Hello Friends!
I usually use this space to preview a new sermon series or program at Grace. For this month I thought I would share what’s going on with projects here at church as well as my ministry outside the church.
The Pastor’s Office is Moving!
For some time now we’ve been researching how to get a bathroom inside our current nursery room. After some estimates the trustees decided to open up the wall between the nursing room, which already has a bathroom, and the current pastor’s office. The overall square footage is smaller than the current nursery but it will allow free access to a bathroom and sink. The pastor’s office is moving to the space adjacent to the main office. The new office has been re-carpeted and refurnished. Take a peek inside to see what it’s like.
A New Roof on the Fellowship Hall!
We’re re-roofing the fellowship hall with a part of the funds raised from the Reach Capital Campaign. I can hear the workers walking above me as I typed this letter. Let’s pray that there are no issues with the replacement and we can get the AC units up and running before it gets any warmer. If you made a pledge to the campaign be sure to stay up to date. If you haven’t made a pledge or would like to modify it, you’ll have an opportunity this month during our Generosity Campaign.
Baby Changing Stations!
Some of you may have noticed that we’ve installed wall mounted baby changing stations in each of the restrooms. This will allow parents to attend to their babies with more comfort and ease, especially with the current infant room being converted to the nursery.
Mid-Michigan District
As many of you know the United Methodist Church is connectional. Although we are one local church we share in common ministries with other United Methodist Churches. As an elder my ministry goes beyond the work in our local church as well. Currently, I serve as the Mid-Michigan District Leadership Team Chair. I work closely with our District Superintendent, Rev. Jerry DeVine and a group of clergy and lay people to help lead our district. We manage the district budget from our Ministry Shares, develop clergy and Lay Leader training programs, organize district conference, and help oversee the new District Board of Missions.
Michigan Conference
On the Conference level, I serve on the Board of Ordained Ministry which is our Conference’s licensing body for those seeking ordination into ministry. As a board member, I serve on the Candidacy Summit, a bi-annual retreat that jump starts people who are interested in exploring licensed ministry. In addition, I am currently serving as a Candidacy mentor for four aspiring clergy.
Youth 2019!
From July 9-14, I along with three other adult leaders: Jennifer Hahm, Jose Borrego, and Alexis Wood will be taking seven youth to Youth 2019. This is the National Gathering for United Methodist Youth that happens every 4 years. This year the event will take place in Kansas City, MO. Please pray that this will be a powerful experience for our students! There are lots of exciting things going on in our ministry at Grace. Please continue to pray for and support our mission to reach people with the love and teachings of Jesus Christ!
Grace and peace,
Paul
