Greetings! I realize it's been a long time since I've posted, but there has been much going on in my life both personally and spiritually...I'll spare you the details, but please know I am still very much committed to missions, Grace, and the Mission of Grace team.
I'd like to introduce you to one of the ministries 2 members of the Mission of Grace team have started: Bears that Care. Bears that Care is a ministry of sewing and giving teddy bears for children in hospitals, emergency rooms, and other life altering, traumatic places. Using discarded sweaters,sweatshirts, fuzzy robes and blankets, Kim Salmons and John Lester create teddy bears, pray over each one, and then take them all over the Southern Illinois region to show children that they are loved, cared for,and supported by prayer.Here are just a few of the places these anointed teddys travel:
Angel Cove (monthly)
Good Sam. ER (monthly)
Good Sam Radiology (Kids having MRI's) (monthly)
Newborns at Good Sam (monthly)
NICU Carbondale
Airvac
Accident Scenes
LifeStar
These little tokens of love help brighten the day and offer a place for traumatized children to express emotion and pent up feelings. Bears that Care is not meant to be an all encompassing ministry...it is simply two people, being faithful with the gifts, talents and callings God has given them. They've chosen to leave their comfort zones and forge toward the "Zone of the Unknown." Kudos, to you both!
May we be at Grace also be found faithful in walking across the room, the community, the region, the UNIVERSE to which we are each called!
Greetings, fellow missionaries! Just a quick post to let you know that there will be some exciting news coming your way regarding Grace Community Church's Missions program! I will again introduce to you the specific missions we support, and how you can be a part of the missions effort to be "missional" in your community and neighborhood.
Meanwhile, lest we forget the value of those who have gone before us, in commemoration of yesterday's federal holiday, I submit to you the following: one who's mission mindset changed the world:
The Franciscan Connection is hosting its 2nd
Annual TRIVIA NIGHT at 7pm on Saturday, January 19, 2008, in St.
Anthony of Padua's NEW Parish Hall, 3133 Meramec Street, 63118. MC
for the evening will be Bro. Thom Smith, OFM
Proceeds will help the
agency's outreach, utility assistance, and home repairs ministry to the
poor and needy of South St. Louis City.
Please consider joining us for
the evening. Bring a group of your family or friends. Even teenagers can
join in. If you've never been to a trivia night,we guarantee that you'll
have a lot of fun.All new categories. Great door prizes. And, of course,
our Silent Auction! (Big item this year: a week stay in Branson,
MO) Bring your checkbook!
We're especially hoping to have a table
or two of Quincy University Alumni,Secular Franciscans,St. Anthony
of Padua Youth Group,and other local friends, businesses, and followers
of St. Francis & St. Clare.Please invite others you know to join
us.
Registration is $15 per person.Tables of eight.
Individuals, couples and smaller groups welcome, too! Just ask to be
seated at our "Friends of the Friars" table.The new parish hall is
beautifully remodeled.And wheelchair accessible! But space is limited!
We can only fit 25 tables.
New this year:prizes for "Best Table
Theme" and for "Tastiest Snack"!!! To reserve your spot, contact
Bro. Doug or Bro. Donald at (314)773-8485 or email us at FranciscanConnection@theFriars.org.
THANKS SO MUCH! from the Friars and
Volunteers at the Franciscan Connection
It is my hope that we can gather at least 8 people who would like to attend this gala event. If so, perhaps we can take the church van and consolidate our funds for gasoline?!?! Please bring with you the $15 registration fee plus any money you would like to spend at the Silent Auction and/or donation you'd like to give to help the folks in South St. Louis. Looking forward to it! More info as I gather it!
