LET THE MADNESS BEGIN

(Lent Madness, that is)

If you're looking for a Lenten discipline that is fun, educational, occasionally goofy, and always joyful, join the Lent Madness journey.  Lent needn't be all doom and gloom.  After all, what could be more joyful than a season specifically set aside to get closer to God?

LENT MADNESS 2014 begins on Ash Thursday (March 6), the day after Ash Wednesday, with the opening competition between 'Basil the Great' and 'Christina the Astonishing.'  Many of you may be familiar with Basil of Caesarea, but did you know that several of his siblings are also saints?  How many of you know who Christina the Astonishing is?  Ever hear of Julia Chester Emery?  Anna Julia Haywood Cooper?  Nicholas Ridley?  Join us in LENT MADNESS to learn about all of these and more!

Here's how it works:  on each of the weekdays of Lent, information is posted at www.lentmadness.org about two different saints.  Each pairing remains open for 24 hours as participants read about, and then vote to determine which saint moves on to the next round.  Sixteen saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo.

The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints.  Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as the celebrity bloggers offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch.  It's fun, it's informative, it's the saintly smack down!

A large bracket will be posted in Wiles hall and copies of the SAINTLY SCORECARD-The Definitive Guide to LENT MADNESS 2014 will be available for those interested in participating in this year's 'madness'.  These wonderful little books include biographies and collects for each of the saints in this year's Lent Madness Bracket, as well as a useful Glossary for those who may be new to the game.  There are also short bios of each of the "Celebrity Bloggers" who make their case for their favorite saints online, at lentmadness.org and on Facebook.  Best of all, there is a full-sized, full-color pull out bracket for your own personal use.

Be sure to sign up for daily emails during lent at lentmadness.org (right-hand column on the website) and "Friend" Lent Madness on Facebook so you don't miss any of the fun!

Kid's Corner

Sunday School Teachers

Pre K - Teacher: 

Early Elementary - Teacher: 

Upper Elementary - Teacher: 

Barbara C. Harris Camp

Registration is now open for Summer Camp! Camp is for kids entering 4th grade and older. You can find more information at www.bchcenter.org.  Most Grace Church kids are signing up for July 6-12th this year, but others are signing up for other weeks as well.  Please see Noah for information on scholarships, or for more information on Summer Camp.

Passion Play 2014 by the Parable Players is coming to Grace Church on Palm Sunday, April 13th. The dramatization of the last days of Christ is the "Gospel" for the ten o'clock church service. This multimedia production directed by Laura Duggan is made up of a multi-generational cast from our church folk.  Sooooo..actors of all ages are encouraged to contact Laura about joining for this production.  Rehearsals are two Saturday mornings:  April 5th and 12th, 10:00 AM to noon, Church sanctuary.  Don't miss this opportunity to join in some drama at Grace Church!  Just contact Laura at lrduggan@aol.com  or at in person at church!