Growing in. Growing In Grace IN THIS ISSUE. August 2017

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1 Growing in IN THIS ISSUE August 2017 Sunday Service Information 2 Calendar 3 Tidbits & Information 4-5 Youth News 6 Children s Activities 7 Children s News 8 Outreach 9-10 Preschool-WEP 11 Choir News 12 Trustees 13 Testimony 14 Treasurer s Note 15 Pastor Back page Growing In Grace A publication of Grace United Methodist Church 1209 Country Club Road Newport News, VA (757) admin@graceumc.hrcoxmail.com Pastor: Rev. Hank Teague hankteague@vaumc.org Sunday Services: Early Worship: 8:45 am Traditional Worship: 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:45-10:45 a.m.

2 2 Sunday Service Information Scripture Readings: August 6 - Charles Wornom Genesis 32: 22-31; Psalm 17: 1-7, 15 (UMH 749); Romans 9: 1-5; Matthew 14: August 13 - Betty Jo Jackson Genesis 37: 1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105: 1-6, b (UMH 828) Romans 10: 5-15; Matthew 14: August 20 - Maggie Keator Genesis 45: 1-15; Psalm 133 (UMH 850); Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15: (10-20) August 27 - John LeGault Exodus 1: 8 2:10; Psalm 124 (UMH 846); Romans 12: 1-8; Matthew 16: Lockup: Earl Gray Counting Team #2 *Joan Heaton Ann Berrier Connie Keator Bob Berrier (Readings may vary for services. Readings listed above are from the Lectionary.) GREETERS: Aug 6 - Bob & Carol Codner Aug 13 - Bob & Ann Berrier Aug 20 - Ray Nobles & Gloria Champine Aug 27 - Chuck & Ginger Root Ushers: Team #1 *Bob Berrier Tom Mayo Tanis Mayo

3 August SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT :00 Worship 7:00 Trustees 6:00 Praise :30 Points of Grace :00 ABC/ Senior Breakfast 7:00 Finance/ Stewardship :30 Points of Grace 3:30 Witness 7:00 Church Council 7:00 WEP Board Meeting 7:00 Ice Cream Social Fellowship Sunday School Class SFH :00 Praise 6:00 Praise 6:00 Praise

4 4 August Birthdays Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday To You! Happy Birthday Dear.. 1 Susan Devane 9 Kathryn Wiggin 22 Harriett Tomaseski 2 Betty Sharpe 13 Lynn McDonald 23 Timothy Lopez Blackie Jackson 16 Judy Capps Bobby Walker IV Connie Keator 17 Iris Layton 24 Mary Ann Johnson 4 Ginger Root 19 Frances Porter 25 Regina South Will Ouzts, Jr. Payton Hobson 26 Austin Capps Jr. 5 Beverly Ouzts 22 Capp Lovelace 27 May Nelson 7 Lauren Daughtrey Sign Up NOW! There are still many dates available. You may sign up by calling the church or Lou Thomas ( ). Are you stressed? Do you want to improve communication in your family or relationships? Do you need someone to talk to? Contact the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center Remember to visit us on Facebook for photos and updates! ~ peninsulapastoral.org

5 TIDBITS 5 The Adult Breakfast Club (ABC) is meeting at THE WARWICK RESTAURANT located at Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Monday, August 14th at 9:00am.. Please join us! Everyone is welcome! POINTS OF GRACE Points of Grace will be meeting on August 7th and August 21st. We will meet in the small fellowship hall from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. A light lunch will be provided or you can bring your own. Please join us for fellowship and mission work. Points of Grace gave 20 mastectomy pillows to Silhouette in July. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Long family on the death Edryn Kinzer Long on June 7, 2017.

6 6 YOUTH NEWS Happy summer! This past July the youth had a chance to go to a FUGE camp where they learned about making right choices and what happens when they don't choose right. It was an awesome time of fellowship and they were able to learn and grow together in their faith! Please join us for the Youth pool party August 17, 7-9pm...details to come in the bulletin. Thank you Tina Check your bulletin! Youth Sunday is coming in late August or in September!!

7 CHILDREN S ACTIVITIES 7

8 8 CHILDREN S NEWS Vacation Bible School: Thank you to the many volunteers from Grace as well as friends in the community, who spent countless hours in preparation for our visit to Mighty Fortress. More information will follow in the September Newsletter. Education News: August - No Sunday School for Children or Youth. September 10, Sunday School resumes for Children and Youth. Elementary classes will meet together in the Elementary Classroom at the top of the steps. Youth will meet in the Youth Room. September 17, 2017 Back to School & Back to Church Sunday, 11:00 - Presentation of Bibles to rising 6th Graders as they are promoted from Elementary Sunday School to Youth Sunday School. Congratulations to: Max Bell A Jion Headley Lauchnor Lamb Sunday, September 17th 8:45 or 11:00 am There will be a blessing of the back packs WITH GAMES and activities for everyone! Casual attire. PICNIC LUNCH AT NOON!

9 OUTREACH 9 MONTHLY FOOD DONATIONS In August we are collecting pasta, rice, canned meats, sausages, pork & beans and ravioli for LINK. As always, however, all non-perishable food donations are welcome and may be left in the collection bins in the narthex and outside the office. Just Some Necessities: Is it not nice to have that extra roll of bathroom toilet tissue just in hands reach when needed. Don t you feel, oh so refreshed after taking a nice warm shower that included shampooing your hair, then brushing your teeth, and let s not forget to put on deodorant. I know I do. And then we cleanup with all the special cleaning supplies sold just for that one job. Unfortunately this is not the case for everyone. Many people in the community must receive help from the government for everyday needs with food stamps. But, the government cannot provide for all their basic needs including things like toilet tissue, basic hygiene items and cleaning products. The Salvation Army is one location that tries to help with these kinds of things. For the month of August we re asking for your help in collecting the following items to be given to the Salvation Army: Hair Brushes Combs Shampoo Conditioner Soap/Body Wash Deodorant Dental Floss Toothpaste Mouth Wash Toothbrushes Diapers Feminine Products Paper Towels Toilet Paper Razors Cleaning Supplies Items may be placed in the containers under the table in the breezeway by the doors to church office. As always the Outreach committee thanks you for your generosity.

10 10 OUTREACH The United Methodist Women and the Outreach Committee are joining forces to support UMCOR by getting a jump on School kits for next year! In order to benefit from the Back to School sales the UMW and Outreach Committee are beginning a collection for UMCOR school bags that Points of Grace makes each year for the United Methodist Church Conference. Below find the list for the essentials for individual school bags. Don t worry about filling one bag, just buy whatever supplies you can and together we will be able to fill lots of school bags for needy children. 1 pair blunt scissors 3 pads (or loose leaf) 8 ½ x 11 ½ ruled paper 1 ruler 12 inches 1 hand held pencil sharpener 6 unsharpened pencils with erasers (No advertising, religious or military camouflage cartoons OK) 1 eraser 2 ½ 1 box of 24 crayons (only 24) Bins in the Outreach Committee cubbies are available for the school supplies in the narthex and hallway outside the church office. Be blessed and peace!

11 GRACE PRESCHOOL (WEP) New School Year ! 11 As our new school year approaches, we will be having a few changes. In addition to our new Director, Tiffany Ward, we are excited to have a new assistant teacher joining our staff, Brandi Lawson. She will be our assistant in the 3 year old classroom. We are looking forward to an exciting new year! We are eagerly awaiting our returning students and their families, and are excited about welcoming our new students and new families! All of the fun begins on Friday, September 8 th when we have our Open House from 9-11 a.m. The Open House gives the students and families a chance to meet the teachers and become comfortable in their new surroundings. We still have space available in all of our classrooms, 3 and 4 year olds. We offer a nurturing Christian environment, with opportunities to learn and grow! Please feel free to share information about our program with friends and neighbors with preschool age children! Mrs. Beverly Ouzts Mrs. Beverly Ouzts started in 1993 as an assistant teacher here at Grace UMC Preschool, WEP. In 2001 Beverly started a new journey as the 4 year old classroom teacher. With her outgoing personality, inviting smile and her joy of children, that same year she was offered the Director position. For the next 14 years she took on the responsibilities of both 4 year old teacher and the director. In 2015 she decided to focus on just the director position and only substituting when needed. Beverly has been a part of so many families lives here in the church as well as our community. When asked about her time here she replied. Just years of trying to give kids a great early learning experience and of course, my heart and soul! Within that statement alone we can all see how amazing Beverly truly is. We are all grateful for the years she has dedicated to Grace UMC Preschool, WEP.

12 12 CHOIR NEWS Early Service and Praise Choir (8:45 A.M.) Our Early Service welcomes you with lively music, joyful worship, heartfelt sharing, and a friendly hello. The Praise Choir practices each Thursday evening at 6 everyone is welcome to join. If you would like to participate in any other way, from getting to church in time to welcome early arrivals to helping with sound or visual presentations to serving communion, let the pastor know. And bring a friend with you to church! CHOIR NEWS CHANCEL BELLS AND CHAPEL CHOIR The Chancel Bells and Chapel Choir will not resume practice until September. Please refer to the newsletter and bulletin for start days/times. We always welcome new members to the Bell Choir; you do not have to be able to read music, we only ask that you like to have fun. The Chapel Choir is for ages 6-10, the children learn how to play chime instruments for the service, music theory, ear training, and singing for the service. Please bring your child to join us. CHANCEL CHOIR The Chancel Choir has the month of August off. Please refer to the bulletin for specific start practice days/times. We always welcome new members; we have a wonderful time praising the Lord. I thank ALL choirs for your hard work, dedication, support and love of music! HAVE A GREAT SUMMER! For questions on the music program at Grace please contact the Director, Regina, at ReginaLSouth@gmail.com. In Christian Love, Regina

13 TRUSTEES 13 NOTES FROM YOUR TRUSTEES August 2017 by Gloria Champine STATUS OF THE CHURCH: Trustee, Earl Gray, is continuing to review and replace the Sanctuary and Chapel lighting and electrical needs as he is able, possibly repairing the spotlight wiring in the Sanctuary. OTHER ITEMS : The batteries and pads for the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) have been replaced. The AED is located on the wall outside the door into the Church office. Masters Contracting has completed the preventive maintenance on the Church. We have reviewed the Masters' Preventive Maintenance Agreement Contract (dated 2010) and will negotiate to see if other needs are covered and contract costs. The Exterior Spring/Summer Workday was a success. Areas were identified as needing attention, particularly, the outside wood around the pre-school and the back side of the Church. Receiving bids for painting and will solicit bids on replacing the rotting wood and then wrapping it all. Plans for cleaning up the interior have been developed and the date will be set shortly. In the meantime we have seen some of the work already being done. Mystery solved. Our Custodian, Bob Williams, has been working on some items as he is able. Please note the door into the ladies rest room. It looks like a new door. Thanks so much Bob for painting the door!. Your Trustees recently completed the "Annual Review of the Church-owned Parsonage" - this job was handled by Jan Tyler, Trustee, and Marian Huber, Staff Parish. Big job, thank you ladies. Your Trustees would appreciate your prayers, ideas, and thoughts as we strive to meet the needs and challenges of the Church and the Parsonage during 2017.

14 14 TESTIMONY (Wonderful Words of Life) To remember God created each person for a purpose that may involve circumstances not of our own choosing was a stated purpose of a Sunday school lesson that had particular meaning for me. Neither Samson (subject of the lesson) nor I foresaw or planned our missions. I was raised in the Methodist church in a small NC town. Most of us were active in one of the several churches in town. We knew who belonged to each congregation, but when someone needed help, assistance came from people of many congregations. For example, when I had polio, they came together and gave me a birthday party. I loved learning and actually had to teach myself when I could not attend school for a semester, and I never favored one subject over another. Despite my love of learning I very clearly remember thinking at graduation, When I finish college, I will not go back into the classroom. Selecting my freshman classes, I enjoyed science in high school so I chose to major in science. The resulting premed concentration seemed to lead to a medicine degree. Possibly. But God was already working on me. As my grandmother was facing possible death, I realized how fearful I was to possibly fail and cause someone s death. No MD in my future! Instead I worked hard to be eligible to enter a medical technology master s degree program offered by Duke University. My application was met by a polite letter informing me that the program was being terminated! Years later I concluded that God had denied my second choice for a college degree. As a junior I decided to complete the requirements for a teaching certificate so I could at least find a job upon graduation. My first job after graduation was eighth grade science. Enrolled in my 6 th period class were 21 boys and 5 girls. I had no experience dealing with children especially ones with police records. Soon I was considering a letter of resignation. However, life taught me to persevere, so I stayed. At that time I never thought I would grow to care so much for my students. It was not just their academic successes that made me happy, but also the opportunities we shared to care for one another. So many mementos in my home remind me of this. Some students chose to take 2 or 3 different classes, allowing us to become even closer. My kids made my life meaningful. Teaching and working with children became more tightly intertwined as my destiny. I truly believe God intended for me to be a teacher. Although I had no actual training in counseling, many of my kids came to me with their joys as well as seeking a listening ear and heart when they had problems. One young girl informed the police about the paternal molestation after talking with to me? What would she have done if we never had that conversation? What about the frightened young lady I found waiting for me hesitantly sharing that she had awakened with a knife at her throat the night before? Or the youngster who would not give up a knife he had pulled on another student until the police agreed to bring him to talk to me? Or the junior who wanted to know what to do about her father beating her mother?..etc..i feel HE meant for me to be there for kids in need. I was contracted to teach science, but even greater satisfaction came when I was able to offer my kids consolation, understanding, hope, and belief in themselves. I hope our times together were beneficial to them. Many times I was faced with circumstances not of my own choosing and had even considered quitting. Never did I enjoy grading papers, but I have enjoyed a life enriched by reaching out to me kids and emotionally holding them in my heart. - Betty Sharpe Editors note: For more insight into the way God used Betty, please see the Pastor s message on page 16.

15 Treasurer s Note 15 TREASURER S NOTES by: Betty S. Hill Budget Update through July 23, 2017: Budgeted ~ $153,988 Received ~ $145,129 Balance Owed on Loan ~ $35,278 From the Pastor s Desk (cont d)... continued from page 16 I am because I want to see all of us doing all we can for God and others. I am because I want to see the whole people of Grace empowered by God s Spirit to be all that we can be. I am because I don t want to see people burnming out in ministry anymore. If you are also curious. If you want to discover and use your spiritual gifts, then I invite you to participate in the next Pastor s Bible Study. It s called Serving From the Heart and begins in September. Using the acronym of STRIDE we will explore our Spiritual Gifts, Talents, Individuality (personality), Dreams, and Experiences. As you let your STRIDE influence where and how you serve church and community you ll see how God transforms your effort into divine strength with extraordinary outcomes. Grace and Peace, Pastor Hank

16 Grace United Methodist Church 1209 Country Club Road Newport News, Virginia NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Newport News, VA Permit No Return Service Requested From the Pastor s Desk... On page 14 is an inspiring story of community, faith, and God closing one door and opening another. It s a part of Mrs. Betty Sharpe s faith story and well worth the read. As you read it, look for clues about what I believe to be one of Betty s spiritual gifts, the spiritual gift of mercy. Spiritual gifts are the divine strength or ability given to all Christians to do things that help build up the body of Christ. In particular the Spiritual Gift of Mercy involves the special ability to identify with those in distress and sympathetically give spiritual comfort and support. Those with this spiritual gift minister through identifying with those in distress and comes along side to comfort them (Rom. 12:8; Matt. 9:36). There are at least 24 other spiritual gifts in addition to Mercy ranging from Administration to Teaching and Prophecy to Shepherding. Betty Sharpe is very humble and probably would not say that she has been given the spiritual gift of mercy so that she can bless others and the Body of Christ. But I want to lift up this possibility to you (and to her.) Are you curious about what your spiritual gift might be? I am. continued on page 15