REVERSE ADVENT AND FAMILY ACTIVITY CALENDARS
GATHER: Ish Holiday Gathering @ Model A Brewing
December 7th, 4:30-7:30pm
We will gather at Model A Brewing (near Tega Cay Walmart) on Saturday, December 7 for a holiday get together!
For those of you who have kiddos that need looking after, the Children's Christmas party will be at Grace this same evening. There will be nursery for the littles and programming for PreK-5.
Please come and have a drink, a bite to eat, and share in some good conversation as we get ready for Christmas! Here is a link to RSVP OR you can simply show up between 4:30-730 on 12/7. We will grab a few tables and look forward to seeing you!
GATHER: Children's Christmas Party
December 7, 4:30-7:30 pm.
This event is for Pre-K - 5th grade with nursery provided as needed. This event coincides with the -ISH Christmas Party.
Pizza will be served for dinner. We will play reindeer games, make crafts and have cupcakes and hot chocolate.
Drop off will be in the sanctuary and pick up in Room 15.
Please RSVP in Realm to let us know you are coming and here is a link to the sign-up genius to volunteer.
LEARN: Men's Breakfast and Bible Study
December 7th, 8am
Men's Breakfast and Bible Study will meet at 8 am on Saturday, December 7. We will look at three passages: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79, and Luke 3: 1-6. All three deal with John the Baptist. If you are preparing ahead, Malachi is the final book of the Old Testament. Let us know of your presence either on REALM or by e-mailing Sam directly.
GATHER: December Grace Family First Night
December 8th, 5pm
Join us for our Annual Chili Cook-Off and Half Notes Christmas Musical!
Dinner will be at 5pm and bring your favorite pot of chili and/or cornbread and dessert to share. The “best chili” winner gets the Space of Grace for January 2025.
Following dinner, the Half Notes will present their Christmas musical, When Jesus Was Born! Please RSVP in Realm.
GATHER: LADIES' CHRISTMAS PARTY
Tuesday, December 10th, 6pm
Join us on Tuesday, December 10th, at the home of Jill Douds at 6pm. Jill will provide a main dish--please bring a side dish or dessert to share and a gift ($10 limit) for the gift exchange. Please RSVP in Realm or directly to Jill.
GIVE: RAINdeer GIFT CARDS
RAINdeer gift cards can be purchased for clients of Affinity Health, which provides services to families affected by HIV/AIDS and other low-income families. Buy as many $10 gift cards from local grocery stores such as Food Lion, WalMart and Target as you wish. You can sign-up online here (or just bring them in if you forget to sign up). You need only sign up once to purchase multiple gift cards. Please return the gift cards (identified with your name) to the office or place in the offering box by Sunday, December 15. If you have any questions, contact Lori.
GIVE: 2024 DSS ANGEL TREE
This longstanding program allows members of the community the opportunity to provide Christmas gifts for children in the care of York County DSS. Many of these children might otherwise not have any gifts if it weren't for the support of the community. Grace is proud to sponsor 70 children this year. Here is a sign-up genius and you can also pick children from the tags on the Angel Tree in the sanctuary. Gifts are due back no later than December 8th.
GIVE: PAJAMAS FOR PARADISE
Now in its second year, Pajamas for Paradise is a gifting opportunity for folks to give a new pair of Christmas pajamas and slippers to children who participate in Historic Paradise Foundation’s after school program. Historic Paradise is a 501(c)3 organization which supports families living in Fort Mill’s historic black neighborhood. The tags are available on the Angel Tree.
SERVE: ROOM IN THE INN
Grace will be hosting Room in the Inn guests again this Winter with Roof Above. We are signed up to host on the following dates: 12/14, 1/4, 2/8 and 3/22. There will be several opportunities to support the effort this Winter, however, we need to confirm volunteers for the 14th as soon as possible. Please sign up to help here as a driver or overnight guest, and here for other volunteer opportunities.
GATHER: Grace Notes Choir Christmas Cantata
December 15, 6pm
Prepare your hearts through music with a joyful celebration of the season as the Grace Notes Choir presents Festival of Carols on Sunday evening, December 15th, at 6:00 pm. RSVP on Realm. Childcare provided.
GATHER: VINTAGE GRACE CHRISTMAS PARTY
December 17th, 11:30am
Join us at Towne Tavern in Fort Mill for the Annual Vintage Grace Christmas Party. Bring a wrapped gift for the White Elephant Gift Exchange. Lunch is a Dutch Treat.
Please RSVP in Realm or by calling the church office.
GATHER: GAP Christmas Party with the Ochsners
Friday, December 20th, 6:00pm
The Ochsners have once again invited us to their HO-HO-Home for our GAP Christmas party. Jon and Lori will provide beverages, including special holiday cocktails and mocktails. Please bring a yummy GAPpetizer or dessert to share. Please RSVP in Realm and if you have further questions please reach out to Lori or Jon.
GATHER: The Longest Night Service
December 22nd, 5-6pm
The Longest Night service offers us an opportunity to remember those who may have died this year, those who may have died long ago, or other losses in our lives.
SERVE: GREETERS AND USHERS NEEDED
We need volunteers willing to be Greeters/Ushers at our 8:00am worship service each Sunday. Being a Greeter/Usher for our church is an important ministry. First impressions are lasting impressions. We want everyone who enters our church to feel welcome and comfortable. If this is a ministry that you would be interested in, please contact the church office.
LEARN: WEEKLY STUDY GROUPS
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Please look over the list of classes and we hope that you and your family will join us.
Nursery and Toddlers (Infants through 2 year olds) – Room 8
Early Childhood (3 year old - 5k) – Room 9
Primary Class (1st - 5th grades) – Room 5
Youth (6th-12th grades) - Youth Room
Adult Sunday School - Room 15: A new series facilitated by the book “Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt.”
SAVE THE DATE:
Ladies, mark your calendars! The 2025 Grace Women’s Retreat will be held April 4-6, 2025 at The Coastal Retreat Center in Isle of Palms, SC.
GATHERING AT GRACE : What opportunities for fun are available at Grace? Where do I belong?
Our (sort of) age related gatherings are for anyone who wants to come and have fun with others. No ID checked! If you want to hang out with folks, no one will turn you away.
ASSISTIVE LISTENING - DEVICES AND APP
If you have trouble hearing the message and other speaking in the sanctuary, please let the people in the sound booth know. We have three assistive listening devices. It is recommended that you bring your own headphones that can be plugged into the device.
We now have an app available that streams the service. Please check the website for details on how to download and use it.
PARKING ON SUNDAYS AT GRACE
On Sunday mornings, please reserve all of the parking spots in the circle for those with limited mobility unless you hold the monthly Space of Grace.
NAMETAGS
Please remember to wear your nametags on Sunday mornings. We have had quite a few guests attending worship, so it's helpful if we are wearing our nametags. If you are missing your name tag, let Ami know.
SOFT PLASTIC RECYCLING
Great job on continuing your collections! We have received several benches with half going to the Historic Paradise Foundation. Have you ever wondered where the plastic goes after we collect it? The following 2 videos will provide those answers:
Recycling program
Trex factory
HUG ME DOLLS
Do you know someone who needs a hug? Melissa has been making some hug-me dolls and is ready to make some more. They come in a wide variety, with each one just waiting to be hugged. They are $10 with all proceeds going to Thornwell Home for Children and Teenagers.
INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP WITH TEMPLE SOLEL
Presbyterian Church & Jewish Temple Partner – Sharing Lessons of Hospitality: CN2 News article
GATHER: Ish Holiday Gathering @ Model A Brewing
December 7th, 4:30-7:30pm
We will gather at Model A Brewing (near Tega Cay Walmart) on Saturday, December 7 for a holiday get together!
For those of you who have kiddos that need looking after, the Children's Christmas party will be at Grace this same evening. There will be nursery for the littles and programming for PreK-5.
Please come and have a drink, a bite to eat, and share in some good conversation as we get ready for Christmas! Here is a link to RSVP OR you can simply show up between 4:30-730 on 12/7. We will grab a few tables and look forward to seeing you!
GATHER: Children's Christmas Party
December 7, 4:30-7:30 pm.
This event is for Pre-K - 5th grade with nursery provided as needed. This event coincides with the -ISH Christmas Party.
Pizza will be served for dinner. We will play reindeer games, make crafts and have cupcakes and hot chocolate.
Drop off will be in the sanctuary and pick up in Room 15.
Please RSVP in Realm to let us know you are coming and here is a link to the sign-up genius to volunteer.
LEARN: Men's Breakfast and Bible Study
December 7th, 8am
Men's Breakfast and Bible Study will meet at 8 am on Saturday, December 7. We will look at three passages: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79, and Luke 3: 1-6. All three deal with John the Baptist. If you are preparing ahead, Malachi is the final book of the Old Testament. Let us know of your presence either on REALM or by e-mailing Sam directly.
GATHER: December Grace Family First Night
December 8th, 5pm
Join us for our Annual Chili Cook-Off and Half Notes Christmas Musical!
Dinner will be at 5pm and bring your favorite pot of chili and/or cornbread and dessert to share. The “best chili” winner gets the Space of Grace for January 2025.
Following dinner, the Half Notes will present their Christmas musical, When Jesus Was Born! Please RSVP in Realm.
GATHER: LADIES' CHRISTMAS PARTY
Tuesday, December 10th, 6pm
Join us on Tuesday, December 10th, at the home of Jill Douds at 6pm. Jill will provide a main dish--please bring a side dish or dessert to share and a gift ($10 limit) for the gift exchange. Please RSVP in Realm or directly to Jill.
GIVE: RAINdeer GIFT CARDS
RAINdeer gift cards can be purchased for clients of Affinity Health, which provides services to families affected by HIV/AIDS and other low-income families. Buy as many $10 gift cards from local grocery stores such as Food Lion, WalMart and Target as you wish. You can sign-up online here (or just bring them in if you forget to sign up). You need only sign up once to purchase multiple gift cards. Please return the gift cards (identified with your name) to the office or place in the offering box by Sunday, December 15. If you have any questions, contact Lori.
GIVE: 2024 DSS ANGEL TREE
This longstanding program allows members of the community the opportunity to provide Christmas gifts for children in the care of York County DSS. Many of these children might otherwise not have any gifts if it weren't for the support of the community. Grace is proud to sponsor 70 children this year. Here is a sign-up genius and you can also pick children from the tags on the Angel Tree in the sanctuary. Gifts are due back no later than December 8th.
GIVE: PAJAMAS FOR PARADISE
Now in its second year, Pajamas for Paradise is a gifting opportunity for folks to give a new pair of Christmas pajamas and slippers to children who participate in Historic Paradise Foundation’s after school program. Historic Paradise is a 501(c)3 organization which supports families living in Fort Mill’s historic black neighborhood. The tags are available on the Angel Tree.
SERVE: ROOM IN THE INN
Grace will be hosting Room in the Inn guests again this Winter with Roof Above. We are signed up to host on the following dates: 12/14, 1/4, 2/8 and 3/22. There will be several opportunities to support the effort this Winter, however, we need to confirm volunteers for the 14th as soon as possible. Please sign up to help here as a driver or overnight guest, and here for other volunteer opportunities.
GATHER: Grace Notes Choir Christmas Cantata
December 15, 6pm
Prepare your hearts through music with a joyful celebration of the season as the Grace Notes Choir presents Festival of Carols on Sunday evening, December 15th, at 6:00 pm. RSVP on Realm. Childcare provided.
GATHER: VINTAGE GRACE CHRISTMAS PARTY
December 17th, 11:30am
Join us at Towne Tavern in Fort Mill for the Annual Vintage Grace Christmas Party. Bring a wrapped gift for the White Elephant Gift Exchange. Lunch is a Dutch Treat.
Please RSVP in Realm or by calling the church office.
GATHER: GAP Christmas Party with the Ochsners
Friday, December 20th, 6:00pm
The Ochsners have once again invited us to their HO-HO-Home for our GAP Christmas party. Jon and Lori will provide beverages, including special holiday cocktails and mocktails. Please bring a yummy GAPpetizer or dessert to share. Please RSVP in Realm and if you have further questions please reach out to Lori or Jon.
GATHER: The Longest Night Service
December 22nd, 5-6pm
The Longest Night service offers us an opportunity to remember those who may have died this year, those who may have died long ago, or other losses in our lives.
SERVE: GREETERS AND USHERS NEEDED
We need volunteers willing to be Greeters/Ushers at our 8:00am worship service each Sunday. Being a Greeter/Usher for our church is an important ministry. First impressions are lasting impressions. We want everyone who enters our church to feel welcome and comfortable. If this is a ministry that you would be interested in, please contact the church office.
LEARN: WEEKLY STUDY GROUPS
- Tuesday (10am on Zoom) The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions, by Marcus Borg and NT Wright.
- Wednesday Study Group Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith, by Bruce Reyes-Chow. (E-mail Joanne for more information about either of these groups.)
- Thursday Study Group (10-11:30am hybrid) The Thursday Morning Bible Study is reading The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr. Please email Celia Wilson for more information. Here is a link to the Zoom.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Please look over the list of classes and we hope that you and your family will join us.
Nursery and Toddlers (Infants through 2 year olds) – Room 8
Early Childhood (3 year old - 5k) – Room 9
Primary Class (1st - 5th grades) – Room 5
Youth (6th-12th grades) - Youth Room
Adult Sunday School - Room 15: A new series facilitated by the book “Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt.”
SAVE THE DATE:
Ladies, mark your calendars! The 2025 Grace Women’s Retreat will be held April 4-6, 2025 at The Coastal Retreat Center in Isle of Palms, SC.
GATHERING AT GRACE : What opportunities for fun are available at Grace? Where do I belong?
Our (sort of) age related gatherings are for anyone who wants to come and have fun with others. No ID checked! If you want to hang out with folks, no one will turn you away.
- GRACE FAMILY FIRST NIGHTS - We meet on the first Sunday of each month for food and fellowship. Following our meal, one of our awesome musical groups will sing and we usually end the night with a mission project to support one of the many groups we serve. Sarah Childers coordinates this group.
- -ISH GROUP - people who are the age of the parents of our littles and elementary school kids gather for food and fun. Dre Manoni coordinates this group.
- GAP GROUP - We don’t need babysitters (or we do and get them) and can still drive at night. We gather the 3rd Friday night of each month for food and shenanigans. Sometimes we’re at the home of a member, sometimes we can be found at a local pub or restaurant, but we can always be found laughing and having fun. (What’s in the name? It was the group in the gap between our young adults and seniors…that’s not really true anymore, but the name stuck.) Ray Scott is our coordinator.
- DAYTRIPPERS - We go on field trips during the day. From spider lilies to Hello Dolly to Fort Mill History Museum and more. Watch for the monthly adventure. Annmarie Clark coordinates this group. All are welcome!
- VINTAGE GRACE - This group of Seniors gathers annually for a Christmas lunch and gift swap.
- YOUTH - 6th through 12th graders gather weekly for faith-building, service and fun. More details here.
ASSISTIVE LISTENING - DEVICES AND APP
If you have trouble hearing the message and other speaking in the sanctuary, please let the people in the sound booth know. We have three assistive listening devices. It is recommended that you bring your own headphones that can be plugged into the device.
We now have an app available that streams the service. Please check the website for details on how to download and use it.
PARKING ON SUNDAYS AT GRACE
On Sunday mornings, please reserve all of the parking spots in the circle for those with limited mobility unless you hold the monthly Space of Grace.
NAMETAGS
Please remember to wear your nametags on Sunday mornings. We have had quite a few guests attending worship, so it's helpful if we are wearing our nametags. If you are missing your name tag, let Ami know.
SOFT PLASTIC RECYCLING
Great job on continuing your collections! We have received several benches with half going to the Historic Paradise Foundation. Have you ever wondered where the plastic goes after we collect it? The following 2 videos will provide those answers:
Recycling program
Trex factory
HUG ME DOLLS
Do you know someone who needs a hug? Melissa has been making some hug-me dolls and is ready to make some more. They come in a wide variety, with each one just waiting to be hugged. They are $10 with all proceeds going to Thornwell Home for Children and Teenagers.
INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP WITH TEMPLE SOLEL
Presbyterian Church & Jewish Temple Partner – Sharing Lessons of Hospitality: CN2 News article