Church Life Weekly Newsletter
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Mission statement: Grace United Methodist Church is a family of faith striving to share God’s love with all people.
Healing Services
We will hold healing services once a month, on the second Sunday of every month. They will take place immediately after the regular Sunday service in the small chapel. Anyone seeking anointing for healing along with prayer is invited to stay after the service for this time of seeking spiritual, emotional, and physical healing.
Letter from the Pastor
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10
Family and Friends of Grace United Methodist Church,
As we are in stewardship month here at Grace, I approach each of you with humble gratitude, but also with a bold request. I am humbled and grateful for a church community that has warmly embraced my family, making us feel welcome and at home. Indeed, this spirit of hospitality and service seems to be at the very core of this church’s DNA. It is a humbling thought to imagine all of people who’ve been touched in the same way I have throughout this church’s 120-year-old history. I am grateful and honored to be a part of the ongoing testimony of all the saints that have come before me here at Grace.
With that said, I believe Grace United Methodist Church still has much work to do moving forward. We live in a time when more than ever before, people are in need of God’s transformative power to heal broken hearts and tear down walls of hostility. People are looking for peace, unity, and community. People are looking for a sense of purpose, the ability to do good, and to extend kindness to their neighbors. I sincerely believe that this is the mission of Grace and why God has placed us here.
At the same time, our ability to transform lives and positively impact our community will be contingent upon a spirit of stewardship. God has given each of us gifts and graces in terms of our time, talents, and treasures. To the degree that each of us is faithful in doing the best we can with what we have received is the degree to which the mission of God at Grace can be fulfilled.
As your pastor, I would like to make a bold request to you. Prayerfully consider how you might pledge to support Grace in the coming year. Your pledges and contributions are a critical part of how we can make a difference in our church, our community, and our world. Please complete the estimate of giving and return it in the offering plate or to the church office. Though it is a pledge, you may change your commitment at any time by notifying our Financial Secretary or pastor. Thank you and God bless you.
In Christ,
Reverend Eumin Kim
UMCOR SUNDAY, March 15, 2026.
Key Details About UMCOR Sunday:
- Purpose: The funds raised provide the “foundation” for UMCOR, allowing them to maintain trained staff, resources, and operational systems to respond immediately to disasters.
- Significance: It supports the “costs of doing business,” which allows UMCOR to guarantee that 100% of donations for specific projects go directly to those affected by disasters, without deductions for overhead
- Timing: It is one of six churchwide Special Sundays, generally observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent (March 15, 2026, and March 7, 2027).
- Impact: UMCOR is the humanitarian relief agency of the United Methodist Church, responding to natural disasters, conflict, and humanitarian crises in more than 80 countries, including the U.S..
UMCOR Sunday empowers the church to be a consistent, prepared presence in times of crisis.
Special envelopes are provided in the Narthex for donations. Thank you.
The Jean and Ken Larson Memorial Sunday is March 22nd. The Emergency Food Program, sponsored by the Long Island Council of Churches, had its beginning here at Grace Church in 1976 under the direction of Jean and Ken Larson with two appeals made for food throughout the year. In 1977, Jean and Ken Larson initiated a program of contributions to be made weekly, 52 times a year, and it continues until today. In their honor and memory, we would ask you to bring extra food on this Sunday (March 22nd) – there is a box labeled Jean and Ken Larson Memorial Sunday in the Narthex. Money is also welcome as the Council can purchase food at lower prices than we can. Checks should be made out to Grace United Methodist Church, put in a separate envelope and marked for the Church Office. Please continue to support this worthwhile tradition which has been going on for 50 years.
The 11th Annual Evangelism Prayer Breakfast happened Saturday, January 24, what a joy. From the bottom of our hearts the members of the Evangelism Committee would like to thank you all for another tremendous show of unity in allowing us to experience a successful Prayer Breakfast. To God be the glory, The theme Pathway to Peace was so appropriate for a time like this. Our congregation showed up for welcoming at the door, fellowship, hospitality, prayers, songs, dance, biblical story telling, testimonies, listening to words and accepting the inside job leading to a changed heart. The food was super delicious Bob, as usual delivered with a wow. Earl’s Ackee and Saltfish dish was a belly full and Pastor Kim’s Fruit of the Spirit fruit bowl set the stage for worship. We had nearly 60 of us in the room. There were friends from neighboring UMC as well as other denominations and well-wishers. What many people left with was the honesty and authenticity of Pastor Kim and his message of the Inside job starts with the battle with the mind and our thoughts. The prayers that followed reminded us of the theme pray persistently and that God is always with us. Reverend Graham was electrifying with his delivery on fire, the fire of God that burns away all that is not of him and his work to purify us. Then that same fire burns within us and energizes us to move through the mountains and fire if life. There were moments of fun, laughter and dance. We had it all.
We were blessed with net proceeds of $780 net of expenses. There is still the expectation of receiving more offerings to support our Prison Ministry. Thanks for all you do for the Lord.
See the picture above. Please feel free to share feedback and comments as we learn, grow and serve. Please save the date for the 12th Annual Prayer Breakfast January 23, 2027.
With deep love and gratitude,
Andrea Owen Boyd, Evangelism Chairperson
Game Night. The Social Events Committee would like to say thank you to everyone who turned out for our first event, Game Night, which was held this past Saturday. Twenty-four friends brought yummy treats and games to share. We had a great time getting to know each other and learning new games to play together. As the two hours together passed, laughter and joyful conversations could be heard. People mingled and enjoyed each other’s company. It was a wonderful way to socialize and have some fun together. Special thanks go to the members of the Social Events Committee: Janice Gravesande, Pat Eshun, Jane Schreiber, Kim Neri, Barbara Woodford, Idica Wilson, Dell Murray, Debbielee Thomsen, Andrea Owen-Boyd, Coleen Murray and Brian Stone. We will be meeting again soon to plan our next fun event! Hope you can join us! Janet Stone
Thrift Shop. As the Thrift Shop reorganizes, we ask all donations be held until the work is completed. We will remain open as we sort through our present inventory. Thanks to all who have donated and supported this church ministry. Marianne Pike
Grace Men’s Group will meet the last Friday of the month, at 7:00 PM.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH. We had a blessed United Women in Faith Sunday on September 28. We presented the United Women in Faith Missions Award to Pat Eshun. Attached is a group photo and a photo of Pat with me and Andrea. Iris, Debbielee, and Joan missed the photo because they were helping in the kitchen. Several others missed the photo who were there as well, but you can see we had a good turnout. Thank you! If you missed today, please plan to join us next year! –Katherine Perkins
Beautiful Flowers. We are sending out a BIG THANK YOU to Diane Vitacco for the beautiful Flower Arrangements that she has made and that we will have throughout the Fall Season. Thank you so much. We are enjoying them!
Many congratulations to our youth, Dominic Becker, Ava Bolden, Alanna Bolden, and Eli Kim on their Confirmation on June 29th. We warmly welcome them as full members of Grace UMC.
Prayer List
♥†♦Family of Pastor John Cole, ♥♦Carmela Stockmann (mom of Donna Hartmann), ♥†♦Family and Friends of Evelyn Neber, ♥†♦Family of Barbara Harper, ♥♦Susan Hill and Barbara Jean Kazar (daughters of Barbara Harper), ♥Anthony Nicosia (stepson of Debbie Nicosia), ♥Lisa Becker, ♥Bill Smyth, ♥Steve Savarese, ♥Chris Ukanwoke, ♥Rhoda Lankins and Roosevelt Lankins, ♥Country and People of Nigeria, ♥Juana Fernandez (mother of Marisa Pershad), ♥Elmer Alfaro and Dion Alfaro (friends of Andrea Owen-Boyd), ♥Family of Jennifer Seymour (friend of Andrea Owen-Boyd), ♥Prayers for everyone in Cuba and Jamaica, ♥Barbara Woodford, ♥Pat Panzarino, ♥Sonia Elliott, ♥Amanda Brown (Naomi Brown’s mother), ♥Diane Rutledge (Naomi Brown’s aunt), ♥George and Jeanne Simmons, ♥Maudlyn Scarlett, ♥Marianne and Don Pike, ♥Jerry Noble (Tom Noble’s dad), ♥Lionel Brown, ♥Diane Vitacco, ♥Heather Manning (friend of Kim Neri), ♥SofiaRose Curry (relative of Sing Larson), ♥Edie Zipperlen, ♥Mary Flynn (mom) and Maureen Andersen (daughter), ♥Manny Kurz, ♥Debbielee Thomsen, ♥Everon Palmer (son of Enid Simpson), ♥Carol Whyte, ♥Winston Scarlett (brother-in-law of Maudlyn Scarlett), ♥Jennifer LaRochelle (friend of Kim Neri), ♥David Biegler, ♥Vin Dowling, ♥Garvin Phillip (nephew of Eleanor Phillip), ♥Elaine Treske, ♥Marilyn Eller (sister of Elaine Treske), ♥Jim Poch, ♥All our Military men and women, ♥Barbara Siegl, ♥All UMW in Rehabilitation and Nursing Homes, ♥Castells Family (family of Elaine Treske),
Note: Prayer List names will continue to be listed for two weeks. After that period of time, the names will be removed unless you call us with current information. † – Death in family, ♦ – New entry
Sunday School
Church School meets September through May. My name is Janet Stone and I invite your child to join us for Church School each Sunday. Church School is where students will learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and how to live a Christian life. We learn Bible stories and we learn how to use those stories to help us be better people. All PreK-8th Grade students are welcome. Children start out in Church at 10:00 with their families and are sent to Church School following the Children’s Sermon. Please note that on the first Sunday of the month, children are directed to the Education Building first and then return to the church building in order to be with their family for communion. I am looking forward to a wonderful Church School year! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns at mom2springers@gmail.com ~Janet Stone
March 29, 2026
Today’s lesson came from Mark 11:1-11. Bartimaeus anticipated the royal image of Jesus when he referred to Jesus as the “Son of David.” Jesus’ public entry into Jerusalem was the beginning of Passion week. The colt, the spreading of garments and branches, the petition for salvation— these details and more portrayed Jesus as a king. A colt was waiting, ready to be released to two of Jesus’ disciples so he could ride it into Jerusalem. Jesus sailed on the water in a borrowed boat, ate the Passover in a borrowed room, rode a borrowed colt on his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. All these were marks of his humility. He came into town to show that he was not afraid of the power and hatred of his enemies in Jerusalem. The crowd, not understanding the true meaning of Jesus’ ministry, praised him as the coming Messiah. Jesus received the joyful hosannas of the people, both the welcome they gave him and their good wishes for the prosperity of his kingdom. The people believed that Jesus had a kingdom, which would soon be set up in the world. It would be the kingdom of David, the kingdom promised to him and his seed for ever, a kingdom that came in the name of the Lord. In a very short time, the same crowd that praised him as the Christ turned against him and shouted “Crucify him!” Neither the crowd nor the disciples understood the different kind of kingdom Jesus was offering. The disciples scattered and hid. They were afraid to be connected to Jesus. But that isn’t the end of the story…
Please note that Church School will not be held on Easter Sunday, April 5th and on the following Sunday, April 12th. We will resume on April 19th.
Use of Kitchen – Just a gentle reminder that clean-up in the kitchen after use is the responsibility of the user(s). Our Sexton is only responsible for mopping the floor.
A Big Welcome to our newest members – Cherissae and Lionel Brown, Allison LaVoie, Janet Wilson, and Desrine Edwards who joined our Church on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Youth Dinner Church – Many thanks to those who have prayed for the youth and also helped cook as well. If you have questions call Pastor Prumeh at 646-280-9885 or email Prumeh.lee@nyac-umc.com.
We had a lovely Fellowship Time after church on Father’s Day hosted by the United Women in Faith. We appreciate our men of Grace!
Happy 102nd Birthday to Dick Tiedge!!
We (Pastor Kim, Everett, Carol, and Eileen) were so very happy to see Richard (Dick) Tiedge and his daughter Jeanne. Dick looks great and Jeanne says his health is good. We were in the BKR and reminisced, told funny stories, heard stories of involvement in the war, and had a lot of laughs. Jeanne told us that her Dad was sweeping up leaves at his home in Malverne! Dick will be remaining at his home in Malverne and will be celebrating his 102nd Birthday – May 2025! What a Super Man!!
PRAISE MUSIC. We have started a Praise Singing group that performs every other month in church. If you are interested or have any questions, please see Kim Neri or call Kim at at 515-644-0979. All are welcome!
Chancel Choir rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 8:00pm in the church. All adults and teens who like to sing are welcome to join!!
Please sign up for Coffee Hour, now known as Fellowship Hour. Please use the sign-up sheet in the BKR or call the Church Office. Thank you!
MISSIONS
The Jean and Ken Larson Memorial Sunday is March 22nd. The Emergency Food Program, sponsored by the Long Island Council of Churches, had its beginning here at Grace Church in 1976 under the direction of Jean and Ken Larson with two appeals made for food throughout the year. In 1977, Jean and Ken Larson initiated a program of contributions to be made weekly, 52 times a year, and it continues until today. In their honor and memory, we would ask you to bring extra food on this Sunday (March 22nd) – there is a box labeled Jean and Ken Larson Memorial Sunday in the Narthex. Money is also welcome as the Council can purchase food at lower prices than we can. Checks should be made out to Grace United Methodist Church, put in a separate envelope and marked for the Church Office. Please continue to support this worthwhile tradition which has been going on for 50 years.
Super Bowl Food Drive- –Thank you so much for the generous donations of boxed and canned foods. In addition to the food items already given, donations totaling $287.66 will be used to shop for additional food and given to the Interfaith Nutrition Network, to aid them in serving those in need. May we continue to be a generous and caring church! Janet Stone
You can give to Missions at any time. You may put your money in an envelope marked “Missions” or write “Missions” in the memo line of your check or Zelle. Your giving through Missions goes to Far Rockaway Mission, Anchor House, Methodist City Society, Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home, and El Porvenir (clean drinking water projects in Nicaragua).
Far Rockaway Mission (also called United Methodist Center in Far Rockaway), which operates a food pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays and provides hot meals Monday through Friday, is one group that we support with our Missions money. On November 19, 2025 we delivered canned cranberry sauce to Far Rockaway Mission for their Thanksgiving meal. Thank you!
We delivered a trunk-full of food to Long Island Cares on November 19, 2025 and over 550 pounds of food to the INN in Hempstead for their Thanksgiving food drive. Thank you!!
We had a wonderful International Potluck Dinner on Saturday, April 26, 2025. We shared lots of delicious food from around the world. Rev. Prumeh and Pastor Kim shared about their time as missionaries in Kazakhstan, about the people and culture there, and about the United Methodist presence there. There was an engaging question and answer period and a table of items from Kazakhstan. We collected $717 for mission projects in Central Asia (which includes Kazakhstan.) If you missed the 2025 International Potluck, we hope you will join us this year on April 25!!
Give to Disaster Relief through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). We encourage you to give to UMCOR for Disaster Relief following the floods. The link to the UMCOR giving page for disaster relief is https://advance.umcmission.org/p-620-umcor-us-disaster-response-and-recovery.aspx. That link takes you right to giving for Advance #901670. When you type in your information, you will be able to choose Grace Valley Stream as your local church.
Meet missionaries on Zoom. The link to Register to meet missionaries on the Still In Mission monthly Zoom is https://umcmission.org/stillinmission/.
2024 Missions Giving Summary: In 2024 Grace Church gave $450 to each of the five groups listed above plus an additional $366 was spent to provide meals at Far Rockaway Mission. Thank you!
NYAC. As of 12/31/2025 our Apportionments have been paid – 100%.
RECORD OF CONTRIBUTIONS 2025 – They have been sent out via email or USPS if you do not have an email. Please call the Church Office or email (GraceVSNY@aol.com) if you have not received it. Thank you.
SPECIAL SUNDAY OFFERINGS – 2026
MISSIONS – January/April/July/October 2026
HUMAN RELATIONS DAY – January 18, 2026
UMCOR SUNDAY – March 15, 2026
EASTER – April 05, 2026
NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRY – April 19, 2026
PEACE WITH JUSTICE SUNDAY – May 31, 2026
GOLDEN CROSS SUNDAY – August 9, 2026
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY – October 04, 2026
UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY – November 29, 2026
CHRISTMAS EVE – December 24, 2026 (Thursday)
CHRISTMAS DAY – December 25, 2026
CALENDAR – If you have any dates that you would like to have on our calendar, please send them to me (Eileen) at GraceVSNY@aol.com. The meetings could be weekly, monthly or just a special meeting or event. Thank you.
PLEASE put your envelope number on any of your donations (check/Venmo/Zelle). This will help our Counting Teams, It also helps the Church Office to input your donation to the correct account.
COUNTING TEAM SCHEDULE FOR APRIL 2026
April 05 – Debbie Nicosia
April 12 – Marisa Pershad
April 19 – Marisa Pershad
April 26 – Debbie Nicosia
Where You Can Volunteer
Liturgist or Reader – Contact Pat Eshun
Sunday School – Contact Janet Stone
Evangelism – Contact Andrea Owen-Boyd
Thrift Shop – Contact Marianne Pike, Andrea Owen-Boyd, or Maudlyn Scarlett
Music – Contact Drew Banzhoff or leave a message for the Music Ministry Office (516/825-1940)
Missions – Contact Katherine Perkins
Worship – Contact Kim Neri or Carol Provenzano
Acolytes – Contact Tim Neri or Mike Provenzano
Ushers – Contact Mike Provenzano or Carol Provenzano
Counting Team – Contact Marisa Pershad or Eileen Robertson
Hospitality – Contact Bob DiSalvo
(Please call Eileen if you need contact information – 516/825-1182)
Weekly Meetings and Rehearsals
Please note whether meetings are in-person at the church or via Zoom. Thank you.
*Every Sunday – Church School (September-May – 10AM/start in Church (except 1st Sunday of the month start 10AM/Education Building)
*Every Second Sunday of the month – Healing Service after 10AM service/Small Chapel
*Fourth Sunday of every month – United Women in Faith (no UWF meeting in July and August)
*Every Wednesday – Bible Study 7:30PM-8:30PM/Zoom (Same Zoom Link every week)
*Every Thursday – Bell Choir 7PM/Church
*Every Thursday – Chancel Choir 8PM/Church
*Every Last Friday of the month – United Methodist Men 7PM/BKR
*Every Saturday – Prayer Meeting 8AM/Zoom (Same Zoom Link every week)
*Every Saturday – Thrift Shop 10AM-2PM
Upcoming Meetings and Events
*Sunday, March 29, 2026 – Church Council meeting after 10AM Service
*Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Social Committee – PAINT NIGHT 7PM/BKR
*Saturday, April 25, 2026 – International Potluck Dinner 6PM/Gym
*Tuesday, May 12, 2026 – Board of Trustees Meeting 7:30PM/BKR
