Regularly Scheduled Activities at GSP unless noted
Blended Worship: 9 AM reframe Worship 10:45 AM
Ad. Council- Thursday, October 12th at 7 pm Community Dinner: 4-6PM third Sat. each month
UMW— next meeting TBA UMW Lunch TBA
Thurs. Morning Bible Study- 9:30 AM GSP Men’s Quarterly Breakfast- March, June, Sept., Dec.
First Sat. at 9AM
Grace Notes
Grace-St. Paul’s United Methodist Church40 Church Road, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
Pastor Bradley Leight (Office) 570-325-9151Office E-mail:
(Cell) 215-896-7670Newsletter Editor: Heather Bacsick
* WEBSITE:
October, 2017
Vision Statement: To know the love of Jesus, to develop a servant attitude, to lead others to Him
Mission Statement: To have a servant’s heart
What’s your story?
Dear Friends, 1 Peter 3:15
Over the years, I’ve heard many different greetings as I’ve encountered a friend or acquaintance. A friendly “Hello.” A playful “Howdy, there!” An inquisitive “What’s up?” These and many other phrases have invited me into conversation. Recently I came across a greeting that I hadn’t heard in some time: “What’s your story?” What’s your story… what an inviting and powerful question!
I suspect the long-time friend who asked me that question simply wanted to know what new events have occurred in my life since the last time we had spoken. Yet the question has been remained in my mind. What is my story? What is it about my life that defines me? What bigger story can my life and my experiences share? These and many similar questions have been percolating in my mind since that conversation.
In the simplest terms, my life has been transformed through a relationship with Jesus. Encountering Jesus, and experiencing the forgiveness, redemption, and hope that He offers has left an undeniable mark on my life. That reality gives me a story: an account of God’s saving grace and ongoing presence in my life. Note that this isn’t because I am a pastor – though being a pastor is certainly part of my story! All who have encountered Christ and submitted their lives to Him have a story. We all have a personal history of God’s salvation and work in our lives.
A foundational part of living out a commitment to Jesus is sharing our story. We are to be ready to share what God has done in our lives; to share the Good News of Jesus. This must be done with prayerful thought and care. Yet we also must be ready and attentive to opportunities that arise. 1 Peter 3:15 says this beautifully: “… in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”. As Christ’s followers, we all are called to share our story.
In our upcoming worship services, we’ll be exploring our calling to share our story. We’ll remember those powerful moments when God touched our life; we’ll see how our story is an integral part of God’s story; and we’ll look at how we can share our story. I hope you will plan to be in worship as we share in this exploration together. Keep this in prayer, asking God to prepare our hearts and give us a burning desire to share His story. Expect God to accomplish great things through His story in our lives. And be ready! May we live out the words of the beloved song: “Here I am, Lord… I will go, Lord… I will hold your people in my heart!”
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
NOTE : Pastor Brad observes FRIDAY as his day off. His office hours are Mondays 1-3:30pm,
Tuesday evenings by appointment, and Wednesdays 9AM – 12. Please call the church (570-325-9151) or pastor’s cell (215-896- 7670) to make your appointment during these hours.
~ Communion at GSP ~
Communion will be offered at the 9 AM Blended Worship service on Sunday, October 1st. We will receive communion in our seats. During the reframe service at 10:45 AM, communion will be offered each week that Pastor Brad is present. We will come forward to receive communion at the reframe service.
The United Methodist Church practices open communion which means you do not have to be a church member to receive communion. All are welcome at the Lord’s Table.
Annual Charge Conference
Sunday, October 29th
1 PM
Our annual Charge Conference will be held at
Faith Alive UMC in Bowmanstown.
On Sunday, October 29th, Pastor Lee Adams will be the guest speaker during the 9:00 am worship service. His message, "Lawnmower or Motorcycle?" will be based on Matthew 14:22-33. Please lift up in prayer all those who will be part of the service. Bring a friend. As a matter of fact, charter a bus. We will save a large parking space for you. Let us all come together to worship God.
Community Dinner
Join us on Saturday, October 21st between 4 and 6 PM. The menu for this month will be: lasagna, salad, and Italian bread. There will also be desserts and drinks. Bring a friend and join us for great food and fellowship!
For more information please contact the Community Dinner Coordinator, Ted Jacobs (570-732-4169).
If anyone is interested in helping out at the Community Dinners please contact: Linda Hydro (570-325-4362)- if you are interested in helping to serve at the dinners. Bob Walker (570-839-6635)- if you are interested in helping with dinner clean-up.
Missions
Food Pantry: For October, the Food Pantry items needed are Peanut Butter and Jelly. These items go towards helping our community and we are grateful for Food Pantry items that are donated. Your donations may be left in the box in the narthex. Thank you!
Missions Meeting: Wednesday, October 4th at 10 am.
Family Promise Dinner: On Thursday, November 2nd the missions committee will be serving dinner for Family Promise at Christ Lutheran Church. We will meet at 5:15.
Mitten Tree: The Missions Committee will be collecting hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens (new or handmade) for both children and adults. Please keep an eye out for a mitten tree that will be located in the church lobby through the end of November. These items will be passed out with Food Boxes. Thank you for helping to keep our families warm. For information contact Eva Beckman (570-325-2435).
New GSP website launched!!
We are pleased and excited to announce that as of October 1, 2017, we have launched our new GSP website!!! You can find us @ . Check us out, fill out the contact form, and let us know what you think!! We'd LOVE to hear from you!!
Please note that along with this NEW website comes NEW email addresses for announcements and prayer requests: &
Grief Support Group
Begins Tuesday, October 3rd - Will be held Tuesdays 7-8:30 pm (runs 13 weeks)
$10 material fee/assistance available
For info contact: Donna deVillers (570) 225-8565 or or see Harold Sandford
Christian Education for all ages
Children’s Sunday School: Children’s Sunday School is offered during the 10:45 reframe worship service. Children of all ages welcome!
Thursday morning Bible Study at 9:30 AM: This class is studying the Book of Psalms. Enjoy informative discussion and fellowship. All are welcome! Facilitator: Barbara Pease.
Please note:
Administrative Council: Thursday, October 12th at 7 pm.
Grace Notes newsletter: Information for the November Grace Notes is due by 9 am on Monday, October 23rd to Heather Bacsick. Please send information to and .
Church office hours: Wednesdays 10 am- 1 pm and Fridays 10 am- 1 pm.
Got Snacks??? Everyone LOVES our fellowship time between services and a dedicated group of lovely ladies have been providing us with delicious desserts for MANY years. NOW is the time to step up and HELP them out.... don't like to bake? NO PROBLEM!! You can bring store bought goodies, too... some suggestions in addition to baked goods: fruit, veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, bagels, hard boiled eggs, etc... Feel free to be creative!! Just place your "offering" on the tables in the fellowship hall!!! Let's see what good things the Lord will provide through YOU!!
Would you like to volunteer as a Greeter or Usher? Please see Ann Heagney on Sunday or Donna deVillers.
Check out some of the amazing things going on at GSP and in our community!!!
Youth Assist in School Supply Distribution
The youth of GSP were involved in the assembling and delivering of schools supplies to local guidance counselors from the JTASD. The counselors will see that the supplies assembled are distributed to students in K-8. Many thanks to those who contributed materials and time as GSP moves to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community.
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Thank you Logan Thibeault for your generous donation to the GSP food pantry!! Logan recently coordinated the collection of 57 lbs. of food for our food pantry. For his birthday in September, he asked friends to bring food items instead of presents, and all items went to the GSP Food Pantry (items were received and prayed over during the Sept. 17th reframe worship service).
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This past summer, GSP participated in the Summer Lunch Program in Jim Thorpe. The program is run by St. John’s Lutheran Church in the Heights and various local churches get together to help serve lunches. Lunch was served June 19th-August 11th. Members from GSP had the opportunity to serve lunch during one of the weeks in July. The Summer Lunch Program served over 8,000 meals this summer! Many thanks to all who helped with this important mission!
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On September 10th, Missionary Nelson Randolph joined GSP in worship. After worship, Nelson and GSP volunteers helped to pack Samaritan Purse Boxes. With everyone’s hard work we were able to pack 600 boxes! Many thanks to all who helped!
Pictured: Volunteers work together to pack 600 Samaritan Purse Boxes.
The Evangelism and Outreach Committee at GSP invites you to read the guide (available online), “What Every Child Should Experience” by Melanie C. Gordon, which includes a listing of ideas for young children through age 11. Below are some examples from the guide.
In Mark 10:14b Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Verse 16 - “And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
“Children are born with an innate sense of wonder and faith that is genuine and real. As Christian parents, grandparents, church members, aunts, uncles, leaders, teachers, etc., our role is to provide a foundation of experiences on which children build a life of learning and growth toward a mature and vital faith.” In the months to come suggestions will be given that will help each of us be a part of their faith journey.
Examples - Newborn to 12 months – “Begin to read me stories about God, Jesus and people of the Bible.”
Years 1-2 – “Begin to pray simple prayers for me and with me.”
Years 2-3 – (Child) “Offer a blessing before meals, show God’s love through their actions.”
Years 4-5 – “Let me (child) help others in daily activities.”
Years 11+ - “Encourage me to initiate ways to serve others in the community.”
The above information is quoted from, “What Every Child Should Experience” by Melanie C. Gordon from the UMC Discipleship Ministries. This guide may be found at,
** October Greeters/Ushers (9 am service): Marion and Hugh Hamilton
** October Scripture Readers (9 am)
Oct. 1 - Anthony Walker
Oct. 8 - Pamela Bacsick
Oct. 15- Aline Cook
Oct. 22 - Barbara Pease
Oct. 29- Judy Cupps
** October Offering Counters
Oct. 1- Suzan Whiteley and Rich Leeman
Oct. 8- Peg Utsick and Bob Walker
Oct. 15- Pete Pyne and Pete Morey
Oct. 22- Eva Beckman and Harold Sandford
Oct. 29- Suzan Whiteley and Rich Leeman
Celebrations!
Happy Birthday to: Paula Birth 5 Sheryl Zohlmann 13 Hulme Thomas 14 Johnathan Pieri 20 Beverly Covelens 22 Paulamarie Thomas 22 Ted Jacobs 23 Pastor Brad Leight 24 Al Sammans 28
Happy Anniversary to: Carole & Lee Adams 10 Andrea & Will Collett 12 Debbie & Guy Stone 27
*If your special day is not listed, please contact Heather Bacsick ( or 570-786-7120)
"I will build this Program, one child at a time." Six years ago, when this Program was on the verge of failing, a voice said to us in our prayers, "I will build the Program, one child at a time." We trusted what we heard and now have 30 children enrolled. On any given Tuesday, for example, you will find 21 children hurriedly coming off the school bus heading for the Social Hall. It is quite a parade to see. It gives you goose pimples knowing that our faith in Him, has brought us these children. Our mornings are full as well. Here too, one is filled with emotion, watching our young charges walk out to the bus stop. The Program has much for which to be thankful, starting with Him and all of you that did not abandon it. Thanks be to God, and You!