SUNDAY WORSHIP
Pastor Bill continues the sermon series, DEVOTED this week with his message Devoted to Fellowship. The scripture lesson is from Hebrews 10:23-25. We will be receiving folks into full membership this Sunday.
It’s time for SUMMER SPECIAL MUSIC again! Here is a chance for all musicians to give thanks to God by sharing their musical gifts in the 9:00 service (June 4 – Sep. 3). We are hoping for a big choir for June 25, a Men’s Chorus in July, and other activities such as Women’s Choir, Handbell group, Solos, Duets, Quartets, (both vocal and instrumental). Please give prayerful consideration to this musical opportunity while our normal Traditional Music Groups take a break. For more information, visit www.indianagrace.org/summerspecialmusic, sign up in the Welcome Center, or contact Jon Gibbons via email: jgibbons@indianagrace.org or phone: (724) 549-6164.
We extend our thanks and appreciation to the Sounds of Grace Orchestra, the set-up crew, and music librarian, Debbie McCormick. We are especially thankful for the excellent leadership of our director, Paul Rode. We hope to see even more musicians when the orchestra starts again this Fall. Anyone who plays an orchestra or band instruments is welcome and encouraged to join us.
The Church Council has established the Heritage Fund to reduce the need for debt associated with our disaffiliation. To make a special gift, please write Heritage Fund on the memo line of your check or offering envelope. For additional information, please call the church office.
COURAGE AND CANCER will meet on May 21 at 3 p.m. in the Welcome Center.
MARKING OUR HERITAGE AND FUTURE:
Please mark your calendars to attend the Mark our Heritage and Future event. We will be gathering in Fellowship Hall after church on June 25th for lunch at 12:15 . The Welcome Center will feature some of our church archives for you to browse through. We want to embrace our heritage as we move into the future. Plan now to join this very special event. (Please note that we have decided to hold the event inside so that we don’t have to worry about weather or moving the venue at the last minute.)
Later that evening, another very meaningful program will take place featuring former major league baseball player, Dave Dravecky who pitched for seven years in in the MLB, playing as an All-Star and in two pennant races. In 1988, Dave was at the top of his game and life. He had a wonderful family and was reaching his all-star peak playing the game of his childhood dreams. His Opening Day victory over the Dodgers was overshadowed later that fall by the discovery of cancer and the removal of half of the deltoid muscle in his pitching arm. Defying all odds, Dave came back to pitch once again in the Major Leagues the following year. Despite being told by doctors, “Short of a miracle, you’ll never pitch again,” Dave pitched a 4-3 win for the San Francisco Giants that day. Horribly, five days later in Montreal, Dave threw “…the pitch that could be heard round the world”—Dave’s arm split in two in mid-throw.
You won’t want to miss this exciting special guest to hear the rest of his inspiring story. The public is invited to hear Dave’s story. Help spread the news!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER MENU
May 24, 2023
Cheeseburger · French Fries · Bacon-Broccoli Salad · Dessert
Reservations are requested by 2 p.m. on Tuesdays. Email Becky at bmcanulty@indianagrace.org, sign up in the Welcome Center or call the office.
THIS IS THE LAST WEDNESDAY DINNER OF THE SEASON.
USED BOOK SALE – June 9 and 10 in Fellowship Hall
If you would like to help with the June Book Sale, please sign up in the Welcome Center. This is a huge undertaking, and lots of help makes it manageable. We need folks to sort, set up, and to work the actual sale. It’s a big job, but the volunteers always report that they have a great time working together on this project.
BOOK DROP OFF TIMES:
We are accepting books, CDs, DVDs and puzzles for the book sale during the following times: Sundays, May 21, May 28 and June 4 from 9 AM – Noon
Wednesdays, May 24, May 31 and June 7 from 3 – 7 PM
Books cannot be accepted at the church office.
No textbooks, magazines, cassettes, VHS tapes or games can be accepted.
All proceeds from the book sale will go to the Campership Fund to send our kids to Summer Church Camp.
HELP WANTED:
Trustees can use your help to change the lightbulbs and wash the globes in the sanctuary chandeliers. The work will be done on Saturday, May 20th beginning at noon. Many hands will make light work!
FAREWELL RECEPTIONS
On June 11 from 1 – 2 p.m. we will hold a Farewell Reception for Pastor Caleb and Jessie Fugate in the Welcome Center. Pastor Caleb has been appointed to Wesley United Methodist Church in Erie, PA.
Then, on June 18, please stop by the Welcome Center between the morning services to greet Pastor Bob Penrose whose new appointment will be announced at a later date.
Card Baskets will be available at each Farewell reception for your cards or personal well-wishes for these folks.
MEXICO MISSION TRIP
The Overdorffs are leading a Mission Trip to Mexico in April 2024, to help The Caring Hearts Ministry. Please sign up in the Welcome Center before August 6, and start the process to get your passport now! The team is limited to 17 people.
JOB OPPORTUNITY:
Church is currently in need of an Assistant to the Next Gen Pastor. This position will be responsible for assisting the Next Gen Pastor in ministry to youth and IUP students. This is a part-time position, working 15 to 20 hours a week. Applicants should submit a resume to SPRC@indianagrace.org
CAMPS AND CAMERSHIPS
It’s time to start planning for your kids to attend one of the amazing summer church camps. We have camperships for any of our church kids and teens who wish to attend one of our conference camps. (Please note that all the camps will be affiliated with both the UM and Global Methodist Churches.)
In her Last Will and Testament former members–Alberta Dorsey endowed the church with funds for our kids to participate in summer camps. Additionally, the Book Sales and other campaigns have added to that endowment so that we can pay two-thirds of the camp tuition for our Grace kids to go to one of the amazing camps. You can find information on all the camps at this website: www.wpaumc.org/camping
Did you know that in addition to our many amazing groups and services, Grace Church hosts several outside ministries or organizations?
- We sponsor the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and the BSA All Girls Troop. If you have a boy or girl who may be interested in joining a troop, call Doris at the church office for the leaders’ contact information.
- Every other Tuesday during the school year, we host Hopeful Hearts, an organization to help children who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
- TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets in the GIM Building on Monday evenings. New members are always welcome. This program is inexpensive, and it works!
- Pinetree Quilters meets once a month in the GIM Building.
Just for Laughs:
Sunday School kids’ comments to their Pastor:
- I know God loves everybody, but He never met my sister!
- My father should have been the new minister instead of you. Every day he gives us a sermon about something.
- I’m sorry I can’t leave more money in the plate, but my father didn’t give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance?
- Please say a prayer for our Little League team. We need God’s help or a new pitcher.
- My father says I should learn the Ten Commandments. But I don’t think I want to because we have enough rules around our house already.
- I liked your sermon on Sunday. Especially when it was finished.
