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Grace Avenue United Methodist Church
3521 Main Street | Frisco, TX 75034 | 972-335-2882
If you aren't receiving this newsletter via email, please send an email to [email protected] or CLICK HERE for this and other Grace Avenue news!
Gospels Scholars Series
Jaime Clark-Soles, Ph. D.
Thursday, April 10th | 7:00pm | Worship Center
Our final speaker in this series will share her knowledge and perspective of the Gospel of John.
Contact Adult Minister Bill D. Ball, Jr. at [email protected] for more information.
No fee. Childcare available.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS
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4G Corner | Sunday, April 6th
Stop by the Learning Center Lobby between the 9:30 & 11:00am services.
Meet, Greet & Eat at 4G Corner!
 Introducing the Grace Avenue Mobile App CLICK HERE for more information This is your way to stay connected with Grace Avenue! Stay informed of events and news, update your volunteer interests, register for events, receive notifications and alerts directly to your device. Download now and receive the APP EXCLUSIVE Lent Daily Devotional. 8th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
April 27th, 2014
Ridgeview Ranch Golf Club (In Plano Hwy 121 & Custer Road)
Shotgun Start 2:00 pm | 4 -Person Captain's Choice
$100per person/$400 per Foursome CLICK HERE to register Join us for our Annual Tournament. Cost includes cart/green Fees, range balls, banquet dinner and goody bag. Participate in Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin and Best Foursome contests. Contact Mike McDonald at [email protected] with questions. 
CLICK HERE to see what we have coming up for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Serving God through Ushering: One of the Most Important Job's in the Church! Training Meeting | Sunday, April 14th at 3:00pm We need Ushers for Easter Sunday! As we prepare to welcome so many guests and church members in worship during this holy season Grace Avenue is in need of additional ushers. The ministry of ushering is one of the most important ministries in the church: ushers are among the first people those attending church, many for the first time, encounter. While this is an extremely important ministry it is not as demanding as you might think! We will be offering an usher training/refresher for new and current ushers on Sunday, April 13 from 3-4 in the sanctuary and you are invited! Your church needs at least six ushers to commit one Sunday a month and we are also looking to establish at 5th Sunday crew for each worship service. Perhaps this is something your Sunday School class or small group could do together? We also have an immediate need for ushers especially for the 12:15 Easter service, which would be a wonderful short-term commitment, though you will need to come to the April 13th training. Please contact our Worship Committee Chair, Laurie Cooper at [email protected] for more information! Parking Lot Attendants needed for Easter Sunday We are in need of smiling faces to help direct people to the correct parking lots on Easter Sunday. We need at least 5 people to help during each of 4 time slots (9:10-9:30, 9:30-9:50, 10:45-11:10 and 11:10-11:30). Please contact Merri Nelson at [email protected] to let us now when you can help. Easter Lilies Purchase in memory or in honor of a loved one. Lilies will be used during Easter Worship and available to take home after services. Order forms are located in the black folders during worship and in the Welcome Centers. Grace Avenue Men's Softball Team
CLICK HERE to register Registration Open! Contact Lynn Noesser at [email protected] (type GAUMC Sports for subject) or register on-line. Games are played on Monday nights. Change The World Weekend | May 17th & 18th This is a global movement of United Methodists. Grace Avenue is participating and a team of volunteers has identified several exciting mission projects. Some of these will occur here at the church, and some will be in the community. We need volunteers to help coordinate projects. If you have a heart for mission and would like to help coordinate one of the projects or would like more information, please contact Sue Walters at [email protected] or 972-335-9130. Rainbow Corner Spring Flower Fundraiser Don't forget if you ordered flowers that pick up is on Thursday, April 10th from 12:30 - 2:30pm, just in time for planting! 
Great Authors, Great Journeys
CLICK HERE for more information. We are excited to announce our new series: Great Authors Great Journeys. This Spring, three noted authors will join us to share about their books and lives. Their books represent three different journeys. All these presentations are free and open for all to attend. All events will include opportunities to ask authors questions. A book signing will follow each presentation and books will be available for purchase. Contact Bill Ball at bill [email protected] with questions. 
Grace on the Go! UMCOR Health Kit and School Supply Collection in preparation for Change the World Weekend, we are collecting supplies for UMCOR Health and School Supply Kits. Instructions are in all of the lobbies on how and what to donate! Contact Tracy Huselton at [email protected] with questions. Invitation to Grace Avenue Sunday, April 6th | 6:00pm
Interested in learning more about being a member at Grace Avenue? Please join us! Contact Meghan Randall at [email protected] with questions. Caring Ministry Opportunities Do you like to cook? We are looking for those willing to provide home-cooked meals to church members who have recently had babies, are battling cancer or recovering from surgery. Contact Cheri Clark at [email protected]. Driving Ministry We have members of our church needing transportation during the week to doctor's appointments. Can you help? Contact Cheri Clark at [email protected]. |
Weekly Worship Times and Preaching Schedule for 4/5 & 4/6:
SATURDAY
In the Worship Center
Sabbath Worship 5:30 pm (Tracy Huselton, preaching)
Childcare is available for Infants-Pre-K. Elementary aged children are invited to share in Learning Time during the Sermon.
SUNDAY
Traditional--In the Sanctuary
Communion Worship 8:30 am (Billy Echols-Richter, preaching)
Foundation Worship 9:30 am (Laura Echols-Richter, preaching)
Covenant Worship 11:00 am (Billy Echols-Richter, preaching)
Contemporary--In the Worship Center
Celebration Worship 9:30 am (Billy Echols-Richter, preaching)
Threshold Worship 11:00 am (Tracy Huselton, preaching)
Childcare is available for Infants-Pre-K during all Sunday services.
Learning Hour is available for Elementary-Youth during 9:30 & 11:00 services and for Adults during all Sunday Services.
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3 Years... 3 Months... 3 Days...
3 Years
It was exactly 3 years ago that Grace Avenue United Methodist Church was asking two very important questions; Who are you because of God's love and what would you be willing to do because of God's love? The answers came in amazing ways as friends and members of Grace Avenue pledged $ 2,800,000 to the Because of God's Love Campaign. This outpouring of generosity allowed us to build our beautiful Phase III facility which includes our new Sanctuary, our renovated Worship Center, our new music suite, our new nurseries, our new children's check-in area, our new 4th & 5th grade Edge Room, our new Bride's Room/Family Room, and Tom Graves' Hall. The new facility came with a new responsibility to use these facilities as a tool to reach even more people with the grace of God. They were not buildings simply built for us to enjoy, but bridges to help us connect with others who needed a church to call home.
The facility was built in 2012. It opened at the beginning of 2013 and now every day, almost every hour, another group, family or person is invited into a deeper relationship with God and others because of the ministry of this church that happens in these facilities. It is one thing to calculate the cost of the building. It is another matter to calculate its worth in the lives of God's people. It is absolutely amazing to bear witness to God's work among us in just 3 short years.
3 Months
We are now in the final 3 months of the Because of God's Love campaign. To date we have received slightly over $ 2,100,000 of the $ 2,800,000 pledged. 70 of the 320 pledges have been completed already. Many more of us have been giving in regular installments that will be complete in the next 3 months. Others have been waiting to make their entire contribution as the 3 year cycle comes to a close. Finally, there is a group who was not even here 3 years ago who have benefitted greatly from the faithful planning and giving of others.
Whatever your status, I ask you now to re-enter a time of prayer for the final 3 months of the Because of God's Love campaign. I also call on you as your pastor, to join my family, as we do everything we can to finish out our commitments. In the next few weeks we will all be receiving information about the status of our Because of God's Love commitment. For planning purposes it may ask you to estimate what you can contribute against your pledge within the next 3 months or by the end of 2014. I hope you will welcome this as a means of grace.
3 Days
Ultimately Because of God's Love comes down to 3 days. Those 3 days are Good Friday to Easter. On Good Friday, because of God's love, Jesus Christ gave his life for us on the cross. On Easter, because of God's love, Jesus was raised from the dead that we too might experience resurrection. This is the Good News of our faith that we have studied throughout Lent. This is the Good News we proclaim using words, actions and yes, even buildings.
As April 18-20 approaches, I encourage you to consider making a Good Friday/Easter offering to the Because of God's Love campaign. If you have finished your pledge; go the extra mile. If you are continuing to pay on your pledge; take one more step of faith, and if you have come to Grace Avenue in the last 3 years; make a gift as an expression of thanksgiving for your homecoming in this great church.
3 Years... 3 Months... 3 Days...
ALL, Because of God's Love!
With you on Grace Avenue,
Billy Echols-Richter
Pastor
Sermons available on-line. CLICK HERE to view or listen.
Be sure to follow Grace Avenue online to get the latest in Grace Avenue news. Click Here:
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| PRESENCE, OFFERINGS & PRAYERS |
ATTENDANCE: 3/29 & 3/30
| Learning Hour 8:30 |
14
| | Learning Hour 9:30 |
296
| | Learning Hour 11:00 |
170
| | Total Learning Hour |
480
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| | Sabbath |
100
| | Communion 8:30 |
70
| | Celebration 9:30 |
183
| | Foundation 9:30 |
149
| | Threshold 11:00 |
110
| | Covenant 11:00 |
293
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| | Total Worship |
905
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Financials
| March | Financial Giving Facts | | Week | Budgeted Contributions | Amount Given | Difference | | 2 | $29,582 | $33,429 | $3,847 | | 9 | $29,582 | $42,188 | $12,606 | | 16 | $29,582 | $31,606 | $2,024 | | 23 | $29,582 | $37,966 | $8,384 | | 30 | $29,582 | $22,937 | -$6,645 | | | | | | Total Month | $147,910 | | | | | | | | Total Given for Month | $168,126 | | | Month to Date Net | $20,216 | | | | | | | Year to Date Contributions | $454,476 | | | Year to Date Budgeted Contributions | $430,980 | | | Year to Date Difference | $23,496 | |
| Capital Revenue | | | | March | 3/30/14 | $17,105 | | Year to Date Total | | $86,572 | | | | | Because of God's Love To Date | $1,974,416 | | B.O.G.L. Pledged (7/1/11-6/30/14) | $2,765,479 | | Outstanding Pledge Balance | $791,063 |
The February Jesus Urges Generosity (J.U.G) Children's Offering total of $270 is going to Imagine No Malaria.
There is a summary financial report in the black notebook if you would like to have one. These reports are generally one month behind current activity.
We offer credit/debit recurring payment setup.
We lift up prayers as a church family for....
Joy and Thanksgiving:
For Cole & Megan Pearson upon the birth of their baby boy, Timothy Cason. All are doing well.
For God's Strength and Healing:
For Alexah, 4 yr old daughter of Matt & Heather Hebert, who is in critical condition battling viral pneumonia and other health concerns.
For Ryan Edwards as he recovers from surgery.
For Liz McLean's son, Dave, who continues to have health concerns.
For all those who continue their battle with cancer and/or wait for test results.
For God's Comfort and Peace:
For Tom Schnell and his family upon the death of his father.
For those impacted by the storms last night and early this morning.
For those who have lost loved ones in the Washington state mudslide.
For the family and friends who are still missing from Malaysia flight
Do you have a prayer you would like to share with the Ministers at Grace Avenue? You can let us know by CLICKING HERE.
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CHILDREN
The Kid's Day Out Program at Grace Avenue Registration
Registration for the 2014-2015 School Year has begun. Kid's Day Out is a program for children who have turned 1 year old as of September1, 2014 but have not yet turned 2 by the same date. KDO meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00- 2:15. You may register for 1 or 2 days based on availability. The cost of tuition is $100.00 a month if your child is enrolled in 1 day a week and $200.00 a month for 2 days a week. Tours are available of the KDO program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00- 12:00. For more information you can contact Kristen Lane, Children's Minister at [email protected]. CLICK HERE to download a registration form.
Children's Ministry Collecting Easter Egg Hunt Donations
The Children's Ministry Department is looking for donations of plastic Easter Eggs and candy/ treat fillers for the Easter Egg Hunt. All items must be peanut free. All donations may be placed on the counter in the Learning Center Lobby or in the box outside Kristen Lane's office. Thank you! All donations are greatly appreciated.
Easter Egg Hunt | Sunday, April 13th | 4:00-6:00pm
Celebrate the joy of Easter as we share in an Easter Egg Hunt for Infants-5th grade children. The Meat Ministry will cook hamburgers and hotdogs for a minimal cost. There will be free bounce houses, trackless train, egg toss, and games. A donation of $3/child with a $10 family max is appreciated. CLICK HERE to register so we know how many eggs to hide!
Summer Fun in the SON Camp Dates
Camp Registration is open. CLICK HERE to register.
VBC Week 1: June 16-20
VBC Week 2: June 23- 27
Music and Drama Camp: July 7-11
Science Camp Week 1: July 14-18
Science Camp Week 2: July 21- 25
Art Camp: July 28- Aug 1
Camp Grace: Aug 4- 7
Mission Camp: Aug 11- 14
Camp Grace Informational Meeting
March 30th | 5:00pm | EDGE Room
This summer will be our 4th year of Camp Grace! Come and learn more about the opportunity your child has to attend sleep away church camp. Camp Grace is for children who have completed the 3rd - 5th grades. The Informational meeting will cover the who, what, when, where, and whys of Camp Grace. Come join us Sunday, March 30 at 5:00 in the EDGE room. Contact [email protected] with questions.
Created by God
May 9-10 for 5th and 6th graders
CLICK HERE to register
Created By God is an important workshop for tweens currently in the 5th and 6th grades. Created by God focuses on God's gift of human sexuality from a Christian perspective. The main purpose of this workshop is to educate children and parents in the godly principles regarding our sexuality and to affirm that growth and change in our bodies is part of God's perfect and wonderful plan for our lives. The curriculum is prepared by the United Methodist Church and will be led by Allyson George, Kristen Lane, and Christopher Vaughan. The workshop will be held Friday, May 9 from 7:00- 9:00 and Saturday, May 10 from 9:00- 2:00. Lunch and snacks will be served throughout the workshop.
Parents are invited to a parent meeting on Thursday, May 8 at 7:00. Cost of the workshop is $40.00.
Mission Possible | Sunday, March 23rd | 2:30-4:00pm
This a monthly hands-on mission opportunity for kids in K-5th grades. This month we will be making cards and small gifts for Rambling Oaks and Prairie Estates as well as getting ready for Easter here at Grace Avenue. Contact Keri Keck at [email protected].
YOUTH
Youth Schedule this Week
Sunday: SPARK from 5:00-7:00pm. Includes snack supper, worship and small groups.
Wednesday: JH Homework & Hangout from 4:30-7:00pm, SH Homework & Hangout from 5:30-8:00pm
For information about Youth Programs, please contact Christopher Vaughan at [email protected].
Annual Women's RetreatMay 3-4, 2014 | Tanglewood ResortShe's Got Issues: Good News for the Stressed Out! CLICK HERE to register! Our program throughout the weekend will be based on the book and DVD entitled "She's Got Issues (With Seriously Good News for Stressed-Out, Secretly Scared Control Freaks Like Us)" by Nicole Uncie. Laura Echols-Richter will invite us to dialogue about our lives, our insecurities, our fears and our anchors. We will then focus on how God's grace and love truly can transform our lives if we are willing to let go and trust God. On Saturday night, we will share dinner and have an evening of fun. On Sunday, we will close with a breakfast buffet & closing worship. E-mail [email protected] for more information.
Annual Men's Dinner
May 5, 2014 at 6:30pm | Tom Graves Hall
Guest Speaker: Don Underwood, Christ UMC Plano
Cost is $12.50 Per Dinner | CLICK HERE to Register
We are beginning a new tradition this year with our first annual Men's Dinner on Monday, May 5 at 6:30pm. This year, we will be having a crawfish boil. Please register by May 1st. For more information, email [email protected].
We are excited to announce that Don Underwood will be our guest speaker for this event. Don is the Senior Pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Plano. He recently published a book entitled The Long View. Dance with Grace - Dance Lessons for HEART Adults
Fridays from 5:00-6:00pm | On-going Friday Nights
These classes are free and so much fun! CLICK HERE for more email [email protected].
Good Grief | Sundays at 2:00pm in the Prayer Room
Rev. Joyce Cravens leads "Good Grief" for anyone suffering from loss of any kind. Contact [email protected].
CLICK to see all of the Adult classes that are being offered.
MUSIC & ART
Handbell Choir Rehearsals
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00pm
Come and Ring! Our wonderful Handbell Choir, directed by Bill Roberts, is beginning fall rehearsals. Contact Bill at
[email protected] for more information!
Voices of Grace Youth Choir
Sundays, 4:00-5:00pm
Come join Bill Roberts and our amazing 6th-12th grade youth as they learn new music, work on a musical, and have a great time being together! Please contact Bill at [email protected] for more information!
Adult Choirs... All Are Welcome!
Every Wednesday!
The Foundation Choir (led by Joe Stobaugh) meets from 6:00-7:00pm and The Covenant Choir (led by Laurie Hanson Roberts) meets from 7:00-8:30pm in the Music Suite (Room 128). Come for one or both rehearsals! No auditions or experience necessary, just a love of music and fun! Contact Joe ([email protected]) or Laurie ([email protected]).
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March Collection for Frisco Family Services is Spring Cleaning goods like detergents and cleaning products.
Bingo Prizes Needed for Prairie Estates
Each Saturday, Grace Avenue volunteers call Bingo at Prairie Estates Skilled Nursing Center. We need of Bingo prizes such as quarters, hand lotions, and other small trinkets. We also need individually wrapped regular and sugar free candy. You can leave donations at the collection point by the elevator in the Learning Center Lobby. If you have any questions about the prizes or would like to volunteer, you can contact Kari Hardwick at [email protected].
Frisco FASTPacs
Help Feed the Children of Frisco
Many children who receive the free or reduced lunch during the school week, do not have enough food on the weekends. Help by donating needed food items. The list of needed items and the collection container is across from the world map, near in the Learning Center Lobby. Contact Marian Schulze at [email protected] for information or visit www.friscofastpacs.com.
Bread Run - Volunteers Needed!
Approximately a 2-hour commitment on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning. Several locations donate overstock of bread and other items for area homeless shelters. Contact Cristen Marshall at [email protected] for information.
Bingo at Prairie Estates
* Bingo Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to call Bingo and hand out prizes for the residents of Prairie Estates. This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, and groups. Children of all ages are welcome, with an adult, and really brighten the day of some folks who aren't able to get out and about. The time commitment is Saturday from around 8:45-10:15 am at Prairie Estates located at 1350 W Main Street in Frisco.
* Prizes Needed
Bingo prizes make the game more exciting for the residents! They especially enjoy fun sized candy bars and individually wrapped sugar free candy. Items such as large print sudoku books, word finds, small stuffed animals, figurines, etc. are also appreciated. You can leave donated prizes in the area near the elevator in the Learning Center lobby.
For more information on the Prairie Estates Bingo mission, please contact
Renae Fogarty at [email protected].
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Next Week's Calendar:
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Click here to go to our online calendar.
Sun, April 6
2:00-3:00 pm
Good Grief
3:00-5:00 pm
Financial Peace University-Group 2
3:00-5:00 pm
Financial Peace University
3:00-4:00 pm
Youth Wind Ensemble
4:00-5:00 pm
Praise Kids
4:00-5:00 pm
Youth Choir
5:00-6:00 pm
Edge: 4th & 5th Grade Fellowhsip
5:00-7:00 pm
SPARK: Snack Supper, Worship & Small Groups
\5:30-7:00 pm
The Legacy Journey
6:00-7:30 pm
Invitation to Grace Avenue
8:30-9:30 pm
Gospels in 40 Days Online Discussion Group
Mon, April 7
9:30-10:45 am
Gospels in 40 Days Discussion Group
10:00-11:30 am
Ruth Sisters
1:00-2:00 pm
Book Club
6:30-7:30 pm
Grace Avenue Softball
7:00-8:00 pm
Gospels in 40 Days Discussion Group
7:00-8:30 pm
Boy Scout Troop #216
Tues, April 8
10:30 am-12:00 pm
Lydia Group
7:00-8:30 pm
Disciple I: Acts & the Letters
7:00-8:30 pm
ESL/Citizenship Classes & Celebration
7:00-8:30 pm
Disciple II
7:00-8:45 pm
Discipleship Boot Camp
Wed, April 9
9:30-10:00 am
Job Network Meet & Greet
9:30-11:30 am
Remaining in the Vine Study
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Job Network Meeting
12:00-1:00 pm
The Daniel Fast
4:00-7:00 pm
JH Hangout & Homework
4:30-6:00 pm
Hangout at Edge
5:30-8:00 pm
SH Hangout & Homework
6:00-7:00 pm
Grace Avenue Ringers Rehearsal
6:00-7:00 pm
Youth Band Practice
6:00-7:00 pm
Foundation Choir Rehearsal
7:00-8:00 pm
Young Adult Small Group
7:00-8:30 pm
Covenant Choir Rehearsal
Thurs, April 10
9:15-10:30 am
Gospels in 40 Days Discussion Group
6:30-7:30 pm
The Daniel Fast
7:00-8:30 pm
Jaime Clark-Soles: Gospel of John-Gospels in 40 Days
7:00-8:30 pm
Boy Scout Troop # 216
Fri, April 11
Amigos Days
9:30 am-12:00 pm
MOPS Steering Committee
10:00-11:00 am
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly)
5:00-6:00 pm
Dancing with Grace
Sat, April 12
Amigos Days
7:00-8:00 am
GAME 2 (Men's Monthly Breakfast)
9:00-10:00 am
Bingo at Prairie Estates
4:00-5:00 pm
Adult Praise Band Rehearsal
5:30-6:30 pm
Sabbath Worship Service
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