January 2014. We’ve already arrived in the fourteenth year of the twenty-first century. We have seen a lot of changes in the new millennium. From a technological perspective, many of you are probably like me, and already use the internet for shopping, banking, and even paying bills. In fact, one of the few times that I write a physical check is when I give to the church. Well, I have good news for all of us: now you can visit our church website at gracedawsonville.com and give to your church in much the same way as you shop or pay bills online. Online giving is easy and secure. You can avoid forgetting your checkbook on Sunday mornings, save a trip to the ATM, and easily track your charitable spending for tax purposes. Your online donation is safe and secure. Visit gracedawsonville.com and go to the “Giving Online” page. Click the “Give Now” button and you can donate with your credit card, debit card, or have the money directly transferred from your checking account to Grace. It is extremely simple, and you can set up a recurring donation or a one-time gift. You can also choose to give anonymously, if that is your preference. I have been giving my tithe through the website for the last two months, and my experience has been extremely positive. If you have any questions about how it works, let me know and I will be glad to share with you how you can simplify your giving to the church. Grace Presbyterian continues to minister to our community faithfully using the gifts that you share with us. Lives are changed, the kingdom of God expands, and Jesus Christ is glorified because of your faithfulness. Thank you for everything that you do. Blessings, David

Inside This Issue

2 Welcome New Members

3 Session Meeting Highlights

4 Fellowship Team

5 Worship Team

6 Reflection

7 Grace in a Box

8 Spiritual Formation

9 In Our Prayers

10 This & That

11 Grace Notes

12 Women of Grace; Deacons

13 Ushers, Liturgists and

Communion Servers

19 More Grace News

January, 2014

Volume 5 Issue 1

Grace 2 U Newsletter A Quarterly Publication of

Grace Presbyterian Church

Dawsonville, GA

Here we are in the Here we are in the Here we are in the Here we are in the 21212121stststst CenturyCenturyCenturyCentury!!!!

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

JeanJeanJeanJeannnnnette & Gordon Brandette & Gordon Brandette & Gordon Brandette & Gordon Brand

ElainElainElainElaineeee & Ron Coker& Ron Coker& Ron Coker& Ron Coker

Jane Jane Jane Jane & John Joh& John Joh& John Joh& John Joh

Nancy & Warren KingNancy & Warren KingNancy & Warren KingNancy & Warren King

Karen & Chuck KrussowKaren & Chuck KrussowKaren & Chuck KrussowKaren & Chuck Krussow

Nancy & Dick McNeilNancy & Dick McNeilNancy & Dick McNeilNancy & Dick McNeilllll

JaneJaneJaneJane & Daniel& Daniel& Daniel& Daniel MillerMillerMillerMiller

Priscilla & Donald TaylorPriscilla & Donald TaylorPriscilla & Donald TaylorPriscilla & Donald Taylor

Sherry & Bill WeeksSherry & Bill WeeksSherry & Bill WeeksSherry & Bill Weeks

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The Session key decisions from September through December are as follows:

Review of Key Decisions:

• Purchase of new speakers with amplifiers for the sanctuary and a new lapel microphone for David was approved.

• Sexton job description was ratified.

• Donna Weaver was hired as a part time Christian Education Director beginning November 4.

• Purchase of additional chairs for the basement was approved.

• Approved repairs to the church sign behind the building on Hwy. 53.

• The responsibility of sending flowers & cards to the bereaved & shut-ins was assigned to the deacons.

• Approved 3 weeks paid vacation for Crystal in 2014.

• Approved purchase of equipment and website link needed to offer weekly sermons in MP3 format on our website.

• Nominating Committee guidelines were adopted as written.

Grace 2 U Page 4 Fellowship Team News Fellowship committee report for 2013 The Fellowship Committee was busy in 2013 providing meals for sick, fellowship meals, flowers and snacks after church. Fellowship meals are scheduled four times each year and for special occasions, such as refreshments or meals after the Christmas Cantata, for Thanksgiving and the annual Congregational meeting. The church picnic at the Veterans Park in September was a success with plenty of food and fellowship for all. This newsletter is a product of the Fellowship Team and in 2013 went from a monthly publication to a quarterly publication. The team worked with the Session for any special needs and events that were planned for the Church and the members of the congregation have been helpful in this regard and in many other ways to minister to the congregation. New members are welcome and encouraged to join the Fellowship Team. Vic Wallace Fellowship Team Elder

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Worship Team

The Worship team is launching a campaign to enroll new members to work with us. Kathy Westra has resigned as our coordinator for assigning ushers and greeters. Kathy has served for three years and has done an excellent job. Please consider joining our Worship team and contact Mary Powell if you are interested. Our choir, led by the amazing Jeanne Luke, has done an outstanding job of leading us in worship. We now have a sound system that enhances the worship experience. Our congregation can hear David’s sermons no matter where they are sitting because he has a new lapel mike. Communion servers and Liturgist have been assigned January through June. The assignments have been posted on the bulletin board in the church. Please check the list and mark your calendars for your Sunday. Crystal will be sending out reminders. If you are interested in being a Liturgist or serving communion please let Mary Powell know so that she can put you on the list. Betty, Marion, Hanne and Doris continue to prepare our communion elements and their dedication deserves a round of applause. The worship team is looking for a few volunteers to serve on a wedding committee and an alter guild. If you are interested in serving in either of these areas please let Mary Powell know.

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Thanks to theseThanks to theseThanks to theseThanks to these hard hard hard hard working ladies at working ladies at working ladies at working ladies at

GSC!GSC!GSC!GSC!

GRACE in a BOX

UPDATE

Total meals served in 2012: 1,729Total meals served in 2012: 1,729Total meals served in 2012: 1,729Total meals served in 2012: 1,729

Total meals served in 2013: 2,202 Total meals served in 2013: 2,202 Total meals served in 2013: 2,202 Total meals served in 2013: 2,202

2013 increase: 4732013 increase: 4732013 increase: 4732013 increase: 473

That's a whopping 27.3% increase over 2012!

GIB has an unofficial operating committee. These folks are

instrumental in buying our food and packing our meals. They include

Bill Keller, Robert Ivy, Tom Quintrell, Wayne Watkins, and myself.

I have been sort of running GIB and it's predecessor, Grace Cafe, for

over four years. As of January 1, 2014, Wayne Watkins is going to

assume this responsibility. I know all the dedicated volunteers for GIB

will give Wayne the same support that they have given me. Thanks

Wayne, for heading up this organization that will continue to help

provide food for those in need in Dawson County.

New volunteers are welcome! Please contact Wayne Watkins to

become involved and to volunteer a few hours of your time on

Thursday afternoons. See page 13 for the Jan./Feb. GIB schedule.

There is one current opening, if you can volunteer.

Joe Fortune

GraceGraceGraceGrace

iiiin a n a n a n a

BoxBoxBoxBox

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Spiritual Formation at Grace

Much has happened the last quarter of the church year. Godly Play® is going well. Storytellers and Door

keepers are so faithful and come prepared to share with children, ages three through fifth grade. Parents are

given both a Godly Play® newsletter and email. These weekly resources help to equip parents as they seek to

enhance their child's Biblical preparation for the upcoming week.

Thanks to the Liturgical Arts Guild, children attending church are given a worship bag. This bag includes a

beautiful book entitled, A Children's Guide to Worship. The church mice icons found in the Order of Service

match what is found in this clever book. By "reading" this book, parents and children participate more fully in

worship.

The Children's Church room has also gotten a makeover. Thanks to Penny Putnam, we have "stained glass

windows." Carol Watkins made a wonderful picture of our Celtic Cross banner. The room really does match

"big church." In this space, children practice the many elements of worship but in a place they can explore

comfortably. I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to invite you to serve as a Children's Church

leader. Please contact me if you have any questions.

During the season of Advent, a Jesse Tree appeared on the back wall of the sanctuary. Since we have been

grafted and rooted into our faith, I took an opportunity to visually illustrate your inclusion into that

membership. I hope that you took time to find your name and rejoice in Grace's community of faith. Another

way we were drawn together was through the life experiences so beautifully conveyed in our Advent

Devotional Booklet. My heart was warmed as I reflected on your Christmas memories. I heard from many of

you. I trust that the goal of inspiring a deeper faith walk this season was accomplished. Now that we have had

our first annual booklet, I hope that many more of you will submit a page next year. Write down an

experience now while it is fresh and file it away. Your experiences are unique to you and we wish to celebrate

all of our combined insights and inspirations.

Our Adult Sunday School survey results revealed an overwhelming request for a Bible survey class.

Beginning January 19, 2014, at 9:30 AM, we will be offering an introductory Bible study. Margie O'Byrne and I

will be leading this class. The Kerygma curriculum has been designed for seekers, not Bible scholars. In the

near future, we hope to plan a more in depth study which may arise out of this class. The survey course will

be offered over eight weeks. Please bring your favorite Bible. Pastries, coffee, and juice will be provided. No

excuses for having to get up an hour early to attend!

Looking forward to more opportunities to celebrate our heritage and faith through spiritual formation.

Grace to you,

Donna Weaver, DCE

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In Our Prayers: Lane Adams (Grandson of friend of Marsha Loftin), Todd Anderson (Friend of Davida Simpson), Frank and Gail Barber (Friend of Gail Fortune), Harriet T. Burt (Neighbor of Mary Ann Sheehy), Nate and Missy Cobb (Friend of Davida Simpson), Erin Curry (Daughter of Marsha Loftin), Jimmy Davis (Friend of Joe and Gail Fortune), Norm Donald, Mike Ennis, Ed Flynn (Friend of Jim and Margie), Eleana Garrett, Carol Ann Groebner, Ron Hastings, Kathryn Higgins (Neighbor of Roy and Ann Riggs), Carol Holloway, Jessica Horah, Bob Ivey, Elinor Jones (Mother of Margie O’Byrne), Don Johnson (Board Chair of GSC), Devon King (Son of Joe and Mindy King), Jack Kinney, Sr. (Father of John Kinney), Tom Longerbeam, Samuel Loring, Naomi Luke (Mother of Jeanne Luke), Martha Lynn, Doris Maffucci, Pam McGowan, Ken Newell, Kay Parrish, David Quandt (Father of Davida Simpson), Jim and Renee (Friends of Sherry Weeks), Jim and Jeanne Selby, Harry Sims (Grandfather of River & Reagan Parrish), Larry Smith (Neighbor of Sandy Grimes), Troy Stimson, David Stone (Son-In-Law of Donna Weaver), Mary Ann & Irwin Topper, Billy and Carol Vickers (Friends of Marsha Loftin), Charles Walden, Jim Wilson, the Session of Grace, Community Helping Place, The Ric Rack, the girls from Rainbow, Good Shepherd Clinic, Grace-In-A-Box, Seneca Presbyterian Church (SC), those serving in the military and purchase of land Hospital: Gunny Moore, Ann Quandt (Mother of Davida Simpson) Nursing Home/Personal Care Home: Bertie Harmon, Elsie Kida (Granny of Davida Simpson), Edith Thomas (Mother of Tom Quintrell) Military: William Anderson (Son of Larry Anderson), Gregory Grimes (Nephew of John and Sandy Grimes), John Austin Hilton (Cousin of Jay Sessions), Trent Ingram (Nephew of John and Sandy Grimes), Lauren an Lindsay Mori (Daughters of Janie Mori Tinsley), Travis Nipper (Grandchildren of Clyde and Maxine Edwards), Scott O’Connor (Family of Pat Anderson), Lt. Aaron Rigdon (Cousin of Sherry Weeks), Ryan Winberry (Niece of the Grimes’) Noel Zvonar (Great Nephew of Zoe Putnam)

*Members of GPC are printed in blue

Everyone is asked to provide updates to Crystal in the church office as appropriate.

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Flowers and Refreshments

After this beautiful Christmas season, it's time to look ahead to the new year. Our new flower and refreshment calendar is up on the bulletin board in the hall and we hope you'll take a minute to look and see if there is a time that would work for you. We really appreciate you're being willing to provide the flowers for our Sunday service and a little snack to go along with our fellowship time after church. Neither one needs to be elaborate. Simple is good and anything is appreciated. Thanks for helping out with this in the past and hope you'll consider doing it again this next year. If you have any questions or need any help, please feel free to give me a call. Joann Keller Fellowship Team 706 265 9276

This and That

Grace in a Box

Schedule

January 2nd - Betty Powell

9th - OPEN

16th - Andy Clemons

23rd - Robert Ivy

30th - Vic Wallace

February 6th - Francis Ball

13th - Gail Fortune

20th - Mary Powell

27th - Randy Davis

REMINDER: If you are free to volunteer on an

occasional Thursday afternoon for

Grace in a Box, please contact

Wayne Watkins who is replacing

Joe Fortune in January, 2014 as

the coordinator.

ALSO: Please remember

that on the day you

volunteer, you are asked to

provide fresh fruit to go

with the box meals.

GraceGraceGraceGrace in ain ain ain a BoxBoxBoxBox

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I am one of those people who always looks forward to what has to be done next, but this year, when I

was asked to file a report for the music program for the year, I was amazed as I looked back over 2013.

When I started listing everything that came to mind, I was reminded that we have much to be thankful

for. Much more has been accomplished (through God’s grace and guidance) than I could have ever listed on

January 1, 2013 on my “Resolutions List for 2013 at GPC”.

I have reminded myself all year long that God always provides more for us than we could provide for

ourselves, if we only ask and trust Him. I know that God will continue to bless the music program and all the

people that dedicate themselves week after week to worship the Lord through music. Quite honestly, I know I

can be pretty tough on the choir sometimes, but it is because our Lord deserves the BEST we can give!

Here is an excerpt from my report:

Special Music for Easter and Christmas: Individual choral pieces, solos, and duets were put together and

customized for the choir for the Easter Service. The choir met early and sang for the Sunrise Service for the

first time. We sang “Behold The Star” for our Christmas musical this year, and, for our Christmas Eve service,

we sang from “Candles and Carols”.

Special Music: In addition to several choir members singing solos and duets throughout the year, we had a

harpist, 3 different solo singers, and our usual bagpiper, for our Anniversary Service.

Equipment Upgrade: Our sound equipment was upgraded to stereo, and speakers were added throughout the

sanctuary to aid the sound of the choir, increase the volume of the organ and piano, (especially for the

hymns). The pastor’s microphone was upgraded, as well as the podium microphone, to amplify anyone

speaking or reading at the podium. These upgrades were paid for by private donations.

Hymn books and Psalters: The newest version of the Presbyterian hymn books were donated by a private,

anonymous donor. Donna Weaver introduced us to the Psalter and they were purchased for the choir. We are

using these Psalm settings for most services, either as a Call to Worship or anthem.

Community Outreach: This was the second year that the North GA Chamber Symphony Orchestra performed 2

free concerts; open to the public, in our sanctuary. Both concerts had increased audiences from last year. This

year, we added a concert by the North GA Children’s Choir, as part of our Anniversary Celebration. Our church

choir was the first to be invited to sing for the Lighting of the Tree Ceremony in Dawsonville. Organist Brad

Maple and I represented our church in the Christmas Classics concert held at the Cumming Playhouse.

With God’s help and your continued support, the music program will continue to grow. Thank you,

everyone who donated money and time, for responding to God’s call. I can’t wait to see what He has in mind

for 2014!

Jeanne L.

Grace Notes

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WOMEN OF GRACE

Women of Grace: We were busy the last quarter of 2013. We saw the movie "Gravity" in October which was very good. Our group hosted a very nice wedding shower for Sharra Clemons in November. We went to the Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Advent Service in December which has become a yearly tradition. Please plan to attend next year as it is truly a wonderful service. For the benefit of our new members who are all invited to join us, we have a monthly "Ladies Luncheon" that is hosted by one of our committees each time. It will be the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1:00 and the cost is $7 per person. We look forward to your participation - it's a wonderful fellowship time with good food as an added perk! Let's look forward to more fun get-togethers in 2014! Please let your suggestions be known! Looking forward to seeing everyone soon. Barbara Quintrell

June - August, 2013 Schedule for Liturgists and Communion Servers

DEACONS

The Deacons will meet in January when they will welcome Gail Fortune and Duane Wallace will return for a second term. One of the first orders of business for the Deacons will be to update and add new members to the Shepherd Groups. Shepherds will be asked to contact and introduce themselves to new members of their flock. Hopefully, this will be completed by February. Your Grace Deacons are: Gail Fortune, Marsha Loftin, Doug Powell, Mary Ann Sheehy, Duane Wallace and Wayne Watkins. Wayne Watkins, Moderator

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This is the schedule for Liturgists and Communion servers for January - April, 2014. If you can't serve on the

date you are assigned please try to get someone else on the list to switch with you or contact Mary Powell,

ASAP. Thank you for your service to Grace!!!

Communion Servers:

January 5th

: Joe Fortune, Marsha Loftin (Intinction)

February 2nd

: Andy & Linda Clemons, Wayne & Carol Watkins (Passing)

March 2nd: Vic & Duane Wallace (Intinction)

April 6th

: Doug & Mary Powell, Gary & Catherine Pichon (Passing)

Liturgists: Ushers: Liturgists: Ushers: January January February February

1/5 Donna Weaver Duane & Vic Wallace 2/2 Mary Powell Janie & Hubert Tinsley

1/12 Jeff Shrader Ruby & WL Tatum 2/9 Randy Davis Barbara & Tom Quintrell

1/19 Grace Walden Brenda & Robert Ivy 2/16 Gary Pichon Gail & Joe Fortune

1/26 Vic Wallace Gary Pichon & Wayne Watkins 2/23 Margie O’Byrne Pat & Larry Anderson

March March April April

3/2 Pat Anderson Ruth Ann & Francis Ball 4/6 Mary Powell TBD

3/9 Doug Powell Linda & Andy Clemons 4/13 Wayne Watkins TBD

3/16 Penny Putnam Marjorie Fisher & Bonnie Fry 4/20 Penny Putnam TBD

3/24 Donna Weaver Margie & Jim Hambright 4/27 Donna Weaver TBD

3/31 Jeff Shrader Joann & Bill Keller

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F O C U

More Grace News . . .More Grace News . . .More Grace News . . .More Grace News . . .

Grace Presbyterian Church

P.O. Box 120

170 Hwy. 9 North

Dawsonville, GA 30534

Phone:

706.216.7747

E-mail:

gp2@trailwave.net

Dr. Mark Weaver – Organizing Pastor

(9.16.05 to 5.13.10)

David Jordan - Pastor

Donna Weaver - DCE

Jeanne Luke - Choir Director

Mr. Brad Maple - Musician

Mrs. Crystal Seymour – Church Administrator

January Birthdays 2nd - Crystal Seymour

3rd - John Joh 6th - Elena Garrett

7th - Robert Ivy 10th - Mary Jo Kinney

12th - Linda Clemons 14th - Vic Wallace

20th - Catherine Pichon 24th - Nancy McCue 30th - Tom Quintrell

Daniel Crabtree

February Birthdays 3rd - John Livingstone

5th - Rory Blackwell 15th - Marsha Loftin

Priscilla Taylor 17th - Margie O’Byrne

28th - Maxine Edwards

March Birthdays 1st - Richard Smith 6th - Jeanne Luke

7th - Joyce Ball 9th - Joe Fortune

10th - Doug Powell Ron Coker

12th - Kay Parrish 14th - Renee Livingstone

18th - Kathy Westra Marion Hopkins

20th - Jim Hambright 24th - Tom Longerbeam

30th - Jane Miller

April Birthdays 5th - Gail Fortune

13th - Daniel Miller 17th - Gretchen Blackwell

There are NO January or February Anniversaries on record. If you were wed in January or February, please

give Crystal your Anniversary Date, so we can celebrate you, too!

March Anniversary Blessings

20th - Sherry & Bill Weeks

April Anniversary Blessings 8th - Renee & John Livingstone

13th - Jane & Daniel Miller 14th - Bonnie & Earl Fry

27th - Nancy & Michael McCue 29th - Barbara & Tom Quintrell