Grace Church is now a certified Stephen Ministry Congregation. The Connection and Evangelism Committee via Judy Currier will be bringing an update to the congregation on this important and needed ministry on Sundays: March 6 and March 13. For those of you who are interested in finding out more about this ministry, an informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 16, at 7 p.m. in the Library/Conference Room.
You've been married for 20 years and suddenly your spouse wants a divorce. Perhaps your son lost his job when the company down-sized and he hasn't been able to find a job. You're ashamed to tell friends you're being abused. Perhaps you have had a miscarriage, surrounded by friends who've just had healthy babies born, and find your sadness prevents you from enjoying their happiness. Is it alcoholism or drug use that's invading your family? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Could it be that you are simply lonely and long for company?
Wouldn't it be comforting to have someone to talk with who cares, to rely on to be there and listen to you confidentially? That "someone" could be a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one confidential ministry by trained, caring lay members who have responded to Christ's call. It's a way for the lost to get help and find healing in Christ's arms. Stephen Ministers are Caregivers; God is the Curegiver.
When the call went out in my former church for people interested in Stephen Ministry there was a spiritual nudge to my shoulder. Jesus let me know that this was something I was meant to do. The Connection and Evangelism Committee is the sponsor for this ministry. I will be at an information table on the following Sundays: February 27, March 6 and March 13. For those of you who are interested in finding out more about this ministry, an informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in in the Library/Conference Room. Thank you for your time and please consider how Stephen Ministry can assist you.
GRACE UMM thanks everyone who helped prepare the Pancake Breakfast meal on February 12, and all who came to eat the delicious food. We did make some money doing this, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the church budget. Thank you everyone!
Saturday, March 12, will be our next meeting as we host the District UMM gathering. We are planning on hosting 80+ men for this event. The Rockford District officers are hosting the program. The speaker will be Pastor Paul Meyers from Roscoe UMC. Tickets are $8 and will be available soon. We will need your help and support for the meal. We need a good turnout from GRACE UMC.
For further information, please call Larry Christensen at 815-229-0785.
The monthly breakfast and fellowship time for the guys is at Stockholm Inn at 2420 Charles St., Rockford. Please join them for breakfast and fellowship for about one hour every last Wednesday of the month.
UMW is a community of women who nurture and encourage one another in their spiritual growth, personal leadership and transformation. To learn more, see President Kendra Murphy, or call the church office at 815-654-3761.
UMW will meet March 1 at 6:00 p.m.
To Marj and Roy Coleman and loved ones on the death of Marj's mother, Violet G. Wych, on January 28, 2011. She was 92.
Many thanks to you, a group of concerned individuals, of Grace United Methodist Church who saw to it that my Phyllis and I had some home-cooked meals during my Phyllis' latest series of illnesses. The food fed us physically and the thoughtfulness spiritually. What a wonderful tribute and ministry to Grace United Methodist Church and its teachings. God bless you all. Sincerely, Emil Palermo
Many of you have been asking about a new Grace UMC Photo Directory, and your Evangelism and Connection Committee has made this directory one of its goals for 2011. We will offer a Digital Photo Directory to those of you who have e-mail addresses, with a few copies available to those without access to the Internet. This is no cost involved and the directory can be saved in your computer with personal access 24/7. It will be updated and transmitted to you at least once a quarter, so you will have current information on our membership. Chuck Drewes is producing the directory for us; Kendra Murphy is serving as photographer with her ever-ready digital camera. We are excited to offer this new directory to you and know it will be a valuable asset to our church community.
Become a friend of GRACE CHURCH by logging onto the social network website "Facebook" and search for "Welcome to Grace Church." You will find a great exterior picture of the church as well as helpful information on latest events and prayer requests. You will find some other friends there, too!