God of surprises, break through the life of Grace Church and its people. Reveal to us new ways we can be faithful and fruitful, moving into the future you have in store.

SUNDAY AT GRACE

It was a Sunday full of gratitude! The Grace Winds (Ann Hawthorn, flute; Brent Eresman, clarinet; Derek Dunavent, clarinet; Karen Cartwright, bassoon) provided beautiful music, as did Joe Severyn on piano and organ. Pastor Steve delivered a Thanksgiving message, “Giving Gratitude to God”. He explored the reality of the first Thanksgiving, noting that the Native Americans demonstrated hospitality to the strangers among them. If you would like to see and hear the service, click HERE for the Grace Church Dayton channel of YouTube.

After worship, a number of helpful persons gathered to eat and to deck the halls of Grace. So, next Sunday you will be greeted by the festive colors of the Advent and Christmas season! Thanks to all who helped!

CONSECRATION SUNDAY RESULTS

We have initial results from our stewardship campaign!

The following was shared by our Financial Secretary, Janet Yeazel:

A total of 27 giving units (husbands and wives, families, or single persons) completed Estimate of Giving Cards this year. A total of 23 of these giving units increased their financial commitment above their last year’s amount, which is 85% of those completing a card!

A total of $150,520 was tallied from the initial response. This represents $42,218 in anticipated additional income for the next twelve months, which is a 39% increase in total giving above last year (so far). Please note that these dollar amounts do not include anticipated loose plate offerings or additional giving from persons who have not yet filled out the estimate of giving card.

Janet expressed her gratitude for all those completing the estimate cards and to all who give financially to support the ministry of Grace Church. In addition, a large amount of thanks goes to Janet for her hard work as Financial Secretary!

“I have helped with many annual stewardship campaigns in my 20+ years as a pastor,’ said Pastor Steve Putka. “The generosity and commitment of our church never ceases to amaze me! I have never experienced, or even heard of, 85% of participants making the decision to increase their giving. And the 39% increase among those who participated also blows away all prior campaigns I have experienced. I am so very grateful to God for the generosity and commitment by the people of Grace Church!”

There is still time to complete an estimate of giving card if you were unable to attend Consecration Sunday. A mailer with a self-addressed, stamped envelope and estimate of giving card will be sent out soon to all giving units who did not complete a card. Or if you prefer, simply ask Janet Yeazel for a card at worship.

Again, thank you for your financial generosity!

LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE

The Leadership Team met after worship on November 10. The matters discussed concerned the following topics:

• New uses of the church bus to bring other groups to Sundayworship or other appropriate activities
• Team members contacting members to invite them toConsecration lunch on November 17
• The financial situation of Grace Church
• Matters raised by the insurance company and agreement tocommunicate about the progress on these issues
• Issues with supervision of children of the Christ Lifecongregation using Fellowship Hall on Sundays
• Progress on heat pump repair
• Set next meeting for December 8 to begin discussion of longterm strategy for Grace Church

If you have questions or comments, contact a member of the Leadership Team: Jim Vance (Chair), Elaine Green, Susan Hines, Frank Hollingsworth, Rex Huselton, Debra Humphrey, Roberta Longfellow, Connie Lundy, Carol Miller, and Larry Ramey.