Grace United Methodist Church

Following Christ Through Grace

901 N. Main St.

Decatur, IL 62521

NON-PROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 8

DECATUR, IL 62521

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

REGULAR SUNDAY SCHEDULE

9:00 AM Great Start Traditional Worship

Adult Sunday School

Children’s Sunday School

10:30 AM Fresh Start Contemporary Worship

Adult, Youth & Children’s Sunday

School

11:00 AM WBUI-TV channel 23

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS

Monday-Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM

Church Office will be closed September 1

in observance of Labor Day.

GRACE United Methodist Church 901 N. Main St.

Decatur, IL 62521

(217) 429-5374

www.decaturgrace.org

Gifts from the Children “But Jesus called the children to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to

me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I

tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little

child will never enter it.’” Luke 18:16-17

“[Jesus] called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said: ‘I tell

you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never

enter the Kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:3

Dear Friends in Christ,

I’m so thankful for our Vacation Bible School this summer! I’m grateful for Kim

Hays and all those adults and youth who poured themselves into making VBS

such a great experience for all of us who were involved. But in the midst of all

those adults, are there any greater teachers than children, who are open and re-

ceptive to the essentials of life to which we as adults have become so callous and

unresponsive? No wonder Jesus wanted to spend time with children and scolded

His disciples for chasing them away! No wonder He used them as examples for

adults who seemed so easily to miss the point of His teachings!

Those of us who were part of the leadership of VBS had a great opportunity not

only to give to children, but to also receive from them. At the end of Thursday

evening during our time of worship, we extended an invitation for any children

who wanted to receive Jesus Christ to come forward to pray with me. What a

delight that a majority of the 40 children who attended came forward to say “yes”

to Jesus! As they were coming, I thought to myself, “This is how it ought to be!

They get it! A commitment to Jesus is a very simple step of trust.”

Some would say, “Well, of course they responded. Children are simplistic. They

haven’t yet experienced how complex life really is.” Is that what Jesus would

say? I don’t think so. Jesus would say, “Hey, pay attention to these children!

They’re teaching you some important lessons about faith in me.” The reality is

that many adults have allowed the essential core of life to become corrupted by

all that dilutes and in some cases destroys love for the Lord and love for others.

Adults erect so many excuses and so many rationalizations that when an opportu-

nity to say “yes” to Jesus comes, the Holy Spirit has a very hard time ever reach-

ing our hearts and wills. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to respond with

simple freedom and with abandonment of all our inhibitions? Jesus wants us to

learn from children about saying “yes” to Him promptly and without doubts or

hesitations. To do so is to taste all that is really good about life!

But there’s a second lesson to learn from children about a commitment to Christ.

Some pooh-pooh those times of commitments by saying, “That commitment isn’t

very real. Just wait. Some of those same kids will make another commitment

(Continued on page 2)

Grace Notes Grace United Methodist Church • 901 N. Main St. • Decatur, IL 62521

Volume 159, Number 9• September 1, 2014

In this Issue…

Pastor’s Article ··················· 1,2

Women’s Ministry ··············· 2,3

Economy Shop

Prayer Shawl Ministry

UMW

Women’s Retreat

Hat’s off to the Ladies!

Congregational Care ············· 4

Health Minister

Note of Thanks

Stephen Ministry

Calendar ··························· 5

Children, Youth, Families ······· 6

Kids’ Own Worship

Parenting Christian Kids

Call to Prayer ····················· 7

Mission News ···················· 7

Discipleship ······················· 8,9

Sister in Christ Bible Study

Servant Leadership for 2015

RightNow Media

SOAPY Bible Study

Financials News ·················· 10

Lupton Scholarships

Financial Update

The Grace of Giving

United Methodist Men ··········· 10

Grace Family ····················· 10

Traditional Ushers ··············· 10

Outreach ··························· 11

September Preaching Schedule · 11

again next year.” To which I respond, “Great! I hope so!

Please do!” What we learn from children is we need to

renew our commitment to Jesus Christ at every opportu-

nity we get. If we think that a one-time commitment to

Jesus is all we need, then we’ve missed out on what it

means to be a day-to-day disciple of Jesus. Daily we need

to commit ourselves to following Jesus, living for Him

and serving Him. Daily we need to choose to follow

where He leads us.

Here’s what will happen at some point: During one of

those times of commitment, the light of Christ will be

turned on inside the souls of those precious children. Sud-

denly their faith will become real. They will know they

will never be the same and will never want to be without

Jesus in their lives. That is life-transformational. And as

we continually commit ourselves to Jesus, at some point

His light begins to shine within us, and we know that we

never want to be without Jesus again.

Seeing some of those same children again during our

times of serving in the Kid’s Block at Decatur Celebration

reminded me of how much I look forward to the day when

(Continued from page 1)

2

Women’s Ministry

Economy Shop News

At the Economy Shop, we are preparing for the fall/winter

season by having clearance sales on summer cloth-

ing. The week of September 2 through 6, all clothes,

shoes and purses will be $1.00. The following week they

will be reduced to $0.50. Prices will be $0.25 September

15 through 17 and $0.10 the 18th and morning of the 19th.

The shop will close at noon on September 19 and will be

restocked on September 20 to reopen on the 22nd. No

donations will be accepted September 19 and 20. There

are tremendous bargains available so stop and shop.

In other news: Mildred Dillie will retire as manager

on September 1. Judy Madding and Marj Cline will as-

sume management duties with Barbara Edwards as finan-

cial secretary.

Volunteers are always needed, but especially now while

several workers are recovering from accidents or ill-

ness. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through

Saturday. Tasks are varied. Think about including this in

your service to the church and community in the name of

Jesus Christ. Your donations and support are greatly ap-

preciated.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

We live in a world filled with many who are hurting and

experiencing trials in their lives and many of those are

right here among us. The gift of a prayer shawl can pro-

vide comfort and solace during the valleys of life. When a

hurting friend receives the gift of a prayer shawl it is a

reminder of not only the love and care of the one who

made and blessed it, but it is a reminder of the grace, love,

and care our loving Father provides us in our times of

need.

If you are a knitter or chrocheter, or would like to be,

please plan to join us on Wednesday, September 3 at 1:00

p.m. in the Fireside Room as we make plans for our own

Prayer Shawl Ministry at Grace. Information will be pro-

vided on the history of the Prayer Shawl Ministry fol-

lowed by discussion on creating our own ministry. Con-

tact Joan Lester, 454-2752 or Marcia Billingsley, 428-

6454 for further information.

Rebekah Circle/UMW News

September 4 is our next Rebekah Circle meeting at 9:30

(Continued on page 3)

Charge Conference October 14, 2014,

7 p.m. Fireside Room

All are welcome to attend.

we have a lot more kids at Grace. Of course, I’m looking

forward to that day for their sake so that we can teach the

next generation about Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth,

and the Life. But I’m also looking forward to that day for

our sake. I believe that children have a whole lot to teach

us older, jaded, cynical folks who think we have life all

figured out about what really matters in life. Let’s pray for

our children and grandchildren. But let’s also whisper a

prayer for ourselves too, that we might learn from the chil-

dren, just as Jesus told us.

Your Brother in Christ,

Sig

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Outreach

On August 1, 2 and 3, more than 30 of our members at Grace had the

incredible opportunity at the Kids’ Block at Decatur Celebration to

share the love of Jesus with 12,800 children and adults who came

through during the weekend. We shared laughter and splashes at the

Dunk Tank and we told the message of the Gospel at our Salvation

Bracelet table. Here’s what some of our Grace servants had to say about their experience when

asked, “What was the best part about serving Christ at Kids’ Block?”

“Interacting with the Kids!”

“My favorite part was as I placed each child's bracelet on his/her hand I gently took their hand in mine, made eye contact

with the child, and told them Jesus loves them and to remember that each time they put their bracelet on. The look on

their faces and smiles they gave back were priceless.”

“It was a pleasure to know that we were providing a free, safe, family friendly environment for people to attend. It is a

great outreach opportunity to demonstrate to the Decatur community the love and power of Jesus when the Body of

Christ works together.”

“Best part was the kids and the thank you from the parents and the kids when I told them ‘Jesus loves you’. Looking

forward to next year!”

If you didn’t have a chance to get in on the fun and share the love of Christ this year, never fear you’ll have the opportu-

nity again next summer! Be ready to say, “yes” when the call comes to serve.

Our new “Connecting with Christ” sermon series begins

this week.

September 21

Title: Connecting Christ and Our Work

Text: II Thessalonians 3:6-15

Preaching: Sig

September 28

Title: Connecting Christ and Leisure

Text: Mark 6:30-32

I Chronicles 16:29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His

name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship

the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.

September 7

Title: Living in HD: A Life of Joy

Text: Philippians 4:1-9

Preaching: Beth

September 14

Title: Living in HD: A Life of Contentment

Text: Philippians 4:10-20

Preaching: Beth

September Preaching Schedule

Ushers for September

Traditional Service

Team Capt. Capt. Dave Ferguson, Bob Hall,

Larry Reed, Bill Robinson, Dennis Taylor,

Curt Turner, Phyllis Turner

9:00

Grace Family In Loving Memory

Contributions have been received in memory of the fol-

lowing: Mildred Thompson by Gwen Jeske, Marilynn

Logan, Timothy & Kit Thompson

Our Intent as a Pastoral Care Team is to acknowledge the loss

of your immediate family members who are out of town or who

may not be well-known by Grace Church. Please make us

aware of your concerns by calling the church office. This way,

we as a staff and congregation can embrace you with God’s

love through our human expressions of sympathy.

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United Methodist Men

Please join fellow men of Grace United Methodist at our

annual September steak fry 6:30 p.m. Tuesday September

9 in the Great Hall. The cost is $10 per person. Call the

church office 429-5374 with your reservation or John

Golden 433-7444. At the meeting you will be hearing

exciting programs for the coming year. Also, we will

have a speaker from the National Methodist Men. Hope

to share the joy of Christ with you that evening.

Bowlers Needed

Grace has a bowling team that is in need of a few more

members. We bowl in a church league with other

churches. We currently bowl on Monday night at Pla Mor

Lanes at 6:30 p.m. The league starts on September 8. If

interested, please contact George Kastl at

home. Phone: 217-422-2344. Cell phone: 217-454-

3775.

Grace United Methodist Church

Foundation Lupton Scholarships

Last call for Lupton Scholarship Fund applica-

tions. The application period for the 2014-2015

academic year is coming to an end. Applications,

available in the church office, must be returned to

the church office no later than the end of Septem-

ber.

To be eligible the student must be a member in

good standing of Grace United Methodist Church.

Recipients may re-apply in succeeding years as

long as he or she is enrolled in a qualified post-

secondary institution of higher learning.

Financial News

2014 Financial Update (As of 8/18/2014)

“But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in

knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for

us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Co-

rinthians 8:7

YTD Operating Income $477,623 YTD Operating Expenses $502,285

Total Giving to the Roof $334,763 Total Expense of the Roof $468,355

Thanks to all who blessed the Lord and our congregation

with your faithful and generous gifts.

$

$

$

“The Grace of Giving” Stewardship Campaign The Finance Committee has begun work on this year’s fall stewardship campaign, “The Grace of Giving,” based on 2

Corinthians 8:7 – “But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in

your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” This year’s Campaign will begin on November 2 and

will culminate with our Commitment Sunday/Thanksgiving Sunday on November 23, which will provide an opportunity

to make our commitments to pray, to serve, and to give. Included in the Campaign will be witnesses from the congrega-

tion who will tell their stories in worship and others who will write their stories in letter form to the congregation. Ques-

tions can be answered by Dennis Anderson, Finance Chair, or any Finance Committee Member; or Pam Wentworth or

Sig Bjorklund from the church staff.

3

a.m. in the Fireside Room. Marcia McQuality Brelspoard

will bring us an update on what is happening at Cunning-

ham Children's Home.

On September 8 we will join the Human Rights celebra-

tion, sponsored by Church Women United at First Evan-

ge l i ca l Lu theran Church a t 9 :00 a .m.

The Sangamon District Annual Meeting will be September

17 in the Great Hall, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Our featured

speaker is Judy Parrish from Bethel United Methodist

Church. Hear about their mission with the John Wesley

Center in Etwatwa, South Africa. Plan to stay for the soup

social at noon. You will enjoy!

September 28 is United Methodist Women Sunday.

August 9 Women’s Retreat

Great Success! We had 50 women in attendance at our Zingy Zumba Re-

treat on August 9. What fun we had sharing in a Zany ice-

breaker that involved a beach ball, candles and some awk-

ward tosses! We were refreshed with Zesty study of Ro-

mans 12:9-13 and mouth-watering treats following our

Zippy Zumba in Great Hall. To the right are some pic-

tures of the fun. If you weren’t able to join us this time,

watch for the next retreat coming to Grace this winter. We

want to grow in love with our Lord Jesus and grow in love

with one another as those who belong to the family of God

together. Come join us!

Thanks to the Women of Grace team: Amanda Jable and

Marcia Billingsley, co-chairs, Heather Cross, Joanie Les-

ter, Jeanette Golden, Rose Mary Wolfe and Kim Hays for

all your hard work and planning. Thanks to Penny Butts

who is a wonderfully gifted Zumba leader!

(Continued from page 2)

Hats off to the Ladies!

Harvest Christian Center at 2199 N. Water St. is hosting a women’s event on Friday, September 12, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

You’ll enjoy a catered dinner, fun, encouragement and fellowship with other sisters in Christ.

The special guest speaker is Victoria McCarter who is the wife of State Senator Kyle McCarter with the 54th Legislative

District. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Physical Education from Oral Roberts University.

Victoria has served as a missionary in Africa and is involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Her life took a dra-

matic turn when she tragically lost her daughter, Amber, to an accidental drug overdose. Through this tragedy, Victoria has

gained a passion for helping hurting girls. She serves on the board of Mercy Ministries and has been the chairman of nu-

merous St. Louis Mercy Marathons. The McCarters have two married sons. Come be inspired by this woman of faith.

Seating is limited to 80 women so we need to act quickly to get our tickets. Pastor Beth is planning to attend. If you would

like to join her, sign up in the church office. The cost for a ticket is $10 and must be paid at the time you sign up. The drop

dead deadline is September 3. Sign up today!

4

Dear Grace Family,

I pray this finds you doing well and ready to change gears

with the fast approach of fall. It's hard to believe the

leaves are starting to show the telltale signs. Fall means

time for your Flu Vaccine. Watch for further information.

If you have been listening to that still small voice within

calling you to do something, now is the time to consider

answering that call. Grace has many opportunities to serve

others. Fall is the perfect time to begin anew after the re-

laxed atmosphere of summer. We are in need of three

Communion Stewards and a nurse, or someone willing to

be trained, to help with blood pressures once a month.

Hats off to Diane Shaw who helped last time by getting

records ready while I did blood pressures! That helped

tremendously as people politely waited their turn. I men-

tioned four opportunities but Grace has many ministries

that we lovingly provide our members, our community and

our nation. Jesus came to love and to serve; let us follow

His calling and serve others in His name.

With fall comes the football season. If you have a child

playing a hard contact sport such as football, then you

must know the signs of traumatic brain injury or T.B.I.

This applies to our seniors that may take a tumble or

younger children that may have fallen. Recognize the

signs of TBI and get medical attention ASAP if any of the

symptoms present. Some symptoms are obvious right

away and others may take time to manifest. Trust your

instincts if you feel something just isn't right. Know the

ABC's of brain injury:

A--assess the situation. B--Be alert for signs & symptoms.

C--Contact a healthcare professional.

Danger Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury

* One pupil is larger than the other.

* Victim is drowsy or can't be awakened.

* Victim has a headache that is getting worse or won't go

away.

* Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination.

* Repeated nausea & vomiting.

* Slurred speech, convulsions or seizures, inability to rec-

ognize people or places.

* Increasing confusion, restlessness or agitation.

May our God richly bless you and keep you healthy and

safe,

Barb Wence

Congregational Care

Communion Stewards Opportunities to serve and live out our faith abound at

Grace. We have a need for Communion Stewards at three

locations in or near Decatur. This unique ministry keeps

our homebound members connected to Grace through the

sharing of Holy Communion. The book of James speaks

of faith and deeds and tells us in James 2:22: "You see

that his faith and his actions were working together, and

his faith was made complete by what he did." True faith

always results in deeds.

If you feel called to this ministry, please call Barb Wence

at 429-5374 or 855-0945. The sites available are Key-

stone, Imboden Creek Assisted Living and Garden, and

Hickory Point Assisted Living and Rehabilitation. Com-

munion is served in worship on the first Sunday of the

month with rare exceptions to that time. We ask that you

serve the elements sometime during that following week.

If you are away you may call to make different arrange-

ments for that month. If you think this ministry might be

where the Lord could use your gifts, let Barb know and

she will make arrangements for your training.

Thank You To my Grace UMC family - A big thank you to all for

calls, cards and love shown to me on the death of my

son, Mark, who lost his 10 month battle with cancer

on July 5, 2014. We were so blessed to have such a

wonderful son.

Bonnie Dickson

Dear brothers and sisters in the Body of

Christ at Grace,

Last week I was listening to a radio talk

show and the 2 speakers were discussing the

recent suicide death of Robin Williams, the

actor. How could such a personable, outgo-

ing, gifted and popular comedian commit

such a devastating act? One speaker commented, "It's too

bad one has to pay someone to talk to, who will listen to

you." Brothers and sisters, this is false thinking. Grace

Church is a Stephen Ministry congregation and we are

equipped with trained caregivers who will come alongside

anyone experiencing difficult, life altering and challenging

crises in their lives. No one needs to hurt alone. Please

call me or Pastor Beth for more information if you or

someone you know needs a helping hand in troubled times.

God bless.

Jeanette Golden, Stephen Leader

Phone: 429-7211

9

and regular attenders of Grace. You will have access to

hundreds of teaching videos, Christian Kids’ videos and

small group studies right at your home computer.

Parents, there are wonderful studies for raising Christian

children too! You might want to check out “Visionary

Parenting” and perhaps start a small group to discuss it

together.

Here’s what Visionary Parenting is all about:

God has brought your family together for a grand purpose!

Visionary Parenting will help you discover it. Through

this series, you will be inspired from the Bible to catch a

fresh vision of God’s purpose for your family and to build

faith and character in the hearts of your kids.

You’ll learn about these eight key visions for your family

based on Deuteronomy 6:5-7:

1.God’s grand vision for your home

2.A God-filled normal life

3.Biblical motherhood

4.Family worship

5.Multi-generational faithfulness

6.A safe home

7.Biblical fatherhood

8.Discipline that disciples

SOAPY Bible Study

You are invited to get serious about a daily time of prayer

and Scripture meditation through our SOAPY Bible study.

When you are disciplined in your study of God’s Word,

you will find yourself growing in faith. That’s what we

are all about at Grace: Growing disciples of Jesus Christ

for the transformation of the world.

SOAPY stands for Scripture, Observation, Application,

Prayer and Yielding. Here’s how it works. Set aside 15

minutes a day in a quiet spot. Before you begin, ask the

Holy Spirit to help you understand God’s Word and apply

it to your life. Keep a SOAPY journal. Write out the

Scripture verses for the day or a few key verses if the

passage is long. Read the whole passage aloud. Observe

what those verses are teaching about God/Jesus/the Holy

Spirit, about life as a follower of Jesus, about the early

church or about Paul. Then make a few notes about your

observations. Ask yourself: How can I apply this Scrip-

ture to my life? How is God calling me to respond to

what I read? Then write a few notes and a prayer that

helps you yield more of your life to Jesus so that your

study is not just for information, but for transformation as

you grow in the image of our Lord.

This month we continue our study of Philippians in both

SOAPY and our sermon series.

(Continued from page 8) Sept 1 Philippians 4:1 (Therefore…Ask: What’s it “there

for?” Look for the answers in the text that comes immedi-

ately before 4:1.)

Sept 2 Philippians 4:2-3

Sept 3 Philippians 4:4-5

Sept 4 Philippians 4:6-7

Sept 5 Philippians 4:8-9

Sept 6 Matthew 6:25-27

Sept 7 Matthew 6:28-34

Sept 8 Philippians 4:10-11

Sept 9 Philippians 4:12-13

Sept 10 Philippians 4:14-16

Sept 11 Philippians 4:17-18

Sept 12 Philippians 4:19-20

Sept 13 Philippians 4:21-23

Sept 14 Psalm 23

This week we will consider II Thessalonians chapter 3 in

preparation for our new sermon series: “Connecting with

Christ”. The first message will focus on “Connecting

Christ and Our Work.”

Sept 15 II Thessalonians 3:1-2

Sept 16 II Thessalonians 3:3-5

Sept 17 II Thessalonians 3:6-7

Sept 18 II Thessalonians 3:8-10

Sept 19 II Thessalonians 3:11-13

Sept 20 II Thessalonians 3:14-15

Sept 21 I Thessalonians 3:16-18

This week our SOAPY study will take us to various texts

having to do with how we connect Christ with our leisure.

As you study these verses ask yourself who is speaking

and to whom; what is being said; and what is God speak-

ing to you? How can you respond to what you hear Him

saying and apply His Word to your life?

Sept 22 Mark 6:30-32

Sept 23 Mark 2:23-28

Sept 24 Mark 3:1-6

Sept 25 Isaiah 58:13-14

Sept 26 Jeremiah 18:1-4

Sept 27 Genesis 2:1-3

Sept 28 Psalm 19:1-11

Sept 29 Psalm 19:12-13

Sept 30 Psalm 19:14-15

This month take time to memorize the following verses

from your SOAPY Study:

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanks-

giving, present your requests to God. And the peace of

God which transcends all understanding will guard

your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might now sin

against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your de-

crees.” Psalm 119:11-12

Sisters In Christ Bible Study

SIC will begin a new study on Wednesday, September 3.

We continue to grow and would like to invite YOU to be

part of a group that cares for one another, is eager to learn

the lessons of God, and enjoys fellowship with one an-

other. Please plan to join us as we continue in the series

by Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose with their book Live

Relationally: Lessons from the Women of Genesis. If you

have questions or would like to purchase a book please

contact Pam Wentworth in the church office, 429-5374 or

Marcia Billingsley, 428-6454.

Servant Leadership for 2015

Along with worship attendance, a discipleship group, and

faithful stewardship, serving is one of the basic expecta-

tions for those who are part of the Grace UMC congrega-

tion. If you are currently serving in a place where your

gifts are being utilized and you are fulfilled, we are thank-

ful. If you are still looking for a place to serve or feel like

where you are currently serving is not the best use of your

gifts, the Committee on Nominations and Leadership De-

velopment would like to help you find your place. If you

would like to serve on a particular team or in a particular

ministry, please contact the Chair of the committee, Sig

Bjorklund (phone: 429-5374 or e-mail: sbjork-

lund@decaturgrace.org). Some of you will be asked to

serve in the coming weeks, and our Lord and our church

would be blessed if you would say “yes” to the invitation.

If you need help discerning where and how to serve the

Lord, please plan to attend Beth’s class, Equipped for

Every Good Work, which begins on September 8. Or an-

other option would be to set up a time to meet with Sig or

Beth, who will review the possibilities with you and help

you discern where your gifts, talents, personality, and in-

terests might best fit.

Thanks be to God for the faithful involvement in service

by many in the Grace congregation! Thanks for being

God’s blessing to others! But remember: our goal is to

have everyone serving in some capacity through the Body

of Christ. Those are the Lord’s expectation, so let’s live

into them, beginning this fall!

8

New Basic Training Classes

Join Beth and Sig for two new Basic Training classes this

fall. Beth will be leading Equipped for Every Good Work,

which will help you discover the unique way God has

made you and equipped you for His service. Using a four-

tool process and the Scripture for discovery, you will learn

about your spiritual gifts, spirituality type, interaction style

and working preferences. You will learn more about who

you are as a called, gifted and empowered child of

God. This is not just another spiritual gifts discovery

class, but an experience that helps us appreciate our own

uniqueness and the gifts of others as together we live out

our mission to “grow disciples of Jesus Christ for the

transformation of the world.”

Sig will be leading the video-based class Take It to the

Limit, which features Pastor Andy Stanley. This class will

help us create margin in our busy lives by learning to live

according to God’s priorities and being better stewards of

our time, our relationships, our finances, and our careers.

The classes will meet on Mondays beginning September 8

for six weeks. We will offer an afternoon and an evening

class if we have sufficient registrations for both. When

you sign up, please indicate whether you would prefer

2:00 - 3:30 in the afternoon or 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. If you

have questions, please contact Beth or Sig in the church

office (429-5374). There are no fees for these classes.

RightNow Media

If you are on our RightNow Media subscription list at

Grace then you have an opportunity to check out any of

the following video studies on Philippians during our cur-

rent Sunday sermon series: “Living in HD: A Study of

Philippians”.

1. Philippians: To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain by Matt

Chandler

2. Celebrate Philippians by Keith Loy, Wesleyan Publish-

ing House

3. Book by Book: Philippians by Richard Bewes

4. Discipleship Explored by Barry Cooper

5. The DNA of Joy by Greg Surratt, Seacoast Church

If you don’t know what RightNow Media is, it’s time you

found out! Send an email to Kim or Beth and ask to be

added to our RightNow subscription. It’s free to members (Continued on page 9)

Discipleship

5

6

Kids’ Own Worship Coming

September 7 Children’s ministry will be rolling out a new format for the

second hour of worship this fall. Beginning September 7,

preschool children, elementary children, and youth will be

dismissed to Room 25/26 after the opening segment of the

10:30 worship service to attend Kids’ Own Worship. Kids’

Own Worship is an energetic and interactive worship ex-

perience for young people. Praise and worship music, of-

fering time, and the Bible lesson are included in a corporate

setting during the first twenty minutes. Children and youth

then split into age-specific groups for the next 25 minutes to

continue with activities that reinforce the lesson. Pre-

schoolers will delight in meeting Theophilus, the Faith Re-

triever, who will help them remember what they’ve learned!

Please plan on attending from the start, as we delve into

Genesis. We need adults to be part of the team that helps

with the small-group portion of Kids’ Own Worship. You

will be equipped through specific training to know what

your responsibilities are. So, don’t let uncertainties about

how to lead a small group of children keep you from getting

involved in the fun! Contact Kim Hays for more informa-

tion or to offer your time and heart in service to our Lord

and our little ones. 429-5374 or khays@decaturgrace.org.

Kids’ Travel Guide to the

Ten Commandments Children in grades K-6 are invited to join us on Sunday

mornings in Room 28 from 9:15-10:15 a.m. for a thirteen-

week adventure through the Ten Commandments. We will

be learning to write God’s laws upon our hearts in many

unique and fun ways. In addition, we will be making travel

scrapbooks during this journey. Completed scrapbooks will

go home with the kids just in time for Christmas!

Children, Youth & Families

Follow these tips to make the most of September’s oppor-

tunities to hit the “reset” button:

Have a family meeting before the school year be-

gins. Review schedules and brainstorm new ap-

proaches to easier mornings, healthier eating, more

productive studying, and so on.

Focus on just one or two goals at a time, rather

than tackling everything at once. When a new habit

is in place, then move on to the next goal.

Prepare for changes to your daily

routine by practicing before school begins. Create

simple checklists as visual reminders for getting

ready.

Empower kids to make decisions. Encourage them

(in age-appropriate ways) to adapt routines whenever

unexpected situations arise.

Build spiritual practices into your

family’s daily routine. This allows faith development

to occur while children are growing in other ways

during the new school year.

A few simple ideas for keeping Jesus at the forefront can

pay big “faith dividends” for your children and your entire

family. Give these tips a try this fall—and use them to

spark ideas of your own:

Feed your family spiritually. When you set the

breakfast table include kid-friendly devotional materi-

als. Children who like to read or look at pictures while

eating can do so—or can be read to briefly.

Make use of travel time. On the way to school, take

turns saying a prayer for the day ahead. On the way

home, use the time to share highlights of the day and

any “God sightings” family members had.

Schedule a regular faith booster. Incorporate a mid-

week faith activity into your family schedule. If

you’re time-strapped, simply set aside time one day

per week to talk about faith-related issues and to pray

together.

Explore children’s strengths, talents, and gifts. A

new school year offers a variety of excellent opportu-

nities for kids to try new things. Different sports and

activities let children discover what they enjoy and

how God made them. Point out what developing tal-

ents and traits you observe in your kids. And encour-

age them to glorify God in everything they do (see

Colossians 3:17).

To read the complete issue of this month’s Parenting

Christian Kids visit www.decaturgrace.org for the link.

Like frozen treats on a 100-degree day, summer is melting

away. That means it’s time to get back into old routines

and start some new ones. Experts say routines offer kids

stability and help them develop self-discipline. Knowing

what to expect—and what’s expected—can make family

interactions smoother, too.

How to Thrive in a New Routine

Add Jesus Into Your Routines

7

“Change Relief” A friendly reminder that all loose coins dropped in the of-

fering plates helps meet the Missions Ministry Team’s

commitment to the Oklahoma, Black Foot

and Montana Reservations’ needs. Their

need is great. Let us help relieve the excess

weight in your pocket. Surely Sunday offer-

ing plates can make some clanging noise!

Old King’s Orchard OKO is in need of school supplies to assist the neighbor-

hood children in meeting their required supply list.

Granted there have been some “give-aways,” but not eve-

ryone received the material required for their specific

grade.

All-Church Dinner

September 14, 2014 Come to church hungry! The Missions Ministry Team

will be having an all-church dinner after the 10:30 worship

service. Good food and great fellowship await you. You

can count on the Missions Ministry Team to provide an

opportunity to further church family community experi-

ences.

Municipal Band Concerts THANK YOU to all who helped prepare the refreshments

and worked selling them at the Central Park Summer Mu-

nicipal Band concerts. A big thank you to

all who helped eat the goodies too!

Thank you, Ary Anderson, for continuing

to carry the message of Grace UMC’s

commitment to the greater community.

September Mission Focus:

GUM Park

Next Missions Meeting: September 9, 2014, 6:45 p.m.,

Room 12

Call to Prayer The Decatur Area Christian Ministries Alliance (DACMA) is an alliance of Christian leaders in the Decatur area that exists

to unite followers of Jesus in working together to serve and pray for our community. Sig and Beth are a part of the Alliance

along with pastors from 40 other area churches and many leaders from various Christian ministries in the community. Beth

serves on the Executive Team for DACMA and is the community prayer coordinator.

Prayer is a vitally important part of the ministry of the Body of Christ. Through prayer we are drawn into Christ’s mission

of salvation in the world; we are shaped and changed; and God changes circumstances and institutions in response to our

prayers and with the cooperation of our willing hands in service. We are invited by Jesus to not only learn to pray, but to

freely exercise the privilege of prayer with the assurance that God hears and acts as we pray. He wants our partnership!

How amazing! Prayer is one critical means of partnering with Him in His transforming work in the world.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For every one who asks

receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Mark your calendars now to join Pastor Beth and DACMA for our community-wide prayer events this fall. As we join our

voices for asking and our ears for listening in prayer, we can expect God to do amazing things among us, in us and through

us in Decatur.

September 2, 6:30 p.m. at New Vision Church of God, 1414 W. Grove Rd.

October 7, 6:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan Inn, 920 N. Union St.

November 4, 6:30 p.m. at Harvest Christian Center, 2199 Water St.

If you need a ride or for more information, contact Beth in the church office, 429-5374 or bethann62@gmail.com.