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Have you ever noticed that the more active you are for God, the more opposition you seem to face in your efforts? Nehemiah can relate. When news that he was leading the people of Israel in restoring the walls of Jerusalem reached their enemies, those enemies plotted to attack the Israelites and thwart their efforts. In Nehemiah 4:7-15, we find the Israelites remaining steadfast in their belief in God’s power to provide and protect, while still doing all they humanly could to actively prepare to meet the challenge and remain vigilant against looming opposition and hostility.
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Update on Pastor Grant Palma | |
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Dear Church Family,
We wanted to take a moment to provide an important update on Pastor Grant Palma.
Many of you know that he was out of the office for part of last week and is out of the office this week as well. Today, he is undergoing tests at the hospital. While this situation is concerning, we are praying and waiting for the tests to yield positive results.
As we prepare for worship on Sunday, Pastor Zach Stiefel will deliver the message in the Traditional service, and Dr. Keva Green will lead the Contemporary service. We are grateful for their support and willingness to step in.
We will update you on Pastor Grant’s condition as we receive more information. Join us in lifting Pastor Grant in our prayers.
Thank you for your understanding and support,
Phillip Coleman, SPRC Chair, and Steve Gumm, Executive Committee Chair
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MinistrySafe Class
Feb. 23 | 6 PM | Church Office Conference Room
MinistrySafe is the policy our Church abides by to ensure the safety of our children, youth volunteers, and staff. Volunteers and staff who have interactions with children or youth are required to complete a background check, watch an informative video, and attend an in-person class. If your certification is expiring soon, you should have received an email alert that you need to retake the training. There is a link in that email that begins the process. However, you do not need to attend a refresher class unless you would like to. The next training class is offered February 23, from 6 - 7:30 PM in the Church Office Conference Room. If you are unavailable on Feb. 23, watch for details for our next class, currently scheduled for March 2.
Register for the class by emailing Cathie Rosemann (cathier@firstgrapevine.org) or Sandy Robinson (sandyr@firstgrapevine.org).
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Young Adult Bible Study
Mondays | 7 PM | Church Office Conference Room
Led by the passionate duo of Meg Hanna and Cheyenne Roth, this engaging study group offers a welcoming space for young adults to explore and deepen their understanding of the Bible. Currently the group is studying "Faith Foundations" by David Platt and exploring questions like: What are we made for? What does it look like to know God deeply? Why are we called to reflect his light to those around us—and how do we do that?
Each month, the group takes a scheduled "Bible Study Day" for a service opportunity. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, community connection, or simply a place to ask questions and share insights, you'll find a warm community. So, come and join the group and bring a friend on Mondays at 7 PM in the Church Office Conference Room.
If you have questions, please contact Meg (mmochel13@gmail.com) or Cheyenne (cheyenne.051800@gmail.com).
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Ash Wednesday
March 5 | 11 AM Main St.
& 6 PM Service Sanctuary
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent - a time for Christians to prepare their hearts and minds for Easter. First Grapevine invites all to observe Ash Wednesday with us on March 5. We have a couple of options for observance on this holy day.
Ashes To Go (11 AM - Noon)
If your schedule doesn't allow you to be with us in the evening, take an early lunch to drive by and receive your Ashes To Go. Pastors will be on Main Street from 11 AM - Noon and receive your ashes and a blessing for a holy Lent.
Ash Wednesday Service (6 PM)
Join us for a traditional service of prayer, reflection, and the imposition of ashes at 6 PM in the Sanctuary.
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Weekend Food Team Needs Your Help!
Our Weekend Food Ministry provides a vital service to our community - a service that is only made possible through the help of our dedicated and generous volunteers. Currently, the team has some immediate needs for assistance from our church. There is a critical need for folks to help bag the food for distribution; volunteers to pick up food from the Grapevine Sam's and deliver it to the Weekend Food room in the Family Life Center; and people to pick up the full bins and deliver them to the schools.
Pick-up and drop-off days and times are very flexible, and we can work with anyone's schedule. The signup links are below. Please contact Susan Justitz at sjustitz@gmail.com if you have any questions. Thanks in advance for your willingness to support this vital ministry!
Help Bag Food
Deliver Food to Schools
Pick-Up From Sam's or Food Bank
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Become An Acolyte!
Acolytes Re-Introduced to Traditional Services on Ash Wednesday
The Family Ministries Team is excited to announce that we will be re-introducing acolytes in our Traditional Services starting with our Ash Wednesday service on March 5. Acolytes bring the light that symbolizes Christ's presence into the Sanctuary at the beginning of worship and, at the end of the service, take it down the aisle and out into the world. While this has traditionally been an area of service filled by our younger members, anyone from (mature) third graders to centenarians are welcome and wanted to serve as acolytes.
Ideally, we would like to have two acolytes at our weekly Traditional Services and other special services throughout the year.
Please contact Sandy Robinson (sandyr@firstgrapevine.org) with any questions about this easy and wonderful opportunity to enrich our worship services.
Sign Up to Be An Acolyte
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Office Volunteer Needed for Tuesday Afternoons
1 - 5 PM
The church has an opening for someone with a smiling face, the willingness to assist with some light office work in support of our church, and ready to greet visitors and members both in-person and on the phone on Tuesday afternoons.
If you read this and thought, "That sounds like me," please email cathier@firstgrapevine.org for more information or to express interest.
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Family Ministries Volunteer Needs | |
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Vacation Bible Camp Kickoff Volunteers Needed
March 2 | 8 AM - 12 PM Founders Chapel & Sanctuary Atriums
Thank you to those who have already signed up to help with our Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) kickoff event set for March 2. If you haven't had the time to sign up, we have some GOOD NEWS! There are still some prime slots available for the registration and information tables set up in the atriums of the Sanctuary & Founders Chapel. If you are able to help with one or more of the brief shifts before or after the services, please sign up using the link below.
Help with the VBC Kickoff
More Kids Camp Information
For more about Vacation Bible Camp or any of our upcoming camps for kids this spring and summer - like Cultural Craft Voyage, Triumph Sports, Creative Arts, Cross Cheer or Glen Lake - please visit the new KIDS CAMPS page of our website.
View Full Listing of Kid Camps
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Vacation Bible Camp Lead Volunteer Roles Available
Lead volunteer positions are almost filled! Huge thanks to those who have already volunteered! Don't miss your opportunity. There are only 2 positions remaining.
Traffic Coordinator - Responsible for recruiting & coordinating volunteers to welcome and assist during drop off and pick up of VBC children, and ensuring cars have a proper "car pick-up tag" when picking up a child(ren). Current MinistrySafe certification and pre-VBC training are required for this position. Expected VBC Week hours: 8:15 - 9:30 AM / 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM. (Monday start at 7:30 AM)
Recreation Coordinator - This role is for someone who loves being outside and playing games, has a high tolerance for heat, and the creativity required to design activities that support the lesson of the day and/or games you’d play outside on a road trip. This volunteer is responsible for ordering game supplies, determining the number of volunteers needed for the games, and assisting in the recruitment of the volunteers. Current MinistrySafe certification and pre-VBC training are required for this position. Expected VBC Week hours: 9 AM - 12:30 PM.
If you are willing to volunteer, please contact Lucy (lucyc@firstgrapevine.org) or Sandy (sandyr@firstgrapevine.org).
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Youth Sunday Night Meals
Sundays | 6 PM
Family Life Center
The First Grapevine Youth and friends meet each Sunday evening from 6-8 PM, starting with dinner! If you'd like to help feed our youth, either by providing a meal or via a financial donation, please click on the links below.
We average about 20 people at Youth each week! If you know what you'll be making/bringing, please mention it in the comment section on the links below. Please provide a gluten-free option, or let Josh know so he can arrange something.
Provide a Sunday Night Meal
Donate To Cover a Meal
Be sure to select "Youth Payments" from the dropdown menu.
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Spring & Summer Camp Registrations | |
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Cultural Craft Voyage Camp
Explore Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru & Venezuela
March 17 - 21 | 9 AM - Noon | Church Campus
First Grapevine is hosting a Cultural Craft Voyage for children in grades K-6 this Spring Break. On March 17-21, from 9 AM - Noon, we will embark on an exciting journey exploring the vibrant cultures of Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil! On Friday, we invite parents and family to a special showcase at 11 AM to celebrate the children's creativity. Go here for more info.
Register for Cultural Craft Voyage Camp
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Triumph Sports Camp
March 17 - 21 | Noon - 4 PM
The wildly popular sports camp kicks off each day right after the Cultural Craft Voyage Camp (see above) from 12 - 4 PM in the Family Life Center. Sports Camp is open to students in K - 6th grade. What makes Triumph a favorite for us are the spiritual lessons and good sportsmanship that are taught. Students who attend Sports Camp are welcome to bring a sack lunch to eat at noon right before Triumph Sports Camp begins.
Register for Triumph Sports Camp
Each of the Spring Break camps are independent and require separate registration. The camps are being offered back-to-back to offer fun and spirit-filled activities for Spring Breakers. Students who attend both camps should plan to bring a sack lunch.
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Creative Arts Camp
June 2 - 5 | 9 AM - Noon
Creative Arts camp is a four-day experience designed to provide students Grades K-6 with the opportunity to spend a week together having fun, forming friendships, and trying new things like the culinary arts, drawing, painting and other crafts, and musical theatre. The camp culminates with a Gallery and Showcase at Noon, June 5 in Founders Chapel.
Learn More Here | Register for Creative Arts Camp (reg link isn't working)
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Youth Summer Mission Trip to Waxahachie with UM Army
June 15 - 20
First Grapevine Youth and Adult Leaders will travel to Waxahachie for a week and assist the Texas Ramp Project in building wheelchair ramps for low-income older adults and other physically challenged members of the Waxahachie community. The week-long Youth Summer Mission Trip provides our youth (and adult leaders) a chance to follow and live out Jesus' teachings by stretching themselves to serve others. It also allows for the opportunity to learn some carpentry skills and the safe use of power tools under the watchful eye and careful instruction of the project leaders.
Register Today
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Vacation Bible Camp
July 7 - 10 | 9 AM - Noon
Vacation Bible Camp is an opportunity for children to spend a week together having fun, growing in their faith, and forming friendships. VBC will be a chance to experience and learn more about Jesus through prayer, games, crafts, music and classroom time. They will also be provided with a snack every day to keep them energized and focused.
Learn More About VBC 2025
Registration Opens March 2
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Triumph Sports Camp
June 2 - 5 | Noon - 4 PM
July 7 - 10 | Noon - 4PM
Much like the Spring Break offering, our Summer Triumph Sports Camp runs from 12 - 4 PM immediately following Creative Arts Camp and is open to students in K - 6th grade.
Register for Triumph Sports Camp
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Cross Cheer Camp
July 7 -10
Cross Cheer's cheerleading camps provide a chance for girls to learn the fundamentals of cheerleading in a fun, Christ-centered atmosphere!
- Camp activities include cheers, chants, stunts, jumps, dance and tumbling and a special Bible Verse cheer.
Get More Info on Cross Cheer | Register for Cross Cheer Camp
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Glen Lake Camp
Grades 3 - 8
July 13 - 18
Glen Lake Camp welcomes every camper with adventure, community, and life in Christ. The very nature of Camp brings campers out of their comfort zones and into a life removed from distraction, so they can experience and explore God’s beautiful creation. Summer Camp brings participants together with lasting friendships, strengthened through intentional life together. Together, they soak in God’s Holy Word to develop and grow their relationships with Christ, people, and the world.
Register for Glen Lake Camp Today!
Please let us know when you register by emailing Lucy Clowers at lucyc@firstgrapevine.org. We would love to know who is attending.
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- Congratulations to Peter and Meg Hanna on the birth of their baby boy, Benjamin Paul Hanna, born on February 10.
- Congratulations to Eric and Cheyenne Roth on the birth of their baby girl, Gracelynn Roth, born on February 13.
- Congratulations to grandparents Rick and Sue Schultz on the birth of their grandson Samuel Beck in December.
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Support Our Church When You Shop | |
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Community Rewards Partnership with Kroger
Support First Grapevine When You Shop!
If you are a Kroger shopper, don't forget to link your Kroger Plus account to our church so that a percentage of the proceeds from each transaction can be donated to First Grapevine. Thanks to our community rewards partnership with Kroger, supporting First Grapevine's missional and community outreach is easier than ever.
Sign up can be done online at https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.
1. Log into your Kroger Plus account
2. Go to "My Account"
3. Click on "Community Rewards"
4. Search for "First Grapevine Methodist Church" or Organization Number "LK560"
Learn More About Our Kroger Community Partnership
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Church-Wide Meeting Feb. 23 | |
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The Executive Committee would like to remind all church members of the Church-Wide Business Meeting this Sunday, February 23. The meeting will be held in the Sanctuary at 12:15 PM with the purpose of approving the Church 2025 Operating Budget and addressing other church business as needed. All members of First Grapevine Methodist are invited and encouraged to attend.
Review the 2025 Operating Budget as Approved by Leadership Committees
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Last Week's Numbers and Gifts | |
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In-Person: 392
Online: 365
Sunday School: 137
Mid-week Bible Studies: 105
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A gift was given to the Benevolence Fund by the Thrift Shop in honor of Kim Crater | |
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Acolyte Training
Seven future acolytes joined our Family Ministries Director Sandy Robinson following the 11 AM services on Sunday, February 12, for their official training class. Sandy reports that we'll be in excellent hands when we reintroduce acolytes into our traditional worship services beginning this Ash Wednesday (March 5).
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Tween Mission & Movie Day
Nine First Grapevine Tweens spent their Presidents Day holiday serving our community, as well as having a good time together. Our latest Tween Day began with a visit to Volante Senior Living where the kids spent time visiting with the residents and then joining them for some spirited games of BINGO. Afterward, the group came back to the church to enjoy a movie (Inside Out 2), lunch from Chick-fil-A, and a celebration of Dylan and Tyler's birthday.
The next Tween event is scheduled for 6-8 PM on March 7! More details will be available in our next newsletter.
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