The
Wesley Deputation team led worship services on 11th January
1976.
On the 18th of January, Rev. Beinhard Kruse, who grew up in Grace, was
guest speaker for the morning services.
The annual Chicken Spaghetti
supper was held
in February 1976. Lenten season began on 7th March with a
"particularly
effective communion service" that was written by the youth. The
Chancel
Choir presented the Easter Cantata in April 1976. The Easter
Sunday
evening service was led by the Junior and Senior High youth. The
program, "Christ for Me," included individual speakers, group
participation,
and special music.
In May 1976, the church hosted
a "We Care"
weekend. Fifteen ministers attended the weekend to share,
witness,
and support the congregation. The event was effective and well
received.
In June 1976, Rev. Scott was
reappointed to
Grace. On 27th June 1976, the youth presented a bicentennial
program
for the evening service. The program included two plays, "The
Heart
of the Nation" and "God and Country." Special thanks were
extended
to Mary Shankles and the youth.
It should be noted that in the
bicentennial
year July 4th fell on a Sunday. The members of Grace participated
in a city-wide worship service held at Howard Auditorium on that Sunday
evening.
The Junior High UMYF took a
summer trip to
the Ozarks. They saw the Passion Play, attended Silver Dollar
City,
and camped along the way. Susan Meriedth was VBS director.
In August 1976, the Grace Youth participated in a city-wide Youth
Revival.
The building situation was the
subject of group
discussions in September 1976. The major topic was whether to
spend
money on repairs to the existing building or to relocate. In a
poll,
67% favoured relocation. A building fund toward this goal was
begun
in October 1976. In the mean time, necessary repairs to the
building
were begun.
The lighting of the Advent
candle had special
meaning during the Advent Season because the candle was made by Mrs.
Marie
Pierce from many small candles given by members. In December
1976,
the Senior High Youth went on a ski retreat to Red River, New
Mexico.
The Chancel Choir presented their Christmas Cantata. At year's
end,
13 new members were reported as having joined the Grace congregation.
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