CSN – First Grace, a peculiar people

First Grace – where the city worships

This Sunday at First Grace
 
 Sunday School meets at 10:00AM (All ages)
Worship

11:10 AM English Language Worship

Scripture

1 Peter 2:9
__________________________

The Spirit of First Grace

“Do you believe we can do more for our city as one body of Christ, more than we will ever do as two bodies of Christ one, long mile apart?”
That was the divine question that was revealed and entrusted to the remnants of First UMC, an historically white congregation and Grace UMC, an historically black congregation, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the failed levees.
On October 21, 2007, the combined congregations of 60 merged to form a new body-First Grace.
In faith we decided to let go and let God.  We believed that God would honor our embrace of the Gospel message to show “no partiality,” and open up in our hearts and in our practices a way to create a space where the city can worship– adonde la ciudad adora.
Every week we are renewed, redeemed and restored by the blessing of diversity and the burden of difference. Boldly, we move forward in faith believing that the love of God revealed in Christ Jesus is the most powerful change agent, and the most healing balm the world has ever known. The divine gift of music is a  unifying, spiritual medium for us.
We keep our eyes on the prize prophetically embracing a justice of loving acceptance as our task and prophetic community as our reward.
We are a people committed to living with each other, not just near each other, and we strive to create a worship space and a community where the least among us are equal among us.
In our eleven years of proclaiming, “I AM First Grace,” we have kept children at the center of most everything we do-in worship, choirs, Sunday Schools and service. We have opened Hagar’s House a residence for women and children, and opened Project Ishmael, a legal clinic for immigrant children.  Numerous other servant and spiritual formation ministries for all abound.
As we say at First Grace, “WOW.”  Thank you God for the opportunity to be a peculiar people (1 Peter 2.9); otherwise known as First Grace.

_________________________

  
Calling all college age students There will be a gathering on October 28th in the church chapel from 7:00 – 8:30pm to fellowship and take a break from studying.
Junior High Retreat for Louisiana Youth is Friday November 2, 2018 – Sunday November 4, 2018. All youth in 6th grade and up are invited to go. Parents please contact Marice Bailey if you are interested in your child traveling with us.
First Grace is a member of TOGETHER NEW ORLEANS. This interfaith group is calling for the support of Amendment 2, the Unanimous Jury Verdict for Felony Trials. Amendment 2 changes an old Jim Crow law. Please vote YES on Amendment 2 on November 6. Yard signs are available in the Narthex after worship.
  
LEARNING
The Seekers meet The Gathering: The Quest for True Community
each Sunday at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Our two Adult Sunday Classes led by Adria Kimbrough (The Gathering), Dan Thelen and Kahlida Lloyd (Seekers) will come together for a study of how we can more deeply be the church “Where the City Worships.”  We will be drawing wisdom from a book called “Everybody, Always” by Bob Goff that explores what it means to truly be love “in a world full of setbacks and difficult people.” Class ends December 16th. Join us!

Disciple 1 Each Monday, 6:00-7:30 PM in the upstairs conference room. Contact Toni Antrum,  toni.hackett.antrum@gmail.com 

Disciple 3 Each Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Contact Ron
Bailey, 504.488.0856.
    
First Grace Parents Prayer Line Every Tuesday at 8:30 PM. Call 641.715.3580, Access Code 838575#.
Men’s Morning Call, Tuesday, 7:15-8:15AM at Morning Call Café in City Park, “Braving the Wilderness” Brene Brown-All are welcome.

Monday Meditation 6 PM -6:45 PM, each week in the ChapelMonday Meditation is a guided meditation by Dan Thelen (dthelen2520@gmail.com).   

SERVING

Tuesday Community Meals are back on for October! Come volunteer with us as we serve up delicious jambalaya generously donated by Bayou Beer Garden on Tuesday October 23, and then enjoy some scrumptious shepherd’s pie for Halloween as we welcome chef Gayle Waylett back to New Orleans.  Volunteers are welcome anytime between 10am and 2:30pm for set up, cooking, serving and clean up.  Dessert contributions are always welcome, and especially Halloween candy for the 30th.  See you there!

Team Namaste (My Spirit Honors Yours) Help to minimize that awkward feeling that one might feel the first time they enter our sacred space by greeting them with your warm smile, a name tag, and the peace of Christ. Contact: Dallas McGlinn celebrateblessings@hotmail.com.
Bienvenidos Ministry If you are interested in learning about and/or sharing your ideas on welcoming and supporting  Spanish speakers contact Matt mcandler@gmail.com  or Virginia vcandler@gmail.com.  

Care Ministry meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 11:00 AM in the Parlor. Contact Laurie Peller at lauriepeller@earthlink.net

Ask Me Ministry Want to help new members or guests plug into the dynamic life at First Grace? Contact Debbie Holman at skipdebliz@cox.net.

Green Tip

Plastics do not biodegrade and are being found in the ocean in huge quantities. Ocean creatures are dying from ingesting plastics and are being killed or maimed by being trapped in them. Try to find alternatives to plastic. Recycling helps but doesn’t completely solve the problem. 

First Grace Statement of Affirmation

First Grace is an urban community of faith embracing all of God’s children as persons of sacred worth, regardless of station in life, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We invite and welcome all persons to join us as disciples who believe in the transforming love of God revealed in Jesus Christ from which nothing can separate us.

 

CSN – Anniversary Sunday at First Grace

First Grace – where the city worships

Anniversary Sunday at 
First Grace 

 

First Grace Statement of Affirmation

First Grace is an urban community of faith embracing all of God’s children as persons of sacred worth, regardless of station in life, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We invite and welcome all persons to join us as disciples who believe in the transforming love of God revealed in Jesus Christ from which nothing can separate us.

 

Good Morning Cousin

Orland Bishop

CSN – Orland Bishop

First Grace – where the city worships

This Sunday at First Grace
 
 Sunday School meets at 10:00AM (All ages)
Worship

11:10 AM English Language Worship

Scripture

John/Juan 1.1-5

      

“First Grace Got Talent”
Second Annual Talent Show
Friday, October 12th, 7:00pm Fellowship Hall
Pre-Sale Tickets beginning Sunday in the Narthex
$7.50 Adults, $10.00 at door & Children $5.00 per family.
A Drama Ministry Production
First Grace 11th Anniversary
Theme: A Peculiar People: “But you… are…a peculiar people…
called out of darkness into the marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2.9
When:
Sunday, October 21, 11:10 AM
Speaker: Dr. Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre,
National President Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Colors: Denim and White—with a splash of you.
Meal: Down-home, real good, potluck. Sign-up to prepare a dish, or tidy-up.

Hagar’s House is 10 years old! Hagar’s House is 10 years old! Any house that has been lived in for 10 years will need some sprucing up now and again. Because of this, we will be spending all of next week renovating some of the house and yard and are looking for volunteers. If you love remodeling, painting, cleaning, beautifying and organizing spaces, please sign up to help out! Among other things, we need people primarily to help paint ceilings on Oct. 10th, paint walls on Oct. 11th and paint trim and floorboards on Oct. 12th. Please email Jennie Hammatt with your preferred day and time to sign up (jennienka@gmail.com). She’ll be leading the effort next week.  

Calling all college age students. There will be a gathering on October 28th in the church chapel from 7:00 – 8:30pm to fellowship and take a break from studying.

Junior High Retreat for Louisiana Youth is Friday November 2, 2018 – Sunday November 4, 2018. All youth in 6th grade and up are invited to go. Parents please contact Marice Bailey if you are interested in your child traveling with us.

The Choir Ministry will be preparing music for the Advent and Christmas seasons and are opening the rehearsals to those who are interested in singing with the choir during these seasons. Rehearsal starts on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, from 7:55PM to 9:00PM and will end on December 19th, 2018. The last date to register for the rehearsals is October 10th 2018. If you are interested in participating, please see Minister Jeremy Jackson after worship or send an email to, firstgracemusic@gmail.com.
___________________________
LEARNING
The Seekers meet The Gathering: The Quest for True Community
each Sunday at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Our two Adult Sunday Classes led by Adria Kimbrough (The Gathering), Dan Thelen and Kahlida Lloyd (Seekers) will come together for a study of how we can more deeply be the church “Where the City Worships.”  We will be drawing wisdom from a book called “Everybody, Always” by Bob Goff that explores what it means to truly be love “in a world full of setbacks and difficult people.” Class ends December 16th. Join us!

Disciple 1 A 32-week course that proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into the Scripture. Each Monday, 6:00-7:30 PM in the upstairs conference room. Contact Toni Antrum, toni.hackett.antrum@gmail.com

Disciple 3 A 32-week study where you will read the major and minor Old Testament prophets, except Daniel, and will read the thirteen Letters traditionally attributed to Paul. Each Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon in the Parlor. Contact Ron Bailey, 504.488.0856.
Pastor’s Tuesday Night Study   Each Tuesday 6:15- 7:30 PM, Breathing and Brene’-An 8 week study of Brene’ Brown’s, Braving the Wilderness-the quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone, with breathing practices and a viewing of the documentary film on Folsom Prison entitled, THE WORK, which addresses the capacity to overcome our brokenness and live out of healing and empathy. Class is in the upstairs conference room

First Grace Parents Prayer Line Every Tuesday at 8:30 PM. Call 641.715.3580, Access Code 838575#.

Men’s Morning Call, Tuesday, 7:15-8:15AM at Morning Call Café in City Park, “Braving the Wilderness” Brene Brown-All are welcome.

Monday Meditation 6 PM -6:45 PM, each week in the ParlorMonday Meditation is a guided meditation by Dan Thelen (dthelen2520@gmail.com).   

SERVING
Bienvenidos Ministry If you are interested in learning about and/or sharing your ideas on welcoming and supporting  Spanish speakers contact Matt mcandler@gmail.com  or Virginia vcandler@gmail.com
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is in need of the following items
15 oz sized canned peas, corn, green beans, etc.
Vienna sausage, Canned tuna & chicken
Red Beans & rice
Boxes of macaroni and cheese or dirty rice or jambalaya
Spaghetti Sauce and spaghetti
Fruit cups and/or Granola bars
Peanut butter and cheese crackers

You may bring your donation to worship on Sunday, or to the office M-F.   

Care Ministry meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 11:00 AM in the Parlor. Contact Laurie Peller at lauriepeller@earthlink.net

Name Tag Ministry To volunteer with the distribution of name tags on
Sunday, contact Dallas McGlinn at dallasmcglinn@gmail.com. 
Ask Me Ministry Want to help new members or guests plug into the
dynamic life at First Grace? Contact Debbie Holman at skipdebliz@cox.net.

First Grace Statement of Affirmation

First Grace is an urban community of faith embracing all of God’s children as persons of sacred worth, regardless of station in life, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We invite and welcome all persons to join us as disciples who believe in the transforming love of God revealed in Jesus Christ from which nothing can separate us.

,

 

La Semillia

CSN – Hispanic Heritage Sunday

First Grace – where the city worships
This Sunday at First Grace 
 Sunday School meets at 10:00AM (All ages)
Worship

11:10 AM English Language Worship

Scripture

Psalm/Salmos 133
 Message  
Hugo Torres, La Semilla
   __________________________  
 
Sunday, after Worship 
Join us for a Latino meal and live music in the Fellowship Hall.
Cost, by donation.
________________________________
 
Parents of youth 6th grade and up are encouraged to attend a
meeting in the sanctuary on Sunday (September 30) immediately after worship too discuss our trip to the National UMC conference
Couples Ministry will meet on Monday. October 1st, 7:00-8:30 PM in room A2. For more information contact Jennifer Moss at jennsmoss@gmail.com.
Junior High Retreat for Louisiana Youth is Friday November 2, 2018 – Sunday November 4, 2018. All youth in 6th grade and up are invited to go. Parents please contact Marice Bailey if you are interested in your child traveling with us.
The Choir Ministry will be preparing music for the Advent and Christmas seasons and are opening the rehearsals to those who are interested in singing with the choir during these seasons. Rehearsal starts on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, from 7:55PM to 9:00PM and will end on December 19th, 2018. The last date to register for the rehearsals is October 10th 2018. If you are interested in participating, please see Minister Jeremy Jackson after worship or send an email to, firstgracemusic@gmail.com.

   ___________________________  

LEARNING
The Seekers meet The Gathering: The Quest for True Community
each Sunday at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Our two Adult Sunday Classes led by Adria Kimbrough (The Gathering), Dan Thelen and Kahlida Lloyd (Seekers) will come together for a study of how we can more deeply be the church “Where the City Worships.”  We will be drawing wisdom from a book called “Everybody, Always” by Bob Goff that explores what it means to truly be love “in a world full of setbacks and difficult people.” Class ends December 16th. Join us!
Disciple 1 A 32-week course that proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into the Scripture. Each Monday, 6:00-7:30 PM in the upstairs conference room. Contact Toni Antrum, toni.hackett.antrum@gmail.com
Disciple 3 A 32-week study where you will read the major and minor Old Testament prophets, except Daniel, and will read the thirteen Letters traditionally attributed to Paul. Each Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon in the Parlor. Contact Ron Bailey, 504.488.0856.
Pastor’s Tuesday Night Study   Each Tuesday 6:15- 7:30 PM, Breathing and Brene’-An 8 week study of Brene’ Brown’s, Braving the Wilderness-the quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone, with breathing practices and a viewing of the documentary film on Folsom Prison entitled, THE WORK, which addresses the capacity to overcome our brokenness and live out of healing and empathy. Class is in the upstairs conference room

First Grace Parents Prayer Line Every Tuesday at 8:30 PM. Call 641.715.3580, Access Code 838575#.

Men’s Morning Call, Tuesday, 7:15-8:15AM at Morning Call Café in City Park, “Braving the Wilderness” Brene Brown-All are welcome.

Monday Meditation 6 PM -6:45 PM, each week in the ParlorMonday Meditation is a guided meditation by Dan Thelen (dthelen2520@gmail.com).   

SERVING

Bienvenidos Ministry If you are interested in learning about and/or sharing your ideas on welcoming and supporting  Spanish speakers contact Matt mcandler@gmail.com  or Virginia vcandler@gmail.com

Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is in need of the following items
15 oz sized canned peas, corn, green beans, etc.
Vienna sausage, Canned tuna & chicken
Red Beans & rice
Boxes of macaroni and cheese or dirty rice or jambalaya
Spaghetti Sauce and spaghetti
Fruit cups and/or Granola bars
Peanut butter and cheese crackers

You may bring your donation to worship on Sunday, or to the office M-F.

Care Ministry meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at 11:00 AM in the Parlor. Contact Laurie Peller at lauriepeller@earthlink.net

Name Tag Ministry To volunteer with the distribution of name tags on
Sunday, contact Dallas McGlinn at dallasmcglinn@gmail.com. 
Ask Me Ministry Want to help new members or guests plug into the
dynamic life at First Grace? Contact Debbie Holman at skipdebliz@cox.net.

 

 

CSN – Get your flu shot

First Grace – where the city worships
Get Your Flu Shot

Immediately after worship service 12:45 – 3:45 PM

Please bring ID & insurance cards

To God Be The Glory