P O R T E R F I E L D ' S P A S T O R A L P O N D E R I N G S

There are some things all people should refrain from doing. Playing with sharp knives, drinking anti-freeze, and

sleeping while driving all fit the category of: "Never do this” The extreme things are easy to name as 'bad' and are obvious

to all that refraining from them is prudent.

There are many of us who must expand the "never do this" category based on our special circumstances. If I have a bad

back I must 'never' lift heavy items. If I am an alcoholic I must 'never' drink. If I am allergic to wheat I must 'never' eat

wheat. Most folk can lift some, drink a little, and eat wheat without harm to themselves and others.

Special circumstances make us different from the masses weather we choose our circumstances or find them thrust upon

us. God has always intended that being a person of faith is a special circumstance in any culture. To remain healthy,

spiritually, means that we must, in particular ways, live differently than the general culture. We live 'in' but are not 'of' the

world. Our values do not reflect all the values of our culture. I wonder if this is obvious in the way you live?

At some ‘pre-covid’ time some years ago I went with my daughter to the store the day after Thanksgiving: the biggest

shopping day of the year. I know there were thousands of 'faithful' shoppers mingling with the hordes of bargain hunters,

but how could you tell them? Certainly, there is a kindness in interaction, a humility, an unwillingness to trample people in

order to snag a bargain, that flows from faithful folk. I believe that there is also a sense of limits.

We were at a store that must have had a sale on TV's because the vast majority of the people had one in their cart. There

is nothing wrong with owning a tv, but the faithful people in the checkout line were the ones who had struggled with how

to use their resources (no matter their poverty or wealth) deciding that this was a necessary and needed purchase. The

faithful standing in line have a sense of when to say 'enough' in a culture that encourages us to never be satiated.

After buying the tv the faithful have a sense of what and how much to watch. The faithful know that there is a time to

turn the tv off allowing the silence to open possibilities

for hopes and dreams and thanksgiving to be expressed. The faithful know that entertainment can be part of life but never

the foundation.

As you stand in the checkout line these coming weeks (masked and socially distanced) will God smile knowing that you

are making faithful choices? When you click the last button for an online purchase, will God’s heart delight along with

yours? I suspect that the gifts we give reflect something about who we are and our priorities. Will God's Kingdom be

increased by your choices this 'giving' season? What a great opportunity before us, to give back to the one who gave it all.

Throughout Advent we will have a Grinch theme in worship. The Grinch this year might look a bit more like that virus

image often present when addressed in print or media. It is possible that the virus will cause some changes in our routine

for 2020 Christmas celebrations. The faithful know that any interrupted or changed routine won’t steal Christmas. What a

great opportunity we have this 2020 Christmas to witness to our world the true meaning of Christmas.

Blessings,

Mark

C O M E C E L E B R A T E H O P E !

E N J O Y A L I V E C O N C E R T ! O F F E R P R A Y E R S !

S I N G C H R I S T M A S C A R O L S ! B E W I T H Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y !

S P E C I A L B L E S S I N G F O R F I R S TR E S P O N D E R S .

G O O D Y B A G S F O R C H I L D R E N , W H I L ES U P P L I E S L A S T .

Away Team: Jan. 16-23rd, 2021Pre-Build #1 ‘Trusses & Paint’ Nov. 14th 2020

Gruene UMC 9am—noonPre-Build #2 ‘Floor Boxes’ Dec. 5th, 2020

Dripping Springs UMC 9am—noonPre-Build #3 ‘Walls’ Jan 9th, 2021

Seguin FUMC 9am—noon

pastormark1010@gmail.comwww.homeinaweek.org

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Revolution Youth Uprising…Revolution Youth Uprising…Sunday mornings from 10:00 – 11:00Sunday mornings from 10:00 – 11:00Breakfast, fellowship, and lesson.Breakfast, fellowship, and lesson.

The bible is filled with stories of miraclesThe bible is filled with stories of miraclesand inspiration, but it also teaches us howand inspiration, but it also teaches us how

to reach out and connect to others.to reach out and connect to others.

Consecration Sunday is coming:February 14th.

Consecration Sunday is a yearlyfocus on our spiritual growth

through finances. Our leader Jesus’ssecond favorite topic (the first is

love) was our finances and/or stuff. Being intentional with our financesis a key component to our spiritualgrowth. On Sunday February 14th we will have pledge cards available

during worship and we willConsecrate them at the prayer rail.

Thank you all for opening yourhearts to the children on the Angel

Tree it was a great success. This yearwith all that is going on in their lives

this will bring so much joy. Pleasekeep them all in your prayers for the

New Year also. Again Thank you allfor the gifts and prayers. God’s blessings Kris White

The Governing Council is still looking

for someone to take meeting minutes.

Might God be calling you to serve in

this capacity?

You can come to the meetings or you can

work from a recording of the meeting. The

Governing Council meets 6 times a year in

general.

If you would be willing to serve in this

capacity please contact Pastor Mark @

pastormark1010@gmail.com or call

361-933-0109

GRACE BULLETIN BOARDGRACE BULLETIN BOARD

SAVE the DATE

HOME IN A WEEK2021

THE MEDIA TEAM IS LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO GREET AND CHAT WITH THOSETHE MEDIA TEAM IS LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO GREET AND CHAT WITH THOSEWORSHIPING AT HOME VIA FACEBOOK LIVE. IF YOU HAVE A SMARTPHONE ANDWORSHIPING AT HOME VIA FACEBOOK LIVE. IF YOU HAVE A SMARTPHONE AND

ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING OTHERS CONNECT, CONTACT KRISTEN ATARE INTERESTED IN HELPING OTHERS CONNECT, CONTACT KRISTEN ATCOMMUNICATION@CCGRACE.ORG OR 361-933-0109.COMMUNICATION@CCGRACE.ORG OR 361-933-0109.

WANT TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN WORSHIP? THE MEDIA TEAM IS LOOKINGWANT TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN WORSHIP? THE MEDIA TEAM IS LOOKINGFOR A DEDICATED CAMERA OPERATOR FOR OUR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES. IFFOR A DEDICATED CAMERA OPERATOR FOR OUR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES. IFYOU LIKE TO TAKE VIDEOS, WE WANT YOU ON OUR TEAM. CONTACT KRISTEN ATYOU LIKE TO TAKE VIDEOS, WE WANT YOU ON OUR TEAM. CONTACT KRISTEN AT

COMMUNICATION@CCGRACE.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.COMMUNICATION@CCGRACE.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The poinsettias this year weregiven by choir members as a

THANK YOU to the congregationfor their support all these

years buying our Christmaspoinsettias and Easter lilies. Hopefully, we will start back

next year.

WESLEY NURSE NEWS

december 2

Greetings Grace Family: I pray this news finds you in good health and wellness. Although this past Thanksgiving was a

little different, there is so much to be thankful for. I recently read an

anonymous quote that said, “2020 did not turn out to be the year we get everything we want, but the year we appreciate

everything we have”. Amen!! I am thankful for each of you and how so many of you continue to be the hands and feet of

Jesus here at Grace UMC.

I wanted to share a bit about some outreach I have personally been able to be a part of in the month of November. With

the help of grant funds from Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), Grace UMC was able to provide 20 Bags of Grace

to Wesley Community Center (WCC) in Robstown. I personally delivered them and Ms. Irma (WCC) was so

appreciative. Bags of Grace is a ministry near and dear to many here at Grace UMC, in the UMW, and was especially to

Mrs. Sandra Bristol (May She Rest in Peace). Sandra and I became friends in the early 2000s and helping continue the

work of this ministry keeps her close to my heart. The Bags of Grace are individual bags (usually for an individual

experiencing homelessness) that include: 8 oz. water, cookies/crackers, a fruit cup, a plastic fork/spoon, and a protein

(like a chicken or tuna salad kit or Vienna sausages) I also added a Slim Jim to these. In addition, there are occasions

when we get individuals or families here at

the church (who have the means to cook at home) needing food, on a non-pantry food distribution day. With donations

from church individuals as well as MHM grant funds we have put together and provided Family Bags of Grace to families

in need. Below are some pictures of the Bags of Grace items. An individual bag costs about $3 and a Family Bag

$10-$15. If anyone is able to contribute items or funds to this ministry, it is much appreciated.

And last, but not least, Grace received a donation of Face Shields from the AgriLife Extension office in Robstown and we

handed out 580 individually wrapped face shields in a 2-hour time span, during the November Food Pantry Distribution.

The Grace Food Distribution has continued to grow during the pandemic and fulfill needs of the community. It is such a

Blessing to be a part of the wonderful things going on

here at Grace! May you all be Blessed and have a Merry Christmas!!

Laura Rivas MSN RN Wesley Nurse 361-288-1153

Laura Rivas MSN, RN Wesley Nurse

Email: lrivas@mhm.org

Work Mobile #: 361-288-1153

UMW News Attention Ladies of the Church!HOPE Circle of the United Methodist Women resumed their meetings in September. If you would like to join us for food, fellowshipand inspiration, we meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be January 19, 2021. We meet at 9:15am forrefreshments followed by the meeting which starts at 9:30am. We’d love to see you there. We do follow social distancing andmask wearing guidelines. Our blessings for a very Merry Christmas and for the upcoming new year, 2021.

THRIFT SHOPPE NEWSThe Grace Community Thrift Shoppe has been up and running serving the Grace community especially the less fortunate. Oursincere thanks to all of you who so generously share your lightly used treasures. Thanks to all of you, we have had a reallygood year in spite of the Covid issues. UMW is able to fulfill their mission goals due to your continued support. Volunteers arealways needed and greatly appreciated. You can make your own schedule and work an hour or more any day, Thursday-Saturday. The Thrift Shoppe will be closed beginning Thursday, Christmas Eve, December 24, 2020 and reopen on Thursday,January 7, 2021. Have a blessed New Year 2021.

During the week:

Women's Bible Studies:

Mondays, 9:30AM-11:00AM

Thursdays, 9:30AM-11:00AM

Men's Bible Studies:

Wednesdays, 6:30AM-7:15AM

Thursdays, 9:30AM-11:00AM

Youth:

Wednesday Night Live (WNL), 6:30-8:00PM

Sunday Contemporary Service -9:00AM

Sunday Traditional Service - 11:00AM

Wednesday Night Service (Building on the Rock) - 6:30PM

Worship Schedule:

Sunday School (3yrs-5th Grade), 10:15-11:00AM

Youth Sunday Class (6th-12th), 10:15-11:00AM

Adult Sunday Classes, 10:15-11:00AM

Sunday Classes:

Join us for in-person worship and fellowship.

Invite a friend and we'll make them feel welcome!

We'll continue to live stream the 9:00AM and 11:00AM Services on Facebook

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24TH

*5:00pm - Contemporary Service Candlelight & Communion

*7:00pm - Traditional Service Candlelight & Communion

11:15pm- Carols, Candlelight, & Communion

*NURSERY CARE WILL BE AVAILABLE

J O I N U S F O R C H R I S T M A S !

14521 Northwest Blvd. Corpus Christi, TX 78410