GRACEUMC Grace Notes January/February 2014 The Monthly Newsletter of Grace United Methodist Church of Lynn, MA. 1. Dear Grace UMC Family, In the last big snowstorm, we changed our profile pictures on the church website and facebook page to a picture of snow. Smooth, fresh beautiful snow. As a New England transplant, I’ve had to adjust to the winters here. Frigid temperatures, a sturdy shovel and… a strong back! I have also found that gear is important. When I go out into the winter weather with the right gear on, I stay warm and the rain, sleet, and snow don’t bother me. I have even come to appreciate the stunning beauty of winter, the gentle deep drifts of snow and the magnificent ice storms. I am also acutely aware that when I am not prepared or have inadequate protection or utilities break, the temperature and elements can be harrowing. In many ways, this is an apt comparison for our lives. It is the nature of life. Storms will come. They always do. When we are centered in Christ and clothed in the light, however, we are prepared for whatever comes. Our prayers and disciplines strengthen us and remind us that we can trust God. Even when storms seem overwhelming, we know we can lean on and draw strength from God’s steadfast love and our church community. We know that we are all one and that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. What spiritual disciplines will help keep you centered in the love of Christ this year? Reading the Bible? Daily prayer? Acts of charity? Tithing? Working for justice? Attending worship? Fasting? The beginning of the year is a great time to commit to one (or more!) of these disciplines. Join us as we explore these more closely in upcoming worship services. But beware: they can be wonderfully life changing! Blessings for 2014! Grace and peace, Ted Crass
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GRACEUMC Grace Notes
January/February 2014 The Monthly Newsletter of Grace United Methodist Church of Lynn, MA.
1.
Dear Grace UMC Family,
In the last big snowstorm, we changed our profile pictures on the church website
and facebook page to a picture of snow. Smooth, fresh beautiful snow. As a New
England transplant, I’ve had to adjust to the winters here. Frigid temperatures, a
sturdy shovel and… a strong back! I have also found that gear is important.
When I go out into the winter weather with the right gear on, I stay warm and the
rain, sleet, and snow don’t bother me. I have even come to appreciate the stunning
beauty of winter, the gentle deep drifts of snow and the magnificent ice storms. I
am also acutely aware that when I am not prepared or have inadequate protection
or utilities break, the temperature and elements can be harrowing.
In many ways, this is an apt comparison for our lives. It is the nature of life.
Storms will come. They always do. When we are centered in Christ and clothed
in the light, however, we are prepared for whatever comes. Our prayers and
disciplines strengthen us and remind us that we can trust God. Even when storms
seem overwhelming, we know we can lean on and draw strength from God’s
steadfast love and our church community. We know that we are all one and that
nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
What spiritual disciplines will help keep you centered in the love of Christ this
year? Reading the Bible? Daily prayer? Acts of charity? Tithing? Working for
justice? Attending worship? Fasting? The beginning of the year is a great time to
commit to one (or more!) of these disciplines. Join us as we explore these more
closely in upcoming worship services. But beware: they can be wonderfully life
changing!
Blessings for 2014!
Grace and peace,
Ted Crass
2
Clothes Closet The Clothes Closet is open on
Saturdays from 10-12.
We’re now accepting Winter
clothes. Clothes, shoes, boots,
new underwear and socks can
be dropped off on Sunday mornings or Mon.-Fri. 9am
-1pm. It’s best to call first.
781-599-4050
Go to www.gracelynn.org
To check for changes/updates to the church calendar
Finance Report
What a great Stewardship
Campaign in 2013. Grace
Church exceeded expectations.
Thank you all for responding
to the campaign. Grace has
also ended 2013 in excellent
shape financially and looks
toward 2014 with a balanced
budget. We are positioned to
live out our newly created Mission and Vision.
Thank you!
Joan Comeau
Finance Chair
English Language Learners (ELL)
Some students come and go,
but one of our students,
Antonio, comes loyally every
week. His passion for learning
English and English quirks is
very inspiring. His only free
night is Wednesdays and his desire for improve-
ment pushes him to ask piercing questions.
What a very wonderful service Grace provides
our Lynn community.
The Adult Class that
meets in the room off
the Sanctuary on
Sunday morning at
9:30 is currently
studying the Gospel
of John. Facilitation of this class is shared
among the participants. We use the Serendipity
Bible for Study Groups as a guide for our
discussion. All are welcome - no preparation
before class is necessary. Come every week, or
as one is able..
Are you receiving the Weekly E-News? If not, please let Chris know at
35 Franklin Street Tel. (781) 592-0514 Lynn, MA 01902 Fax (781) 592-5516
Since 1965 Over 48 Years of Service Est. 1918
Tel. (781-598-3500
Fax (781) 592-2223
OSBORNE PHARMACY & HEALTH-CARE CENTER
“Prescription Services & Home Health-Care Needs”
BILL BOORAS, B.S., R.P.H. -1963
Pres. & Treas. 59 Essex St.
KEN LUFKIN JR. B.S., -1992 Cor. Eastern Ave
Home Health-Care Mgr., Cert. Fitter Lynn, MA 01902
781-599-4500
We offer thanks and appreciation to all these
companies that support the ministries of Grace United
Methodist Church of Lynn.
6
Richard
COVERT 334 Broadway (Wyoma Square) Lynn, MA 01904
Your "Concierge" Claims Center
Rick Starbard781-289-0905 Jim LeBlanc
665 NORTH SHORE ROAD
REVERE, MA 02151 Rt . 1A South (1 mile from General Edwards Bridge)
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