Good morning,
Far up in the deep blue sky, great white clouds are floating by; All the world is dressed in green, and many happy birds are seen. Rose bright and sunshine clear show that lovely June is here. – F.G. Sanders
This Sunday we will celebrate Pentecost and we encourage you to wear RED to church. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled the Church with power and added 3,000 new believers. The account in Act 2 reports that, after Jesus ascended into heaven, Jesus’ followers were gathered together for the Feast of Harvest (aka Pentecost), and the Holy Spirit “filled the whole house where they were sitting” – Acts 2:2. “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” – Acts 2:4
We will observe Holy Communion at both morning services. The traditional service will include the Agape Bells and the Chancel Choir, both featuring Aiden Glaser and Shanda Tomer as percussionists. Pastor Bill continues his series on David and Goliath with his sermon titled Five Smooth Stones: Victory in the Face of Ridicule. The Scripture Lesson is from Matthew 5:3-12.
Kid’s church is available for pre-K through 5th graders during both morning worship services. Sunday School is at 10:10. As always, we have childcare for infants and toddlers up to age three.
Volunteer Opportunities: We are growing! Our greatest need is for pre-K teachers at 9:00, 10:00 & 11:00 AM. Contact Marty at the church office. You can volunteer for one week a month, bi-weekly, or every week! You can make a huge difference to our kids.
We want to extend our appreciation to everyone who provided cookies for the Baccalaureate Service last Sunday. So many delicious and beautiful cookies were received, and the large crowd of about 400 people certainly enjoyed them!
Youth will meet this Sunday from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Growth Center.
Our pastors and several lay delegates will be attending Annual Conference in Erie from Thursday through Saturday. Please keep them and the entire conference in prayer as important decisions are made.
Plan to join us for a special Ukraine Prayer Service this Sunday evening at 7 pm in the sanctuary. An offering will be taken to benefit the Ukrainian Refugees. Guest speakers will be Father Ihor Protsak from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and local missionaries who have served in Ukraine since the crises began.
The BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN is well underway at Grace. Pick up a baby bottle from the Welcome Center or Narthex, fill it with loose change, paper money, or a check. Return the bottles to the basket on the sanctuary stage by Father’s Day.
COMMUNITY BOOK SALE to benefit the Youth Campership Program and the Grace Youth Group. Books may be dropped off at the church on Wednesdays between 3 & 7 pm and on Sundays, June 5 and June 12 from 9 am until noon. If you would like to help with organizing the books or helping on one of the sale days, please sign up in the Welcome Center.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Wednesday dinners until Fall. Thank you for your attendance at the dinners this past year. Thanks to Becky and her faithful crew of volunteers for the delicious meals over the past nine months. We’ll see you back at the dinners in September!
A special thanks to those who provided homemade desserts for the dinners. If you are missing a cake pan or other items you provided with desserts for the dinners, please stop by the Welcome Center to pick up your kitchenware. They can be found in the cupboard nearest the sanctuary entrance.
The Learn the Bible Sunday School Class is on hiatus until Fall. Kenny Schramko will let us all know when it is starting up again.
Grace church is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive on July 14th. Summer is always a time of high demand for blood. Please plan now to schedule your appointment to donate. Watch the bulletin and future email notices for details.
Are you interested in the next mission trip to Mexico from January 31 to February 6, 2023? Sign up in the Welcome Center to indicate your interest. Donna Overdorff will contact you to answer any questions you may have and to give trip details. Signing up does not obligate you but indicates you may be interested.
Grace Kids have some exciting events planned for the summer:
Pre-School through Kindergarten Story Time begins on June 9 from 10 – 11 a.m. Professional storytellers will be sharing stories with the kids each Thursday at that time throughout most of the summer. Call Marty Christian to register your little one!
On Saturday, June 11, Grace Kids and their families will be enjoying at day at Yellow Creek State Park beach. We’ll meet at noon for a picnic lunch and then enjoy the sand and water together. Just look for Marty’s salmon-colored had on the beach!
The ever-popular Courtyard Carnival will be held annually on the Third Saturday of July. This year the date is July 16 from 11:00 – 2:00. There will be lots of fun games, great food, and entertainment for the whole family. Mark your calendars now!
And…we are still working on details for Faith and Family Night for Altoona Curve Baseball, on August 21st, and Camping on September 2nd.
GRACE KIDS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – For ages pre-K through 5th Grade (completed)
Kids will learn the beautiful truth! Spark Imagination and kick creativity into high gear at Spark Studios. This summer, kids will learn that God’s creativity didn’t stop in Genesis. The Master Artist is working to redeem, reclaim and transform us–His creations–to the design he planned for us. Kids will see the beautiful truth that they are God’s workmanship as they learn to use their talents to bring glory to Him.
Help kids take up the gauntlet this summer and accept the challenge to “armor up” and be strong by remaining with God.
ADULT AND TEEN VOLUNTEERS are needed!!
Register online for both students and workers at indianagrace.org
Senior Adults – Do we have plans for you! Watch your bulletins and future e-news for details on these upcoming events and sign up in the Welcome Center promptly since reservations must be limited to seating or space.
Thursday, June 9 Ladies Tea (reservations closed)
Thursday, July 21 Keystone Safari in Grove City – Sign up by July 1
Walk or drive through this 144-acre interactive animal & adventure park located in Grove City. Pet and feed some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic species. The cost is $25 (lunch on your own), including admission and transportation. Please write Safari on the memo line of your check.
Sunday, August 21 Altoona Curve baseball Faith & Family Night (ALL CHURCH EVENT)
Cost is $10 per ticket (drive on your own) or $20 for Senior Adults needing transportation. Please write Curve Game on the memo line of your check. Those seniors who require transportation may park in the lot behind the church. We will depart at 3 pm, stop at a restaurant (self-pay) and arrive at the ballpark for the 6 pm game. Seating is limited, so sign up early! Payment is required in advance to secure your ticket(s)
Thursday, Sept. 15 David at the Sight & Sound Theater and Dinner at Hershey Farm Restaurant
Enjoy a family-style lunch prior to the play. The cost is $100 and includes transportation, lunch, and admission to the theater. Please write Sight & Sound in the memo line of your check.
Thursday, Oct. 6 Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad – Fall Foliage Train Ride
Watch the e-news and future bulletins for details.
Thursday, Nov. 17 Phipps Conservatory – Christmas Theme
Watch the e-news and future bulletins for details.
Thursday, Dec. 1 Grace Church Art & Craft Showcase (AN ALL-CHURCH EVENT)
We’re seeking people from Grace Church who are crafty and talented! Sign up to display your artwork or to sell your handiwork – i.e. knitted, crocheted, or woven items, quilts, paintings, greeting cards, drawings, woodworking, baked goods, etc. No businesses, please! Display space will be limited so sign up early. For information, call Donna Overdorff at 724-464-7552.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please write separate checks for each event listed above.
A little chuckle for you:
He may have had a lousy summer, but Humpty Dumpty had a great fall!
Have a wonderful day.
