August 2017 —- Volume 60, Issue 7

RALLY DAY…the beginning of the new Sunday School year….is Sunday, August 20. You are invited to choose a class to visit, if you are not already involved, or to join the Koffee Klatch in Conway Hall to meet and greet others during the 9:30 – 10:30 hour. Classes are available for all ages during this time each Sunday morning. A brochure giving the study topic, leadership and location of each class is available on the visitor table or on the Kiosk. Information is also available on the website at www.grace.to. You are encouraged to join a class and regularly attend.

Why Join a Sunday School Class?

IN CELEBRATION OF RALLY DAY, the Congregational Fellowship Committee invites you to an Ice Cream Social following the 10:45 a.m. worship service on August 20.

1. Sunday school provides a structure for teaching God’s

Word. Preaching isn’t enough. A systematic teaching of the

Scriptures – not just preaching (Acts 5:42) needs to occur

through all age levels. Children, youth, and adults need op-

portunities for discovery, review, and interaction as they

study God’s principles. Sunday school meets needs!

2. Sunday school gears Bible teaching to a specific age

group (Deut. 31:12). It means a wiggly four-year-old can

discover great biblical truth by acting out a Bible story,

completing dot-to-dot pictures, singing fun songs, and

sharing with others. During the same hour, senior adults

may discuss whether their responses to daily crises re-

flect their trust in God. Both age groups leave Sunday

school with specific applications for the week.

3. Sunday school mobilizes and trains laity for leadership.

It’s difficult to say who benefits more, the teacher or the stu-

dent. The teacher’s Bible knowledge and care grows… his

or her life is changed. Students learn and are challenged.

4. The Sunday school is discipleship! Every teacher

must has a desire to see each student have a spiritual life

change. Since discipleship is “teaching to obey all I have

commanded you” (Matt. 28:20), it’s not merely teaching

facts, but teaching obedience.

5. Sunday school is convenient. With the work, family and

activity schedules of many church members, it is easier to

come to church one hour earlier or leave one hour later than

to arrange another night out during the week.

6. Sunday school organizes the church into caring groups.

Where the pastor finds it impossible to know all the needs of

the congregation, class members know when someone is

absent or hurting and can express love personally.

7. Sunday school leads the church in prayer and relation-

ships. From the preschool class through all the adult

classes, prayer is directed toward the specific needs of

the class members. Often the class not only prays, but

has an opportunity to respond to specific needs.

8. Sunday school focuses on outreach to peers and

friends. In a small group setting, where warmth and love

flow and topics are non-threatening, class members are

encouraged to invite fellow-employees or friends from

school. Class socials and activities can focus on commu-

nity outreach through social or ministry events.

9. Sunday school lets the church do all the above with

consistency. It doesn’t stop for the summer and rarely for

holidays. Sunday after Sunday its dedicated staff leads

the church in this most important ministry.

Page 2 August 2017

Inside this issue:e:

New Members.….…………...…...3

Youth News….…..........................5

Message from Maynard.….....…. 7

See the church calendar online:

http://www.grace.to/ announcements/weekly-calendar/

Fun! Fun! Fun! was the name of the game for Small Blessings’ children this summer. Weekly activities included ice cream and water play one day each week. Visitors throughout the summer included the petting farm, firefighters and their truck, a magic show and a “train” for the children to ride in around Grace Covenant’s property. The summer ended with SUMMER BLAST Day…..a time for the children to enjoy a water slide, jump house, games and lots of goodies to eat. The 2017-2018 school year begins at full capacity with 98 children. Important dates: Meet the Teacher, August 11 and First Day of school, August 14. Grace Covenant wishes all children and teachers of Small Blessings’ a very happy, successful and blessed school year.

Thank you to all who shared their time and love with the children during the two Vacation Bible Schools this summer. Also, thank you to those who made do-nations of money and materials to support the pro-grams. Because of you, the lives of many of God’s children were touched by His love. ~~ Thank you, Candy Vander Weide

We wish to thank all of our wonderful church family for your thoughts, prayers, and cards when David’s mother passed away. She was a wonderful person that we miss very much. The care and loving arms placed upon us by all of you is heartfelt. ~~Blessings to you all, David and Rhonda Edmiston

Thank you to those of you who have donated school supplies for Eccleston Elementary. The youth group is partnering with the school to provide back-packs and supplies to students. The deadline for do-nating supplies is August 6th. Suggested items needed include but are not limited to: backpacks, pencils, notebook paper, crayons, markers, rulers, protractors, calculators, glue, scissors, etc…. ~~Thanks again, Youth Group

Can you believe how fast the summer is flying by? June and July were great months for the Youth Group, filled with exciting events. Highlights included trips to the Montreat High School Youth Conference and the Montreat Middle School Youth Con-ference, a Road Rally Scavenger Hunt where we combined with our friends from San Francisco to learn about Orlando, and more. Special thanks to Carole and Jim Pate, Bob and Carolyn Castagno, Brian Gallagher, Tracy Umpierre, Rob Cumbus, Bob and Carol Eckard, the Schlichenmaier family, Donna Throneburg, “M” and Joe Waddell and Sue Denson for making the summer events a great success! ~~Jimmy and the Youth Group

Send your Grace Notes items to Jane Heppner jane.gracenotes@gmail.com

Deadline is the 15th of the month. Please put “Grace Notes”

in the subject line of your message.

The Youth Group will once again be selling calendars to raise funds for 2018 Mission Trips. The 2018 calendars will be selling for $10. Watch for order forms in your bul-letin beginning September 10th.

August 2017 Page 3

New Members

George and Joan Gastfield

George and Joan joined after the 10:45 worship service on

Sunday, May 21st.

They were recent members of the Christian Church on Kaley, which has dissolved and sold the property to Real Life, which recently opened.

George and Joan met each other

through the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, of

which Joan is the chaplain.

They are both retired.

They have two grown children, Randy and Margie.

Joan has taught Sunday School for

many years.

Mary and Richard Solik

Mary and Richard joined the after the 10:45 worship service on

Sunday, May 21st.

Mary is a lawyer and Rick is a commercial real estate broker.

They have two children :

Alison, who is in 6th grade and Jonathan, who is in 3rd grade.

You may have seen Mary and Rick supporting youth events. Both of

their children have played the piano during Young Artist’s Month.

Alison was one of the liturgists on Youth Sunday.

The Solik’s are coming to us from the Orlando Presbyterian Church.

They are both ordained Presbyterian elders.

Join our Graceful Cruise in the Caribbean as we set sail on the Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas. We depart from Port Canaveral Friday, January 12, head to Nassau, Ba-hamas for Saturday, spend Sun-day at Cococay, Bahamas, and return home on Monday, January 15th. This long weekend is Mar-tin Luther King weekend so it should be the perfect time for families. Pick up a flyer with more information at the Kiosk in the Narthex, or drop by the church office. Contact Lynda Lynn, with the Cruise Web, at (800) 377-9383, or email her at LyndaL@cruiseweb.com

Join the Youth Group in a trip to see the Orlando

City Soccer Lions take on FC Dallas on Saturday,

September 30th. Please contact Jimmy if you have

an interest in attending this fellowship event.

FISH

What is FISH? Fresh Ideas Start Here!

A workshop offered by the Leadership Development Committee of Central Florida Presbytery to present

new ideas for doing ministry in many different focus areas.

Where? Right here! At Grace Covenant Presbyterian! You know the way.

When? Saturday, August 26, 9 am – 12:30 pm

Who? Everyone who is interested in exploring new ideas for ministry while meeting new friends in our

Presbytery.

How? Information and registration forms are available on the kiosk, the visitor table or online:

cfequip.weebly.com.

ALSO…as hosts for this event, we have need of those to help register, greet, park and feed the visitors to

our campus. Sign up to help on the sheets on the kiosk or by calling the church office. Let’s make our

guests feel welcome!

Page 4 August 2017

Thank You Notes From the Community

From a Family Promise family: Home Away From Home

Shanika remembers sitting in her car one evening, “We realized we

had nowhere to go, nowhere to live. We turned to Family Promise

and they changed our lives forever.” After three months at Family

Promise, Chester, Shanika and their son Chase are back in a home

of their own.

Four-year old Chase was like any other four-year-old child. He loved

playing trucks and cars and reading in his bedroom. Chase’s parents,

Shanika and Chester, wanted the best for their little boy. Chester worked

hard landscaping and mowing lawns to provide for their son. They hap-

pily lived in an apartment complex not too far from school and work.

Unfortunately, Chase’s “normal” was stripped away from him in a

week’s time. Chester faced an unexpected lay-off. The government

issued a foreclosure on their apartment complex. The family decided

to move to Orlando to be near family and hopefully receive some as-

sistance. That assistance did not turn out, and just like that, they

found themselves homeless with nowhere to turn. “We turned to

Family Promise

Family Promise provides homeless families with temporary support for three months until permanent housing can be found. Typically there are 12 - 14 people in the program. We have partnered with Conway Methodist to help supply volunteer assistance for about 12 years. Conway Methodist Church will be hosting the week begin-ning August 27th. Sunday school classes, youth or other groups are encouraged to sign up for a time slot (or dinner + evening). At least two people will be on each shift– you will not be left alone. To volunteer con-tact Diana Ibarra.

Family Promise and after a meeting

with the agency’s case manager,

Shanika and Chester entered the pro-

gram and their lives began to turn

around. After three months of saving

money, searching for jobs as well as

learning how to budget, the family

moved to an apartment of their own.

Chester works for a bread warehouse

and a UPS warehouse in Orlando and

Shanika was just promoted to a man-

ager position. They recognize the vi-

tal role Family Promise plays in the

community, “With the help of Family

Promise and their amazing volunteers,

we can live on our own once again,”

said Chester. With the dedication of all

involved, Chase can once again play

with his cars and trucks…in a bed-

room of his own. Chester said, "I feel

so good right now, this has all been

such a blessing." Shanika told

Maggie, "I am so excited for my fam-

ily. You just don't know how big of a

blessing Family Promise has been

and I thank you so much." And Chase

just keeps asking for the "key to his

room". Family Promise is changing

lives, and it would not happen without

you. Thank you all for the support you

give; it's life changing!

August 2017 Page 5

Rooted Student Ministry Schedule

August 9 Wednesday “Beautify the Church”

Workday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Lunch provided

August 20 Sunday Ice Cream Sundae Sunday Kickoff 5:00 - 7:30 pm Deadline to register for Rock The Universe - $50

August 26 Saturday FISH workshop at GCPC 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

September 2 Saturday Give Kids the World Meet at church at 3:30 pm Must RSVP by Aug. 20

September 4 Monday No School - Labor Day

September 9 Saturday Rock The Universe $50 due by 8/20 or cost is full price

September 10 Sunday Begin Calendar Fundraiser Pre-Orders

September 16 Saturday Talk Like a Pirate Day Community Celebration 10:00 am - 1:00 pm with lunch

September 17 Sunday Youth Group Meets Theme of Social Injustice 4:30 - 7:30 pm

September 23 Saturday Serve at “UP” and lunch 8:30 am - 1:30 pm

September 30 Saturday Orlando City Soccer Game Meet at church at 2:00 pm Cost $25 plus spending/meal Money RSVP and $25 due by 9/17

Attention parents, members and friends! Can you help?

The Youth Group has a number of fun opportunities for you to assist with this school

year. We are in need of volunteers in addition to parents to help keep our momentum

moving in the right direction and would love for you to join us. If you see something that

interests you, or would like to help us on Sunday evenings or behind the scenes, please

contact Jimmy Steele at jimmy@grace.to. Thanks!

From the Outreach Committee:

Our adopted school, Eccleston Elementary, will be starting the new school year

very soon. Remember how exciting it was to shop for new school clothes? Again

this year, the Outreach Committee will be accepting donations to help buy school

shirts for the children who can’t afford them. The shirts cost $8 each. Donations are

needed during August and September and can be put in pew envelopes marked “Eccleston shirts”

or dropped off at the church office. Let’s start off the school year with a bang for these children!!

Page 6 August 2017

Family Fun Nite Tuesday, August 15 6:29 pm Conway Hall

Join us for a covered dish dinner (drinks, dessert and bread provided) in Conway Hall. Dinner is followed by fun and fellowship around the tables. We’d love for you to come!

Fourth Thursday at the Garden Thursday, August 24 6:30 pm Olive Garden, East Colonial Dr.

No agenda - Bring your friends! Just a relaxing time of fellowship together while sharing a delicious meal.

We extend our Christian love and sympathy to:

Chick Morgan and family on the passing of his wife, Stella, on Wednesday, July 5, 2017.

John Tracy and family on the passing of his

wife, Jane, on Monday, July 10, 2017.

August

15

August

24

~~~Baptisms ~~~

June 25

Emme Lynne Schallert Lauren Elise Schallert

Pamela Schallert

In Sympathy

New Addresses

Judy Riley

Leslie and Doug Frazier

Debbie and Chris Cooper

Linda Harp

Krysta and Justin Field

Ian and Maritza Kreeger

Ruth Circle

Ruth Circle will start its fall schedule on Monday, September 11th at 10:00 am. We meet in Room 16 (2nd floor by the office). This season we will be studying the book of Hebrews. Winnie Rutherford has agreed to be our study leader for another year for which we are very blessed!!!

Ruth Circle supports Servant’s Heart - a program that provides food to families, seniors and children in need, with the goal of giving a hand up to those who need temporary help.

We look forward to our new year and invite all to join us! If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Hart.

August 2017 Page 7

Psalm 19:1 teaches us that the “heavens declare the glory of God.”

This is what draws me to enjoy the hobby of astronomy. Spending time with a telescope under the night skies has always been a very deep experience. This month, we will be treated to a rare daytime declaration of the glory of God in the sky. A solar eclipse will take place on August 21st. For those in Orlando, this will be a partial eclipse. For a large swath of the United States, stretching from South Carolina to Washington State, the eclipse will be a TOTAL

eclipse. I encourage you, if you are able, to make plans to drive northward and enjoy the 2 to 3 minutes of totality. The sky will turn completely dark, the stars will shine, and the edge of the sun’s atmosphere called the corona will be eerily visible.

For those remaining in Orlando, you will be able to look up and see a thin crescent of the sun that will grow smaller and smaller from 1:19 pm until 2:51 pm, and then that crescent will slowly disappear giving way to the full sun. The event will end at 4:14 pm. However, to safely enjoy this partial eclipse you will need some special glasses. These will help to see the partial eclipse and to see it safely.

I happen to have quite a few of these in my office, and they are free while they last.

It is interesting that earth is the only place in the Solar System that such a total eclipse is possible. Mars has two moons, and when they are in eclipse mode, the moons are so small that nothing special would be noticed by observers on the Martian soil. Our sun is about 400 times farther from the earth than the moon, while the Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon appears to be. This means they look to be the same size. It is a marvelous fluke of this difference of size and distance that matches just right. Consider it a gift of God to the people of earth, allowing us to view a spectacular event!

Message from Maynard

Lectionary for August

August 6 Genesis 32:21-30 August 13 Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 August 20 John 15:1-8 August 27 Romans 12:1-8

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 3597 Orlando, FL

Return Service Requested

AUGUST 2017

GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Sunday Worship: 8:30 & 10:45 a.m.

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m.–noon

1655 Peel Ave., Orlando, FL 32806 Phone: 407.898.6571

E-mail: churchoffice@grace.to

WWW.GRACE.TO

Dr. Maynard Pittendreigh Senior Pastor

Candy Vander Weide Commissioned Lay Pastor

To:

SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR BACKPACKS FOR MY NEIGHBOR’S CHILDREN IN HAITI Please make plans to join the members of Orlando Presbyterian Church!!

They need your help to “pack” backpacks on Saturday, August 12 at 9 AM. The event will

take place at Grace Covenant on the first floor of John Calvin Memorial Hall. If you have supplies to donate, please bring them to the packing event or to church by August 6. Cash donations also accepted by August 6 so supplies can be purchased before August 12.

Primary - 270 Secondary - 230

____1 Box of Crayons ____2 Highlighters

____1 Box/Pack of Pencils ____3 Ink Pens

____2 Glue Sticks ____1 Box/Pack of Pencils

____1 Pack of Ruled Paper (150 sheets) ____1 Pack of College Ruled Paper (150) ____1 12 inch ruler ____2 Glue Sticks

____1 pair of scissors (small pair) ____1 Box/Pack of Paper Clips

____1 pack of tissues ____1 12 inch ruler

____1 highlighter ____1 full-sized Composition Book

____1 steno pad (smaller size) ____1 folder with pouches

____1 ink pen