CLERICAL COMMENTS

When God restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; …May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. Psalm 126:1,5,6

On Sunday, June 6, we will return to our sanctuary for in person worship at 10AM! After such a long time apart from each other, it may seem like a dream to be together in worship once again. There has been a lot of weeping during this pandemic. Over six hundred thousand of our neighbors have died from covid and millions are grieving. We who have survived carry their seeds of hope forward into the future for them. As people of faith, we join the psalmist in believing that there will be a harvest by God’s grace.

We are blessed that we have a sanctuary to return to for worship. The church building suffered considerable damage from the winter freeze. The fellowship center, kitchen, hallways, bathrooms in the educational wing, and many of the classrooms are now under reconstruction. The nursery is packed with boxes from floor to ceiling. Thankfully, the sanctuary and office wing are intact. We can return for worship. Until the rest of the building is repaired, we will not have our normal fellowship time nor are we able to offer childcare at least for the first few Sundays back (however, children are always welcome in the sanctuary and during worship). This will be a time of transition. It may take as much as eight weeks before the building is completely repaired.

If you have not yet been vaccinated, please do so or wear your mask for the sake of those who are most vulnerable, including children under twelve.

Thank you for your amazing patience, understanding, and support during these past months. We have tried to offer a semblance of worship and fellowship during the pandemic through emails, zoom and videos. We have missed much as we were absent one from another. We will have our first communion service on Sunday, June 6. Then, beginning on Sunday, June 13, and each Sunday thereafter, we will revisit one of the special Sundays that we have not been able to share together – Advent (the candle of Joy), Christmas, Epiphany, Lent (Ash Wednesday), Easter, and Pentecost. In scripture, story, and song, we will share the Good News of God’s love and salvation. It is my hope that by the time we celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the church, the repairs will be complete. The months ahead are filled with the seeds of promise including baptisms, confirmation, and ordination. I look forward to being with each and every one of you again this and every Sunday as our dreams are realized by the Grace of God.

Yours in Christ, Pastor David

UPCOMING EVENTS

Upcoming Grace Events

June 06 - First Sunday back at Grace for in person worship 10AM

Celebration Service of Bering Church becoming part of the Houston Association of the UCC 3PM at Bering Church 1440 Harold St, Houston TX 77006 WELCOME!

June 12 - SCC Virtual Annual Meeting

June 20 - Father's Day

July 11-18 - UCC Virtual General Synod

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

June 02 Mae Delle J, June 08 Emily B, June 09 Mikayla B, June 15 Wendy R

June 19 Daniel K, June 19 Yomi K, June 21 Tatiana R

June 24 Marci C, June 25 Erica J, June 26 Dara O

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

THANK YOU TO ALL GRACE UCC VOLUNTEERS WHO HELPED DELIVER

FOOD CONTAINERS FROM BRIGHTER BITES.

Hundreds of boxes of fruits, beans, and vegetables from the FOOD BANK where shared throughout this past year from the church parking lot. THANK YOU!!

Update on Church Building

Dear Friends,

The remediation crew has finished their work, we have signed a contract with a contractor who has begun restoring the building. The council is still seeking volunteers to serve on the Re-Building Committee to help with the decision-making. We need your guidance. If the spirit moves you to serve, and I pray it does, please contact David Jaroszewski. Email: jaroszewski@att.net

Blessings,David Jaroszewski, President

Christian Community Service Center - COVID-19 Update:

CCSC is open & helping those in need. CCSC is continuing its work and mission, while taking the necessary precautions with our staff and volunteers. The CCSC food pantries are essential services - serving as a grocery store to our clients - in compliance with the "Stay at Home, Work Safe" order issued by the City of Houston. Your assistance is needed now more than ever. CCSC continues to closely monitor recommendations from local and national officials and experts regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. After significant consideration, we have made the following adjustments to program operations:
*The Emergency Services sites (3230 Mercer and 6856 Bellaire Blvd) are focused on providing food to those in need. We have modified operations to get clients served quickly - foregoing interviews and supplying a preassembled grocery package. Thank you to Donna Cardinale and Jane Eixmann, who continue to volunteer to help serve clients during this pandemic.
We are conducting phone interviews for financial requests for help with rent or utilities for residents living within our zip code range. If you need financial assistance and live in one of these zip codes: 77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77010, 77011, 77012, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77023, 77025, 77026, 77027, 77028, 77030, 77031, 77036, 77046, 77056, 77057, 77072, 77074, 77081, 77096, 77098 and 77401, please call for an appointment--713-8719741.

The community can help by donating nonperishable food items or making a donation. Go to ccschouston.org and click on the "Make a Contribution" button.
*JobNet is primarily serving clients via phone, e-mail, and online tools. In person appointments may be scheduled for limited services, based on need. New and existing clients are encouraged to call JobNet at 713-626-8320 to receive ongoing virtual support during this time.

*Scheduled Martha's Way classes are postponed until further notice.

There are two convenient ways to make a donation: Donate on-line by visiting our secure website www.ccschouston.org OR Mail a personal check to CCSC, PO Box 27924, Houston, TX 77227 (Please make checks payable to CCSC with "Back To School" written in the notes section.) Donations needed and accepted year-round!

Register Now for Summer Camp 2021 at Slumber Falls!

June 20-23 - CIT Training Camp

June 23-26 - Springs Alive

June 27 - July 3 - Roaring Rapids & Sports Camp

July 4 - 10 - Geek Week & Streams of Faith 1

July 11-17 - Eco Camp & Living Waters

July 18 - 24 - Streams of Faith 2

For more information and to register go to www.slumberfalls.org or call the church office. Discounts for early registration - Scholarships are available!

to all our guests!