Greetings!
The church office will be closed tomorrow, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day. We offer our heart-felt thank you to all veterans.
At a congregational meeting last Sunday evening, we voted to align ourselves with the Global Methodist Church. The Global Methodist Church Mission Statement: Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.
Their Vision Statement: Our Vision is to join God in a journey of bringing new life, reconciliation, and the presence of Christ to all people, and to helping each person reflect the character of Christ.
Thank you to all who came out to informational meetings and to the congregational meeting to make this important decision for the future of Grace Church. As Pastor Bill said at the meeting on Sunday evening, it will be business as usual for us here at Grace. We will continue to be the same church as we’ve always been…welcoming, loving, caring for all people.
This Sunday, Pastor Bill continues the Always God Series with his message God is Always Seeing. The scripture reference is from 1 Peter 5:6-11. The Sounds of Grace Orchestra will be offering the prelude and offertory this week.
Membership Classes begin this Sunday at 10:10 a.m. in Room 101. Individuals will be received as members on Sunday, December 11.
Courage and Cancer Support Group meets this Sunday, November 13, at 3 p.m. Lisa Smith from Integrative Wellness will lead a discussion on nutrition and wellness. We hope you can join us. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, are a caregiver or a survivor, you will find this enlightening and encouraging. For more information, call Pastor Kathy at 724-463-8535, Ext. 13.
Downtown Indiana Light Up Night – November 18.
With all the beautiful weather we’ve been having, it’s hard to imagine that the Christmas Light Up Night is almost upon us. November 18th is the big event! Plans for our parade float are coming together nicely. All we need are the kids, teens and adults who will be the walking presents to go with our theme Let His Word Unwrap the Magic of CHRISTmas. Join in the fun on Thursday, November 17 in the parlor when we will make the packages for the walking gifts. Bring your supplies and creative ideas.
In addition to the parade, our Outreach Team is providing a Warming Station in our Welcome Center from 6 – 8:30 p.m. where they will be providing cookies, hot chocolate, and warm smiling greeters. A holiday photo backdrop will be available for family pictures. We need your help to provide the cookies (which can be dropped off at the main entrance anytime after 3 p.m. on Friday, November 18th. We need those warm smiles, too. Volunteers are needed to help greet our guests. Sign up in the welcome center this Sunday!
YOUTH GROUP
After returning from an exciting and spirit-filled weekend at Teen Quest, our Youth will be sharing Christ’s love as they travel to Johnstown tonight to serve at a soup kitchen.
Regular Youth Group meeting will be held on Sunday evening from 6:45 – 8:00. All youth from sixth grade through twelfth grade are encouraged to join the fun and fellowship.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation provides matching scholarships for students who are attending a participating United Methodist-related school.
If you feel that the school that you plan to attend next fall may be a participating school, then please visit the UMHEF website https://www.umhef.org/scholarships/ or google United Methodist Higher Education Scholarships, and review the approved list of schools and the UMHEF scholarship application information.
If your school is on their approved list, you will first need to submit an application for a Grace Church scholarship before December 30, 2022, so that it can be reviewed prior to the UMHEF scholarship deadline of March 1. Applications are available at the Church Office and in the Welcome Center.
DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION BEFORE DECEMBER 30th
IF YOU DO NOT PLAN TO ATTEND A UMHEF APPROVED SCHOOL.
Arts and Crafts Showcase
Here’s a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping. Artwork and handiwork by members and regular attenders of Grace will be for sale in our Fellowship Hall from 1 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 1. Some of the items for sale will be paper crafting explosion boxes, painted, quilted, crocheted and knitted items, bookmarks, quilts, candles, woodworking, stained glass, scrubbies, dishcloths, coasters, weaving baskets, upcycled items, photos, cross-stitch, pen & ink drawings with poetry, ornaments, acrylic, watercolor and oil paintings, magnets, and more!
Additionally, there will be quilts, photographs, stained glass, and oil paintings on display for viewing pleasure. A concession stand will be available with proceeds going to support missions. Come out to support your talented friends!
Food Bank Envelopes will be included in the bulletins at church this Sunday. If you would like to make a monetary donation to the Food Bank, you may use these envelopes and return them next Sunday or at the Thanksgiving Eve Service.
The Thanksgiving Eve Worship will be held in Fellowship Hall on November 23rd at 7 p.m. Giving thanks is an integral component of worshipping God, and our Thanksgiving Eve service is the perfect way to prepare our hearts and minds for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season. We hope you will join us.
The 2023 Altar Flower Sign-Up Booklet is now in the Welcome Center. Requests will be honored upon $30 payment being received at the church office. Please make checks payable to Grace Church and write Altar Flowers on the memo line. Place checks the offering plate/box or mail to 712 Church St., Indiana, PA 15701.
There are still several used hymnals available for free on the table near the choir room on the second floor. Stop by to pick up a copy at your convenience.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER MENU
Menu for Nov. 16
Turkey Loaf with Cranberry Glaze
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Roll
Dessert
Cost is $6.00. Reservations are required by noon on Tuesday.
Please sign up in the Welcome Center,
email Becky at bmcanulty@indianagrace.org
or call the church office 724-463-8535
No Joke – Just some one-liners:
“Thanks to all veterans this Veterans Day. It is because of you that we can watch war movies while sitting safely at home.”
“On the occasion of Veterans Day, we must remember that service–and not sales–is what a country needs.”
Veterans are the ones who heroically defend our rights to complain about Monday blues.”
“A veteran is not born. A veteran is created by your own actions. May God bless you always.”
