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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  communications@graceavenue.or or CLICK HERE for this and other Grace Avenue news!  

   

    

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 mike.mcdonald@golfacademy.edu with questions. 

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS

 

  

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.   

 

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 mctayloh@att.net 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.  

 

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 tracy@graceavenue.org 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 susanwalt@sbcglobal.net 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 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!

 

 

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 ball@graceavenue.org with questions.

 

 

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 tracy@graceavenue.org 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 meghan@graceavenue.org with questions.  

WORSHIP SERVICES
Weekly Worship Times and Preaching Schedule for 3/29 & 3/30:
 
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. 
 
WORD ON THE STREET

 

Lent invites us and challenges us to live in the here and now.  It calls to mind the story of the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness for 40 years looking for the promised land. During that time God taught them to trust God's provision every single day. The manna which came from heaven could not be collected and stored away for future days, but instead was intended to be collected every day as a reminder that they should trust God and live in the moment.  It is this image that Jesus had in mind when he taught his disciples to pray in the Lords prayer; "Give us this day our daily bread".

Our inability to live in the present, however often confuses us. Next week is the beginning of the major-league baseball season and as it begins I cannot help but think about the wonderful and amazing confusion of the great baseball hero Yogi Berra.  

Before a big game one of Yogi's  teammates asked him: "What time is it?" Yogi replied, "You mean now?"

Lent about our relationship got with God right now.  It is not about some kind of relic from the past or some kind of vision of heaven in the future. Look at these letters and separate them into their proper meaning:

GODISNOWHERE

It could be GOD IS NOW HERE but it could also be GOD IS NOWHERE.  This decided by how we practice our faith. I hope you will join us again this weekend as we continue our series, "HERE the Good News".

 

With you on Grace Avenue,
Billy Echols-Richter
Pastor
billy echols-richter

 

 

 

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:  

PRESENCE, OFFERINGS & PRAYERS
ATTENDANCE:  3/22 & 3/23
Learning Hour 8:30
13
Learning Hour 9:30
302
Learning Hour 11:00
149
Total Learning Hour
464


Sabbath
98
Communion 8:30
68
Celebration 9:30
208
Foundation 9:30
120
Threshold 11:00
115
Covenant 11:00
274


Total Worship
883
 

Financials
  
MarchFinancial Giving Facts
WeekBudgeted ContributionsAmount GivenDifference
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
Total Month$147,910
Total Given for Month$145,189
Month to Date Net$26,861
Year to Date Contributions$431,539
Year to Date Budgeted Contributions$401,398
Year to Date Difference$30,141
 
Capital Revenue
March3/23/14$5,616
Year to Date Total$69,467
Because of God's Love To Date$1,948,794
B.O.G.L. Pledged (7/1/11-6/30/14)$2,537,289
Outstanding Pledge Balance$588,495

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.
Contact Amanda Moulton at 972-335-2882 ext. 505 or visit www.graceavenue.org

 

We lift up prayers as a church family for....

 

 

Joy and Thanksgiving:

For Colin and Debby Hatcher upon the birth of their son Gabriel Patrik.  

Gabe continues in NICU. Prayers that he continues to grow stronger each day.

For Richie and Becky Rockwell upon the birth of their son Theodore Jacob.  Becky and Teddy are doing well.

           

For God's Strength and Healing:

For Susie Hauck as she continues to have health concerns.

For Jon Fischer as he recovers from surgery.

For Diane Lide as she recovers from surgery.

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 Frisco ISD as staff, faculty & students grieve the death of faculty members and a student this past week.

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. 

 

MINISTRIES

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 klane@graceavenue.orgCLICK 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 klane@graceavenue.org 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 keri@graceavenue.org. 

 

 

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 christopher@graceavenue.org

  

ADULTS
 
Annual Women's Retreat
May 3-4, 2014 | Tanglewood Resort
She'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 adults@graceavenue.org 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 billball@graceavenue.org.

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 joyce@graceavenue.org.

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 joyce@graceavenue.org.
 

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
billroberts@graceavenue.org 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 billroberts@graceavenue.org 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 (joe@graceavenue.org) or Laurie (lhr@graceavenue.org).

 

 

MISSIONS

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 kshardwick@sbcglobal.net.

 

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 mfschulze@tx.rr.com 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 christen.marshall@sbcglobal.net 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 wrenae7@msn.com.

 

 

Newsletter
March 28, 2014
In This Issue
Special Announcements
Services
Word on the Street
Presence, Offerings & Prayers
Ministries
Missions

Next Week's Calendar:

Click here to go to our online calendar. 

 

Sun, March 30

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

4:00-5:00 pm

Youth Choir

4:00-5:00 pm

Praise Kids

5:00-6:00 pm

Camp Grace Information Meeting

5:00-7:00 pm

SPARK: Snack Supper, Worship & Small Groups

5:30-7:00 pm

The Legacy Journey

8:30-9:30 pm

Gospels in 40 Days Online Discussion Group

 

Mon, March 31

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

Change the World Coordinator Meeting

7:00-8:30 pm

Boy Scout Troop #216

7:30-8:30 pm

Grace Avenue Softball

 

Tues, April 1

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

7:00-8:30 pm

Disciple II

7:00-8:45 pm

Discipleship Boot Camp

 

Wed, April 2

9:30-11:30 am

Remaining in the Vine Study

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, April 3

9:15-10:30 am

Gospels in 40 Days Discussion Group

6:30-7:30 pm

The Daniel Fast

7:00-8:00 pm

Gospels in 40 Days Discussion Group with Billy

7:00-8:30 pm

Boy Scout Troop # 216

 

Fri, April 4

Amigos Days

9:30 am-12:00 pm

MOPS

10:00-11:00 am

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly)

10:00 am-12:00 pm

Spiritual Practice Brunch

5:00-6:00 pm

Dancing with Grace

 

Sat, April 5

Amigos Days

8:30-10:00 am

Prayer Meeting

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