Good morning, friends,

Spring is bursting with energy and new life.  In the past week, trees have exploded with buds, and the blossoms will not be far behind.  The birds sound so happy in the early mornings, and even the rain doesn’t seem quite so dreary as it does in the winter months.

This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.  Palm leaves will be distributed at both morning services.  Pastor Bill’s message is titled Hosanna in the Highest and the scripture lesson is taken from Matthew 21:1-11.  Our confirmands will join the church at the 11:00 contemporary service.

As always, the Kids Village will be open all morning for childcare, Sunday School and Kids Church.  All members of our childcare staff have clearances and there is always someone with child CPR and First Aid training in the Kids Village.

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week and a very busy week at Grace Church.  Participants in the Easter drama will have several important practices for the production Why Can’t They See which will be presented in our sanctuary on Maunday Thursday and Good Friday at 7 p.m.  Please share this information with friends and family so that they have the opportunity to join us.

Spring cleaning? Set aside your book, CD, and DVD donations now for Grace Church’s Used Book Sale June 17 and 18 in the Fellowship Hall. **Please do not drop off at the church yet.** Drop off dates will be announced in late April. 100% of proceeds benefit children’s camperships and Grace Youth group. Contact Barb or Amanda Wagner, Shanda Tomer, or the church office with any questions.

Brad Lauster, a beloved former pastor, will return to Grace on the weekend of May 20-21 for a special seminar entitled The Unshakable and Unchanging Person.  Community members are invited to join parishioners in the seminar that will begin in our Fellowship Hall on Friday, May 20 from 6:30 to 8:30.   The Saturday sessions will begin with a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. with sessions from 8:30 to noon.  Snacks and beverages will be available for all sessions.  The $20 registration fee also includes Pastor E. Stanly Jones’ book The Unshakable Kingdom and The Unchanging Person.

Rev. Lauster served Grace Church as senior pastor for 13 years beginning July 1, 2000.  He then accepted an eight-year appointment as District Superintendent of the Washington District. Upon his retirement on June 30, 2021, Rev. Lauster felt called to continue ministry outside of a local church.  When he hears God call, the Rev. Lauster doesn’t hesitate. He jumps right in.  “I have the gift of faith. I am not someone who has to be persuaded,” he said.  “I’m like a dog when the car door opens. Wherever you are going, I know you love me.  I don’t want you to leave me behind. I am in!”

After reading a book by E. Stanley Jones, A Missionary Mindset:  What Church Leaders Need to Know to Reach Their Community, Pastor Brad quickly decided to jump into helping churches seek to serve Christ and his Kingdom in any way he can.  He is now on the Advisory Council of the E. Stanley Jones Foundation and is a sought-after speaker for workshops, retreats, seminars, teaching series or conferences.

Please join us to welcome Pastor Brad back to Indiana.  Registration forms will be available in the Welcome Center after Easter.  Completed forms along with a check for the registration fee of $20 may be placed in the offering plate, offering boxes, delivered to the church office or mailed to 712 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701.  Please indicate seminar on the memo line of your check.  After April 25, on-line registration with payment option will be available on our website www.indianagrace.org.   Please call the church office during regular hours with any questions – 724-463-8535.

The Courage and Cancer Support Group will meet this Sunday at 3 p.m. in Room 102.  For more information, please call Pastor Kathy at 724-463-8535 ext. 13.

Abbey Sleppy will lead a Youth Bible Study/Discussion Group on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 PM in Room 202 beginning April 6th.

We will recognize our College Graduates on April 24th.  Please call the church office if you or your college graduate will join us for this recognition.  This is not only for IUP grads, but for those graduating from other colleges, universities or trade schools.

Joey McCombie will lead a Financial Peace Course starting April 24th at 6:00 PM in Room 205.
Change your life With Financial Peace University!  Say goodbye to debt with this proven plan and Never Worry About Money Again! Financial peace really is possible and it’s never too late to start.   Many folks from our own congregation have gone through this program with great success in eliminating debt.   Young and old can learn discipline, patience, and understanding of money management. The fee per person/couple is $60.  If needed, there are partial scholarship funds available for the program.   Sign up in the Welcome Center.  If you have any question on this course, please email Joe McCombie at joemccombie@yahoo.com.

High School Senior Recognition is Sunday, May 22.  We will recognize seniors at the 11 AM service, and lunch will be served in Fellowship Hall immediately following the service for the graduates and their families (parents, siblings, grandparents).  Please RSVP with the number attending by May 6th.   The seniors are invited to wear their caps and gowns to process at the beginning of worship.  Please plan to arrive by 10:45 to get lined up for the processional.

Grace Church is hosting the Indiana Area High School Baccalaureate Service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 29.  A reception will be held in the Welcome Center immediately following the service.  We will be looking for cookie bakers for the reception.   If you can provide cookies, please email Doris McAnulty at dmcanulty@indianagrace.org.

Drug & Alcohol Recovery Grant:  The Grace Church Endowment Committee has funding from the McCullough Fund available for programs aiding those seeking drug and alcohol dependency recovery.  Preference is given to Indiana County, faith-based programs.  Applications are available in the Church Office and Welcome Center.  Deadline for 2022 grant applications is April 30, 2022.

The Women’s Fellowship will not meet in April, but all ladies are invited to the final meeting before summer break on May 10th.

Please note that some programs, groups and events will not be held during Holy Week.  Please check the bulletin closely or check with group leaders to confirm whether or not your group is meeting next week.

On May 26th, Grace Church senior adults are invited to help at the UMCOR Mission Barn to restock relief supply kits or build ramps.  Watch upcoming email blasts for details.

Enjoy the sunshine today!  Plan to join us for Holy Week services and events.  Please invite friends and family to the Easter Drama and to any of our worship services.   Remember…studies show that more folks come to church because they are invited personally than any other form of advertising or invitation.  One simple invitation could be life-changing for someone!

Have a blessed day.