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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
John C. Holbert, Ph.D.
Professor of Homiletics
Date: March 27th at 7:00pm
Where: Grace Avenue Worship Center
Focus: The Gospel of Luke
We are a pleased and honored to welcome our next noted scholar to Grace Avenue to share his knowledge and perspective about the Gospel of Luke. The presentation will include the opportunity to ask questions. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. There is no fee to attend.
CLICK HERE to read more about Dr. Holbert.
CLICK HERE to read more about the Gospels Scholars Series and the Gospels in 40 Days reading program.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS
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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.
Caring Committee Meeting (All Invited!)
Sunday, March 23rd | 4:00pm
Come discuss how you can share in the on-going Caring Ministry through helping with meals, sending cards, visiting in homes, providing transportation, delivering roses or making phone calls. There are many opportunities. Come join us. Contact is Laura Echols-Richter at [email protected]. Childcare is available.
Prayer Ministry Team Meeting (All Invited!)
Saturday, March 29th | 11:00am | Room 214
Come discuss plans for our upcoming Lenten Prayer Garden and also begin to dream about opportunities for the future. We would love to have you join us for this time of planning and prayer. Contact Janell Taylor at [email protected] with questions.
CLICK HERE to see what we have coming up for Lent, Holy Week and Easter.
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.
Lenten Fasting & Zip Code Project
Fasting is a powerful and transformational spiritual discipline. The Lenten Zip Code Project seeks to eradicate extreme asset-based poverty in the 75215 zip code in South Dallas and 75426 in Red River County. We are committed to transforming the community in each zip code-helping our neighbors who live there leverage their assets to create a productive and sustainable future for themselves and for their children.
By fasting during one meal per week, then donating your meal money, you can join with United Methodists throughout our conference during the Lenten season in making this a reality.
Make donations to Grace Avenue UMC, noted for the Zip Code Project via check or CLICK HERE to make your on-line contribution through Grace Avenue. You can make your contributions weekly or in one sum at the end of Lent. CLICK HERE to watch a video from Bishop McKee explaining this project.
Amigos Days
Work Days: April 4th-5th & 11th-12th
CLICK HERE to see a video with more information about Amigos Days! This is a great mission for families with Youth-aged children. Amigos Days is a hands-on ministry of The United Methodist Church and People Helping People (a City of Dallas Housing Revitalization Program). Amigos Days partners with inner-city Methodist host churches to repair and restore homes to make a positive difference in their neighborhoods. Please contact Tracy Huselton at [email protected] for more information.
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
Rainbow Corner volunteers are taking orders for flats of flowers in the Learning Center Lobby between services on 3/22-23 and 3/29-30. Flowers will be delivered to Grace Avenue and available for pick up on Thursday, April 10th from 12:30 - 2:30pm, just in time for planting!
Grace on the Go! | Month of March
Spring Cleaning Collection
Grace on the Go! is collecting cleaning item such as laundry detergent, dish soap, sponges, window cleaner, bathroom cleaner etc. for Frisco Family Services. Bring your donations to the Grace on the Go! trailer in the circle drive. Contact Tracy Huselton at [email protected] with questions.
Invitation to Grace Avenue
Sunday, March 16th | 6:00pm
Interested in learning more about being a member at Grace Avenue? Please join us! Contact Meghan Randall at [email protected] with questions.
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Weekly Worship Times and Preaching Schedule for 3/22 & 3/23:
SATURDAY
In the Worship Center
Sabbath Worship 5:30 pm (Marcus Womack, 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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Matthew's gospel is written to a group of people under harsh persecution. Because of their belief in Christ they were outcast and dispossessed. Matthew's gospel was written sometime after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. The gospel was written to be an encouragement in the midst of their troubles and to remind them that despite their circumstances that Jesus Christ is the son of God.
So what do you do if you are living in tough times? Jesus, in Matthew's gospel, says you should live more ethically that you have ever lived before. This is why Jesus invites us to turn the other cheek and love our enemies. Difficult times are not simply to be survived but instead are opportunities to transform the world around us. One of the most striking examples of this is the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30.
A modern day example of Matthew's gospel message is found in the story of two Korean farmers:
Two wealthy Christians, a lawyer and a merchant, joined a party that was traveling around the world. In Korea one day, they saw, in a field by the side of the road, a boy pulling a rude plow, while an old man held the plow handles and directed it. The lawyer was amused, and took a snapshot of the scene.
"That's a curious picture! I suppose they are very poor," he said to the missionary, who was an interpreter and guide to the party.
"Yes," was the reply. "That is the family of Chi Noui. When the church was being built they were eager to give something to it, but they had no money; so they sold their only ox and gave their money to the church. This spring they are pulling the plow themselves."
The lawyer and the businessman by his side were silent for some moments. Then the businessman said, "That must have been a real sacrifice."
"They did not call it that," said the missionary. "They thought it was fortunate that they had an ox to sell."
Regardless of your circumstances today; are you transforming the world through the good news of Jesus Christ or are you merely trying to survive?
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: 3/15 & 3/16
| Learning Hour 8:30 |
16
| | Learning Hour 9:30 |
256
| | Learning Hour 11:00 |
152
| | Total Learning Hour |
424
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| | Sabbath |
101
| | Communion 8:30 |
70
| | Celebration 9:30 |
148
| | Foundation 9:30 |
136
| | Threshold 11:00 |
107
| | Covenant 11:00 |
285
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| | Total Worship |
847
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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 | | | | 30 | $29,582 | | | | | | | | Total Month | $147,910 | | | | | | | | Total Given for Month | $107,223 | | | Month to Date Net | $18,477 | | | | | | | Year to Date Contributions | $393,573 | | | Year to Date Budgeted Contributions | $371,816 | | | Year to Date Difference | $21,757 | |
| Capital Revenue | | | March | 3/16/14 | $1,160 | | Year to Date Total | $63,851 | | | | | Because of God's Love To Date | $1,943,080 | | B.O.G.L. Pledged (7/1/11-6/30/14) | $2,527,614 | | Outstanding Pledge Balance | $584,534 |
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....
For God's Strength and Healing:
For Jacquie Cormie who is recovering from surgery.
For DeAnn Ringgenberg who is recovering from surgery.
For Susie Hauck as she continues to have health concerns.
For Debby Hatcher who is on bedrest with her pregnancy.
For Sherri Everhart as she begins a new treatment at MD Anderson for her cancer.
For Curtis Schettler who is beginning chemo in his battle with cancer.
For all those who continue their battle with cancer and/or wait for test results.
For God's Comfort and Peace:
For Ray Parker and his family upon the death of his uncle.
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
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. Registration will be available on line soon!
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.
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. 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].
The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey Sundays, 5:30-7:00pm | Begins March 23rd This 7-week study encourages people to live in a way that leaves a legacy for generations to come. This class will lead you deeper into investing, basic estate planning, purposeful living, safeguarding your legacy, and the discovering the keys to generational wealth and true generosity. The cost of the course materials is $125. CLICK HERE to register. Childcare Available.
8th Annual Grace Avenue Golf Tournament
April 27th | 2:00pm Shotgun Start
4 -Person Captain's Choice
Join us for our Annual Tournament at Ridgeview Ranch Golf Club. Cost is $100/person and includes cart, green fees, range balls, banquet dinner and goody bag. Participate in Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin and Best Foursome contests. CLICK HERE to register or pick up a form in the lobbies.
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, March 23
2:00-3:00 pm
Good Grief
2:30-4:00 pm
Mission Possible
2:30-4:00 pm
Finance Committee Meeting
3:00-4:30 pm
SPRC
3:00-5:00 pm
Financial Peace University
3:00-5:00 pm
Financial Peace University-Group 2
3:00-5:00 pm
Youth Choir
4:00-5:00 pm
Caring Committee Meeting
4:00-5:00 pm
Praise Kids
5:00-6:30 pm
Guy's Day at Edge
5:00-7:00 pm
SPARK: Snack Supper, Worship & Small Groups
5:30-7:00 pm
The Legacy Journey
6:30-7:30 pm
Executive Team Meeting
8:30-9:30 pm
Gospels in 40 Days Online Discussion Group
Mon, March 24
9:00 am-2:00 pm
Heart Adult Day in the Prayer Room
9:30-10:45 am
Gospels in 40 Days Discussion Group
7:00-8:00 pm
Gospels in 40 Days Discussion Group
7:00-8:30 pm Discipleship Council
7:00-8:30 pm
Boy Scout Troop #216
9:30-10:30 pm
Grace Avenue Softball
Tues, March 25
10:30 am-12:00 pm
Lydia Group
6:30-7:30 pm
The Daniel Fast
7:00-8:30 pm ESL/Citizenship Classes
7:00-8:30 pm
Disciple I: Acts & the Letters
7:00-8:30 pm
Disciple II
7:00-8:45 pm
Discipleship Boot Camp
Wed, March 26
9:30-10:00 am
Job Network Meet & Greet
9:30-11:00 am
Remaining in the Vine Study
10:00 am-12:00 pm
ob 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
Foundation Choir Rehearsal
7:00-8:00 pm
Young Adult Small Group
7:00-8:30 pm
Covenant Choir Rehearsal
Thurs, March 27
9:15-10:30 am
Gospels in 40 Days Discussion Group
6:30-7:30 pm
The Daniel Fast
7:00-8:30 pm
John Holbert-Gospel of Luke-Gospels in 40 Days
7:00-8:30 pm
Boy Scout Troop # 216
Fri, March 28
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, March 29
9:00-10:00 am
Bingo at Prairie Estates
11:00 am-12:00 pm
Prayer Ministry Team Meeting
4:00-5:00 pm
Adult Praise Band Rehearsal
5:30-6:30 pm
Sabbath Worship Service
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