There are hands posted all around the church.  Perhaps you have seen them. They are there to remind us of our Annual Giving Drive to raise money and pledges to support Grace Church's expenses as we continue to aspire to do God's work.

How? Some hand signs now say "GIMME FIVE!" That means we are hoping each member will budget 5% of their income for the church next year. (And that those who are able to give more will continue to do so!) We ask that you remember those "gimme five" hands as you prayerfully consider what Grace Church means to you.

Other hand signs mean we support HEALING HANDS AND OPEN HEARTS as evidenced by the many programs and partnerships here at the church--programs for the homeless, parolees, and the community. We hope to have touched you as well. The money Grace needs to pay the utilities, keep the building and grounds maintained, outreach programs and pay the various people involved for worship and healing services comes from this drive.

Thank you in advance for your prayers, your willing hands and your $$$!

The Annual Giving Committee

While most of us lament the early Christmas decorations in the stores, it nevertheless got me thinking about Scrooge in Charles Dickens story. He, as we know was tight-fisted and unhappy. Only when he began to open his heart and hands did he begin to find genuine happiness.

As we kick off our annual giving campaign in support of all the hearts and hands doing God's work at Grace, please ask God what amount of giving to Grace church will make you feel joy.  

Carol Lyon

Editor's addition:  In a New Republic article, we read, "Start giving your money and time away: New research shows you'll be happier for it. Americans who describe themselves as "very happy" volunteer an average of 5.8 hours per month. Those who are "unhappy"? Just 0.6 hours." Read the whole article here.  

Join us this Sunday morning for a special presentation at Snack 'n Chat in the Great Hall after the worship service. Mary McLain has made a slide show called the Hands of Grace. You will see hands at worship, prayer, healing, serving--all hands doing God's work at Grace.

  Our annual pledge drive is here which gives us all an opportunity to support all that we are doing at Grace Church. We acknowledge all the volunteer man-hours needed to be the foundation of this ministry. Thank you all who has given of yourselves.

At this time of year we also have an opportunity to support Grace financially.The Duke bill is over the moon and just keeping the place clean with the combination of Sexton salary plus supplies accounts for a several thousand a year. Unless we all want to take a shift cleaning (but I'd rather pay Patrick. He does it better than I can). But hey, the supplies used for cleaning are tax deductible, and so are the donations you give to church. Just go to the website, click $$upport Grace and choose donate to Grace's 2015 budget--or click here to go there directly. You can make a one-time donation, or a recurring (for example, monthly) one.  

This year we feature hands in our campaign signifying that many hands make light work. It also represents "Gimme Five"" which means not only do you approve of what we are doing but that you are willing to tithe.  We know that times are tough so we are only asking for 5% rather than the traditional 10%.  However if you feel truly blessed you could offer more!

We consider ANY donation in partnership with Grace BLESSED. And if you have a divine inspiration of how else you can support Grace we want to hear from you NOW!

Love and Light!

Thanks to Candy Moxley for this article.  

Last Sunday's handbell solo, "Three Native American Melodies", is a medley of three originally unrelated pieces, joined together to form the outline of a story. In the past, it has usually been pre-sented in October. Today was chosen so that Grace Church might make a contribution to the Native American Weekend being presented at the Cathedral.

The three melodies, in order of appearance, are titled: "In the Forest", "Doubt", and "Ode to the Morning Star." The titles and music form a narration outline something like the following:

An individual Native American goes into a forest. Initially the experience is joyful; then night begins to fall. The wanderer is lost and cries for in despair for help. Apparently no response comes. Then the Morning Star--herald to the Dawn--appears! It generates an anthem of welcome and praise from a group of worshipers. The wanderer hurries towards them as the sun begins to appear.

As they have done before, Tammy Robertson and Lisa Perry joined me in preparation, adding their skills. Their expertise on drums and handbells add substantially to this piece.

John Thayer

(Your editor apologizes for not getting this in a Grace Notes issue last week; he missed a week.)