Looking back at the differences we made in our community in 2020. No images? Click here Greetings in the name of Christ! I hope that each and everyone one of you had a very Merry Christmas, and that you were able to worship with us whether it was from your own home here in Houston or from afar. The staff had a wonderful time bringing the Advent season to you this year, and my wish is, even though we couldn't be present together, that you still felt the holiness that is this special season. The birth of Christ is not the only long-awaited event this year, we are also excitedly looking forward to crossing the line into 2021. Before we do that, we wanted to take a retrospective moment and celebrate all that we have accomplished this year in ministry. Despite all the hurdles of 2020, from the difficulties of social distancing and staying safe to the financial uncertainty the pandemic brought, we were still able to be Difference Makers in the lives of our members and in the Heights community. We plan to continue making these differences in 2021 with your help and generosity. Be on the lookout for our 2021 stewardship campaign and upcoming sermon series, Difference Makers. The ministry reach of Grace United Methodist Church relies on the tithing and giving of you, it's members, and we strive to make the most difference in our community as possible. More on that later. For now, let's take a look at what we have done in 2020 in this DIFFERENCE MAKING place! Pastor Collin
CHILDREN'S MINISTRYMessy ChurchOur February Messy Church was a huge success. We centered around the parable of the Good Samaritan and our sermon series "Who Is My Neighbor?" We pivoted for our Easter Messy Church to include take-home kits and a virtual gathering time for activities and lessons. Virtual Vacation Bible StudyCaptain Shield and Flame joined Ms. Mary and the kids for daily Zoom calls, which included crafts, a story, a mission project, and science! Student MailIn efforts to keep in contact with the children and youth of the church, we have sent mail for Mother's Day and Halloween. Keeping our relationships current and reminding them that they are cared for and have a friend during these unprecedented times has been on the forefront of Ms. Mary's mind. We also had the children send cards and letters to seniors in the church to keep their spirits lifted as well. Scout Sunday On February 9, we celebrated scouts from three Boy Scouts of America Troops and three Girl Scout Troops FEEDING MINISTRYFood Pantry After a temporary closure, the volunteers reopened the pantry as soon as possible and continued to feed families in need. We were able to feed an average of 360 people, or 90 families, each month. Thanksgiving Food BasketsWe held our first ever Thanksgiving food donation for the families at Burrus Elementary. A total of 25 bags containing Thanksgiving meals, along with an extra 25 bags of food from the Backpack Buddy Program, were donated to make a difference in the lives of the children and parents. Backpack Buddy ProgramTo combat weekend food insecurity, we served 22 families from Burrus Elementary school. Each family received a bag of food for each weekend of the month, for a total of 88 bags provided each month. Coupled with the quick-thinking teachers at Burrus, all of the bags were handed out prior to Spring Break and the extended COVID-19 closures. SCHOOL MINISTRIESBurrus Backpack Over 100 backpacks stuffed with pens, pencils, and other supplies were donated. Grace Weekday School Supply Drive To offset expenses of Grace Weekday School, we collected school supplies that saved the school about $2,400. Back to School Blessings We had our blessing of the backpacks and devices virtually this year. Each family could pick up tags or a magnet to remember how Grace blessed them. New Sun Shade!After much anticipation, the children at Grace Weekday School welcomed a new sun shade to their playground for added protection for the kids during play time. WORSHIPNew Worship Service We held our first Service this Hope and Healing this year in response to the great loss and challenges that 2020 brought. Online Worship EngagementVIEWS 1,489 views on YouTube of devotionals and services. 831 views on website page MINUTES 26,587 minutes viewed on Facebook LIKES AND COMMENTS
1,504 likes, comments, or shares on Facebook Socially Distant and Virtual OpportunitiesDrive Through Wednesday Devotionals Socially Distant Baptisms DISASTER RESPONSEIn response to Hurricane Laura, we raised $5,000 for hurricane relief for our neighbors in Louisiana. Pastor Collin brought a trailer full of water, generators, and other goods needed to assist with the immediate recovery phase. Additionally, we packed 12 Flood Buckets to contribute to UMCOR's response efforts. PUMPKIN PATCHAfter a year off due to a freeze on the farm, our pumpkin patch was back in full swing! Many families came through to buy pumpkins and take pictures. We were able to raise a total of $8,000 for the church. Prayer in the Patch The pumpkin patch gave us our first opportunity for in-person worship. We had a brief prayer service and fellowship with one another surrounded by the cool air and bunches of pumpkins. ADVENTLessons and Carols Our Director of Music, Justin Langham, had the foresight to start intentionally planning Lessons and Carols as a virtual service this year, and the plans were revisited multiple times due to the virus. Pieces were limited to include singers from one household to limit exposure. With the help of our organist, Corbin Young, Grace members, and favors from Justin's musician colleagues, Lessons and Carols was a success and one of our most viewed services! Angel TreeYou signed up to purchase and wrap presents for 18 students at Burrus Elementary. Gifts included one clothing item and one toy item. In additional to the 18 students, 5 other families were helped by our efforts as well. Advent |