Grace Notes
Note Time Change
Sunday School will now be from 10:15 to 11:00 am. Please plan accordingly.
The Bible on DVD Donation
Carolyn Potter donated the following to Grace UMC for individual and group use. (These are available in the church office)
- Complete King James Version Old and New Testament.
- The WatchWord Bible-New Testament
Mission News
Boy Scout News
United Methodist Women
The JD Group continue to have lunches. You can find them on the first and third Fridays at 11:45 am at the Tattered Quilt Shop, Morton and Hardin. Everyone is invited for good food and fellowship.
Men of Grace
All men are invited and encouraged to come to Men's Group events. We need more input!!!!!! Come and join us.
Annual Conference
Bishop Palmer announced the four initiatives of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, 2010. They are:
- revival
- conflict transformation
- a conference dashboard to help us name current reality in real time, week by week, church by church
- an exciting mission initiative called “Imagine No Malaria”—the next step in the “Nothing But Nets” campaign
In order to experience revival in the deepest way possible, the cabinet has announced that it will lead monthly days of prayer and fasting for all of the clergy and laity of the conference. They are designating the first Thursday of each month, starting in July. We ask every pastor to find ways to tap into this revival movement to invite our people and our communities to gather for prayer. During this time of prayer and fasting, we will call upon Christ to send the Holy Spirit’s power of Pentecost upon the church. They recognize July and August as vacation months, but those could be used as personal days of prayer and fasting as pastors, congregations, districts, and the whole conference decides how to cooperate in presenting ourselves before God. Then, beginning in September, we can really hit it!
What are we seeking? Nothing less than clarity from God about our mission and purpose, power to live holy lives, opportunities to testify boldly to the Gospel of grace, to share the love of Christ in tangible ways, and the courage to invite persons to commit their lives to Christ and become part of the church.
Do you believe that the power of Pentecost can still move upon the church today? Will you join the movement?
Fasting Questions
What is fasting? Fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes.
Why should one fast? According to Scripture, (1) personal repentance for sin, and (2) to prepare oneself for receiving the necessary strength and grace to complete a mission of service in God’s name.
What is the connection between prayer and fasting? Fasting intensifies the focus of prayer.
I can’t fast from food. Are there other ways to fast? You can fast from:
- Constant media stimulation (TV, computer, cell phone)
- Packaged, processed foods
- Needless shopping
- Talking
- Judging others, and ourselves
- An over-packed schedule
Are there some helpful, practical hints?
- Prepare spiritually before fasting; ask for God’s help.
- Check with your physician for guidelines.
- Get extra rest the night before and after.
- Fill the time you would be eating food with prayer and meditation.
- Avoid television with all its tempting food ads and distractions.
- When breaking your fast, eat a small healthy meal.
Is there a Wesleyan pattern for prayer and fasting? John Wesley began after the evening meal the day before his fast day until the evening meal on the day of his fast day. He fasted and focused much of his time in prayer.
Who is invited to participate in the “First Thursdays” prayer and fasting? Anyone seeking spiritual revival! All desiring to join the movement of God’s Spirit in our area are invited. All seeking to grow in love of God and neighbor and deepen the spiritual life in community with other United Methodist Christians are invited.
First Thursdays
August 5th is the first Thursday in August and all Methodists in IGRC are invited to pray and fast that day. If you are unable to fast by not taking in food, here are some other suggestions.
You can refrain from:
- Constant media stimulation (TV, computer, cell phone)
- Packaged, processed foods
- Needless shopping
- Talking
- Judging others, and ourselves
- Having an over-packed schedule
Conference Postings
From our Bishop:
During Annual Conference the Cabinet Address introduced you to First Thursdays - an invitation for all United Methodists in the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference to join in a monthly day of prayer and fasting.
So here we go. Thursday July 1st is our first opportunity to engage this opportunity together. Here are a few things to know and keep in mind.
On the conference website you will find material on First Thursdays. There is a foundational piece called Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's), some reading resources and some suggested prayers specific to the theme for the month to get you going. There is also a Facebook page for First Thursdays.
Each month the Cabinet will suggest a theme for our praying together. The theme is not restrictive. You will have many matters that you will want to tend to in your personal and corporate prayers on First Thursdays. The theme is intended to give all of us one subject that we are praying about together.
July 1st puts us right on the eve of another recognition and celebration of American Independence Day. Therefore the theme for this First Thursday is praying for the nation. In preparing for this it was inspiring to identify the rich prayer resources available.
I look forward to joining you in seeking God's will and God's face through prayer. I remain
Your servant in Jesus Christ,
+Gregory Vaughn Palmer
Resident Bishop
Grace United Methodist Church offers home to Salvation Army during construction project.
Depending on how one looks at it, it's the same services in a different place or an old church with new life.
The administrative council of Grace Methodist Church made the decision for The Salvation Army to run its services out of the church during construction of a new citadel, said the Rev. Mike Fender, pastor of Grace United Methodist.
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