The rummage sale is March 10th.  People come looking for bargains and find their Easter outfit, children's clothing, costumes for skits, items to re-craft into a treasure, kitchen gadgets, books and tapes, perhaps a piece of furniture or a picture frame.  We have sold everything from kitchen sinks to fur stoles.  Use these winter days to sort through closets, cupboards, cabinets, shelves and bins.  If you no longer use it, why keep it?  We will sell your cast-offs at rummage sale prices, and the profit will go toward paying down the mortgage on our beautiful building.  Do not bring sale items to the church until the week before the sale. There is no place to store them.  Thank you for your cooperation again this year.

Perrsons who are wanting to plug in to Grace Church are invited to a meeting on Sunday, March 4th at 5:00 p.m. in the OARC (Adult Wing).  At this time, persons will learn about the ways of serving through Grace and learning more about the mission of Grace Church.  Membership will also be discussed.  Questions?  See Cathy Liddle, Pastor Andy, or Pastor Jenothy.

Kids Against Hunger
Are You HUNGRY to Make a DIFFERENCE?  You can, one quarter at a time!  Children’s Ministry is excited to announce that Grace Church will be hosting their second Kids Against Hunger event in March of 2012!  Last year our efforts raised enough money to pack 58,000 meals!  That same food is now being used to feed children under the care of UM Missionary Tom Heaton in Guatemala!    $7,000 dollars  will send 30,000 meals in support of Tom and the feeding program at Nueva Esperanza! The more we raise the more meals we can send.   But wait, it gets better!  Our efforts will be combined with the six other United Methodist churches that make our Johnson County Cluster Group.  Together we hope to pack over 80,000 meals  and ALL the food will be distributed between local food pantries and Tom’s efforts in Guatemala!   WE CAN DO THIS!! It only takes one quarter at at time!  It all begins with YOU! 

We are closing in our our March 24th packing date and I wish to thank you in advance for your support and excitement of this amazing project.  To date, we have collecgted $6,548 toward our goal of $10,000.   Remember, the more we collect the more food we can pack, the more children we can help!  Please keep the quarters coming and if you haven't picked up you M&M tube yet, stop by the Children and Youth Welcome table and get one today!  One tube full of quarters provide 80 meals!

Grace will be hosting a night out to support KAH.  No flyer needed, just simply come out and dine!  Tell friends, family, and neighbors about it, so we can make our goal and package more meals.  Drive thru/carryout out and dine in will all count towards KAH. 

February 28, Chicago's Pizza, 5-8 p.m.
March 19, McDonald's Night, 5-8 p.m. - McDonald's near the I-65 exchange is allowing us to dine and a portion of the proceeds will go to KAH.  15% of their profit that night to KAH!

Join us on March 11 for our "Ten for Them" Walk/Run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Start and end at Grace Church.

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU for your enthusiasm and support of this endeavor.  We pray God's blessing upon our efforts and for the children and families that will receive the food.   See Pastor Jenothy if you have any questions. 

Kid's Faith Sticks/Drama Team Wonderful Wednesday's Class
Children in the 3rd through 6th grade are invited to participate in a Wednesday night class in the Schrader Youth Center. The children's drama team will learn faith-sticks routines and dramas to present in worship services and for other groups in the church. Join us to have fun practicing routines and learning dramas to glorify God!

Children's Musical
It's that time of year again! The children's musical will be presented on Saturday and Sunday, April 14th and 15th.  Rehearsals will start on Sunday, February 12th from Noon to 1PM in room 3 of the children's wing.  Children in kindergarten through the 6th grade are eligible to participate.  If you have any questions, please contact Stacey Erdman at 777-9677 or staceyerdman@yahoo.com or Cheryl Bixler at 422-1937 or bixlerc@franklinschools.org

Nursery/Toddler Rooms for children 3 yrs and under are available.  For more information or to find those rooms, see Pastor Jenothy or an usher.  A Cry Room is available if your young children are with you in service and become upset.  It is located in the hallway across from the Sanctuary (just off the main church lobby).

Nursery
The nursery is in need of donations of extra clothing particularly in sizes 2T and 3T and pull-ups.  If you can donate extra clothing or pull-ups, please drop these items off at the children's ministry office in the children's wing.  Thank you!

Super Church is for children 4 through 2nd grade during each service.  Children are dismissed during the offering and return to the Sanctuary near the end of the service.

Sunday School
Classes are available for 2 year olds through 4th grade in the Children's Ministry Wing.

Kids Club
The theme for this session of Kid Club is "Learning to be more like Jesus".  We are in need of extra volunteers.  All lessons/activities will be ready for the volunteers to implement each evening.  If you can help with Kids Club at any of the upcoming Wonderful Wednesday sessions, please contact Stacey Erdman at 777-9677 or staceyerdman@yahoo.com

Kids Club is selling snacks and cookies for $1.00 a bag in the Lobby as their way to support Kids Against Hunger.

 

United Methodist Women are women organized for mission.

Our local unit of United Methodist Women here at Grace United Methodist Church contributes to mission locally - both financially and through gifts of service and needed items. In 2011 we gave $9,956.77 to missions both here in Franklin and throughout the world. 
 
In addition to monetary contributions, other outreach projects during 2011 included Trunk your Treat, dinners for families in crisis, making dresses for little girls in Haiti, funeral dinners, clothing distribution in conjunction with Santa Shop, community clean-up and paper recycling.

Would you like more information about United Methodist Women?  Call Joy Stukey at 736-1385.

Susannah and Naomi Circle Join Forces
The Susannah and Naomi Circle have decided to join together as one Circle.   Please note that we do not meet in February. 

Recycle Newspapers at Grace
Please remember to bring your newspaper to the Recycle Bin behind Grace Church in the parking lot corner.  The Mary's Circle receives income from this collection site which it uses to help mission projects in the community.  Thanks for bringing your newspapers to Grace Church to  be recycled!

Human Trafficking
On Thursday, March 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the FUMC Fellowship Room, the United Methodist Women is sponsoring a program for all the women of the church on a very important issue:  Human Trafficking.  While this issue might seem like it does not affect us, the 2010 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report says that 12.3 million people worldwide are forced into bonded labor or prostitution.  Please come hear a special presentation on this important issue.

UMW Meetings
Circles meet each month as follows:

Executive Committee, 1st Thursday, 7 p.m.
Friendship Circle, 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m.    
Joanna Circle, 3rd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.
Mary Circle, 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Priscilla Circle, 2nd Thursday, 10 a.m.
Susannah Circle, 2nd Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.

You are invited to attend any circle.  Call Joy Stukey (736-1385) for information or the church office to find out meeting locations.

Men’s Lenten Breakfast
The Men’s Lenten Breakfasts will begin on Saturday, February 25th, at 7:30 a.m. with a District Breakfast at the University of Indianapolis. Men from Grace UMC will meet at the church on that day at 7:00 a.m. to attend.  All men welcomed!  Grace will host the County Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, March 24th, at 7:30 a.m. in Price Hall.

Men’s Lenten Breakfast Schedule
February 25 - University of Indianapolis 7:030 am
March 3 - Greenwood UMC  7:30 am
March 10 - Whiteland UMC  7:30 am
March 17 - Mount Auburn UMC  7:30 am
March 24 - Grace UMC  7:30 am
March 31 - Smith Valley UMC  7:30  am

Potato Drop Set
The Men of Grace Church will be sponsoring a Potato Drop on Saturday, November 17th, 2012. A Potato Drop is a ministry of the St. Andrews Society. Over 40,000 lbs of potatoes will be coming to Grace Church to be distributed among families in need. 

Men’s Prayer Group
Remember to attend the Men’s Prayer Group on Saturday mornings at 7:15 a.m. in the Wesley Room at Grace Church.  Open to all men.

Men’s Bible Study
Remember that the Men’s Bible Study meets on Wednesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. in the Wesley Room. Topic: Galatians.

Men’s Steering Team
The following men will be serving on the Men’s Steering Team: Harry Miller, Willis Good, Jim Roseman, Chet Pietras, Brian Muse, Earl Stiff, and Tom Gilmore.

Men’s Emmaus Walk
MEN'S Emmaus WALK #83 will take place on April 12th thru April 15th at Camp Lakeview near Columbus. Cost is $85.00.  Lay Director of the Walk is Chuck Goode.  See Earl Stiff for more info.  A great renewal opportunity for men!

Kic-It – Kids in Crisis Intervention Team
A new ministry has emerged in Franklin and Johnson County to assist and work with at-risk and homeless youth:  Kic-It is a new initiative that brings together social agencies, churches, civic groups, individuals to leverage resources to make a difference.  

The Fellowship Circle of United Methodist Women, along with the Missions Team, invites persons to donate the following items to Kic-It:
 

Bring these items to the Missions Corner in Price Hall.  Other avenues of helping Kic-It are also available:  volunteering and giving.   To learn more about Kic-It go to www.kic-it.org.

Interchurch Food Pantry Project
Bring cans of tuna to the “Tuna Table” in the Lobby between January 20th and February 14th for our “Food Drive for the Interchurch Food Pantry.”  This is part of our Johnson County Cluster of UMC’s Mission Focus in 2012.  To celebrate the Food Collection by the Johnson County United Methodist Churches, a "Concert of Prayer" will take place on Sunday, February 25th, at 5:00 p.m. at Smith Valley UMC in Center Grove.  All are welcome to attend.

Non-Expired Medications
Grace Church is still collecting non-expired medications for the St. Thomas Clinic near Whiteland. Please bring medications to the church office.

The Lord's Cupboard Ministry - Persons who would like to donate clothing items and/or furniture items to the Lord's Cupboard may do so any time during the year.  The Lord's Cupboard is located on North Johnson Avenue in Franklin.  (items donated are also tax deductable.)

Funeral Dinners Ministry - Kitchen help is needed for funeral dinners.  If you are not a member of a UMW Circle, and would be interested in helping with funeral dinners either by donating food, helping serve food, or cleaning up, please contact either Sandy Trueblood or Nina Miller.

Kitchen Ministry
Occasional kitchen help is needed for Wonderful Wednesdays. If you would be interested in helping with food preparation or clean up, please call either Nina Miller or Georgia Stiff

Greeters Ministry  
 If you like to meet people and could serve a few Saturdays or Sundays a year as Door Greeters, we would like to hear from you.  Please contact Jane Bingham, 736-7065, for more details or to volunteer.

Click here for Adult Discipleship and Learning Opportunities.

Adult Sunday School Classes
Note the following classes on Sunday mornings:

 Meet & Greet (A104) – “The Noticer”
 Seekers (A105) – Holy Land Revealed
 Crusaders (A101) – Adult Bible Series
 Faith-Sharing (OARC) – The God I Don’t Believe In
 New Family Class (Wesley) – How Children Raise Parents
 Prayer Class (A103) – Be a Circle Maker

New Sunday School Classes
"Be a Circle Maker:  A Four Week Class on Prayer" - Sign up at the Welcome Center for this class on prayer and begin to view prayer in a new way.  Books are $5.00.  Persons who want to grow in prayer will want to be a part of this conversation.  Class will begin on Sunday, January 29th at 10:15 a.m. in A103 in the Adult Education wing.  Pastor Andy, leading.

"How Children Raise Parents" - We often realize that we learn as much from our children as they learn from us. So why don’t parents approach the task of child-rearing as a learning experience, rather than a mandate to make sure their kids succeed in life?  To reduce the pressure and enjoy greater closeness in our families, turn your parenting upside-down by allowing God to use your children to help you grow up. Imagine what would happen if you began to prize what you’re being taught by your children’s quirks, failures, and normal childhood dilemmas, rather than worrying about whether you’re doing everything right as a parent. Now you can let go of the pressure to make sure your children succeed, and instead learn to grow into spiritual maturity by listening to your children.A new class will begin on parenting on Saturday, January 29th at 10:15 a.m. in the Wesley Room with Pastor Jenothy.  Sign up at the Welcome Center!  Come and learn!

New Caregiving Class
A new class on Christian caregiving will begin on Sunday, February 26th at 10:15 a.m. in the Wesley Room (off the Lobby).  Teacher:  Cathy Liddle  Cost of Book:  $10.00.  The class will focus on the attitudes, disciplines, skills, and practices necessary to foster and carry out healthy forms of caregiving.  Sign up at the Welcome Center.

Wonderful Wednesdays
These classes are now meeting in the Adult Education Wing on Wednesdays.
 How the Bible Came to Be (OARC) – Pastor Andy
 The Jesus Creed (A101)– Joe Sanford
 Practicing God’s Presence (A103) – Gina Huff
 Tiger or Missional Parent? (A104) – Pastor Jenothy
 Becoming a Contagious Christian (A105) – Rev. Tom True

The Trustees are looking for volunteers to join the team that cuts our grass during warm weather.  Call Bill Hebert at 850-7726 or Laura Bowman at 736-7962 for more information.

Beck House Update
The Missions Team would like to share that $25,000.00 remains on balance to construct the Beck House in Kigoma in Tanzania.  The Beck House will serve as a “Guest House” for persons who visit Joy in the Harvest.  To give to this Mission Project, simply mark the check “Beck House.”  The goal is to raise this amount in 2012.

Crop Walk
Total for 2011 = $13,296.98
Grace, the highest contributor, gave:  $1,919

Alaska Mission Trip
Plans are earnestly underway for the Alaska Mission Trip in July 2012.  Please see Dr. Glen Carlstrand for more information. Various skill sets are needed to carry out the work.  A Sign Up sheet is on the Welcome Center.  Mission Scholarships are available.  This will be the third year Grace UMC will send a work team.

Stamps for Missions
Sixty pounds of used stamps were taken to the mission center at Marion, IN recently.  The Enright program for Kafa Training Center is blessed by these stamps.  Bring used stamps to the mission center in Price Hall.  Place them in the designated drawer.

Help our Troops
Please don't forget that our troops at Camp Atterbury still need personal hygiene items.  Place items in the appropriate collection drawere in the Mission Corner in Price Hall.

Prayers for McMillen's
Keep in prayer Earl and Rose Marie McMillen as they minister and serve at the McCurdy School in New Mexico in February and March.  The McCurdy School helps Native American and Hispanic children and youth.

One Great Hour of Sharing is set for March 17th and 18th.  During worship a special offering for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) will be received.  The purpose of the offering is to undergird the administrative costs of UMCOR, thus allowing 100% of all financial support to provide assistance.

Missions Corner Items
The Missions Team puts out the following plea for items to help various groups & ministries in the community.  Bring items to the Missions Corner in Price Hall.  

Christmas Sharing: Thank You!
The Missions Team would like to share the following information about the ways Grace Church gave to various projects between Thanksgiving and Christmas:

Faith-Promise Missions Support
The Missions Team would like to share the following distribution of funds to support mission projects here and around the world.  Many thanks for the faithfulness and generosity to God’s mission! 

Maytown, KY Missionary Support	$1,000
2013 Youth Mission Trip to Guatemala	$500
Lord's Cupboard Local Ministry	$500
Tuna for Food Pantry Collection	$250
Habitat for Humanity Super Build	$1,000
Brent & Beth Cravens, Missionaries to Kazakhstan	$1,000
Fletcher Place Community Center, Indy	$1,000

Sprouts E-mail List
Are you receiving e-mails about Sprouts news? If not, and you want to be included on our list, please send your e-mail address to andraland@franklingrace.org.

Sprouts Sunday School
Sprouts have a new home for Sunday school!  We now meet on Sunday morning at 10:10 am in 'Classroom One' upstairs in the Schrader Youth Center! Join us there to learn about God's word and how to apply biblical principles to pre-teen life.We are looking for parents and other interested adults to volunteer to teach a month or more of Sunday School to this group.  If you are interested in teaching the Sprouts Sunday School classs, contact Andra Land.
  

Shrove Tuesday Pancaks and Talent:  Remember to come to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Sausage Dinner with Talent Show to follow in Price Hall on Tuesday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m.  Watch to sign up to share your talent.  See Joe Sanford for more information.

Roots
Jr/Sr Youth meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday Evenings.  Focus on missions, scripture, games, and food.

Youth Band
Jr/Sr High Youth Band practices Sunday evenings 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the days we have Roots.  Next practice is March 4th.

Sunday School:  Graceland in SYC
Senior and Middle High Youth worship and have break out groups from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Schrader Youth Center.  They are working their way through the life of Jesus using the four Gospels.  Using drama, art, historical and cultural context, we strive to bring forth the message of the gospel for our time.  See Steve Wakefield or Joe P. Sanford for information.

God Squad Opportunity
Youth are watching kids at Webb School the first Tuesday of every month.  The child care helps to support Webb PTO.  If you would like to help and earn God Squad points, please contact Joe.

Youth Skit Team
Jr/Sr High youth are welcome to participate in dramas and skits.  Practice is Sundays 2-4 p.m.  Next practice is March 4th.

30 Hour Famine
Jr/Sr High youth are going to fast for 30 Hours from March 23rd -24th.  They are raising money for Kids Against Hunger and will be participating in the Kids Against Hunger Event on March 24th.  Youth are raising a minimum of $30 to participate.  Please support them by pledging.

The following items are needed at Webb School:  Clorox Wipes, Fine Line White Board Markers, and Scientific Calculators, pink bar erasers, boxes of Ticonderoga pencils, boxes of pencils, fine line dry erase markers, Double 9 dominoes.  Please place these items in the box at the Children & Youth Tablese.

There is a need for eight new Study Buddies and a Librarian Helper at Webb Elementary School.  See Pastor Andy.  Persons are needed to help between February and April on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. to assist a child.
 

Shrove Tuesday: Pancakes & Talent
Remember to come to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake and Sausage Dinner, with Talent Show to follow in Price Hall on Tuesday, February 21st, at 5:30 p.m.  Watch to sign up to share your talent.  See Joe Sanford for more info.

Ash Wednesday Services
The Season of Lent will begin on Wednesday, February 22nd, at 7:00 p.m. with the Services of Ashes in the Sanctuary. Everyone is encouraged to attend and share in this special time of worship. Focus: “Two Key Words for Lent: Clean Heart!”

FUMC  -  All invited. Pastor Jenothy and Pastor Andy will be leading the Ash Wednesday Service in Wright Chapel at the FUMC on Wednesday, February 22nd, at 9:30 a.m. 

Lenten Sermon Theme and Titles
The theme in Lent will focus on Jesus’ Famous Last Words from the cross. 
Lent One (Feb. 24th/25th) – “Father, forgive them…”
Lent Two (March 3rd/4th) – “You will be with me in paradise…”
Lent Three (March 10th/11th) – “Behold, your mother…”
Lent Four (March 17th/18th) – “Why have you forsaken me?”
Lent Five (March 24th/25th) – “I thirst”
Lent Six (March 31st/April 1st) – “Into your hands…”

Lenten Study Groups
Lenten Study Groups will focus on the Jesus’ Famous Last Words. A study is also set for the FUMC on Mondays, beginning February 27th at 1:30 p.m.  Watch for the Book on Jesus’ Last Words, which will provide a basis of reflection for the Lenten Series.

The Sanctuary for Lent
The Sanctuary for Lent 2012 Devotion Guides will be available at the Welcome Center in the Lobby beginning on Ash Wednesday. Cost:  $1.00 donation.  Reverend Robert Dodd helps persons to reflect on Jesus as life-giver. 

Writing to God:  Praying with Our Pen
Sign up to take this class with Pastor Jenothy.  The class will meet three times during the Lenten Season.  Books are available at the Welcome Center.  Cost: $15.00.

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is pleased to share information about our new Minister of Worship and Fine Arts: Rhonda Blacklock.  

Rhonda comes to Grace United Methodist Church after serving at Southport Presbyterian Church as the Director of Fine Arts Ministries. Rhonda will be assuming the position on Wednesday, February 1st. 

Rhonda began musical study at age nine with piano lessons, followed by flute and organ.  Rhonda has a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and a Master of Music (also in piano performance) from Bradley University in Peoria. A church musician since the age of twelve, she has served the church in many different capacities. Rhonda has also been very active in the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and has served as the chairperson of the Guild in Indiana. She has led children, youth, and adult handbell choirs through her tenure at Southport Presbyterian Church.

Rhonda is married to Ron Blacklock. Ron is currently the Deputy Director of Marion County Forensic Services Agency. Rhonda and Ron have been married for 28 years and have two adult children: Nick and Kaitlin.

Reception for Rhonda Blacklock
A reception will take place on Sunday, February 4th, at 10:15 a.m. in Price Hall for Rhonda and Ron Blacklock. Rhonda is the new Minister of Worship & Fine Arts.

Pledge/Commitment Cards
For persons who have not done so it is not too late to return 2012 Commitment Cards to the Church Office.  Over 200 Commitment Cards have been received to date.  The Stewardship Team thanks those who have made this commitment to Christ’s church.

Stewardship Resource
A new resource is available to those who would like to learn more about being good stewards entitled I Was Broke, But Now I’m Not by Joseph Sangl. This resource is available at the Welcome Center for $15.00. Persons will learn to become debt-free while learning basic skills to plan for retirement and other forms of debt-freedom.

Stewardship Teaching
“But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you excel in the grace of giving (2 Cor. 8:7).  Whole hearted giving has its source in God who gave himself for us in Jesus. By this great show of love we are empowered to give and excel in giving.

Ideas for Giving
The Stewardship Team wants to remind friends and members of Grace Church of the other forms of giving and sharing.  See Laura Bowman to set up these kinds of giving opportunities:
Publicly Traded Securities
Closely-Held Stock
Personal Property
Real Estate
Gifts-in-Kind
Paid-Up Insurance Policies
Charitable Lead Trusts

New E-Giving
Giving to the ministry of Grace United Methodist Church just got easier!  Online giving is now possible through e-giving:  This new approach to giving allows persons to donate via checking and savings accounts, or though credit or debit cards.  Access is also 24/7 via the internet. This process also does not reduce ‘giving’ to the act of bill-paying.  Call Laura Bowman in the Church Office to set up your e-giving account.  
                                                       

Grace United Methodist Church

An easy & secure way to contribute your offerings to God

Go to www.franklingrace.org

Click on link "Give"

Follow the easy directions to set-up recurring or one-time donations.

You can always find our latest newsletter here

Rev. Mike Beck, who served as the Senior Pastor here at Grace church from 1997  -  2006, has recently published a book entitled, “No Longer Silent:  Doing Pastoral Ministry With Excellence and Grace.”  Rev. Mike, who suffers with dystonias of the voice, eyes, & muscles in his lower face and right hand, has spent the last few years “on the sidelines” of ministry.  This led to the writing of this thought-provoking, challenging book which is filled with hundreds of lessons learned from his 25 years in pastoral ministry.  It contains numerous stories from his years in ministry here at Grace Church.  The book also contains a Study Guide which allows it to be used in small group studies.  The book is dedicated to Rev. Glen Beck and a portion of the proceeds will go to the construction of the “Glen and Myrna Beck Guest House” in Tanzania.   Copies of the book are available in the Lobby of Grace Church for $10.00 soft-cover or $16 hard cover.  For more information visit www.revmikebeck.com

It is the “morning after” my last Sunday at Grace, and I’m sitting at my desk reviewing the thoughtful cards and good wishes from my friends and colleagues.  The celebration meant so much to me ~~ from the humorous montage by the staff and choir, to the lovely reception and long line of well-wishers who greeted me. I wish I could have spoken to you during those last services, but I was concerned about keeping my composure!  The message I do want to convey is my gratefulness for your love and support through the past 25 years.

My involvement with the music ministry has been a constant and steady current in my life and has provided me with a nurturing place to grow musically and mature spiritually.  I am thankful for the devotion and loyalty of the volunteers who shared their time and talents with me. It was such a joy to make music with you.

I’m afraid that working with the staff at Grace has spoiled me for any other position. What fun we had, laughing and sharing and creating ~~ bonding as we spent time working together. I appreciate the great gifts each of them brought to the task, and the collaborative attitudes that made work a pleasure.
Finally, I am overwhelmed at the generosity of your Love Gift. Once again, you demonstrated love and kindness in a very tangible form.  Thank you so much.

I desire to maintain connection with you, and with all the easy methods of communication, there should be no excuse for not keeping in touch.  Even though I must admit my lack of technological ability, I promise to master Facebook!  My contact information is:

Sarai (Zook) St. Jayne
11031 Jones Rd. Berrien Springs, MI 49103
812-322-4381
saraizook@gmail.com

Grace Church recently decided to enroll in the Stephen Series.  The Stephen Series is a system for training laypeople to do caring ministry.  Those training for Stephen Ministry will learn skills and develop their talents for bringing Christ's healing love to people who are grieving, depressed, or experiencing other tragedy or stresses in life.  We eagerly look forward to the blessings the Stephen Series will bring our church.

Black History Month
The Committee on Church & Society will be having a display sharing information about Black History Month in the Lobby beginning in February.  Daily Devotion Guides written by the Reverend Tyrone Gordon will also be on hand for personal use at the display.  Watch for more information in the Worship Bulletins. 

Praying for Peace
The Committee on Church & Society invites persons throughout Grace Church to pray for peace and reconciliation on Wednesdays and Fridays between noon and 3:00 p.m. 

Before the Killing Begins
Grace Church will be showing the documentary Before the Killing Begins: The Politics of Mass Violence on Sunday, March 18th, at 6:00 p.m. in Price Hall.  Since the Holocaust the world has seen mass killings take place.  What seems like isolated incidents are symbolic of a larger epidemic.  Come and learn what citizens can do to make a difference and how the words never again can be more than a slogan. 

Upcoming Forums
The Committee on Church & Society will be offering other forums and classes on topics of interest:  Sacramental Faithfulness: The United Methodist Church Responds to the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints; Hijacked: How the Partisan Divide in America is Hurting the Witness of the Church; and General Conference Input and Insight. Times, places, and dates will be announced.