Greetings Friends!
We were lucky to escape the ice storm that had been predicted this week. While it can certainly see a mixed bag of weather, February can be a joyful month for many reasons, including love, romance and the promise of spring. While February is a short month, it is long on interesting historical events. Here are just a few:
- February 1, 1865: President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment, officially abolishing slavery.
- February 6, 1952: Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne of the United Kingdom.
- February 15, 1898: The USS Maine exploded in Havana Harbor, Cuba, contributing to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War.
- February 24, 1867: The House of Representatives voted to impeach President Andrew Johnson.
- February 25, 1870: Hiram Revels became the first African American to serve in the US Senate.
- February 28, 1953: James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA.
- February 28, 1954: The first color television set went on sale to the public.
- February 20, 1962: Astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth.
We hope you are enjoying February while looking forward to Spring next month!
COURAGE AND CANCER
The support group, Courage and Cancer will meet this Sunday at 3 pm in the Welcome Center. We will revisit and discuss mindfulness. If you or someone you know is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, this group can help to provide support and caring for cancer patients and their caregivers.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
At both 9 and 11, Pastor Bill continues his sermon series, Made to Thrive. The morning message is entitled Relationally Blessed with the scripture reference from John 15:9-17.
Are you seeking an adult Sunday School Class? We currently have two very active classes, and both begin new studies:
The Journey Sunday School Class will re-visit the book, “The Women of Easter” by Liz Curtis Higgs, during the upcoming Lenten season. The first Sunday in Lent is March 9, so you will want to acquire a copy of the book prior to that time, if you don’t already have one. The book is available at Christian Book Distributors and Amazon, which also appears to have several options for used copies. Please let Lon Lowman (lelowman@comcast.net) know if you need any assistance obtaining the book. The Journey Sunday School Class meets on Sunday mornings at 10:10 AM in Room 208.
MOUNTAIN MEN
The Mountain Men’s Bible Study focuses on scripture applied to outdoor activities. They are beginning a new series, The Eight Core Elements. For more information, please call Jon Price at 724-549-9361. Schedule: 7 p.m. on February 16; 7 a.m. on March 2; 7 p.m. on March 16.
The Men’s Bible Study meets on Tuesdays at noon in Room 102. You are invited to join their study of 1 Samuel. For those who prefer an earlier time, a group also meets at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays. All men are cordially invited to join either group.
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.
LOOKING AHEAD
There will be an Ash Wednesday Service in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. on March 5.
MISSION TRIP OPPORTUNITIES
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.
The Homer City Methodist Church, as part of the Valley of Light Ministries Parish, is leading a mission trip to Anchorage, Alaska July 20-27,2025. We will be doing a VBS style program in the city parks to minister to the latchkey kids of Anchorage. Alaska is the least “churched” state in the US. If you’ve never been “moosing” then you have to give this a try! We will be having an informational meeting soon. If interested, please email Pastor Bob Penrose at pastorbobvlm@gmail.com or call at 1-724-467-8555.
FINANCIAL PEACE
Are you interested in learning powerful Biblical ways to manage your finances? Join our 9-week Financial Peace University class starting on Tuesday February 25 at 6:06 PM and learn effective strategies to pay off debt, manage money, build wealth, and give generously. Class will meet in the Tomer home. Sign up in the Welcome Center or contact Wes (724) 953-1448 or Shanda Tomer (724) 931-7823 for more info.
GRACE YOUTH
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.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER – February 5
Menu: Chicken Shepherd’s Pie, Garden Salad, Dessert, Beverage
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
GRIEFSHARE
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.
SHARE YOUR TALENTS!
Easter Musical Drama, “Why Can’t They See?”: While a majority of the parts have been assigned for the play, we are in need of girls in first through fifth grades for small parts. Please sign up your daughter in the Welcome Center today, or call the church office. There are still other ways to get involved with this amazing project.
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
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.
EXERCISE WITH LINDA
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 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fellowship Hall.
The exercise group is gratefully accepting used hand weights and aerobic steps. You may leave any donations in the Missions Hallway near the elevator.
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.
IUP FAITH NIGHT
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.
MISSION THURSDAY
The next Mission Thursday is on February 20 in the GIM Building from 4 – 7 p.m. Come when you can and stay as long as you can to work on the LuoPad Mission Project. Donations of flannel and terry cloth are always gratefully accepted. Donations may be dropped off in the Missions Hallway near the elevator.
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY
The next Senior Adult event is on February 24 when we will meet at Hoss’s Steakhouse for lunch at 11:30 and then take in a movie. The Monday Movie special price is $5 and includes free junior-size popcorn. Both lunch and the movie are Dutch treat. Sign up in the Welcome Center by February 16.
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!
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER
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.
JUST FOR LAUGHS
The pastor and the choir director were not getting along, and their rift was beginning to affect the worship services.
One week the pastor preached on commitment, and how we should dedicate ourselves to service. The choir director then led the song, I Shall Not Be Moved.
The next Sunday, the pastor preached on giving and how we should gladly give tithes and offerings to the work of the Lord. The choir director then led the song, Jesus Paid it All.
The following week, the pastor preached the sin of gossiping. Sure enough, the choir director led the song, I Love to Tell the Story.
Disgusted, the pastor told the congregation the next Sunday that he was considering resigning. The choir director then led the song, Oh, Why Not Tonight.
A few weeks later when the pastor did resign, he told the church that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was taking him away. The choir director led the song, What a Friend we Have in Jesus.
Have a nice weekend,
