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Grace Avenue United Methodist Church
3521 Main Street | Frisco, TX 75034 | 972-335-2882
Thanksgiving Celebration Dinner & Church Conference
Thursday, Nov 20th | Beginning at 5:30pm
$10 youth & adults, & $6 children ($40 family max)
CLICK HERE to register!
Join us for an all-church Thanksgiving Dinner. Dinner will include turkey, ham and fixings catered by Dickey's BBQ. Please take time to register so we know how much food to order.
Immediately following the dinner, at 7:00 pm we will gather for our all-church annual meeting called a Charge Conference. Come celebrate what we have accomplished in 2014 and hear the exciting plans for ministry in 2015. Our District Superintendent, Ron Henderson, will be with us to lead the meeting. You do not need to attend the dinner in order to attend Charge Conference.
Childcare will be available for infants through 2 years old during dinner and for infants through elementary during the conference, if desired.
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THANK YOU to everyone who has participated
in the Grace Race 500!
Total number of pledges to date: 393
Total pledged: $1,574, 751
CLICK HERE to see your team's results.
The Race may be over, but the commitment and momentum still continue!
If you haven't made your pledge to support the ministries of Grace Avenue in 2015 we still need you!
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS
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Thanksgiving Meal Boxes
Return by Nov 16th
Help Frisco Family Services provide complete Thanksgiving Meals to local families in need. If you, your family, or your small group would like to help, visit the Missions Bulletin Board near the world map for instructions For info, contact Suzanne Wolverton at 214-280-4833 or [email protected].
Advent Candles
We need families to light the advent candles during EACH of our worship services throughout Advent and on Christmas Eve. Please CLICK HERE to sign up or email Laura Simmons at [email protected] if you are interested.
Hospitality Needs!
Are you already planning on a home full of guests this holiday season? Well the Grace Avenue Hospitality Ministry is too and we could really use YOUR help! "Greeters" open doors, welcome our members and guests, and are just about everywhere on site ready to answer questions. "Muggers" deliver a Grace Avenue mug/drink tumbler to the home of any first time visitor that provides a home address. A service commitment of one Sunday a month is all that is asked. No experience is necessary and there will be an orientation/training in early December. If you are interested in serving in either of these features of the Hospitality Ministry, please contact Stacey Jacobs, our Guest Relations Coordinator, by calling the church office or emailing her directly at [email protected].
Getting through the Holidays after a Divorce
Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00pm (November 11, 18 & December 9)
Laura Echols-Richter will be leading a class for those who are currently or have recently dealt with the pain of divorce. The group will meet for 3 weeks. For info or to sign up, contact [email protected] or 972-335-2882 ext 506. Childcare available.
Frisco Helpers: Seniors Helping Seniors
Minor Home Maintenance and Repairs
Frisco Helpers is an organization of senior adult volunteers which is sponsored by local churches. The mission is to help senior and special needs citizens with minor home maintenance, with a key focus on safety. If you know someone who would benefit from these services, please contact David and Carol Coles at [email protected] or 214-973-1490 for more information.
The GOD'S CHILD Project Purchase a Brick to Support the Mission Team! Grace Avenue is sending a mission team to Guatemala to work with the God's Child Project from Jan 18 - Jan 24, 2015. As part of their work, the team will help build a home for a family. If you would like to purchase a cinder block brick to help fund that trip, please CLICK HERE. Thank you for your generosity!
For info on making a donation or participating in the trip, contact Mary Martin [email protected].
Have you Downloaded your Grace Avenue Mobile App?
CLICK HERE for more information! Stay updated on Grace Avenue News, be alerted to last minute changes, register for events, watch sermons and more!
Guardian Angels
We are looking people with a medical background (active or retired) to support our church family. Volunteer opportunities might include mentoring new mothers, filling medication boxes, teaching classes or providing respite for caregivers by sitting with those in need. As a volunteer, you would be offering support and encouragement, but not anything that might be considered medical treatment. Contact Laura Echols-Richter at [email protected] or Peggy Wentrcek at 214-674-8033 to help. We will plan to meet and discuss the possibilities for this new ministry.
Coming Soon...Elementary School Tutoring Program
Watch for an opportunity to be a tutor at a local elementary school. Contact Mary Martin at [email protected] if you are interested in helping organize or serving in this ministry.
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Weekly Worship Times and Preaching Schedule for 11/15 & 11/16
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 (Billy Echols-Richter, preaching)
Covenant Worship 11:00 am (Billy Echols-Richter, preaching)
Contemporary--In the Worship Center
Celebration Worship 9:30 am (Laura 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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On Thursday and important event was held at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church. The Grace Avenue Leadership Academy (GALA) hosted a one day seminar entitled; "Who is My Neighbor?" Approximately 40 church professionals from all over the state of Texas and Oklahoma attended this one day event which focused on the important issues of evangelism and social justice. Four top-notch speakers made presentations and there was time for discussion and interactive electronic surveys.
You may ask yourself, why is this subject so important? I think it can be summed up in a statement that was made several years ago by the famous author and pastor, Ellsworth Kalas: "Who is my neighbor? My neighbor is all humanity - not just the person next door, or the person inherently dear to me, but all who have human blood in their veins. When Cole Porter, the popular 20th-century lyricist, wrote, I've got you under my skin, he was describing the intensity of one person's romantic love for another, particular person. But his words are religious, as well as romantic. Whether I love you, ignore you or hate you; whether you are my dear friend, a nameless figure in a passing automobile or a listing in the telephone directory, I've got you under my skin. If I kill you, I kill part of my very self. Any person's death diminishes me, because we are both part of the human race."
Jesus, of course, reminded us that the second most important commandment is intimately related to the first: "Love God with all your heart soul mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself." Secondly, you may be asking yourself, what is GALA? It is the Grace Avenue Leadership Academy which was initiated out of our church's Vision 20/20 Strategic Plan created in 2009 and reviewed/renewed in 2013. GALA's plans are to conduct ongoing learning opportunities for groups both inside and outside our church to empower them to carry out the ministry of the church in the 21st century. The planning team for GALA, under the leadership of Kenneth Wolverton, has been working diligently on seminars like this for more than a year now. The seminar that was held on Thursday not only included the planning team but as many as 20 hospitality volunteers from Grace Avenue. I personally want to thank the GALA team and the volunteers who work so hard to make this such a great event. At the end of the day on Thursday I was asked by one of the seminar participants; "Are your people always this friendly and hospitable?" Imagine the smile on my face as I responded to this person: "Absolutely, Grace Avenue is not a location, but a way of life." If you are interested in more information about being a GALA volunteer and possibly a part of the GALA planning team please contact me ( [email protected]) and I will forward your name on to Kenneth Wolverton.
With you on Grace Avenue,
Billy Echols-Richter
Pastor
Sermons available on-line. CLICK HERE to view or listen.
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| PRESENCE, OFFERINGS & PRAYERS |
ATTENDANCE: 11/9 & 11/10
| Learning Hour |
| | 8:30 | 13 | | 9:30 | 289
| | 11:00 | 110 |
| | | Total | 412
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| | Worship | | | Saturday 5:30 | 93
| | Sanctuary 8:30 | 64
| | Worship Center 9:30 | 116 | | Sanctuary 9:30 | 143 | | Worship Center 11:00 | 124
| | Sanctuary 11:00 | 226
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| | Total Worship | 766 |
Financials
| November | Financial Giving Facts | | Week | Budgeted Contributions | Amount Given | Difference | | 2 | $29,164 | $30,025 | $861 | | 9 | $29,164 | $44,313 | $15,149 | | 16 | $29,164 | | | | 23 | $29,164 | | | | 30 | $29,164 | | | | | | | | Total Month | $145,820 | | | | | | | | Total Given for Month | $74,338 | | | Month to Date Net | $16,010 | | | | | | | Year to Date Contributions | $1,477,010 | | | Year to Date Budgeted Contributions | $1,729,896 | | | Year to Date Difference | -$252,886 | | | | | | | Capital Revenue | | | | 11/9/14 | $14,470 | | | Year to Date Total | $294,254 | | | | | | | Because of God's Love To Date | $2,128,279 | | | B.O.G.L. Pledged (7/1/11-6/30/14) | $2,765,479 | | | Outstanding Pledge Balance | $637,200 | | | | | | | October | | | | | Jesus Urges Generosity (J.U.G.) -God's Child: $289.51 | |
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....
PRAYERS!
For God's Comfort and Peace:
For the family and friends of Corrie Victorino who passed away this past week.
We especially pray for her husband Mundy, her daughter and son-in-law
Eva and Dennis Altamero and her granddaughter Daisy.
For Neil Youngblood's mother who has entered into hospice care.
For God's Strength and Healing:
For Jenn Bollom who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has started chemo.
For Donna Cooper as she has surgery and during her time of recovery.
For Dan Freyling who has been hospitalized with health concerns.
Thanksgiving for ministries of Grace Avenue:
For the completion of the Grace Race and for all who have made their commitment.
For our Charge Conference this coming week as we gather for a time of Thanksgiving.
*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
EDGE 4th-5th Grade Fellowship at Main Event
4th Grade: Nov 16th
5:00pm-7:30pm | Cost is $15
Registration is required for this event. Email Kristen Lane at [email protected] to sign up or for more information. Cost includes bowling, laser tag, pizza and a $10 game card.
Praise Kids!
Sundays | 3:30-5:00pm
Children are divided by age level and spend time sharing in music, musical enrichment and fellowship. Children who are 3 years old as of September 1st- 5th grade can participate in Praise Kids! If you have questions, contact Laurie Hanson Roberts at [email protected] or Kristen Lane at [email protected].
Hangout@EDGE
Wednesdays | 4:30-6:00pm | EDGE Room
All 4th-5th graders come and hang out with your friends in the
EDGE Room! Come when you can & go when you need to. Contact Kristen Lane at [email protected] for info.
YOUTH
Youth Schedule this Week:
Sunday: SPARK from 5-7pm (Snack Supper, Worship and Small Groups)
Wednesday: SH Homework/Hangout 5-8pm
Thursday: JH TNT(Thursday Nights Together) 4-7pm
For information about Youth Programs, please contact Christopher Vaughan at [email protected].
Senior High Ski Retreat Registration 2014
CLICK HERE to register
Cost-$775
Dates- Dec. 28th -Jan.5th
The Senior High Ski Retreat will be from Dec.28th - Jan 5th. We will be traveling to Winter Park, Co by charter bus and staying at The Vintage. We will meet at the church in the evening on the 28th and return January 5th around noon. Ths cost of the trip includes: lodging, transportation, 7 meals, ski rentals, lift tickets, and a meeting area. You will also need to bring money for 5 meals, since you will be buying lunch everyday on the slopes, and purchasing 2 meals while in route.
Advent Study During "Good Grief" in the Prayer Room
Sundays from 2:00-3:00pm | Beginning November 16th
Joyce Cravens will be leading a study based on the book "Simply Wait" by Pamela C. Hawkins. This book is about cultivating stillness in the Season of Advent. This study is for anyone who is grieving or not. Take one hour every Sunday to be still and share and pray together. All are welcome. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
HEART Adult (Ages 55+) Spiritual Practice Brunch
Friday, December 5th at 10:00am | Room 219
Join us for a discussion on the Spirit of Peace. Contact Joyce Cravens at [email protected] for more information.
MUSIC & ART
New Instrumental Music Ensemble
This new 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 [email protected] to for more information.
Actors Wanted!
Whether you have acting experience or not, if you believe you have what it takes to portray one of Christ's disciples in the Last Supper Tableau during Lent this year, please contact Bill Roberts at [email protected] or call or text him at 214-542-3833 for more information.
Holiday Art Class (REGISTER HERE by November 17th)
TTuesday November 18 from 4:30-6:00pm
Cost: $25 for all supplies
Ages: K-8th Grades
Young artists join us for a great time Tuesday, November 18th from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. We will learn about color mixing, blending, color relationships, and patterns while acrylic-painting a whimsical turkey (see image below) on an 11"x20" canvas! It will make an amazing decorative piece or gift, just in time for Thanksgiving.
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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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| Newsletter | | November 14, 2014 |
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Next Week's Calendar:
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Click here to go to our online calendar.
Sun, Nov 16
12:00 pm
JH Retreat Returns
2:00-3:00 pm
Good Grief in the Prayer Room
2:30-4:30 pm
Finance Committee Meeting
3:00-4:00 pm
Instrumental Music Ministry
3:00-5:00 pm
SPRC
3:30-5:00 pm
After the Boxes: Moving on After Moving In
3:30-5:00 pm
Praise Kids
3:30-5:00 pm
Methodism Study
4:00-5:00 pm
Youth Choir Rehearsal
4:00-5:00 pm
Ukulele Choir Rehearsal
5:00-7:30 pm
Edge 4th Grade @ Main Event
5:00-7:00 pm
SPARK: Youth Snack Supper, Worship & Small Groups
Mon, Nov 17
9:15-10:30 am
Women's Bible Study
10:00-11:30 am
Ruth Sisters
3:30-6:30 pm
Heart & Soul Academy
7:00-8:30 pm
Boy Scout Troop #216
Tues, Nov 18
8:30-9:30 am
God's Chicks, Emmaus Reunion Group
10:30 am-12:00 pm
Lydia Group
3:30-6:30 pm
Heart & Soul Academy
4:30-6:00 pm
Heart & Soul Holiday Art Class
6:30-7:30 pm
Trustees Meeting
7:00-8:30 pm
Getting Through the Holidays Divorce Group
7:00-8:30 pm
ESL/Citizenship Classes & Celebration
Wed, Nov 19
9:30-11:30 am
Sisters of Scripture End of Year Banquet
2:00-3:00 pm
Empowering Aging Couples Session 3
3:30-6:30 pm
Heart & Soul Academy
4:30-6:00 pm
Hangout at Edge
5:00-8:00 pm
SH Hangout & Homework
6:00-7:00 pm
Foundation Choir Rehearsal
6:30-8:00 pm
Young Professionals Small Group
7:00-8:00 pm
Ukulele Choir Rehearsal
7:00-8:30 pm
Covenant Choir Rehearsal
Thurs, Nov 20
3:30-6:30 pm
Heart & Soul Academy
4:00-7:00 pmJ
H Thursday Nights Together (TNT)
5:30-6:30 pm
Thanksgiving Dinner
7:00-8:00 pm
Charge Conference
7:00-8:30 pm
Boy Scout Crew #216
Fri, Nov 21
9:30 am-12:00 pm
MOPS
10:00-11:30 am
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly)
5:00-6:30 pm
Dancing with Grace
Sat, Nov 22
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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