Greetings Friends!
Now that the weather has warmed just a bit, we hope to see you at services again this Sunday. The morning message in the Made to Thrive Series will be Spiritually Alive. The sermon text is from Mathew 6: 24-31.
Are you seeking an adult Sunday School Class? We currently have two very active classes, and both begin new studies in February:
The Living Word Sunday School class meets in Room 101 at 10:10 each Sunday morning. February 9th begins a new extended study on The Prayers of God’s People. They will be looking at a sampling of prayers made by men and women in the Old Testament, like Hannah and Daniel, all the way through prayers of Jesus in the New Testament and Paul’s prayers for the churches. Through this study we expect that our own prayer lives will grow and deepen as we learn from those who have gone before us. Everyone is invited.
The Journey Class in Room 208 also meets on Sunday mornings at 10:10. New members are always warmly welcomed. They are doing a short study on some of the Psalms from February 9th through March 2nd. On March 9th, they begin a study of The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs.
Studies show that parents who attend Sunday School set a great example for their kids. Forcing your kids to go to Sunday School might not always be easy, but it can have lasting benefits. It provides a strong moral foundation, teaches important life lessons, and helps them develop a sense of community and belonging. Even if they resist at first, the structure, values, and friendships they build can positively shape their character and faith. Plus, giving them a consistent exposure to biblical teachings can help them navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and confidence.
The Youth Sunday School Class meets in the Youth Center at 10:10. Students in 6th through 12th grades are encouraged to attend…and bring your friends! Currently, the class is ‘walking through the book of Genesis.’
And, of course, our Children’s Ministry has Sunday School at 10:10 a.m. in addition to Children’s Church during both the 9 and 11 a.m. services. The nursery is open all morning for our infants and toddlers.
Confirmation Classes for Grace Youth begin on February 9th! Classes 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/
Grace Youth will be going to Winter Jam 2025 on Saturday, March 8 at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College. For more information on how your student can attend, please contact Abbey Sleppy at asleppy@indianagrace.org or call the church office.
Menu:
Pasta Fagiol Soup, Italian Sliders, Dessert, BeverageReservations are required and may be made be made by signing up in the Welcome Center, calling the church office or emailing bmcanulty@indianagrace.org
A new GriefShare session will begin on Sunday, February 16, at 1 PM. GriefShare is a support group designed for those navigating grief after losing a loved one. If you are experiencing grief and loneliness, we invite you to join us on this journey toward healing. Many who have participated in the past have found comfort and encouragement and recommend it to others.
Meetings will be held in the Grace in Ministries Building at 728 Church Street. You can register online at griefshare.org. This group is open to the entire 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!
Spring Mission Trip 2025. We will be doing our annual mission trip to Bethel Bible Village in Hixson, Tennessee from March 8th to the 15th. An informational meeting will be held in the GIM building at 10:15 am on Sunday, February 9th. If you cannot attend the meeting but would like more information, please call Larry Catlos at 724-388-6032.
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.
Everyone is invited to Women’s Fellowship on Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00. They will be making no-sew blankets for the mission team to take to the kids at Bethel Bible Village. Refreshments will be served. If you can’t attend the meeting, but want to donate a blanket, please contact Sue Stitt at 724-549-3481.
Get Moving! Get Fit! Gain Balance! It’s never too late to join Linda Maruca and other Grace Church friends for a free exercise program for senior adults. The program focuses on strength and balance and is suitable for participants who are able-bodied or who may need to be seated. Fill out a liability form and join the group!
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.
Bethel Bible Village Mission Trip: We will be doing our annual mission trip to Bethel Bible Village in Hixon, Tennessee from March 8 – 15. An informational meeting will be in the Grace In Ministries (GIM) Building at 728 Church Street on Sunday, February 9th at 10:15 a.m. If you cannot attend the meeting but would like more information, please call Larry Catlos at 724-388-6032.
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
Faith Night for Christian Athletes at IUP will be Saturday, February 15. Free vouchers are available through Kenny Schramko. The vouchers are limited. When you know that you are available to attend, please sign up in the Welcome Center so Kenny knows how many vouchers to obtain and how to contact you. The women’s game begins at 1 PM followed by the men’s game at 3 PM. The sharing of faith by IUP Christian athletes will follow the men’s game at 5 PM.
Church Camps: Although we’re in the coldest part of the year, it’s not too early to start thinking about summer church camps. Both Camp Allegheny and Wesley Woods are administered by independent boards and warmly welcome campers from Global Methodist Churches. Check out wesleywoods.com and campallegheny.org to see all the camp options. Camps fill up quickly, so don’t delay! Remember, our Dorsey Campership Fund will pay 2/3 the cost of camp for members of our church family.
Interested campers can sign up online and pay the deposit to secure your place at your preferred camp. Check with Doris in the church office with any questions.
Algonquin Canoe Trip – July 20-29, 2025
Here is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a week of wilderness canoeing and camping in the north woods of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. The group will travel through a rugged and beautiful land of lakes, rivers, and forests. Along the way, they will look for wildlife and camp on the shore. Around the campfire, they will learn about God, the wonders of his creation, and what it means to follow Jesus in community. Previous canoeing and camping experiences are helpful, but not necessary. The cost of the trip is $550 and includes all equipment and transportation. The trip is open to adults and teens at least 15 years old. (Remember, if you are 19 or older, you much have a passport.) Through our Dorsey Campership Fund, Grace Church will pay 2/3 of the cost, so you can enjoy this amazing experience for less than $200!
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!
Grace Church is advertising for a CUSTODIAL/MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL position. This is a full-time position and responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the church properties. The position requires you to be able to lift up to 50 pounds. The candidate will be working in a Christian environment. If you are interested in this position, please send a resume to SPRC@indianagrace.org. If you would like more detailed information of the duties, a job description is available upon request.
Our Grace Church family extends our condolences to the families and friends of Herman Luther who died on January 21 and Ken Schnarrs who passed on January 25.
Just for Laughs
At the racetrack a man couldn’t believe what he saw. There, in one of the stalls, a priest appeared to be blessing a horse before a race. Curious, the man paid special attention to the horse and was astounded when he discovered the horse came in first. After the race, the man noticed the priest doing the same thing again to another horse…and once again, the horse came in first in its race.
The man hurried to his bank and quickly emptied his saving account and then rushed back to the track. When he found the priest in the stall with another horse, he quickly placed all his money on that horse—and then eagerly waited for the race to begin. To his dismay, the horse didn’t come in first, second or third…in fact, the horse didn’t even finish the race.
When the man questioned the priest about what happened, the priest shook his head and said, “That’s the trouble with you Protestants. You can’t tell the difference between a blessing and the last rites.
