| New Ministries on the Horizon for GGUMC!! |
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| Written by David Charlton |
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Yesterday (February 23, 2010) we had an exciting leadership team meeting. Imprtant items were discussed and a major decision was made. Larry Braoch, from Crossroads School, spoke to us about the possibility of bringing the school back to Glynlea Grace UMC (GGUMC). He spent approximately 45 minutes patiently asking questions about the school and how it could be an outreach ministry for GGUMC. If the school comes back here, we could conduct their chapel services and begin a mentoring program for the students. The additional income it would bring would also be nice. There are, however, issues that would need to be worked out, such as what happens if the school damages the church property. During the March meeting we will decide if we want to do this. Please keep this in your personal prayers. As stated earlier, a major decision was reached at this meeting. Glynlea Grace will embark on an outward focus initiative that consist of four ministries. They are: Upward soccer, Summer free lunch program, possibly bringing back the Crossroad school, and developing the 'Sunday Night Praise Fire' into an outdoor concert for the community. ‘Upward’ is a nation wide ministry that uses sports (soccer, basketball, flag football and cheerleading) to introduce kids (1st to 6th grade) to Jesus Christ. Winning and keeping score are de-emphasized while team work, respect and love are emphasized. The practices have devotional time built into them. The Upward ministry provides the devotional material and memory Bible verses for us to use. This is a well established ministry. Mandarin UMC has a successful Upward sports program. We have already determined that our big grassy field is big enough to accommodate 2 big soccer fields for the older kids and 1 small soccer field for the younger kids. Our next step is to send a team to the next available Upward Training Conference, which is scheduled for March 19-20 in Pompano Beach, FL. The ‘Summer free lunch program’ would be a partnership between the Jacksonville Children’s Commission (JCC) and GGUMC. They would provide the free lunches and we would provide the fellowship hall and volunteers. This is a way to ensure that all kids have at least one decent meal a day. The volunteers would be free to also offer arts, crafts, music or any other activity that teaches the gospel message – a great opportunity to invite the children and families to church. The third initiative is the possibility of bringing back the Crossroad School, which has already been discussed. The last initiative is developing the ‘Sunday ight Praise Fire’ into a live concert that involves multiple bands and a large crowed from the neighborhood. You will be hearing more about these ministries. Please pray for them and think about how you could help. Thank you and God bless.
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