April Grace Alive

Grace of Ch r i s t Pre s by t e r i a n C h u rc h Iglesia Presbiteriana Gracia de Cristo

APRIL

2020 VOL 123

“Love Well Through Drops of Grace”

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Head Pastor — Bill Williamson

“ As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” – I Peter 2.4-5

UPON THIS ROCK “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18 Dear Family of Grace, Jesus is the “rock of our salvation.” He is also the “cornerstone” of our faith and our Church. However, He is also “the stone the builders rejected.” As we head towards the celebration of the Resurrection, we will also go through the journey Jesus took through the cross, bearing our sins, experiencing death, beaten and crucified, rejected and humiliated, scorned and ridiculed – all because of His love for us. Yes, it is our sin that nailed Jesus to the cross. But, it was His love that led Him to the cross.

As we know, those who “rejected” Him, who nailed Him to the cross and buried Him in a tomb, thought they had the final word. That was not the final word. Death did not have the final say. Sin was destroyed. Death was defeated. And, three days later Christ rose from the dead, and the words that began to echo through the valley ushered in the new life that is now available to all who believe: “HE IS RISEN.” Jesus is alive, and He now lives in us and through us.

As the Church, we now are called to build our faith upon the rock of Christ. We are to live as a testimony of the stone the builders rejected. We are to live a life of thanksgiving and praise, because He who was dead is ALIVE!

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As the Church we are called to be “living stones,” not a pile of rock, but offering ourselves as “spiritual sacrifices,” constantly interacting with the one who is the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. We are called to allow His love to flow through us by the Holy Spirit, who flows through us like streams of living water. In so doing, our faith is to be active and interactive. We are to continue building each other up, spurring one another on towards love and good deeds, doing life and faith together in the way God designed for us as His bride.

“ You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,

a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

– I Peter 2.9-10

I look forward to celebrating Palm Sunday on April 5th.

April 9th is Maundy Thursday and we can reflect on Jesus’ final night on earth as He shared His last meal with them.

We can read the Scriptures that remind us about the one who gave His life for us, so that we might have abundant and eternal life. Then, on April 12th, we can lift our hearts and our voices, celebrating and rejoicing in the eternal life that is ours because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We will proclaim “He is Risen!” “He is Risen Indeed!”

Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Because of the Grace of Christ, – Pastor Bill

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo / English

En Español

PRAYING FOR THE SICK

oración por todos los enfermos Father God, You are our Healer forever. Father, we come before you to pray, to ask for the cure of all the sick, and to destroy every disease. We pray for their healing, for them to be comforted and to have strength while they recover. Lord, please, destroy all sickness and discomfort that attacks their bodies without warning. We ask you to cure every cell of their bodies already tired, and every affected or infected part of their being. We pray that there are no serious or lasting side effects on their bodies caused by the medicine and disease. Father, we ask you, please, that their bodies be healed and strengthened, inside and out, and provide them with all the medical and spiritual care they need so that everyone can live a life in abundance for you.

“O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good; How blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who takes refuge in Him.” – Psalm 34:8 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen, – Pastor Alex Rule

Padre Dios, Tú Eres nuestro sanador por siempre. Padre, venimos ante ti para orar y suplicarte por la sanación de todos los enfermos y para que destruyas toda enfermedad.

Oramos por su pronta recuperación, también para que sean consolados y fortalecidos mientras se recuperan.

Señor, por favor, destruye todo malestar que ataca el cuerpo de las personas sin previo aviso. Te pedimos que cures cada célula de su cuerpo ya cansado, y cada parte afectada o infectada de su ser. Oramos por que no haya efectos secundarios serios ni duraderos en sus cuerpos que son causados por la medicina y la enfermedad.

Padre te pedimos por favor que sus cuerpos sean sanados y fortalecidos por dentro y por fuera, y les proveas de toda la atención médica y también espiritual que necesiten y así puedan todos vivir para Ti una vida en abundancia.

“Oh saborea y mira que el Señor [nuestro Dios] es bueno; Cuán bendecido [afortunado, próspero y favorecido por Dios] es el hombre que se refugia en Él.”

– Salmo 34:8 En el nombre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Amén.

– Pastor Alex Rule

Worship Band Gracia de Cristo worship team has grown so much in the last couple of months. I, Jahzeel, have been part of this worship team for about 7 years. I started playing the guitar in the 6th grade and slowly began singing. I joined the worship band as a background singer and guitar accompanist. As worship team members came and went, I was able to provide consistency and was eventually asked to lead a song here and there. Then major changes came and I was the only member left to lead the worship team for a short time. Gratefully, by the grace of God, we have been blessed with a very capable worship director, Bladimir Rivera. He has helped the worship team grow as well.

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Banda de Adoración

El equipo de adoración de Gracia de Cristo ha crecido mucho en los últimos meses. Yo, Jahzeel, he sido parte de este equipo de adoración durante aproximadamente 7 años. Primero toqué la guitarra en sexto grado y lentamente comencé a cantar. Comencé en el fondo solo tocando y siendo un vocalista de fondo. A medida que la gente iba y venía, era constante. Comenzaron a pedirme que dirigiera una canción aquí y allá. Luego ocurrieron cambios importantes, así que por un tiempo fui el único que quedaba para dirigir el equipo de adoración, pero afortunadamente eso no duró mucho. Entonces, con la

Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo / English

En Español

At first, it was just Bladimir, Adrian, and I. Then as many of you know, Adrian Rule joined the Marine Corp., leaving us without a drummer. Bladimir began to hold classes after our worship practice mostly to find a new consistent drummer. Then the growth began, and again people came and went, but during the last few months our worship team gained several new members. I am proud to say that two of the newer members of our worship team are my siblings. My sister Nohelia is singing with us and my brother Noe is one of our drummers. Our other drummer is Gerardo Miranda and the other worship team members include Amy (who is Bladimir’s daughter) and Ana LucasGarcia who has been a part of the worship team for a long time as well.

– Jahzeel Garcia Worship Team Member

Clothing Exchange Canceled

We have canceled the spring Clothing Exchange. If you need a place to take your clothing, shoe, and baby item donations, we encourage you to consider the Union Gospel Mission and/or their Thrift Shop.

gracia de Dios, ahora tenemos un director de adoración muy capaz, Bladimir Rivera. También él ha ayudado al equipo de adoración a crecer.

Al principio, solo éramos Bladimir, Adrian y yo. Luego, como muchos de ustedes saben, Adrian Rule se unió al Marine Corp. dejándonos sin el baterista. Entonces comenzó el crecimiento. Bladimir empezó a dar clases de música después de nuestra práctica de adoración principalmente para encontrar un nuevo baterista que fuera constante. algunas personas, nuevas llegaron y se fueron. Pero como dije en los últimos meses, el equipo de adoración no está formado solo por Bladimir y por mí; Me enorgullece decir que dos de los miembros más nuevos de nuestro equipo de adoración son mis hermanos que son, Mi hermana Nohelia que está cantando con nosotros y mi hermano Noe que es uno de nuestros bateristas; el otro baterista es Gerardo. Otros miembros del equipo de adoración, son Amy la hija de del hermano Bladimir, y la otra persona es Ana Lucas-García, quien también ha sido parte del equipo de adoración durante mucho tiempo.

– Jahzeel Garcia Miembro del Equipo de Adoración

Cambio de Ropa Cancelado

Hemos cancelado el intercambio de ropa de primavera. Si necesita un lugar para llevar su ropa, zapatos, donaciones de artículos para bebés, lo alentamos a que considere la Misión Union Gospel y / o su tienda de segunda mano.

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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo / English

En Español

Psalm 147

Salmos 147

Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our [gracious and majestic] God; Praise is becoming and appropriate.

Alabad a JAH,

The LORD is building up Jerusalem; He is gathering [together] the exiles of Israel.

Jehová edifica a Jerusalén; A los desterrados de Israel recogerá.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].

El sana a los quebrantados de corazón, Y venda sus heridas.

He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names.

El cuenta el número de las estrellas; A todas ellas llama por sus nombres.

Great is our [majestic and mighty] Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is inexhaustible [infinite, boundless].

Grande es el Señor nuestro, y de mucho poder; Y su entendimiento es infinito.

We encourage you to read Psalm 147, meditate, pray and trust that God will protect His people and the world from all illness. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up His wounds.

The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground.

Porque es bueno cantar salmos a nuestro Dios; Porque suave y hermosa es la alabanza.

Jehová exalta a los humildes, Y humilla a los impíos hasta la tierra.

Cantad a Jehová con alabanza, Cantad con arpa a nuestro Dios.

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; Sing praises to our God with the lyre,

El es quien cubre de nubes los cielos, El que prepara la lluvia para la tierra, El que hace a los montes producir hierba.

Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who provides rain for the earth, Who makes grass grow on the mountains.

El da a la bestia su mantenimiento, Y a los hijos de los cuervos que claman.

He gives to the beast its food, And to the young ravens that for which they cry.

He does not delight in the strength (military power) of the horse, Nor does He take pleasure in the legs (strength) of a man.

The LORD favors those who fear and worship Him [with aweinspired reverence and obedience], Those who wait for His mercy and loving kindness.

Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem!

Praise your God, O Zion!

No se deleita en la fuerza del caballo, Ni se complace en la agilidad del hombre.

Se complace Jehová en los que le temen, Y en los que esperan en su misericordia.

Alaba a Jehová, Jerusalén; Alaba a tu Dios, oh Sion.

Porque fortificó los cerrojos de tus puertas; Bendijo a tus hijos dentro de ti.

For He has strengthened the bars of your gates, He has blessed your children within you.

El da en tu territorio la paz; Te hará saciar con lo mejor del trigo.

He makes peace in your borders; He satisfies you with the finest of the wheat.

El envía su palabra a la tierra; Velozmente corre su palabra.

He sends His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly.

Da la nieve como lana, Y derrama la escarcha como ceniza.

He gives [to the earth] snow like [a blanket of] wool; He scatters the frost like ashes.

Echa su hielo como pedazos; Ante su frío, ¿quién resistirá?

He casts out His ice like fragments; Who can stand before His cold?

Enviará su palabra, y los derretirá; Soplará su viento, y fluirán las aguas.

He sends out His word and melts the ice; He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow.

Ha manifestado sus palabras a Jacob, Sus estatutos y sus juicios a Israel.

He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel.

He has not dealt this way with any [other] nation; They have not known [understood, appreciated, heeded, or cherished] His ordinances.

Praise the LORD! (Hallelujah!)

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Lo alentamos a leer el Salmo 147, meditar, orar y confiar para que Dios proteja a su pueblo y al mundo de toda enfermedad. Él sana a los quebrantados de corazón y cura sus heridas.

No ha hecho así con ninguna otra de las naciones; Y en cuanto a sus juicios, no los conocieron.

Aleluya.

Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family Ministry — Melissa Gray

What was your favorite and/or worst family vacation?

FAVORITE: Disneyland or camping at Rife Lake.

WORST: Going to the Oregon Coast with a sprained ankle and Sarah 9 months pregnant.

Grace Family Feature!

We gather together once a week for worship and fellowship, but how well do we really know our church family? Asking questions is a great way to learn more about one another.

Topics that help us learn more about a person’s inner world like their thoughts, hobbies and goals help us strengthen our bond with those around us.

If your family could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

We would go to New Zealand, so we could fish for Atlantic Salmon, hunt Red Stag, and some could go to the spa at the resort.

Meet the Huck Family!

Who is in your family?

Marcus, Sarah, Wyatt, River, Ella and Silas

What is one word that describes each family member?

Where has your family lived?

West Valley and Selah

What is your favorite family tradition?

We hunt together every Thanksgiving then come down and have a big meal together.

Marcus: wisdom/strength, Sarah: loving Wyatt: athletic, River: courageous Silas: impressive and Ella: petite and cranky.

If your family could have a vacation home where would it be and why?

A lake house on Chelan so we could fish, hunt, and build a giant water-slide that goes into the lake and have a trampoline that floats. There would be so much we could do with something like that.

What is your favorite family holiday and why?

Christmas because it’s time to love the Lord and celebrate with family.

What is your favorite family meal?

The boys like ribs and elk steak. Sarah likes quail.

If your family members each had a super power, what would it be?

Marcus: strength, Sarah: mind reading Wyatt: teleportation, River: speed Silas: turn into any animal and Ella: invisible.

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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family Ministry

What I’m watching on rightnow MEDIA The Family Series consists of 10 sessions which look at the key issues facing families today.

Drawing on their Christian faith and belief, co-hosts Karl Faase and Fiona Hall, together with their guests, discuss each of the topics and interacts with the studio audience in a Q&A. Topics include marriage, parenting, blended families, dealing with difficulty, health, conflict management plus more. A discussion guide is available for use in Bible study groups and outreach events.

Life Groups

Fellowship, connection, community, encouragement, and fun; just a few of the words that come to mind when I think about being part of a Life Group. I love being part of the body here at Grace, but on any given Sunday I may not have the opportunity to truly connect and build relationships the way I can in a smaller group setting.

My Life Group recently decided to take a break from the Sermon Series study and check out a small group study through Right Now Media. We chose to begin with a short 4-week study called If, by Mark Batterson. The study takes you through Romans 8 and is focused on “Trading your IF ONLY regrets for God’s WHAT IF possibilities.”

The video teaching is approximately 20 minutes long, which allows for follow-up discussion, prayer and of course fellowship. If your group is looking to try something new, this study would be a great place to start!

Not in a Life Group yet?

Contact Melissa Gray at Melissa.

Gray@YakimaGrace.com or 509-248-7940 x110.

OUR CHURCH HAS A GIFT FOR YOU!

An enormous library of videos, Bible studies, talks, and so much more – all available for you to access... for free!

It’s very easy to sign up. Grab your phone or go your computer and do it now!

HOW TO SIGN UP...

1) Go to Our Church Website: https://yakimagrace.com/rnm/ 2) Click on the Link and Set-Up a New Profile on rightnow MEDIA 3) On Your Smart Device – Download the rightnow MEDIA App

Opportunities to Serve with your Life Group

We are currently looking for Life Groups to choose one month out of the year to assist with Family dinners. This would include set-up, clean-up and serving. If your group is interested, please contact Melissa, she is currently in need of groups to host in May and June.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Hospitality Ministry

Jesus HOPE OF THE WORLD

Linda Sorenson (509) 834-1185

“God saved us and chose us to be His holy people. We did nothing to deserve this, but God planned it because He is so kind. Even before time began God planned for Christ Jesus to show kindness to us. Now Christ Jesus has come to show us the kindness of God. Christ our Savior defeated death and brought us the good news. It shines like a light and offers life that never ends.” – Matthew 16:18 This is the basis of the Easter celebration! Our confidence is in Jesus, in this present life and onward into eternity. He is the hope for the whole world! Hallelujah!

The natural response to this Good News is worship - to worship and draw near to the Creator and seek to know Him better. Isn’t this the whole purpose of our gathering each Sunday? To worship the LORD as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, encouraging one another to grow up into the full stature of His character and spurring one another on to good works for His glory. Each Sunday becomes the opportunity to give testimony of the Good News of the transforming power of Jesus in each of our lives. Yes “Blessed be the ties that bind our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds is like that to that above.

Before our Father’s throne, we pour our ardent prayers; Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comfort and our cares. We share each other’s woes, our mutual burden bear; And often for each other flows the sympathizing tears.”

(Lyrics of Blessed Be the Ties That Bind by John Fawcett) Whether or not we are physically present with one another on a Sunday, we are still bound together in the mystery of His indwelling Spirit uniting us together in Christ Jesus as we worship the LORD in the unity of the Body – the Church – within or outside of a building!

Loel Labberton (425) 922-7929

Ash Wednesday Dinner and Worship Service Well over 125 people participated in the Ash Wednesday dinner and were blessed by this time of fellowship. Thank you to all of those who served others by contributing to the planning, preparations, praying, serving, and cleanup.

Many hands make light work and each contribution was greatly appreciated!

Over 125 people attended the Ash Wednesday Dinner.

Easter Celebration Update It is unknown if we will be able to physically gather together for Easter. Yet, the declaration of the Gospel cannot be squelched. Is there someone you can call to reach out to and offer a compassionate listening ear or offer a word of encouragement or say prayer over the phone? Hospitality is still the heart cry of the LORD, inviting as many as will accept the invitation to join in the banquet of life He has prepared for us for He desires to fellowship with us. Pass along the Good News of His faithfulness and enduring love. Let us seek the LORD with our whole heart and He will guide our path. Looking forward to our time of being together again under the same roof.

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Youth Group Students at Ash Wednesday Dinner

Pastor Bill Williamson’s Installation Bill Williamson’s formal installation as head pastor of our church has been postponed. We look forward to gathering together again for a fun celebration. Watch for updates and plan to attend this time of rejoicing over the LORD’s provision for our church in bringing Pastor Bill to Yakima.

Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Student Ministry — Ali Hildebrand

Volunteers Needed

Grace of Christ Student Ministry is in dire need of volunteers to help with our youth program on Wednesday evenings. We are looking for adults who are on fire for Christ and have a heart for youth. It is our job as volunteers to support our students and help them feel welcome in the church. We build relationships through games and discussion time on Wednesdays and what we call contact work during the week and weekends. Contact work can be anything from getting a coffee to driving students to a basketball game.

Really, we are just looking for adults who have the time, energy, and love to share with the students.

Gearing up for Summer

The sun is coming out and it’s time to start planning for the summertime! Our students’ favorite part of summer, hands down, is the summer camp and this year we want to take as many kids as possible to Ghormley! Summer camp can be expensive for some, so if you have any interest in sponsoring a student for camp, please reach out to our

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interim youth director Ali Hildebrand @ (509)834-0405 and find out how you can help a student get to camp.

Camp is not only our kid’s favorite summer activity, it’s also where we see the most spiritual growth. There is something about being up in the mountains cut off from our cell phones and being surrounded by other believers that will take a student from being on the fence to all in for Jesus in a matter of a couple of days. Ghormley does a great job of getting kids out of their shells and into Jesus.

Youth on Pause

Our Church is trying to be very mindful in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19, so for now, all youth programs are on pause. We don’t know how long things will be on hold, but definitely until schools are back in session.

Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Grace of Christ Preschool — Jessica VanHorn www.yakimapreschool.com

Through a Child's Eyes

Last month in 3-year-old chapel, we read a story from the Storybook Bible explaining what the Bible is.

“Because God created everything in His world to reflect Him like a mirror – to show us what He is like, to help us know Him, to make our hearts sing. The way a kitten chases her tail. The way red poppies grow wild.

The way a dolphin swims.

And God put it into words, too, and wrote it in a book called ‘the Bible.’”

We discussed how the Bible is a book made of true stories that tell one big story – the story of how God loves us and came to rescue us. All of the stories point to Jesus.

I described Jesus’ birth and His eventual death on the cross and one child gasped when I said Jesus had died.

But that’s not where Jesus’ story ends. There is Good News! The Good News is that Jesus came back to life... He rose from the grave! Death could not even contain Jesus!

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For many of the children that come into our preschool doors, this is the first time they are hearing this story. For many of us, we’ve heard this story year after year and it starts to lose its true significance in our lives. But wouldn’t it be wonderful to look at the death and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of a child every time we heard it?!

There is wonder; there is excitement; there is sadness. But because of resurrection there is new life! What good news we are sharing with three, four, and five-year-old children and their families!

Preschool Registration Registration is in full swing!

If you, or someone you know, has a preschool aged child, send them our way! We have a rich history in this community, and we strive to continue that. Registration packets can be picked-up in the church office, outside classrooms, or can be found on our website at: yakimapreschool.com.

Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Children’s Ministry — Monnie Miller

Get To Know Grace Kids!

We want you to meet some of our incredible Grace Kids. How to do that? Ask them fun questions, of course! We are sure you are going to love reading about and getting to know our church family. Here we go!

Sierra Mattox Age: 5 Grace of Christ Pre-K Class

WHO IS YOUR HERO?

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: August 3-7

We are changing things up and moving Vacation Bible School to August! Mark your calendars for the mornings during the week of August 3rd-7th. Our VBS is open to kids 4 years old up to students entering 5th grade in the fall. Cost and registration information will be available later this spring.

Join the fun as a VBS Volunteer!

This year’s theme is “Rocky Railway – Jesus’ power pulls us through!” We’ll be looking for volunteers to help make this week a huge success for our kiddos. Please prayerfully consider volunteering that week – hanging out with the children, playing games, leading a small group, or we have jobs behind the scenes, too!

JESUS: The Hero Summer Camp 2020

Let’s go to Camp Ghormley this summer! One of our most favorite times of the year is spending time up in the mountains. Camp Ghormley does an outstanding job of preparing for kids of all ages, sharing the Gospel and the food is pretty incredible! Visit their website GhormleyMeadow. org to check out the camps and register online. There is an early bird discount if you May register before May 15!

15th Camp this summer at Ghormley...

• Early Bird Discount: Register before May 15th

Grandma and Grandpa on the farm

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? Winter WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY MOVIE? Anna and Elsa (Frozen)

WHAT IS YOUR HAPPIEST MEMORY?

Going to Great Wolf Lodge and going down the big tornado slide!

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WISH?

That I could see Grandpa in heaven again.

What We are Watching on rightnow MEDIA

While we are worshiping at home during this time, I wanted to give the kids an opportunity to do an online study.

We will start with Theo – Teaching Children God’s Word. This is a wonderful opportunity to have some great conversations about the Word of God taught through some cute little mice.

Grace of Christ will be attending the following camps...

• Primary Camp: Grades 2-4, July 12-15 • Junior Camp: Grades 4-6, June 21-25 12

Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

You will find a parent guide and a family study schedule included in this series provided by rightnow MEDIA.

Go to page 7 to learn how you can access rightnow MEDIA for Free!

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry “Equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors” Grace of Christ is a mission focused church, sharing DROPS OF GRACE locally, nationally and internationally having a global reach. Loving in the name and power of Christ, Grace of Christ truly has a world-wide impact, changing lives for His Kingdom. The Mission Ministry Team (MMT) maintains interaction with and oversees distribution of funds to more than twenty mission partners and organizations.

A Snapshot of Living Waters The following is an excerpt from a PowerPoint presentation that Peggy Steere shared with Grace’s Mission Ministry Team on February 11th. You may have been following this journey through past Mission article updates for Living Waters for the World (LWW) in Grace Alive.

In December, Peggy and Jeff traveled to the Yucatan region of Mexico along with fellow Grace team members: Larry Allan and Monte Schilperoort. Championing the mission statement of Living Waters of the World – “Sharing the water of life one community at a time” – the team put their skills into action. The team would be evaluating several sites for possible future installations as well as making visits to a few sites that already have systems up and running.

Along the way, the team would also trouble shoot any existing issues the present operating systems may be experiencing.

Beginning with a drive to Merida, the Steeres picked up Larry and Monte at the airport. Here, the team spent two days making site visits.

The first site visit was on a Sunday, so this provided an opportunity to worship with the Presbyterian Church service in Merida. According to Peggy, this church’s membership reflects a young congregation.

“This church is doing an amazing job of introducing the gospel to the next generation and engaging these young people in service to their church and community.” Peggy emphasizes that, “Jesus Christ and Bible knowledge is relevant to their lives.”

Continued on page 15

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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry Living Waters Continued..

While in Merida, the team also met with church and community leaders. This was particularly significant for Peggy as she would be utilizing her nursing and educator expertise to help train a body of leaders who will become the health educators of the community. This step is critical to assure that those purchasing the water know how to properly use it.

“My job this visit was to inform them of roles and expectations of being a community educator,” Peggy explains. “While the water system is being installed, they must commit to working three full days with the Living Waters team educator. The way it works is from 9:00am until noon they are students and learn a water related lesson. There is a break for lunch. And from 1:00pm until 4:00pm they teach the lesson they just had to five or six community members which they have personally invite.

Living Waters has all the lesson plans already designed, supplies that you need. It is very well organized and the lessons are informative, yet fun. They also have to

commit to conducting education classes several times a year in the community.”

In conjunction with the health education component, the rest of the team members were busy working on the building and operations piece. All three male team members hold vital experience and training in these key areas. Monte also is a Spanish speaker. Living Waters for the World follows a collaborative model and asks that the community share in the effort and commitment to the project. “The community must build the building that will house the system and share in the cost of building supplies. They also must commit to hiring, training and paying employees to maintain and operate the system and deliver the bottled water,” Steere adds.

The team also traveled by car to Campeche for additional service to the community. And, the team will be returning for the installation of the waters system(s) later this year.

Steere – along with the Missions Ministry Team – invite you to consider taking part in this incredible opportunity.

STAY IN THE RACE – An Update from Dr. Tim Teusink “Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”

– William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure In making the classic film Ben Hur, Charlton Heston had to learn to race a Roman chariot pulled by four horses.

After weeks of lessons preparing for filming the scene, he confided to his director, “I think I can drive the chariot all right, but I'm not at all sure I can actually win the race.”

His director replied, “You just stay in the race and I'll make sure you win.”

Dear Friends & Partners in Ministry, I loved watching Ben Hur as a kid, sitting on the edge of my seat gripped by that thrilling race scene which has been an image to me of the eternal struggle of good vs. evil. Heston's doubts about his ability to win the race and his director's assurance remind me of similar discussions I've had with God over nearly 30 years of missionary service regarding tasks we've encountered that at the time seemed overwhelming. Whether facing wars, civil unrest or simply impossibly difficult medical and surgical cases that seemed beyond my ability in Haïti, Rwanda 14

and Ethiopia, I've frequently felt incapable of finishing the race, let alone winning it. Similarly, during recent years of teaching AIDS prevention to African church leaders or teaching bioethics (medical ethics) to medical students and resident physicians around the African continent, the magnitude of the task has often felt daunting.

Fortunately, the Director has assured the victory.

During these past three decades of ministry, we have been blessed with faithful partners who have prayed, sacrificially given and encouraged us in the continuation of our work. For the first time in our 30 years of missionary service, during the past year our financial support has gradually decreased to around 60% of the required amount. There have been very understandable reasons for this, with several ministry partners our age retiring and unable to continue giving. A few have been able to increase their giving and we remain deeply grateful for all those who have partnered with us in the work we feel God has called us to do. We had hoped that we would be able

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry

Tim & Muriel at the Arc de Triomphe in Orange (built by Caesar Augustus before Christ was born.

With our daughter Rebekah (an international school principal in China) who spent three weeks with us during the initial part of the COVID-19 Epidemic.

to complete another two-year term after this summer's home assignment before retiring and are praying for clarity regarding what we should do as we continue to receive requests for our teaching. If you would like to become part of our support team, there is information below for online giving or you can email us for further details.

Many have asked about our children with the recent COVID-19 Epidemic in China. Jonathan left China last summer and has been teaching English online from Thailand to Chinese students for the past few months.

He recently moved to another Asian country to continue his teaching. Bekah continues her work as a middle and high school principal in China. Although she lives far from Wuhan, the center of the epidemic, her school transitioned to an online, home-based platform, as schools are not allowed to meet on campus based on government health precautions. As personal movement became increasingly restricted, she came to stay with us in France for a few weeks, the first 14 days being spent in a voluntary quarantine in our apartment, as advised by the French government. She has completed that time, feels fine and continues to serve in her role as principal through online communication. Bekah now has a better understanding of the phrase “cabin fever.” Her approach to jet-lag, France is 7 hours behind China, has been to remain on China time and start her days at 2 or 3am.

This was my third visit to Chad over the past three years and it is always a blessing to witness the amazing medical/ surgical work these Expat and Chadian believers are accomplishing in a very needy part of the world, as well as be able to encourage them in their ministry.

We will be on a brief three-month home assignment this July through September. Unfortunately, due to the limited time [our French residency visas only allow us to be out of the country for 90 days], our travel will be restricted to the West Coast. We will be working on our travel schedule with more details in a subsequent email.

We would appreciate your prayers for the following:

• A large medical missions conference for those

working on the African Continent will be held the first two weeks of April, where I will be teaching sessions on some of the bio-ethical challenges facing medical mission workers.

• Some new ministry partners who can help us continue the work we've been called to do.

• Our children and all those impacted directly and

indirectly by this recent epidemic in China and beyond. There is so much suffering in many places.

In January, I visited Chad for 10 days to represent SIMFrance/Belgium at board meetings with a partner hospital.

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With medical student Hilkiah at the Myungsung Medical College in Addis Ababa, where I teach medical ethics. He is already active in many ministries and wants to serve the Lord through medical missions.

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Thank you! With gratitude, – Tim & Muriel

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Women's Ministry

Happy Easter!

Women’s Ministry began the study of Jonah in January.

In that study we were charged with reaching out to our community as Jonah had been charged to go to Nineveh.

Our group decided to have a “Packing Party” for necessary feminine items that are provided for homeless women.

We capped the completion of the study of Jonah with an evening for the whole family, watching the movie Overcomer with Priscilla Shirer.

If you are planning to watch with a group, please be sure to purchase an Individual registration ($20) for each person participating. You can add participants by changing the number in the quantity box to reflect the number of people in your group. Registration will stay open until May 25, 2020, for any walk-ons you may have on your event day.

Registration Includes: • Access to Simulcast Live Event Feed

Going Beyond Live Simulcast April 25 | Watch from Your Home Computer

• Access to Exclusive Host Website for Planning and Promotion for Small Group Hosts • Free Downloadable Keepsake Program (Additional Quantities Available for Purchase on Host Website) • On-Demand Access for up to 30 days AFTER the Live Event

What We are Watching on rightnow MEDIA

Recently we received information regarding a Priscilla Shirer Simulcast — you are invited to watch her from the comfort of your home computer for $20 a person.

The Details: Whether you watch at home by yourself or host a small group, you can bring The Word Closer to Home by offering the Going Beyond Live Bible teaching event to your community!

On April 25, 2020, we invite you to join Bible teacher, Priscilla Shirer and worship artist, Anthony Evans for a global Bible teaching event! Women will gather from all around the world for this one-day teaching and worship event. Watch at home by yourself or invite your small group, coworkers, neighbors, or best friends over to watch with you!

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Ladies, if you missed this year’s IF Gathering 2020 (or just want to hear it again), log on to your Right Now Media account and watch some of the speakers from this powerful women’s conference held in February. You will be encouraged in your walk as a woman, mom, friend, wife and most importantly, as a daughter of the one true King! Jesus is our hope and when we feel like life is spinning out of control, we need the one thing that will steady us – the good news that is Jesus. Watch, listen and be encouraged!

ALSO... Priscilla Shirer is on Right Now Media – check it out! SEE PAGE 7 to learn how to sign up for RNM.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Prayer Ministry Forming Sunday Prayer Teams In January, we activated prayer during all the worship services with a total of 42 people on 18 teams participating in a six-week rotation which means every team prays one Sunday, during one worship service, every six weeks. The second rotation began February 16. If you would like to join a team, please let Ericka or Carla know.

Following God’s Leading

Intercessory Prayer Last October, we shared with the congregation during worship what we’d been hearing from the Lord, His desire to increase prayer in the church, to be ready for what’s coming. During worship we invited the congregation to respond to His invitation to be a part of an intercessory prayer team on Sunday mornings. After the service many people signed up to pray during one of the worship services at 9:00am, 11:00am and 1:00pm Gracia de Cristo.

We are learning that God wants us to join Him in the work of restoring the world and He wants us to be a family with Him as we co-partner in this task. This is a word we heard when we asked Him what He wants to do as we gather together in prayer: “May the Lord make your love grow and overflow to each other and to everyone else, just as our love overflows toward you. As a result, Christ will make your hearts strong, blameless and holy when you stand before God our Father on that day when our Lord Jesus comes with all those who belong to Him.” – I Thessalonians 3:12-13.

Introducing the book Intercessory Prayer Later that month, 45 people attended a prayer gathering in the Garden Room where we had dinner and fellowship and heard testimony about the importance of learning to listen to the voice of God. We introduced the book Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets and the invitation to hear him speak in the new year. In February, 40 people gathered to hear Sheets discuss, “Why Do We Pray?”

We discussed what we heard in small groups, asked questions, and then prayed together as a body. What a sweet sound went up to heaven as people prayed!

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God is at work among us as we seek Him. Bless all of you who are responding to His call!

– Carla Kupp

What We are Watching on rightnow MEDIA We are watching Healing is a Choice, with Stephen Arterburn. The power to heal - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually - is in God’s hands. But the choice to be healed is yours. Everyone, at some level, needs healing.

You may have prayed for healing many times, for many years. Perhaps you have lived with your brokenness so long that you have become accustomed to it. Maybe you wonder just when God is going to take all the hurt away. He can.

But you also must choose to let the hurt go and let the healing begin. In this fiveweek series, we will take a look at 10 critical choices we must make on the road to getting well.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Worship Ministry Great Hymns of the Church “All Glory, Laud and Honor” is a hymn most frequently sung on Palm Sunday and was written in Latin (Gloria, laus et honor) by Theodulph of Orleans in the year 820 while he was imprisoned in Angers, France. This is one of the oldest hymns still being sung by the church today. It was translated into English by Anglican clergyman John Mason Neale in 1851 and the music was composed by Melchior Teschner in 1603.

Theodulph became Bishop of Orleans under Charlemagne, but after Charlemagne’s death, Theodulph fell out of favor and was imprisoned by the new emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Louis the Pious. A probably apocryphal story from the early 16th century states that in a Palm Sunday procession, Louis passed the prison in which Theodulph was housed and heard the imprisoned bishop singing this hymn. According to legend, Louis was so inspired that he released Theodulph and ordered that the hymn be sung thereafter on every Palm Sunday.

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All Glory, Laud and Honor All Glory, laud and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King!

To Whom the lips of children Made sweet Hosannas ring, Thou are the King of Israel Thou David’s Royal Son, Who in the LORD’s name comest, The King and Blessed One All glory, &c.

The company of Angels Is praising Thee on high, And mortal men, and all things Created make reply.

All glory, &c.

The people of the Hebrews With palms before Thee went Our praise and prayers and anthems Before Thee we present All glory, &c.

Thou didst accept their praises; Accept the praise we bring, Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King.

All glory, &c.

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The text of the hymn is a retelling of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem based on Matthew 21:114. The medieval church would reenact this story with a procession outside the gates of the city following a living representation of Jesus seated on a donkey. Upon entering the city, a choir of children would sing the hymn and the refrain was taken up by the crowd.

The young people of our church reenact this every Palm Sunday in a somewhat less formal way.

Discovering stories such as this one makes me thankful for the faithful men and women who have nurtured and defended Christ’s church over the last 2,000 years and who have lived their lives as “...to contend for the faith that once for all delivered to saints.”

– Jude 1:3 The first four lines constitute the refrain, which is repeated between each stanza.

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp

High School Retreat Recap Evergreen Campaign

Ghormley is in the beginning stages of seeking to raise funding to completely renovate our largest meeting facility, Evergreen Lodge. If you would like to be part of the many hundreds of supporters it will take to make this amazing project a reality, please contact our Director, Joel Whitehead, to hear more about the project and how you can be involved.

62 High School students from Central Washington attended the High School Retreat at Camp Ghormley this winter. The purpose of this retreat is to get students at camp to spend time away from the business of life so that they can connect with Jesus Christ through an exceptional camping experience.

The weekend was packed with field games, Gaga Ball, snow tubing, and bonding with one another.

Students were also able to choose between a selection of breakout sessions where they got to hear topics that were focused on applying their faith in Jesus to everyday life. Topics included; “Social Media and the Sabbath,” “From Genesis 1 to Today,” and “Putting on the Armor of God.” One student mentioned, “This weekend helped me understand how Jesus isn’t just a character in the Bible, but the God who loves me.”

We are thankful and humbled that God continues to use Camp Ghormley as a vessel for lives transformed by Jesus!

Summer Staff Hiring

Family Camp Weekend

Join us for Family Camp Weekend at Ghormley, on the weekend of July 17-19! This camp is open to families of all ages who are looking for the traditional camp experience, together with their family! Join us for inter-generational worship, meadow games, camp activities, age-appropriate teaching, family challenges, campfires, crafts, a night game, and family devotional time. Families have the option to stay in cabins or tent camp. Childcare is available for ages 3-6 during the worship & teaching sessions. Group teaching and programming will be provided for children from ages 7-17 during the adult teaching times in the mornings and evenings.

Register today! A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your registration. For more information regarding the weekend, including pricing and payment options, please see our website: https://www.campghormley.com/family-events/ family-camp-weekend/

2020 Camp Registration

May

Registration for summer camp 2020 is now 15th open! Don’t miss the opportunity to save money on your child’s camp registration by registering before May15th. For more information, visit us at: www.campghormley.com/summercamp/

www.ghormleymeadow.org 19

We’re hiring! We’ve begun our search for those who God is calling to serve at camp this summer. We have many needs, and a variety of types of positions remain available.

If you’re thinking about joining our team, don’t delay, apply today! For more information on summer jobs, visit us at: www.campghormley.com/join-our-team/ college-summerstaff/

Online Giving

Did you know that you can support the ministry of Ghormley through our website? Please visit our Donate page to see what giving opportunities we currently have, and how to get involved. www.campghormley.com/donate/

Prayer Needs

• Pray that God will raise up the support and resources needed to complete the renovation of Evergreen Lodge!

• Pray that God will continue to bless us with groups to fill our non-summer months in 2020.

• Pray that relationships will be built, lives changed, and

every person who comes to Camp Ghormley will meet Jesus.

• Pray that God will lead us to the right staff members who He desires to serve at Ghormley this summer.

509.672.4311

facebook.com/ghormleymeadow

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