Return to Bethlehem is a four-night, fully immersive experience that brings in thousands of community members each year to experience the wonder and awe of Jesus’ birth. This is not your everyday manger.
It takes a village to bring the village of Bethlehem to life, and that is where you come in. There are so many ways that you and your family can help. We will need help building wooden structures that make up the village (and tearing them down after), help with props and costumes, ushering our guests into the sanctuary, tour guides to take guests through the village and share the story. We also need around 200-300 actors each night to bring this story to life.
Signup sheets, online and in person, for volunteering begin Sunday, September 14th. I encourage you to pray about where you can contribute your time and talents in giving this gift to the community. Let's work together to bring Bethlehem to life this December!
-Elisa Atkins, Return to Bethlehem Director
"What Are You Looking For?" - Sunday, September 14, 2025
John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, and two disciples begin to follow Jesus. Jesus asks them what they are looking for, and they call him “Rabbi.” The journey of faith calls us to seek Jesus, and to grow in our understanding of who He is, and who we are called to be as his followers.
Prepare for worship by reading the following scripture passages: Colossians 1: 3-4, 9-14 and John 1:35-38
**Special Events: Return to Bethlehem Volunteer Kick-Off
Prayer Concerns as of Thursday, September 11, 2025
Walton Rehab
Sympathies
Charge Conference Meeting This Sunday
On Sunday, September 14th, our District Superintendent, Rev. Lollis, will be joining us at Grace UMC for our annual Charge Conference meeting. The meeting will begin at 12:30PM in the Wesley Center Auditorium. All church members are welcome to attend.
40th Anniversary Celebration Next Sunday (September 21st)
40 years ago this September, Grace UMC celebrated the rebuilding of our beautiful sanctuary after it was destroyed by fire in 1983. To honor the dedication of the congregation and pastoral staff during that difficult time, we will be taking time to remember how God helped us to rise from the ashes.
Join us for special music during the 11AM Traditional Service and special exhibits from our History Committee:
Grace Child Development Center Raffle
Support our wonderful CDC by purchasing raffle tickets for their annual Basket Fundraiser. Ticket sales open on Friday, September 12.
WINGS Suppers and Classes Return
Our beloved midweek fellowship meal and churchwide discipleship gatherings have returned. We have several Bible Studies and small groups occurring after the meal, including programming for children and youth. Come join us!
Sign Up for Realm and Download the Realm Connect App
Realm Connect is our church app and communication platform, designed to make it easy for you to connect with our church community and get involved. It's kind of like Instagram or Facebook, but private to our church, so instead of seeing a bunch of ads and noise, you'll only see things that you care about.
Through the Realm Connect mobile app or website, you can do things like message other members, connect with a group, give online, RSVP for events, and more.
Go to onrealm.org/GotGraceUMC, select "sign up," and enter your information. Within 24-72 hours, you will receive an email with a link to create your account associated with your existing profile.
You can always use the Realm Connect website to access your account, but we also recommend downloading the Realm Connect app so that you'll always have access to your church community at your fingertips. The free app is available for download in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
At Grace UMC, our mission is to Know Christ and Make His Love Known. Over the next few weeks, join us in these opportunities to make the love of Jesus known to our community and our world.
**Click on images for more information or giving links!
Send joy and the love of Jesus across the globe!
Kick-Off is Sunday, September 7
Give your support to our UMC ministry that serves South Carolina's children, youth, and families.
Help us pack hygiene bags for 2 local schools. Donate items before September 23rd.
Serve Your Church Family
Making church happen is the liturgy (work of the people) of life. Come join the work by volunteering to help out with some opportunities we have around campus. Enjoy making people feel appreciated and welcome? Great! Many of these tasks are hospitality-related, and we would love your smiling face to come join us!
Greeters for 11AM Traditional Worship
1 Sunday Morning/Month
Contact Rev. Cindy Fuller
Discussions at The Way
417 Randall Rd. is the place to be on Thursday nights! Join The Way's discussion around how we look for God's prevenient grace in the lives of those around us. Discussions begin at 6:30PM and childcare is provided!
Anchored in Peace: Finding God’s Calm in an Anxious World
Are anxious thoughts keeping you up at night? Do your worries sometimes feel like crashing waves, overwhelming your peace? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to walk through it by yourself.
Beginning Wednesday, October 15, join us after WINGS Suppers for a small group study based on Anchored in Peace: A 30-Day Christian Journey Through Anxiety. Together, we’ll discover how Scripture, prayer, and simple mindful practices can help us quiet our hearts and draw nearer to Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Each week we’ll explore biblical truths, share encouragement, and learn practical ways to invite God’s presence into the middle of life’s stress and uncertainty.
This group is for anyone longing to trade fear for faith, striving for stillness, and anxiety for God’s peace. Come find your anchor—and experience peace that holds, even when the storm does not stop.
Year-to-Date Financials as of August 31, 2025
Year-to-Date Revenues: $849,413.48
Year-to-Date Expenses: $869,072.17
**For a more detailed breakdown of revenues and expenses, please see the report below.
Stock and Crypto Donations
Giving stock and crypto is now available with the Engiven integration through our giving platform, Realm Connect. It's simple to donate! Navigate to our online giving form and select Stocks or Crytocurrency.
