April Grace Alive

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church Iglesia Presbiteriana Gracia de Cristo

“Love Well Through Drops of Grace”

FEBRUARY APRIL

2020 MAY VOL 121 2021 VOL 126

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Head Pastor — Bill Williamson, Pastor

RISE UP AND GO! “He is not here; He has RISEN!” – Luke 24.6 Dear Grace of Christ Family, We began the Season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It was a time in which we were reminded of our brokenness – our waywardness – our sinfulness. It was a call to repentance. It was also a call to begin a journey that leads us to the Cross. However, the journey does not end at the Cross. We know that to be true because the death of Christ was not the end of God’s plan for our salvation. The Resurrection of Christ proves that the tomb was not the end.

Lent, beginning with the imposition of ashes, also reminds us that we have gone through, and continue to go through, the Refiner’s Fire. The ashes remind us that our sins have been burned away, indicating that all who are in Christ are New Creations. The old is past, and the new has come, but our journey and our story continues.

Beyond the cross and beyond the tomb, there is a call for us all to Rise Up and Go as we are being cleansed and purified and transformed by the Holy Spirit. Rise Up and Go, knowing that we have been forgiven. Rise Up and Go as we receive the mercies of God that are new every morning.

RISE UP out of the ashes, out of our complacency, out of our guilt, out of our shame, out of the darkness, out of the tomb, out of our sin and GO as New Creations as Christ to make disciples of all nations.

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“‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’ Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’” – Isaiah 6.5-7 “Shake off your dust; RISE UP, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive.” – Isaiah 52.2 “ARISE, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” – Isaiah 60.1 “I have heard a message from the Lord; an envoy was sent to the nations to say, ‘Assemble yourselves to attack it! RISE UP for battle!’” – Jeremiah 49.14 “Then He said to him, ‘RISE and go; your faith has made you well.’” – Luke 17.19 “This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, RISE from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’”

– Ephesians 5.14

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Because of the Resurrected Christ, and by His Grace, Pastor Bill

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

TWO SERVICES ON SUNDAY!

WE ARE MOVING BACK TO 2 WORSHIP SERVICES ON SUNDAYS

BEGINNING MARCH 28 (PALM SUNDAY),

HOLY WEEK AT YAKIMA GRACE…

we will begin offering to TWO WORSHIP SERVICES:

(In Person or Live Stream)

Contemporary worship at 9:00am Traditional worship at 11:00am

PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 28 9AM Contemporary & 11AM Traditional

Each year, on Palm Sunday, we enter Holy Week with loud Hosannas, expectation and celebration, yet, end the week with tears and questions. Our challenge: to allow the full weight of the week to settle on us before that burden is lifted with the joy of Easter.

MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION & TENEBRAE Thursday, April 1 at 7pm in the Sanctuary or Live Stream on church website

We will remember the Last Supper of Jesus and His disciples during Holy Week as we celebrate the Sacrament of Communion and experience the Service of Darkness called Tenebrae.

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4 9AM Contemporary & 11AM Traditional

He Is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed! Let the celebration begin as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

EASTER BREAKFAST? Yes! We want to treat YOU!

As you leave both the 9am and 11am services on Easter Sunday, make sure to go through the Garden Room so you can grab an individually wrapped cinnamon roll or “Grace Egg McSandwich” – complimentary and made with love!

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NO MORE RESERVATIONS FOR WORSHIP:

We will no longer be taking reservations for Sunday worship service.

SUNDAY SCHOOL RESERVATIONS (PLEASE)

We WILL take reservations for Grace Kids Sunday School, children ages 2-6 at 9am. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve a spot for ages 2-6.

We love having children of all ages in worship with us – so bring the whole family, wiggles and giggles and all!

JOIN US IN PERSON: Doors open 30 minutes

prior to each service. Please enter through the South Doors where we will scan your temperature. Follow the arrows to the Garden Room and sign one of our guest books (so we have accurate records for the health dept). Masks are required and please maintain social distancing.

OR WORSHIP WITH US AT HOME: If you prefer,

or if you have been recently exposed to Covid19 or are experiencing Covid19 related symptoms. All services will continue to be live on the website, in the Yakima Grace App, Facebook and YouTube.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo

Mi Pueblito Food Distribution

I want to tell a story about what Jesus Christ is doing through the ministry of My Pueblito. One of our members from My Pueblito was able to connect with the Union Gospel Mission and began helping with the distribution of food to families in need. Our group predominantly focuses on families in Southeast Yakima and is geared towards families with children at Adams Elementary School.

As an Adams teacher, I was asked to identify families who could be blessed with food, with the hope that they would one day bring hope to other families by becoming Houses of Light. At the same time, one of my students had told me that both of his parents were sick with Covid 19 and were not able to work, and therefore were without an income. Immediately, I chose that student’s family to receive food, through the Union Gospel Mission, and distributed by My Pueblito members.

It turned out that God was working in the hearts of this student and his family. After receiving the food donation, my student’s mother contacted me to ask me if her son could meet with me in person. I agreed on a date, time and location. Little did I know that God would reveal to me how He was working in the lives of this family.

The boy’s father had been surprised to receive the gift of food. The mother, on the other hand, said that she knew that it was God showing them that He loved them! Their son was so appreciative that he wanted to give his piggy bank savings to help other families in need of food. I assumed that he would donate a few dollars, being that he is only 8 years old. Believe it or not, that young boy gave $240!

I asked the mom if I could make a video of the whole story, but the boy told me himself that he did not want to receive any attention or steal the Glory from God. I am still in disbelief at his generosity at such a young age. More importantly, I am overwhelmed with joy to see Jesus Christ using My Pueblito to be a “light of the world” in Southeast Yakima!

– Miguel Alvarez Adams Elementary Teacher 4

En Español

Mi Pueblito Distribución de Alimentos Quiero contar una historia sobre lo que está haciendo Jesucristo a través del ministerio de Mi Pueblito. Uno de nuestros miembros pudo conectarse con Union Gospel Mission para poder distribuir alimentos a las familias necesitadas. Nuestro grupo se enfoca principalmente en familias con necesidad en el sureste de Yakima, y orientado a familias con niños en la escuela primaria Adams.

Soy maestro allí y se me pidió que identificara a algunas familias que podrían ser bendecidas con alimentos y con la esperanza de que algún día traerían esperanza a otras familias al convertirse en Casas de Luz. Al mismo tiempo, uno de mis alumnos me había dicho que sus dos padres estaban enfermos de Covid 19 y no podían trabajar y, por lo tanto, no tenían ingresos. Inmediatamente, elegí a la familia de ese estudiante para recibir comida, a través de Union Gospel Mission, y ser distribuida por los miembros de My Pueblito.

Resultó que Dios estaba obrando en los corazones de mi alumno y su familia. Ya que después de recibir la comida, la madre de mi estudiante se comunicó conmigo para preguntarme si mi estudiante podía conocerme en persona.

Estuve de acuerdo en una fecha, hora y lugar. Poco sabía yo, Dios me mostró cómo está trabajando.

El padre de mi alumno se sorprendió al recibir el regalo de comida. La madre, por otro lado, dijo que sabía que era Dios quien les mostraba a los padres que los amaba. Mi alumno estaba tan agradecido que quería donar sus ahorros de su alcancía para ayudar a otras familias que necesitaban comida. Asumí que donaría unos dólares, ya que solo tiene 8 años. Lo creas o no, ¡¡¡ese joven dio $240!

Le pregunté a la mamá si podía hacer un video de la historia, pero mi alumno me dijo que él mismo no quería recibir atención ni robar la Gloria de Dios. Yo mismo sigo incrédulo de su generosidad a tan temprana edad. Más importante aún, yo mismo estoy lleno de alegría al ver a Jesucristo usando a Mi Pueblito para ser la “Luz del Mundo” en el sureste de Yakima.

– Miguel Alvarez Maestro de Primaria de Adams

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo MADISON HOUSE LIBRARY Thanks to donations, we are on our way to having a wellstocked library for the students who spend time at Madison House! Books, magazines, tables & chairs, and a quiet space to read or study. We are thankful to God for his provisions!

The students love checking out the books – seeing their favorites or hoping to find a new favorite! We love that they have a safe place to hang out, study and spend time with their friends. God is here and he is doing mighty things!

To him be the glory. If you have books (in excellent shape) appropriate for middle school and high school students, that you would like to donate, please contact Alex at Alex.

Rule@yakimagrace.com.

YUGM THRIFT STORES – Stores with a Mission Yakima Union Gospel Mission Stores have quickly become some of the most popular thrift stores in Yakima. They are clean, beautifully decorated and are full of wonderful merchandise! You never know what you’re going to find, from designer clothing to beautiful gently-used furniture and decor. Our stores are a treasure hunter’s paradise.

But there’s more! Everything that is donated and sold at a YUGM store helps us with our singular mission of bringing people from Homelessness to Wholeness!

By shopping with us, you are literally changing people’s lives by supporting and funding the incredible work and programs at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission! So while you are getting great things, you are also Giving great things to those in need right here in our valley!

15 N. FRONT STREET The Lighthouse is a Thrift Boutique and our very first store, opening in 2008 in the original Union Gospel Mission building! Remodeled in 2020, you’ll love the bright new layout, vintage flare and ALL the amazing merchandise you’d expect to find at a YUGM store! It’s truly a treasure hunt as you explore room by room in this historic place in downtown Yakima.

Store Hours: Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-6 pm Donation Hours: Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5 pm

5606 SUMMITVIEW AVE

2011 W. LINCOLN AVE Mission Thrift opened its doors in the summer of 2019 and took off running! Centrally located on 20th & Lincoln, this store has become a local hot spot for both shopping and donating. With a large selection of name brand clothing, beautiful home decor, books, electronics, furniture and housewares, Mission Thrift has something for everyone!

Store Hours: Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-7pm Donation Hours: Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5 pm 5

Coming Soon! YUGM will open its newest thrift store this Spring in the old Rite Aid location on 56th and Summitview, next to Safeway. The Donation Center is already open and accepting your donated clothing and household items. And of course, right now it is a BIG empty space so they need LOTS of donated goods to fill it. They would love to have items donated from 9am to 5pm M-F at the store. Your participation is very important as we share God’s blessings with our community. For more information, please call the YUGM at 509-248-4510. Thank you for supporting Yakima Families!

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) DECIDE TO RISE

Memorial Services at Grace

Be Strong. Do Your Work.

Chase Joy.

With the latest guidelines from the WA State Department of Health, we are once again able to hold memorial services at Grace.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

What a fitting theme for MOPS this year! As mothers in 2020, we have definitely needed to make the conscious choice to Rise above the challenges that have come. We have been called to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally so that we can take care of our families. Many of us are striving to work from home while navigating on-line school or home school. But through it all, we actively seek out joy so that we can fight discouragement and fear.

Although 2020 has been challenging, Grace of Christ MOPS has adapted. Because of social distancing requirements, we are 100% online through our Facebook page Yakima Grace MOPS 2020-2021. Virtual meetings are scheduled every few weeks. Prior to a virtual meeting, a video or discussion points are posted. A few days later, we meet on ZOOM to discuss the video, learn to do a craft, and just be with other moms!

Jamie Quantrell

If you have lost a loved one recently or during the past year of the pandemic and would like to hold a service to celebrate their life, please contact the church to make arrangements.

Receptions following memorial service, are also available.

Ericka@YakimaGrace.com or 509-248-7940 x107

We have the opportunity to meet in small groups of five at the church now, so stay tuned for more details by looking at our Facebook page!

Virtual MOPS: If you would like to be involved in our virtual MOPS meetings, please send a Facebook request to join Yakima Grace MOPS 2020-2021.

Volunteer, Get Involved, or Need More Info?

If you are interested in helping with MOPS leadership or have additional questions, please contact Jamie Quantrell through Facebook Messenger.

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

april 11

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Hospitality Ministry — Linda Sorenson

WORSHIPING TOGETHER AGAIN

Amid Covid, it has been a blessing during the late fall and winter to worship back in the church building as well as via our electronic devices from home. Jennifer Brice (now fulltime front office administrative assistant) did a wonderful job of pre-registering attendees for our single service. Hospitality Ministry Team (HMT) volunteers worked alongside staff to do check-in and temperature check, greet, and usher those who were able to attend in person.

As the tide of Covid continues to turn and people become vaccinated, more people are feeling freedom to attend in person. With that in mind, the church has decided to move to two services to accommodate larger numbers of attendees while maintaining appropriate distancing, spreading out the worshipers between the two services.

Beginning March 28, procedures for entering into worship will change slightly and worshipers will no long register online, but sign-in once they get to church. The need for HMT volunteers jumped from 5 to 14 each Sunday! New Greeter and Usher schedules have been implemented.

(Both the 9:00 and 11:00 services will be broadcast live for those not ready to return in-person.)

THANK YOU HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS

Yvonne Perrotti & Jim Bigelow

As always, the Hospitality Ministry Team’s focus is to extend the welcome of Jesus to all who enter our church. During the interim of a singleservice, new volunteers joined our team!

Pictured at the left are two of these newbies, Jim Bigelow and Yvonne Perrotti, who discovered the joy of fellowship through service!

“Volunteering as one of the Church Greeters has given me the opportunity to meet others of our congregation, that I may have not otherwise met. I have had the privilege of greeting with others who have been a complete joy to laugh with, share, and get to know their lives outside of Sunday mornings. Being a greeter has placed me in a position to receive God’s grace and be obedient to what He has called me to do. My prayer is, that the one who has chosen to attend Grace of Christ for the first time is that our first impression as greeters will make them feel welcomed and want to come back.” – Yvonne Perrotti

HE IS GOOD AND HE IS FAITHFUL

As in the dark events proceeding the first Easter, God was at work in the hidden and unknowable darkness of the pain and the suffering of the trial, crucifixion, and grave. Likewise, even through the dark days of the pandemic, the LORD is at work, drawing hearts closer to Himself and building up the Body of Christ so that we might testify to His wonderful love and mighty power to transform lives! We can look forward with expectation to what He will bring forth from this season of isolation, suffering, and loss.

As we look forward to a time of celebration of being postCovid and to full restoration of our fellowship in worship and communal life, may we receive with gratitude and obedience the LORD’s invitation to walk with new light and understanding to love and serve others.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SERVICES

PALM SUNDAY | MARCH 28 | 9AM & 11AM | SANCTUARY

MAUNDY THURSDAY | APRIL 1 | 7:00PM | SANCTUARY Tenebrae and Communion EASTER SUNDAY | APRIL 4 | 9AM & 11AM | SANCTUARY

Yvonne has attended Grace of Christ for many years, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that she became involved as a Greeter HMT. Sitting in the pews each Sunday, she often saw familiar faces but didn’t really know their names or anything about them. As she decided to attend in person when the church opened, she agreed to give greeting a try. It was such a wonderful and rich experience partnering with another greeter that first time, that she volunteered to be a regular greeter! Here are her words...

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family Ministry — Melissa Gray

GRACE KIDS CLASS

We are excited to announce a change for those of you who attend in person; we began offering a new Grace Kids Class on March 7! Join us for Family Worship, followed

by Grace Kids for children ages 2-6 for the second half of the service. Activity bags and sermon activities will be available for students up to 6th grade who remain in the service with their families.

RIGHT NOW MEDIA

Family at Grace wants to partner with families as you join us in person, online, or at home around the dinner table. We have weekly online lessons for Kids and Teens available each week through Right Now Media. Kids are currently exploring Superbook, and Teens are studying Not A Fan.

FAMILY FAITH KITS

Also, we are so excited to be worshiping in person this year for Palm Sunday and Easter. We will have special activities for kids at both services.

EASTER CAKE POP GIVEAWAY!

We also have monthly Family Faith Kits, as well as Teen Kits available each month with a different theme for family activities and discussion. And our social media pages offer fun and engaging information, ideas, and activities for you each day. Contact Melissa to receive our weekly family emails with all of the great activities available in one easy place or follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook on our Family at Grace page.

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Family at Grace is excited to partner and support local business throughout the year, while also blessing you with yummy treats from time to time. During this Easter Season, we are partnering with Flippen Sweets for a fun and very delicious giveaway. HOP ON OVER TO OUR FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM PAGES TO ENTER!

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family Ministry YOU’VE BEEN EGGED!

Help share the joy of Easter with others this Spring as we “egg” the yards of our neighbors and friends. Contact Melissa for an Easter Egg Kit for your family to decorate and share.

You’ve been egged, now it is your turn to egg someone else and keep the fun going by following these easy steps! (Fun to do to houses of friends & families, or with your officemates!)

(1) Print Door Hangers (follow instructions for cutting)

(2) Fill 12 Plastic Eggs with Small Treats/ Candies and Hide Around Yard or Office You’ll find the steps, printable door hanger and full instructions in the kit. Just contact 509248-7940 x 110 or email Melissa@YakimaGrace.com

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PARENT & YOUTH PROPHETIC ART NIGHT THURSDAY | MAY 6 | 6PM

Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 6, from 6:008:30pm at the church. We are excited to offer a very unique worship experience for families and youth age 12 and up. The class will be taught by Jayne Luster-Painter, local artist. Come ready to worship and go home with a beautiful piece of art. Space is limited and reservations are required. Contact Melissa.gray@yakimagrace.com for more information and to reserve your spot.

OUTDOOR FAMILY DAY SUNDAY | MAY 16 | 2PM

Join us on Sunday, May 16 from 2:00-4:00pm for fishing, a bonfire and outdoor games. Bring your own fishing pole and be ready for an afternoon of fellowship and fun.

Watch for more details (location and directions) to come.

FAMILY NIGHT BASEBALL

SATURDAY | JUNE 19 | 7PM

Family Baseball Night with the Yakima Valley Pippins: Join us on Saturday, June 19, 7:00pm to watch some baseball! Cost is $5.00 per person. Contact church to purchase tickets. Ticket includes entry to the game, a hot dog and soda, and a fun firework show to end the evening. Ticket price includes all ages, infants that don’t require a seat are free.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family Ministry A TIME OF TRANSITION

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3.1) Melissa Gray is listening to the voice of God for a time of transition in her life. She has served Grace of Christ for 10 years as a Preschool Teacher, Children’s Director and most recently, Family Ministries Director. She was also a “Trekee” (College intern).

She says, “Although this has been a difficult decision to make, God has opened doors for a new career opportunity that will allow for new challenge and professional growth outside of Church Ministry.”

Her final day as an employee at Grace of Christ will be Easter Sunday, April 4. Take the next few weeks to express your appreciation for all that she has meant to you and the church. Feel free to send cards/notes to the church.

Some staff members shared the following:

has richly blessed the families and staff at “ Melissa Grace. She brought creativity, fun, excellence and

a touch of Disney to everything she did. She was willing to look out of the box, and challenged others to do the same. She will be missed, not because of what she did, but because of who she is.

Melissa’s authenticity in “ I appreciate sharing her love for Jesus

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with others and in her friendship. She is authentic, funny, and a caring friend.

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“ Trust in the

Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

– Proverbs 3:5-6.

Melissa is thoughtful, “inquisitive and loves

Christ. She is a natural leader and has added significantly to how God is providing for us as a church community. She brings creativity, organization, a soft heart, and a visible love for your family to all she is a part of. Melissa has weathered changes that have come admirably.

This verse from the Bible reminds me of Melissa.

She is so trusting in the Lord in all of the things she does. She has been an inspiration in the church no matter what her role has been and she will be missed.

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Melissa is a great person. Her friendship and enthusiasm inspire and invite others to be part of her team to help in any event or activity that is under her direction and responsibility. Vacation Bible School is one of the events our family will always remember.

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”

“

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There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... a time to plant and a time to uproot... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them…

– Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

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

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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.

LIVING WATERS FOR THE WORLD PROJECT Once again, the Yakima Living Waters for the World team is embarking on a mission: to bring clean water to people.

But this time, while their hearts are fully present, their feet will not touch down upon Yucatan soil.

Venturing into the Yucatán Peninsula in December 2019, the Yakima Living Waters for the World (LWW) team worked to scout potential partners that have been vetted by the Yucatan Network leaders. The Yakima team was comprised of members from both Grace of Christ and Yakima Covenant church and has a shared history of changing everyday peoples’ lives through providing access to clean water that dates back to 2009. Team members from Grace of Christ include: Larry Allen, Monte Schilperoort, and Jeff and Peggy Steere. While on this joint undertaking in the Yucatán, the LWW team procured church partner El Buen Pastor, along with Pastor Abraham Colli, who have become valuable co-workers with direct links to the Bécal, Campeche – El Buen Pastor community.

“A covenant was completed and signed with the hope that we would be able to send a team to instruct in the system installation and community outreach sometime in 2020,” explains Yakima Covenant Church LWW team member Doug Lewis.

“With the onset of the pandemic, building and

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travel plans were completely altered and the Living Waters Yucatán Network halted any plans for out of country teams coming at all.” Lewis further explains that due to this COVID roadblock, the Yucatán Network has begun utilizing an incountry installation and education team to act as “surrogate” initiating partners.

Meanwhile, according to Lewis, the El Buen Pastor church has faithfully completed construction on the building, despite the resulting increased costs and diminished resources due to the pandemic. The Yakima Living Water for the World team is honoring their covenant with the Bécal community and is now asking their long-time Yucatán network friends Carlos McGregor and his wife to stand in the Yakima team’s place to complete this vital project.

“It is very disappointing for us not to be sending our own team to work side-by-side with our church partners in Bécal,” Lewis states. “The personal relationships are at the heart of this ministry, so this decision was long delayed as it was a difficult one.”

Although the Yakima LWW team will not be “boots on the ground” the team is following through with their commitment and their desire to share God’s love. Grace of Christ Living Water for the World team member Monte Schilperoort believes that it is important to fulfill the covenant and to recognize the sacrificial efforts that the people of Bécal have undertaken.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry “It has been a privilege to represent Grace of Christ in helping fellow believers in Mexico,” Schilperoort says. “Because of our help, five churches in the Yucatán Peninsula are now able to provide affordable clean drinking water for their communities. We now have the opportunity to help El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church in Bécal, Mucatán install a water purification plant.”

Schilperoort also shares that financial contributions are welcomed. As in the past, the Grace of Christ LWW team is partnering with Yakima Covenant Church and is stepping out in faith, with the goal of matching Covenant’s financial contribution to the project. Total cost of the project is $16,230, making $8,115 the target sum for Grace of Christ in order to cover half of the project’s expenses.

THE GREAT COMMISSION FUND

Our church has a great history of sending and supporting missionaries globally and locally. The Mission Ministry Team continues this vision to develop, support, and send out missionaries. But, funding can often times be a challenge. To help with this, we have started the Great Commission Fund (Matthew 28:18-20). The brand is “Go, and make disciples.” Would you consider being part of growing support for missionaries?

Living Waters for the World (LWW) empowers international communities to install and sustain water purification systems and health education programs that transform lives.

Fred and Daisy Russell talking to Harold and Polly Kurtz.

What is The Great Commission Fund?

The Great Commission Fund (GCF) is an endowment that is funded by the members of the church through donations plus legacy giving at the time of their passing into eternity with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our minimum goal is $100,000 that will be invested and produce interest income each year. It is one of the funds within the Grace of Christ Foundation.

What’s the Purpose?

“Because of the pandemic we are unable to send a team for the install,” says Monte Schilperoort, Living Waters for the World team member, Mission Ministry team member and Grace of Christ deacon. “Instead, Yakima Covenant and Grace of Christ will send the friends and members of the Bécal fellowship and plant operators from other churches to assist with the project – sort of like an Amish barn – raising,” Schilperoort quipped.

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Money from The Great Commission Fund will be used for three purposes: (1) To send young believers (14-25 years old) from the valley to a mission trip to expose them to how God does the heavy lifting if we are only willing to take a step of faith. They do NOT have to be from Grace of Christ.

(2) To help send members of Grace of Christ to a mission of their choice. (3) To fund other mission exploits locally or around the world.

When did this start and what are the results so far?

The GCF was approved by church staff and The Foundation in November, 2020. The Lord has provided $50,000 in the fund so far through the faithful giving of members of the church and a generous match by the Foundation.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry How can I help with the Great Commission?

Don Stuber is making presentations personally or on the phone to anyone that wants to pray about their part in “Making Disciples.”

Please contact Don by phone, text or email.

Phone: (360) 789-6676 and you can text to that number.

Email: dstuber47@gmail.com

Aaron Barker at the YWAM Training Center in Kona, Hawaii.

Disciples are trained to become missionaries here.

CAMP HOPE Camp Hope is a low-barrier emergency homeless shelter for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness in Yakima County. They serve lunch and dinner every day, with dinners being the biggest need. Camp Hope loves it when a group hosts a dinner by bringing and serving a fully-prepared meal. They also appreciate individuals or groups that fund a dinner by cooking or purchasing dinner and dropping it off. Call Betty at 697-9088 for more information on how you can help.

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COMPASSION SUNDAY: A CALL TO OFFER HELP SUNDAY, APRIL 25 Compassion Sunday is officially slated for Sunday, April 25th and is an opportunity to ignite hope into the hearts of thousands of children living in poverty across the world. Compassion Sunday makes it easy for individuals and families to sponsor a child in need and to begin to share the love of Christ with that child. Please consider answering the call to HOPE by sponsoring a child who desperately needs your support. Through your sponsorship, you will help a child get connected to a local church where they will receive food, medical care, education and Christ–centered guidance.

Compassion International works through partnerships with thousands of local churches in 25 countries around the world. Child-focused, each registered child in the program is the beneficiary of the support given to a specific sponsored child. Sponsors invest directly in the lives of the children living in extreme poverty through monthly financial support, prayer, and letter writing.

Sponsors choose the child that they wish to sponsor.

Some sponsors choose a child based on the country the child lives in or because the child has the same name or birthday as a family member.

Please visit compassion.com if you are interested in learning more. Although April 25th is deemed Compassion Sunday, you may sponsor a child at any time.

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Community Life Groups — Curt McFarland, Pastor

COMMUNITY LIFE @ GRACE OF CHRIST “I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1.3-6 In a larger church it can be challenging to connect with others in meaningful ways. At Grace, we believe in the value of meeting together in smaller community groups.

Community Life Groups provide an opportunity to meet together, get to know each other, explore the claims of Christian faith, ask questions, enjoy good food, share in the challenges, sorrows and joys of life.

Grace of Christ is committed to doing life together.

We believe everyone at Grace should be connected to at least one Community Life Group. It’s easy to get involved.

The Church website and Church app each provide a simple way to connect. Or you can call the church (248-7940) and they’ll get you started. Your commitment is typically for ten weeks. The focus of each group is on your relationship with God, and your relationship with each other.

Starting the week of April 18, we will offer new

options for Community Life Groups for the 10-week spring session. Each group will decide among themselves whether to study the Sunday preaching themes, study a book about Christian faith, explore a book of the Bible, or decide on something that meets the specific needs of their group. The staff at Grace will prepare study material for several options and provide support for those groups who decide to study something of their own choosing.

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Life Group Rose Lewis, Ericka Clark, Carol Stuhley and Rondi Downs. Not pictured Tammy Nunley.

“I am enjoying being involved in a sermon study with my small group of women on Zoom. As a group we have missed seeing each other so much, and now once a week we can see and communicate with each other live on the screen. We look forward to gathering together in person soon.”

Our goal: A deeper understanding of Jesus and a deeper confidence in God’s love for us. That will stir a deeper love for others in our community and world. That’s a huge goal... but one we believe is possible, by God’s grace, through involvement in a Community Life Group. Give it a ten-week spin and let us know what happens!

It’s easy to get started! Find out more, get your ques-

tions answered, or sign-up: online, with the church app (Yakima Grace) or by calling the church office (248-7940).

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

SPRINGTIME

I just love spring! The sun is setting a little bit later and it feels warmer during the day. I’ve hopefully moved on from my giant winter coat into something lighter. Flowers are starting to bloom. There are just so many wonderful things about spring! New life is blooming and I’m ready!

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since we began this Covid journey. The preschool has been up and running and we have been so thankful for that. Parents have been wonderfully gracious even with all of the restrictions. I am looking forward to more normalcy in the future, as I’m sure you can agree. But just like any spring, this is when things start to really speed up in the preschool! There is just so much to do!

SPRING FLOWER BASKET SALE

This spring we are also having a Spring flower basket sale – just in time for Mother’s Day! Get all those mothers you know a beautiful basket and support the preschool! It seems like a win – win to me. Thank you for your continued support of the preschool! We couldn’t do it without you!

One of my favorite traditions is the telling of the Easter story. Steve Barker will forever be in my mind when we do this tradition. His joy looking in the tomb with every single child and exclaiming “He’s Alive!” was contagious! We will continue to strive to share that joy with every child that walks through our preschool doors!

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION TIME

Registration for 2021-2022 Preschool has started!

If you, or someone you know, has a preschool aged child, send them our way! We have a rich history in this community, and our ultimate goal is to continue that.

Registration packets can be picked up in the church office, or can be found on our website yakimapreschool.com.

Next year we will be returning to a more traditional preschool structure and I’m looking forward to growing the program to have a positive impact in our community.

We will have one three-year-old class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, one four-year-old class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and our Barely 5’s PreK class Monday through Thursday. All classes are 9am - Noon.

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

GRACE OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9 S 8TH AVENUE YAKIMA, WA 98902 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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