GRACE Helpers Note:  GRACE has moved their boxes from the Christmas Cottage, so we will not be helping them this Saturday.

This Sunday, January 17

The Hole In Our Gospel Series Continues

Worship: Dr. Ken Diehm speaking Downtown (8:50, 9:00, 10:10, 11:15 AM)
Rev. Randy Scrivener speaking at Heritage (10:30 AM)

Sunday School: 9:30 AM (Heritage) | 10:05 AM (downtown)

Also This Sunday: The Hole In Our Gospel Groups | Discover the Church | The SLAB

Monday, January 18:  Note that the Church Office will be closed on Monday for MLK Day.

The Hole In Our Gospel

A note from Ken:  This week a number of individuals have sent me ideas, stories, movies or songs that fit with The Hole In Our Gospel. Please keep sending them! They are very helpful in my preparation for preaching and teaching.    - Ken

Please read Part 1 of The Hole In Our Gospel, chapters 1-3 for this Sunday. We encourage everyone to join in with a group that is discussing the book. The following small groups will be forming to discuss the book:

Sundays at 4:00 PM with Dr. Ken Diehm in Room 2011 of the Family Life Center started January 10
Wednesdays at noon with Dr. Cindy Ryan in Room 2007 of the Family Life Center starting TODAY - January 13
Wednesdays at 7:00 PM with Rev. Rita Yoes in Room 2011 of the Family Life Center starting TODAY - January 13

Childcare is provided for all groups. You may also choose to participate by discussing the book with your Sunday School Class. Visit our website at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/hole for more details on Sunday School Classes studying the book.

Discover the Church

If you are interested in church membership, please consider joining us at the Discover the Church class this Sunday, January 17, at 11:15 AM in Room 2007. This gathering is for all who desire to know more about fellowship, mission and service opportunities in our church, and for all who are interested in or have questions about church membership. You will have the opportunity to meet other new members and guests as well as some of our church staff. You also have an opportunity to join the church during this class. Nursery and Kids Korner (K-5th) available. Contact Dr. Cindy Ryan at cindyr@fumcg.org or Cheri Rutledge at cherir@fumcg.org for more information or to RSVP.

What's New in Hispanic Ministries

Rev. Armando Alvarado is starting a new English as a Second Language (ESL) class for beginners TODAY (January 13) at 5:00 PM in Room 1007 of the Family Life Center.  Also, there will be a seminar about managing finances presented in Spanish this Saturday, January 16, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Leach Hall.  This "Money Management Summit" will be presented by Jose Poot, Alfredo Medina and Rev. Armando Alvarado.  If you know Spanish-speakers who would benefit from either of these classes, please invite them to join us!  Questions? Contact Rev. Armando Alvarado (armandoa@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x122).

Chili Bowl VII and Elvis Gospel Concert

Mark your calendar for Sunday, January 31 - Chili Bowl VII will be at 5:30 PM in the Family Life Center, followed by a gospel concert by “Elvis” (Kraig Parker) at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary! Chili Bowl is an annual event where the whole church comes together and tests our best chili recipes!  Entertainment provided by First Church String Band!! Everyone is welcome to participate - whether you enter the contest, or just come eat! We'll have a new category called "It's Not Chili" and hot dogs will be available for the kids. This years beneficiary is Weekend Food; all proceeds will go to this ministry. After the Chili Bowl, join us in the Sanctuary for an incredible gospel concert by Elvis impersonator Kraig Parker and the Royal Tribute Band! The event is free and no ticket is required - just show up and enjoy the show! Doors open at 6:00 PM and the concert starts at 7:00 PM. Visit our website for full details on each of these events!

News to Change the World

Joe Groh Night - This Friday, January 15
On Friday night, January 15, Carroll Senior High School is hosting "Joe Groh Night" during its varsity basketball games. This event benefits The Joseph Groh Foundation, a charity started by one of our church members, Joe Groh, after he sustained an injury that rendered him quadriplegic. The foundation assists those in the HVAC/construction industry who have suffered life altering injuries or illnesses. The games start at 6:00 PM at Carroll Senior High. Gate proceeds will benefit the foundation, as will a silent auction, which will be held that evening. Other opportunities for making a donation will also be available. For more information about the foundation, please visit www.josephgrohfoundation.org.

The SLAB
We will be volunteering at the SLAB this Sunday, January 17. Meet at the Heritage Campus at 9:30 AM to drive together. Should you wish to take your own vehicle, the SLAB is located at the northwest corner of I-35 and Rosedale in Ft. Worth (click here for directions). We are in need of the following items to take to the SLAB: warm clothing, blankets, hats, gloves, etc. and travel size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash), disposable razors, boots, USED tennis shoes. The SLAB asks that there be NO RED clothing items due to possible gang associations. If you would like to donate any of these items, please drop them off at the Heritage Campus office (4344 Heritage Avenue). Questions? Call the Heritage office at 817-571-1111.

AIDS Orphan Sponsorships
We still have a few AIDS Orphans who need a sponsor! Sponsorships provide AIDS Orphans a chance in life. Your gift provides food, medical care and the cost of attending school. Being an Orphan sponsor is a three-year commitment of $20 per month. If you are interested in becoming the sponsor of one of these children, contact Donna Chabot at chabot113@juno.com or 940-262-0366. 

God Can for GRACE:  We collected 64 items for God Can this week.
Bring your non-perishable food items for the GRACE pantry to the designated bins in the Sanctuary Foyer, Founders Chapel Atrium and outside the church office. GRACE's needs right now are: Cooking oil, canned meats, dry rice, pasta, toiletries.

Weekend Food Needs
Weekend Food needs are individual packs of: easy mac, ravioli, ramen noodles, applesauce, fruit cups, pudding cups, breakfast bars, instant oatmeal. Please bring your donations to Room 1006 in the Family Life Center. Questions? Contact Debbie Price at depdjp@aol.com or 817-821-3858. More info on Weekend Food.

Mission Green Tip of the Week - Drive Green, Use Overdrive Gears
When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear. 

News for Adults

Pastor's Bible Study at Heritage
The Pastor’s Bible study with Rev. Randy Scrivener meets at 7:00 PM on Sundays in the sanctuary of the Heritage Campus. Our topic right now is "Dancing With the New Testament Stars" - each week we'll look at a prominent character from the New Testament. This Sunday: Peter.

New Horizon Featuring the Sorta Sisters
Come and celebrate the 40's with the New Horizons at the church at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, January 26, in the Family Life Center. Our entertainers will be the Sorta Sisters who will do their interpretation of the Andrew Sisters, a very popular trio during WWII. Among their selections, will be such classic tunes as Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, Apple Blossom Time and The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. New Horizon is open to anyone in the "55+" category. The cost of the evening is $10 per person including catered dinner. Reservations must be made by noon Monday, January 25, by calling 817-430-4965 or 817-488-4136.

Special Guest Thelma Wells at The Well
Ladies, you do not want to miss this event! The Well invites you to enjoy nationally-known Women of Faith speaker Thelma Wells on Thursday, January 21, at 7:00 PM in the Family Life Center. From times of singing in a dark closet to the founding of a national women's mentoring ministry, Thelma Wells' life has been a courageous journey of faith. If you have never heard Thelma speak, you are in for a real treat! Thelma will present "Begin Your Year with God" and we'll enjoy special music by Caleb Hailey. Tickets are $15 and include program and catered meal. Get your tickets online now or in the foyer on Sundays, January 10 or 17. To read more about Thelma Wells, visit her website at www.thelmawells.com.

Ladies' Book Study of Fearless by Max Lucado
What if faith not fear was your default reaction to threats? Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst with a study of the book Fearless by Max Lucado. Join us on Wednesdays for a six week study from 9:30 to 11:00 AM in Room 2011 (the study began today - January 13 - but you can still join us next week).  Please purchase the Fearless study guide for our first meeting at any Christian bookstore. Purchase of the book Fearless by Max Lucado is optional. Questions? Contact Betsy Hayes at betsyhayestx@gmail.com. For more information about Fearless, visit www.maxlucado.com/fearless. Note that a new Beth Moore Study will begin in February.

Iron Men Evening with Kris Hogan
Please note that the Iron Men evening with Coach Kris Hogan has been rescheduled. The event was originally planned for January 21, but has been moved to February 18. See the Iron Men website for details.

Questions about Youth Ministries? Contact Jenny Davidson at jennyd@fumcg.org or 817-705-2264 (cell).

RevolutionX News for Youth www.revolutionXonline.com

Wednesday Bible Study Locations - January 13
5:30-7:00 PM - Middle School - Heritage campus
7:00-8:30 PM - High School - at the Schultz's

Sunday Night Youth
This Sunday, January 17, youth will NOT meet due to the Youth Ski Trip.

Ski Trip 
The Youth Ski Trip to Crested Butte, Colorado is this weekend - January 15-18! Questions? Contact Jenny at jennyd@fumcg.org or 817-705-2264. 

Looking for a Way to Help the Youth?
We are still in need of people/groups/Sunday School classes to provide a meal for Sunday Night Youth. If you are interested, please email Sue Schultz at seg1024@yahoo.com. 

Buy a Light Help the Youth
Visit http://www.bogolight.com/?Click=8372 to purchase a solar-powered flashlight and support the youth! Click here for more info.

Questions about children's ministries? Rev. Nathan Firmin at nathanf@fumcg.org or 817-481-2559 x129.

KidsTown News for Children & Families www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org/children 

5th-6th Grade Bible Retreat!!! 
Our 5th and 6th graders are invited to attend the Glen Lake Bible Retreat on January 15-16. Please go to www.glenlake.org for registration forms. Registration forms and fee should be sent directly to Glen Lake. Cost is $50 for campers and $45 for adults. Adult chaperones are needed. If you register your child or can serve as an adult chaperone, please notify Linda McClure in the church office (lindam@fumcg.org) so we can send out additional information as the retreat approaches. Scholarships for both campers and adult chaperones are available. Contact Nathan Firmin (817-481-2559 x129) for more information.

Tweens - Join us February 12-13 for SuperStart! 
SuperStart! is a two-day event put on by Christ In Youth specifically for pre-teens, featuring age-appropriate worship, relevant teaching, drama and fun. You can expect the weekend to be filled with Biblical teaching, worship, enthusiasm, small group opportunities and FUN! The cost is $30 for the first 20 Tweens who register and $35 after that. You must complete registration forms and payment BY MONDAY, JANUARY 18. No late registrations will be accepted. Download the registration form and more info here (pdf). Scholarships are available. Parent chaperones are also needed. Contact Nathan Firmin (817-481-2559 x129) for more information.

Kindermusik
Kindermusik registration for the spring semester is underway for ages newborn to 7 years of age. Hurry! The semester begins the last week of January. Please contact Mary Diane Morley at 817-481-4513 x200 or visit our website at  www.kindermusikofgrapevine.com for schedule and online registration. Classes are held in room 2001. 

Glen Lake Early Bird Special
Glen Lake Camp is offering an Early Bird Special to summer campers registered and paid in full by February 1. Don't miss out! Go online to www.glenlake.org to get full details and register and pay for camp today! 

Recaps, Gifts, Thanks, Photos, etc.

Iron Men Go Soft for Blankets of Hope
It is amazing how God uses us to be his hands and feet. This past year Iron Men have helped many ministries and missions. Blankets of Hope is proud to be one of those ministries. The Iron Men have generously donated enough money to buy fabric to make many blankets. Thanks, guys, for helping to touch lives of the addicted at the Valley Hope Treatment Center. You may never meet the people that receive these blankets, but you can just know that every recipient is covered with God's love and hope for the future because of you. This ministry loves the generous donation received. Thanks! 

Children's Home in Waco Blogs About Grapevine
The Methodist Children's Home in Waco has started a new blog to help everyone keep up with what's going on with their ministry.  Today's blog (Wednesday, January 13) entitled "Bicycle Blessings" is about our bike delivery!  Click here to visit the blog.

Blessing of the Babies
We had a sweet Blessing of the Babies ceremony in the 11:15 AM worship service last Sunday.  Enjoy these photos of the newest additions to our church family. 

Children's Musical - "Down by the Creek Bank"
KidsTown Singers presented the musical "Down by the Creek Bank" last Sunday in Founders Chapel.  The kids had a great time preparing and presenting the music, and their families enjoyed the show! Click here for the full photo album.