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This Week @ First Methodist Grapevine
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August 12, 2015 | In This Issue:
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| Sunday, August 16 |
Worship at 8:30, 9:00, 9:45, 11:00 AM | Sunday School at 9:45 AM This Sunday, we will hear stories from our summer mission teams about how God has used relationships to show his love to those we serve. We encourage all of you to wear your trip or team shirt (or church shirt) to worship this Sunday! The 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 AM worship services will be identical in order of worship. There will be no communion served in the 8:30 service. The 9:00 AM and Bilingual services will feature similar messages, but with their regular order of worship.- 8:30 AM - Traditional Worship in Founders Chapel
- 9:00 AM - Contemporary Praise & Worship in the Family Life Center
- 9:45 AM - Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
- 11:00 AM - Blended Worship in the Sanctuary
- 11:00 AM - Bilingual Worship in Founders Chapel
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Upcoming Sundays
August 23 - Back to School | The Great RevealOn Sunday, August 23, we'll have a "back-to-school" Sunday featuring blessings for teachers and students and Kindergarten Blessing at the 11:00 AM service... plus "The Great Reveal" of our new Family Ministries programming at 9:45 AM! We'll have a Blessing of the Backpacks during the Great Reveal as well. See Family Ministries and Children's Ministries News below for details.
August 23 - September 27: "All in the Family" Series
On Sunday, August 23, our pastors will begin a new sermon series, "All in the Family." This series takes us through a day in the life of the Family of God. We all have rituals throughout each day that can be used to point us to God and help us grow in faith. Each week of this six-week series, our pastors will guide us through a holy part of each day and give us tools to help us grow - individually and as families - into a closer connection with God. Each Sunday, you will come away with another item for your toolbox of practical ways you can incorporate your faith into your daily life. Here's the series schedule:
- August 23 - Rev. John Mollet: "Community & Belonging"
- August 30 - Rev. Jenn Pick: "Bathtime & Forgiveness"
- September 6 - Rev. John Mollet: "Dinnertime & Thankfulness"
- September 13 - Rev. John Mollet: "Storytime & Meaning"
- September 20 - Rev. Armando Alvarado: "Midnight & Fear"
- September 27 - Dr. Cindy Ryan: "Bedtime & Trust"
Also coming up...
- August 30: Blessing of the Babies in the 11:00 AM service
- September 13: Third Grade Bible Presentation & Confirmation Commissioning in the 11 AM
- September 27: UMW Sunday
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Worship Arts
Rehearsals Resume Next Week!
Our adult choirs resume rehearsals on Wednesday, August 19, and we need YOU! Nothing is as moving as a choir singing the Word of God and nothing more fulfilling than singing in that choir. Our Chancel Choir is such an important part of our worship here at FUMC Grapevine, and we will resume meeting after our short summer recess. The Chancel Choir rehearses in the Choir Room each Wednesday at 7:00 PM and/or Sunday at 9:00 AM and sings most weeks in either or both the 9:45 AM and 11:15 AM services. Please come join us and experience the blessing for yourself! Of course, there are also seasonal opportunities for you to join on a temporary basis if that better fits your schedule. We look forward to worshiping with you soon! See the Volunteer Connection article below for more information about where you can serve in Worship Arts!
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DID YOU KNOW?
"Did You Know" is a series of feature articles that highlight various aspects of ministry in the church. Be on the lookout for the "Did You Know" inserts in Sunday's bulletin each week. If you miss Sunday, the articles are linked on our website at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/didyouknow.
Church Conference Results  Did you know that we had 147 people attend our church conference last Sunday afternoon? We asked our congregation for approval to sell various properties where we believe the value of those properties can be put to better use to further our ministries. The results of the voting were 142 - Yes and two - No. The motion to sell various properties passed by a wide margin.
Did you know that we will have a team meeting with the City Council to outline our plans with respect to these sales? The City Council needs to be involved in several aspects of our plans to sell. Keep reading...
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Church News
Peace & Justice: Q&A with Justice For Our Neighbors
 On Wednesday, August 19, 7:00-8:00 PM in Leach Hall, Dean Reed, Director of Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) and Maria Macias, JFON lawyer, will bring us up to date on immigration laws and actions. We encourage you to come and see how this ministry is helping the stranger, the other, the sojourner, our neighbor. Learn about how Justice For Our Neighbors Ministry works with people who are undocumented. How often does JFON have a clinic and where do they have them? What can I do legally to help with the process? Where is God in this process? Campus Angels  As our students head back to school, it's time to sign up for Campus Angels! The Campus Angels Ministry keeps college students connected with the church while they are away at school. We need adult volunteers (Campus Angels) who will be assigned a college student. You will send the college student notes and small care packages monthly letting them know that their church family is praying for their success and safety. If you are a college student (or know of one) who needs a Campus Angel, we ask that you provide us a little information in order to match you up. Both Campus Angels and Students can sign up online or on the Check-In insert in Sunday's bulletin. If you participated in this ministry last year, please resubmit for this school year. Questions? Contact Jenna Rosenbaum ( jenna.rosenbaum@gmail.com). |
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 Compassion Ministries
We would like to extend Christian condolences to:
- Bob and Katherine Hunter and family, on the loss of Bob's cousin, Tom Hunter, August 8.
- Charles and Jerri McLain on the loss of his mother, Wilma McLain, on July 30.
Stephen Minister Applications
 This Friday, August 14, is the deadline to apply for the next Stephen Ministry class. Stephen Ministers work alongside our pastors to care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people who are going through a difficult time. Is God calling you to become a Stephen Minister? If you have gifts for caring, encouragement, and listening, Stephen Ministry might be the right place for you to serve! A training start date will be determined at a later date. Applications are available at the Welcome Center in the Sanctuary, online (PDF) or by contacting Katherine Hunter (817-481-2559 x130 or katherineh@fumcg.org). Questions? Visit our website for more details or contact Sandra Nasr ( sandranasr58@gmail.com), Katherine Hunter ( katherineh@fumcg.org) or Julie Croft ( juliecroft@hotmail.com).
Upcoming Classes: Exposing Depression | SOS (Shake Off Shame)
Please note that the start dates for the following mental health classes have been postponed until September 1:
- Exposing Depression (women only) will meet Tuesdays, starting September 1, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in Room 2002. Depression is often caused by an identity crises and can leave you feeling lonely, lost and without hope. In this class, we explore the different ways our minds think, the wounds our souls carry, and the way we interact with the people around us.
- SOS - Shake Off Shame (women only) will meet Tuesdays, starting September 1, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in Room 2010. This class is about uncovering shame, and its crippling lies that deceive you into believing you are not enough. Together we will discover what it looks like to see ourselves through the heart of God and begin to define ourselves with His truth about our identity.
Space is limited for these classes, and registration is required. Visit www.TBEJourney.com for more information and to register.
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Mission Ministries
Neighbor Need A neighbor has had to step up to care for a one year old baby girl, and is in immediate need of everything! Can you help by donating any of the following items? A Crib? Linens? Blankets? Clothing? Diapers? If so, please contact Diane Bishop at dianebishopdbd@gmail.com.
Latvia Mission Trip
A small team from our church will be headed to Latvia next week to attend the Latvia Annual Conference and further build our connection with our partner church, Riga First. Please keep Mark and Julie Croft, Jesse Sowell and Melissia Mason in your prayers as they travel August 17-25.
 Thrift Shop Seasonal Change-OverThe Thrift Shop will be closed for business starting Tuesday, August 18, to facilitate the change from summer to fall/winter clothing. The shop will reopen on Tuesday, August 25, at 9:00 AM. We will continue to accept and process donations through the Drop Box during this time.
Jan's Blankets of Hope Work Session  Following our early July delivery of blankets, we're now working toward our next delivery of blankets in the fall to Valley Hope, a substance abuse treatment facility located in Grapevine. Accordingly, our next work session will be held Thursday, August 20, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, in Leach Hall. A donation of fleece for our ministry will be appreciated. However, fleece will be available during our work session to make into handmade blankets bathed in prayer. If you have sharp fabric scissors, please bring them. Otherwise, we will provide those too. All we'll need are your willing hands and hearts as we cut and tie fringe to finish our Blankets of Hope. You'll find detailed information about our ministry here on our website at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/blankets.
VAST - Valuable After School Time
 FUMC Grapevine is partnering with the Grapevine Police Department to open a second campus for their successful after school program, VAST. VAST will serve up to 50 children, grades 1-6, and will target Cannon & Silver Lake Elementary Schools and Grapevine Middle School. VAST starts August 31, and will run Monday-Thursday, 3:00-6:00 PM, following the GCISD calendar. We are still accepting volunteers; click here to fill out the application. Training for counselors will be held on August 15, 9:00-11:00 AM in Leach Hall, or you may attend Saturday, August 15, 9:00-11:00 AM at the Community Outreach Center on Mustang. We also have a list of needs to help us get off the ground. If you would like to donate any of the following, please leave them in the VAST receptacle outside the church office: Crayons (15 ct), colored pencils (12 ct), washable markers, children's scissors, erasers, rulers. Questions? Contact Debbie Price ( debbiep@fumcg.org) or Colby Mowery ( cmowery@grapevinetexas.gov).  Weekend Food Needs As school begins again, we will resume our delivery of Weekend Food to local schools. We are in need of a couple more volunteers who have a pickup truck and are willing to get our order of food from Sam's. The job takes about an hour, and pick-up can take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. If you would like to serve in this way, contact Debbie Price ( debbiep@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x108).
Community Clean-Up / Fall Into Missions
 In lieu of our one-Saturday Fall into Missions this year, we are taking part in a community-wide effort to clean up Lake Grapevine after the spring flooding. The first Keep Grapevine Beautiful clean-up day is set for Saturday, September 12, from 8:00 AM to noon (weather permitting). The City will decide what area will be the focus of clean-up closer to that time, and we'll let you know. Save the date, and sign up on the Check-In, online, or by contacting Joe or Linda Krimm (817-430-4286, jkrimm6@mac.com). Visit our website for more details. God Can Needs Don't forget to pick up a few extra items when you do your grocery shopping! Although the GRACE Food Pantry doesn't update their needs list every week, they do let us know when things have substantially changed. So... note that they still have need for cooking oil, tuna, evaporated milk, canned soup/stew, spaghetti sauce, condensed milk, ramen noodles, children's cereal, syrup, condiments, vienna sausages, canned fruit and juice. Click here for GRACE's full updated list of needs (pdf). Please bring your donations to the God Can bins outside the church office or in the Sanctuary Foyer/Atrium.
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  Volunteer ConnectionFor more information about how you can get connected, contact Volunteer Coordinator Bev Campisi (beverlyc@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x140) or visit our website at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/volunteer.
I Just Want to Praise the Lord! Praise Him, Praise Him... Glorify... Holy, Holy, Holy... Take My Life And Let It Be... Spirit Of The Living God... Lord I Lift Your Name On High... Holy Is The Lord... He Touched Me... Thou Art Worthy... Resurrection... Holy Is The Lamb... Your Love Surrounds Me... There's Just Something About That Name...If the melodies of the song titles above are resonating in your head and heart, YOU need to be sharing your love of music with our congregation by joining one of our many Worship Arts Ministry teams! Sharing your gifts is an act of worship as well as an act of service and enhances our worship and praise of our Lord. Chancel Choir, Fishers of Men and Grace Notes resume their rehearsals on Wednesday, August 19, and now is a great time to join in! - At 8:30 AM our Chapel Ensemble provides special music on the first and third Sundays of each month, and rehearses just before the service begins. Contact: Kay Green kgreen828@yahoo.com
- Fishers of Men is a men's chorus which provides special music for worship services and special events, and rehearses Wednesdays from 6:00 - 6:50 PM in the Choir Room. Contact: Scott Boiles Jeffrey.boiles@gmail.com
- Grace Notes is a women's chorus which provides special music for worship services and special events, and rehearses Wednesdays from 6:00 - 6:50 PM in the Sanctuary Choir Loft. Contact: David Platt singplay75@sbcglobal.net
- Chancel Choir provides special music for the 9:45 and 11:00 AM services and special events during the year, and rehearses Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 PM in the Choir Room. Contact: Wren Robinson wrenr@fumcg.org
- Chancel Orchestra provides special instrumental support for worship services and special events, and rehearses the last Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:00 PM. Contact: David Platt singplay75@sbcglobal.net
- Children's Worship Arts is a great time for your kids (K-5th) to praise God through music and drama. Rehearsals resume on Wednesday, September 9, at 6:00 PM in Room 2001. Contact: Val Sellers Valerie.sellers@hotmail.com
The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: "He is good; his love endures forever." Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God. - 2 Chronicles 5:13Won't you join the chorus so the glory of the Lord will fill our sanctuaries?
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| Adult Discipleship |
 You are invited to join the Seekers this Sunday for the third in a 4-part series based upon the "I Love Lucy" TV show. Each week we watch a 20-minute video from the show, then have a discussion about the Biblical lesson contained within the show. It has been interesting to note that we have found diversity, caring, predjudices and compassion throughout the series. Our presenters have done an excellent job in leading us to Biblical verses which teach us how to deal with similar situations in our own daily lives. Join us this Sunday in Leach Hall at 9:45 AM. This week: "Lucy & the Submarine Commander."
 Pastor's Bible Study
Rev. John Mollet continues his Bible Study on Mondays at 6:00 PM in Leach Hall. If you could only have one of the four Gospels, which would you choose? Together we'll discover the joys and challenges of each of the four Gospels. There is no need to RSVP; just bring your Bible! The class will meet each Monday in August.
 Spanish Bible Study on the Book of Acts Socorro Garcia, Juan Zapatero and Colby Mowery have begun a Spanish Bible Study on the Book of Acts. Class meets on Tuesday evenings (on-going) at 7:00 PM at the Courtyards Apartments, #151. If you or someone you know is looking for a Spanish-language study, please invite them to join us! Questions? Contact Rev. Armando Alvarado ( armandoa@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x122).
10 Gospel Promises for Later Life
You are invited to join us in a book study for those who are in later life, going into later life, or have loved ones who are in their later years. In "10 Gospel Promises for Later Life,"Jane Marie Thibault attempts to help us answer the question: "If the Gospel really is relevant to later life, what is it's 'good news'?" The class will meet at 10:00 AM starting from Tuesday, August 18, through September 29 in Room 2007. Books are available for you to purchase online at Amazon and Cokesbury. Please contact Annette Sowell, 817-283-8512 or annette.sowell@sbcglobal.net to sign-up, to request a book, or for any other questions.
 UMW Salad Luncheon Come and share lunch with the United Methodist Women and hear about some of our church members' amazing mission trip experiences. We will also be honoring all of the women on our church staff! Just bring a salad or dessert to share on Sunday, August 30 at 12:30 in Leach Hall. We hope you'll join us! Questions? Contact Rachel Clark (mrclark2@msn.com or 817-488-0035).
Precepts Study of 1 Peter
 Precepts begins their next study of 1 Peter with an orientation session on Monday, August 31. Two convenient class times are offered on Mondays: 9:30-11:30 AM or 6:30-8:30 PM. Have you wondered how to stand firm in shaky times? Peter had been prepared by Jesus for the world's tribulations and Peter wrote to help prepare others during a time of Christian persecution. Come study with us to learn what Peter has to say to believers enduring tribulations. The classes will begin on September 14 and meet for 12 weeks; workbook cost is $28. To sign up and order your workbook, contact Nancy Johnson 817-424-0297, pajnaj@verizon.net or Judy Grosbach 817-488-6771.
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More Fall Bible Studies and Spiritual Formation Groups
We have a great variety of groups and studies gearing up for the fall. Please visit our website for more information about these upcoming groups (listed in order by the date they begin):
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Beyond Championships
by Fred Rigdon
 I recently read a book called Beyond Championships: A Playbook for Winning at Life by Dru Joyce II, who is the basketball coach at St Vincent-St Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. As the coach at one of the most legendary high school basketball programs in the country, Coach Dru has been a mentor and motivator to countless young men. One of his better known players is basketball icon LeBron James, who credits Coach Dru with helping him reach his potential as both a basketball player and as a man. In the book Coach Dru discusses the principles that he instills in his players to develop their character as well as their skills. These principles are the foundation of his own life and are based on his Christian faith. Keep reading...
Read more posts to help you with your personal spiritual formation at the Quiet Corner for Spiritual Formation - www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/quiet.
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Hispanic Ministries Institute
Equipping People for Diverse Ministries
FUMC Grapevine is starting a new venture this fall called the Hispanic Ministries Institute. This program invites church leaders from all over the area to come learn more about the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship and study in the Wesleyan tradition, evangelizing the mission field, preaching, teaching, discipleship, mentoring and much more. HMI will focus primarily on how leaders can be developed in ministries that will attract diverse peoples to the message of the church. The HMI will use leadership training, outreach ministries and an annual Hispanic Ministry Conference to achieve these goals. Read more about HMI on our website at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/hmi.
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. - Ephesians 4:11-14 (NRSV)
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Leadership Training
Our first Leadership Training of the Hispanic Ministries Institute is coming up Saturday, August 29, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Rooms 2007,2008, 2010). This training prepares and empowers you to do God's work. It will equip you to gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead different ministries, including small faith groups. Our vision is to work together as God's instruments bringing hope to people in the name of Jesus Christ. Experience and Share God's Love today and tomorrow. To sign up, contact Rev. Armando Alvarado ( armandoa@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x122).
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| Family Ministries |
 The Great Reveal We are excited to announce the coming of new Family Ministry programming here at FUMC Grapevine! On Sunday, August 23, we will hold a "one-room" Sunday School hour at 9:45 AM in the Family Life Center. We invite children, youth and adults to come together to hear about our great new programming, have some fun activities, and celebrate together! We will have refreshments, information for families, information about adult classes, hear from our Family Ministries Staff, and so much more! Questions? Contact Patty Bandy (pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129).
Serve with Family Ministries!Nursery and Children's Ministries have selected a new curriculum for the fall called "Deep Blue." It involves worship, a three-year scope and sequence of scripture, video lessons and online training. So, starting August 30, we need teachers, worship leaders, welcome team members, and Sunday school coordinators! Tweens will be starting their new "Connect" curriculum, and Youth will need Sunday School teachers and Confirmation Mentors. If you are interested in being part of our great new programming, we would love to have you serve in any of the following ways: - Welcome Team: Arrives at 9:35 AM and helps parents sign in and find the appropriate class for their children.
- Sunday School Coordinator: Checks on every class, makes sure teachers have everything they need and keeps record of count and ratios.
- Sunday School Teacher: Teach provided curriculum in the classroom. The lessons are available to teachers online any time. Age Groups are: 3 Year Old, 4 & 5 Year Old, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade.
- Worship Team: Our new curriculum will have a 10-15 minute "worship" section, so if you play the guitar, sing, or love to lead children in song and prayer, this may be the place for you!
- Tween Sunday School Teacher / Substitute Teacher
- Youth Sunday School Teacher / Substitute Teacher
- Confirmation Class Mentor
If you would like to volunteer, please sign up on the Check-In insert in Sunday's bulletin or contact: Patty Bandy, Director of Family Ministries (pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129) |
 Youth Ministries
Questions about Youth Ministries? Contact:
Michael Franklin, Youth (michaelf@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x116)
Melissa Howell, Tweens/Early Teens (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136)
Patty Bandy, Director of Family Ministries ( pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129)
NEW: August Youth Calendar (pdf)
Deeper (Youth Bible Studies) - TONIGHT (Wednesday, August 12)
Middle School | 5:45-7 PM in Room 2008 of the Family Life Center
High School | 7:15-9 PM at Gus Winkler's house (3318 Clearfield Dr)
This Sunday, August 16 Hooked will be at 5:30-7 PM in the Family Life Center.
Note to New Sixth Graders Next Wednesday, August 19, will be the first opportunity for incoming 6th graders to join in with youth activities! We'll have Middle School Deeper from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Logan's home (2802 Springbranch Ct.). Come get to know other youth, swim and study scripture together! Questions? Contact Michael Franklin ( michaelf@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x116).
Celebrating the Great Reveal at the Air Hogs Game!  On August 23, we are kicking off "The Great Reveal" for youth with a huge conference event at the Grand Prairie Air Hogs game celebrating our youth missions over the summer! We will start by having some quick sandwiches in the FLC right after church. Then we will load up and leave for the stadium. There is a Christian Concert at 1:00 PM followed by the game starting at 2:00 PM. It will be over around 4:30 PM then we will head back to the church to get picked up. Many other churches are going, so this is a great opportunity for our youth to see youth from the other churches that were on mission trip. Please wear a mission trip shirt if you are able. Tickets are $5. We need to know interest ASAP so we can begin reserving tickets. Contact Michael ( michaelf@fumcg.org).
Back-to-School Bash! Our Youth Back-to-School Bash will be during Hooked time on Sunday, August 30. We'll gather from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in the Family Life Center for food, games, fun!
Costa Rica Youth Mission Trip Juniors and Seniors, mark your calendars! The 2016 Youth Mission Trip to Costa Rica has been set for March 12-18. Our first informational meeting will be on Sunday, August 30, at 3:00 PM in Leach Hall. Questions? Contact Rev. Armando Alvarado ( armandoa@fumcg.org). |
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Ministries for Children
Questions about Children's Ministries? Contact:
Amy Gravitt, Children's Director (amyg@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x213)
Monica Vickery, Nursery Director (monicav@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x145)
Melissa Howell, Tweens Director (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136)
Patty Bandy, Director of Family Ministries (pattyb@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x129)
Tween Launch Party
On Thursday, August 20, we are having a Tween Launch Party! All students that will be in the 4th and 5th grade for the 2015-2016 school year are welcome to come fellowship together as we prepare to kick off the next year of tween ministry. It will be an opportunity for new 4th graders to learn about tween ministry and get to know their peers and adult leaders. Join us for an afternoon of snacks, games, fellowship and fun! The party will be from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Family Life Center. Questions? Contact Melissa Howell (melissah@fumcg.org, 817-481-2559 x136).
The Great Reveal is August 23! See Family Ministries news above for details.
Kindergarten Blessing Attention Kindergarten parents! As you prepare to send your kiddos off to school for the first time, we want to send them out with a blessing. Kindergarten Blessing will be on Sunday, August 23, at the 11:00 AM service. We will be playing a slide show of pictures that morning; if you would like your child's photo included, please e-mail it along with your child's name to Linda McClure at lindam@fumcg.org no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, August 17.
Blessing of the Backpacks We'll have a Blessing of the Backpacks during the Great Reveal on Sunday, August 23! Kids, be sure to bring your backpacks to church with you that Sunday! The Great Reveal is during the Sunday School hour, 9:45 AM in the Family Life Center.
Blessing of the Babies
Our church has been blessed by the addition of many wonderful new babies to our family in the past year and a half. We want to recognize our families and our precious new additions. On Sunday, August 30, at the 11:00 AM service, we will have a "Blessing of the Babies." All families who have a new addition are invited to come take part in this special service. We will also be including baby photos on the cover of the bulletin and have a slide show that Sunday. If you would like your child's photo included, please e-mail it along with your child's name to Linda McClure at lindam@fumcg.org no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, August 24.
Back-to-School Bash On Sunday, August 30, Children's Ministries will host a Back-to-School Bash during the Sunday School hour (9:45 AM). The Back-to-School Bash will include 4-year-olds through 5th grade on the playground. There will be water balloon games, balloon animals, popsicles plus a few more surprises. The parents will need to just bring their children out to the playground at 9:45 and pick them up there when Sunday School is over.
Coming in September... - Baby and Me Story Time - Starting September 3
- Preschool STEM - Starting September 3
- Children's Worship Arts - Resumes September 9
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Caught Caring... Connect Back-to-School Fair Serves 1700 Children
by Dr. Cindy Ryan
Thank you to all of you who prayed, donated funds for school supplies, gave new backpacks and volunteered at the Connect GCISD Back to School Fair for economically disadvantaged students. We had a record number of pre-registered children come through the fair, 1302! GRACE served an additional 81 that day who qualified but weren't pre-registered for a total of 1383. All received new backpacks, supplies, clothing, vision screenings, immunizations and a myriad of other resources from our community partners. An additional 300 plus leftover supply packs were sent to the campuses for the children unable to attend the fair. Approximately 1700 children will be well equipped to start school thanks to our church's efforts and the willingness of our community to pull together. GRACE will continue to serve other children in need in the time before school starts. I am grateful for this congregation's enthusiastic support of the fair. Thank you!
   
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| | Sisters in Faith... ready to escort families through the CONNECT fair last Saturday. |
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CAUGHT CARING
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 As we continue to keep our focus on "Our One Word" for 2015 - CARING - we'd like to encourage you to keep your eyes open for people "caught caring." If you catch someone caring, send us a story! It can be just a few words, a picture, etc. Send your "caught caring" stories and photos to Melissia at melissiam@fumcg.org. |
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