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Grace UM Church Staff Members
Pastor: Rev. Dr. John D. Miller
Director of Lay Ministries: Barb Dittman
Secretary: Brittany Adams
Finance Secretary: Eva Palmer
Custodian: Bill Lamberton
Organist: Joseph Emanuele |
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Services are available on YouTube and our website www.graceoilcity.org
https://www.graceoilcity.org/worship-service-recordings.html
Sunday 6/30/2024 Sunday School @ 9:00 AM
Sunday 6/30/2024 Service @ 10:00AM
Rev. Dr. John D. Miller
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Sermon: Means of Grace
Scripture: Mark 10:17-31 (NRSV)
Ushers: Tom Peebles and Judy Guyton
Greeter: Chris Salvo
* Hymns:
“God, Whose Love is Reigning o’er Us” #100
“Glory be to the Father” #70 |
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Sunday School for Adults: New Space
You are invited to the 9:00 Adult Sunday School Class which will now meet in a more convenient space: the former Kindergarten room in the hallway off the sanctuary and just beyond the “Pastor’s Office.”
Looking Ahead
ATTENTION: Adult Sunday School on summer break.
June 30 Thank you picnic after Sunday worship service at the church, all are welcome!
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Happy Birthday & Anniversary to our Grace Family this week! Although some of these members may have been absent from our lives for a while, let us take a moment to stop and remember them in prayer on their special day.
June 26
Brad/Allison Deeter
June 27
Rebecca Oakill
Nancy Simpson
Corey White
Kalynne Ziegler
Mike/Amy Highfield
June 28
Caroline Smith
Phyllis Weltner
Jane Whaley
Jeff/Cindy Forshee
June 29
Sydney Lamberton
Steve Scheer
June 30
Zachary Webber
Nancy Novicki
July 1
Mark Berry
Jerica Hepler
Lauren Stoltz
July 2
Jerry/Jill Montgomery
John McCullough
Pat Mong
Andrea Ziegler
July 3
Wesley Wolfgong
July 4
Lea Brosius
Ralph Kean
Wendi Ziegler
July 5
Cindy Cornelius
Stacy Shimko
Jodie Taft
July 6
Eric/Kathy Giles
Jean Sterling
David Whaley
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PREPARING FOR SUNDAY'S MESSAGE
Come and Worship!
"Means of Grace": June 30
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
WORSHIP: This Week in Worship: (10:00 a.m.) Mark 10:46-53
Bartimaeus sits on the roadside as Jesus leaves Jericho with an entourage of disciples and admirers. As a blind person, he was required to cover his eyes with a veil, or cloak, so the Jewish faithful weren’t accidentally rendered unclean by looking into his blind vacant stare. Religious rules must be followed and enforced to avoid contamination of the pious faithful. (Sound familiar?)
Yet, the rules and tradition are not followed, because Jesus hushed the crowd and chose caring for a person over following a dogmatic practice. (Hmm… What choice would we make if confronted with following the religious rules or following Jesus?) Face to face, Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he wants.
If you were face to face with Jesus, aware of your blindness, what would you ask for? It is a personal question. It is a communal question for any Christian community and now for Grace United Methodist Church.
I’ll look forward to seeing you in the sanctuary, or being seen by you on-line, Sunday at10:00 a.m.
(Don’t forget – extra casual picnic attire and picnic afterwards.)
Sunday, June 30th.
Rev. Dr. John D. Miller
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THANK YOU! Farewell!
Ten (10) months as your appointed pastor. To God, and to each of you, “thank you!”
This has been a year of discoveries for me because of this “church-appointed” relationship. I have experienced the Spirit at work in you and in me. In the Miller woodland retreat, I enjoy my morning meditation, reading, journaling and then being able to decide what I want to prioritize. However, the responsibility of the ministry with Grace UMC has challenged me to not get completely disconnected.
My appreciation can’t be expressed enough. I experienced God’s gift in the leadership stepping up, still! The worshippers, in the pews and on-line, lift up prayers and songs of joy and tolerate too long sermons. The staff that joins me in serving our Lord through Grace UMC are amazing and diverse in talents and perspectives. To the volunteers for each task; those who kept the TV ministry on-line; to those who know that administration includes “ministry,” my heart felt gratitude.
As you move on to the next stage of your personal and Church life journey, I move on to mine. Though not likely in a local congregation setting, I will continue listening to the WIND. Where it comes from, I may not know. Where it sends me, I may not know. But since “Wind, Breath and Spirit” are interchangeable in Biblical meaning, I will trust the Spirit.
Leonard Cohen, he of gravelly voice, has a song whose chorus I have known and appreciated. However, since Sunday is my last official day as your pastor, I include the first verse too:
(Verse 1) The birds they sang at the break of day. Start again I heard them say. Don't dwell on what has passed away, or what is yet to be.
(Chorus) Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack … in everything. That's how the light gets in.
Forgive me what I have done and left undone. Thank you for who you are as Christ’s life-long learners. I love you! Good-bye! (In my role as pastor, not as friend). |
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The “THANK YOU” Celebration: June 30th
I’ve often joked that I have “failed retirement.” Furthermore, I’ve said, “If I was going to fail retirement, it could not have happened in a better church.” I have experienced a spirit of cooperation, hope, and commitment from all in leadership, worship, service and support. Thank you, Lord.
A Celebration after 10:00 a.m. worship, June 30th is offered as a way for Diane and me to say THANK YOU for inviting us into your lives. You, family, casual or regular worshippers, totally new to Grace, drop-ins, and any one you want to introduce to Grace UMC are invited to worship and picnic. (On-Line worshippers, don’t be bashful. Come on down.)
MENU:
Baby From the big smoker in the parking lot, “Little Guy Grilling” will provide smoked and pulled brisket, pork, and chicken (with sauces) plus all the fixings, like mac & cheese, slaw, fruit, dessert, drinks and more. (If rains, we just move into Asbury Center.)
DRESS CODE: For both worship and eating, CASUAL!
WHAT TO BRING: Yourself, if outside, maybe a camp chair, but everything else will be provided and you will be served. Take home containers will be provided (no wasted food) for a shut-in, neighbor, or your next meal. Parking: spread out to upper lot and bank lot.
THANKS: Say thanks to Rob Ziegler for a coordinating this celebration with “Little Guy Grilling.” Further, thanks to the Miller brood: Kelly Martini, Carrie Chelko and Adam Miller for funding this Celebration. |
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From The Pastor's Desk:
Welcome to Rev. Nelson T. and Linda Thayer
Beginning July 1st, the Rev Nelson Thayer, with spouse Linda, will enter your life. The Grace UMC family is blessed to have their leadership and gifts for Grace’s next phase of ministry. Rev Thayer’s first Sunday in the pulpit will be July 7th, 10:00 a.m. worship. Plan now to attend and welcome the Thayers.
ATTENTION:
Adult Sunday School is on summer break and will resume in the fall.
WORSHIP TIME: 10:00 a.m.
Word is still not spread far enough. Worship has changed to the summer schedule: 10:00 a.m. Tell friends, neighbors, and other church members.
BABY BOTTLES – New Life Center - CONGRATULATIONS
Fifteen (15) Baby Bottles for The New Life Center have been returned to support their ministry. Congratulations! Another mission outreach for the grace-filled people of Grace UMC. (Three (3) bottles are unaccounted for. If you have one to turn in, please drop it off at the church office asap.)
An Invitation to Join
If you have even considered becoming a member of Grace UMC, and wonder what that entails, call the church office, 814-677-3013, or email me at jdmiller@graceoilcity.org. |
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Barbara Dittman, Director of Lay Ministries
Contact BarB at Grace UM
814-677-3013 Ext. 104
Office hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs. - 9:00 - 1:00 |
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BarB's Blurbs!
Celebrations and Get-togethers - Another get-together is being planned with our friends at Towne Towers! I would like to talk with Pastor Thayer to see if he would like to join us! The date will be determined soon! We love our friends at the Towers!
Some packet of notecards with the church's picture on them were purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to family and friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank you!
John and Diane, thank you for all you did to continue the ministry at Grace UM Church! May God's blessings be with you as you continue on to the next chapter in your lives! Psalm 121 and Philippians 4:13
And Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say never, 'cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to lives as FRIENDS! We love you, John and Diane
Your Friends from Grace UM Church
Have a Son-filled week Love you all, BarB
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St. Joseph’s 85th Annual 4th of July Celebration
July 4th 11 AM – 4 PM
Parish Grounds – 112 Rectory Lane – Lucinda PA
I-80 Exit 60 – Rt. 66 North 10 Miles
Post-Festival Finale – St. Joseph's Liberty 5K Run/Walk – July 6th 8 AM
Lucinda Train Station – 1040 Lander Drive – Lucinda
Clarion County’s Oldest Independence Day Celebration! Traditional all-you-can-eat Chicken & Ham Dinners – Homemade pie & Soup with our famous Homemade Noodles. Games of skill & chance for all ages – Live Entertainment – Festival Food – Bingo. Over $40,000 in Cash & Prizes including several Handmade Quilts, Portable Hot Tub and a $5,000 Grand Prize. Event held Rain or Shine – canopy covered. Handicap accessible. Parking shuttle available. Nearly 2,000 dinners served each year. Dining Room serving 11 AM – 3 PM; Takeouts available 11 AM – 2 PM; Dinner ticket sales open at 10 AM. Adults: $13 Children 6 – 12: $6 Children under 6: Free.Proceeds benefit St. Joseph Catholic School. Come Celebrate!
Info at: 814-226-7288 |
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HOPE 21: “A clothing boutique ministry”
Operating Day: Mondays 6:00pm-8:00pm
*Please save your old plastic grocery bags and bring them in to the church to be used for bagging clothing.
Still excepting donations of clothing and accessories such as shoes, boots, scarves, hats, belts, gloves, coats, professional clothing, dance wear, uniforms, socks, jewelry,
and school/work bags. |
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Quilting and Fellowship
The Merry Quilters are stitching on Mondays from 10:00am until 3:00pm in the lounge/library next to Grace Hall. Both experienced quilters and and any who would like to become a quilter are invited to join us. Visitors welcome, too! Access to the lounge is currently through the room outside the ladies restroom on the ground floor. Bring a bag lunch if you’d like to join us for lunch at noon. Questions?
Call Cindy Fultz, 814-673-5058. |
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A Quarter for your Meter
Your thoughts may be worth only a penny, but your presence at the church during weekdays is worth much more. Oil City has metered the parking lot behind the church. Plus, they issue tickets for parking violations.
Here is the church offer. On the secretary’s desk is a small bowl with change for the meter. If short of change, step in, grab a coin, and help the Oil City Parking Authority a dime or quarter at a time, rather than $5.00 as a first-time violator (who was caught). You are loved and worth every penny, dime or quarter. |
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Prayers of Joy and Concern
Medical/Health concerns:
Judy Hards’ sister Amy dealing with Scleroderma, Rev David, Vickie Fisher, Jason Cox, Josh Keebler, Don and Sherry Emick, DeAnna Mahle, Josie McMullen, Gracie Singleton, David Miller, Blaine Beers, Chip & Peggy Nunemaker, Amy Dykins, Ginny Taylor, Anita Eberle,
Andy, nephew of Judy Hards, (battling colon cancer), Matt Henderson (who is struggling with ALS), Carson Fennick (recovering from motorcycle accident), Jim Whaley (medical tests), Deb Rae Miller (upcoming surgery), Cork and Carol Nelms, Marcia Campbell’s sister, Bonnie Rihel (scheduled for MRI and in a lot of pain), Kate Shaffer (as she progresses through cancer treatment), Kathy Flockerzi cancer treatments, Marcia Hannan, sister of Rita Hale, (for return of cancer), Sandra Gagolloti and her sister, Laurie, Sandra Gagolloti’s, pregnant niece, (was in a car accident).
DEATHS/GRIEVING:
Marcia Campbell’s cousin, John Reavie has passed away.
Dorothy Heckathorn, sister of Rhonda Cubbon, and family her death on June 16th.
OTHER:
Leeann McCullough’s father, Robin Hart.
Adrianna – HS student at crossroads.
Praise/Announcements of JOY:
Birth of John and Leeann McCullough’s, granddaughter, Lucy Ann McCullough.
MINISTRIES:
The ministry of Grace Church in our community and around the world.
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
District Superintendent Rev. Deborah Ackley-Killian |
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