Three Invitations

Dear Grace Family:

We have lots to celebrate around Grace! I just returned from a volunteer appreciation luncheon where nine Grace members were honored for serving at Wakefield Elementary: Tom and Vicki Busby, Le Lange, Ron Woodworth, Rodney Ward and Sue Ann Spencer, Rhonda Luckett, and Christy and me. It was a very moving occasion. The Wakefield Blitz has been a tremendous success for the school and us. Thank you to everyone who supported it. School starts again August 16!

Speaking of celebrating, we have several receptions happening at Grace in the next ten days: Joan Douglass, who has taught children's Sunday school here for 37 years, is retiring from teaching. We're honoring her with a reception June 4 during the Sunday school hour. There is a memory book and cards near the Celebration Center if you'd like to leave a note or well wishes.

That same day is Confirmation Sunday. You’ll have a chance to hear from our three confirmands: Erika, Miles, and Amanda, at both services this week. Following 11:00 worship we’ll have Confirmation SUNDAEs (get it?) for our confirmands. Stay after for a few moments, enjoy some ice cream, and hang out with these amazing kids and their mentors.

The following Sunday June 11 at 9:45 you are invited to an appreciation reception for Pastor Leon and Dee Ann Veazey. We'll enjoy light breakfast food and contribute to a love offering. Please make plans to join in the celebration of this great couple as we thank both of them for their ministry at Grace. It has been a privilege to serve alongside both Dee Ann and Leon this past year.

Saying thank you is an important part of ministry. Serving is a joy and we do it as a response to God’s grace, not for the attention. Sure. But it’s important to recognize folk who make an impact on the lives of others. At Grace UMC we are privileged to have so many who serve in so many various places. Thank you for exercising your faith in the community!