Weekly eNews

Good morning, friends,

We hope this finds you all well, and not snowed in!   We must admit that the blanket of snow certainly is beautiful.

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

This Sunday’s worship schedule includes the 9:00 Traditional and 11:00 a.m. Contemporary services.  The candlelight services are at 7:00 p.m. on December 23^rd and then at 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.   If you have not yet registered for one of the services, please do so promptly so that we may have adequate seating that is socially distanced as required.   The attached document lists the services and the folks coming to each one.   We will post this again on Wednesday to include any additional registrations.   We have ‘candle snuffers’ for everyone so that people will not have to remove their masks to extinguish the candle at the end of the services.   Our ultra-violet air purifiers will be placed throughout the sanctuary.  We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe during our services.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERING

We want to remind everyone about the Special Christmas Offering that will go to Missions this year (as voted on by your Church Council).  The Missions Committee has elected to give one-half of the offering to Caring Hearts Ministry in Mexico.  The remaining half will be used for various other missions supported by Grace Church.  Special envelopes are in the pews for your convenience.   You may also send your donations directly to the church.  So your donation is properly recorded, please be sure to indicate Christmas Offering OR Missions on the memo line of your check.  Regular offering envelopes will be recorded as always.

VIRTUAL WORSHIP

Our Sunday church services on December 27 and January 3 will be in virtual format only on both Facebook and Youtube.  This plan is to eliminate the risk of spreading Covid-19 (or other illnesses) that may result from holiday gatherings.  Your staff will be working from home during the week following Christmas.  Telephone messages left on our general voice mailbox will be picked up three times a day and forwarded to the appropriate staff member. 

FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES

Today is Chris Abel’s last day as our church secretary/receptionist.  We wish her well and extend our gratitude for the past 14 years of service to Grace Church.   

FAMILY PROMISE

Thank you to everyone who signed up to provide a meal for the family that is currently in the Family Promise program. All of the dinners are covered by our wonderful church members!

POINSETTIAS

Our sincere thanks to all who made a donation and/or signed up for a poinsettia in memory or honor of a loved one.  If you signed up for a poinsettia plant, you may pick it up after the 9:00 p.m. Christmas eve service.  The printed memorial list is available at the church building, in the storage bin with the Upper Rooms just outside the full access entrance and at the church office.   The list is also attached to this email blast.  NOTE:  Money given as a donation will go to the Missions Committee, along with the Christmas Offering.

OUR SYMPATHY

Our sympathy is extended to Paul Castro & Marcy Colkitt and their family on the death of Paul’s father, Augusto D. Castro, M.D. who passed away on December 06, 2020.  

Our sympathy is extended to Carrie & Will Pinos and their family on the death of Carrie’s step-father, Matthew (Dave) Mills who passed away on December 13, 2020.

SUNDAY MORNING ORDER OF WORSHIP

December 20, 2020

The 4^th Sunday of Advent   It’s Jesus’ Birthday, Not Ours!

God’s Scandalous Gift    Matthew 1:18-24

The 10-minute Gathering Music at 9:00 service this Sunday will be performed by two piano students:  Belinda Lin Xu and Matthew Lin Xu.  Also this Sunday, there is a handbell duet for Special Music, and another Handbell “Carol Sing-a-long”.