PRICELESS MOMENTS

Click here for response from Grace Church's children when asked "What is priceless in your life"?

 "A priceless moment for me recently was when my husband, Leland, saw me coming and, jumping off the couch, ran to meet me with both arms open to give me a big hug and kiss.  I cherish those kind of moments and hope there are many more to come." - Hazel Brett

"My priceless moment was when our granddaughter who was suffering from cancer was able to drive her car from Carmel to Franklin, and was sitting across the kitchen table from Sylvia and me with a beaming smile.  The doctor told her she would never live long enough to drive a car, but she showed them and lived five years longer than they had estimated.  We cannot forget the smile on her face and the sparkle in her eyes as she set across the table from us." - Bob and Sylvia Barger

"Watching our children do something kind for others without being told or knowing that anyone was watching. That’s priceless! It’s when you realize your children were listening all along!" - Melissa Paramore

"The unconditional love children give when they learn to say ―"I love you" and really mean it." - Kellie McCullough

"The peace that passes all understanding – priceless!" - Andra Land

"The never-failing grace of God - priceless!" – Julie Edwards

"Those moments when you see God working in someone’s life, especially when they resist at first but then have no choice but to give in to his love and will." - April Moss

"Knowing that God is the Great Healer." - Jim Roseman

"Meeting a brand new grandchild for the first time and realizing the wonderful miracle of life - and that this beautiful child is part of us!" - Sandy Pietras

"The day I learned LaVern Schrader was discharged from the Marine Hospital in San Diego. We were miles apart, but we prayed daily. Soon we would plan a wedding. That was 1944. Priceless!" - Beulah Schrader

"Priceless Moments are moments where my children look at me, without words, and smile. Their smiles speak volumes. I know they love me unconditionally just like Christ. They make me feel priceless. They are the ones who have been priceless in helping me with my faith-commitment to Christ. They remind me every day that I am responsible for making them hungry for Christ, responsible for ensuring they are warriors in Christ's army, responsible for teaching them His word and His way." - Tara Rucker

"The first Priceless moment that comes to mind is watching the sunrise over the swamps and bay and the sunset over the Gulf from my daughter's condo balcony on Marco Island. I try not to miss any of these while on vacation in January. All are different and all are breath-takingly glorius!

"The priceless aspect of Grace's ministry for me is the amazing leadership team with multiple synchronous talents. Many churches have a strong leader in one or two positions. But, the quality of this collection of individuals melded into a team that is on the same page is unique and amazing to experience. In church growth literature I read somewhere that the three most important elements in a successful new church start is the pastor, the pastor, and the pastor. In a church the size of Grace, it is the leadership team, the leadership team, and the leadership team. Grace is blessed! - Priceless" - Dr. Joe Trueblood

"The first time I remember attending the Honey Creek EUB Church, I was four years old.  Our minister was Sylvia Hemby.  A few years later Sylvia decided to retire and a young woman named Rev. Wilma Allen was appointed as our minister.  Later, in 1968, the church became United Methodist.  Rev. Allen was very much admired as a minister at Honey Creek.  At home my sister and I would preach by using a cardboard box as a podium in our playroom, which was located the first home north of the church.  We would take turns reading out of the Bible as if we were 'the minsiter'.  We would always try to do it like Rev. Allen did!  She would sometimes say, "And it was so," after reading a passage from the Bible.  I still remember it as if it was yesterday.

In the late 50's or early 60's, Wilma and our Youth Fellowship leaders took me and a group of other young people to see Billy Graham when he came to Indianapolis.  It was a great experience, and one I will never forget.  When Wilma left our church and went to Morristown to be the minister, I cried.  She doesn't know that, but that's what I did.  Later, I would move to Rushville and attend her church, hearing her preach and teach.

Several weeks ago, I visited Wilma at the Franklin United Methodist Community.  This was my second visit to see her, and I finally told her how much I admired her.  I shared some stories with her and told her that, if it wasn't for her teaching and preaching, I would not be attending church today.  She was, and still is, a good role model.  I may put Billy Graham "first" at what he has accomplished with respect to preaching, but I will put Rev. Wilma Allen in a close "second".  She has been "priceless" to my journey of faith.  And it was so!" - Shirley Decker, New Member of Grace