MONDAY, MARCH 3, 2025

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

On Sunday we learned that the second Key to the Kingdom is “Loving Your Enemies”. We heard the passage from Luke 6:27-38 told by David Larson. Pastor Steve pointed out the enjoyable but un-Christlike “myth of redemptive violence”. We celebrated Holy Communion, as we do on the first Sunday of each month. If you missed the service, you can catch it HERE on the Grace Church Dayton channel of YouTube.

In Sabbath Study, before worship, we learned a lot about the Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th Amendment, and Reconstruction. Next week, Amelia Boomershine will lead us in an exploration of the Jim Crow era.

ASH WEDNESDAY

As you no doubt realize, the season of Lent begins this week on Wednesday, March 5. This is a solemn time in the church, a time for meditation, self-examination, and preparation for Easter. We will celebrate Ash Wednesday this Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The sermon will be based on Isaiah 58:1-10, and there will be imposition of ashes, when Pastor Steve will place the mark of the cross on our foreheads.

TRANSITIONS

We are sad to announce the passing of Larry Thokey on Saturday, March 1. There will be a memorial service at Grace at a later date. Larry was an active part of the life of Grace in worship, Sunday School, and choir. He was a skilled portrait photographer, and was generous in giving his time and talent in this way. He will be missed. HERE is a link to his obituary.

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On another note, it was announced on Sunday that Beth Shellabarger’s son has been named Eli Shellabarger! Beth has asked for volunteer “baby holders”. If you would like to perform this arduous task, please contact the church office at 937-278-4731 or secretary@graceumc.com for Beth’s contact information.