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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!
We have two different opportunities during summer break to provide for the children in our area. Many of these children receive free or reduced lunch at school and during the summer budgets make it difficult for families to provide lunches. Take some time this summer to help these kids and families.
Frisco Family Services Summer Lunch Program
June 9th-11th (COMPLETED!) & June 30th-July 3rd
For two weeks this summer Grace Avenue will partner with Frisco Family Services to provide lunches and fun activities for children living here in Frisco. Volunteers are needed help prepare/serve lunches, lead activities, etc. For more information, or to sign up, contact Betty Pfahler at [email protected]. Thank you to everyone who made our first week a success. We have one week left this summer! Let's finish strong!
Little Elm Area Kids Eat Free Program
June 9th-August 22nd
Grace Avenue will be partnering with Button Memorial UMC to provide lunches for children from Little Elm ISD all summer. Button Memorial UMC is providing all of the food. Grace Avenue will help prepare/deliver lunches and participate in crafts/activities with the kids. Lunches will be delivered to the Preston on the Lake neighborhood. We need 2-5 volunteers each weekday to pick-up/deliver the lunches and to lead activities. We also need 5-6 volunteers to make lunches at Button Memorial UMC on Thursdays from 9:00-11:30am. You can volunteer for one day, multiple days, to deliver lunches, to make lunches, to help with a craft or activity, or all of it! To sign up, CLICK HERE.
For more information, contact Laura Echols-Richter at [email protected].
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| Game On! VACATION BIBLE CAMP UPDATES! |
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GAME TIME!
Week 2 Pre-Sign In
Satruday 6/21 & Sunday 6/22
Come to the Learning Center Lobby on Saturday evening (6/21) from 5:00-6:30pm and Sunday morning (6/22) from 8:45am-12:15pm for VBC Week 1 Pre-Sign in!
At Pre-Sign in you will be given your VBC t-shirt and your "TEAM" assignment. This will allow you to skip the LONG lines on Monday and go straight to your Home base.
It's not too late to Volunteer!
We need YOU!
Every volunteer hand helps make a difference to a child this summer. Whatever your talent or interest, we can find a place for you!
VBC Snacks Needed!
Stop by the "Snack Board" in the Learning Center Lobby to see what we need donated. We have lots of kids to feed this summer and your help is greatly appreciated!
WEEK 1 Campers:
Don't forget to join us for worship this Sunday at 9:30 (Worship Center) or 11:00am (Sanctuary) so you can lead us in the songs you learned this week. CLICK HERE to let us know you are coming!
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS
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Freedom Chorale
Sunday July 6th
You are invited to celebrate our freedom on Sunday, July 6th by singing "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" with a special Freedom Chorale as we 'corral' singers to join in this hymn of glory and praise. This chorale will sing in the 9:30 and 11:00 am worship services on Sunday, July 6th. We will meet in the Sanctuary choir loft on Sunday, June 29th at noon (after church) for a 20 minute rehearsal. Come join us as we sing praise to God for freedom! Contact Bill Roberts at [email protected] with questions or for more information.
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.
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.
College Summer Ministry
A Sunday school class for college-aged young adults is meeting at the Starbucks by Grace Avenue Sundays at 10:00am. The class is led by Rusty and Michelle Roach. On June 22nd & 29th we will be meeting at Rusty & Michelle's home (901 Robison Creek Drive, Prosper TX) from 6:00-8:00pm for BBQ, hanging out and discussion. Questions? Contact Marcus Womack at[email protected].
Twilight Golf at the Trails of Frisco Golf Club
2nd & 4th Thursdays | First Tee Time is 5:00pm
June - September (Begins June 12th)
CLICK for more information
The fee is $20 which includes green fee, cart and small bucket of balls. Email Lynn Noesser at [email protected] (type GAUMC Sports for subject) at least 5 days before each date.
Live Streaming at Grace Avenue
Sundays at 11:00am (CST)
Traveling this summer? Schedule an appointment with Grace Avenue at 11:00am (CST). We are now live streaming our 11:00am Sanctuary service. We would love to have all of you join us in worship, no matter where you are. You can find the link at www.graceavenue.org. Select Grace Media from the menu, then live stream or save THIS link. Questions? Contact Kim Eiffert [email protected].
Invitation to Grace Avenue
Sunday, June 22nd | 6:00pm
Join us to learn more about becoming a member at Grace Avenue. Contact Meghan Randall at [email protected] for more information.
July 4th on Grace Avenue
8:30pm-10:30pm
Join us for a great view of Frisco's fireworks from the circle drive and fun activities like music and a dance party! Snacks, glow-in-the-dark and light up items will be available for purchase.
Grace Avenue Day at Hawaiian Falls Waterpark
Sunday, July 27 | 4pm- 8:30pm
Tickets $15 (Children under 2 years are free and do not require a ticket)
You can purchase your tickets in the church office or in the Learning Center Lobby on July12/13, 19/20 or 26/27.
We recommend arrival at 4pm. At 6pm, we gather in the pavilion as the park closes to the public. At 6:30pm the park will reopen for Grace Avenue exclusively and stay open until 8:30pm. (The lazy river and whirlwind 360 close at dusk for safety reasons.)
Season passes are not valid for exclusive time (6:30 - 8:30pm)
$10 charge for each food/drink container/cooler. No fast food or outside commercially prepared food inside the park. Contact Bill D. Ball Jr. at bill [email protected] with questions.
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Weekly Worship Times and Preaching Schedule for 6/14 & 6/15.
SATURDAY
In the Worship Center
Sabbath Worship 5:30 pm (Billy Echols-Richter, 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 (Marcus Womack, 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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Vacation Bible Camp started this week at Grace Avenue. It is always one of the highlights of the year. This first week included almost 550 children and another 125 youth and adult volunteers. Our Children's directors Kristen Lane and Keri Keck spend months in preparation of this five day extravaganza. Since words hardly do it justice, I invite you to check out the videos HERE!
One of the reasons I enjoy VBC so much is the enthusiasm of the children. They are constantly smiling, laughing, high-fiving, singing playing, crafting, and studying the scriptures. Their joy is contagious. I've always believed if you're feeling down and a bit depressed, you need to spend a few hours or a few days with our children at VBC. If you are still depressed after that, then it is time to seek professional help.
Let me give you an example of what I mean. This week a young boy was attending our VBC for the second year. Like most young children, he lives in the present. He lives for the moment. After a great first day of VBC this week his mom reported the following conversation:
"He asked today if he had camp again and I said yes. He seemed down and when I said Grace camp - he jumped up and said - oh you mean God camp. Oh I need to hurry, I can't be late and don't forget my money to give to God! I was so excited to see him so happy to go to "God camp"!!!! He even asked if we could sign up for more "God" camp this summer!"
The theme for this year's VBC is "Game On". The children are learning what it means to be on God's team. These children show up with the kind of enthusiasm that reminds me of the scripture which says: "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." (Mark 10:15).
Is your enthusiasm evident when you worship, work and play on God's Team; or are you more of an armchair quarterback?
With you on Grace Avenue,
Billy Echols-Richter
Pastor
PS...If your child was one of our 550 campers this weekend, don't forget to join us for worship this Sunday at 9:30 (Worship Center) or 11:00am (Sanctuary)! The Kids of VBC will be bringing their enthusiasm as the lead us in singing the songs they learned this week.
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 |
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ATTENDANCE: 5/17--5/18
Financials
| June | Financial Giving Facts | | Week | Budgeted Contributions | Amount Given | Difference | | 1 | $37,276 | $35,410 | -$1,866 | | 8 | $37,276 | $37,896 | $620 | | 15 | $37,276 | $19,495 | -$17,781 | | 22 | $37,276 | | | | 29 | $37,276 | | | | | | | | Total Month | $186,380 | | | | | | | | Total Given for Month | $92,801 | | | Month to Date Net | -$19,027 | | | | | | | Year to Date Contributions | $816,023 | | | Year to Date Budgeted Contributions | $900,351 | | | Year to Date Difference | -$84,328 | | | | | | | Capital Revenue | | | | June | 6/15/14 | $2,720 | | | Year to Date Total | $177,627 | | | | | | | Because of God's Love To Date | $2,070,704 | | | B.O.G.L. Pledged (7/1/11-6/30/14) | $2,765,479 | | | Outstanding Pledge Balance | $694,775 | |
The March-May Jesus Urges Generosity (J.U.G) Children's Offering total of $677 is going to Stop Hunger Now.
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....
For the Ministries of Grace Avenue:
For an amazing week of VBC this past week and for the upcoming VBC week:
Thanksgiving for all the volunteers who gave their time in sharing God's love!
For our Jr. High youth and adults will be going to Bridgeport Camp this next week
For the volunteers who are feeding children in Little Elm through the Kids Eat Free program
For Mary Martin as she is in Africa serving with our partnership through Zoe
For God's Healing and Strength:
For all those who continue their battle with cancer
*If you are willing to help provide meals or transportation for persons and families in need, please contact [email protected].
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
Summer Fun in the SON Camp Dates
Camp Registration is open. CLICK HERE to register.
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
YOUTH
Youth Schedule this Week:
After VBC Activities:
Meet in Youth Room at noon. Mon: Lunch, Tues: Movie, Weds: Hangout
Sunday
SPARK from 5:00-7:00pm (includes Snack Supper, Worship and small groups)
Tuesday
JH TNT from 4:00-7:00pm, Whirleyball, $15, meet at Church
Wednesday
SH Bible Study from 7:00-8:30pm at the Yeats' House (5414 Burkett)
Thursday
Kids Eat Free Lunch Program 11:00am-1:00pm
Senior High Mission Trip 2014
July 6-12, 2014
CLICK HERE to register
This summer, the Senior High youth will once again be going to UMARMY and joining other youth across Texas to help revitalize a poor community. This year we will be going to White Rock Dallas and painting, building porches, building wheel chair ramps, fixing roofs, and many other hands on projects. Please contact Christopher at [email protected] with any questions or concerns, or if you are in need of a scholarship.
Junior High Mission Trip 2014 July 28-August 1, 2014 CLICK HERE to registerThis summer, we will be taking the junior high youth to Shreveport for our mission trip. We will be leaving on July 28th, in the early afternoon, and returning late on August 1st. We will be painting a home, going to soup kitchens, sorting goods, putting on programs for at risk youth and doing other local work in Shreveport Full and partial scholarships are available. Please contact Christopher at [email protected] with any questions or concerns, or if you are in need of a scholarship.
For information about Youth Programs, please contact Christopher Vaughan at [email protected].
Walkie Talkies Mondays, June 16th-Aug 18th | 8:00am-9:00am Meet Joyce Cravens behind the Sanctuary at the Community Garden at 8:00am on Monday mornings throughout the summer for "Walkie Talkies". We will walk around the church and talk about God. It's like a "walk-around prayer"! HEART Adults and all others are welcome. Bring a friend! Email Joyce Cravens at [email protected] for more information. Dance with Grace - Dance Lessons for HEART Adults
Fridays from 5:00-5:45pm | On-going Friday Nights
These classes are free and so much fun! CLICK HERE for more email [email protected].
(Following Dance with Grace, a Country & Western Dance class that is open to ALL meets from 5:45-6:30pm. Come for both classes or just one!)
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].
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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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 about Bingo at Prairie Estates, contact Kari Hardwick at [email protected] .
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Next Week's Calendar:
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Click here to go to our online calendar.
Sun, June 22
10:00-11:00 am
College Sunday School @ Starbucks
2:00-3:00 pm
Good Grief
2:30-4:30 pm
Finance Committee Meeting
5:00-7:00 pm
SPARK: Snack Supper, Worship & Small Groups
6:00-7:30 pm
Invitation to Grace Avenue
Mon, June 23
JH to Bridgeport
8:00-9:00 am
Walkie Talkies
9:00 am-12:00 pm
VBC Week 2
12:00 pm
Youth Lunch after VBC
9:00 am-2:00 pm
Heart Adult Day in the Prayer Room
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Summer Lunch Program (Kid's Eat Free Little Elm)
7:00-8:30 pm
Discipleship Council
Tues, June 24
JH to Bridgeport 9:00 am-12:00 pm
VBC Week 2
12:00 pm
Youth Movie Day after VBC
10:30 am-12:00 pm
Lydia Group
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Summer Lunch Program (Kid's Eat Free Little Elm)
4:00-7:00 pm
JH Tuesday Nights Together (TNT) - Whirleyball
Weds, June 25
JH to Bridgeport
9:00 am-12:00 pm
VBC Week 2
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Summer Lunch Program (Kid's Eat Free Little Elm)
12:00pm
Youth Hang Out Time in Youth Room after VBC
6:00-7:00 pm
Foundation Choir Rehearsal
7:00-8:00 pm
Young Adult Small Group
7:00-8:30 pm
SH Off Campus Bible Study
7:00-8:30 pm
Covenant Choir Rehearsal
Thurs, June 26
JH to Bridgeport
9:00-11:30 am
Little Elm Kids Eat Free Meal Prep
9:00 am-12:00 pm
VBC Week 2
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Summer Lunch Program (Kid's Eat Free Little Elm)
Fri, June 27
JH to Bridgeport
9:00 am-12:00 pm
VBC Week 2
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Summer Lunch Program (Kid's Eat Free Little Elm)
12:30-1:30 pm
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly)
5:00-7:00 pm
Dancing with Grace
Sat, June 28
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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