What a joy-filled day we shared together on Sunday! From our opening sung alleluia to being sent out in peace, the Spirit was truly upon us. We welcomed three new members to the church: Daniel Colbert, Katherine Abraham and Anthony Abraham, and we celebrated the baptism of Rhys Alexander Abraham. Thanks to all of you who stayed after worship for the music ministry interest meeting with Chuck; if you weren't able to be there, but have gifts you'd like to share, reach out to him: chuck@chuckbellmusic.com.

As we move through the spring and plan for summer and fall, I want to call a few things to your attention:

Construction is still underway on the 1^st, 3^rd and 4^th floors of our sanctuary building. On Monday, May 2^nd, abatement will begin on the EAST side of the 2^nd floor. This means Grace will not have access to the hall that includes the conference room. Starting Sunday May 8^th, the Wesley Companions and Loyalty Classes will meet together in the chapel. The baby grand piano will move from the conference room to Hargrove Hall, where the choir can rehearse.

On Monday May 23^rd, construction will begin on the WEST side of the 2^nd floor. This means the entirety of the 2^nd floor (behind the sanctuary) will be off limits until August.  Grace offices will temporarily move to the 4^th floor. Because we will not have access to the elevator, Grace activities on Sundays will be confined to the Sanctuary/West Transept/Hargrove Hall. The children's area on the 1^st floor will continue to be open and used for Sunday School and nursery care. Parking and entrances will remain the same, but we will not be able to access the 2^nd floor. In order to have an accessible men's room available, the church will be converting the bathroom off the West Transept to a single unisex/family bathroom, with a lock on the door.

If you have any questions let me or Kyle Taylor (ktaylor@dardencompany.com) know. Thank you for your flexibility!

Central to Grace's vision is "feeding our surrounding community." For the 2016/7 program year the church will be focusing on food and faith-in our worship life, studies and outreach to the community. We want your ideas and participation as we plan for the upcoming year. ALL are invited to a dreaming and planning session on Sunday May 22^nd, following worship. If you plan to come, RSVP to Calissa Dauterman: cdauterman@graceonponce.org so we have a count for lunch.

Pentecost Sunday, known as the "birthday of the church" is on May 15^th. We celebrate the earliest church receiving the gift of Holy Spirit in tongues of fire. We'll hear from congregants why they love Grace church and have a birthday party with cake following worship. And don't forget to WEAR RED! as a sign of the spirit.

See you for worship on Sunday and think about who you can invite!

Grace and peace,

Kate