"Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed." Experiencing Easter Sunrise at The Way with Rev. Patrick and Carissa and Rev. Sandy Heslop and our friends in the Sweetwater Community!
During the Easter season, we have two wonderful class offerings that both look at our Methodist history from two very different angles:
In this class, led by Amber Forrest and Pastor Ashley, we will take a look at songs from the vast songbook of our Methodist past. Both John and Charles Wesley were prolific hymn writers, using familiar tunes to teach deep understandings about the love and grace of God.
In this class, led by Heather Vaught and a series of special guests, we will learn more about how Methodism has intersected — and continues to intersect — with American culture, from its colonial beginnings to our denomination.
Please gather with us for our WINGS Fellowship meal (register NOW)
followed by our Wednesday Programs.
April 12, 2026
Theme: Title: A Spiritual Makeover: Reform
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-8
Key Word: Reform
Theme: Ezra and Nehemiah Rebuild the City and Reform the People
Main Idea: The Nehemiah passage reminds us of the rebuilding of the temple and the renewal of the faith commitment of the Israelites. What is it that we are called to rebuild, as a result of Easter? Is it our worship of God? (Temple) Is it our identity? (Walls) Is it our commitment and faithfulness? (Reform). 1 Peter 1 reminds us that God has saved us through Christ, and given us “a new birth into a living hope.”
Prepare for worship by reading the following Scriptures: Nehemiah 8:1-8 and the sermon scripture 1 Peter 1:3-9
WORSHIP SCHEDULE:
Rev. Dr. John Newell(liturgist and communion liturgy)
Prayer Concerns as of Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Piedmont Summerville Campus
Duke University Hospital
Discharged
Recently added Members to an Assisted Living
Brookdale:
NHC:
Because of extended Spring Breaks, Easter, and Masters Weekend, we have some interruptions to our normal Sunday morning and evening schedule. Check out when we will be gathering and when we won’t:
Sunday School
• April 12 - Sunday School will meet in Youth Wing**
**Helpers still needed for Sunday School (more info under Grace Weekly "SERVE")
Sunday Night Youth Group
• April 12 - Spring Break/Masters Sunday, no gathering
• April 19 - Youth Group returns to finish our discussion around love and forgiveness
Graduate Sunday
(Sunday, May 31, at 11AM Traditional Worship)
Help us to honor our graduating high school seniors and our Grace UMC Scholarship recipients during this special annual worship service! High school seniors are encouraged to contact Ms. Amber (amber@gotgraceumc.org or text 833-235-9706) as she begins planning this time of celebration. Detailed information is coming soon!
Current needs in Grace Student Ministry are:
• Sunday School Teachers - facilitate a group discussion around a Bible passage and hang out with students (lesson provided)
• Sunday School Helpers - join in the group discussion and hang out with students
Youth Sunday School Teacher and Helper sign ups
We are repurposing our Children's Library room and need help sorting through a mountain of books to utilize with our Asbury Children's Ministry.
Contact: yolanda@gotgraceumc.org
Please bring your household items to bins located around campus designated for "Family Promise."
The Bible Year - From Fallen Kingdoms, Exile and Back Again
We continue to work through the histories of the people of Israel, but a new danger is on the horizon--exile. The Kings of Israel and Judah begin to lose ground to foreign invaders, which eventually leads to the people being taken captive in Babylon. Throughout the month of April, we will be reading through 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Job.
Visit our www.gotgraceumc.org/the-bible-year webpage for tools and resources. You can find videos, visuals, articles, tracking calendars, and more! You can also join us on Facebook at our "The Bible Year at Grace" group.
April Bookmarks are available in the Church Office and in our Worship spaces!
Did you know that Lay Servant Ministries courses aren’t just for those pursuing certification? Anyone is welcome to participate! These courses offer meaningful opportunities to deepen your faith, explore your gifts, and grow in confidence as you live out your calling—both inside and outside the church. Registration Deadline: April 10
Basic Course
This is the starter course where you will investigate different ways to employ your personal spiritual gifts for the betterment of your community and the furthering of God’s kingdom. · Completion of this course is require to participate in any of the other options.
Leading Worship
Learn more about the “behind the scenes” of worship. If you have ever wanted to help with components of a worship service or if you just want to learn more about why we do what we do on Sunday mornings, this is the class for you.
Polity
What does it mean to do life together in our United Methodist connection? Our UMC exists within a complex ecosystem that helps to support our greater mission of becoming and making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Disciples in the Workplace
Not everyone is called to ordained ministry, but each Christian is called to works of ministry in the space they find themselves. · Learn how to practice God’s presence on the job that will enrich your days and expand your capacity to share grace with others.
Whether you’re exploring a new step in leadership or simply longing to grow deeper in your walk with Christ, there’s a place for you here.
Scholarships - Various Scholarship Applications are Open Now and due by Friday, April 10.
Need some help paying for college or graduate school? Check out the www.gotgraceumc.org/college page for links to Grace-sponsored and UMC-related scholarships.
Stock and Crypto Donations
Giving stock and crypto is now available with the Engiven integration through our giving platform, Realm Connect. It's simple to donate! Navigate to our online giving form and select Stocks or Crytocurrency.
Revenues and Expenses through 4/5/2026
Month to date Revenues: $29,566.00
Month to date Expenses: $4,279.85
Net: $25,286.15
Year to date Revenues: $337.369.93
Year to date Expenses: $306,116.21
Net: $31,253.72
