Greetings Friends!
For Sunday morning worship at 9 and 11 a.m., the Scripture reference is Exodus 4:10-17 with the message titled Growing Through Active Service.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. community luncheon and program is tomorrow in our Fellowship Hall 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The theme for the day is Legacy: Countering Differences. Everyone is invited to attend.
The New Members Class begins this Sunday during the Sunday School hour at 10:10 a.m. Subsequent classes will be on January 26, February 2, and February 9. The class will be accepted into membership on Sunday, February 16.
The Q&A time with the pastors last Sunday included folks asking to get plugged into a small group. The pastors were able to direct them to a small group that seemed most fitting for them. If you would like to get involved in a small group but just don’t know how to start, just give us a call at the office. We’re happy to help!
On January 26 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary, eight of our pastors—both active and retired, will try to shed light on any questions you may have after the yearlong reading of the Bible. You may submit questions by placing them in the offering boxes prior to the 26th or bring questions to the microphone that evening. We’ve learned that several questions will come from the youth group. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question. If you have something to ask…just do it!!
Mission Thursday: Sign up for our next Mission Thursday on January 23, in the Grace in Ministries (G.I.M.) Bldg. from 4-7 pm. Join us for an hour or so to be a part of this life-changing project. Donations of used flannel and terry cloth are gratefully accepted; please drop off donations in the Missions Hallway near the elevator. Future Dates: Feb. 20, Mar. 20, April 24, and May 15.
Confirmation Classes for Grace Youth begin on February 9th! They will be held on Sundays at 12:15 pm in the Grace Growth Center (Youth Room). More information and sign up in the Welcome Center, Youth Room, or the Church Website (Youth Page). https://www.indianagrace.org/confirmation-sign-up/
Youth Sunday School began on January 12th during the Sunday School Hour between services (10:10 am) in the Growth Center (Youth Room). Encourage your youth to join the 14 who attended last week! It’s a great time for learning and discussing the Bible.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER – January 22
Menu: Beef Stew, Roll, Beverage and Dessert. (A real wintertime favorite)
Reservations are required and may be made be made by signing up in the Welcome Center, Calling the Church Office or emailing bmcanulty@indianagrace.org
The Mountain Group for Men focuses on scripture that applies to outdoor activities. They will meet this Sunday, January 17 at 7 p.m. For more details and location, please get in touch with Jon Price at 724-549-9361.
A NEW GRIEFSHARE session will be held on Sundays at 1 PM beginning on February 16. GriefShare is a support group for those experiencing grief. For anyone who has lost a loved one and is experiencing grief and loneliness, we hope you will consider joining the group as we walk this journey together. Others who have taken the classes have been blessed and are encouraging others to join. GriefShare will meet in the Grace in Ministries Building at 728 Church Street. You may register online at griefshare.org. Just so you know, the group is offered to the community. Affiliation with Grace Church is not required.
Easter Musical Drama, “Why Can’t They See?”: Pastor Bill wrote an amazing Easter Play called “Why Can’t They See?” He needs actors, singers, extras, stage managers, tech assistants, seamstresses, makeup artists, etc. For more information and to sign up, please stop in the Welcome Center to see Pastor Bill after the services this morning. This is a great way to share your talents!
Minor Prophets of the Old Testament Study: Join Dawn Woodland for a 6-week study on the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. The study begins February 3rd at 5 pm in Room 101 (Parlor). Sign up in the Welcome Center and remember to take your Bible to class.
2025 Winter Blast: The Winter BLAST is Friday, February 21st at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. Sign up to compete on a Team or be a spectator. Games for all ages: Snowball Blast, Cornhole Tournament, Hula Hoop Relay, Snowman Nerf Shootout, Jack Frost’s Icicle Ring Toss, 5-legged Race, Snowball Relay, Alpine Giant Snowball Obstacle Course, Iditarod Race. Pizza, drinks, and snacks will be provided. Sign up so we know how many people will be there. If you have any questions, contact Donna Overdorff at 724-464-7552.
Adopt-A-Student: We are reviving the Adopt-A-Student program for college students this Spring. Families can adopt a college student for the semester and support the student through meals, encouragement, game nights, or other. Families who adopt a student are encouraged to attend some Sunday lunches and college events throughout the semester with their student. Individuals, couples, and families who are interested in adopting a college student can sign up in the Welcome Center or reach out to Pastor Mollie at meisenhuth@indianagrace.org.
GriefShare: A new group will meet on Sundays at 1 PM beginning February 16. GriefShare is a support group for those experiencing grief. If you or someone you know has lost a loved one and are experiencing grief and loneliness, we hope you will consider joining our support group as we walk this journey together. Those who have taken the class have been blessed and are encouraging others to join. GriefShare will meet in the Grace in Ministries Building at 728 Church Street, Indiana, PA. Sign up or register online at griefshare.org
CONDOLENCES:
We want to extend our sincere condolences to church families who have recently lost a loved one:
The Carole Lebbano Family, including her daughter, Deb Rickard and son Greg Cessna. Carole died on December 31.
The Faye Trimble Family, including daughters Gladys, Nancy and Tammy. Faye died on January 5.
We also want to send our sympathies to Chris Lybarger on the recent death of her sister, Elizabeth Itle who died on January 3.
The Boy Scout Troop we sponsor will host a Pancake Breakfast that will be held in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 2 from 8 am – 1 pm. Mark your calendars and invite your friends!
Just for Laughs
A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particularly icy winter. Because both had jobs, they had difficulty coordinating their travel schedules. It was decided that the husband would fly to Florida on a Thursday, and his wife would follow the next day.
As planned, upon arriving the husband checked into the hotel. There, he decided to open his laptop and send his wife an email back in Minneapolis. However, he accidentally left off one letter in her address and sent the email without realizing his error.
In Houston, a widow had just returned from her husband’s funeral. He was a minister of many years who had been ‘called home to glory’ following a sudden heart attack. The grieving widow checked her email, expecting messages from relatives and friends. Upon reading the first message, she fainted and fell to the floor. The widow’s son rushed into he room, found his mother on the floor and then saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
From: Your Departed Husband
Subject: I’ve arrived!
I’ve just arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! I hope your journey will be as uneventful as mine was.
Your loving husband,
P.S. It sure is hot down here!
Stay warm. Check on your elderly friends and neighbors.
