Why Join a Sunday School Class? - grace.to · PDF fileThe Sunday school is discipleship! Every...
Transcript of Why Join a Sunday School Class? - grace.to · PDF fileThe Sunday school is discipleship! Every...
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]. 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: [email protected]
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