Glynlea Grace United Methodist Chruch

The first steps have been taken to launch 2 new ministries at Glynlea Grace United Methodist Church (GGUMC). They are 1) Summer free lunch program and 2) Upward soccer.

We have submitted our application to the Jacksonville Children's Commission (JCC) to become a summer free lunch site. The JCC will provide the free lunches and we will offer the use of our fellowship hall and volunteers. This will enable children who normally receive free or reduced lunches during the school year to continue to receive free lunches during the summer. Our volunteers will be able to invite the children and their families to church and provide activities, such as crafts, music or games, that introduce them to Christ. If interested in becoming a volunteer for this, contact the church office.

On March 19-20 five members of GGUMC participated in the Upward Sports training conference. They learned how to implement an Upwards Soccer ministry at GGUMC. Imagine our big grassy field being used to bring elementary age kids to Christ. During the soccer practices, the coaches will conduct devotionals that introduce kids to Jesus. During the games, people will give testimonies or devotionals during half-time. We'll be inviting entire families to our worship services. This ministry could reach hundreds of children.

The five people who participated in  the Upward Soccer training will get together within the next week to prayerfully select a league director and brainstorm who could fill the various positions. The various positions include: coaches, referees, advertising commissioner, prayer commissioner, coach commissioner, referee commissioner, devotion commissioner and follow-up commissioner.  If interested in participating in this exciting ministry, contact the church office. Also, if you know any Christian friends who would like to be a coach, give their names to the church office.(Please note that most of these positions do not require someone who is athletic or knowledgeable about soccer. You don't have to know much about soccer even to be a coach. Upward sports provides everything you need to know. You just have to be willing to study and learn.)

Please pray about these two outreach ministries. They will helps us to become more passionately focused on reaching the surrounding community for Christ. Remember, GGUMC is here to make disciples of Jesus Christ for a transformed world. These two ministries will help us do that.