Grace United Methodist Church

NEWSCASTER 2017 EDITION

April 9—Palm Sunday, 9 AM TFEC & 11 AM Sanctuary

April 13—Maundy Thursday, 7:00 PM TFEC

April 14—Good Friday, 12 Noon Sanctuary

April 16—Easter Sunday:

8:00 AM & 11 AM Traditional—Sanctuary

9:00 AM Modern—TFEC

10:30 AM Easter Egg Hunt – Side lawn, near Bell Tower

Hello Friends,

As we transition into Spring, we have finished up our Woodlawn Study. While going through this study, we have learned how to use our talents and spiritual gifts to share the gospel with others. We discussed the importance of discipleship and the call that God has on their lives. After finishing our bible study, we took a trip to Sky Zone. This trip was a great event for the kids to invite their friends and begin sharing their faith with their friends who don’t come to church. Below is a picture from that event. We will be starting a new study focused on Easter and the resurrection of Christ!

Anchored in Christ- Keriann Craig

If you have any questions or would like to help out with the youth contact Keriann at youth@graceontheisland.com

Grades 6th

- 12th

are welcomed to join us

Sunday and Wednesday Nights for

Anchored youth programs.

Youth Group

Sunday Nights- 5:00pm-7:00pm

Bible Study

Wednesday Nights- 6:00pm-7:00pm

LENT WEDNESDAYS!

Join us each Wednesday before Easter to participate in a first-hand experience of the Holy Week. We will have 5 stations, the last on Easter Sunday. Stations include Palm Sunday, The Last Supper. The Garden of Gethsemane, Good Friday and the Easter Resurrection. KIDZ will experience the most amazing and thought

provoking Easter journey as they travel through the 5 stations. Invite friends to join us!

EASTER SUNDAY

10:30 AM ON THE FRONT LAWN

CHILDREN BIRTH—5TH GRADE WELCOME

As the calendar moves us closer to Easter, our Bible stories also move us closer to the time of Jesus’ arrest and death. The stories around Jesus’ crucifixion involved many people. Peter’s denial of Jesus, is not the end of Peter’s story. Yes, Peter messed up. We all mess up at some point. The good news is that just as Peter was given another chance, so are we. In Matthew’s account of Palm Sunday, the palm branches were laid on the road and people also lined the road with clothes for the animal Jesus was riding to walk on. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding humbly on a donkey rather than pompously on a warhorse. Although their accounts differ in details, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all give an account of the empty tomb. In Matthew’s account of the empty tomb, it is Mary Magdalene and the other Mary who make the discovery. The angel then tells them to go and tell the disciples. On the way to do just that, the women meet Jesus himself. With the miracle, of the 153 fish, the beloved disciple recognizes Jesus. Hearing that the man on the beach is Jesus, Peter gets so excited that he jumps out of the boat and heads toward shore. Before Jesus’ death and resurrection, he performed miracles and shared meals with his followers. This story demonstrates that Jesus’ ministry will continue post-Resurrection. Enjoy celebrating Easter with your children. Easter is a time to celebrate God’s great, never-ending love. Jesus is alive!

~ Vicki

Sunday pick up and take home ministry is a great outreach to our homebound and shut-ins and we are in need of drivers! This ministry enables them to come to church to worship God with their fellow Christians in faith. We are flexible with your schedule! If you are interested in volunteering in this ministry outreach, please give Trina a call 488-1374.

Venice and Englewood Lions Club Vision Program provides free eye care and glasses. There is a large box located in the front office (main building) where you can donate your used glasses and cell phones.

For more information there are brochures located in the front office or you can call: 941-486-6065.

Sunday Morning Team

We have seven volunteers that open and lock up the church on Sunday mornings. This is saving GUMC funds because we do not have to hire someone to do it. Many thanks to the folks volunteering in this ministry. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact Jay Geerdes at 941-485-2634.

MINISTRY, MISSION, GROUP

Every active person in our Grace Church Family is encouraged to have a M, M, and G!

MINISTRY – At least one ministry within the church

MISSION – At least one mission to those outside the church

GROUP – At least one group during the year for spiritual growth and accountability

Do you have a Ministry, a Mission, and a Group?

MINISTRIES

We sometimes hear through casual comments of church members who are in assisted living, rehabilitation, or are home bound. Then it begs the question: How many are there that we don’t know about?

Please, if you know of someone in assisted living, rehabilitation or homebound (even if they have a caregiver), call the church office with their name and location. We want to make sure we are not missing anyone and we want to do a

better job in reaching out to our homebound members. Thank you for your assistance.

Grace is a Stephen Ministry congregation. A Stephen Minister is equipped to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. If you are called to be a Stephen Minister or are in need of a Stephen Minister, please speak to the Pastor.

Greeters 11 AM Service We need Greeters to help welcome people to Grace before the Traditional Service at both the front door and the back door. The time is from 10:30 to10:55. Everyone can greet, whether you're a new member or a long time member, come regularly or not so often. Also, if you attend the Contemporary Service and want to mingle and greet at a particular time, let us know. To volunteer, call Betty Jo Shiell 497-7854 or Mary Chambers 493-9644.

Office Volunteers!

NO experience necessary; we will train you. Volunteering consists of answering the phones, greeting and directing people to the correct staff member. There may be some light filing and copying. You are welcome to bring a book to fill the quiet moments.

Regular every week volunteers: you pick a shift that works for you and work that same shift every week. We have one shift available: Friday’s 12-2:30. We ask that volunteers work one shift so that others have the opportunity to participate in this ministry.

If you are interested in working any of these, please call Trina in the office at: 941-488-1374.

8th ANNUAL 90 HOUR BIBLE READ-a-THON

APRIL 4 – 8 IN VENICE AT THE GAZEBO in

CENTENNIAL PARK (starting at 7 PM

WHO: Anyone who would like to read God’s word publicly is invited to participate. Readers will be reading from the King James Bible (on the podium) and may read for 15 minutes or longer. It is important that sign up for your preferred time as soon as possible calling Kathy at 941-408-0013. Reading takes place around the clock so sign up for daytime or nighttime hours. WHY: We will be r ichly blessed for proclaiming his word in the city of Venice as we pray for wisdom and direction for leaders of our country.

Saving Campbell’s Soup Labels AND

Box Tops for Red Bird Mission

For soup labels: the whole coupon needs to be cut out, including the code on the label and the red part that says 1 coupon’.

For Box Tops: it’s the little label that says ‘Box Top’ including the expiration date. Turn them in at the front office. Henderson Settlement uses the box tops for school supplies for the two schools that are part of the mission. On some snacks, there is a note on the front of the bag that a box top is there. It is usually very small on the back.

This is a mission that is part of the Red Bird Missionary Conference located in a very poor section of our great country in SE Kentucky. With labels that we might just throw away, this mission is able to get items that help the children and adults they serve. For other information contact: Dorris Ann Wasson 941-412-0847.

Family Promise

DATES GRACE WILL HOST FAMILY PROMISE:

2nd Quarter 2017 = 4/16/17 - 4/23/17

3rd Quarter 2017 = 8/13/17-8/20/17

4th Quarter 2017 = 10/1/17-10/8/17

If you’re interested in helping with evening activities, please call Steve Boone (941-685-5520) or email sboone@boone-law.com. Thanks!

The United Methodist Men

"Turtles! Turtles! Turtles everywhere! Ranger Gene Stover is a Mote volunteer and he will be speaking on the hatching of baby turtles on the beaches of Venice and Sarasota County at the April UMM Supper. He has presented this program to the UM Women and they have rated it with 'five thumbs up. It is on Monday, April 3, 2017, starting at 5:45 p.m. for appetizers and fellowship. Grandpa's bring your grandchildren who I believe will enjoy this program. Supper is provided by our very own UM Women. Please register my noon Friday, March 31. You can register after that, however, if the food runs out you will not receive a meal, but you are welcome to stay for the program and fellowship.

Travel Group

Our Travel is over for 2016-2017 season. We thank all for your participation and prayers, even if you didn't participate. Our plans for 2017-2018 are taking shape. They will include:

Branson - Christmas shows December 5-9 Apollo Beach and Manatees January 17, 2018 Cruise-Western Caribbean from Tampa Feb 4-11, 2018 Baseball- March 2018

And a few more to be determined. Come with us!

Church Women United Schedule for 2017

All celebrations are potluck luncheons that begin at noon.

April 7, 2017—Our Annual Spring Tea Fund Raiser

This is held at 2:30 PM at Venice Presbyterian Church on the Rialto. Tickets may be purchased from your church representative or at the March luncheon.

May 5, 2017—May Friendship Day Celebration

Venice United Church of Christ—620 Shamrock, Venice Key Women Awards to be given and Dedication of The Least Coin from all the churches. Please bring canned goods for the Center of Hope.

It is very important to tell your church representative, Joyce Shelso, 941-525-7094 you are coming or call Diane Penick, 941-480-9053 so we can get an accurate count and know how many tables and chairs to set up each time. Feel free to bring lots of guests!

GROUPS MISSIONS

April 30 Fifth Sunday offering will be taken for the Florida United Methodist Children's Home. It was established as an orphanage in 1908 by FL Methodists and by the 1950’s had changed its major emphasis to caring for abused abandoned neglected or dependent children. Boys and girls are accepted without regard to race, creed or national origin. The staff is composed of competent and dedicated professionals who share of share responsibility for caring for the children 24 hours a day. The beautiful 100 acre Enterprise campus is located on Lake Monroe 30 miles north of Orlando I-4 exit 108. With the Enterprise campus as focal point of activity the Home assists children in other facilities in independent living in foster care and those in vocational and institutions of higher education. Remember the Fifth Sunday Offering is vital to the success of the ministry. Submitted by: Gerrie Parsons (Local Church Representative)

The Piecemakers’ News

Thanks to the congregation and friends of GUMC for supporting the Piecemakers! Sales of our handiwork have enabled us to make the following gifts, in addition to our tithe to the church:

$550 to Hope 4 Communities $1000 to our sister church in Cuba $500 to Cornerstone (children and family ministry

in Tampa) $450 to the Preschool Scholarship Fund

$500 towards the repair or replacement of the grill in TFEC

The Piecemakers welcome new members. We meet in the East Wing on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Our mission is “to support each other in fellowship and love as we create quilts for our babies, shut-ins, and friends of Grace United Methodist Church who need comfort; and to make items for sale to assist our church financially.”

If you know of someone in the congregation who would like to receive a visit and a comfort quilt please let the Piecemakers know. If you have a son or daughter returning home from active duty in the military and would like to have him or her receive a quilt, please call Carol Simpson

Happy Easter Grace Family

By now the chapel should be complete. Stop by and take a look.

The Eagle Scouts that built our pergola are at it again. There is a new scout project under way. Ralph Ortiz, a scout earning his Eagle Scout badge has to build 3 picnic tables. One will be handicapped accessible, install lighting and and build a fire pit. This will make our pergola area more inviting for everyone to use. Thanks scouts.

We have other projects that the Trustees are working on but will go into these efforts in the future.

With Blessings, Randy

GRACE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Program

April 11 at 9:30am the women of Grace will be taking a field trip to Instride Equine Assisted Therapy in Nokomis. The goal of Instride is to improve the physical and mental abilities of special needs individuals through equine assisted therapies. Their mission: “ Partnering with horses, we challenge individuals with special needs to reach their fullest potential.”

All women of Grace UMC are invited to join us in our visit to this wonderful program that is practically in our backyard. We will meet at the church at 9:30am Make reservations for a ride by calling Nancy Vanderwall, 485-2401. Bring a sandwich lunch. Drinks and additional food will be provided. We return to the church around 1:00pm. Plan to attend to hear about and see this interesting program that makes such a difference for so many.

Grace United Methodist Women’s Circles

Circles are 3 smaller groups that meet on Tuesdays, April 18th at 9:30am in Punch Hall. All women of Grace UMC are invited to join one of the circles at this time.

Lois Circle is one of three circles that meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 9:30AM in Punch Hall. Lois Circle started many years ago as an evening circle for working women. All the members have long been retired and now meet on the third Tuesday morning of each month at 9:30 AM. We are responsible for compiling two cookbooks, one in 1980 and one in 2009. At our meetings members take turns sharing a program from the Response Magazine. For years we have been providing a scholarship to our church’s preschool for families that are unable to afford the tuition. We will soon be making 225 favors for the July Meals on Wheels. We recently prepared the luncheon for our January UMW meeting. Come join us on the third Tuesday.

Choir News Everyone of us sopranos, altos, tenors and basses has

something to sing about as we prepare for each Sunday of

Lent and, even more enthusiastically, for Easter Sunday.

This is equally tree of our Grace Tones Hand bell

Ensemble. The talent and dedication of these ringers and

singers is greatly appreciated!

On a sadder note we said farewell to a treasured choir

member Carol Moruzzi has been a faithful part of our alto

section for over forty years. She is moving to Palm Springs,

CA where her son Peter reside.

We will miss you greatly Carol!

The Threadcatchers quilting circle meets every Friday 9am to Noon in Room A8. For information call Lorry Stover at 485-0094.

Grace Book Lovers meets April 25 (Tuesday) at 10:00AM in the church parlor to discuss UNDER MAGNOLIA, a memoir by Frances Mayes, a native of Fitzgerald, Georgia. Helen Boruff will lead the discussion. Lunch afterward is optional. All readers are welcome, but especially small town natives this month. If you have any questions please call Helen Boruff 485-8293

GROUPS

We Encourage You to Give Through Online Giving

Here are some options to choose from: 1. BILL PAY THRU YOUR LOCAL BANK VIA

ONLINE BANKING - Set up your weekly/monthly giving via your local bank just as you would your mortgage payment or your utility payment 2. AUTHORIZE GUMC TO DO A MONTH DEBIT

TRANSACTION - This method will need an authorization form signed at the church office. Please see Trina Cook for the authorization form.

Freda Boone Scholarship For Grace Summer Camp has been set up for boys and girls to attend our Grace Summer Camp. We were blessed by Freda for so many years at our church. She was a charter member of Grace. Because of her love for children, it is our honor to have this scholarship in her name. If you find it in your heart, funds can be added to the scholarship in Freda’s name.

GIVING

ALTAR FLOWERS

Kindly consider enhancing the beauty of our worship areas by placing flowers on the altar. Flowers can be given IN MEMORY OF or IN HONOR OF loved ones or friends. Bouquets are $35.00 each and are yours to claim after the 11:00 AM service. Sign up on the flower calendar in the hallway by the staff offices.

In the Hospital? If you or a loved one goes in the hospital, please call the church office at 488-1374 and notify us. Clergy no longer have access to the patient listing.This

means that our church and Pastor will not know if one of our church family is in the hospital unless someone calls the church office and notifies us. Thank you for your help.

GENERAL INFORMATION

A brick may be engraved in memory of loved ones. In order to maintain consistency throughout the walkway, memorial brick will be engraved with your loved one’s name, year of birth and year of death. Money received from the purchase in excess of memorial brick cost will be used for the continued maintenance and upkeep of the Memorial Garden and Walkway. Forms are located in the Church front office. Return the completed form and check in the amount of $100.

ATTENDANCE

Average FEBUARY 2017 Worship—511

Average Sunday school—96

Average Yearly Attendance Worship—471

We do NOT have a building fund. This would imply we are gathering/saving funds to start a new building project.

We do currently have a loan from building the Preschool and renovation of TFEC. IF you plan to give directly to pay the loan – please note on check “LOAN REDUCTION” and we will know these funds go to the principle of the loan.

Thank you!

Our Church Library - Interested in religious education, church history, Methodism, international issues, or literature? Then go to the section of shelves that is fourth from the wisdom. Many helpful resources are available as guides in religious education, among them over 200 Questions Children Ask about God, and Bringing Out the Winner in Your Child. The church history section is wide-ranging, from the Dead Sea Scriptures and The First Christians, to The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask. In the Methodism and other religions section are multiple copies of The Methodist Discipline and the Book of Mormon, as well as topics that are relevant today, such as Why Conservative Churches Are Growing. Bending down to the lower shelves will yield a trove of interesting reading on international issues and book of literature, including novels, poetry and essays.

Grace NEW Office Staff

Please help us in welcoming Tia Fishburn to the Grace Office staff as the Office Assistant. Tia works Monday

through Friday from 9am-1pm. Tia will be taking over the: Bulletin, Newscaster, Slides, and Email blast publications.

Please email information to her at: officeassistant@graceontheisland.com

The Publication deadlines remain the same and are located on the staff hallway bulletin board and in the work room

bulletin board. We look forward to working with you Tia!!!

GENERAL INFORMATION CONTINUED

IN MEMORIAM

Harold Dore ~ June Shank ~ Linda Trigg ~ Evelyn Mahoney

MEMORIAL/ HONOR DONATIONS

Operating Fund in MEMORIAL of Harold K. Dore by William L. Rohm

MEETINGS

♦ UMM Dinner: Monday, Apr il 3, at 5:45PM in Punch Hall

♦ Finance Meeting: Tuesday, Apr il 11, at 8:00AM in Punch Hall Conference Room

♦ UMW Executive Meeting: Tuesday, April 11, at 9:30AM in Punch Hall Conference Room

♦ UMW General Meeting & Luncheon: Tuesday, April 11, at 11:30AM OFF CAMPUS

♦ UMW Circle Meetings: Tuesday, April 18, at 9:30AM in East Wing, West Wing and Punch Hall

♦ Staff Parish Committee Meeting: Tuesday, April 18, at 6:30PM in the Parlor

♦ Church Council: Tuesday, Apr il 25, at 6:30PM in the Chapel

NEWSCASTER DEADLINE: Please submit all articles by April 10 for inclusion in the

May Newscaster. Thank you!

POLICIES: These policies are in place to ensure space and equipment will be available to you and your ministry and applies to everyone, including the congregation & staff.

1. Room Reservations: Any time you wish to use any rooms or equipment on Campus the schedule needs to be checked and paperwork filled out for the office and custodian.

2. Groups currently using rooms: If your group needs a larger space, a different date, time, or is not meeting, we need to know so we can be sure your needs can be met.

3. Table/Information Reservations: If you wish to have tables or easels in the TFEC lobby or Narthex, paperwork is required.

4. Bus/Van reservation: If you wish to use the bus or van for your ministry, please get with the office manager. Insurance paperwork must be submitted 10 business days pr ior to dr iving and the schedule needs to be checked.

Due Date Information:

1. Sunday bulletins information is due 10 days prior to the date.

2. Newscaster schedule is located on the bulletin board in the staff hallway or in the work room on the bulletin board.

Please see Trina in the church office for any of these requests.

Country Store

The final Country Store sales for the season will be April 1 and 15! Don’t miss your chance at some great bargains! Donations always accepted for our Fall sales. Please contact Judy Johnson, 941-488-6929.

The United Methodist Men Pancake Breakfast

Don’t miss your last opportunities for the pancake breakfast this season (April 1 and 22)!

Venice MainStreet

Grace has a membership with Venice MainStreet which gives us the opportunity to advertise at the Centennial Park Kiosk, their weekly e-newsletter, and social media. We also have a free listing on their website directory. IF your group/ministry would like to take advantage of this marketing opportunity please follow the guidelines below. Please keep in mind – we don’t have a staff member for marketing, I will do my best to

get this information submitted. Best to send in early…

1. Please email me your flyers or announcements. a. I can’t make up your flyers or type up announcements.

b. I will need it by WEDNESDAY’S at noon so that I can meet the deadline for submission..

Suggestion: have one person from your group/ministry be the marketing contact. Katrina Cook, Office Manager

Richard Kagy was in the hospital and has just come home and he wants to thank everyone for all the prayers, cards, calls and visits during his illness.

GENERAL INFORMATION CONTINUED CALENDAR INFORMATION

APRIL

1.

8:00am Pancake Breakfast, TFEC

5:00pm Suncoast Emmaus, PH

2. Communion Sunday

3. 5:45pm UMM Dinner, Punch Hall

4. 9:15am Preschool Chapel,Chapel 6:00pm Girl Scouts, TFEC Room 203

5. 12:00pm Lent Lunch & Study, PH, Chapel 5:15pm Divine Mentor Dinner Class, TFEC/Parlor

6. 11:30am Preschool Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, Pergola, PH Kitchen & PH

7.

8.

9. Mission Sunday

Palm Sunday

10:05am Meet the Pastor, Library

11:30am Your turn SS Class gathering, PH

10. Newscaster Information Due

11. 8:00am Finance Meeting, PH conf. room

9:30am UMW Executive Meeting, PH conf. room

11:30am UMW

General Meeting, OFF CAMPUS

12:30pm Preschool Directors Meeting, Meeting Room C

12. 9:15 Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary

12:00pm Lent Lunch & Study, PH, Chapel 5:15pm Divine Mentor Dinner Class, TFEC/ Parlor 6:30pm Stephen Ministry, Library

13. Holy/Maundy

11pm Venice AAUW Branch Meeting, PH

1:30pm VOI Communion, VOI 7:00pm Maundy Thursday Service, TFEC

14. Good Friday (Office closes at Noon) 12:00pm Good Friday Service, Sanctuary Pancake Breakfast Setup, TFEC

15. 8:00am Pancake Breakfast, TFEC

16. EASTER

8:00am Easter Service, Traditional, Sanctuary

9:00am Easter Service LJ Contemporary, TFEC 10:30am Egg Hunt, Near Bell Tower Family Promise, TFEC

17. 6:30pm Suncoast Emmaus Group Meeting, East Wing

Family Promise, TFEC

18. 9:30am UMW Circle Meeting, EW,WW, PH

6:00pm Girl Scouts, TFEC Room 203

6:30 Staff Parrish Meeting, Parlor Family Promise, TFEC

19. 8:00am Newscaster Collators, Meeting Room C

9:00am UMM Meting, Parlor 5:15pm Divine Mentor Dinner Group, Dinner TFEC/ Parlor Family Promise, TFEC

20. Family Promise, TFEC

21. 2:00pm Travel Group Meeting, Parlor Family Promise, TFEC

22. Family Promise, TFEC

23. Can Food Sunday

24. 4:30pm Community Dinner, Punch Hall

25. 10:00am Book Lovers Group, Parlor 6:00pm Church Council Meeting, Chapel

26. 9:15am Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary 5:15pm Divine Mentor Dinner Group, Dinner TFEC/ Parlor 6:30pm Stephen Ministry, Library

27. 6:00pm Scout District Committee Meeting, Library

28.

29

30. Children’s Home 8:30am Blood Drive, Big Parking Lot

EVERY SUNDAY

8:30 Coffee Time, TFEC

9:00 LifeJourney Worship, TFEC

9:00 Children’s Church, Rooms 106, 108

9:30 Adult Sunday School, Wesleyan, WW; Christian Encounters, EW

10:00 Kidz Club Class, RM 205/206/207

10:15 Youth Sunday School, Room 200

10:15 LifeJourney Adult Sunday School: Relevance, Room 103; YourTurn, Parlor B

11:00 Traditional Worship, Sanctuary

3:00 Youth Confirmation Gathering

5:00 Youth Group, TFEC

EVERY MONDAY

12:30 Preschool Piano, Sanctuary

12:45 Preschool Dance, TFEC 108

7:00 First Place 4 Health, WW

EVERY TUESDAY

10:00 Staff Meeting, PH Conf RM

5:30 GraceTones, Music Room

6:30 Cub Scouts, PH/EW/WW

7:00 AA, Meeting Room C

7:00 Emmaus Men’s, Library

EVERY WEDNESDAY

9:00 Piecemakers Quilting, EW & PH 12:45 Preschool Gymnastics, TFEC

1:30 Preschool Meeting, Library

3:30 Jesus in the Gospels, Parlor 5:15 Snack Supper, TFEC

6:00 Kidz Club, TFEC

6:00 Youth Bible Study, TFEC

6:30 Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Music Room

6:30 Boy Scout Troop #77, PH/EW/WW

7:00 Al Anon, MR-C

EVERY THURSDAY

12:30 Preschool Piano, Sanctuary

12:45 Preschool Gymnastics, TFEC

6:30 LJ Praise Team Practice, TFEC

7:00 AA, Meeting Room C

EVERY FRIDAY

9:00 Threadcatcher Circle, PH, EW

10:00 French Class, Meeting Room C

12:45 Preschool Ninja, TFEC 108

Calendar Events That Occur on a Regular Basis

APRIL VOLUNTEERS

DATE PICK-UP TAKE HOME 2 Steve Boone Steve Boone 9 Terry Winfrey Steve Boone

16 Randy Johnson Randy Johnson

23 John Thurston John Thurston 26 Robert Waldron Robert Waldron

Mel & Phyllis Johns Carl & Ruth Johnson

Date Front Door Back Door

April 2 Peg Oatley Carol Simpson

April 9 Phyllis Reider & Lori Bibeault David Penson

Easter 8:00AM April 16 Betty Jo Shiell Mary Chambers

11:00AM Sally Russell Dottie& Ed Kalchbrenner

April 23 Russ & Pat Johnson Linda Sparr

April 30 Diane & Paul Cline Marita Dishon

If your birthday or anniversary is not listed but should be, or if there are any errors, please email or call the church office so that a correction can be made.

Thank you!

1 John Curry

2 Michael Shahan

Jean Will Jake Delaney

Barbara Carmack 3 Jenna Williams

4 Janet Howe

Nancy Burnham

5 Nancy Soucy

6 Charlotte Earle

7 Ed Campbell Ayleen Durrer Julie Whittaker 8 Anddrew Toepfer Barbara Hontz

Ryan Rutherford

9 Daniel Meyer 10 Leon Goolden

Diane Kingsbury

Allen Pfundtner Ned Katterheinrich

13 Art Kingsbury

David Williams

14 Jennifer Giesel Tanner Mocny

15 Sara Mackey Shala Rossheim

16 Dick Hoyt 18 Renee Kemper Bernstein

19 Brian Williams

23 Donald MacLeod

Pat Jandacek

24 Mary King

Ethan Giesel 25 Suzanne Berndt 26 Bertha Campbell Lorraine Astfalk

28 Pat Hall Mike Berndt Caltlyn Hill 29 Dot Hicks

Carolyn Winfrey

1 Nancy & Ralph Burnham

6 Russell & Patricia Johnson

8 John & Ella Thurston

10 Jim & Margaret Tilton

12 John & Martha Milton

James & Giesel Froelich

14 Sheldon & Cindy Toepfer 17 Larry & Arla Henthorn

22 Rod & Joann Crotty

24 Frank & MaryLou Maradeo

26 Bob & Margaret Bricker

Grace United Methodist Newscaster (USPS 581-930) is published monthly (except July) by Grace United Methodist Church, 400 Field Avenue East, Venice, FL 34285-4035. Periodicals Postage Paid at Venice, FL 34285, and additional mailing offices.

Grace United Methodist Church

400 Field Avenue East

Venice, Florida 34285-4312

941-488-1374

Postmaster: Send Address Changes to:

Grace United Methodist Church Newscaster

400 Field Avenue East , Venice, FL 34285-4035

LABEL

CHURCH STAFF

Kenneth Carter, Florida Conference, Resident Bishop

Rinaldo Hernandez, District Superintendent, SW District

All Members of the Church, Ministers

Robin Hager, Pastor Suzanne Berndt, Interim Organist/Director, Traditional Music

Mary Jeanne Moorman, Pianist Anddrew Toepfer, Praise Team Leader

Keriann Craig, Youth Director Vicki Mackey, Children’s Director Faithe Johnson, Preschool Director Katrina Cook, Office Manager Tia Fishburn, Office Assistant

Frank Hall, Custodian

Karen Bowles, Housekeeper

GRACE VISION AND

MISSION STATEMENTS

VISION: Living in Grace

VISION STATEMENT: G – Grow in our faith through our personal relationship with Jesus. R – Respond to Chr ist’s love by shar ing our time, talents, gifts and resources. A – Accept everyone with open hear ts, open minds and open doors. C – Connect with God and one another to experience the love of Jesus. E – Equip followers to serve and make

disciples in our community and world.

MISSION STATEMENT:

At Grace United Methodist Church, We welcome each person. We share the love of Jesus. We spread His grace to the world.

GRACE PRESCHOOL NEWS

We hope everyone has had a wonderful Spring

break! As we begin the month of April learning

new things, let us be reminded to trust in the

Lord with all of our heart.

We are getting ready for Easter! Our children

are learning about the gift that God gave us in

the sacrifice of his Son. We will be closed on

Good Friday, April 14th.

And finally, registration period is complete with

a very limited number of spaces available in some

classrooms. We are once again blessed to have

such a great preschool where families entrust

their children!