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Griswold UMC Mission Statement: To praise God and enrich the lives of families and individuals by encouraging prayers, Bible study, and practical applications of the teachings of Jesus."

LENTEN LUNCH AND A WORD
You are invited to be part of an exciting Bible study during Lent this year. We will be studying the Gospel of Mark - but in a way you probably have not done before. The entry way into the words of Mark will be through simple crossword-puzzles. The first will be done in class. These will draw us into the Gospel in ways that we can share questions, insights and understandings. This year our Lenten study will be at the Faith Lutheran Church from 12 - 1 pm. on the every Thursday in March . Please bring a sack lunch, your Bible and don't forget to include your curiosity and wonder. Pastor Celeste and Pastor Dwight will be leading this study together.

Dwight Writes

The grace and love of God is given to all. God desires that you receive this gift. It will not be taken away if you don’t respond. But, it also won’t make much difference in your life until you do receive it. Once you accept the love and grace of God, you will begin to respond and grow by putting your faith into practice.

It is my desire for you to grow in love and grace in your life. Part of the work of the church is to shape our lives individually and collectively as a community of faith. As this happens it will become clear that the love of God is the guiding force in our lives.

I invite you to be an active part of this community of faith ~ the Griswold United Methodist Church. If you’ve been away for awhile, Lent is a great time to return. If you’ve been here for awhile, Lent is a great time to move closer. During this season, we prepare ourselves to receive and celebrate the love and power of God, displayed in the resurrection of Jesus.

Let us worship together.
Blessings,
Pastor Dwight
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Grace comes around.
At the most unexpected times,
grace grows in the most barren places.
Revealing the Holy One’s tenacious power,
Grace permeates the whole creation.

Grace comes around,
at the most unexpected times.
Grace grows in the most barren places.
Revealing the Holy One’s tenacious power,
grace permeates the whole creation
with the gift of life.

VBS 2012 will tentatively be held August 6,7,8. NEW this year is the times. We are going to try an evening VBS from 6-8pm. We will serve a small snack, do our Bible lessons, crafts, games, music & more. Monday & Tuesday evening will be VBS, with Wednesday evening being our family night with a meal served, entertainment & family crafts to make & take. Our theme will be based around 'stars' of the Bible such as Moses, David, Samson, Sarah, & more...they each had a talent & we'll be re-enacting their stories. Let me know if you'd like to help in any area! I'll be looking for props & costumes to go with each of our Bible stars' stories & will also be looking for props to use for a photo booth we'll have for our family night. ~Kyla Amos

Mission & Society Committee is hosting Karen Ujereh, who has been a missionary in the Congo, Zimbabwe, Senegal & Nigeria.
She will be here on Thursday, March 22 to share a potluck meal with us at 6:30 pm and then tell of her experiences.
Please join us and make her feel welcome. If you have any questions, contact Laura Amos.

Easter Lily or Chrysanthemums

Would you be interested in purchasing a plant for Easter Sunday?

Sign up sheet is located on the table in the Upper Room. Cost is -$7.75. Will place order for the plants on March 30.

Thanks for helping make the Sanctuary special this Easter.


Baby news

Terry & Robin Drake became grandparents once again. Trent & Abby had a baby boy, Coy Michael born on Friday, January 27 in Des Moines. He weighed 7# 11 oz. 19 1/2” tall.

JC & Liz Wyman are parents of a little girl, Brynli Bradshaw, she was born Jan. 26, and weighed 6 # 7 oz. and 20” long.

Justin & Joelle Kirchhoff became parents on Sunday, Feb. 12 to a little boy, 4 # 1 oz. 17 1/4” long. Bronson Flynn was 7 weeks early and is doing well. His happy and proud grandparents are Mitch & Julie Kline and Becky Kirchhoff.

Landon & Lindsay Preston are proud parents of a little girl, Alayna (Laynie) Grace, who was born Feb. 13. She weighed 6 # 7 oz. and 20” long. Grandparents are Ray & Jan Preston, Janet Weaver and Dell Weaver .
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Tara (Drake) Wilkie is in the Bergan Mercy Hospital. She is on complete bed rest until the birth of their baby boy. You can send her a card at:
Bergan Mercy Hospital
7500 Mercy Rd.
Maternity Ward Suite #23
Omaha, NE 68124-2386

If you have any yarn that you don't need. Vi McCullough could use it for stocking hats. Vi makes 50 + hats each year for the Mitten Tree. She has 17 hats made up already for the 2012 tree, but doesn’t have any more yarn.
Let’s keep Vi busy and out of trouble! You can drop the yarn off at the church or give Vi a call and drop it off at her house. Thanks Kathy

2012 -Responsibility List for March

Greeters
4. Danny & Kim Kirchhoff
11. Kevin Whitehill & girls
18. Confirmation Class
25. JC & Liz Wyman & family
Ushers:
4. Mike & Kyla Amos & family
11. Troy & Deb Sederburg, Tony & Carol Leighton
18. Confirmation Class
25. Dennis & Linda Nissen, Larry & Vicki Jones
Liturgist
4. Bette Tye
11. Jan Brown
18. Confirmation Class
25. Mike Amos
Communion
4. Gary & Kathy Bergstrom

Sunday morning coffee committee, each week the following people are in charge of getting the coffee ready and cleaning up. If you can’t work on your date –please trade with someone.

March
4. Shirley Drake
11. Robin Drake
18. Peggy Casey
25. Pat Schaaf
April
1. Laura Amos
8. Kathy Rush
15. Doris Houser
22. Billie Wilson
29. Bette Tye
May
6. Shiona Putnam
13. Shirley Drake
20. Robin Drake
27. Peggy Casey