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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 .org or CLICK HERE for this and other Grace Avenue news!  

Rummage Sale

Sat, May 2nd

8:00am-1:00pm
 

Grace Avenue will be donating all proceeds from Saturday's Rummage Sale to the relief efforts in Nepal. 

You can help by donating items to the sale, shopping at the event or by volunteering to help. 
 

 

 

Volunteers are needed to assist the day of the sale as well as with set up and pricing on Friday throughout the day.  If you would like to volunteer, CLICK HERE or email Rebekah Beavers at rebekah724@hotmail.com

  

To donate items, drop them off in the Worship Center on Friday, May 1st from 9am-7pm.  (Please, no large appliances or TVs more than 5 years old)

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS

Response to the Relief Efforts in Nepal 

In addition to the Rummage Sale, Here are some other ways you can help:

On Change the World Weekend (May 16th -17th)  Grace Avenue will be supporting the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) by assembling health kits.  The UMCOR Kit Ministry is an efficient, organized prepare-in-advance response to those affected by natural disasters and human tragedy.  Stop by the Change the World Supply board near the world map to see how you donate to this effort or contact Mary Martin at mary@graceavenue.org.

 

If you would like to make a financial donation towards the relief efforts in Nepal, you can CLICK HERE.  Any money collected through Grace Avenue will go directly to UMCOR.  Please keep the people of Nepal and all those affected in your prayers. 


 

Praise Kids Spring Program:  A Technicolor Promise

Sunday, May 3rd | 6:00pm

Worship Center

The Praise Kids choirs Spring Program will begin with the Merry Music Makers singing joyful songs of faith, which will lead into the elementary Praise Kids' presentation of Allen Pote's "A Technicolor Promise". This is a retelling of the story of Noah and the Ark.  With all the rain we've had lately, this musical seems to be perfect!  Make time in your schedule to come and support the children's music ministry.  You will be glad you did!

 

Prairie Estates Mother's Day Tea

Saturday, May 2nd | 10:00am

You can help the ladies at Prairie Estates celebrate motherhood by helping provide food and/or helping to serve.  This is a great mission opportunity for children and families.  Servers will help set up, clean up, and serve the food and are needed from 9:40-11:30am. If you would like to donate food, we need sweet and savory snacks ( cookies, brownies, tea cakes, pimiento cheese sandwiches, sausage balls, cucumber sandwiches etc).  Please contact Mary Martin at mary@graceavenue.org to volunteer or for more information.  

 

Heart And Souls Creative Arts Academy 

Mother's Day Art Class (REGISTER)
Tuesday, May 5th from 4:30-6:00pm
Cost: $40 for all supplies
Ages: k-8th Grades
Join us for a very special Mother's Day canvas painting class for Mom and Child! We will be acrylic painting two 9x12" canvases to create one large sun picture. Mother paints one half and child paints the other half to make a lifelong keepsake and an evening of fun memories with your sunshine!  

 

Frisco Helpers
Frisco Helpers is an organization of volunteers who help seniors 55+ or those with other special needs with minor home repairs.  Volunteers come from Grace Avenue and other local churches.  If you know of someone who could use these services or you would like to volunteer visit www.FriscoHelpers.org or call 214-973-1490. (All work takes place on Thursdays.)  

 

Change the World Supply Board

SPECIFIC NEEDS:
 

200 Empty Water Bottles with lids
322 Bars of Bath-sized Soaps
722 Band-aids

324 Washcloths
1,000 pads of paper

1,800 Pencils

634 Pencil Sharpeners

606 packs of 24 count crayons 

In order to Change the World, we are going to need SUPPLIES!  Stop by the Missions Board by the world map to see what we need and to drop off your donations.  We need everything from health kit supplies and school supplies to plastic grocery bags and coupons...Or you can make a financial donation.   Help us get ready for a successful weekend! Bring your donations today! Contact Sue Walters at susanwalt@sbcglobal.net with any questions!

 
Change the World Weekend

May 16-17, 2015 
Mission and Registration Information is now available.  CLICK HERE for all the details! 

Change the World Weekend is a global initiative of the United Methodist Church.  Churches all around the world will be going out into their communities and participating in hands-on missions on these two days with one goal in mind:  To Change the World.  This year Grace Avenue is doing our part.  


 

Relay for Life

Friday, May 29th | 6:00pm-1:00am

Wakeland High School

Relay for Life is a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society.   Team members raise money to help find a cure for cancer. It is a great community and family event. Contact our team captains Kristen McDonald at kristenhmcdonald@yahoo.com or  Shannon Bennefeld at wowyourskin@yahoo.com about joining the Grace Avenue team or log on to CLICK HERE. 

 

Habitat for Humanity Orientation
Thurs, May 7th at 7:00pm

North Collin County Habitat for Humanity office at 2060 Couch Dr., McKinney

If you are interested in working with Habitat for Humanity on May 16th (Change the World Weekend) or any other time, you must have completed orientation.  Please send a message to volunteer@ncc-habitat.com to register for orientation or contact Mary Martin at mary@graceavenue.org with questions. 

 

Vacation Bible Camp Team Members Needed!

Are you ready to Dream Big?  Grace Avenue VBC needs your help as we Dream Big this summer.   Volunteers are needed as Small Group Leaders, Storytellers, Craft leaders, youth helpers, snack servers, and decorators.  Volunteer training and dinner will be held Thursday, May 28.  

 

Vaction Bible Camp is taking place June 15-19 and June 22- 26 from 9:00- 12:00. 

Come and be a part of one or both of the weeks of VBC.   CLICK HERE to complete a volunteer form!

 

If you have any questions you can talk to the VBC Leadership Team:

Week 1 Leaders:  Megan Pilkinton and Courtney Reed 

Week 2 Leaders:  Becky Rockwell, Whitney Watkins, and Kate Connor

Decorations:  Meghan Randall 

 

You can also contact Kristen Lane at plane@graceavenue.org at anytime!  Come and join us as we share the Dreams that God has for the World and each one of us!

 

First Fruits Offering is May 9th & 10th

Thank you so much to everyone who made a commitment to the My Church Says Yes! Capital Campaign.  On May 9th & 10th we will have a special time of First Fruits Offering to jump-start these three year commitments.  During worship on May 9th & 10th special red envelopes  will be available for your First Fruit Offerings.  Plan on placing your contribution in these envelopes.  If you are unable to be with us in worship that weekend, you can CLICK HERE to make your offering on-line as well as more information about the Yes! Campaign. 

 

 

Czech Mission Team
Follow the BLOG 

Grace Avenue UMC is sending a team to The Czech Republic May 8-18 to work with our partnership church, Maranatha UMC in Plzen.  Please pray for the team and watch for pictures and updates on their work projects.  The team includes Tom and Dar Carlson, Scott Beadle, Doug Bradt, Joyce Sutherland, Cara Everett Wright, Becky Garza, and Charles and Lisa Hampshire.   

 

Twilight Golf
2nd & 4th Thursdays During Summer Months
The Trails of Frisco Golf Course 
***Summer 2015 Begins on May 28th! ***
Twilight Golf costs $20 which will include green fee, cart and small bucket of balls if you get there with enough time. Contact is Lynn Noesser at  lnoesser@gmail.com.  Please send him an email to let him know you want to be included at least 4 days in advance. 

 

WORD ON THE STREET

The month of May has officially arrived. Springtime is now in full bloom. The end of school is almost here which means we are celebrating a variety of events including proms, end-of-the-year banquets, award ceremonies, baccalaureates, and graduations. Add events like weddings, anniversaries and reunions and you recognize that this is a season in which we focus on what is most important in our lives. 

 

I heard the story the other day about a group of alumni, highly established in their careers, who got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. 

 

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups -- porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite -- telling them to help themselves to the coffee. 

 

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups. ... And then you began eyeing each other's cups. 

 

"Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savor the coffee, not the cups! The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly." 

 

What is the source of your happiness? Our faith in God allows us not to be distracted by the things that don't last. Celebrating the accomplishments of our lives means nothing if we cannot celebrate the relationships in our lives.

 

With God's help, we may not have the best of everything, but we can make the best of everything.

 

With you on Grace Avenue,
Billy Echols-Richter
Pastor

billy echols-richter 

 

 

Sermons available on-line.  CLICK HERE to view or listen.

A MESSAGE FROM STAFF PARISH RELATIONS

 

We are truly blessed to have the staff at Grace Avenue; they make our church a special place.  They are well-educated, extremely dedicated and deeply committed. 

 

As a small token of appreciation, we are collecting Gift Cards from the congregation in May to distribute to the staff members. Pick up a Gift Card the next time you are running around town at your favorite retail store, restaurant, coffee shop, or grocery store.  Any Gift Card for any amount will be appreciated. 

 

Please bring the Gift Cards to church during the month of May and deposit them in the boxes located at the back of the Worship Center, Sanctuary or in the church office.  If you would prefer to make a financial contribution and let SPRC do the shopping for you, CLICK HERE to make an on-line donation.  

 

To our church staff it is more than a job; it is their passion to serve.  Thank you in advance for your donation to reward them for a job well done.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Travis Taylor at travis-r-taylor@att.net.

 

Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC)

 

PRESENCE, OFFERINGS & PRAYERS
ATTENDANCE: 4/25 & 4/26
Learning Hour
8:30 13
9:30 254
11:00 156


Total Learning Hour 423
Worship
Saturday 5:30pm (Sabbath) 85
Sanctuary 8:30 (Communion) 68
Worship Center 9:30 (Celebration) 159
Sanctuary 9:30 (Foundation) 156
Worship Center 11:00 (Threshold) 110
Sanctuary 11:00 (Covenant) 251


Total Worship 829

Financials - April
Week
Budgeted Contributions
Amount Given
Difference
5  $54,844
 $71,692
 $16,848
12  $54,843
 $18,925
 $(35,918)
19  $54,844
 $47,121
 $(7,723)
26  $54,843
 $20,786
 $(34,057)
Monthly Budget $219,374
Total Given for Month $158,524
Month to Date Net -$60,850
Year to Date Contributions $600,460
Year to Date Budgeted Contributions $650,542
Year to Date Difference -$50,082
Capital Revenue
April
Week
5 $14,692
12 $53,785
19 $955
26 7505
Year to Date Total $145,049


April Children's Offering (JUG) was $157 to for Change the World Weekend.

 

If you have any questions, please contact our Financial Controller, Traci Hughes at traci@graceavenue.org .  

 

We offer credit/debit recurring payment setup.
Contact the Church Office at 972-335-2882 ext. 505 or visit www.graceavenue.org

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

 

Prayers 

 

NEW PRAYERS

 

For God's healing and hope:

For those impacted by the earthquake in and around Nepal.  Comfort, healing & hope.

For those impacted by the storms across the country.

For communities and our country as we continue to strive for peace and justice for all.

 

For God's comfort & peace:

For those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.

 

For God's strength and healing:

For Sidney Avlos a she recovers from day surgery.

For Mary Pat Fischer who had surgery and is recovering.

For Esta Ann Geron who is recovering from surgery and will begin chemo soon.

For Earnest Godfrey who is now at Legacy at Willowbend in Rehab.

For Amanda Knox who is recovering from surgery.

For Phillip Mayes who had surgery and is recovering.

For Joseph Slawski, infant son of Alex and Jamie, who had surgery and is recovering.

For Rose Tulecke who broke her foot and is healing.

For Tricia Weir who has been hospitalized with complications from her battle with cancer.

 

*If you are willing to help provide meals or transportation for persons and families in need, please contact Laura@graceavenue.org.

 

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       

Children's Workshop on Wednesdays! (WOW!)

Weds, May 6th | 4:30-6:00pm| Kinder - 5th Grades
All kids are invited to participate in this workshop.  We will explore the Ten Commandments.  Registration is not required.  Contact Kristen Lane at klane@graceavenue.org with questions.  Look for more workshops monthly!

 

2015 Summer Camps!

Registration is now available! (CLICK HERE)

Contact  klane@graceavenue.org with questions.  

VBC Week 1:  June 15- 19

VBC Week 2:   June 22- 26

Music & Drama Camp:   June 29- July 3

Science Camp Week 1:  July 6- 10

Science Camp Week 2:  July 13-17

Art Camp:  July 20- 24

Mission Camp:  July 27-30

Camp Grace:  August 3-6

 

YOUTH 

 

Youth Schedule this Week: 

Sun: 5:00-7:00, SPARK (Snack supper, games and Worship)

Weds:  SH Homework & Hangout 6-8pm

Thurs:  JH TNT from 4-7pm

 
Junior High Mission Trip 2015 (REGISTER)
July 27-31, 2015 | Cost is $275
This summer, we will be taking the junior high youth to Tyler, Tx for our mission trip. We will be leaving on July 27th, in the early afternoon, and returning late on July 31st. 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 Tyler.

Senior High Mission Trip 2015 (REGISTER)
July 12-18, 2015 | Cost is $300
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 Wichita Falls and painting, building porches, building wheel chair ramps, fixing roofs, and many other hands on projects.  

 

Senior High Guy's Retreat (REGISTER)
May 8, 9, and 10th! | Cost: $120 

A brand new retreat for 9th-12th grade guys!  We will meet at 6pm on Friday and spend the night at the church. On Saturday we will leave for Ennis, TX to camp for the night! The group will return to the church by noon on Sunday justin time for Mother's Day lunch. This is a great opportunity for your student to get away and learn what it means to be a Christian man. Register on-line or contact Christopher Vaughan at christopher@graceavenue.org. 

 

For information about Youth Programs, please contact Christopher Vaughan at christopher@graceavenue.org.   

 

ADULTS    

Women's Bible Study (REGISTER)

Undaunted: Daring to Do What God Calls You to Do

Led By Laura Echols-Richter 
Mondays 9:15-10:30am or 7:00-8:15pm

3 Weeks Beginning on May 4

Come share in this study based on the book/DVD by Christine Caine who talks about how God called her from a life where she felt unnamed, unwanted and unqualified into a God-filled and faith-fueled journey. We are called to Be the Love, Be the Hope and Be the Change!
 

Facing Death as Christians (REGISTER)

4-week study begins May 31st

Sundays  11:00am - Noon

Christians are uniquely equipped to address issue related to death.  Join us as we strengthen our resources to face death.  Led by Bill D Ball, Jr.  Please register in advance by emailing adults@graceavenue.org or clicking the link above.  There will be some reading materials you will need to receive in advance of the class. 

 

MUSIC & ART

Instrumental Music Ensemble

This instrumental music ensemble is open to all youth (who have completed sixth grade) and adults who play band or orchestral instruments. Did you used to be in band or orchestra? Now is the time to pull your instrument out of the case, dust it off and come and play! You will be shocked (if you haven't played in a while) how quickly everything will come back to you!  Please email Joe Stobaugh at joe@graceavenue.org to for more information.  

 

MISSIONS

Frisco Family Services Pantry Supplies

Grace Avenue has been passionately supporting the FFS Pantry ministry for many years.  The FFS pantry supplies over 30,000 pounds of food and needed items to more than 350 families a month and the number continues to increase weekly. You can find a complete list of needed items at www.FriscoFamilyServices.org  Please drop off items at Grace Avenue Learning Center lobby (tall gray basket by the Elevator).  Urgent needs right now are:  Size 3, Size 4, Size 5 diapers and pull up diapers of all sizes. For more information contact: Betty Pfahler: bpfah@aol.com

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Meets 2nd Tuesdays at 1:00pm

The Prayer Shawl ministry shares God's love by creating and blessing  hand made items such as shawls, lap blankets, chemo caps, and scarves for people in the community and within the Church. The group prays, knits, crochets, and shares in a time of fellowship. New members are warmly welcomed. Free lessons, as well as hooks, needles and yarn are always available.  Contact Linda Vanek at Vanekrl@aol.com or 214-705-0646 for more information. 

 

Frisco Helpers
Frisco Helpers is an organization of volunteers who help seniors 55+ or those with other special needs with minor home repairs.  Volunteers come from Grace Avenue and other local churches.  If you know of someone who could use these services or you would like to volunteer visit www.FriscoHelpers.org or call 214-973-1490. (All work takes place on Thursdays.)

 

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.

  

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 kshardwick@sbcglobal.net .

 

Newsletter
May 1, 2015
In This Issue

Next Week's Calendar:

Click here to go to our online calendar. 

 

Sun, May 3

2:00-3:00 pm

 Good Grief

2:30-5:15 pm

 Praise Kids Rehearsal

3:30-5:00 pm

 Methodism Class

4:00-5:00 pmYouth Choir Rehearsal

5:00-7:00 pm

 SPARK: Youth Snack Supper, Worship & Small Groups

6:00-7:00 pm

 Praise Kids Spring Program

 

Mon, May 4

9:15-10:30 am

Women's Bible Study:  Undaunted

10:00-11:30 am

 Ruth Sisters

1:00-2:00 pm

 Book Club

3:30-6:30 pm

 Heart & Soul Academy

7:00-8:15 pm

 Women's Bible Study: Undaunted

7:00-8:30 pm

 Boy Scout Troop #216

 

Tues, May 5

10:30 am-12:00 pm

 Lydia Group

3:30-6:30 pm

 Heart & Soul Academy

 

Wed, May 6

9:30 am-12:00 pm

 Sisters of Scripture: Restless

3:30-6:30 pm

 Heart & Soul Academy

6:00-7:00 pm

 Foundation Choir Rehearsal

6:00-7:00 pm

 Youth Praise Band

6:00-8:00 pm

 SH Hangout & Homework

6:30-8:00 pm

 Young Professionals Small Group

7:00-8:30 pm

 Covenant Choir Rehearsal

8:00-9:00 pm

 SH to Starbucks

 

Thurs, May 7

9:15-10:30 am

 Covenant III

3:30-6:30 pm

 Heart & Soul Academy

4:00-7:00 pm

 JH Thursday Nights Together (TNT)

7:00-8:30 pm

 Covenant III

7:30-8:45 pm

 Discipleship Boot Camp

 

Fri, May 8

9:30 am-12:00 pm

 MOPS Steering

10:00-11:30 am

 TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly)

4:30-5:30 pm

 Dancing with Grace

 

Sat, May 9

7:00-8:00 am

 Game2 (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