Greetings!
What Happens When We Die? This is Pastor Bill’s third message in the sermon series Big God, Big Questions. The scripture reference is Psalm 2 Corinthians 5:1-5.
PACK HOPE EXPERIENCE
COMING SOON: (Very Soon!) You are cordially invited to join us for the upcoming Pack Hope Experience, an annual event known as Rice and Beans UNTO, scheduled to take place on September 7-8. Our primary goal is to unite in the spirit of community and collectively prepare an impressive total of 45,000 meals, all while raising $15,000 in support of this meaningful endeavor.
We warmly welcome you to contemplate making a substantial contribution to this impactful mission. Your show of support can manifest by registering to assist online or by visiting the Welcome Center. Your involvement holds immense significance, as the success of this initiative relies on the collaborative efforts of numerous individuals.
Through your lending hand, you possess the ability to bring positive transformation to the lives of those less fortunate. Let’s join forces via the Pack Hope Experience to create a profound and enduring impact. Your contribution of any size will play a pivotal role in achieving our shared objective – providing nourishment and hope to those who are most vulnerable.
UNTO MISSION TRIP
Pastor Bill and Beth are leading a trip to UNTO near Lancaster, PA October 19-120. This is another great opportunity to do mission work! The cost is $75 and includes transportation, motel accommodations, and meals while there. Sign up in the Welcome Center to be part of this meaningful mission.
MISSION THURSDAY: A Global Mission opportunity will be held in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, September 28th from 4 – 7 p.m. Sign up in the Welcome Center for a time that is convenient for you. We are collecting the following donations for UNTO: Flannel sheets, old flannel shirts, old towels/wash cloths & dish towels, and the following school supplies: pencils, black or blue ink ballpoint pens, 24-count crayons notebook paper 8½ x 11 (70 sheets minimum), erasers (not the slip-ons), sheets of colorful stickers, toothbrushes in original packaging, small pencil sharpeners, and 12-inch rulers (win centimeters). Please place any of these items in the baskets near the elevator.
NEW MEMBER CLASS
If you would like to become a full member of Grace Church, please fill out a connect card or call the church office at 724-463-8535. A four-week membership class will be held between services at 10:10 a.m. in Room 101 from September 17 through October 8 with participants being presented for membership during a worship service on Sunday, October 15.
NEXT STEP SUNDAY
Now that you are part of our community here at Grace, have you considered how you might want to get more involved? Our upcoming Next Step Sunday is tailored just for you! We warmly welcome you to engage in conversations with our pastors and leaders regarding the next steps in your journey or opportunities to actively participate within the Grace community. Rest assured, there’s a meaningful role waiting for YOU!
“RAISING PRINCIPLED CHILDREN” – A Parenting Class
Join Pastor Bill Blair in Room 208 at Grace Church, where an illuminating seven-week Parenting Class awaits. Embark on a journey that delves into the profound impact of positive parenting, firmly grounded in Christian principles. This transformative course harmonizes timeless biblical wisdom with contemporary methodologies.
Cultivate a nurturing and empathetic home environment, guided by unwavering faith, mutual respect, and enduring patience. Develop adeptness in the art of effective communication, master strategies for constructive discipline, and learn the craft of fostering unbreakable familial bonds. Pastor Bill will be your compass, navigating the complexities while instilling core Christian values deep within your children’s hearts.
Embrace a parenting approach centered around God’s teachings, and witness its remarkable influence elevating your family’s growth. Embark on this inspirational voyage toward honing your skills as an exemplary Christian parent. Enroll today to unlock the joys of nurturing children who embody faith, resilience, and boundless love. Your family’s journey toward spiritual abundance starts here.
Classes will be offered on Wednesdays,
September 13, 20, 27, Oct 4,11, 18, 2
Identical Classes will be repeated on Sundays
September 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Wednesday Classes are 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
with child care provided.
Sunday Classes are 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
You may attend either night. Sunday night will be the same material as the prior Wednesday.
You may contact Pastor Bill at billjblair@indianagrace.org
Class Outline:
Lesson I. Thinking as Ambassadors rather than as Owners
Lesson II. Living into Honor with Discipline and Mercy
Lesson III. Establishing Core Values
Lesson IV. Teaching Self Control
Lesson V. Honing Emotional Intelligence
Lesson VI. Developing a Healthy Work Ethic
Lesson VII. Living the Process and Launching Successfully
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP will begin their year with the annual picnic at the Blair’s home on Tuesday, September 12 at 6 p.m. (Rooms 101 and 102 at the church in the event of rain). The main dish and beverages will be provided. Please sign up in the Welcome Center to bring a salad, side dish, or dessert. All ladies are invited to join us as we plan our projects and activities for the coming year.
THE ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC will be at the large pavilion at Blue Spruce Park on Sunday, September 17 at 3 p.m. The Annual Cornhole Tournament starts at 2 p.m. and dinner will be served at 4 p.m. New this year will be after-dinner drawings for door prizes! The Grace Life Committee will provide chicken tenders, meatballs in sauce, plasticware, and drinks. Please sign up in the Welcome Center to let us know what you will bring, and how many will be joining us. (And…the Steelers are not playing on this date!!)
Sign up as a two-person team for the Cornhole Tournament. Remember, the games begin at 2 p.m. Sign-up sheets are in the Welcome Center. Don’t have a partner? Sign up anyway and we’ll pair you with someone! Come early to practice!
LADIES FALL RETREAT: FROM INVISIBLE TO SEEN
Hey ladies! Guess what? You’re in for an exclusive treat! Get ready to dive into an unforgettable, super enchanting weekend that’s all about mystery, relaxation, and bonding with your awesome sisters. Save the dates – October 27th to 29th – for our much-awaited Ladies’ Mystery Weekend Retreat! You’re totally invited, and we can’t wait to see you there.
Picture this: We’re taking over the amazing Whitehall Camp and Conference Center. It’s going to be a whole new kind of experience, and you won’t want to miss it.
We’ve got Grace Lennox on board, a speaker with some seriously mesmerizing stories up her sleeve. She’s known for her captivating tales that’ll inspire you to face life’s mysteries with courage and style. And that’s just the start – there’ll be awesome activities to refresh your spirit, chances to make new friends, and mouthwatering meals that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Plus, Whitehall Camp is seriously stunning, like something out of a fairy tale. It’s the perfect backdrop for chilling out, connecting with your pals, and taking a breather.
So, don’t let this awesome opportunity slip through your fingers. Book your spot for the Ladies’ Retreat right now on our website at gracechurch@indianagrace.org. Get ready for a weekend that you’ll remember forever!
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP will begin the year with the annual picnic at the Blair home on Tuesday, September 12 at 6 p.m. (If it should rain, we will meet in the church parlor.) The main dish and beverages will be provided. Please sign up in the Welcome Center to let us know you plan to attend and what dish you will be bringing. ALL ladies of the church are invited to join us as we plan our projects for the coming year.
The WOMEN’S MINISTRY II will begin a study entitled Unbreakable Promises, with Jeannie Allen on Thursdays beginning September 14th at 6 p.m. in Room 101. The study runs for six weeks. Please consider joining our group! You are welcome!
ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOWCASE AND SALE:
We invite you to share your creative prowess with your family and the wider community at our Arts and Crafts Showcase and Sale. On November 3rd and 4th, our church will transform into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and inspiration. This is your chance to display and sell your unique creations, from stunning paintings and intricate pottery to handmade jewelry and exquisite textiles.
Reserve your space now and secure your spot in this extraordinary event. Whether you’re an experienced artisan or just starting your artistic journey, we welcome all skill levels and a diverse range of crafts. This showcase is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, gain exposure for your work, and support local artists.
Join us in celebrating the beauty of arts and crafts and allow your talent to shine! To reserve your space, please sign up in the Welcome Center. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay! We can’t wait to see the incredible creations you bring to our Arts and Crafts Showcase and Sale. Together, let’s inspire and uplift our church family and the community with the power of artistic expression.
GRIEF SHARE:
We are introducing the establishment of a new GriefShare Group, committed to offering comfort and consolation to those who have faced the departure of a cherished individual. If you or someone within your circle is contending with grief and the sense of solitude it can bring, we extend a heartfelt invitation to join our compassionate community. The group will meet each Sunday at 1 p.m. beginning on September 10.
DivorceCare GROUP FOR SUPPORT & HEALING
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new DivorceCare Group, designed to provide support and guidance to individuals facing the challenging journey of divorce. If you are experiencing the emotional turmoil and difficulties that divorce brings, we extend a warm invitation to join us at Grace Church. The DivorceCare Group will convene every Thursday at 6 p.m., starting on September 7. Our aim is to offer a safe and nurturing environment where you can find solace, understanding, and practical tools to navigate the complex emotions and stresses associated with separation and divorce.
To register for the DivorceCare Group, please visit divorcecare.org. We encourage you to take this courageous step toward healing and restoration. We are here to walk with you on this journey, providing the support and guidance you need.
Just for Laughs…
You know you’re having a bad day when:
– You turn on the morning news and they’re displaying emergency routes out of
the city.
– Your boss tells you not to bother taking off your coat.
– The bird singing outside your window is a buzzard.
– Your car horn gets stuck when you’re following a group of Hell’s Angels on the
highway.
– Your pet rock snaps at you.
– You call your own answering service and they tell you it’s none of your
business.
– Your income tax refund check bounces.
– Your bar of Ivory soap sinks.
– You wake up to discover your water bed has broken, and then remember you
don’t have a water bed.
