July 17, 2024... Celebrations and Get-togethers - Another get-together is being planned with our friends at Towne Towers! The date is Tuesday, June 16th from 2:00-3:30! We are going to celebrate the birthday of our wonderful country, the USA! There will be games, songs, conversations, and refreshments! Please wear red, white, and/or blue! Rev. Thayer is planning to join in the festivities! There is a signup sheet on the table in the back of the sanctuary! There is no need to bring cookies! Cupcakes, chips, and beverage will be enjoyed by all!
Some packet of notecards with the church's picture on them were purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to family and friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank you!
I would like to welcome Rev. Nelson Thayer and his wife Linda to Grace UMC! The church family and I are excited to have them continue the ministry to show God's love and care to His people! Get ready, get set, and come to see how God can use them and us to share the Gospel with others!
Have a wonderful week! Enjoy the month of July! Summer days and sunshine, too! Love you all, BarB
BarB's Blurbs
July 10, 2024... Celebrations and Get-togethers - Another get-together is being planned with our friends at Towne Towers! The date is Tuesday, June 16th from 2:00-3:30! We are going to celebrate the birthday of our wonderful country, the USA! There will be games, songs, conversations, and refreshments! Please wear red, white, and/or blue! Rev. Thayer is planning to join in the festivities! There is a signup sheet on the table in the back of the sanctuary! There is no need to bring cookies! Cupcakes, chips, and beverage will be enjoyed by all!
Some packet of notecards with the church's picture on them were purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to family and friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank you!
I would like to welcome Rev. Nelson Thayer and his wife Linda to Grace UMC! The church family and I are excited to have them continue the ministry to show God's love and care to His people! Get ready, get set, and come to see how God can use them and us to share the Gospel with others!
Have a wonderful week! Enjoy the month of July! Summer days and sunshine, too! Love you all, BarB
BarB's Blurbs
July 3, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers - Another get-together is being planned with our friends at Towne Towers! I would like to talk with Pastor Thayer to see if he would like to join us! The date will be determined soon! We love our friends at the Towers!
Some packet of notecards with the church's picture on them were purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to family and friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank you!
John and Diane, thank you for all you did to continue the ministry at Grace UM Church! May God's blessings be with you as you continue on to the next chapter in your lives! Psalm 121 and Philippians 4:13
And Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them. And a friend will not say never, 'cause the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know That a lifetime's not too long to lives as FRIENDS! We love you, John and Diane Your Friends from Grace UM Church
Have a Son-filled week Love you all, BarB
BarB's Blurbs
June 26, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers - Another get-together is being planned with our friends at Towne Towers! I would like to talk with Pastor Thayer to see if he would like to join us! The date will be determined soon! We love our friends at the Towers!
Some packet of notecards with the church's picture on them were purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to family and friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank you!
John and Diane, thank you for all you did to continue the ministry at Grace UM Church! May God's blessings be with you as you continue on to the next chapter in your lives! Psalm 121 and Philippians 4:13
And Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them. And a friend will not say never, 'cause the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know That a lifetime's not too long to lives as FRIENDS! We love you, John and Diane Your Friends from Grace UM Church
Have a Son-filled week Love you all, BarB
BarB's Blurbs
June 19, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers - On Tuesday, June 18th, a group of Grace friends went to Towne Towers to see our wonderful friends! We had a super time talking about Summertime and playing a charades game by acting out some things we can do in the summer! Many Academy Awards should have been given to the actors!!!!!!!! We ate some fresh fruit salad and yummy cookies! We were invited to come back again in July! The plans are to celebrate the birthday of America! Please plan to come and share some special moments with some fabulous friends! Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to family or friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank You!!!
What are you doing on Sunday, June 30th? Hopefully you will be attending the church service to be a part of the many people who want to thank Rev. Dr. John D. and Diane for their ministry with Grace UMC. If you are like me, I so appreciated John's sermons, jokes, and inspirations! Where did the last 10 months go? It will be hard to say, "Good-bye!" Maybe the words should be, "See you later, Alligators!!" John and Diane, thank you for all you did to continue the ministry at Grace UMC! May God's blessings be with you as you continue on to the next chapter in your lives! Psalm 121 and Philippians 4:13
Love you all! Have a great week! BarB
BarB's Blurbs
June 19, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers - On Tuesday, June 18th, a group of Grace friends went to Towne Towers to see our wonderful friends! We had a super time talking about Summertime and playing a charades game by acting out some things we can do in the summer! Many Academy Awards should have been given to the actors!!!!!!!! We ate some fresh fruit salad and yummy cookies! We were invited to come back again in July! The plans are to celebrate the birthday of America! Please plan to come and share some special moments with some fabulous friends! Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to family or friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank You!!!
What are you doing on Sunday, June 30th? Hopefully you will be attending the church service to be a part of the many people who want to thank Rev. Dr. John D. and Diane for their ministry with Grace UMC. If you are like me, I so appreciated John's sermons, jokes, and inspirations! Where did the last 10 months go? It will be hard to say, "Good-bye!" Maybe the words should be, "See you later, Alligators!!" John and Diane, thank you for all you did to continue the ministry at Grace UMC! May God's blessings be with you as you continue on to the next chapter in your lives! Psalm 121 and Philippians 4:13
Love you all! Have a great week! BarB
BarB's Blurbs
June 12, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers - On Tuesday, June 18th, we are going to have another get-together with our friends from Towne Towers! The time is 2:00-3:30. The theme is "Summertime!" A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. If you could bring 1 dozen cookies, that would be great! Wear some bright summertime clothes!
On Thursday, June 20th, a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity is being planned! The location is John and Diane Miller's home at 12:00 noon and Diane will be providing food!
On Sunday, June 30th, there will be a casual church service with lunch to follow the service!
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were recently purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to their family and friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank you!
Today, June 16, we are observing Father's Day! My father was a wonderful man and his Christian teachings continue to influence my life today! Is your father still alive? If he is - give him an extra hug today! If he is in glory, thank God that He is wrapping His arms around your father in Heaven: Happy Father's Day to all you fathers! And if you are a father figure to someone be the best you can be for that someone! The greatest Father all of us can have is our Almighty God!! Have a great week! Love you all, BarB
BarB's Blurbs
June 5, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers - On Tuesday, June 18th, we are going to have another get-together with our friends from Towne Towers! The time is 2:00-3:30. The theme is "Summertime!" A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. If you could bring 1 dozen cookies, that would be great! Wear some bright summertime clothes!
On Thursday, June 20th, a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity is being planned! The location is John and Diane Miller's home! The time and food will be determined soon.
On Sunday, June 30th, there will be a casual church service with lunch to follow the service!
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were recently purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to their family and friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank you!
How is your month of June going? Here are more holidays to celebrate- National Ketchup Day, National Running Day, National Drive-In Movie Day, National Doughnut Day, National Outlet Shopping Day, and National Loving Day! Or every day we could celebrate how much God loves us and is with us forever!! Love you all, BarB
BarB's Blurbs
May 29, 2024... Celebrations and Get-togethers - On Tuesday, June 18th, we are going to have another get-together with our friends from Towne Towers! The time is 2:00-3:30. The theme is "Summertime!" A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. If you could bring 1 dozen cookies, that would be great! Wear some bright summertime clothes!
On Thursday, June 20th, a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity is being planned! The location is John and Diane Miller's home! The time and food will be determined soon.
On Sunday, June 30th, there will be a casual church service with lunch to follow the service!
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were recently purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to their family and friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank you!
June has arrived in all its glory! I was looking on the internet to find out some holidays that can be celebrated during the first week in June! See if you know some of them: National Play Outside Day, World Caring Day, National Say Something Nice Day, National Hug Your Cat Day, and National Start Over Day! As I was looking at these celebrating days, I wondered if we could do these everyday instead of just one day! Just a thought! I hope you all have a wonderful week! God loves you and so do I! BarB
BarB's Blurbs
May 22, 2024... Celebrations and Get-togethers - On Thursday, May 30th, we are going to have another get-together with our Towne Tower friends. Please note the change of day, from Tuesday to Thursday. The time is 2:00-3:30. The theme is "Patriotic Red, White, and Blue." A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. If you can bring 1 dozen cookies, that would be great! Please wear red, white, and/or blue.
On Tuesday, June 18th, another time with our Towne Tower friends is being planned! The theme will be determined soon.
On Thursday, June 20th, a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity is being planned! The location is John and Diane Miller's home! The time and food will be decided soon.
On Sunday, June 30th, there will be a casual church service with lunch to follow the service.
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were recently purchased. They are available for people to use to send messages to their family and friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank You!
This is Memorial Day weekend! Memorial Day-a day to remember those who died serving our country-America! They left a legacy for us! Do we have a legacy? Could it be for life and living, learning from the past, living in the present, and building for the future? Let’s have a legacy with God’s help-wisdom in each decision, joy in each commitment, peace in all relationships, and love in everything! Be a living legacy!
Love you all! Have a son-filled weekend! BarB
BarB's Blurbs
May 15, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers- On Thursday, May 23rd, we are going to have another get-together with our Towne Tower friends! Please note the change of day, from Tuesday to Thursday! The time is 2:00-3:30! The theme is "Patriotic Red, White, and Blue!" A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary! If you can bring 1 dozen cookies, that would be great! Please wear red, white, and/or blue!
On Tuesday, June 18th, another time with our Towne Tower friends is being planned! The theme will be known soon!
On Thursday, June 20th, a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity is being planned! The time and location will be decided soon!
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were recently purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to their family or friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank You!
The Parables of Jesus! Which is your favorite one? One of my favorites is the Prodigal Son! The father in the story runs to his son! Our Father reaches out to us everyday! He wants to be with us and give us a hug! Maybe we can hug some people this week and tell them that we love them! Sending my love and a hug to each one of you! BarB
BarB's Blurbs
May 8, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers- On Thursday, May 23rd, we are going to have another get-together with our Towne Tower friends! Please note the change of day, from Tuesday to Thursday! The time is 2:00-3:30! The theme is "Patriotic Red, White, and Blue!" A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary! If you can bring 1 dozen cookies, that would be great! Please wear red, white, and/or blue!
On Tuesday, June 18th, another time with our Towne Tower friends is being planned! The theme will be known soon!
On Thursday, June 20th, a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity is being planned! The time and location will be decided soon!
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were recently purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to their family or friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank You!
The Parables of Jesus! Which is your favorite one? One of my favorites is the Prodigal Son! The father in the story runs to his son! Our Father reaches out to us everyday! He wants to be with us and give us a hug! Maybe we can hug some people this week and tell them that we love them! Sending my love and a hug to each one of you! BarB
BarB's Blurbs
May 8, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers- On Thursday, May 23rd, we are going to have another get-together with our Towne Tower friends! Please note the change of day, from Tuesday to Thursday! The time is 2:00-3:30! The theme is "Patriotic Red, White, and Blue!" A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary! If you can bring 1 dozen cookies, that would be great! Please wear red, white, and/or blue!
On Tuesday, June 18th, another time with our Towne Tower friends is being planned! The theme will be known soon!
On Thursday, June 20th, a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity is being planned! The time and location will be decided soon!
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were recently purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to their family or friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank You!
The Parables of Jesus! Which is your favorite one? One of my favorites is the Prodigal Son! The father in the story runs to his son! Our Father reaches out to us everyday! He wants to be with us and give us a hug! Maybe we can hug some people this week and tell them that we love them! Sending my love and a hug to each one of you! BarB
BarB's Blurbs
Wednesday, May 1, 2024...
Celebrations and Get-togethers - On Tuesday, April 30, a group of Grace friends went to Towne Towers to see the wonderful people. We had such a fantastic time singing April Shower songs, telling jokes about the rain/weather and eating refreshments! A lot of conversation was going on with our friends! Two examples of the rain/weather jokes included, " Can bees fly in the rain?" "Not without their yellow jackets!" And, "What is the Mexican weather report?" "Chili today and hot tamale!!" HA!! HA!! We would like to plan another fun time with the people at Towne Towers soon! Please join us!!!
More ideas and plans are in the works for May and June, which include a trip to Wesbury and a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity to each other. If you have any other activities that you would like to have planned, please let BarB know! Keep you ears and eyes open!
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were purchased recently! They are available for people to use to send messages to family or friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank You!!
What makes your heart sing? This was a question in one of my devotions this week! The scripture for the message was Psalm 100: 1-5. "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture!" Knowing I am His, He loves me, and He will always be beside me, makes my heart sing? How about you????
Have a wonderful week and do some singing!
Love you all, BarB
BarB's Blurbs
Wednesday, April 25, 2024...
On Tuesday, April 30, this Tuesday, we are going to have another get-together with our Towne Tower friends. The theme is "April Showers of Blessings!" A sign-up sheet is on the table in the back of the sanctuary! If you can bring one dozen cookies, that would be great! Potato chips, pretzels, and drink round out the refreshments! Other plans in the works are a trip to Wesbury in Meadville and a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity to each other! If you have any other activities that you would like to have planned, please let BarB know! Keep your eyes and ears open!
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were recently purchased! They are available for people to use to send messages to their family or friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank You!
They say, "April Showers Bring May Flowers!" We have had all kinds of weather in April, especially the showers! Our May flowers should be gorgeous! We get showers of blessings from God each day! What kind of flowers are we for God? Hopefully, we can bloom in any circumstances we are experiencing! We can share God's love and tell others what He has done for us! Keep being a flower for God! Love you all! Have a wonderful Son-filled week! BarB Barbara Dittman, Director of Lay Ministries
BarB's Blurbs
Wednesday, April 18, 2024...
April 14th was such a special day-Joe Emanuele's 90th Birthday and Recognition Celebration! A wonderful time was experienced by 90 + people! So many thank you's are needed: friends who set up and who decorated the tables, friends who helped with the program, friends who helped in the kitchen and setting the food on the tables, friends who supplied salads and sandwiches, provided the sound system, and friends who celebrated with Joe and his family! And a Big Thank You to Joe for allowing us to share in his celebration! We love you, Joe!!!
More ideas and plans are in the works for April, May, and June! On Tuesday, April 30 another get-together is being planned with our Towne Tower friends. The theme is "April Showers of Blessings." A sign-up sheet is on the table in the back of the sanctuary! If you can bring 1 dozen cookies, that would be great! Potato chips, pretzels, and drink round out the refreshments! Other plans in the works are a trip to Wesbury in Meadville and a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity to each other. If you have any other activities that you would like to have planned, please let BarB know! Keep your eyes and ears open!
Some packets of notecards with the church's picture on them were purchased recently! They are available for people to use to send messages to their family or friends! If you would like to make a contribution to defray the cost of these notecards, please do so! Thank You!!
Music is one of my passions! Within the last two weeks, I was able to enjoy two special events! The Oil City Schubert Club hosted a meeting! At the meeting, some very talented young adults shared some wonderful music! How beautiful! And the church service this past Sunday, listening to Joe play his special music! How astounding! Oh, and one other music time, singing "Happy Birthday" to Joe! How amazing hearing friends sing to a special friend! "When words leave off, music begins!"
Everyone have a great week! Know that you are loved! Psalm 95:1 BarB
Barbara Dittman, Director of Lay Ministries
Wednesday, April 10, 2024...
TODAY is the day! A birthday recognition celebration for our organist, Joe Emanuele is TODAY! We are celebrating Joe's 90th birthday and thanking him for providing beautiful music at Grace for 30+ years! Please join us for the luncheon following the church service! Let us come together and celebrate Joe!!
More ideas and plans are in the works for April and May! On Tuesday, April 30, another get-together with our Towne Tower's friends is being planned! Other activities include- a trip to Wesbury in Meadville, a Camp Sunday with a luncheon after church, and a get-together for secret prayer partners to reveal their identity to each other! If you have any other activities that you would like to have planned, please let BarB know! Keep your eyes and ears open!
This past Monday, we had the opportunity to use our special glasses to catch a glimpse of the eclipse! Wow! Amazing!! I was thinking how many times do we get the chance to glimpse God's creation and we don't need to wear the special spectacles or go to a special place! We can observe His creation every day of our lives and everywhere! Read Genesis Chapters 1 and 2! And God saw that it was good! Wow! Amazing!! Have a great week! Love you all, BarB
Wednesday, April 3, 2024...
Mark your calendars! Sunday, April 14th! A birthday recognition celebration for our organist, Joseph Emanuele, is being planned for Sunday, April 14th! There will be a luncheon following the church service! The food includes sandwiches, salads, beverages, and cake. A sign up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Please sign up if you are able to come. For those who would like to make sandwiches or a salad, please mark the appropriate space. Let us come together and celebrate Joseph! More ideas and plans are in the works for April and May, which may include, another get-together with our Towne Tower friends, a trip to Wesbury in Meadville, a Camp Sunday with a luncheon after church, just to name a few activities! If you have any other activities that you would like to have planned, please let BarB know! Keep your eyes and ears open!
Do you have a favorite book of the Bible? One of mine is Philippians! Especially, Philippians Chapter 4:4-7! Please read this scripture about JOY! Always know that you are loved by God and your church family! Hugs and Prayers BarB
Wednesday, March 27, 2024...
Music makers: Sounds of Music Sunday is April 7th! Please share your talent for the service! Call the church office if you are willing to to be a part of the service! Thank you!
Mark your calendars! Sunday, April 14th: A birthday recognition celebration for our organist, Joe Emanuele is being planned for Sunday, April 14th! There will be a luncheon following the church service. The food includes sandwiches, salads, beverages, and cake! A sign up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Please sign up if you are able to come. For those who would like to make sandwiches or a salad, please mark the appropriate space! Let us come together and celebrate Joe!
More ideas and plans are in the works for April and May, which may include, another get-together with our Towne Tower friends, a trip to Wesbury in Meadville, a Camp Sunday with a luncheon after church, just to name a few activities! If you have any other activities that you would like to have planned, please let BarB know! Keep your eyes and ears open!
Dear Friends:
You are special people! We wish for you a blessed and joyful Easter! Our hope is that you receive a special touch from our Risen Lord! He is telling you He loves you very much and He will be with you always! Enjoy the celebration with your family and friends! Love, Hugs, and prayers Gary and BarB Dittman PS - Love the chocolate and jelly beans! How about you? The Lord is Risen indeed!
The end of the information! Thank you, Brittany, for being a friend and for all you do! Have a great evening! Love you very much Hugs and Prayers Philippians 4:13 BarB
Barbara Dittman Director of Lay Ministries
Contact BarB at Grace UM 814-677-3013 Ext. 104 Office hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs. - 9:00 - 1:00
Barbara and her husband Gary live in Knox, PA. Barbara is the daughter of Paul and Vinnie Lehman. She is married to her husband Gary and together they have two daughters, 2 son-in-laws, and four grandchildren. Barbara is a graduate of Oil City High School, Clarion University, and the Post-Graduate Speech Pathology and Audiology Masters Program.
Barbara grew up in Grace Church and is a lay speaker for the WPA United Methodist Church. For 20+ years Barbara was a speech pathologist for Riverview IU. She has been both a leader and a participant in caring, communication, and music ministries.
Barbara feels right at home in the Grace Church sanctuary surrounding by many long time friends. She is praying to have more opportunities to with children, teens, and adults making disciples for His Kingdom!