Grace United Methodist Church

Mission: To love God completely and to serve Jesus Christ unselfishly

P. O. Box 446, Union, South Carolina 29379 Office: 427-1266

Rev. David Bauknight., Pastor Cell Phone: 803-480-2153

From the Pastor

Matching the Outside to the Inside

(Suggested Readings: Numbers 20, Mark 7:1-13)

Then the Pharisees and Scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?" He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' "For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." Mark 7:5-8

I was speaking with someone the other day who used to take part in church activities.

Although they did not tell me exactly why they are not presently involved in worship, they did share

with me an observation that was apparently at the root of their issue. This person commented that

people act a certain way in church but a different way outside. Obviously, this person was bothered

by the Christian’s hypocritical behavior. Many of us look really good on the outside but are falling

apart on the inside. In other words, we put on a good show. The problem comes when we try to put

on an act before the Lord. We honor Him with our lips, but our hearts are far from Him. Jesus

doesn’t want us acting out traditions and doctrines, but to have love and truth in our hearts. Clearly,

He sees the thoughts and intents of our hearts.

The Pharisees kept the law and man's traditions to the strictest of standards. Their hands were

ceremonially cleansed before they touched any bread to eat. Even their utensils were cleansed with the same

ceremony. The outside looked spotless to the point that they believed themselves to be more spiritual and

pure than those who did not perform these rituals. The same is true for people in the church today. Many

Christians work hard at being righteous and look the part to those around us, but God knows what is in our

hearts. If our activities are whitewashed by our traditions, then our hypocrisy will become obvious. There

will be a lack of sincerity and realness with people. Not only does the Lord see through it, but so do others.

Where is our heart today? Are we worshiping with our lips or with sincerity in our heart? Do not just

keep going through the motions, whether in your ministry services, church activities or daily checklist of

religious do's and don'ts. Get real with the Lord today. Let’s be careful in following the age-old traditions of

the church to the extent that the Lord is far from our heart. Pray that our outside will match our inside and ask

the Lord to remove our fears about how real that might look. As we all commit to being authenic, we might

just see a lot more people in ministry in the church…and in other places as well. It might amaze us at what

God can do when we truly turn our heart over to Him. Grace and peace…Pastor David

April 2016

Family Night Supper—Spring Picnic

Family Night Suppers will resume on Wed, April 27th at 6:30pm. Our host will be the Upper Room Sunday School Class. …….Let’s think Old Fashioned Spring Picnic for this supper; Deviled Eggs, Potato Salad, Fried Chicken, Watermelon, Pimento Cheese Sandwiches, Spring Salads, Desserts, Iced tea, etc, etc. etc. (Etc. means bring any favorite dish you like!) Yummy!

Offering Report as of Mar. 20, 2016

2016 Budget - $ 386,711.00

Needed for 2015 Budget Y-T-D - $ 89,260.44

Budget Rec’d Y-T-D - $ 69,903.10

Surplus/Deficit Y-T-D - $ -19,357.34

Weekly Offering Needed - $ 7,436.75

Expenses Y-T-D - $ 71,801.10

As we begin this wonderful New Year, please put Grace as a priority in your financial planning. Our combined gifts keep the Church’s mission alive and growing. Thank you so much!! Sincerely, Pastor David

Stewardship

Report 2016

Circle of Hope:Circle of Hope:Circle of Hope: Monday, Apr. 4th, 10:00am Susan Lawson, hostess

Johnnie Sanders Circle:Johnnie Sanders Circle:Johnnie Sanders Circle: Monday, Apr. 4th, 11:00am Meet at Heartland

Lucy Lee Shuler Circle:Lucy Lee Shuler Circle:Lucy Lee Shuler Circle: April 13th, 6:00 pm

GUMCEP News

GUMCEP will be open the week of Spring Break. A trip to Strawberry Hill is being planned for the children toward the end of April. The students are working on the program for the end of the year celebration. Many activities in the classes for the month of April are being planned. Come and visit!

Young At Heart Resumes In April

Young at Heart lunch will be

Wednesday, April 13th at 12 noon at

Andy’s. We look forward to seeing

everyone as we resume our monthly gathering.

White Christmas Boxes Calling all Helpful Cleanup Angels! We are missing two White Christmas food collection boxes, and we were wondering if one of our Helpful Cleanup Angels has stored them for us.

If you know anything about their whereabouts, please contact the church office. And by the way……..thanks for helping us keep grace neat and clean!

How to make any church thrive!

LOST!

Our portable lectern and microphone housed in a dark brown square case is missing. If you have knowledge of where it might be stored, please call the church office.

Staff Thanks Our Wonderful SPRC!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Words are powerless to express the gratitude the staff felt for the thoughtful appreciation reception held on our behalf, Monday, February 22nd. There was so much laughter and joy that evening! We also wish to extend our thankfulness for your continued love and support. You are not only a supportive working committee within our church, but caring, kind friends as well! May God continue to bless and guide all of us as we embark upon our future Christian walk together! In His love, Grace UMC Staff

Lost & Found Don’t forget to periodically check our Lost & Found Bin on the Welcome Table for any lost or misplaced items!

A BIG THANK YOU AGAIN! to Brenda Childers and her excellent leadership on organizing all the ladies and men who worked tirelessly each week to prepare delicious meals in a Christ centered atmosphere! Thank you also to our clean-up crews and decorators! Without you we couldn’t offer this meaningful ministry and share in the opportunity to serve our church and community.

Now Available: Electronic Giving!

Grace UMC is pleased to announce a convenient new way to make your regular offerings. With our new electronic giving program, you can easily set up a recurring giving schedule or make one-time contributions.

We encourage you to set up a schedule of recurring contributions. It’s convenient for you and provides much-needed consistency for our church. If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year or prepare 52 envelopes. Even when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, our church will continue to receive your contributions on an uninterrupted basis. To become an electronic giver, visit the church office.

Additional Church Calendar Info

You can now find additional calendar information on our beautiful website. Up-to-date calendars for Grace, Youth, GUMCEP, UMC Program and Flowers have been added. These calendars can be found under INFO CENTER under CALENDARS. Thanks to Dale Goff for the outstanding job she continues to do with our website.

UCCOM Choirfest

Don’t forget Choirfest, April 24th at 7:00 PM at Duncan Acres UMC

SC UNITED METHODIST WOMEN SPIRITUAL GROWTH RETREAT

The South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women 2016 Spiritual Growth Retreat plans are well underway. The retreat is scheduled to be held April 29-30th 2016 at beautiful Lake Junaluska, and there will only be one session for the retreat (Friday thru Saturday). The speaker for the 2016 Spiritual Growth Retreat will be the Deaconess Cameron Kempson who is the founder of Growing Grace Farm in Arden N.C. She will be exemplifying the theme, “Growing Together

in Justice, Peace, and Love; Planting Seeds For The Future”. Cameron comes to us as a dynamic speaker who is highly recommended by the National UMW office. In addition, each unit is encouraged to offer a scholarship to assist a young lady from their unit to attend this retreat. This suggestion was received from the 2015 Retreat Evaluations and is a way that we can aid in Christian stewardship. Please make preparation now to meet at the Lakeshore for another inspiring spiritual growth retreat. Together we will grow in justice, peace and love, as we plant seeds for the future. Registration forms and reservation information can be found on the bulletin bar near the Welcome Table.

A tree with long sturdy roots, branches that reach in every direction, and new leaves illustrating that the lives of older adults continue to shape society with creativity and freshness as they approach current and future possibilities, is the symbol of South Carolina Conference on Older Adults. This year’s Older Adult Mission Event will be at St. Luke UMC, Lake City, SC on April, 18-21. Come dressed to work. Plans include; wiping down walls, ceilings, pews, furniture, and restrooms; replacing some ceiling tiles, scraping and painting, laying a new floor in the fellowship hall; laying down a moisture barrier underneath the church and sealing windows in the Sanctuary; yard work, cleaning windows and possibly other odd jobs. Please bring tools and supplies for these projects. If you have questions about what tools and materials to bring e-mail or call LE Spradlin at LESpradlin@att.net/803-782-6500 or Marvin Horton at mjhcont@gmaiLcom/803-242-2342. For all other questions call or e-mail Mary Green at Megreen@umcsc.org/803-338-0538. For additional information and registration forms please visit the bulletin bar near the Welcome Table.

We are deeply appreciative for all the recent newsletter submissions. Please be

encouraged to continue this trend! It takes all of us working together to have the best

possible newsletter. Deadline for the May Grace Messenger will be May 16th .

Grace United Methodist Women Begin New Mission Project

The Grace UMW has chosen to participate in “The Backpack Ministry”. This ministry provides food for children for a weekend. A bag consists of two proteins, two juices, two breakfast items, two starches and two treats. The items are packed in a plastic grocery bag delivered to various schools and left in the office. The children to receive the food are called to the office at the end of school on Friday and the bag is placed inside their backpacks. In this way, the child’s dignity is kept in tack and no one knows. The week of March 18th, 39 bags were provided and distributed to different elementary schools in the county. It costs approximately $2.50 per bag to feed a child for two days. If you are interested in assisting with this very meaningful ministry, please contact Jeannette Galloway.

2016 Annual Conference Mission Fair

For the past two years at Annual Conference, Lay Leadership has sponsored a Mission Fair that generated enthusiasm and excitement about what is happening in local church missions across our conference. Church representatives have set up displays, power point presentations and used numerous other ways of sharing their stories of how they do mission in their churches and communities! The 3rd Local Church Mission Fair will be held at Annual Conference on Monday, June 6, 2016, in the Civic Center in Florence, SC. The event will be from 12:00 Noon until 2:00PM in the Exhibit Ballroom downstairs. As in the past, food will be available during the mission fair for purchase from the Civic Center and cost of meal tickets will be announced soon. Following this year’s Conference theme, A More Excellent Way, Making Space for God to Work, the Mission Fair Theme will be, “Spaces Where God Is Working”! We invite local churches to share information on a successful mission where God is working in the lives of the people involved in the mission and also those helped through their efforts. Representatives are encouraged to be creative in setting up an exhibit that shares information about a successful mission project from their church, including having someone there to answer questions and provide additional information to those who request it. To participate and enter your mission project for the Mission Fair, please go to the SC UMC conference website, www.umcsc.org , look for the Mission Fair tab and register. Submissions must be completed by April 30, 2016. For additional information or questions, please contact Donald Love or Lisa Livingston at laityevents@umcsc.org.

Grace Has Talent!

UCHS DRAMA Presents: Disney's The Little Mermaid

In a magical kingdom fathoms below, a beautiful young mermaid longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, this show features the hit songs "Part of Your World," "She’s in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea." Come out and support Grace’s budding young actresses: Anna Kelly cast as Flounder, Reid Bailey performing the role of Arista, and Julia Bailey playing the parts of maid, sailor, and ensemble. Way to go ladies! We are proud of you! Union Rotary Dinner Performance – Thursday, April 21 at 6:30PM – Advance Ticket Required Non-Dinner Performances – Friday and Saturday, April 22 & 23 at 7PM / Sunday, April 24 at 3PM

Advance Tickets available at Union County Arts Council & Union County High School

Get Your Copy of Our Updated History

Recently, Dr. Allan Charles updated Grace’s history and had it published. Dr. Charles has added to the original book written by Fannie

Lee Sparks in 1973. This is the third edition to the original manuscript. It was first updated in 1989 by Miss Sparks and then in 2015 by Dr. Charles. The History of Grace UMC makes great presents for your family and friends. Stop by the church office today and purchase your copy for $9.00.

Union Music Club Scholarship Fundraiser

The Union Music Club will present in concert Dr. Brennan Szafron, Organist/Choirmaster of the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Spartanburg, SC, on Thursday, April 28th in the sanctuary of Grace United Methodist Church at 7:30pm. A native of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Dr. Szafron will present a program entitled “Spring Has Sprung; New Life Begun,” that will include some familiar hymn tunes as well as showcase the recent additions to our Casavant pipe organ! Tickets for this fundraiser are $10.00 and may be purchased in advance from any Union Music Club member or at the door that evening. A reception will be held for Dr. Szafron following the concert. All proceeds will go toward Music Scholarships.

Chancel Choir Rehearsals

Wed. Apr. 6th - No Rehearsal Wed. Apr. 13th 7:30pm Wed. Apr. 20th 7:30pm Wed. Apr. 27th 7:30pm

Bells of Grace Rehearsals

Sun. Apr. 3rd - No Rehearsal Sun. Apr. 10th 5:45pm Sun. Apr. 17th 5:45pm Sun. Apr. 24th 5:45pm

Youth News

MYF-Enjoy your Spring Break! April 4th—8th April 12th and 26th the MYF will be having their after school Bible Studies at El Poblano on the patio starting at 4pm! The subject will be: What Helps Us Grow and will include a look at what the Bible has to say about growing in Christ. April 13th: The youth volunteer meetings have moved to Wednesdays at 6pm in the youth room. Parents, youth and church members are encouraged to come. April 17th: The youth will be having a spaghetti lunch right after church to help cover the cost of our first Salkehatchie trip. The lunch will include a healthy portion of spaghetti casserole, Italian bread, a tossed salad, tea and desert. The plate will be $8 per adult and $5 per child under 10. We will be passing a sign-up sheet in advance! April 23rd: The youth will be helping with Neighbor Helping Neighbor’s monthly project. We will meet in the Grace parking lot at 8am. Bring your hammers, safety glasses, and a heart to serve our community. April 24th: The MYF will be helping during morning worship as Greeters, Ushers, and even a Bell Ringer! Come and learn what the youth did at Asbury Hills as Pastor David gives a sermon on being the “Hands and Feet” of Christ in our community!

Graduate Day Observed

Grace will observe Graduate Day on May 15th this year. If you have a high school or college graduate in your family, please call the church office as soon as possible. We don’t want to miss anyone! Plans are to recognize all our graduates during the morning worship and present the high school grads with an engraved Bible. After church, the grads and their families will enjoy a wonderful lunch in the fellowship hall.

Providence Place, PA: Catherine Cooksey

Savannah Grace-Palms,

of Mt. Pleasant, SC: Judith Eversman

Park Place, Spbg.: JoAnn Cordell

Heartland Residential: Raye Hellams,

Betty Lidkea,

Mary Jo Rogers

Heartland Nursing: Ruth Gregory

Please remember Michael Ham and his family. His new address is:

Mike Ham, 365970 Ward 2/31B Manning Correctional Institution 502 Beckman Road, Columbia, SC 29203

Because We Care

April

2 Frances Kelly

4 Blake Berry

9 Mike Ham,

Jacob McGee,

Bruce Parker

10 Donna Long

11 Mary Kathryn James

14 Glenn Hibbard

15 Harrison Kelly

16 Harriet Cohen, Joshua Ham,

Preston Morton,

Kameron Zimmerman

17 Joe Lawson

21 Gene Childers

22 Jacob Gault, Brooke Valentine

23 John Simmons Fallaw

25 Linda Cassels

28 Virginia Blackmon

29 Fran Love

30 Amy Bruce, Sheryl Price

ATTENTION UNITED METHODIST MEN

Our district-wide UMM breakfast gathering at New Beginnings UMC has been changed to Saturday, April 30th, at 10:00 a.m. Please make this change in your calendars.

O God, our times are in Your hand:

Look with favor, we pray, on Your

servants who have birthdays this month

as they begin another year. Grant

that they may grow in wisdom and grace,

and strengthen their trust in Your

goodness all the days of their life; through

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Administrative Professional Day is April 27th!

Don’t forget to express your appreciation to Caroline Barger for the outstanding job she does for Grace and our community!

Sam’s Club Pickup for all our Church’s Group’s Use!

The Sam’s Ad Says…….

“Order Online. Pick up in club. Done! You’ve got a lot to do! Let us load your cart for you, and give you back a little more time for your family, your business, your life.” Convenient, shop anytime, anywhere……Fast, Save time with alerts, Free, no minimum order!”

Since we have many groups within our church, and only a few cards, we would like everyone to know that we now have the option to order Sam’s items online and pay with a few simple clicks through the church office! They even have an “Easy Reorder” tab for items that are frequently ordered!

*Is there a fee to use Club Pickup? No

*How do I receive my receipt? If you pay in club, your receipt will be handed to you. Receipts for online payments will be emailed.

*What items are eligible for Club Pickup?

Items eligible for Club Pickup are marked “Pick up in club.” These include: 1.Groceries

2.Frozen foods 3.Electronics

4.Office supplies

5.Fresh produce 6.Grills

7.Household cleaners

8.Mattresses

*Can I order refrigerated or frozen items? Yes. We’ll keep these items in a temperature-controlled area until you arrive.

*Is there a minimum purchase to use Club Pickup? No, you can order as much or as little as you’d like.

*What is Easy Reorder and do I need it to do Club Pickup? Easy Reorder is a tool that lets you re-order items quickly by creating a list based on your purchase history. It also recommends substitutions for items that are not in stock. You do not need to use Easy Reorder with your Club Pickup.

*How will I know my order is ready to be picked up? We'll send you a confirmation email or text message if you provided your mobile number. (Message data and rates may apply.)

*Can I have someone else pick up my order? Yes. Just provide that person’s name, e-mail and phone number during checkout. He/she must present ID, order number and membership card if they are paying in club. However, if you select online payment, they do not need to be a member. ID and order number must still be presented.

*How long do I have to pick up my order? We will try to hold your order for two days following your requested pick-up date. All orders not picked up within two days are subject to cancellation. Please note: Fresh items will only be available for pickup on your selected day.

*What do I need with me to pick up my order? You will need a current government-issued photo ID and your order number.

*What should I do when I get to the club? Look for the green pickup kiosk inside. Follow the prompt on the screen. A Sam’s Club associate will bring your items to you. (In Spartanburg, the orders are picked up in the tobacco area.)

*Do my Instant Savings apply to Club Pickup items? Absolutely! However, you must pick up your items and pay for them while the offer is still valid. If you order them online while the offers are valid, but pay in club after they expired, you will not receive the Instant Savings discount.

THE GRACE MESSENGER Grace United Methodist Church 201 South. Church Street Union, SC 29379 E-mail: mail@graceunion.org

Clemson University Center for Corporate Learning is offering a summer reading program taught by the Institute of Reading Development. This individualized program includes engaging online instruction, effective materials and great books. Your child will be able to complete the online lessons independently, and you will receive support from a reading teacher. This program helps children develop the skills and confidence to make their next grade a big success!

Learn long-word decoding skills Develop fluency

Build comprehension Become a strong, independent reader

Visit the Welcome Table for forms and more information. To enroll or inquire about cost, please call 1-800-258-9065.