Our July Mission Offering is: Habitat for Humanity

*Please use your mission envelope when giving.

Staff:

Revs. David & Carolyn Williamson, Co-Lead Pastors Peggy Namie, Office Administrator Nataliya Birmingham, Church Treasurer Reflecting God’s People don’t care what you Most people have one or two of these Mike Sanflippo, Music Director Grace-Full Life know until they know how that they are doing better on than oth- Barbara Polomsky, Organist ers. As in any relationship, things change By Pastor David Williamson Jason Forrest, Contemporary Music Leader much you care. over time and need to be worked on. When people ask me about Grace Unit- Martha Yamnitz, Children’s Ministry Director What area could use a little work for ed Methodist Church in St Augustine I This couldn’t be more true in our culture Amanda Richter, Nursery Attendant Coordinator you? How will you plan to work on it? often tell them that Grace is a Church of information and marketing. The Jessica Chaulk, Ana O’Donnell, Nursery Attendants that is living up to its name. By that, I grace-full life of Jesus seeks first to un- This is the point at which we can learn a Bob Rusin, Property Maintenance Manager mean we are a Church striving to live derstand before being understood. valuable lesson from the early Wesleyan Barbara McColskey, Deaf Interpreter according to the grace-full example of Get to know someone. Look for ways revival that lead to such spiritual growth Jesus Christ. among the Methodists. They were ac- God is already present and working in their life. Recognize that you aren’t the countable to another person for how Grace Notes & the monthly calendar are sent out via email unless you request otherwise. What does this grace-full life one bringing Jesus to them. they would grow in their love for God Printed copies of Grace Notes & the monthly calendar are available at the church look like? and others. or via mail (upon request). You may also view the newsletter at gracestaugustine.org . Second, learn your story and share it. First, Jesus paid attention to people who While it might not be the first thing you Being accountable to practice were often overlooked and ignored by do, it will be necessary to use words to the . others. Jesus didn’t set up a tent, hang share your experience of God’s grace. Grace out a sign and wait for people to come Each week when the early Methodists to him. Jesus went to where the people Consider and share your gathered for their class meeting, they 8 Carrera Street were. would ask one another how they were experience of God’s grace. St. Augustine, FL 32084 doing practicing the means of grace. Jesus wanted people who would never We’ve been inviting people over the last Then they would find support and en- set foot in the Temple, Synagogue or few weeks during worship to share their couragement to avoid stagnation or Church building to know that God loved experience of God’s prevenient, justify- backsliding in the journey of faith. them. He spent time with people who ing and sanctifying grace. In last month’s felt far from God. By offering them his newsletter we talked about making a This is the grace-full life we are called to attention, he conveyed God’s attention. “graceline” that highlighted different live according to the example of Jesus. I dare say, this may be the most im- Our grace-full attention toward people moments in your life when you’ve expe- portant thing we can do as a church. who are not present in the church build- rienced God’s grace. Getting in touch ing on Sunday is a sign that Jesus is alive with your own experience of God’s Can you imagine what God would do and at work in us. In June we asked peo- grace will help you be ready to share it through a church for all generations that ple to name ways they were being led to with someone when the time comes. graciously went where the people are,

“be God’s prevenient grace in the Third, stay in love with God through got in touch with their experience of world.” Here are some things people practicing the means of Grace. How do God’s grace in order to share it, and

said: you stay in love with God? The classic stayed in love with God through the means of grace with accountable Chris- Get to know my neighbors and pray for ways that Jesus followers have been tian friendships? We’d not only live up them. Volunteer in the community. Sup- doing this are through corporate wor- to our name, we’d see revival! port for those with emotional and physi- ship, prayer, studying the Bible, financial

cal needs. Patiently listen and show generosity, serving others and faith compassion when I want to be irritated. sharing.

“In GOD we trust!”

My Story Connecting Our Vision: Justifying Grace A Message From Stewardship: By Kreg Kinney

There's an old story about a dad who gave his son two quarters as he was going in for Sunday School. He told the boy If you asked me for a date, a time when I experienced God’s Justifying Grace, I would point you to December 22, 1982. I that one quarter was for offering and one quarter was for ice cream after church (which shows you how old this story is). didn’t recognize the act of grace at the time, but in hindsight it was Justifying Grace, plain and clear. As the boy walked down the street he accidentally dropped one quarter and it rolled into a storm drain and disappeared.

The boy looked for a moment down the drain and then slowly looked toward the sky, sighed and said, Well God, there I was 24 years old, had recently received my second drunk driving, and my sixth suspended driver’s license. I was heavily goes your quarter. into drinking and occasionally into recreational drugs, primarily PCP. I had been baptized into the Evangelical United Breth-

ren church, confirmed into the United Methodist Church, and had strong examples of faith in my extended family. So God The very idea of giving sets off an internal war in us about whose money is it. The reality is that God owns everything- was not unknown to me. both quarters. Being a means that we are managers of what God has given us. The heart is where we decide

what kind of stewards we will be. We can only understand what God says about financial giving if we align our heart with But a personal, loving God was unknown to me. The crowd that I ran with ridiculed people of faith rather than trying to find God. Our attitude toward material things is a window to the condition of our heart. common ground with them. I believed that God was real, but my attitude toward him was hostile, at best.

If God is looking through that window what kind of condition is your heart in? Are you open to giving and sharing of what That was me on December 22, 1982 when I showed up for my first meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. God has given you? Or is your heart closed off? Growing closer to God means letting go of some "stuff" in order to create

more space for God. Today I question my level of willingness when I was first referred to AA. But I was as willing as I was capable of being. And

God met me there. That was Prevenient Grace. Are You Traveling This Summer?

That example of Prevenient Grace was immediately followed by an act of Justifying Grace: God removed the desire to drink Are you traveling this summer? Great! But don't forget that Grace is still doing great ministry during the summer. There from me. And to this day, 34 years later, through the Grace of God and the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, that desire are three easy ways to continue giving to Grace when you're out of town: has not returned. 1. Bill pay through your bank. It's easy and free at most banks. You tell your bank where to mail the check, when, and

how much and they take care of the rest. My journey from December 22, 1982 until today, the restoration of my life, my return to the church in which I was raised, 2. Online giving through Grace. Go to the church website, www.gracestaugustine.org. There's a link that says "click here and all of the blessings of the past 34 years have been a continuing story of Sanctifying Grace. That’s a much longer story to give". It is easy, safe, and secure. and one that I would gladly share with anyone one-on-one. 3. Text to give. It couldn't be easier. Text 904-717-4772 and they will link you up with a very easy way to give with a few

taps on your phone. But the bottom line for me is this:

God met me where I was. That was Prevenient Grace. He entered my life, worked a miracle, and removed the desire to Upcoming New Member Orientation Classes drink from me. That was Justifying Grace. And he has continued to work in me and through me to perfect my life and to grow my faith. That is Sanctifying Grace. If you are interested in becoming a member of our Grace United Methodist Church Family, please plan to join one of our upcoming New Member Orientation Classes: I will close with a quote from the book Alcoholics Anonymous, the basic text of the AA fellowship: August 13th or October 15th, 12:15—1:30pm in the Wesley Room (lunch provided). You will also be encouraged to attend the Disciple’s Path Course. Please note on the registration pad or call Peggy Namie in The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolu- the church Office to inform of your desire. The Disciple’s Path Course will take place on Sundays (6): August 20th, August tionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God’s universe. The central fact of our lives today is 27th, September 3rd, September 10th, September 17th, and September 24th 12:15 – 1:30pm in the Wesley Room (lunch the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has provided). commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves. (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 25)

Mission For The Month Of July—Habitat for Humanity

We don’t give away houses, we give away opportunity. We provide families with the opportunity for homeownership through affordable monthly mortgage payments. We believe in providing a “hand up, not a hand out.” The homes are paid for in both “sweat equity” hours and affordable mortgage payments. Homeowners put in hundreds of hours building their home and the homes of others so they have a real sense of pride and ownership when they move into their new home.

July Birthdays July Anniversaries Thoughts From Our Lay Leader

1st James Madigan, Amanda Richter, Martha Yamnitz 8th Tim & Jan Tillotson By Becky Weiss 3rd Rich Bevilacqua 12th Kurt & Cheron Sanders 4th Carolyn Williamson 14th Peter & Mary Paul This month as we celebrate America’s birthday, I am reminded of the following quote by Ronald Reagan. 6th Shirley Harvey, Pat Irelan 19th John & Rose Ponder “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children 7th Maxine Martin 22nd Bill & Cindy Amy in the blood stream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” 9th Tyce Daniel Minkoff 25th Lew & Wanda Qualman 12th Wanda Qualman In the midst of parades, fireworks, cookouts, and concerts, I hope that each one of us will take time to thank God for the 15th Alberto Crespo great blessing of living in a free, although imperfect and divided, country. I pray that we would love and listen to each other 16th Cindy Chaconas well as we move forward into the future. I also pray that we remember those around the world who do not enjoy freedom 17th Melody Schuster, Steph Stutz Hurricane Matthew Recovery from tyranny, freedom from need, freedom from injustice, or freedom from pain and suffering. 18th Jeff Earnshaw, Eli Forbes 22nd Barbara Copeland For additional information and to learn how you can This quotation also reminds me of something that was said by Mark Becker, President of the United Methodist Foundation 23rd Robert Pohle help, please contact: at the Laity Session of Annual Conference. “We are only one generation away from faithlessness.” Just as protecting and 24th Joni Casillas guarding our democratic freedoms must be taught to the next generation, so, too, must faith be taught and passed on. This 27th Linda Ringwood Pete Royal, Case Manager at (904) 687-9561 or requires commitment, dedication, and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit to see that we are making disciples so that 29th Jane Duckworth, Bernie Namie [email protected] they in turn will pass the faith on to those who come after them. This is our mission at Grace Church. May we be unwaver- 30th Eileen Holden, Laura Newell, Laura Valdes Tom Heineken, Program Coord. at (904) 671-4549 or ing in the task before us. [email protected] Approximately 1,700 United Methodists gathered in Orlando last month at Florida Annual Conference for worship, fellow- If your name is not listed in the birthdays or anniversaries and it should be, please contact Peggy Namie in the church office ship, and to conduct the business of the church under the leadership of Bishop Ken Carter. The theme of the Conference via phone 904-829-8272 or email [email protected] . Thank you! was “Revive Us Again” based on Psalm 85, which is a plea and a prayer for reconciliation and restoration. As we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of our covenant relationship with the Methodist Church of Cuba, Bishop Ricardo Pereira deliv- ered a revival message followed by an altar call. Circle Of Concern Other speakers included the Reverend Dr. Elaine Heath, Dean of the Duke University Divinity School, who spoke about Please pray for: all unspoken prayer requests, Grace United Methodist Church, those in the history of the church who urged Christians to “take this disciple thing much more seriously.” She also believes Phyllis Reed Adzima, Carlos Avilles, Francessca Bellavista, Mark Hunt, Norm Allmen, Claudia Johns, that we are living through a “full blown systems change for the church.” Jason Morehead, Haleigh McKee, Jason Harvey Breeze, Judy Kieffer, Dan Kingston, Marc Anthony Johnston, Sally Barnhart, Elaine Hudson Tillman, Eddie Walker, Cindy Amy, Lori Ward, Curt & Cathy Tucker, Ann Riley, Judy Teagle, Jimmy Jones, The Reverend Dr. Kevin M. Watson, Assistant Professor at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, called for a re- Robbie Marshall, Janet Preble, Nicole Loprena Ishii, Cindy Nicholson, Allen Family, Jerry Broyhill, Mary Cummings, turn to “Christian conferencing” and challenged delegates to have “audacious optimism that God will show up when we Fogg Family—5yr old son Drew, DuWayne Krueger, Sue Amole, Timothy Brown, Angie Lowe, Connie Long and the Family of create the space.” Bruce Long, Family of Isabel Garner, Family of Lillian Reid, Faith Broome and the family of Robert Goodwin, Allie Goodwin, Delbert Goodwin, Diane Dodge, Kym Gilliam Jones Delegates voted on five constitutional amendments, the Conference budget, the realignment of districts, and eight resolu- tions. You can read about these actions on the Florida United Methodist Church website (flumc.org) or bring your questions Allegro: Betty Fleming, Fred Grubb to one of the pastors, Steve Ziemer, or myself. Bayview: Elaine Edwards, Elaine Frenzke Bayview—The Pavilion: Don Allen May our great God touch each one of you with His grace upon grace, Brookdale: Lovie Fox Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home: Jim Donnelly Becky Weiss, Lay Leader Moultrie Creek Nursing & Rehab Center: Maria Schineller, Carol Sinks Westminster Woods: Midge Berger In The Military: Joel Prevatt, US Air Force, Maj. Will Bermeo, Lt. Christopher Bordino-US Navy, Jacob Bradley, M Sgt. Kat Brumfield-US Air Force, Brandon Burnette-US Army, Nicholas Callahan, Brandon W. Clark, Capt. Jimmy Harris-US Army, ISC Ray LeMieux, SSgt. Miles Massey/USAF-OSI, Brian Riggenbach, MAC Albert J. Spiess, Master Sgt. Justin Smarr, CTR Mark Spurling, Jr., Jason Strohmetz, Thessalomica Vila-Navy, Tom Wetmore, John Young, Jr., Haley Parks, USAF, Martinez- Petty Officer Second Class

Please Note If you have a friend or a loved one in the military, please send in their picture and their rank to be placed on the bulletin board. You may drop it off at the office Monday—Friday, during regular office hours (listed below), mail or- e mail Peggy Namie at [email protected]. Save the Date… Reporting For The Month Of MAY- General Fund On Saturday, September 30th at 5pm Music at Grace will present our own Barb Polomsky in recital on the Colby/Walker organ. Barb's program will be "Old, New, Borrowed...and Blues!" Let's FILL the Sanctuary for this! Needed through May $ 282,574 Received through May $ 312,883 Chancel Choir Summer Schedule Mission Offerings:

Our Chancel Choir is on summer hiatus, but will be sitting among the congregation each week singing along with you! We Mission Trip to Cuba $ 25 will share monthly anthems on Communion Sundays. Consider joining the choir when it resumes practices in September. Transportation $ 671 No worries if you think it's difficult; it's not! We're back to weekly rehearsals beginning Wednesday, September 13th. Think Youth Mission Trip $ 2,439 about joining us! Rise Against Hunger $ 895 Florida Conference $ 740

July Meetings: VBS Mission Project $

· Church Council Meeting—July 6th/Thursday at 6:30pm in the Wesley Room Gideons $ · Finance Committee Meeting—July 11th/Tuesday at 1pm in Room #4 Children’s Home $ 3,475 · Trustees Meeting—July 11th/Tuesday at 7pm in the Wesley Room Young Life Capernaum $ Did You Know You Can Give To Grace

ALL meetings at the church are open for anyone to attend. For SPRC meetings, please call the church office in advance. Alpha Omega Home $ UMC Online Or By Text?

MUip (Cuba) $ Dining With Dignity Visit the church website gracestaugustine.org and PDF $ 530 click “Give Online.” Or you can text an amount to The July Dining with Dignity will be held on Friday, July 21st at 6pm. PDF Hurricane $ 322 904-717-4772 and then follow the instructions to You are invited to come help do any or all of the following: set-up, prepare, serve, and clean up after the meal. UMVIM $ designate your contribution to the general, capital If you are interested, contact Mike Osgood, 904-377-2686, [email protected] . Dalit Freedom Network (from GUMM) $ or missions budgets. This is one way you can stay CareFest $ consistent with your commitment to financially Children’s Summer Camp $ 1,924 support the ministries of Grace Church. Job Openings For: St. Francis House $ 1,340 In MAY: With online and text giving you can still give even if Audio Tech Dining With Dignity served 54 you are out of town or on vacation. Thank you! A part-time hourly position, approximately 6 hours weekly. Requires time on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings to run sound for worship music band and worship services. See job description at gracestaugustine.org . Send inquiries and applications to Rev. David Williamson. Nursery Helper Office Hours: A part-time hourly position, approximately 4-5 hours weekly. Requires time on Sunday mornings (2-3 hours) and Wednesday The office hours for Grace United Methodist Church are: evenings (2 hours) particularly on the first Wednesday of the month. See job description at gracestaugustine.org. Main Office: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8am—3pm We need reliable adults with demonstrated skills in caring for children, infant to 3 years old. We have two openings at this Tuesday, Thursday 9am—3pm/Peggy Namie—Office Administrator time. If you or someone you know may be interested in serving God’s Church in this way, please reply to Finance Office: Tuesday & Thursday, 9am—3pm/Nataliya Birmingham—Church Treasurer [email protected]. All Offices will be CLOSED on Tuesday, July 4th!

Altar Flowers Deadlines For Church Publications: Our church is so beautiful and the flowers on the altar each week just add to that beauty. If →Weekly Bulletin Submissions ARE DUE BY 2PM THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO THE you would like to sponsor the flowers one week, please sign up on the Flower Chart that is BULLETIN THAT THE INFORMATION IS TO BE INCLUDED IN: located in the rear of the sanctuary. You can dedicate the flowers “in honor of” or “in July 2nd bulletin—submissions are due by Wednesday, June 28th 2pm memory of” by writing a note (sheet below the Flower Chart) that will be added to the July 9th bulletin—submissions are due by Wednesday, July 5th 2pm bulletin for the week that you have chosen. July 16th bulletin—submissions are due by Wednesday, July 12th 2pm The cost of the altar flowers is now $30 for the two arrangements on the altar only . July 23rd bulletin—submissions are due by Wednesday, July 19th 2pm You may take the flowers with you after the 11am service concludes or you may leave them July 30th bulletin—submissions are due by Wednesday, July 26th 2pm for the CareTeam to share with our Homebound. →Newsletter Submissions FOR THE JULY ISSUE OF GRACE NOTES ARE DUE BY 2pm Thursday, July 20th

Summer Is Here! Grace Youth Summer Schedule

Vacation Bible School We are teaming up with our friends at First UMC for a great summer. All youth (including rising 6th graders) are welcome to Thank you to absolutely EVERYONE that join in the fun! Please let Carolyn know if you would like to receive helped make our Maker Fun Factory VBS such a weekly text reminders about youth events (which will include any changes if they occur). success! Those that prayed, donated supplies, lead groups of kids, lead a rotation group, sang Weekly Events:

with us, danced with us, brought your kids, th brought your grandkids, brought your neigh- July 5 —Tacky Golf Tournament, 6:00-8:00 pm, at Fiesta Falls

bors! All of it worked so well together to bless th th not only the kids, but the youth and adults that July 10 -15 —Fuge Mission Trip, Nashville, TN

were in attendance. We had 92 kids at our th Maker Fun Factory VBS! 32 Adult leaders! And July 19 —Mission Project! To Be Announced…Look for details coming soon

35 Youth leaders! What a great outreach!! th* July 26 —Boat (kneeboarding/tubing) Day! 10:00-3:00 at the Ginn’s house, 9051 Gene Johnson Rd. St. Augustine 32080, lunch provided, bring chips, drinks or cookies to share

nd Aug 2 —Itchetucknee Tubing $20, 6:30am-4:30pm, need parents to drive (please talk to Carolyn), $20 is suggested to cover See all 200+ pictures from Maker Fun $5 tube rental and cost for lunch at Sonny’s Wednesday at the Park Factory VBS at the GUMC Children’s Min- th istry Facebook page. Aug 9 — End of Summer Extravaganza! Details coming soon During the summer—while the kids are out of school, we will be meeting togeth- www.facebook.com/GraceMethodistChildrensMinistry/ If you have any questions about these events, feel free to call or text me! 407-625-7850 er from 5:00-6:30 as we explore the many parks & playgrounds throughout St. Johns Thanks and God bless, Carolyn Williamson

County. A relaxing time for families to hang out at the park letting the kids play Prayer Pals Picnic Stephen Ministry Corner while we adults get to know each other better. I hope you can join us! All On June 4th and 11th, 7 new Stephen Ministers were commissioned, By now you are probably aware that since families are invited to join us, We had our very first Prayer early February these dedicated people have received 50 hours of training. Their training has covered Christian care-giving grandparents, parents, youth, and of Pals Picnic in June where the surrounding topics of grief, empathy, listening, mental health issues, boundary setting and more. The schedule was rigorous course you can bring friends too! multigenerational prayer pals but our trainees were faithful and applied themselves well. could meet and find out more

Please email [email protected] if you have any about each other. We also We are ready to begin to provide Christ’s care to our church members and community. No one is meant to walk a difficult questions. got to enjoy some time talk- path alone. Park Schedule & Locations ing with our Prayer Pals

about our Gracelines, a type If you are aware of someone who is experiencing loss, grief, illness, unemployment, transition, trauma or other difficulties July 5th—Palencia Park of spiritual timeline. It was a please call the church office or speak to one of our pastors. Or you may call or email Sue Amole—referrals coordinator, at 405 Palencia Village Dr. 32092 wonderful day at the River- 904-553-8536, [email protected]. All referrals must be at least 18 years old, and are held in confidence. view Club Park and we look forward to our next

July 12th—Vail Point Park Prayer Pal Event—whatever that may be.

630 Vail Point Rd 32086

July 19th—North Beach Park

3721 Coastal Hwy 32084

with beach walkover Your Stephen Leadership Team

Sue Amole (904-553-8536; [email protected]) July 26th—Ron Parker Park Roger Carlson (240-483-7183; [email protected]) 607 Old Beach Rd. 32080 Marie Russo (804-712-3712; [email protected]) Stan Russo (804-243-1814; [email protected])