Grace Notes April Newsletter

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

There will be no worship at Grace during the month of April. Bishop Lewis has decided to close us through the whole month due to state regulations. [See https://vaumc.org/CoronavirusFAQs for more info.]

There have been a few questions about putting the cross outside at Easter and letting people come by and decorate it. Sadly we cannot do this either since we can't have any gatherings that bring people together. We want to continue to maintain our distance.

I know this is frustrating and disappointing as is the fact that we can't meet at all. We really do need one another, don't we? Maybe in this time of social distancing we are learning just how important being with the Body is to us in our walk with Christ. Mr. Wesley said that it was impossible to be a, "solitary Christian" and I think he was correct. I know  Lisa and I miss all of you so very much.

Today I had my third shot out of the five I need to boost my immune system. Three down, two to go. Then I go back Monday for labs and hopefully Round 5 of treatments. [Pastor’s oncology office is closing temporarily so treatment is postponed.] Thanks so much for the cards and prayers.

Do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Let me know how I can pray for you. Continue to read and search the scriptures. Seek Christ. Pray for the Spirit to fill us all.

In the fellowship of our crucified Lord,

Clay+

Grace UMC Middletown VA, March 2020, photo by Lisa Knick

Bishop Sharma Lewis: Pray at Noon each Day

The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV) Prayer is essential to sustain our faith and Jesus Christ modeled a life of prayer.

I would like to thank several of you that have suggested a corporate prayer time for the Virginia Annual Conference. I am very blessed to lead an annual conference that believes in the power of the petitioned prayer!

Please join me at 12 noon every day and pray the printed prayer below. Let us invoke the power of the Great Physician to do a mighty work in eradicating this disease all over the world. Peace and Blessings,

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis

  

Almighty God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, We thank you for your blessings, past, present and future. You are our rock and the source of our hope in all things and at all times. As Jehovah Jireh, our provider God, we ask you this day to stretch out your mighty hand and eradicate from the face of the earth forever this virus called COVID-19 (coronavirus) that is spreading rapidly from continent to continent.
 We also pray that you, Jehovah Rapha, our healing God, would place your hand upon all of those who have been stricken by this virus and restore them to full health. Be with those who have lost loved ones and are grieving. Protect all who are caring for those with this virus and keep them from contracting it themselves.
 Calm our fears and provide us with your peace that surpasses all understanding. Strengthen us with the joy of the Lord and help us to hold firmly to the hope that only you can provide.
 Unify us that we, the Virginia Annual Conference, may be able to experience anew the promise of your presence in and through the unity of our faith, hope and trust in you in the days ahead and forever.
 We offer this prayer in the mighty name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
 AMEN.

Stewardship Matters

Tax Time!

Along with April comes the taxman asking for us to settle up with Uncle Sam. As Christians we respect our country and want to do our fair share. We want others to do the same. Whether that is the case is not for this column.

At the same time, we want to benefit from the deductions and exemptions that apply to us and are written into the code. The tax code has changed in the last few years and the personal exemption doubled, thus itemizing charitable contributions occurs less frequently.

Years ago, I was doing our taxes with a tax software program and after inserting our charitable giving, a message appeared on the screen with words similar to this, “This is a higher than usual amount. Check your numbers.” Why did we get that message? Primarily because we are tithers!

We choose to tithe as a response to God’s gracious love and as a spiritual discipline. According to statistical data accumulated over 50 years, the average American family gives away 1-2% of their annual income. Therefore, when Christians give as God asks us to give, the doorkeepers, the tax accountants, find it surprising. They say, “Check your numbers.”

Would it not be wonderful if the culture of generosity were so much a part of the life of the Christian that software programs and tax accountants would not express surprise at our giving?  They would just say to themselves, “Another Christian!”

In that culture of generosity, they would know that Christians practice this spiritual discipline routinely.  In fact, the tithe is not so extravagant that it merits notice; it is simply a matter of obedience. I frequently say, “Generosity begins after the tithe.” Having said that, I know for some the tithe is a HUGE commitment and not easy to do given economic/financial situations. It was not always easy for us, but it was always important. I believe it is a benchmark we should all strive to meet and to exceed as able.

The taxman cometh, but the church engaged in making disciples moves forward through the dedication and generosity of her people. Please practice generosity. Always practice generosity!

Rev. David A. Rash

Stewardship Matters of Virginia LLC    

www.StewardshipMattersVa.org

Editor’s Note: The tax deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020 due to the current Covid-19 situation.

Notes of Grace…

Dear Church Family,

Thank you for your time, love and support over the past weeks as Harold completed his Life’s Journey. And a special thanks to those who prepared and served the Luncheon following his service. You provided us a wonderful time to connect with all those who love Harold.

Grace and Peace, The Nichols Family

Church Family,

Thank you so much for support, prayers, and compassion during the time of “Franny’s” passing. Your love for family and friends is a blessing.

Sincerely, Richard Robinson

On behalf of The Red Wagon Ministry, I appreciate the continues support by your wonderful Church family for those we serve within the community. I would also like to acknowledge Mrs. Gail Hahn and the Outreach Committee for organizing and hosting this diaper collection. The donation of 957 diapers, 1,652 wipes, books, numerous baby hygiene products, and clothing will enable the ministry to supply the necessary provisions assisting those visiting the Baby and Toddler Room at Congregational Community Action Project.

The principle of stewardship is where faith, works, and community intersects, or becomes one. This unity is the theme of The Red Wagon Ministry’s Mission Statement. I thank the cheerful givers from Grace that has allowed us to share the love of Christ through this gift.

Always, Jody Stephenson

Volunteers needed

Sign up Here: Mow & Trim the Church Yard

Help is needed to mow and trim the Church Yard. As in past years we ask that you sign up to help, one or more times. Instructions and information is available from Trustees Chairman Randy Jenkins. Please call him at 540-869-4907. As you might guess your volunteer help saves Church expenses. Now, very important!

 

Service in scraps and stitches

“My first batch is going to a friend of mine who works with foster families. Social workers need them,” said Michelle Cissel in a Facebook post. “I have plenty of fabric on-hand and the elastic. I can make them until they are not needed anymore.

“She went on to post that “these help stretch supplies. By using these over the good masks, they can change these every patient rather than changing the good masks every patient.” Michelle started off with scrap fabrics from her quilting projects but soon needed more. “JoAnn’s is cutting and packaging supplies! If you call and tell them how many you want to make, they will load your car curbside and then you can take them back and they will distribute to hospitals,” posted one of Michelle’s friends.

Instructions are available on the Valley Health website, but are basically 2-6x9 inch pieces of fabric, and 2-7 inch lengths of ¼ inch elastic. “Remember to use two different fabrics so they can tell which side was against their face,” someone posted. It is easy sewing.

Michelle is making more, saying, “once you get the first one done, you can zip right along. I just picked up my new mask material. (Curbside pickup) Now to get it washed so the fun can begin.” Let us know if you are sewing too, or would like to, or if you have tight woven cotton fabrics to donate. Email graceumc2@comcast.net

Prepping to make masks from cotton and elastic.

Completed mask.

A stack of masks made by Michelle Cissel for local medical use.