The signs of growth are
everywhere at Grace Avenue. Our beautiful new building is a constant reminder
that things are changing. In the last four weeks we have received 51 new members
to our congregation. At our last Discipleship Council meeting it was confirmed
that we would move from four to six worship services in 2013 once the new
building is finished and the current Worship Center is renovated. New Bible
studies and increased mission opportunities are springing up everywhere and
right around the corner our Pumpkins on the Prairie will celebrate its
10th anniversary.
The companion to this kind of
growth is also the addition of new staff members. The Staff-Parish Relations
Committee of our church has been working for almost a year to prepare for these
important new additions. I would like you to help me in welcoming these newest
staff members to Grace Avenue UMC.
Bill Ball is joining our staff
as the Adult Minister. Bill is currently a first year seminary student at
Perkins School of Theology and will be working on our staff part-time. He has
experience in a variety of great churches including Tarrytown UMC in Austin,
Highland Park UMC in Dallas and Suncreek UMC in Allen. Bill is a graduate of
Centenary College and has a masters from SMU. Bill has a son who is in the third
grade. Bill will be working to coordinate aspects of our GROW ministries as they
relate to adults. This includes Adult Sunday School classes, Bible Studies,
small groups and other adult education opportunities. Bill started at Grace
Avenue September 4.
The Rev. Joe Stobaugh is joining
the Grace Avenue staff as the Minister of Worship and Arts. Joe is a graduate
of University of North Texas and Perkins School of Theology at SMU. He is an
ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church and is currently serving at
Argyle UMC. Joe is married to Sarah Stobaugh and has two children who are in
PreK and 2nd grade. Joe will be working to design and oversee the six
worship services that I mentioned above. He will be working with a variety of
groups and ensembles including vocal groups, instrumental groups and worship
implementation groups. Joe will begin working at Grace Avenue on October 8.
I am asking you to do two very
important things as these changes occur:
- Please pray for our new staff members and welcome them in the wonderful spirit of Grace Avenue.
- Please take time to say thank you to our current staff who continue to do a fantastic job of helping us fulfill our mission to "make disciples and make a difference through Jesus Christ." They continue to lead us as we move into the future of Grace Avenue.
As we move into this new era of
the church, the SPRC will continue to examine and fulfill future staffing needs.
I am grateful for these wonderful new additions, but most importantly to be part
of such a great church.
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