavily rooted in the music we listen to. This could happen almost anywhere: you could be at home, in your car, listening to the radio, or even on your computer. In our hectic daily lives, sometimes we sing the words without really thinking about what they mean. We just sing along with a catchy tune and go about our day. Experiencing new music can be the source of a deeper way to worship. Sure, it's easier to sing along with a familiar song because you know it so well but maybe the song has lost meaning for you. Sometimes hearing and/or reading the words to a new song you've never heard can bring you back to a place of focusing on what those words really mean to you. Even if you miss a word or sing the wrong note, you can still praise Him for all He has done! But one thing is for certain, whether you know the song or not: God loves to hear a joyful noise! So sing, friends! Sing with your whole heart and soul and open yourselves to the possibility of God touching you through new songs and words of worship. You might be surprised at the result! In His song, Andrea Poole LifeJourney Worship Leader

MEMORIALS MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF HAROLD WHITE by Debra Coager, Linda & Don Stewart, Karen & Bill Oldenburg, Kenny Christiansen, Jr., Children of Ilene & Kenneth Christiansen, Sr., Kenneth Kakol, George & Sue Skog. ORGAN FUND IN MEMORY OF MARY LEA JOHNSON by Olney & Jean Needham. CHOIR FUND IN MEMORY OF MARY LEA JOHNSON by Judith Johnson.

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.

September Special Offerings Missions: $320.00 UMCOR: $50.00 Children’s Home: $211.00 Coin Ministry: $142.20

FINANCE CORNER Yes it is budget time again. SO I have been asked why we do a budget. Here are a few reasons why we do a budget in the church and why I do a budget for our household. 1. Living without a budget is similar to traveling across the country without a roadmap. While both can be accomplished, the result is usually expensive and wasteful. A budget lists every anticipated expense in major categories that can be directly tied to actual expenditures. 2. A budget will reveal where every dollar is currently being spent. 3. Discussions over the budget can reveal differences in priorities that may often cause conflict. 4. Efforts to stay within the budget will build new spending habits that can be maintained over time. Working within the budget will shift actual expenses from unnecessary categories into the most essential categories. 5. Budgeting all monthly expenditures will change the mindset toward money. Instead of spending impulsively, money will be valued as a tool to reach goals and fulfill needs. 6. A detailed budget that is compared against the actual monthly expenditures will reveal the incorrect use of money. The church budget for 2014 will be finalized by the end of December. The essential expenses of the church are approximately $800,000. Please pray that through our financial campaign this year that we will be able to provide some new programs in the church and start to look at our 5 year financial plan. Diane Bender , Finance Chair Manage your giving online: GUMC is excited to announce

that you can now manage your giving online! Giving online is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have access to the Internet. Simply follow these east steps: 1. Visit the church website at www.graceontheisland.com 2. Click on the on line giving button, 3. Click on the Create Profile button, then 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online

profile and to schedule your recurring contributions.

2013 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN – first: putting GOD first in living and giving Why do we give? Because God gives. In the beginning God gave order to the chaos and brought forth life. When things fell apart, God gave in a way that God had never given before. God gave us himself by becoming one of us. “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” God gave us the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. God gives. And forgives. Then God forgives some more. The very fact that we know anything about God is itself a gift from God. Everything that ever has been is now, and will always be a gift from God. God gives. And so we give. You have been challenged during the month of October to put God first in living and giving. Many of you have also responded to the challenge by making a financial commitment to God’s work through Grace UMC for 2014. We give thanks to God for those commitments. If you have not filled out your 2014 Commitment Card yet, please do so as soon as possible. Commitment Cards are available in the Church Office and on Sunday mornings from the ushers. Place your card in the offering basket or bring it to the Church Office. God gives and so we give. first – putting GOD first in living and giving.

The Piecemakers’ News

Piecemakers Fall Open House Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16

8:00 am - 1:00 pm. You are invited to join the quilters in Punch Hall for refreshments and a display of the many quilts, wall hangings, table runners, placemats, bags, seasonal and gift items that have been made over the past year. All items will be for sale. All proceeds from the open house will benefit our church and its missions. The Piecemakers meet on Wednesdays in the East Wing from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. All are welcome to join us in our mission or to stop by to see us at work. 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.” You can also find our table of handmade quilts and gifts at the Pancake Breakfasts. 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.

NON– PERISHABLE ITEMS ONLY, PLEASE!

Mark through the bar code then place in the shopping cart located in the

TFEC Lobby and Narthex. ALSO check the expiration date!!

Thank you for your support!!

Saving Campbell’s Soup Labels for the Red Bird Mission

This mission outreach supports a school that is

teaching new job skills, music programs and much more. Please save the circled part of the coupons. If

that is not present they are considered void.

SEPTEMBER 2013 ATTENDANCE

Worship - 311 Sunday School - 70 Yearly Attendance Average Worship - 451

Operation Christmas Child Takes Off!

Operation Christmas Child sends a message of hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and Christian literature. This program provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages to be involved in a simple,

hands-on missions project that reaches out to suffering children while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ, God's greatest gift. Since 1993 over 100 million boxes have been collected and distributed in over 150 countries. The Gospel was shared in over 45 languages. For Alex in Rwanda it was a candy cane, for Albert in Rwanda it was a notebook, for Perla in Mexico it was a toothbrush. The list could go on, each item different and seemingly insignificant yet God used each one as the catalyst to change lives. This Christmas, you can share the love and hope of Jesus Christ with a needy child by using a simple shoe box. Operation Christmas Child is an easy mission project that every member and family can participate by bringing a gift-filled shoe box to church on Sunday November 10 or 17th. The congregation will join together to wrap shoeboxes in Punch Hall from 10-11am November 17. Wrapping paper, tape and scissors would be appreciated. If you want to wrap your shoebox ahead of time, please wrap the bottom and the lid separately, put a rubber band around it, label and enclose $7 to help with shipping costs. Be sure to include a note and picture of yourself too. Brochures with suggestions for gifts and instructions will be available at tables or in the church office or contact Mary King at 492-9809. What’s really inside each box you prepare? Not just toys and gifts, but love, hope, joy and an opportunity to share the message of God’s love with children all over the world.

On October 20 our latest Financial Peace University Class graduated. Congratulations to all of those that have participated! During the 9 weeks the class collectively paid an additional $5300 towards debt, saved $8000, and cut up 9 credit cards. What a great start to impacting your financial future and finding Financial Peace!

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.

NEWSCASTER DEADLINE Please submit all articles by November 11 for inclusion in the December Newscaster. Thank you, Katrina Cook

INTER-FAITH THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE, Wednesday, November 27, 7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Service

You are invited to the ninth annual Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Worship Service at Grace United Methodist Church, 7:00 p.m. on November 27, 2013. Rev. Cass Weisman, Suncoast Cathedral MCC, will be the main speaker and members of the local clergy and the Venice Interfaith Community Association will participate in this traditional service of Thanksgiving. The date coincides this year with the first night of Chanukah and Rabbi Dan Krimsky, Jewish Congregation of Venice, will light the first candle on the menorah and speak of the holiday's significance as a time to celebrate religious freedom. A community interfaith choir will be formed for this service under the direction of Deborah Berioli. Two rehearsals are scheduled: Saturday, November 23, at 3p.m., and November 27, at 5:45 p.m. Interested singers are encouraged to join the choir by contacting Deborah Berioli, by email at mail@deborahberioli.com, or by phone: (941) 284-5972. A voluntary love offering will be received to benefit the All Faiths Food Bank. Please make checks payable to Venice Interfaith Community Association. Refreshments will be served after the service. Invite your friends and neighbors to be a part of this wonderful time of thanksgiving in community!

STOP HUNGER NOW MEAL PACKAGING EVENT Saturday, November 23, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Punch Hall GOAL: Package 10,000 Meals

COST: $2,500 or 25 cents a meal

The meal packaging event with “Stop Hunger Now” assemble meals consisting of rice, soy, dehydrated, vegetables, and vitamins that are used to support development programs such as school feeding programs, vocational training programs, early childhood development programs, orphanages, and medical clinics. Working with these programs helps enhance lives by giving beneficiaries the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty through education, skills development, and health care while also receiving much needed nutrition. Founded in 1998, Stop Hunger Now has delivered aid and disaster relief supplies in the form of food, medicines, medical supplies, medical equipment, clothing, school supplies, and more to thousands of disaster victims and other hungry and vulnerable people in 65 countries. More than 300,000 volunteers from corporations, churches, schools and civic organizations have packaged more than 110, 000,000 Stop Hunger Now meals. The Florida Conference has set a goal of One Million Meals during 2013-2014. Grace will do our part by hosting a meal packaging event for 10,000 meals. What we need for the STOP HUNGER NOW Meal Packaging Event: Funds: $2,500 for 10,000 meals or 25 cents a meal. Come to the Benefit Concert on November 3. Volunteers: 11:00 a.m. Set Up Crew - Truck arrives Need 8-10 volunteers to unload - need to be able to handle 75 lb. pkgs. 12:30 p.m. Begin packaging First Shift - 20 volunteers of all ages 1:30 p.m. Second Shift – 20 volunteers of all ages 2:30 p.m. Clean Up Crew Finish packaging. Tear down tables, clean facility & load truck. Please volunteer for: Set Up Crew, First Shift, Second Shift, Clean Up Crew by calling the Church Office or signing up on Sunday mornings. Thank you for helping to STOP HUNGER NOW (www.stophungernow.org) !

STOP HUNGER NOW BENEFIT CONCERT Mark your calendar and save Sunday afternoon, November 3 at 3:00pm. You’ll want to be present for the benefit presented by Sarah Rideout Slight in support of GUMC’s pledge to package 10,000 meals for “Stop Hunger Now.” A free-will offering will be taken with the goal of reaching the $2,500 needed to fully fund the project. The program will include a short skit written by Paul Cline, and Sarah will sing many favorite songs of yesteryear. She will be assisted by Rev. Warren Wasson and Mary Jeanne Moorman. You won’t want to miss it!

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

Mike Kramer, Interim Youth Director Gene Hodges, Organist/Director, Traditional Music

Andrea Poole, Interim Praise Team Leader Ashlei Anderson, Family Ministries Intern

Patsye Dulmer, Preschool Director Scott Dowdy, Interim Finance Manager

Katrina Cook, Church Secretary Frank Hall, Custodian

Karen Bowles, Housekeeper Mary Davis, Housekeeper

Mary Jeanne Moorman, Pianist Tyler Sherknus, Sunday Opening/Setup

POLICY REMINDERS to re-inform the congregation of some regular policies & procedures and date information at Grace. Policies/Procedures: 1. Room Reservations: Any time you wish to use any Grace Campus

room (s) or equipment, please see Trina in the church office. There is a schedule that will need to be checked first and paperwork filled out for both the office and custodians.

2. Groups currently using rooms: If your group currently uses a space and needs a larger space, a different date/time, or are not meeting (any changes to your regular event) please see Trina in the church office so we can be sure your needs can be met.

3. Table reservations: Any time you wish to have tables or easels in the TFEC lobby or Narthex, please see Trina in the church office. There is a schedule that will need to be checked first and paperwork filled out for both the office and custodians.

These policies/procedures are in place to ensure your space or equipment will be available to you and applies to anyone within the congregation, staff and outside groups. The last thing that we want is for you to be planning on using a space or table and it is already in use by another group. Due Date Information: 1. Information for Sunday bulletins, Sunday Power Point slides,

Sunday Morning public announcements, posters and tables are due 10 days prior to the date.

2. Newscaster due date schedule is located on the bulletin board in the staff office hallway or in the work room on the bulletin board.

Thank you, Grace Staff

Thanksgiving is upon us and we have so much to be thankful for. We will celebrate with luncheons, field trips and Thanksgiving lessons. We will also be collecting canned food for the food pantry as a Thanksgiving offering. We had eye screening for our children on October 23rd. This service was provided by the Venice Lions Club. We also had speech screening provided by church member Becky Delaney. The preschool will be closed November 27-29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. We hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy family and friends and all the things we can be thankful for. Gobble, Gobble!!