Latest Newsletter - Grace United Methodist Church

Dear Church Family,
“Do not work for the food that perishes,
but for the food that endures for eternal life …” John 6:27
John records the miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 people at the beginning of the sixth chapter of his gospel. Later the crowds followed Jesus and
he questioned their motives. They were not following him for who he was
and the mission he was calling them to undertake. He said, “You are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the
loaves.” Then Jesus encouraged them to work for enduring values.
As individual Christians and as a congregation, what motivates our
response to Jesus Christ? Do we believe that our relationship to Jesus
Christ is purely a personal response? Such a value places little emphasis
upon participation in the community of the Church. Such a response does
not acknowledge that commitment to Jesus unites us with a community of
faith which seems to guide our growth in faith, support and nurture that
faith, and provide discipline and encouragement for our continuing discipleship.
If Grace Church is to live up to our highest values … what are they?
I can think of four primary values that will best
honor God. I will list them in order:
Making disciples of Jesus Christ
Relating to the outsider just as Jesus did, with
no concern for self or cost

Knowing, teaching, and sharing the Word of
God with others

Doing whatever is necessary to reach the lost
around us. Our congregation’s life will then be
marked by disciplined lives, pervasive prayer,
constant activities outside the walls of the church,
and a constant readiness to change in order to
meet more effectively the needs of others.


The greatest response we can make to God, as individuals and as a
congregation, is the response of communicating Christ’s love to others.
May God make us more sensitive to working for the enduring values as
we minister together in this new year.
In Christian love,
Activities
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Missions
4
Spotlight
5
Youth
6
Calendar
7
Birthdays
8
To help you prepare to hear
God’s Word at worship:
Readings for February 1
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
Readings for February 8
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
Readings for February 15
2 Kings 2:1-12
Psalm 50:1-6
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9
Readings for February 22
Genesis 9:8-17
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:9-15
Amazing Grace
Let’s go to camp! Now’s the time to
register! Check out the Susquehanna conference summer Camps’ website at
www.susumcamps.org or call 1-800-8748474 to learn more about the United Methodist Summer Camp Programs. You can
even register on line! If you would like to
review a brochure, or go the paper registration route, contact Sandy Grimes at 5662897. Discounts are available for early registration. Get up and enjoy the great outdoors!
How do you balance your busy life?
Join us for an evening out on Saturday,
March 7th at 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. You will
enjoy dinner, entertainment, and connecting with your peers as we work at finding
balance in an imbalanced world. Childcare is available. Please contact the Planning Committee at balance4family@
gmail.com or Tammy Houck at
[email protected] or 566-2897.
Take Your
Vow of Membership
Join us if you are interested in growing in your faith and understanding of our
Wesleyan traditions. All new members are
required to attend this six-week study.
Our next session will begin on Sunday,
February 8th at 6:30 pm, with an informational coffee hour hosted by Rev. John at
Grace. Subsequent sessions will be held
on Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30
am, beginning Sunday, February 15th and
ending on Sunday, March 22nd. New
members will take their vows of membership on Sunday, March 22nd at the 10:45 am
worship service. If you are interested in
attending, please contact Tammy Houck at
[email protected] or 566-2897.
Children’s Musical
Italian Night Fundraiser
Italian Night at JoJo’s is set for Monday, March 2nd from 4 to 7 pm. The menu
includes spaghetti and meatballs, chicken
parmesan, stuffed shells or pizza. We’ll
receive 15% of their receipts.
Look for more details in the Sunday
bulletin announcements.
February’s Friendship
Breakfast is set for
Wednesday, February 4th
at 8:30 am
2
February 2015
Western Family Night
Saturday, February 21st
4 to 6:00 pm
It’s time to break out your cowboy boots and flannel
shirts! Join us for our annual Family Fun Western Night at
Grace. Come enjoy our western cuisine including rattle
snake bites, tractor wheels, and cow patties. Children can experience lassoing a bull, mining
for gold, crafts, and more! There will be opportunities to donate funds to our Ready-for-School
Program such as a bake sale, creatively crafted hobby horses to purchase for the kiddos and our
“Best Cowpoke of Grace” contest! Support your favorite Grace Cowboy by donating money to
his collection can before the big Cowpoke Competition. Our competitors for this year are Rev.
John, Brent Simpson, Bryan Waldron, John Kaschak and George Woodring. So come out and
support your favorite! Awards will be given for best western wear so be sure to dress to impress. Sign-up at the Welcome Center today! Adults $7 - Children (ages 10 & under) $3.
Mom’s Group
You’re invited to join the Women of Grace with Young
Children who meet Wednesday mornings at 9:30 am in the
home of Jacki Kratz. These stay-at-home moms are currently
viewing a Beth Moore series on Revelations while their children
play in eye and ear shot of their mothers. Contact Jacki at
[email protected] or call/text her at 717-475-7494.
Upcoming Dates of Importance!
Sunday, February 1
Sunday, February 8
Wednesday, February 11
Sunday, February 15
Wednesday, February 18
Saturday, February 21
Sunday, March 1
Potato Soup Sale, proceeds benefit the Ready for School
Program
Children’s Musical Bake Sale
Scout Sunday
Grace Christian Preschool Pizza Hut Fundraiser
Youth Sunday celebrated at all three worship services
Ash Wednesday Dinner served from 5 to 6:45 pm
Ash Wednesday Worship Service 7 pm
Family Western Night from 4 to 6 pm
Annual Blood Drive
3
Amazing Grace
Whatever you did for one of the least
of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40
A significant number of non-profit organizations fold within the first five years. However,
Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) is heading into its eighth
year serving the Hummelstown/Hershey community! Having
surpassed the critical transition period, Love INC’s Board of Directors recently held a planning session to establish a five-year
strategic plan. “We are a maturing organization and are taking
the necessary steps to be here long into the future,” states Executive Director, Diana Myrvang. “None of what we do would be
viable without the valued support of our 17 partner churches.”
Since Love INC operates with a limited staff of three parttime employees, the non-profit agency relies heavily on over 450
volunteers to meet community needs. Grace Church members have played vital roles in supporting Love INC’s ministries. In 2014, members volunteered nearly 1,000 hours, serving on a
regular basis with upkeep at the parsonages, providing clerical duties in the office, and lending
skills to refurbish bicycles. Every month members of Grace meet with clients at the Hummelstown Food Bank, taking personal care requests, distributing items, and offering further assistance including resume writing, job interviewing, and budgeting classes (which are offered
throughout the year by Love INC volunteers). Many members have become involved in annual
events including the Sneaker Collection and Distribution Drive which fitted over 400 local children with new footwear in august. Fourteen members baked over two dozen pies for the fourth
annual Pie Auction. Many support the Share the Love Campaign each Valentine’s Day which is
currently underway (see information table in the Narthex). Also, year ‘round support is given
for the Personal Care Closet Ministry which provides non-food items to over 70 families every
month. Donations are very much needed on a regular basis and may be placed in the collection
basket located in the Narthex.
As the Church Ministry Coordinator, I thank Grace Church for its continued and growing
support of Love INC! I invite you to visit www.loveinthenameofchristgreaterhershey.org and
consider where your personal talents and time may be used to support of many ministries of
Love INC in 2015 and beyond. Contact the office at 835-0101 or Susan Schulteis at 566-9548 to
make a commitment to help on a regular basis, provide a few hours of service, donate monetarily, or assist with a specific event.
PS - Valentine’s Day is fast-approaching. Time to let your friends, family, co-workers, teachers, coaches, and loved ones know how much they mean to you. For a donation of $10, Love
INC will beautifully wrap a long-stemmed, red rose, add a personalized message from you, and
deliver your gift to the recipient’s home or place of employment in the Hershey/Hummelstown
area. Orders may be made online at Loveincgreaterhershey.org, by calling the office at 835-0101,
or filling out an order form located at the display table in the Narthex. Orders will be taken until
February 9th. A large percentage of the proceeds will support the many ministries Love INC
serves.
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February 2015
Scholarship Aid Available
The United Methodist Scholarship Program is a church-wide educational service
providing scholarships to help supplement
the financial needs of today’s students.
Funding for these scholarships is provided
through Special Sundays Offerings, wills, annuities and other designated gifts. Students
need to complete only one application each
year. Applications are reviewed by members
of the General Board of Higher Education
and Ministry (GBHEM) and other affiliated
representatives.
The following are standard criteria for
every program offered through GBHEM:


Applicants must be pursuing a degree
program at any accredited institution.

High School students may apply if they
will be college students in the fall term.

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of
2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants are required to be full-time
students according to their school’s standards for the program for which they are
enrolled.
I am pleased to announce that Matt
Houck (one of Grace’s own youth) has been
awarded one of these scholarships. The next
time you see Matt, please take a moment to
congratulate him!
Applicants must be an active, full member of the United Methodist Church for at
Seniors graduating this June, you might
least one year. Membership is determined by the date the applicant was con- want to check out this opportunity.
firmed and took membership vows with a
United Methodist church. (Members of
other Methodist denominations are not
eligible.)
Here’s What’s Cookin’
On February 18th, Tami will be preparing a meal to be served
from 5 to 6:45 pm before the 7 pm Ash Wednesday worship service.
The menu includes baked ziti, a veggie, roll, salad and dessert.
February’s Soup Sale flavor is loaded potato soup. Proceeds
benefit the Ready for School Program. Sign-up at the Welcome Center.
Thursday’s menus for February are:
2/5
Mike Still’s famous sauerkraut, roast pork, mashed potatoes,
veggie, roll, and dessert
2/12 baked chicken thighs, mac & cheese, veggie, roll, salad and
dessert
2/19 cheeseburgers, baked beans, chips, fixin’s, and dessert
2/26 lasagna, veggie, garlic bread, salad, and dessert
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Amazing Grace
Grace Kids’ Club is back!
Grace Kids Club will begin March 4th. Kids
in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to
join us after school on Wednesdays for 4 weeks.
From 3:45 to 5:30 pm, there will be games, a
snack, Bible lesson, craft, music and fun led by
Grace youth. Registration will be available soon
through the Church website at gracehummelstown.org under Programs/Grace Kids’ Club.
Please see Sandy Grimes, Barb Rosensteel, or Stacey Forshey for more information, or if you are a
youth or adult who would like to help.
February GUMY Events
Sunday, February 1
GUMY and TY join for a Superbowl Party in the Youth Room. We will
have great food and ask each Youth’s family to bring a drink and a nutfree sweet to share. Please note the extended hours of 6 pm to 9 pm.
Sunday, February 8
GUMY Event at our usual time of 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Sunday, February 15
Youth Sunday at Grace! Our Youth will lead all three services! Please
come and join us. A luncheon will be held after the service, so please
sign-up at the Welcome Center desk.
Sunday, February 22
We will have a “Poverty Dinner” in anticipation of our 30-Hour Famine
weekend coming the 13th and 14th of March.
We always welcome any Youth grades 7 through 12 to our GUMY events;
and 5th and 6th grade young people to our TY events.
iBlast Rehearsal Dates/Times for February
February 1 - 4:45 to 6 pm
February 8 - 4:45 to 6:15 pm
February 15 - no practice (Youth Sunday)
February 22 - 4:45 to 6:15 pm
6
Thu
Fri
Sat
Fe b ru a r y 2 0 1 5
Wed
7
Tue
6
14 Youth Sunday
Practice 8 am to noon
Mon
5 Family Dinner
served from 5 to 6:30
pm
Covenant Bible Study
5:50 pm
Angel Choir 6 pm
Junior Praise 6:35 pm
Chancel Choir 7 pm
13
Sun
4 Friendship
Breakfast 8:30 am
Women’s Bible Study
9:30 am both at
Grace and Kratz
Home
Handbell Rehearsals
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Adult Volleyball 7 pm
12
God’s Girls 2:45 pm
Family Dinner served
from 5 to 6:30 pm
Covenant Bible Study
5:50 pm
Angel Choir 6 pm
Junior Praise 6:35 pm
Chancel Choir 7 pm
2
10
Men’s Basketball
7 pm
11
Women’s Bible Study
9:30 am both at
Grace and Kratz
Home
GCP Fundraiser at
Pizza Hut 11am-10pm
Handbell Rehearsals
5:30 - 7:30 pm
19
Family Dinner served
from 5 to 6:30 pm
Covenant Bible Study
5:50 pm
Angel Choir 6 pm
Junior Praise 6:35 pm
Chancel Choir 7 pm
GUMY Advisors 7pm
17
Men’s Basketball
7 pm
18
Women’s Bible Study
9:30 am both at
Grace and Kratz
Home
Ash Wednesday Meal
served from 5 to 6:45
Ash Wednesday
Worship 7 pm
26
Family Dinner served
from 5 to 6:30 pm
Covenant Bible Study
5:50 pm
Angel Choir 6 pm
Junior Praise 6:35 pm
Chancel Choir 7 pm
3
Men’s Basketball
7 pm
9
16 Widows &
Friends at Grace1pm
23
24
Men’s Basketball
7 pm
25
Women’s Bible Study
9:30 am both at
Grace and Kratz’
Handbell Rehearsals
5:30 - 7:30 pm
GCP Open House
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Adult Volleyball 7 pm
1 Loaded Potato
Soup Sale
Children’s Musical
Rehearsal 1-3 pm
iBlast 4:45 pm
Rev. John’s Confirmation Class 5 pm
GUMY/TY Superbowl
Party 6-9 pm
8 Scout Sunday
Children’s Musical
Bake Sale Fundraiser
Musical Rehearsal 1-3
Prayer Shawl 3 pm
iBlast 4:45 pm
New Member Coffee
with Rev. John 6:30
GUMY 6:30 pm
15 Youth Sunday
New Members’ Class
9:30 am
Children’s Musical
Rehearsal 1-3 pm
No iBlast today
No evening GUMY
22
New Members’ Class
9:30 am
Children’s Musical
Rehearsal 1-3 pm
Prayer Shawl 3 pm
iBlast 4:45 pm
GUMY Poverty
Dinner
27
20
28
21
Family Western
Night 4 to 6 pm
7
Happy Birthday Greetings To ….
2/01 Barbara Gebhart
Gina Yocum
Jacquelyne Endy
Samantha Farace
2/02 Wanda McDonough
2/03 Colette Cocco
Morgan Crouse
Mason Lupp
2/04 John McGinn
Amy Darowish
Ashleigh Simpson
Carter Erwin
2/05 Caleb Ocker
2/06 Donald Woodburn
Erica Ndlovu
2/07 Ann Biser
John Zitko
Tommy Klock
2/08 Kimberly Dotts
Kennedy Brown
2/10 Janice Evans
Yvonne Abela
Nick Ruddle
2/11 Ray Davidson
Mary Cook
2/11 Annie Sierer
2/13 Robin Bubnis
Dylan Wanner
Connor Leiby
2/14 Pam Dykes
Anne Hartzfeld
David Sierer
2/15 Jennifer Russell
Bel Bergey
2/16 Dean Cray
Mark Yocum
Robert Fallat
Hannah Haynes
Megan Mitchell
2/17 Sally Terry
2/17 Alex Wagner
2/18 Earl Cassel
Gretchen Yingst
John Harman
Timothy Barr
Mike Turner
2/19 Ashley Lynch
Liz Lynch
2/20 Ron Bell
8
2/20 Ellie Reynolds
Katelyn Hanft
2/21 Rob Harper
Kiley Strohm
Alexandra Sierer
Benjamin Sierer
Nickolaus Janak
2/22 Dale Forshey
2/23 Tiffany Cartwright
Shane Boyer
Weston Miller
2/24 Brandon Harper
2/25 Trey Klock
2/26 Meghan Swavely
Andrew Zomok
Kelly Barr
McKenna Helder
2/27 Kenneth Cook
Sherry Bechtel
Kyle Ercol
Alexander Klipa
2/28 Arlene Fisher
Tina Marie Lerch
Charlisse Elliott

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