September 2014

Volume 16 Issue 8

Glimpses of Grace
at
Grace United Methodist Church


Grace UMC
Sunday Services

Contemporary
Worship
9:00 am

Sunday School
10:05 am

Traditional Worship
11:00 am




2113 Old Monrovia Road
Huntsville, AL 35806
(256) 430-0003
www.graceumchsv.org







Grace Staff

Senior Pastor
Bryan Sisson


Associate Pastor
Todd Noren-Hentz


Director of Youth
Ministries
Adam McNeil


Office Administrator
Vicki Sheehy


Music Director
Gianna Gimenez


Praise & Worship Leader
Doug Wright


Accompanist
Curtis Lindsay


Facilities Manager
Ben Allen


Nursery Coordinator
Kalyn Polatty










Looking for something more?

Our lives can be filled to overflowing with activities and commitments, but we may still feel
empty. There are times of loneliness, even as we are overwhelmed by crowds. We come to
church, both to worship and to connect with other believers - but sometimes all we show or see is
on the surface. It's time to grow deeper...and grow stronger!

September we will be kicking off a new small group program called " LifeGroups". LifeGroups are
small groups of people who meet weekly to share our lives and grow together. The goal of the
groups is to build significant relationships as we grow spiritually.

LifeGroups are sermon-based small groups - no biblical expertise required! Each week a list of
questions will be available, based on the sermon on Sunday. Our groups will have the chance to
go deeper, and grow stronger as members share what they learn going through the questions and
digging deeper into God's word together. We will learn to see God at work in our kitchens and
living rooms, become more authentic in our relationships, and grow stronger in our day-to-day
life as Christians as we serve in our community.

Members of our LifeGroups won't just hear the message preached on Sunday morning - they will
be digesting it, discussing it, and living it together each week as they grow in Grace. They will be
figuring out, together, how to apply what they have learned to their own lives. (If you listened to
the sermon, you have already done a good part of the week's preparation for the meeting!). Group
members will be praying for each other and supporting each other, as well as socializing and
sharing a meal or dessert.

Choose a group and look forward to growing with us!
Dave and Carol Reynolds, co leading with John and Ingrid Murray
Rob and Donna Willis - hosted by Nick & Betty Van Valkenburgh
Dave and Sun Hickman (host/co-leader still to be determined)
Tom and Martina MacIntyre, co-leading with Tony and Dawn Lee
Amit Patel and Ashley Sheehy, co leading with Neal and Jayme Allgood
Frank and B.J. Strickland, with Toni Miller hosting and co-leading
Chris and Kathy Weaver (host/co-leader still to be determined)
Lynn Higgenbotham (host/co-leader still to be determined)
2



Pastors Ponderings
44
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
45
they
would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all,
as any had need.
46
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the
temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and
generous hearts,
47
praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being
saved. Acts 2:44-47, NRSV

Just recently Ive had the opportunity to lead the Explorations
Class here at Grace for those who are new and considering
membership. For those of you who might not know, we
offer these classes, periodically throughout the year, to share
about the church and the ministries that are happening here.
The sessions we offer cover a wide range of material: as
participants we have an opportunity to share our stories
with one anotherwe learn and reaffirm basic
understandings of Christianitywe discuss Methodist history
and politywe talk about the background history and future
of Grace UMCand we consider the meaning/responsibility
of church membership. To be honest, we cover A LOT in a
five-week span! And while the classes are meant to offer a
good deal of material so that participants learn about who we
are as a church, what I love is that I have opportunity to get
to understand in a very personal and meaningful way who
they are as visitors. It affords me, as pastor, the occasion to
get to know about the lives and hearts of those I only see
briefly on Sunday mornings. And I have to admit, each time I
teach this class Im reminded of part of my personal mission
statement: to help people get plugged in and connected with church
family and ministries in meaningful ways. In my time with these
visitors I get to know them in a special way so that I can help
them learn how to share with others in the same way. My
goal is to share information about the church, yes (I LOVE
talking about Grace and the wonderful things happening
here!), but also to provide a setting in which people can get to
know one another in meaningful ways. Really, the classes are
meant to take participants DEEPER

I am THRILLED to announce that as a church family we all
will have an opportunity to get to know one another in more
meaningful ways through the launch of our LifeGroups.
Hopefully youve learned a bit about this new ministry from
the article on the cover of this Newsletter, but the
background leading us to begin this new church-wide focus
was a desire on my part and others for the Grace Family to go
deeper. Many of us are involved in a variety of ministries
throughout the week we have opportunity to form
relationships and meaningful bonds to support and nurture
our relationships with Christ Jesus. But there are many for
whom Sunday morning is their only connecting point. And
lets face it, its pretty difficult to talk and meaningfully share
with those around us on Sunday mornings in worship! And
these LifeGroups are meant to do just that: help us connect
with one another and with God more deeply. The idea is that
we are encouraging everyone to 1. BE IN WORSHIP
EACH SUNDAY. You will have opportunity to pick up a
Study Guide while you are here that will challenge you to go
deeper, spiritually, on the scripture text for the day (the
sermon and Study Guides will also be available online for
those who have to miss on Sundays). And then 2. we
encourage you to consider BEING IN A LIFEGROUP.
Very soon you will have opportunity to sign-up for a life
group that will meet weekly for 10 weeks. At each LifeGroup
session your leader will help facilitate the discussion on the
text for the previous Sunday, but also challenge you in
different ways. The idea behind these small group meetings is
that you will discuss the text but also grow in your
relationships with one another. Gods goal for us is that we
grow closer to one another in our faith, that we support and
encourage one another in the journey, and that we be a
witness for others when we are away from Grace. LifeGroups
will do that for you!

I invite you to join with me in praying over this wonderfully
new spiritual focus for us as a church. Again, LifeGroups are
not meant to replace the wonderful groups/ministries that are
already happening at Grace. They are designed to help those
who might not be as involved to take a step closer to their
faith brothers and sisters. And in addition to prayer, we ask
that you consider being a part. If you decide LifeGroups are
not for you, no problem! But perhaps you know of someone
who might benefit and grow from such a ministry. Our hope
is to like the early church in Acts spend time together and
growing in our relationships with God. Please consider being
a part!

If you have any questions considering LifeGroups, please dont
hesitate to contact me (256-527-5042) or Mary Graham, our
church member in charge of LifeGroups (256-424-3835). We
look forward to talking to you!

See you all soon in worship! Lets GO DEEPER together!!!

- Pastor Bryan



3


Happenings At Grace

Outdoor Church
Grace UMC is hosting Outdoor Church on Saturday,
September 6, and were looking for volunteers to help out!
What is Outdoor Church, you ask?!? It is a worship service for
people that have spiritual needs, yet aren't able to connect in
what we think of as the usual ways to the church. Some of the
people who will attend are those in the community living on
the street, folks in shelters, and people like us who want to
express God's love to everyone in our community. It will be
at Manna House (2110 South Memorial Parkway SW), and set-
up begins at 10:00 am. The service is from 11:00-noon (our
Blessed Mess Band is playing and Pastor Todd is preaching),
and the meal we will be serving will be right after the service.
Well also need help with clean-up afterwards. If you would
like to help serve with Outdoor Church please talk with Brian
Mitchell at briantmitchell@gmail.com or (256)527-4583.

GraceFull Players Sunday
Please make every effort to come and be a part of
GraceFull Players Sunday at both the 9:00 and
11:00 services on September 7. This talented
group of performers will be offering Gods Word
through drama and dance, as well as leading us in
receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Mark your
calendars and plan to be part of this special experience!



September Sermon Series
In worship this month we will be sharing in a sermon series
entitled Sticky Church. In conjunction with our new Grace
LifeGroups we will be exploring ways as church were being
led and called by God to go deeper in relationship with one
another. Please make every effort to be in worship and invite
your friends!


Church Council September Meeting
Please be aware that Church Council will be meeting on
Tuesday, September 16, at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
rooms. All Ministry Team and At-Large Church Leaders are
asked to be a part and make every effort to attend. We will be
doing some very important work (voting on the Church Staff
Handbook, voting on 2015 Church Leaders, etc.), so please
make sure to be a part. Childcare will be provided.







Let's Become a "Sticky Church" -
A Mixer for Members and Visitors
Join us on September 21 during the Sunday School hour in
the Fellowship Hall as the Invitational Ministry Team leads us
in a mixer to help us become a "sticky church." This
experience is designed to help members and regular attenders
at Grace meet newer folks who have begun to attend worship
at Grace. We'll have activities that go beyond mingling to help
each of us know who is new in our midst at both services and
begin to build relationships with these folks. This will help us
move towards our vision of being a church that "creates
connections" to grow God's Kingdom. If you would like to
help, please contact Gina Barlow (gbarlow@hotmail.com).

CASA TEMP$ Assessor Meeting
CASA needs volunteers to assess homes for the elderly and
homebound of Madison County for weatherization and safety
needs. No prior construction experience necessary! If you
would like to help, there is a CASA TEMP$ Assessor Meeting
on Tuesday, September 9, at 5:30 pm at the CASA office
(701 Andrew Jackson Way). To RSVP or for more
information, call Lauren at (256) 533-7775. Please RSVP by
Friday, September 5. The TEMP$ Work Day is Saturday,
November 1. Every house that CASA weatherizes on
November 1 must be assessed each fall. CASA needs more
volunteers. If you cannot attend this meeting and want to
help please talk with Don Love.

Do Something Amazing! Please Give Blood!
There will be a LifeSouth Blood Drive at Grace on
Wednesday, September 10, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm.
Please consider making a difference in someones
life by being a blood donor. All donors will receive
a free ball cap!

Please Continue to Give
We ask that everyone continues to be faithful in their giving in
order for our church to meet the budget goal which was set
for 2014. Grace relies on the pledges and the amounts
budgeted to provide the programs and outreach to those who
attend the church as well as those in our community. Please
continue to faithfully give!

2014 Church Picnic - Save the Date
The 2014 Church-Wide Picnic will be on Sunday,
October 12, at Monte Sano State Park from
2:00 - 5:00 pm. Plan to join in the fun!
4


Family Life Ministry News
Men of Grace
Each week at 11:30 am various men from Grace UMC and
their friends gather for lunch at a local restaurant to talk about
life, faith, and our church. We rotate to a different day of the
week each month. In September, we will meet on
Wednesdays. To receive information about upcoming lunch
gatherings, visit http://graceumchsv.org/mailman/listinfo/
mog_graceumchsv.org and sign up for our email list, or
contact Buddy McMullin at (256) 683-4164 or
buddymcmullin@gmail.com.

Join the Grace Supper Club!
Our monthly Grace Supper Club gatherings will be
held September-May at a local home or restaurant
selected by the host. Its a low-commitment, low-
stress way to get to know many others in our
congregation. Everyone is welcome to participate,
either as an individual or as a family. Initial
registration was just completed. Whats new this season?
A GSC Substitutes List has been added for people who
want to be invited occasionally as vacancies occur. No
hosting is required of people on this list.
To allow for others to register throughout the season, the
dinner groups will be randomly drawn each month from
all the registrations. This also allows people to easily opt
out or to switch between the GSC and the Substitutes
List during the season if desired.
Hosts are encouraged to consider beginning with a
circle prayer , and/or select a devotion, subject of
discussion, speaker, etc. for their dinner group. Please let
the dinner group members know of your plans when you
collect their availability information.
Grace UMC Supper Club has a Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/483254988370416/
which is viewable by anyone. To share information and
photos from your dinner group, register with Facebook
and then request to join this group.
For full information and to join in on the fun and fellowship,
contact Jim Marconnet at (256) 772-3946 or
jmarconnet@gmail.com.

Pick-up Basketball
We have Pick-up Basketball every Wednesday evening at 7:30
pm in the gym. Interested in staying informed about Pick-up
Basketball? Ask Pastor Todd to put you on the email list! We
also have a Facebook and Twitter for basketball if youd like
to keep up that way
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceUMCBB
Twitter: @GraceUMCBB


Grace Family Fun Fly
Sunday, September 7, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Thanks to several of the Men of Grace who came and flew
with us last month! Pilots, family, and friends get together in
the Grace Ministry Center Gym once a month to fly our small
indoor electric radio-controlled airplanes, helicopters, and
multi-copters. New pilots, experienced pilots, and spectators
of all ages are always welcome to join us. We also have several
small electric R/C race cars available for younger children to
drive. Contact Jim Marconnet at jmarconnet@gmail.com or
(256) 772-3946 for more information.

Grace Golf Association
The Grace Golf Association (GGA) is an informal golf group
open to all members and friends of Grace United Methodist
Church. GGA plays once per month between March and
October, and our mission is to enjoy Christian fellowship and
friendly competition playing a game we enjoy. Men and
women, juniors, seniors, hackers, and scratch players are all
welcome. Contact Scott Kowerduck (scott@pce-llc.com) for
more information or to get on the email list for information
pertaining to GGA events. The next GGA outing will be on
Saturday, September 20, to The Bear Trace at Tims Ford in
Winchester, TN.

Parents Night Out
PNO is a drop-in type program for infants and
children up to 5
th
Grade and is open for participating
parents and children between 5:00 and 10:00 pm.
PNO relies upon adult volunteers, paid nursery staff, and
youth helpers. We hope you will invite your friends, neighbors,
and co-workers to be a part of this program. Our next PNO
is Friday, September 26, from 5:00 to 10:00 pm and costs
$10 per child, with a $20 family maximum. Children 5 and
under are asked to be picked up by 9:00 pm. You can register
online at www.graceumchsv.org/pno.
Our final PNO date for 2014 is Friday, December 5.

Grace Disc Golf Association
The Grace Disc Golf Association is for all ages and skill levels.
Disc Golf is free to play and easy to learn. If you dont have
your own discs, weve got some to share. On the last Sunday
of each month through September, well gather for lunch
somewhere quick at noon and at a different Disc Golf course
at 1:00 pm. So join us for lunch, or just join us at the course.
If it is raining, we will not meet. Our next outing will be on
Sunday, September 28. Well eat at the Kroger Deli on Hwy.
72 and play disc golf at the Indian Creek Disc Golf Course.
Check out the church website for future dates and locations.
For more information, contact John Lawson at (256) 503-2700
or Pastor Todd at toddnorenhentz@graceumchsv.org.
5


Missions

Missions That We Regularly Support
with Donations:

Huntsville Assistance Program Food donations
Blount Hospitality House Personal-sized toiletry items
Redbird Community Soup barcodes from Campbells
Labels for Education
Ronald McDonald House Pop tabs from soda cans
New Futures Homeless Shelter Monetary donations


Volunteer Your Time with
These Important Ministries:

Salvation Army Soup Kitchen Make sandwiches at Grace at
8:30 am on Mondays, September 8 & 22.
Contact: Imogene Johns, (256) 837-0324
Meals-on-Wheels Meet at the Huntsville Senior Center on
Drake at 10:15 am on Friday, September
19 to serve meals to the homebound.
Contact: Donna Evans, (256) 420-6401
Wheelchair Ramp Installation Meet at the church at
8:30 am on Saturday, September 13
Contact: Chuck Evans, (256) 527-2413






Huntsville Assistance Program Needs
HAP is in need of donations to help those without enough
food in our area. In an attempt to bring awareness and
reminders to everyone, we highlight the most needed items in
the newsletter each month. For September we
are requesting baked beans and mac &
cheese. Please bring your non-expired, non-
perishable food items to the Joel Curry Food
Pantry in Fellowship Hall #3. Mark out the
barcodes before putting them in the pantry.
Please note: The food pantry at HAP is always in need of
basic food items. We ask for additional non-food items
because individuals can not use Food Stamps to purchase any
paper products or soap products.















Meals to Grow - Backpack Food Program
Our community has a great number of children who
dont get enough to eat at home. During the school
year, the free lunch program helps provide for these
children during the week, but the weekend can seem
very long when you are hungry. Trinity United
Methodist Church in Huntsville started addressing this
problem in 2008 with the Meals to Grow program
(www.mealstogrow.org). Every Friday, bags of food are
placed inside the backpacks of children at high risk of hunger
during the weekend. In 2012, we began collecting and
packing food at Grace to contribute to the great need at
University Place Elementary School.

As the program has grown, we have been able to serve other
schools. In 2013, we began serving children next door at
Providence Elementary School, and students at Montview
Elementary School. Its humbling to see the gratitude of the
children, teachers, principals, and staff at each of the schools.
The childrens eyes grow wide with delight when they see us
bringing in food. The team of people working at the school,
who know the needs better than anyone, thank us endlessly. I
am grateful our congregation has been so generous
responding to the need.

If you are called to serve in this ministry, there are many ways
to help. We always need food, monetary donations, and
prayer. We need help packing bags, too. Contact Rachael
Benton at engineermom@gmail.com for more details on how
you can get involved.

We pack on the 3
rd
Monday of every month at 6:00 pm. The
next packing is scheduled for September 15.
The following items are needed for each bag:
1 Pop-top can of soup with meat (such as Progresso,
Chunky, etc.)
1 Pop-top canned meal (such as Chef Boyardee Ravioli,
etc.)
1 Fruit cup or pop-top can of fruit
2 Packages of peanut butter crackers or cheese crackers
2 Individual sized boxes of cereal or 2 cereal bars (or
breakfast product)
4 Healty snacks (such as granola bars, Cheez-Its, packages
of crackers, fruit snacks, Rice Krispie Treats, raisins, Sun
Chips, etc.
1 Shelf-stable milk in juice-box size (such as Yoohoo! Or
Hersheys, etc.)
6


Join the Fun at Grace

Literary Ladies
All women of the church are invited to join
the Literary Ladies in their monthly discussion
of a book. They meet the third Monday of each month at
10:00 am. Nursery care can be made available if needed. For
more information, contact Callie Vincent at (256) 539-9870 or
caldon@knology.net.
Our upcoming books are:
September 15: A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence
and Power by Jimmy Carter
October 20: Boys In the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Nine Americans and their quest for gold
in the 1936 Olympics
November 17: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony
Doerr
A blind French girl and a German boy in
occupied France during WWII
December 15: The Traitors Wife by Allison Pataki
The woman behind Benedict Arnold and
the plan to betray America



GraceFull Players/GraceFull Players Dancers
Luncheon on Sunday, September 21
Our next GraceFull Players/Dancers luncheon will be on
Sunday, September 21, after the second service at 12:00 pm.
Please plan to join us and bring a covered-dish for lunch,
fellowship and planning. Discover the wonderful ways you
can give and receive through our ministry of sacred dance and
drama. We would love to see some new faces involved! For
more information, contact either Shannon Rosenthal at
serosenthal@knology.net or (256) 895-0253, or Susan Allen at
(256) 895-9191 or SRAtapping@bellsouth.net.



Scrapbook/Craft Night
The Scrapping/Crafters will meet at the church on Friday,
September 12 from 5:00 - 11:00 pm. We would love to see
you there. Its always a good time of food and fellowship. You
can come for the entire time or for only part of the time.
Please join us and bring a snack and beverage to share. Feel free
to bring a friend or two or three, and enjoy this time together.
For more information, contact Susan Brown at (256) 722-3898
or scrappingsusan@gmail.com.




Fun Timers News
Overview of Our Last Meeting

On August 11 the Fun Timers had a very pleasant experience
hearing about the many accomplishments the Madison County
Commission has made under the tenure of Chairman Dale
Strong. For a detailed account of the meeting, please visit the
Grace website and click on "Ministries - Adult - Fun Timers,
then click on "The Fun Timers Welcome Madison County
Commission Chairman Dale Strong".

Upcoming Meeting
Mark Your Calendars for Monday, September 8!
The Grace UMC Fun Timers are headed to
Bell Buckle, TN for no better reason than to
eat at the world famous Bell Buckle Caf!
Bell Buckle, TN is an old railroad town that
has found new life in tourism, and most
everything is open for business 7 days a
week. To find out more visit their website at
www.bellbucklechamber.com.
Gather at the church at 8:30 am to establish carpool
arrangements. Departure will be at 9:00 am sharp, so
latecomers will be on their own! The caf expects us for lunch
at 11:30 am.
Come hungry, grab a friend, wear comfortable shoes, and stuff
your wallet full of money! You will surely find some unique
what-nots that you just cant live without!

You dont have to be a member of the Fun Timers to go with
us on trips, but you do need to be fun-loving regardless of
your age! Come join us! For more information, contact Callie
Vincent at (256) 539-9870 or caldon@knology.net.



Grace United Methodist Women
Friendship Circle News
The Grace United Methodist Women will have their August
meeting on Thursday, September 25, at 12:30 pm. All are
invited to bring a sack lunch and join us! A dessert will be
furnished. For further information, contact Betty Lawson at
(256) 837-2824.


Prayer Shawl Ministry Update
Until further notice, the Prayer Shawl Ministry group will be
meeting only once a month. We will meet on the second
Sunday of each month at 3:00 pm. If you have any questions,
please contact Faith Polatty at knitr@hotmail.com.
7


For Your Information


IMPORTANT UPDATE: Date Changed

Talent & Treats to Triumph Fundraiser for Jenny

Join us with your friends and family on
September 20 from 6:00-8:00 pm. in
GUMCs Sanctuary for a bake sale and
delightful talent show featuring all ages
presenting a wide variety of talents.
Admission to the talent show is free! A
selection of scrumptious baked goods
and desserts will be available for sale at a
low cost to take home with you following the show.

This event is a fundraiser for a very special 28 year-old named
Jenny Rhoden who is currently in a professional treatment
center called the Center for Change in Orem, UT battling for
her life and mental health against anorexia. A love offering will
be taken during the event to help her cover the high costs of
medical and living expenses while she receives the care she so
desperately needs. All proceeds from the bake sale will also be
put towards these costs.

Jenny is my best friend and a blessing from the Lord to all who
know her. She desires with all her heart to triumph over
anorexia, but she cannot do so without Gods provision. One
of the ways that I know God will bless her is through the
contributions, no matter what size, of people like you. I look
forward to seeing you soon at this fundraiser! If you are unable
to attend, please consider giving a donation. I can give you
information on how to do so if this option is best for you. My
email address is sheehy.ashley@gmail.com. Thank you so
much, and God bless you! - Ashley Sheehy






















Memorial & Honorary Gifts to Grace

Love Bowl
In memory of Harry Woolverton
- given by James & Denise Marden

General Fund
In memory of Juanita Owens mother
- given by Imogene Johns

In memory of Harry Woolverton
- given by Kathleen & Eldon Kinder
- given by Josephine & Donald Beach

In memory of Mandy Mitchells Grandmother
- given by Dell Segler


Choir Robe Fund
In honor of Curtis Lindsay
- given by Buddy & Suzie Beckwith




*To make a memorial or honorary gift, please make checks
payable to Grace UMC. On the memo line, list the name of
the person being honored or memorialized, and the fund in
which you wish the money to be deposited.
Prayer Concerns:
Helen Matthews, Joann Wiemers, Jim Martin,
Martha Rothermel, Herb Goodrich, and Stacey
McIntyre.

Directory Update
Please make note of the changes below and
mark them in your directories.

Adam McNeil -
801 Meadow Lane
Florence, AL 35630
The Church Office will be Closed
Monday, September 1
in observance of Labor Day.
8

The Grace Youth Times




Issue #48 September 2014
Due to budget cutbacks, weve eliminated all fact checking from the Grace Youth Times. Therefore, you
may not be able to believe anything you read on this page.

GUMY Plans to Go Orange - HUNTSVILLE -
Grace United Methodist Youth are holding an official
kickoff for the Orange strategy called Think Orange on
September 21 at 5:30pm in the gym. The night will
involve parents and students in games, activities, and a
talk about the 6 Things Students Need from Youth
Ministry. There are special events taking place, including
an Orange Out prize for the person wearing the most
Orange clothing and accessories. The night promises
tons of laughs, great time spent with students and adults,
and a chance to hear about all the changes going on with
GUMY at once. All parents, stuents, and anyone else in
Grace UMC interested in the youth ministry are invited
to attend.



Fall Calendar Packed - HUNTSVILLE -
Grace Youth have their hands full with a jam packed fall
calendar. A haunted house trip, Shakalaka Trampline
Park, Bring Your Own Utensil Dinner, and even some
Christmas Mission Projects are scheduled over the next
three months. Parents are invited to get in on the fun as
well with Family Game Night, Think Orange, and a
movie night. Calendars are posted on youth room.




Behold Registration Begins Soon - HUNTSVILLE -
As soon as the youth return from Camp Living Stones,
the focus shifts to Behold 2015. The trip to Camp
Sumatanga over MLK Weekend starts on October 5
with students and chaperon sign up. Behold is an annual
youth retreat at Sumatanga focusing on reconnection
with Christ to begin the new year. Students will hear
from guest speaker Chris Jones, worship leader Peder
Eide (who the students will return talking about!), and
special guest, comedian Joby Saad. The cost of the trip is
$160 per person. A $30 deposit is due by Nov. 16, the
remaining balance due on Jan. 4. A parents meeting will
be held on Nov. 16 to cover the schedule and fill out
forms.


Dates to Remember

Wednesdays at 5:00 pm Family Night Dinner

Wednesdays at 6:00 pm Small Groups

Sunday, Sept. 14, at 5:30 pm Bring Your Own Utensil
Snack Supper

Sunday, Sept. 21 Think Orange



9


Childrens Ministry Notes

Our Childrens Ministry exists to be a
place where kids:
Know the love and joy of Jesus Christ
Invite everyone to know Him
Develop a heart of service
Seek God and his Word
With each letter in our KIDS Logo having a meaning, we
hope that this assists each of us in sharing with others what
Grace KIDS ministry is all about.


Children's Church Has a New Name!
During the 9:00 and 11:00 services, following the childrens
message, children ages 4 through 2
nd
Grade are invited to
worship with a Montessori influenced worship called Children
Worship and Wonder. The curriculum provides a worship
experience where children hear, see and experience the sacred
stories and parables of God, led by storytellers and greeters.
The stories are told using simple wooden figures. The
children not only learn the stories of God, but also have an
opportunity to wonder about them. In their wondering time
they create artwork, revisit stories of the past, or read the
Bible passages about the stories. This worship experience
also contains songs, an offering, and concludes with the
"feast" (crackers and juice).
Both children and adults sense the awe and wonder of God,
and we would like to invite other adults into the joy of
worshiping with children. If you are interested in being a
storyteller or greeter (teens included!), please contact Shelley
Lenahan gmail.com or (256) 651-9359.


WEE BZ and BZ
Come join us for some fun, interactive time with the Bible.
BZ, for Grades K-5
th
, will be all about Science and how it
relates to God. We'll have guest teachers who know their
stuff, games and other awesome activities! Wee BZ, for ages
2 years-PreK, will be a fun, age appropriate time to learn
about God's love and His Son, Jesus. All the fun happens on
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm through September 17
th
. See you
there!


Club 45 Meets Sundays at 5:30 pm!
Are your tweens feeling left out? One program is too
young, and the other program is too old. Come
check out Club 45, a program for all 4
th
and 5
th

Grade students led by Jim and Holly Cecil. The
program is designed to meet the intellectual, social, and
spiritual needs of our upper elementary students. We are
using materials designed by Preteen Ministries. Do you have
questions, concerns, or are you excited to help? Please contact the
Cecils at (256) 828-1387.

Mission Madness
Starting Wednesday, September 24, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm,
bring your kids ages, Kindergarten - 5
th
Grade, to Grace to
learn about the people who have embraced the sentiments of
the song, Here I Am, Lord.
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
The kids will learn about missionaries and the countries they
serve. Our first program will be about John Wesley, England,
and the English people. Come join us as we learn, sing songs,
play games, and eat!

Movie Mania for Grace Kids
Keep an eye out for upcoming Movie Nights for Graces
Kids. The first movie with be Diary of a Wimpy Kid on
Saturday, September 27. Club 45 kids will know why this
movie was selected. If movies are not your childs thing, bring
a board game to share. Watch for more details coming soon.
This will be a great time of fellowship and fun for the kids.

The Children of Grace Need You!
Have you lived in another country? Are you willing to share your
experiences? We are looking for Grace members or friends to
come and share their life experiences with the children of
Grace. We ask that you talk to the kids for 20 minutes one
Wednesday night. You can share your experiences; games you
play; songs you sing; and favorite places to go. What a
wonderful gift it would be to them, so please consider sharing
in this special way! Mission Madness is starting soon.
Contact Holly Cecil at hacecil@bellsouth.net if you would like
to help.


Save the Date
Family Fun Fest is Just Around the Corner!
We will have our outreach to the community
on Wednesday, October 29, from 5:30 - 7:30
pm. Watch for more details to be published in
the upcoming weeks.
Nursery Ministries
Grace UMC is blessed to have the following
Individuals serve on the Nursery Ministries Team:
Nursery Coordinator: Kalyn Polatty
Brittany Allen Olivia Bell
Sarah Davis Caroline Dobbie
Deanna Gipson Samantha Ramsey
Jenny Shaw Ashley Sylvester
Brittany Walton Samantha Weir
10



Grace Family Events

Notes!

Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your recent donation to
Meals on Wheels! As you may know, the
donations we receive are greatly appreciated,
especially by those seniors whom they help. Our clients look
forward to the meal and the personal contact five days a week.
Your concern and your generous donation will help many
clients to live a more meaningful, involved life.

This letter of appreciation is not just from our Meals on Wheels
staff, but also from all of the clients who are so grateful for
your thoughtfulness!
Jeanie Glynn, Meals on Wheels Coordinator


Dear Grace United Methodist Church,
Thank you so very much for the delicious luncheon you
provided our school staff. The chicken salad was one of the
best Ive eaten! Also, thank you for providing Gods blessings
on our school year. These blessings mean so much to all of us.
Sincerely,
Michelle Bennett, Library Media Specialist


Grace UMC,
Thank you so much for the wonderful wheelchair ramp your
team built at our home on Saturday, June 28
th
. We cannot tell
you how much difference the ramp has made in our lives, and
now as we move forward it will keep my husband from being
totally house bound. We are truly blessed to have met your
team and to be a recipient of this special ministry of your
church. Please accept our donation to further your wheelchair
ramp ministry.

Graces Peace,
Sherry & Kenneth Bice


Dear Grace UMC,
Thank you for your support last year of $3,150 to the United
Methodist Childrens Home. This generous gift provided new
beginnings for all of our kids and families during the excitement
of Back to School.
Your giving bestows opportunities every single day through the
caring communities of our group homes, foster care programs,
and adoption services. Because of your generosity, our kids are
afforded all the extracurricular activities at their schools and in
their communities. This is so important, especially to our kids,
as it sets them up for a successful academic and social year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Blake Horne, President & CEO
Rebecca Morris, VP of External Affairs
Due to the large number of events at Grace, only a
few important church events are highlighted here.
Visit our online calendar at www.graceumchsv.org/
calendar for full details. A weekly calendar is also
posted on the church office door.

Important Grace Events in September

September 1 (Monday) Labor Day - Church Office Closed
September 3 (Wednesday) 5:00 pm Wednesday Family Nights
Meal & Bible Studies Continue
September 6 (Saturday) 10:00 am Outdoor Church
September 7 (Sunday) GraceFull Players Sunday
September 7 (Sunday) 1:00 pm Grace Family Fun Fly
September 7 (Sunday) 5:30 pm SPRC Meeting
September 8 (Monday) 8:30 am Salvation Army Sandwiches
September 8 (Monday) 8:30 am Fun Timers Trip to Bell
Buckle, TN
September 9 (Tuesday) 5:30 pm CASA TEMP$ Assessor's
Meeting at CASA
September 10 (Wednesday) 4:00 pm Blood Drive
September 12 (Friday) 5:00 pm Scrapbook/Crafters Night
September 13 (Saturday) 8:30 am Wheelchair Ramp Install
September 14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm GraceFull Players Luncheon
September 14 (Sunday) 3:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry
September 16 (Tuesday) 6:30 pm Church Council Meeting
September 15 (Monday) Newsletter Deadline
September 15 (Monday) 10:00 am Literary Ladies
September 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm Meals to Grow Packing
September 19 (Friday) 10:30 am Meals on Wheels
September 20 (Saturday) 6:00 pm Talents & Treats to
Triumph Fundraiser
September 21 (Sunday) 10:00 am Sticky Church Mixer
September 21 (Sunday) 5:30 pm Youth Think Orange Event
September 22 (Monday) 8:30 am Salvation Army Sandwiches
September 24 (Wednesday) 6:00 pm Kids Mission Madness
Begins
September 25 (Thursday) 12:30 pm United Methodist Women
September 26 (Friday) 5:00 pm Parents Night Out
September 27 (Saturday) 5:00 pm Kids Movie Mania
September 28 (Sunday) 12:00 pm Disc Golf Association

11



Greeters
9:00 am
7 Liz Hayes/Mary Allen
14 Carol Graham/Gina Barlow
21 Gail Linton/Andrew Riley
28 Betty & Nick Van Valkenburgh

11:00 am
7 Linda King/Tracy Higginbotham
14 Tom & Martina McIntyre
21 Linda King/Caroline Shaw
28 Shannon Rosenthal
Acolytes (11:00 am)

7 Sarah Grace Reynolds/Ainsley Lenahan
14 Reid & Riley Brown
21 John & Mark Allison
28 John Murray Jr./Ainsley Lenahan
Guest Deliveries
7 Jennie Rountree
14 Don Love
21 Emily Stinson/Callie Vincent
28 Gina Barlow
1 Otto Milstead
1 Teresa Love
2 Cara Goodmon
2 Dawn Lee
3 Josie Hicks
3 Leah Strickland
3 Tristin Saltzman
4 David Hicks
6 Todd Noren-Hentz
8 Don Love
11 Michael Shockley
12 Nicholas Marden
12 Larry Pelham
12 Lauren Rosenthal
13 Slade Hogan
14 Jeana Kowerduck
15 Lisa Dahlberg
15 Stan Patterson
16 Charlie Furlough
16 Sun Hickman
16 Jason Gruber
17 Rachael Benton
19 Jim Marconnet
23 Gwen Gunn
24 Neal Allgood
24 Don Boyd
25 Jay Allison
26 Matthew Bowman
26 Jack Wingate
28 Sharon Shockley
29 Carol Graham
29 Michael Guthrie
29 Rebecca McCoy
30 Zachary Hurley
11:00 am Childrens Church

7 Betsy Allison
14 To Be Determined
21 To Be Determined
28 Mandy Mitchell
9:00 am Childrens Church

7 Christy Odom
14 Rebecca Self/Joanne Weis/Corey Tolbert
21 Patty Runyan
28 Joanne Weis/Emily Weis
12









2113 Old Monrovia Rd.
Huntsville, AL 35806



CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
The church office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Our pastors and staff are
available by appointment in the afternoons. If you need to contact Pastor Bryan on Friday or Saturday, call his
mobile phone at (256) 527-5042.
BULLETIN DEADLINE
The deadline for information for the church bulletin is Tuesday afternoon. Please contact Vicki Sheehy at
(256) 430-0003 about information that needs to be included.

ARE YOU RECEIVING E-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS?
If you have e-mail, we encourage you to join our announcements list. You can sign up online from the church
web page at www.graceumchsv.org.

NEWSLETTER INFORMATION
The newsletter is published monthly, on the 4
th
Monday of each month. Articles are due by the 3
rd
Monday of
the month. Articles are received by e-mail: vickisheehy@graceumchsv.org OR place articles in newsletter
mailbox in church office. Thank you for your contribution of articles.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Pastors Mobile/Voice Mail # - (256) 527-5042 Pastors emailbryansisson@graceumchsv.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Grace UMC is a Safe Sanctuary Church.
Summaries of our Child and Youth Protection Policy are always available.