Building Bridges
The youth at Grace are building bridges connecting one generation to another at Victoria Gardens in Allen, TX. Listen to this from Lisette Tucker...
A few weeks back, March 24th to be exact, I went to Victoria Gardens to play Bingo with about fifteen other teens from youth group, not really expecting to have a great time. I mean, how can you expect to have fun while placing someone else's Bingo chips on a white numbered chart? A big change from usual Saturday trips. But once we all arrived at the facility, we were all sort of surprised, expecially me. Here were these people, these sweet, fun people, that were so sweet, so friendly, and they knew how to light up a room with their smiles and laughter. And you know what it did for me? It made me smile too.
Bethany Munden and I were helping our an older man who couldn't talk, a man who never participated in the special events unless his wife was there, which she happened to be that day. But once she left, he stayed. He kept playing Bingo with Bethany and me, he kept smiling, kept pointing at little things that made him smile, kept laughing when one of his numbers got called. And even when he wasn't winning he was happy. It was odd at first, I mean no one really enjoys it when they're losing a game, but he didn't seem to care. He just wanted to sit in his chair, his wheelchair, and laugh with Bethany and me. He liked pulling out his little pink squishy toy that you would've thought could only amuse a little kid, but there he was, being himslef, being a little kid, and he was happy. He was in a wheelchair, and couldn't talk, and he was happy. He wouldn't ever be able to say another word to his wife again, and he still had a smile on his face. And yet we go through each day in life and get upset about the littlest things, not looking around for something to be happy for, even when it's right in front of us, like God giving us another chance. That should be enough to make us smile every second of our lives, and yet, we don't. That man helped me realize that we should be so happy, so thankful, for everything we have, no matter what the circumstances. We ponder too much on what disappoints us, not what pleases us and lets us live freely. God gave us so much, and as each day goes by, we throw it down the drain so easily, without even thinking. God's given us so much, and we don't deserve a bit of it.
It's weird, knowing a few hours can change so much of your life. Being thankful, it's not that hard, although it is hard expressing it when we have other things on our minds, especially when our priorities aren't right, and when God isn't our first priority, we're never going to have a smile on our faces. I am really flad I went to Victoria Gardens, it really did add a new aspect to my life. I really am looking forward to going back, I'd recommend it to anyone. You never know how much fun you're going to have and who is going to change your life. |
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 S.O.S.
Summer of...Service
There is excitement in the air as summer vacations are being planned. Finally, a break. Let the summer begin! After all, summer is a time for relaxation, refreshment, adventure, travel and service. What? Service, who put that in there?
Summer is the perfect time to get involved in ministry here at Grace. It's also a critical need right now. There are three ministries in particular that need our help over the summer months: GraceLand; Little blessings and our summer outreach 5-Day clubs.
Our GraceLand Children's ministry has a number of summer positions open. During the months of June, July and August, many of the regular workers like to take time off as well. But the ministry goes on. We need people who can step in and fill the gap and give the other workers a rest. They are looking for team time leaders and helpers, decorators, and A/V operators. This is a great time to substitute for a few weeks or even the entire summer. Granted - no one will be there every week. After all it's summer! But don't miss the blessing of serving because you might be gone a few weeks. Contact Amy Pedison (972-398-9401) or Tricia Han (972-442-4880) for more information.
Our Little Blessings ministry faces the same challenges and presents the same great opportunities to serve parents and children ages 0-4. Contact Muggs Gallagher (972-727-8738) or Christy Anderson (972-396-8053) and let them know that you want to be a blessing to this ministry over the summer.
5-Day Club is another exciting opportunity for ministry. You can read the following article which will give you all the information you need. My challenge to each of us is to practice what we have been preaching - to go out into our community and reach people for Christ. You won't fly solo in this ministry, as there are many people to serve with you. But best of all, it will fit around your other vacation plans, since we have four different weeks planned.
Taking a break this summer? Don't take a break from serving the Lord through the ministry opportunities at Grace.
Pastor Joel
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5-Day Club - On The Road Again!
by Laurie Munden
Grace church is taking VBS (Vacation Bible School)on the road again this summer through home 5-Day Clubs. We will be reaching our neighborhoods sharing the love of Christ. Our theme is Jesus: My Savior and Friend - 5 life-changing evangelistic lessons that lead kids to Jesus, their Savior and friend. 5-Day Clubs are offered June 11-15, June 18-22, July 9-13, and July 16-20 to two different age groups: younger children (ages 4-6) and older children (ages 7-12). Each host home will celebrate its 5-Day Club with a Burger Bash on Friday night, the final day of their particular Club for the families of the kids who have attended. This outreach gives everyone an opportunity to be involved in many ways. Please contact Laurie at lauriemunden@verizon.net to change the life of a child in your neighborhood. Stay tuned to find out dates and location so your kids can attend!
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The Mission of Grace The community of Grace is here to reach people for Christ and to help those who believe in Christ become more like Him. |
 June Prayer Focus
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For the month of June, Grace will prayfully focus on the 5-Day Club Summer Outreach, its workers and children attending.
Mark 9:42 " I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in My name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."
Please pray for :
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Laurie Munden as she leads the 5-Day Club Ministry - for peace and clear focus on the Lord.
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Cheri Hedges and Melissa Tarbox as they organize/coordinate the Friday night Burger Bashes.
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The story teachers, missionary teachers, song leaders, game leaders ,craft leaders hosts/hostesses, prayer warriors, and others who will be serving.
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The hearts of the children attending: for the Lord to be preparing their hearts now to be open to the working of the Holy Spirit
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All the details that need to fall into place between now and the clubs dates.
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Hedge of protection over each family participating in some way for these clubs
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Unity in the Body at Grace as we support one another in serving the 5 Day Clubs
The prayer ministry exists to reach people for Christ and to help those who already believe in Christ become more like Him through prayer. Join the Grace Prayer Team by contacting Ken and Laura Miller k_l_miller@juno.com or Bob and Pat Harrison at bobnpat9@comcast.net. | |
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