Greetings, friends,

FOR SALE:  Single-owner tomb.  Only used three days, and still has that new tomb smell.  Reason for selling…resident was resurrected!

Up from the grave He arose; with a mighty triumph o’er his foes.
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And he lives forever with his saints to reign.
He arose!  He arose!  Hallelujah!  Christ arose!

On Easter Sunday, greet each other with “He has risen!”  Do it with great joy, because joy is what Easter is all about—JOY for what our Lord has done for each of us.  He has risen, indeed!

We hope you plan to attend the Easter Drama Why Can’t They See on Thursday or Friday evening at 7 p.m.   Our cast and crew have put many hours into preparing for this production.

This is an extra-Biblical story based on Acts 6:7, “so God’s message continued to spread…the numbers of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too”  (NLT)

The scene is set in approximately A.D. 30 in Jerusalem and surrounding areas.  A young Bat Mitzvah girl, Chava, learns about Messianic scriptures while seeing and hearing the activities of Jesus of Nazareth.  Convinced by what she sees, Chava becomes a Believer.  Her father, a Jewish priest named Henoch, who lost his wife in death, is struggling with his faith.  During the Passover events—including the death of Christ on the cross—Henoch comes to believe in Jesus the Messiah.

The play is, of course, free and open to everyone.  Why not invite a friend or family member to join you at this musical drama written by Pastor Bill.  The musical score is by Tina St. Clair with a featured song by Pastor Marty Christian.

The event will not be live-streamed, so plan now to attend either night.  NOTE:  The nursery will be open for babies and toddlers up to age three years of age only.   Older children can enjoy the presentation.

Easter Sunday is always the highlight of the church year for Christians.  Pastor Bill’s message, based on Ephesians 2:1-10 is Created to be God’s Masterpiece.  The 9 a.m. worship service will include the Sounds of Grace Orchestra and will conclude with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

Offering received in the special Easter offering envelopes found in the pews will be directed to the Special Offering Fund for Camperships.  There is statistical evidence from the National Study of Youth and Religion that Church camp provides lasting changes that continue years after the actual camp experience. Participants in the study who attended religious camp as teenagers or youth were significantly more likely in their young adult years to participate in communal religious practices like group Bible studies, college religious groups, and church attendance than those who never attended a summer church camp.  Even more astounding, those who attended religious summer camp as children or youth were over three times more likely to remain religious than those who did not attend.

So that everyone may enjoy Easter with family and friends, the Youth Group will not meet this Sunday evening.  The regular schedule resumes next Sunday.

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

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.

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.

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.

Happy Easter, dear friends.  May you find true Joy in Jesus.  Praise God for our Risen Savior and His many blessings.