Church Life Weekly Newsletter
Find pdf files of Church Life newsletters at the bottom of this page.
Mission statement: Grace United Methodist Church is a family of faith striving to share God’s love with all people.
Words from the Pastor
March 20, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you on this sun-filled morning. As we begin week four of Lent, how goes it with your soul? Many of us have been fasting, others have taken on new practices. We are just past the halfway point. I pray you continue to grow and learn during our wilderness experience.
Today I want us to look at the acolytes and what they represent for us during our worship. Lighted candles remind us of Jesus who said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). The presence of the candlelight reminds us of Jesus’ coming not only into our world, but also, into our lives. Often it is the acolyte who lights the candles during worship.
The term “acolyte” comes from a Greek word meaning ‘follower’ or ‘attendant’ and may refer to anyone who performs ceremonial duties. Most commonly today, acolyte refers to one who lights and extinguishes altar candles. The two candles on the Lord’s Table are seen as representing our belief that Jesus is both human and divine. Since ancient times, light and fire have served as reminders of God’s presence to God’s people. For a biblical example, read about God’s appearance to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3). Acolytes carry the light into worship at the beginning of the service and carry the light out into the world at the end. This is to symbolize God’s presence in the midst of the worshipping community and God’s light going with us as we go out into the world.
Acolytes have been serving churches for many, many years. Today the role of acolyte is often filled by a child or youth; however, there are no age limitations on acolytes. In addition to lighting and extinguishing candles, acolytes may assist with Holy Communion, the offering, and other aspects of worship.
If you would like to serve as an acolyte, please be sure to talk to our Brother Mike P. for acolyte training!
Stay tuned for next week’s Church Life to learn more about Baptism.
In Christ’s Service,
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey L. Hooker
*We will suspend Bible study during the Lenten season so that Wednesday evening Lenten services can happen at our usual Bible study time of 7:30.
LENTEN SERVICE is at St. Marks’s UMC on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. The address for St. Mark’s UMC is 200 Hempstead Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Their phone number is 516/766-2080. The service will be in-person and via Zoom. Here is the Zoom information:
St. Mark’s UMC Worship Service will take place online/on phone at 7:30pm. To Join – click the link below for computer/cell phone video and audio.
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,812777011# US (New York)
+16469313860,,812777011# US
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
Meeting ID: 812 777 011
For phone (audio only) use * 6 to toggle mute/unmute
The meeting page on Zoom will be activated about 10 minutes before our service is scheduled to start. You will be placed in the “waiting room” and admitted to the service meeting by the host.
Prayer List
♥Victims of the Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, ♥Keith Ritchie (friend of Rosario Hooker), ♥♦Debbielee Thomsen, ♥♦Jesse James Smith, ♥Randolph Ives (brother of Margo Morrison), ♥†Mayorga Family, ♥Coleen Murray, ♥Loretta Lewis Zimmer and Bob Zimmer, ♥Ron Albretchsen (friend of Rosario Hooker), ♥Irene Misiti (friend of Rosario Hooker), ♥Charles Zipperlen, ♥†Family of Carol McKeithan (daughter, Pastor Debra Gallimore; son’s Detrimius and Roberto; granddaughter Nyla Gallimore, Max; and Elmont congregation), – friends of Debbielee Thomsen, ♥Juzer Kasubhai, ♥Kevin Brown (father of Naomi Brown), ♥†Family of Sylvia Obeng (cousin of Pat Eshun), ♥Karen and Peter Kiernan, ♥Meagan Kiernan (daughter of Karen and Peter Kiernan), ♥Jennifer Morton, ♥Honey Knice, ♥Emma Donnelly, ♥Audrey Weaver and Family, ♥Elaine Treske, ♥Patricia Sullivan (friend of Jenifer Hartig), ♥Jim Poch, ♥All our Military men and women, ♥Ken Richardson, ♥Barbara Siegl, ♥People of Ukraine, Anne Mahoney, ♥All UMW in Rehabilitation and Nursing Homes, ♥Castells Family (family of Elaine Treske), ♥David Biegler, ♥Iris Molina, ♥Olga Molina (sister of Iris Molina), ♥Evelyn Neber (friend 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
Today in Church School we heard the story in John 9 about Jesus healing the blind man and by healing the blind man, Jesus knew that others would see His light and want to follow it. We talked about our eyes and our heart, how we know that our eyes help us to see and we know that our heart keeps our blood moving and our body alive. So we figured that by using our eyes to see Jesus it will help us to open our hearts as well to help others. Ephesians 1:18 says in part, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you”. When we prayed, we asked that Jesus help us to open our eyes so that we can love and serve those around us.
The Music Ministry of GUMC would like to thank Mike Provenzano for donating a full sized 88 key electric piano. We will make sure we put it to good use. The first project it will be used for is to rehearse with our Sunday School children for Easter.
Calling All Parents, Grandparents, Aunties, and Uncles!! There is still plenty of time for the child(ren) in your life to sing with us this Easter Sunday. Simply click on the link below to learn our Easter Sunday selection. We welcome all youngsters. https://youtu.be/WZ3tnBMCWZU
COUNTING TEAM SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2023
19 M. Pershad
26 D. Nicosia
COUNTING TEAM SCHEDULE FOR APRIL 2023
02 K Pearce
09 E. Fitch
16 D. Nicosia
23 M. Pershad
30 M. Pershad
Special Sunday Offerings 2023
MISSIONS – January/April/July/October 2023
HUMAN RELATIONS DAY – January 15, 2023
UMCOR SUNDAY – March 19, 2023
EASTER – April 9, 2023
NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRY – April 23, 2023
GOLDEN CROSS SUNDAY – May 8, 2022
PEACE WITH JUSTICE SUNDAY – June 4, 2023
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY – October 1, 2023
UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY – November 26, 2023
CHRISTMAS EVE – December 24, 2023
CHRISTMAS – December 25, 2023
REMINDER. Please remember to put your Envelope Number on your checks, your donation envelope or include with your Venmo or Zelle. Thank you.
UMCOR SUNDAY MARCH 19, 2023. For more than 50 years, United Methodist congregations have been taking part in a special offering, laying the foundation for the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s ministry of relief and hope. UMCOR’s work of alleviating human suffering around the world includes disaster relief and supplies, disaster risk reduction, health, and humanitarian development. WHAT IS UMCOR SUNDAY? Through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) we are able to provide hope for communities and individuals whose lives have been upset by storms, wars, fires, displacement and climate change. This ministry is achieved exclusively through your generosity. UMCOR Sunday is a denomination wide celebration designed to raise awareness and support for UMCOR. The special offering on this Sunday underwrites UMCOR’s “cost of doing business” making it possible for UMCOR to focus on responding to communities and individuals when they need immediate assistance. It allows UMCOR to preserve the promise that 100% of any donation to a specific UMCOR project or missionary will go towards that project and not administrative cost. UMCOR equips local churches, annual conferences and nonprofit organizations to be in mission with their communities and to respond to those left most vulnerable during challenging times. UMCOR responds to U.S. and international disasters, addresses diseases and poverty, assists refugees and immigrants, provides clean water and works to reduce hunger. UMCOR doesn’t just respond to the emergency for the short term. Working with local organizations, churches in the community and United Methodist volunteers, UMCOR builds relationships and helps communities rebuild, in the years following a disaster. UMCOR would be unable to do this work without your support. By covering the operational cost on UMCOR Sunday, you equip the organization to respond when hope and safety is needed most. You strengthen the ministry and secure our ability for UMCOR to share God’s love with communities everywhere.
MISSIONS COMMITTEE. Grace Missions Committee will be serving lunch at Far Rockaway Mission on Saturday, March 25. We will meet in the church kitchen at 10AM to prepare the sandwiches and bag the lunches. Anyone who would like to help make sandwiches and bag lunches is welcome to join us!
Coffee Hour – Coffee Hour is being hosted by Philis Harris this coming Sunday, 3/19/23. Thank you Philis.
Coffee Hour is being hosted by the Diversity Committee on Sunday, 3/26/23. Thank you.
We are looking for more Volunteers for Coffee Hour. Perhaps one of our Committees could take a week – cookies, cake, cupcakes, etc.? If you have any questions, please speak with Bob DiSalvo. Thank you.
BLOOD DRIVE. On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 2:30pm-8:30pm, we will be hosting our SPRING BLOOD DRIVE in the Education Building gym. We have an opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters while we serve our Lord and Savior. Please give so others may live! Dinner will be served to all donors and their family from 5pm-7pm. We are in need of five blood captains to call established donors for scheduling. Even if you cannot donate, you can still help by serving as captains. Also, some assistance is needed to welcome and serve dinner. Contact Bob DiSalvo at 516-318-9106. Please help us serve our community and save lives of God’s children, bless you.
Diversity and Inclusion Committee. In the upcoming months you will see posts from the Diversity and Inclusion Committee inviting the congregation to consider a thought provoking question that challenges you all to take action and enact change.
The month of March is Women’s History Month and Disability Awareness Month. How do these two intersect?
In general, women across the globe are exposed to violence. The risk of facing gender-based violence increases for women with disabilities. Abuse can occur at home, via personal care assistants or health care professionals. The abuse can take the form of restricting medications, withholding or damaging assistive devices, inappropriate touching during dressing or bathing, or physical/emotional/sexual abuse.
Thus, fostering safe, accommodating, and welcoming environments for women with disabilities is something we should commit to as a congregation. The word “disability” encompasses a wide range of conditions and experiences with varying levels of visibility and severity. Think about ways disability might affect the women in your life, even if it’s not visible. How can we make our church, our homes, and our workspaces safe and welcoming for these women?
How will you enact change? Let us know in person on 3/26/23 when the Diversity and Inclusion Committee hosts coffee hour.
Yours in Christ,
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee
If you require a Hearing Aid, please speak with one of our Ushers.
Evangelism. Our Evangelism Committee continues to accept donations of T-Shirts, Socks, Underwear, Paperback Books, greeting cards, etc., for the Prison Ministry. You may leave your donations in the box marked Prison Ministry in the Narthex of the Church. Thank you in advance for your help.
Thrift Shop. The Grace UMC Thrift Shop is accepting donations now. You may leave them at the outside door. The Thrift Shop will be officially opening on Saturday, April 15, 2023, and going forward will be open every Saturday from 10AM-2PM. ALSO, before the grand opening on 4/15/23, we are looking for volunteers to do some painting to really brighten up the space. Pizza, soda etc. will be provided. Please contact Andrea, Maudlyn or the Church Office if you are interested. Thank you.
ISAIAH 58:7 – SHARE YOUR FOOD WITH THE HUNGRY
In Nassau County 34% of food insecure people are ineligible for state or federal food assistance programs. Rising inflation has driven up food prices increasing the need for food assistance for many in Nassau including children. Thousands of families seek assistance on a weekly basis at these pantries. The Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead is one such food bank providing essential services to assist those challenged by hunger and poverty.
A box will be available in the narthex for you to drop off nonperishable food items. The food will be delivered to the pantry monthly. If you wish to help with food delivery, please contact Marianne Pike at mariannepike77@gmail.com.
Thank you for your continued support for those who need us the most.
News of Friends and Members. Debbielee Thomsen is looking for an apartment east of Valley Stream. If you know of any available apartments, please speak with Debbielee. Thank you.
Where You Can Volunteer
Liturgist or Reader – Contact Pat Eshun
Sunday School – Contact Janet Stone
Evangelism – Contact Andrea Owen-Boyd
Thrift Shop – Contact Andrea Owen-Boyd
Music – 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 or Mike Provenzano
Ushers – Contact Mike Provenzano or Carol Provenzano
Counting Team – Contact Marisa Pershad or Eileen Robertson
Hospitality – Contact Bob DiSalvo
Greeters – Contact Naomi Brown or Carol Provenzano
(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 – Choir Rehearsal 8AM/Church
*Every Sunday – Sunday School (in-person) 10AM (after Children’s sermon)
*Every Wednesday – Bible Study 7:30PM-8:30PM/Zoom (suspended during Lent)
*Every Thursday – Westminster Ringers 7:30PM
Upcoming Meetings
*Sunday, March 19, 2023 – Church Council after Church
*Saturday, March 25, 2023 – Missions Committee making sandwiches 10:00 AM/ Kitchen
Monthly Meetings
*Every Second Sunday –United Women in Faith after Church/Upper Lounge – In-person. Exception: Meeting will be April 2 instead of April 9.
Upcoming Events
*Wednesday, March 22, 2023 – Co-op Lenten Service 7:30PM/Zoom and St. Mark’s Rockville Centre
*Wednesday, March 29, 2023 – Co-op Lenten Service 7:30PM/Zoom and St. Paul’s Inwood
*Sunday, April 2, 2023 – Palm Sunday 10AM
*Sunday, April 2, 2023 – United Women in Faith (UWF) – after Church/Upper Lounge
*Thursday, April 6, 2023 – Holy Thursday 7:30PM/Zoom and St. John’s
*Friday, April 7, 2023 – Good Friday 12 Noon/ Grace sanctuary
*Friday, April 7, 2023 – Good Friday 7:30PM/ Zoom & In-person
*Sunday, April 9, 2023 – Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 AM
*Sunday, April 9, 2023 – Easter 10AM
*Saturday, April 15, 2023 – Thrift Shop Re-Opens for business!!
*Sunday, April 16, 2023 – Getting to Know Each Other Coffee Hour and Bake Sale (UWF)
*Sunday, May 14, 2023 – Music Sunday
*Saturday, May 20, 2023 – UWF Social Justice Luncheon (Details to follow)
*Sunday, December 10, 2023 – Annual Christmas Concert
NOTE: All of our Grace Church Services will use the same link that we have been using. Other meetings such as Bible Study will have their own link.
