Ministers
The Congregation of Grace United Methodist Church
Dr. P. Mark Hill
Pastors
Stacee Fischer Gehring
Larry Newberg
Our Missionaries
Rev. Jeff Newton, Kokomo Urban Outreach Ministries
Dr. Dennis Marke, Medical Missionary, Kissy, Sierra Leone
Rev. Ken Vance, Missionary, Ndola, Town Center,
Kafakumba Pastor’s School, Africa
Specialized Ministries
Barbara Hobbs, Music Ministries
Jacque Hunt, Chamber Ensemble Director
Cindy Lovegrove, Office Manager
Debbra Long, Volunteer Parish Nurse
Phill Montgomery, Counselor
Amanda Kelly, Children’s Ministry
Carisa Durham, Childcare Provider
Brandy Dodd, Childcare Provider
Amy Lovegrove, Childcare Provider
Angie Smith, Childcare Provider
Jeff Gehring, Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Alexis Stamper, Youth Ministry Intern
Our Mission Statement
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one
can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:8-10
United Methodist Church is a Christ-centered fellowship called
to offer the best we can possibly give to God, as we care for our
community and world through…
…worshiping, glorifying, and honoring God, the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit.
…inviting all to grow in the knowledge of the Lord.
…living a Spirit-filled life through our actions and words.
…offering the love of Christ to everyone.
G – Growth through making disciples of Jesus
R – Reaching our community and world
A – A family where all people can belong
C – Christ-centered worship and learning
E – Excellence for God’s glory
November 2011
Notes
The Story of Thanksgiving
“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His loving kindness is everlasting.”
Worship & Education Center - 219 W. Mulberry
Offices - 212 W. Walnut
Kokomo, IN 46901
Sunday Worship: 8:15 am & 9:25 am
Phone: (765) 457-5329
Web page: www.kokomograce.org
1 Chronicles 16:34
It is tragic that many of today’s schools and universities no longer teach the early history of our nation and the
role that the Lord played in its establishment. Thanksgiving Day has been reduced to “Turkey Day” and if we
continue our neglect, in a few years there will be a whole new generation who will not know the history of the
first Thanksgiving. Please allow me to review a bit about the Story of Thanksgiving.
Dr. James Dobson in his November 2001 family Newsletter gave the following details of America’s historic
founding.
The Pilgrims were a group of Separatists who broke away from the Church of England in an effort to return to
a more biblically based way of life. They immigrated to Holland, where they enjoyed a greater degree of religious freedom but faced a host of other economic and social difficulties. After about a decade, they returned
to England and resolved to set sail for the New World. On September 16, 1620, 102 passengers boarded the
Mayflower with the hope of finding religious freedom and a better way of life.
The 65-day voyage across the strong, storm-tossed Atlantic current was itself very dangerous for the Pilgrims. Nevertheless, feeling God’s call, they pressed forward and sighted Cape Cod on November 19. Hundreds of miles north of their original destination of Virginia, the Mayflower dropped anchor at what is now
Provincetown, Massachusetts, on November 21; and in December they made their way across the bay to settle at Plymouth. It was near Provincetown that 41 men signed the Mayflower Compact – a compact that
would soon become the basis for government in the Plymouth Colony and would later greatly influence the
formation of the United States government.
That winter was devastating to the men, women and children who had already traveled so far and sacrificed
so much. Poor nutrition, inadequate housing and the unforgiving winter took their toll. By the time spring descended on the North Atlantic coast, nearly half of the original group was gone but they had arrived at the
shores of the country that would change the course of history for the next few centuries!
Christopher Jones, the captain of the Mayflower, left the ship anchored in the harbor throughout the winter.
He felt so sorry for the settlers, that he allowed many from the colony to take refuge in the
“…the Pilgrims hull of the ship since shelter was so scarce on land and the winter was so fierce. Finally,
on April 5, 1621, he decided he had stayed long enough, and resolved to return home.
did indeed
hold a feast of
Not one of those remaining settlers left with Captain Jones when he set sail that day.
Thanksgiving.”
Each one of them felt the call of God to remain on these strange foreign shores. They refused to go back.
What an amazing display of faith and resolve in the face of adversity! Without a doubt, it was the Pilgrims’
reliance on God that carried them through that incredibly difficult time. God used their gritty determination
and the spiritual leadership of men like John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, and William Brewster – some of our earliest national heroes – to create a firm foundation for our country to build upon. In fact,
Continued on page 6
www.kokomograce.org
United Methodist Church
212 West Walnut Street
Kokomo, Indiana 46901
USPOSTAGE PAID
KOKOMO, IN
PERMIT NO. 91
NONPROFIT ORG.
2
7
ADDED GRACE
November Anniversaries
November Meeting: November 1
Suzanne Davis will be our hostess for the November meeting which will be in Fellowship Hall
at 11:30 AM. Our program will be presented by
Sally Duke, and she will present a songbook
consisting of Patriotic and Religious songs. It
should be a very special program. The dinner
will be $6.00. Make your reservations on Sundays October 23 and 30, 2011 or by telephone
at 452-3038 (Nancy Hefley). If you want to
come but need a ride, call Nancy.
Special Added Grace Notice:
There will not be a December meeting of Added
Grace. Instead we will travel to Indianapolis to
hear the Yuletide Celebration by the Indianapolis Symphony on Friday December 9, 2011. The
bus will arrive for boarding in the parking lot at
11:30AM for a 2:00PM Matinee. Following the
show we will return to Grace Church for a
Christmas party in Fellowship Hall. The dinner
will be catered but served by the UMW. The
price for all this entertainment and enjoyment
will be $65 per person. If you are interested in
going with us, please contact Hazel Hodge at
453-2794 or Nancy Hefley at 452-3038.
LEAVING A LEGACY OF
FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE
Letters from Dad… you start with the basics. You
work in small groups… share ideas and borrow what
you like. You use “cheat sheets” to jump start your
ideas. For example…* The I am blessed because
(letter)… You fill in the blanks.
There are 4 of these. Each becomes a letter by itself
or a template for a more formal one. You may use
either as you choose.
Then delve into the 14 or so formal letters provided
in the package for other ideas. Reference the helpful adjectives page when grasping for that perfect
word.
Join us for a great FREE meal. Listen to a short film.
Then decide if the program meets your needs.
Remember there are only 4 meetings… 4 letters you
write.
Call 457-5329 for reservations.
See you Nov. 8 … 6:00 – 8:30 P.M.
Do you know someone who does not have a
church home? Do you know someone who is
searching for something and continually looks in
the wrong places? Do you know someone who
does not know the Lord? If you answered “yes”
to any of these questions, then it’s time to
OPEN THE DOOR! This means that it is time
for YOU to invite this someone (or someones)
to church on Sunday, 13 November where this
someone (or someones) will be welcomed at
Grace UMC’s open doors. On Sunday, November 13, the Psalm 150 Band will be leading worship and Pastor Mark will be sharing another
characteristic of Jesus Christ – “I AM the Door
of the Sheep.” This is the time to invite those in
your life who need a home – an eternal home
with the Lord. Is it really so hard to open the
door??
Oct 2
N/A
Oct 9
247
Oct 16
241
Oct 23
212
Dear Ones of Grace,
Without the prayers, love and support
you have expressed for me, during the
past four months, I feel, certainly, I
would never have recovered as well as
I have. Your visits and cards encouraged and cheered me, enormously.
Bless you for caring and loving me as
you do.
Please accept my love in return,
Pat DiSalvo
Have you ever looked around the church and
thought, “There aren’t any young people here!
This church is going to die with me and my generation.”
Giving As
God
Has Given
Oct 2
$13,433.24
Oct 9
$9,957.67
Oct 16
$9,156.00
November Preaching
Schedule
2-Ann Winger
Stephen Van Horn
Rich Bradshaw
Jeffrey White
25-Dan Bourff
Jay King
28-Gail Blazier
Andrea Blazier
4-Phyllis Jean Smith
Betty Gentry
Bobbie Egloff
Mercedes Lahr
Andrew Burkhalter
29-Cynthia Burge
Nov 20
Rev. P. Mark Hill
5-Jerry Hodges
Nolan Miller
Nov 27
Rev. P. Mark Hill
6-Camella Rodgers
Jacob Schick
7-Martha Wolfe
8-Jackie Plank
9-Ann Bradshaw
10-Jo Trauring
Evan Russ
11-Kathleen Babchuk
12-Ted Goff
Eric Grotenhuis
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Sunday, November 6, 2011
23-Anne Weber
Harvey Corn
Linda Henry
Charlie Reed
3-Eugene Gatman
Karen King
Rev. P. Mark Hill
Oct 23
$5,943.90
42 yrs
43 yrs
20 yrs
8 yrs
25 yrs
9 yrs
57 yrs
42 yrs
21 yrs
24 yrs
65 yrs
9 yrs
37 yrs
November Birthdays
Nov 13
Have you ever looked around the church and
KNOW you have, then perhaps you need to be
part of the “Cult of Hospitality.” Be looking for
more information on how to join this cult in upcoming worship services.
30th
Rev. P. Mark Hill
thought, “I don’t know those people. They
probably have been long time members but only
come occasionally.”
If you’ve ever had these thoughts, and I
28th
29th
Nov 6
Have you ever looked around the church and
thought, “That person is sitting in my seat.
They will have to move.”
15th
21st
22nd
25st
26th
Lee & Sue Flasche
George & Jackie Plank
Greg & Kristin McCauley
Doug & Lisa Tate
Tim & Susan Garner
Ron & Melissa Byram
Robert & Beverly Howell
Ron & Jan King
Kent & Trisha Shively
Matthew & Dian McKinney
Paul & Wanda Sandy
Kurt & Lisa Kingseed
Glenn & Dee Ann Colescott
1-Charles Conkle III
Madison Rice
The devotions provide the backdrop for ideas about
future letters you may want to write. And Dr. Reg
Grant rounds out the program with writing tips.
th
NOVEMBER 13th, GRACE UMC
IS GOING TO
“OPEN THE DOOR”
We promise
to uphold
our church
by our
presence
1st
9th
13-Randal Smith
14-Charles Pierson
Justin Shacklee
15-Sue Murrell
Chelsea Maupin
16-Matthew McKinney
18-Rick Hamilton
19-Eric Cunningham
30-Jay Trauring
6
3
KAIROS PRISON MINISTRY…
Continued from page 1
if the Pilgrims had returned to Europe with Captain
Jones, a very different kind of people could have
populated these lands. Other Puritans and subsequent settlers took heart because of the brave example set by the Pilgrims. Their determination – and
most importantly, their faith – is evident in many of
the beliefs and laws that govern our country today.
The faith that motivated those first settlers is best
described in their own words. William Bradford, one
of the original leaders who would go on to serve as
governor of Plymouth Colony for more than 30 years
wrote, “But these things did not dismay them (though
they did sometimes trouble them) for their desires
were set on the ways of God, and to enjoy His ordinances; but they rested on His providence, and
knew Whom they had believed.”
Looking back on these traumatic events, it’s hard to
believe that they are the foundation for the holiday
we now know as Thanksgiving! Despite the trials
and difficulties they had endured, the Pilgrims did
indeed hold a feast of thanksgiving to praise God
after their first harvest in 1621. The Native Americans joined them in this gathering of goodwill, as
one of their own, Squanto, had been instrumental in
teaching the Pilgrims how to plant corn and in showing them where to fish and trap beaver. Bradford
said that “Squanto continued with them and was
their interpreter and was a special instrument sent of
God for their good beyond their expectation.”
What a story! What a history! John Wesley said that
God was doing something strange and yet wonderful
in America. He didn’t understand it but He knew the
Lord was at work in establishing this new nation.
Let’s pass on the story. Let us not forget or be reeducated by those who would want to remove God
from our history. And let us be a thankful people!
In Christ,
Pastor P. Mark
Thank you to ALL my brothers and sisters of
Grace UMC, who participated in this ministry in
any way. Some of you baked cookies. Some
sponsored meals. Some prayed. The weekend
was incredible for the men and for me personally. Most, not all, the men in prison are regular
people who have been caught doing something
they will agree was stupid. How close have
many of us been to this line? Many of the men
have been there for years. Some are very
young, in their 20s. Many have rough childhood
stories without an appropriate father figure. Yet,
some come from loving Christian families. Most
have families, including children, a wife, parents
and grandparents who suffer the pain of separation. They all, 100%, transform from the tough
guy adapted to life in prison, to the ten year old
boy with Christmas morning glowing grin. They
jump at the chance to sing a silly song, complete with hand motions, similar to those you
may see and remember at VBS. God’s Agape
Love and his Amazing Grace to come to life
during the Kairos weekend. I had a front row
seat. The men learn about the power of the
Body of Christ, through the 10,000 cookies,
sponsored meals and prayer vigil. They receive
letters from team members and people on the
outside; many are in tears because the paper
bag contains more letters they have ever received since their incarceration. Most, not all, I
would welcome inside my home someday, although that is not allowed for years after their
release. The men who are genuine are OUR
bothers in Christ. One day, I will enjoy the
Heavenly reunion with a these brothers who I
have meet through the Kairos Ministry.
Again,
Thank you for your generous support.
Jeff Egloff
Kokomo Urban Outreach Sock Drive
Grace UMYF needs to collect 600 pairs of children or youth
white socks by November 22. Please put them in the laundry
baskets in the parlor or the church office.
Grace UMW News . . . . .
WORLD THANK OFFERING AND
UMW GENERAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 8 AT 7:00 PM
Please join us for our General Meeting at
7 pm on November 8th in the Parlor. Anyone is
invited to come and hear our speakers from
Open Arms (Kokomo Rescue Mission’s women’s shelter) including a former resident who will
share her powerful testimony with us.
In other business we will approve how we are
dispersing 2011 UMW profits to various missions. The 2012 UMW budget and slate of officers will also be approved.
Remember to bring your donations for the World
Thank Offering.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Tues., Nov. 8
Tues., Nov. 22
Tues., Dec. 6
Sun., Dec. 11
World Thank Offering and
General Meeting - 7:00 pm
UMW board Meeting 7:00 pm (date change)
Salad Carry-In Dinner,
General Meeting and
Installation of Officers 6:30 pm
Winter Mini Bazaar and
Cinnamon Roll Sale
MISSION PROJECTS UPDATES
UMW Pillowcase Dress Project: Wow! Since
September 13, Grace women sewed 56 little-girl
dresses. They were delivered to the IN UMW
Conference meeting Oct. 22 in Indianapolis. At
that time more than 850 dresses had been collected with more still to be turned in. They will
be delivered to mission sites in Senegal, Sierra
Leone (Operation Classroom) and Haiti. In early September, 1700 dresses were sent to Haiti.
Thank you to all of the women at Grace who offered their loving hearts and hands by contributing fabric, supplies and sewing the dresses for
little girls in need!
UMW Collection for Indiana Missions: Grace
members donated 30 pairs of children’s underwear, 48 pairs of socks, and 2 stuffed toys. These items were combined with other donations
from around the state. After sorting, the items
were distributed between each district to be given to missions in each of the districts. Thanks
to all who contributed items to help children
throughout Indiana.
Kokomo Urban Outreach: After the mission
items were sorted at the UMW state meeting,
our district officers sent a bag of stuffed toys to
Kokomo for a mission. These toys will be given
to Jeff Newton for use at Kokomo Urban Outreach.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Don’t forget to purchase Kroger or Marsh gift cards and keep collecting your Box Tops and Labels for Education! Every little bit helps.
UMW BOOK NEWS
You’ll find these on the UMW bookshelf by the Parlor
My Sister the Father is a new book for the UMW
Reading Program. It has a collection of stories
of some people in Oklahoma who have had lifechanging experiences through the ministry of
Rev. Meri Whitaker, the author. It can be used
for daily devotions to enrich your walk with
GOD.
Not Just A One Night Stand (Ministry with the
Homeless) is written by co-pastors in Texas. It
shows their commitment to people who live in
the margins of society. Many stories are told of
the homeless and the ministry of these pastors
and their church.
We Support Local and World Wide Missions.
4
5
DO YOU KNOW????
Grace Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in October, 1944. Guest speakers included two bishops, and other dignitaries from around the country. One of the high-lights of the week-long celebration was a historic pageant depicting the origin and development of Methodism and Grace Church in
Howard County. On display during the 1944 celebration and an integral part of the pageant was a
quilt inscribed with 1,304 signatures. In 1895, The Berean Sunday School Class taught by James
Hillis raised over $500.00 for the new building program by charging 10 cents for each name to be
inscribed on the quilt. Currently the quilt’s location is unknown.
GRACE UMC YOUTH
MINISTRIES
Sun, Nov 6
Sun, Nov 13
CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
Sunday, November 27
6:00 pm – Meal in Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm – Service of Las Posadas
Tickets – FREE!
Experience Christmas in Mexico with authentic
Mexican food followed by a traditional presentation of the Las Posadas by the children. Las
Posadas means "the inns" or "the shelters" in
Spanish. A religious and social celebration that
takes place for nine nights, from December 16th
to 24th, the holiday known as Las Posadas
commemorates Joseph and Mary's journey to
Bethlehem and their search for shelter prior to
the birth of Christ. Grace UMC’s Joy Singers
will reenact this difficult journey.
Watch the Worship Bulletin and “Experience
Grace” for ticket availability. Just like the last
two years, this year’s Celebration of Lights
proves to be a festive, fun and meaningful beginning to the Christmas season.
THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER
It is hard to believe it is November 2011.
Where has the year gone!? Our church will
again coordinate with the Kokomo Rescue
Mission for the Thanksgiving Day Dinner on
November 24 from 11:30-1:30 PM! Last year
we served about 550 meals at Grace Church.
The Kokomo Rescue Mission is currently experiencing a large increase in meals served
on a daily basis, so they have asked us to
plan for about 700 people on Thanksgiving
Day. Every year, so many generous members
at Grace donate all the needed desserts and
salads. We also appreciate Grace members
who can come help set up, decorate, serve
dinners and drinks or clean up. Please consider giving of your time to donate food or
your service to this wonderful mission.
Sun, Nov 20
Sun, Nov 27
UMYF
6:00 pm-8:00pm
“Jesus and Justice”
UMYF
6:00 pm-8:00pm
“Living in the New World”
UMYF
6:00 pm-8:00pm
“Hearing the Cry”
“Celebration of Lights”
6:00 pm
No Youth Group Meeting!
We thank you in advance for the lives you will
impact with your acts of kindness,
Tim and Susan Garner
and Grace’s Mission Ministry Team
Henderson Settlement, part of the UMC RED
Bird Missionary conference, is struggling like
many other non-profit organizations to meet
general operating needs without laying off staff
and curtailing community programs. However,
the recent work camp members learned that
they also have an important capital need. They
need to expand the Mission Dormitory to have a
program room large enough to accommodate
the weekly work camp teams and expand the
craft shop on the lower level, which is in very
tight quarters. They have a very nice program
room that can accommodate about 60 persons
but have up to 180 work camp volunteers that
need to attend various sessions during the
week. The overall project cost is estimated at
$200,000 but will not be started until total funding is obtained. They are very direct in stating
not to donate to the project if it reduces any
general operating gift that you make or plan to
make, as their general operating funds are critical.
The participants from the work camp recognize
their needs and several have already indicated
their intent to make contributions. They also
ask the congregation to consider supporting the
“Mission Dorm Expansion Project”. If you are
led to support it, please make out your check to
Grace United Methodist Church with the following designation in the memo section:
“Henderson Settlement Mission Dorm Expansion”. Get your checks to the office where they
will be accumulated and the total will be sent to
Henderson Settlement with the appropriate designation. Please note that these donations will
be distributed under the umbrella of our Missions Ministry Team.
We have such an opportunity to reach out to
those in need of food or just a place to celebrate on Thanksgiving Day. Please look for
Thanksgiving Day Dinner volunteer and donation form in the Sunday bulletins. If you prefer, you may call Susan or Tim Garner, 4531819 or e-mail [email protected] to donate desserts, salads or your time. Food may
be brought to the Fellowship Hall on Wed.,
November 23 from 12-4 PM or as early as
8:30 AM on November 24.
If you wish to deliver meals, you must call
Kelly Werdall at The Kokomo Rescue Mission
to get on her driver’s list.
ADULT WORK CAMPERS LEARN OF
HENDERSON SETTLEMENT NEEDS
Thank you in advance for your consideration of
this need.
DECEMBER
Grace Notes
Deadline
by
November 15.
Altar Flowers
Needed for
November
6, 13, 20, 27
December
4, 11, 18