NEWS

June 2, 2020
3

A Moment To Praise For Kids 6.2.20

By | A Moment To Praise
A Moment To Praise For Kids 6.2.20
Joyce Lochinger

Miss Joyce

Trust – It Is So Sweet!

I decided to follow Jesus when I was around 12 years old. The church I went to had a class for those who wanted to be baptized and join the congregation.  I asked my parents if I could be a part of this class, and when they said yes, I joined it. I knew that God was calling me to follow Him and trust in his ways.

Bible stories from Sunday school class were my favorite and I would always have the desire to share them with my friends. I remember that as a young girl riding the school bus, I would try to tell anyone who would listen to me about Jesus. As you can guess, that didn’t make me very popular.

Most of the time I was made fun of! Even so, for some reason, their comments and remarks truly didn’t bother me. I trusted that God had a plan for me in His kingdom, and I wasn’t going to be made to feel bad about it! As I grew up, many things happened in my life. Some were good and some were not so good. Despite what happened in my life, I always knew that none of it was ever as important to me as my decision to follow Christ.

A Moment To Praise For Kids 6.2.20 in Scripture

No matter how old you are, you can make a promise to Jesus that you will trust Him and that you want to have Him guide your life forever. He loves you and will always be there for you. You can trust in that! God gives us this promise in Psalm 37:5: Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. 

A Moment To Praise For Kids 6.2.20 in Song

Enjoy this colorful song about trusting in Jesus! How sweet it is!

https://youtu.be/KSURGdQediE

‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus | Shipwrecked VBS | Group Publishing

Enjoy the music…sing and dance along to the ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus music video from Shipwrecked VBS! Now available to download: https://music.apple.…

youtu.be

A Moment To Praise For Kids 6.2.20 Learn More

Here’s a fun coloring page about trust. Enjoy and have a good week everyone!

https://images.app.goo.gl/iwqE4QyAsZzT58e79

Have a great day! Hugs and love to you all!

Miss Joyce

June 1, 2020
8

A Moment To Praise 6.1.20

By | A Moment To Praise

A Moment To Praise 6.1.20

Joyce Lochinger

Joyce Lochinger, Gravel Hill Worship Leader

Last week, I talked about taking a walk around my neighborhood and taking in the beauty of nature. Taking photos of flowers and shrubbery is a great way to honor and pay attention to God and His creativity all around us. During this past week’s walks, I found myself focusing on the beautiful irises that are blooming along my route.  These flowers have a distinct fragrance like no other flower or plant that I can think of. While taking some pictures  and smelling their sweet aroma, I was taken back to my childhood days and the feeling of the beginning of summertime.

Flower Specialist

For the record, my mother is a flower specialist! She has an amazing ability to grow flowers; even beautiful violets from leaves. She used to keep a few large flower gardens growing & flourishing while she kept two large vegetable gardens healthy at the same time.  As if growing all of that wasn’t enough, she used all of these vegetables to feed her family of six. She still has one of the greenest thumbs known to man! I feel that she took all of the green and left none for me. A plant or flower that enters my home never leaves again! 😊

Anyway, when I was little, my mom had a long area of iris plants, or ‘flags’ as she called them. These ‘flags’ ran all around the side of our house, running the entire length of our yard. They were yellow, white, purple, peach, and several double colors that looked very exotic. She was always so proud of those flowers and often told my friends and me that these plants were special.  She even requested that we please not pick them or make “stew” out of them. As all country kids know, flowers and water make the best pretend food around!😊

She always reminded me of how delicate the irises were and how intricately God had made them. I began to start having a deep appreciation for these lovely flowers and would sneak around to the side of the house just to touch and smell them.  The layers upon layers of velvet-like petals that would unfurl always fascinated me. Each day I would check on them and smell their fragrant perfume. Every day I’d check, they had opened a bit more, showing more of the beautiful bloom! What amazing creations!

A Moment To Praise 6.1.20 in Scripture

“I will be like dew to the people of Israel. They will blossom like flowers. They will be firmly rooted like cedars from Lebanon. They will be like growing branches. They will be beautiful like olive trees. They will be fragrant like cedars from Lebanon.” Hosea 14:5-6

Think about what God is saying in this scripture.  He will be His people’s nourishment and we, His people, will blossom like flowers. We will become fragrant, sweet, and pleasing to the world for God’s namesake. That’s my paraphrasing. However,  I truly feel that this is our purpose as ordained by God!

He created all living beings from the littlest of things to the intricate and amazing workmanship of the human body.  Let’s make it a goal to live into the expectations of God and not into the patterns of the world.  Let us be fragrant, sweet, and pleasing.  Let people know that we belong to God and not to this world.

I love this quote from Martin Luther comparing scripture to the nature that God created:

“God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” – Martin Luther

A Moment To Praise 6.1.20 in Song

Listen to this beautiful song that tells of God’s creation and His love!

Creation Calls

https://youtu.be/F79Ck8rFIes

Have a great week! God Bless!

May 28, 2020
10

Thankful Thursday 5-28-2020

By | Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday 5-28-2020

Thankful Thursday offers contemplative time with the falling rain and our family dog modeling the benefits of being well-rested. My mind visit several conversations I have had the pleasure of sharing in this week. The topic of time consistently arose throughout the various conversations. As my mind pondered this frequent occurrence, it also recognized the musings of thoughts working together to grasp lessons and learning from the blanket pause button that has occurred on everyday life.

Shared observations include: what was everyday life in Mayberry, the 80s, and this past decade. Then conversations also shared a glimpse of life over the past two to three months. When visiting the impacts of these lifestyles and the good that has resulted from this pause, some common themes evolved. People getting outside and moving their bodies (I’ve even met many new neighbors on our walks with the dog!), pollution reduction opening views of Mt. Everest in India, and creative connecting of people and ideas becoming the seed of greatness for the future.

This great wake up to the importance of pausing and its impact on our lives beckons us to become more intentional with the gift of our time as we reenter the gathered community. As individuals and families begin to build new rhythms for their lives, remember this pause and its impact. Be intentional in curating space in your schedule. Pause. Get outside. Thoughtfully let an important person in your life know you are thinking of them.

Thank you Lord for your amazing gifts of time and space and connection!

Thankful Thursday 5-28-2020 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Sunday Online Worship at 8:00, 9:15, or 10:30 AM. To know more about these services, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Wednesdays Be In the Light Activities at Gravel Hill are currently canceled; however, look for worship services online on our Sunday Sermon page.

On Facebook (Gravel Hill Church) and Twitter (@GravelHill): A Moment To Praise and A Moment To Praise For Kids! find postings from our worship leader, Joyce. She shares a small devotional, scripture, and worship song.

May 27, 2020
3

Weekly Wink 5.27.20

By | Weekly Wink
Weekly Wink 5.27.20

Special Video Announcement regarding Gravel Hill Yellow Phase: Click here to see video.

PDF version here

Sunday school participants: did you escape? Since you were so good at treasure hunting, you now can find an escape room each week (on Sundays). There are 2 levels for you to try. All ages are welcome. Want to be a part of the Sunday School group on Facebook? Search for: Gravel Hill UMC Sunday School. Click request to join.

You are invited! May 31: Sunday 8:00, 9:15, & 10:30 AM Worship (Sanctuary) Service will be available online under our Sunday Sermons. Sunday bulletin (Hill Highlights) via email – sign up here.

Weekly Wink 5.27.20 Ahead:

What day is it today? Our social media posts each day can help you answer this question!

Mondays: A Moment To Praise

Tuesdays: A Moment To Praise For Kids!

Wednesdays: Weekly Wink

Thursdays: Thankful Thursday

Fridays: Sermon/Message Title & Scripture Sharing

Saturdays: Pastor’s Pen/Reminders

Sundays: Online Worship

Tuesday 9:15 AM Ladies Bible Study (Room 201) continues its study of Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. Return TBD. Check in with Joyce for gatherings on Zoom during our time apart.

Current Missions:

Gravel Hill Tithing (Learn more here.) Say thank you for the blessings you have so the Gravel Hill body can support our missions.

Caring for our unemployed Gravel Hill Daycare workers and the Palmyra Postal workers. Find more info by clicking here.

On the Horizon:

July 11, 2020, Saturday 8:00 AM 10 Mile Summer Sizzler Learn more and sign up here.

Ongoing Opportunities

Gift Shopping Made Easy! You can shop for gift cards while at home and benefit Gravel Hill. Purchases support the off-site Ministry Fund. Learn more about Gravel Hill’s Scrip Program by clicking here. You can start shopping now. Create username and password. Gravel Hill’s Enrollment Code is: 21L936DB32931.

Have questions? Please contact Tony.

Email Sign Up (Sign up to receive emails by clicking here. For weekly emails, check: Hill Highlights; monthly emails, check: Beacon Newsletters; for messages from the pastor, check: Pastor’s Pen.)

May 26, 2020
3

A Moment To Praise For Kids 5.26.20

By | A Moment To Praise
A Moment To Praise For Kids 5.26.20
Joyce Lochinger

Miss Joyce

Oh Moses!

Hi kids and parents! Hope you’re having a great week and had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Today, I want us to remember the good things we have all around us and then, I want us to remember to thank God for them!

A Moment To Praise For Kids 5.26.20 in Scripture

Our scripture verse today comes from Exodus and it takes place immediately after God saved the Israelites, who were God’s chosen people led by Moses. The Israelites were saved from the Egyptians, who had enslaved and persecuted them. This story occurs after the story of the Parting of the Red Sea. Read what it says: Exodus 15:1

This passage is also called ‘Moses’ Victory Song’! God saved Moses from the attacking Egyptians and he immediately praised God for His goodness!

Do you ever do that? Do you ever just shout out a “Thank You, God”? It doesn’t have to be a 30 minute prayer, down on your knees in an empty room. It can be a heart whisper or a prayer inside your head. For example, when you’re on the playground and you see the school bully walk away from you, you can say; “Thank You God, You are good to me!” Or when you are taking a test and remember everything you studied, you can say: “Whew! Thank You God for helping through this!” You can even pray when you are facing something really scary. You can say: “God, I am going to thank You in advance for the good things You will provide for me”. God is always listening and always wants you to talk to Him in this way!

He wants your praise and your friendship! God wants you to call Him friend; it delights His heart!

A Moment To Praise For Kids 5.26.20 in Song

The attached song is a modern day ‘Moses’ Victory Song’ that comes straight from the Exodus scripture we just talked about.

It also is filmed on a beautiful lake. Watch it and then think about the ways we can rejoice in God’s goodness this summer.

I Will Sing Unto the Lord (Horse and Rider) | HLA Wilderness Escape VBS | Group Publishing

Enjoy the music…sing and dance along to the Horse and Rider music video from Holy Land Adventure Wilderness Escape VBS! SUBSCRIBE to get notified when new Li…

youtu.be

A Moment To Praise For Kids 5.26.20 Learn More

After watching that awesome video, it made me think about this summer and how people will be staying closer to home for a “stay-cation” instead of a vacation. Here are some ideas for fun ways to spend the summer closer to home.

http://momsanity.com/25-ideas-amazing-staycation-kids/

Have a great day! Hugs and love to you all!

Miss Joyce

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVES

LATEST EVENTS

Look for more

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

DN_T

You have no events for this day

  • hours

    • hours
    • days
    • weeks
stec_replace_image
stec_replace_icon

stec_replace_summary

stec_replace_desc_short
0d 0h 0m 0s
Expired
In Progress

stec_replace_location

stec_replace_timespan

  • Featured

    stec_replace_summary

    stec_replace_date

    Reminder

  • stec_replace_summary

    Awaiting approval

    Cancel
    Cancel

    • Event Info

    • Location

    • Schedule

    • Guests

    • Attendance

    • Forecast

    • Comments

    stec_replace_summary

    stec_replace_description
    Visit Website

    • 0

      days

    • 0

      hours

    • 0

      minutes

    • 0

      seconds

    Event expired

    Event is in progress

    • Attend

    • Decline

    Attachments

    Import to Google Calendar

    Location

    stec_replace_location

    Get Directions

    Get Directions

    Could not find route!

    Details

    stec_replace_details

    No schedule

    stec_replace_date stec_replace_time
    stec_replace_title
    stec_replace_desc
    stec_replace_avatar
      stec_replace_social

    stec_replace_name

    stec_replace_about

    You are invited to this event!

    • Attend

    • Decline

    • stec_replace_name
        stec_replace_status

      stec_replace_name

    Weather data is currently not available for this location

    Weather Report

    Today stec_replace_today_date

    stec_replace_today_icon_div

    stec_replace_current_summary_text

    stec_replace_current_temp °stec_replace_current_temp_units

    Wind stec_replace_current_wind stec_replace_current_wind_units stec_replace_current_wind_direction

    Humidity stec_replace_current_humidity %

    Feels like stec_replace_current_feels_like °stec_replace_current_temp_units

    Forecast

    Date

    Weather

    Temp

    stec_replace_date

    stec_replace_icon_div

    stec_replace_min / stec_replace_max °stec_replace_temp_units

    stec_replace_5days

    Next 24 Hours

    Powered by Forecast.io