Grace UMC
50th Anniversary Committee
Grace in 1988
Posted  27th August 2000
   In January, 1988,  Pastor Larry Miller began a twelve sermon series using the sanctuary stained glass windows as the basis for the sermon themes.  Guest preachers in 1998 included Reinhard Kruse, W. O. Lynch, Marilyn Blount (UMW Sunday), Bill Fitzgerald (a missionary to Nigeria), V. T. Samuel, and Rod Kennedy (revival).

The Missions Committee asked each member to give a missions gift on his or her birthday.  The Evangelism Committee sponsored a young adult Mexican Fiesta Supper.  Families were asked to fill a "fish" bank during the Lenten season.  Grace youth took a trip to the Methodist Home in New Orleans and delivered clothes and supplies from Grace.  In March 1988, Grace and Trinity swapped evening services.  Rev. Miller preached at Trinity, and Rev. Rolly Walker preached at Grace.  The Easter Cantata was "Up From the Grave."  An Easter egg hunt was held at the Patriarca's home.

On Mother's Day, carnations were sold in honour or memory of mothers.  Proceeds were used to train midwives in Africa.  WOW (We're Open Wednesdays) began for six sessions.  Supper was served, followed by classes for all ages.  A second session of WOW was held in the fall.  A farewell reception was held at Tech Wesley for Bill Stokes, who was retiring after 31 years as Campus Minister.

Summer activities included a family fun night of volleyball and a hamburger cookout.  The mission emphasis at VBS was Heifer International.  The children bought 110 chicks ($1 each) to be sent to the Dominican Republic.  The Missions Committee began saving aluminum cans for the purchase of a cow.  Kira and Michelle Lowe, Misty Wall, Christi Moyers, Maudie Taylor and Larry Miller participated in the Harvest of Hope gleaning project.

The church ordered 200 new Methodist Hymnals to arrive in November 1988.  In conjunction with a second Missions in Motion project to raise money for Harvest of Hope Potato Project, a Mr. Potato Head Contest was held.  The fall family night supper featured a presentation by "Bartles and James," Bob Peyton and Doug McGuire.

December 1988 activities included a chili supper benefiting Habitat for Humanity, Hanging of the Greens service, selling shares on the Heifer Tree, caroling, the Christmas Cantata, "Love Transcending," the Christmas Family Night, Jesus birthday party, and the Candlelight and Communion service.
 


 
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