Growing in

IN THIS ISSUE

Celebrating God’s love, seeking God’s direction together August 2012

Monthly Scriptures 2

Greeters, Counters, etc. 2

Calendar 3

Youth/Children 4,5

Kids, Birthdays 6,7

Choir News, Tidbits 8,9

Missions, New Bible Study 10

WEP 11

New Members, Treasurer 12

Trustees 13

From the Pastor Back page

Growing In Grace A publication of Grace United

Methodist Church 1209 Country Club Road

Newport News, VA 23606 (757)595-0017

Fax (757)599-1550 www.graceumcnn.org

admin@graceumc.hrcoxmail.com

Pastor: Helen Casey-Rutland

Sunday Services: Early Worship: 8:45 am

Traditional Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Summer Mission Adventures

Kenya Partners

Susan Devane

Children at Helping Hands

VBS Mission Project

Youth At

Mission Encounter

Shade Tree and Fresh Water Project and the

John Wesley Medical Mission Boat in Brazil

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Scripture Readings: August 5 ~ Frances Porter

2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a; Psalm 51:1-12 (UMH 785)

Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35

August 12 ~ Regina South

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33; Psalm 130 (UMH 848)

Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51

August 19 ~ Ann Talbot

I Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14; Psalm 111 (UMH 832)

Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6-51-58

August 26 ~ Audrey Wiggs

I Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43; Psalm 84(UMH 804);

Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69

*Readings for the worship services will generally be

chosen from the scriptures above. (Readings may vary for special services.)

Counting Team #2

*Joan Heaton

Ann Berrier Connie Keator

Bob Berrier

Lockup:

Jan Tyler

5th ~ Phillip and Katie Burke 12th ~ Marie and Wesley Boyd 19th ~ Frank and Audry Wiggs 26th ~ Sally and Bob Taylor

Ushers:

Team #1

*Bob Berrier Phil Burke

Acolyte for

August:

Kate Perkins

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

August 2012

Every Sunday Early Service 8:45 am

Sunday School 9:45am Traditional Service 11:00 am

2:00pm Nepali-Speaking Worship

6:00 Praise Choir No Chancel

Choir

6:00 Praise Choir No Chancel

Choir

6:00 Praise Choir No Chancel

Choir

No 4th Sunday Fellowship

8:30 am Salv. Army Sandwiches with youth 1:30 pm

Points of Grace

PLG Last Week Summer

Session 9:00am ~ 1:00pm 6:00

Praise Choir No Chancel

Choir

7:00 Trustees 7:00 Stewardship

/Finance Mtg

1:30 pm Points of Grace

Helping Hands

Kids Mission

6:00 Praise Choir No Chancel

Choir

7:00 Church Council Mtg.

12:30 Worship Comm.

5:30 Urban Partner’s Mtg

12:15 Ranhorne

Memorial Mtg

12:15-3:00 Youth Pool

Party

12:15-4 Youth w/Nepali-speaking kids

Tax Free Shopping

August 3-5

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Mission Encounter at Blackstone Center! Eight adults, children, and youth attended Mission Encounter, a Virginia Conference Retreat, at Blackstone Center from July 27-29. In addition to worship, studies included Haiti, immigration in the Bible, and poverty issues. Youth engaged in a hands-on mission project. We’ll be sharing our experiences with the church in the next few weeks. Thanks to all those who attended! Planned attendees include: Maggie Keator, Johnny O’Neill, Austin Capps, Ben

Hancock, Guadelupe Flores, Juliana Smith, Matthew Smith, and Elijah Smith.

Thank You! Thanks to everyone who participated and volunteered in Vacation Bible School in July! Operation Overboard brought stories of “going deep with God” to 58 children. Our Nepali-speaking friends joined us, and we received help from many youth in addition to our adult volunteers. We raised over $144 for the Shade Tree and Fresh Water Project and the John Wesley Medical Mission Boat in Brazil. Thanks also to those who participated in Teens Opposing Poverty

(Tops) with Christ UMC, especially to Julie Hancock, who helped plan a

summer fun picnic for needy people meeting at Trinity UMC on July 22nd.

Helping Hands Mission is a two day mission designed to be a first-time

mission trip for 4th -6th graders. Elijah Smith and Porter McFall will go to

Williamsburg United Methodist on August 6 & 7 to participate.

A big thank you goes to Ford McFall for chaperoning!

Preschoolers and Parents You are invited for a special Fun on the Playground Sunday!

Come Sept. 9 for a picnic lunch (free) after the 11 am service.

We hope to see you there!

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Facebook

Are you a big Facebook fan? If so, you are invited to share your expertise

and enthusiasm with the youth and help us put together a youth group

Facebook page. Please contact Juliana Smith if you can help. Thanks!

Upcoming Youth Events

August 5 - Pool Party Part II- Glendale Pool, bring sunscreen, a towel, and a

swimsuit to change into after the 11:00 service. Please bring a few dollars

to chip in for a pizza lunch and $3 if you are not a Glendale Pool member.

Monday, August 20 – 9 am. Sandwich making for Salvation Army, (the

church lady who usually do this will instruct us) followed by bowling. Please

bring $3 for bowling, plus whatever you want to cover snacks. We expect to

finish around 1 pm.

August 26 - 2:15- 4. Youth are invited to host the Nepali children at a game/

ice cream party. (to be confirmed)

September 2 – 5-7 p.m. Movie night at the Lambert/Perkins House. Please

bring a dish to share.

September 16 - 5:30 -7 Middle School Youth.

Saturday, Sept. 22 - 1 pm. Travel to Williamsburg to see Jesus

Christ Superstar. This Andrew Lloyd Weber play was the first

ever rock opera, and it is a moving dramatization of the last

week of Jesus’ life. RSVP ASAP. Ticket prices and

transportation arrangements tba.

Youth are hungry people! Are you willing to share the hospitality of the

church by providing a simple dinner for one of our Sunday meetings

this fall? If so, please contact Juliana Smith at 258-9273.

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August Birthdays Happy Birthday To You! Happy

Birthday To You! Happy Birthday Dear…..

1 Susan Devane 8 Myrna Thompson 21 Helen Casey-Rutland

2 Connie Keator 9 Kathryn Wiggin 22 Harriett Tomaseski

Betty Sharpe 13 Iris Walls Capp Lovelace

Blackie Jackson Lynn Mcdonald 23 Timothy Lopez

Delores Sutherland 16 Judy Capps Bobby Walker IV

3 Kenneth Knemeyer 17 Iris Layton 24 Mary Ann Johnson

4 Ginger Root Michael Northway 25 Regina South

Will Ouzts, Jr. Emily Dershem Lee Hauser

Christie Wojciechowski 19 Frances Porter 26 Austin Capps Jr.

5 Beverly Ouzts Dee Johnston 27 May Nelson

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Lauren Daughtrey Payton Hobson

Golf Team? Is it possible for Grace to have a team of golfers play in the 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament for DUCO, September 28th, hosted by the Elks Lodge #315? The Missions Committee already has one player, and we need three more. If you want to be on the Grace team speak to Chuck Root, phone: 599-0124. Additional

information is coming soon.

Congratulations to

Santa Gajmere and

his new wife, Romila.

Santa is the

coordinator of the

Nepali-speaking

Newport News

Christian Fellowship.

He was married July

14 in Chicago and

then had a Wedding

Celebration on July

21 here at Grace.

August Sales Tax Holiday: School Supplies and Clothing When: First full weekend of August (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) each year. This year the holiday will take place August 3-5, 2012. What's Exempt: During this three-day period, purchases of qualifying school supplies selling for $20 or less per item, and purchases of qualifying clothing and footwear selling for $100 or less per item will be exempt from sales tax. Note: This is a great time to purchase items to donate locally or to use in School Kits.

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Looking for counters If you would like to join one of the

teams that counts the money on

Sunday mornings, please contact

Blackie Jackson. Commitment is

about 2 months per year.

Looking for ushers If you would like to usher at

the 11am service, please

contact Tina Fields.

Commitment is about 2

months per year.

Ways to serve at Grace

Early Service and Praise Choir Our Early Service continues this summer with lively music, joyful worship, heartfelt sharing,

and a friendly welcome. The Praise Choir practices each Thursday evening at 6 – everyone is

welcome to join. If you would like to participate in any other way, from getting to church in

time to welcome early arrivals to helping with sound or visual presentations to serving

communion, let the pastor know. And bring a friend with you to church!

Are you feeling called to a greater leadership role at Grace? Do you have talents or gifts you could offer? Our Lay Leadership Committee will be lifting up leaders for the coming year and welcomes your input. Please talk with the pastor if you would like to serve or if you see in someone else the gifts of leadership.

Napali-speaking refugee Children’s Program

The Nepali-speaking refugee children's program, started earlier in the year by a group of CNU students, has met on Sunday afternoons to help the development of the children's reading and writing. These delightful kids learn new vocabulary and the components of good grammar, as well as take some time to have fun! Currently, the group is on break for the summer, but will resume early in the fall (date TBA). Logan Whitley, a CNU student and choir member at Grace, organizes the program and is looking for assistance, come fall. If you are interested in helping, or you just want more information, email him at lewhit@cox.net

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Choir News by Regina South (Chancel Choir, Bells and Children Choirs)

The Chancel Choir, Chancel Bells, Chapel Choir and Cherub Choirs are all

on break until September. Thanks to everyone for all of your hard work

and dedication. On September 9, 2012 we will be having an information

session for the Chapel and Cherub Choirs from 9:30-10 in the children’s

wing where they practice regularly. This information session is for both

parents and children, the children will have refreshments and crafts to do

while the parents meet with the director.

On August 24, we will be having a choir get-together for Praise Choir, Chancel Choir, Chancel

Bells, anyone who has ever been a part of any choirs or who wishes to consider singing with

any of the choirs. This will be held at Garret and Beverly Ouzts’ home, further details TBA.

Chancel Choir, Bells and Children's Choirs will resume rehearsal the second week in Sept.

Reminder: Sign-up for flowers for Sunday worship at the church office. Call Lou Thomas if you have questions.

MORE LIBRARY BOOKS:

Books that are no longer needed in the library have been pulled from the shelves. They are in the small Fellowship Hall and you

are invited to take what you want.

Organist Organist position at Grace United Methodist Church, Newport

News, for traditional service on Sunday at 11 a.m., plus special holiday

events, with rehearsals Thursdays at 7 p.m. Competitive salary,

vacation and sick leave benefits. Send email resume to admin@graceumc.hrcoxmail.com

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Missions Committee News

Welcome home to Susan DeVane, who traveled to Kenya. We look forward to hearing an update.

Sandwich Making for the Salvation Army continues at 9:00 am on the third Monday of every month. All are welcome to help.

Plans are underway to help with the PORT homeless shelter this winter.

CROP Walk Planning is underway—watch for more details.

New Study Coming in September

In the spring, number of a Grace folks gathered each week to study and discuss the book, The Heart of Christianity, by Marcus Borg. Over the course of the study, participants not only got to know one another better, but were able to ask questions and raise ideas that some had been uncomfortable lifting up in the past. We talked about different ways of reading and understanding the Bible, who Jesus is, the relationship of Christianity to other faith traditions, and how we can be passionate committed followers of Jesus even as our faith and understanding change over the course of our lives.

One common comment at the end of the class was, “I’d like another class like this one.” This fall, we will begin a study series open to everyone called Living the Questions. Each session will include a video featuring interesting scholars and church leaders discussing what’s next for Christianity and for people seeking to follow Christ in an increasingly scientific and religiously pluralistic world. We will discuss the issues raised in the videos and accompanying written materials. This study is not designed to give participants all the answers, but rather to help us find ways of addressing important questions and living more deeply into our faith.

If you have a young adult or a relative or friend in your life who has said to you, “I just don’t know what I believe anymore,” invite them to join you in this group. If you have questions in your own faith journey, or if you simply want to be a part of an open-minded, supportive Christian study group, join in. We will begin after Labor Day, exact times to be announced. If you have questions or a preferred meeting time, contact the pastor.

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NEWS OF THE WEEKDAY EDUATIONAL PROGRAM

The Weekday Educational Program (WEP) began in 1979 structured as a Mother’s Day Out program. The driving force behind its creation was to be an outreach ministry of Grace United Methodist Church. In 1982, the Preschool was added as an additional way to respond to the needs of young families in our congregation and the community. The Weekday Educational Program is governed by a policy statement, which specifies two programs designed to meet families’ needs. The Play to Learn at Grace (PLG) is a guided playgroup for children ages 2½ through 5 with an average enrollment of approximately 12 children. The Preschool has a capacity of 44 children and provides classes for three age groups: 2½, 3, and 4 year old children. All Preschool classes attend “Chapel Time” twice monthly which is led by the minister. Scholarships are available for families in need at the discretion of the director, and are currently funded by a grant from the Ranhorne Memorial Trust. We have been blessed at Grace Preschool to have Kim Rumsey as Teacher for the 2½ and 3 year old classes for the past 4 years. Her creativity and enthusiasm are boundless! However, she wishes to return to work that relates more clearly to her education – Bachelor of Communication and Masters in Divinity. We will miss her energy and are grateful to her for sharing her gifts with us! This fall, we will be welcoming a new teacher to the Preschool. Celia Hammond will be starting with us in the fall. Celia has been teaching at Courthouse Christian Preschool in Virginia Beach for the past six years and has recently moved to Newport News. She is excited to begin work at Grace Preschool and looks forward to meeting the children and families. We will also be starting our school year with a new assistant teacher in that same classroom. Shannon Templeton is joining our staff in September. Shannon has provided day care in her home for several years and comes highly recommended. She also is eager to have an opportunity to work with the children and families in our Preschool. For the past 30 years, Grace Preschool has been changing the lives of children, and we have been continuously blessed with knowledgeable and dedicated staff - each of them with their own unique gifts to share. We are confident that Ms. Hammond and Ms. Templeton will take up the ministry of Grace United Methodist Church and maintain our goals of meeting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the children in a loving, caring Christian atmosphere. Beverly B. Ouzts, Director

s

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TREASURER’S NOTES by: Betty S. Hill

This month, I will continue the breakdown of the 2012 budget. So far the following areas have been covered: Operational expenses (utilities, maintenance and repair, insurance, and church office expenses at 24% of the total budget Staff Salaries and Benefits at 31% of the total budget. Conference and District Apportionments at 14% of the total budget. This month focuses on the pastor. The Pastor’s Salary of $56,000; Reimbursement Account of $1500; retirement and insurance benefits of $10,614; guest ministers and continuing education of $500 all total $68,614, which is 27% of the 2012 budget.

Budgeted update through July 29, 2012: Budgeted $151,684 Received $155,815

Welcome to our New Members on July 29th:

The Whitney family— Mike, Sherrie, Paige, Rachael, Phillip

Tim Hart Betty Wrightson Sekerke

Welcome back to Grace: Wayne and Julie Hancock and Ben

Mark Your Calendars

Charge/Church Conference Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7:00pm, combined with

Christ United Methodist @Christ UMC

Church Council Meeting on Wednesday, August 22 at 7:00 pm.

Preschool Registration

Now Open

Classes for 2 1/2, 3, and 4 year

olds. Tell your friends.

Questions?

Call Beverly Ouzts,

Director, at

595-0032.

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NOTES FROM YOUR TRUSTEES

By Gloria Champine

There was no meeting of the Board of Trustees in July because Chairman, Chris Rumsey and Roger

Patterson were both out of town. Mike Fields has been taking care of the day-to-day needs of the Church in their absence. Last month, Chris met with the Stewardship/Finance Committee to discuss the high ticket items needed by both the Church and the Parsonage. They are developing a policy statement/plan for handling the long-term building issues and costs for the continued maintenance of our aging structures. A sub-committee was formed and this policy/procedure will be provided sometime this summer. New flood lights with higher lighting capacity have replaced the previous bulbs in

eight chandeliers in the Sanctuary, making the lighting in the pews better. The leaks that developed on the recently resealed flat roof have been repaired and as of now we have not had a significant enough rain to determine if we are leak free. So far so good. If these repairs hold up, we may not need the expensive gutters to divert excess water away from the flat roof. One small issue - during the recent hot spell one of the air conditioning drain lines became clogged. The contractor quickly responded and the drain line was cleared. As always, your Board of Trustees will continue to do the best job possible in maintaining the physical property of the Church and Parsonage and in spending your money for the greatest benefit to our Church. We welcome your thoughts, ideas, and prayers. ~Gloria

Bishop Young Jin Cho assigned to Virginia

Bishop Young Jin Cho, Arlington District Superintendent who was elected a bishop and consecrated at the 2012 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference, was assigned to come home to Virginia to lead the Virginia Conference for the next four years. While it is uncommon for a newly-elected bishop to be returned to his or her home conference, it is allowed and happens on occasions. “I promise to do my best,” Cho told the Virginians, “but I ask you to pray for me.” Cho has called for more emphasis on prayer and spiritual disciplines in the conference. “This is a great conference,” Cho said. “If we strengthen our spiritual foundation, it can be even greater.” (Taken from July 29th Sunday Advocate)

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From the Pastor’s Desk...

The front of this newsletter highlights some of the ways Grace has been involved in mission this summer. Summer is often “hands on” mission time for us, because teachers, children, and youth are free to join in projects while school is out. Summer is also vacation time for many people – time to get away, rest, change the routine. We need time set apart from the usual schedule to reflect and let ourselves be renewed.

In the Bible, Jesus moves from ministry among the people to time apart, from teaching to prayer, from the busy crowds to the quiet places, and then back again. Jesus models a life of engagement and retreat. It’s a good model for us, as well.

Often, our lives are so busy with things that must be done that we don’t have time to stop. Work, appointments, home repairs, fixing meals, paying bills, being responsible, and watching the Olympics or something else – it fills our time. And two things happen: we miss opportunities God puts right in front of us to offer hope and love and help to those around us; and we fail to stop, listen, reflect, and be refreshed.

In these hot days of summer, I hope we all can find time apart from the busy routine to be refreshed and renewed. And, as God opens our eyes to opportunities to offer love and joy to others, I hope we are attentive to those whispers of the Spirit and find time to be engaged in reaching out. Grace and peace ~ Helen