Good morning,

Our Sunday morning services will feature Pastor Bill’s final sermon in the Five Smooth Stone series entitled How to Handle Victory with the scripture taken from I Samuel 17:45-54.

Next Sunday, Pastor Bill begins a new sermon series entitled WAIT!…Does the Bible Really Say That?
The series begins with Cleanliness is Next to Godliness.  The scripture lesson is from Matthew 23:25-26.

It is CHUCH CAMP time!  It is a well-established fact that more children and youth accept Jesus at church camp than at any other place.   Our Methodist Church Camp programs are centered around the ministry of Jesus Christ, and the mission of Christianity.  Camp goals are to create a welcoming environment that is an echo of the embrace that we receive from Jesus.

Summer Camp is a place for kids to find themselves, meet new friends, and above all connect with God. With programs like adventure, sports, fine arts, special interest camps, little camps for our junior campers, family camps, and exceptional persons camp, our camps have something for everyone!

Grace Church offers camperships to the children associated with our church.  We will pay up to 2/3 of the cost of a week at one of our camps.  Please contact Doris at the church office for campership information.

Don’t be disappointed!   Sign your child(ren) up for camp early.  You can check out each camp and register your child(ren) at these sites:  www.campallegheny.org;   www.wesleywoods.com/summer-camps;
and www.jumonville.org

CHURCH DIRECTORIES:  The initial shipment of directories was delivered to the church last week and many were distributed on Sunday.   However, we learned that some of the directories were assembled incorrectly.  The is currently reprinting the directories and will ship them to us as soon as possible.  Therefore, we will NOT be distributing directories this Sunday.  If you happened to receive a bad copy of the directory, it can be returned for a new one when they arrive.

John and Lisa Price are interested in hosting a six-week adult community group for those who are interested. It would be held at their camp in Penn Run. The address is 1532 Highway 259, Penn Run PA. The study would be on Proverbs (because we can always use wisdom). When weather permits, classes will be held outside, and if the weather is bad, we will open the doors and windows for those concerned with Covid-19. There is a small run that flows through the property most of the year,  so kids will get wet and dirty while having fun!  We can build a campfire or go hiking or just explore the woods. If interested, please email or call Bob Penrose at layleader9am@indianagrace.org or 724-840-2460.

The BABY BOTTLE CAMPAIGN ends this Sunday, June 19.  Please bring your baby bottles to be placed on the altar table.  We will get a report from Lifeway on how much was raised here at Grace during the campaign.  Thank you for your help!

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.  Sign up early to secure your appointment on the schedule.  Visit the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.  If you have problems signing up to donate, you may call the church office.

Service Opportunity:  We are seeking someone to help with transporting recycling from the church to the Recycling Center in Homer City.  If you have a truck or other vehicle that could take cardboard, plastic, aluminum, and paper for us (at a time that suits you), please contact the church office.  Our custodial staff will have things sorted and ready to go.

Next Sunday, June 26, there will be a special Charge Conference to vote on Bob Penrose’s candidacy for ministry at 10 AM in Fellowship Hall.

Also, next Sunday afternoon, the Grace Church Praise Band will play at the Floodway Park in Homer City at 1:00.  Take your lawn chair or blanket and join friends and neighbors for an afternoon of great music.

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!

The ever-popular Courtyard Carnival is 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 games, great food, and entertainment for the whole family.   This is real old-fashioned prices for new and exciting fun.   Everything will be priced between 25¢ and $1.   Mark your calendars now for a day of fun for the whole family!

Mark your calendars for some exciting things happening in JULY:  The Grace Church Praise Band will play on the main stage at Mack Park for the July 4th Star Spangled Celebration at 7:30 PM.  There will be an Acts of Kindness Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, July 10.  Details to follow in upcoming news blasts and in the bulletin.

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–into the design he has 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.

ATTENTION SENIORS:   July 1st is the deadline to sign up for the Thursday, July 21 trip to Keystone Safari in Grove City where you can 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 (AN ALL-CHURCH EVENT)

The 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).

There is a multitude of ways to become involved here at Grace.  If you’re not already ‘plugged in’ there is no time like the present to find a niche.  These all-church events are a fun way to meet new people–and who doesn’t like a good ball game!   The Curve has a lovely stadium within an easy driving distance.   Please sign up for a ticket soon!

Have a wonderful day!