Grace Alive - September 2019

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

SEPTEMBER

2 019 VOL 116

“Love Others Through Drops of Grace”

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Head Pastor — Bill Williamson

EPHESIANS 4

I THEREFORE, A PRISONER FOR THE LORD, URGE YOU TO WALK IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE CALLING TO WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED.

Becoming E4 Christians Dear Family of Faith, I am excited for us to unpack what God has been revealing to the leadership at Grace of Christ as we engage in what God is calling us to DO. Although, I am more excited for us to become who God is calling us to BE. As God brought together a Strategy Team for Grace of Christ, we discovered that we were being called to be an E4 Ministry Team, ready to empower and equip E4 Christians as we become an E4 Church. I know, I know. I thought we were about being a church that Loves Well through Drops of Grace. Now we’re supposed to be an E4 Church?

Let me try to explain. Our PURPOSE as a church is to LOVE WELL. That in itself is not an easy task, but one that keeps us focused on the Great Commandment Loving God and Others. So, all that we do as a church will be aligned to that purpose to Love Well. Every ministry, ever leadership position, every decision that we make needs to help us as a church Love God and Love Others the best we can.

order to then determine whether or not they were lining up with our purpose and plan. The team also looked at potential ministries that would help us fulfill our purpose and plan. While looking at Ephesians 4, God revealed the areas or values that the team saw as a strategy, or map, that would help each member of Grace of Christ find and fulfill their calling as a disciple of Christ. That is how we came up with E4.

This September, we will study Ephesians 4 and look at the ways members of Grace can become E4 Christians. “...the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

On top of Loving Well, our PLAN as a church is to focus on “Introducing People to Jesus Through Drops of Grace.”

For us to fulfill the Great Commandment, we need to also fulfill the Great Commission: Go and make disciples of all nations. To Love Well, means ultimately to help people come to a living faith with Jesus Christ, knowing how deeply God loves them. So, as we studied this summer, we are to: Develop Relationships with People Who Do Not Know Christ, Reach the World with the Gospel, Offer Hope to Those Without Hope, Pray for Revival and Redemption, and Serve Like Christ. Once again, this is not an easy task.

The goal of the E4 Ministry Team has been to develop a way for each member of the Body of Christ to PARTICIPATE in fulfilling God’s purpose and plan at Grace of Christ. That’s where we came up with E4 Ministries. The team began by identifying the ongoing ministries of the church, in 2

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– Ephesians 4:16 Because of the Grace of Christ, Pastor Bill

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Congregational Care — John Stolzenbach

Pastoral Care Since Pastor Cindy retired in June 2018, I have had the privilege of overseeing Pastoral Care and the Deacons at Grace of Christ. The reality is, we’re not alone in care-taking, as we are part of the Body of Christ. The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. “...God has put each part just where he wants it. Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12, 18, 20 I want the current Pastoral Care Team to share with you from their perspective. Larry Hasen served as a Deacon for many years, and I saw his gifts and passion for the sick and infirm and asked him to join the team, this year. The reality is, there are only five of us, but there are deacons, life groups, Bible studies, ministry teams, etc., where care is also given and received. It’s really congregational care that we’re talking about. If you are hospitalized, have surgery scheduled, or have ongoing health needs, please let the office know so that we can respond.

– John Stolzenbach Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Where a people pray, there is the church and where the church is, there is never loneliness.” I like this quote because it is where I want to be in ministry, being with others, praying and supporting our church community.

Pastoral care can be an important Drop of Grace during these times to keep everyone connected, even when isolated by illness or injury.

Larry Hasen

Pastoral care knows how to Love Well with Drops of Grace, and our congregation receives the care and attention they need, and the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Our love for our brothers and sisters connects us with one another, and through prayer, we can connect with 3

God. We place all our petitions and praises with confidence in the hands of our Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I came that [you] may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance […until it overflows].” John 10:10 AMP Jesus came to give us abundant life, so that we can love and care for one another.

Alex Rule Part of the description of a Commissioned Lay Pastor is to lead worship and preach the gospel, watch over the people, and provide for their nurture and service. I am blessed to be part of the Pastoral Care Team and part of such a caring, loving, and praying church. Deacons, Growth Group leaders, Pastors, and all of our congregation watch over one another and we do provide for our mutual nurture and service by Loving Well with Drops of Grace.

Praise God! Dennis Whitcher I was blessed and privileged to serve as a Hospice Chaplain for nine months. God used that time to soften my heart for those nearing end of life. I wish every pastor and every Christian could be with a Hospice Chaplain on visits. To be in the presence of God, to bring comfort, peace, even a sense of calm to someone who is in crisis, is humbling.

God used that time to prepare me to serve His people at Grace of Christ. We are all a phone call or doctor’s appointment away from life-altering news, and it helps to know, as a member of God’s family, we are not alone. It’s a joy to serve this congregation, caring for God’s people, coming alongside hurting people, and ministering alongside caring people who serve on the Pastoral Care team Bill Williamson and Deacons.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Stewardship

Investing the Minutes of Our Lives tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others “Iand make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven. – Luke 16:9 ”

us to make the most of our time, so that we may “Teach grow in wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 ”

Our worldly resources won’t last eternally; our money and possessions have been given to us only for the brief time we are in this world. God’s Kingdom, His eternal plan, and His people will however, last forever. Jesus teaches that we can use our resources for the benefit of others, and in the process of generous giving, friendships will be created.

Opportunities present themselves each time God provides a way for us to give back and to bless others. God strategically positions us for our benefit but also for the benefit of others – to build God’s Kingdom. We can trust that we are positioned in the right place at the right time to give blessings and receive blessings.

Consider investing your time and resources in someone.

Perhaps you regularly share a meal, or spend time over a cup of coffee with someone. As you invest minutes from your life and perhaps the cost of a dinner or latte, a genuine friendship is developed. Over time that friend sees the person of Jesus in your life. Your investment multiplies as that new friend begins to spend additional time with you.

They are introduced to others who love Christ and perhaps begin to join you at church. Your investment may yield a life saved and lived in relationship with Jesus.

What opportunities do you have to invest your time and resources? In what ways will you experience the Kingdom of God here and now?

Similarly, God invests in our lives. Kairos is a moment when the Kingdom of God invades our daily existence. It is a moment of endless possibility, a time when God is trying to get our attention, when He is up to something. It is rarely logical; it is unpredictable and always full of opportunity.

Kairos moments allow us to experience the Kingdom of God here and now. We see how God works. We respond to His call. It is an opportunity to invest our lives in the Kingdom.

Opportunity to Serve: A time to serve your church, workplace, neighborhood, city and the world.

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Opportunity to Believe: A time to stretch your faith and to believe. Allow God to have your full attention. Observe how God is working and respond to His call by investing your life in His Kingdom.

Opportunity to Love: A time to demonstrate love for others by investing your life and resources in them.

Opportunity to give: A time to give in a generous way, knowing God will do something special.

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

– Janet Krieger Business Ministry Elder

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo / English

En Español

Let's Give Our Lord Jesus Christ The Best Of Us

Demos de lo Mejor de Nosotros a Nuestro Señor Jesucristo

Many times, we have the opportunity to please our Lord with a gift or offering, but even our own brothers criticize us. We think it is better to use our time or our resources for other things, rather than using them to honor our Heavenly Father. God loves us so much that He has given us His son Jesus to save us. The Lord wants you to be His best gift. The next time you have the opportunity to please God, do it with all your heart, do not let temptation change your thoughts. Remember that God loves a repentant heart.

The story in Mark 14 shows us how a woman is able to give her most expensive perfume to our Lord Jesus Christ and show Him that she was repentant and grateful for the love God had already given her.

“ While He was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.

Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

Muchas veces tenemos la oportunidad de agradar a nuestro Señor con algún regalo u ofrenda, pero somos criticados aun por nuestros propios hermanos. Pensamos que es mejor utilizar nuestro tiempo o nuestros recursos para otras cosas, en lugar de usarlas para honrar a nuestro Padre Celestial. Dios nos ama tanto que nos ha dado a su hijo Jesús para ser salvos. El Señor quiere que seas tú su mejor regalo. La próxima vez que tengas la oportunidad de agradar a Dios hazlo de todo corazón, no dejes que la tentación cambie tus pensamientos. Recuerda que Dios ama un corazón arrepentido.

La historia en Marcos 14 nos muestra cómo una mujer ofreció darle su perfume más caro a nuestro Señor Jesucristo y mostrarle su arrepentimiento y agradecimiento por el amor que Dios ya le ha dado.

“ 3 En Betania, mientras estaba él sentado a la

mesa en casa de Simón llamado el Leproso, llegó una mujer con un frasco de alabastro lleno de un perfume muy costoso, hecho de nardo puro.

Rompió el frasco y derramó el perfume sobre la cabeza de Jesús. 4 Algunos de los presentes comentaban indignados: —¿Para qué este desperdicio de perfume? 5 Podía haberse vendido por muchísimo dinero para darlo a los pobres. Y la reprendían con severidad.

6 —Déjenla en paz —dijo Jesús—. ¿Por qué la molestan? Ella ha hecho una obra hermosa conmigo. 7 A los pobres siempre los tendrán con ustedes, y podrán ayudarlos cuando quieran; pero a mí no me van a tener siempre.

“Leave her alone,” said Jesus.

“Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.

– Mark 14:3-7

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– Marcos 14:3-7

Vacation With Our Family

Vacaciones con Nuestra Familia

We thank God for allowing us to enjoy a vacation time with Him and our family. It was a long trip to North Carolina to meet with our son Adrian and his wife Ariana.

We are so proud that our son is serving two years in the United States Marines.

Agradecemos a Dios por permitirnos disfrutar de unas vacaciones con Él y nuestra familia. Fue un largo viaje a Carolina del Norte para reunirnos con nuestro hijo Adrian y su esposa Ariana. Estamos muy orgullosos de que mi hijo ya esté cumpliendo dos años en la Marina de los Estados Unidos.

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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

We thank our Lord for allowing us to enjoy each other and to enjoy His beautiful creation. We traveled to new places where we met many kind people and we were able to share the love of Christ with them. Each encounter helped us to understand that God already has everything ready for us to enjoy. God also protected us throughout the entire trip and brought us back home safely. Thank you all for you beautiful prayers and good wishes.

Agradecemos a nuestro Señor por permitirnos disfrutar unos con otros, de su hermosa creación y de todos los lugares que viajamos donde conocimos a muchas personas amables con quienes compartimos el amor de Cristo, lo que nos permitió comprender que Dios ya tenía todo listo para que lo disfrutáramos. Dios nos protegió durante todo el viaje y nos trajo de vuelta a casa sin sufrir ningún daño. Gracias a todos por sus hermosas oraciones y buenos deseos.

Working for the Kingdom of God, – Pastor Alex Rule

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Trabajando para el reino de Dios – Pastor Alex Rule

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Hospitality Ministry Hospitality Ministry

Fellowship & Training Event Last month on the evening of Aug 14, the volunteers of the Hospitality Ministry Team (HMT) gathered together for some time of fellowship and training. It was a great evening of conversation, laughter, good food, and some beneficial training on safety and security issues for Sunday church services.

Linda Sorenson

Linda Mathews

Guest speaker, Dena Johnson, a licensed mental health counselor who loves and serves the LORD, spoke to the group regarding engagement of people who may have mental health challenges. Growing in knowledge and understanding helps to foster empathy so that our encounters can be compassionate while giving us confidence in setting safe and healthy boundaries for ourselves and others. We are grateful for the opportunity to have heard from a knowledgeable sister in Christ as we continue to learn to ‘love well’ in the Name of Jesus.

HMT consists of a host of volunteers who work as ushers, greeters, parking lot greeters/security, refreshment servers, Welcome Center helpers, celebration workers, and event supports.

Volunteers on the Hospitality Ministry Team are at the forefront of engagement with others. Although it is EVERY CONGREGANT’S responsibility to be safety and security-minded, those who serve on HMT play a crucial role on Sunday mornings. During the training portion of the evening, participants learned about various safety features and security elements that are being put into place as our church develops an overall safety and security plan.

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Hospitality Ministry

"The church is full of hypocrites."

This is a common complaint of those that don’t attend church. The word describes a Pastor Emeritus person that wants others to Steve Baker think that they are really more committed to their faith than is actually the case.

Funtastic All-Church Event!

Church-Family Fun, Food, & Fellowship!

Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 15th as we gather together for one worship service from 10:00am-11:15am, immediately followed by a meal, fun, and fellowship on the north lawn from 11:15am1:00pm in the afternoon.

It promises to be a good time for all ages and plenty of opportunity to get to know each other better.

There will be some fun activities, music, raffles, prizes, good eats, and an opportunity to bless the LORD and each other.

What is actually the truth is that we all want others to think more highly of us than we deserve. We are actually one beggar telling another beggar where to find food.

We learn that our faith is more than a psychological crutch. It is our whole hospital. We come as broken people to be changed by the One who loves us and wants to give us power to be changed. Don’t be afraid to reveal your struggles with others. The work God is doing in our lives is one of the best testimonies of His love and power.

10am - 11:15am | One Worship Service 11:15am - 1pm | Picnic on the North Lawn Music, Fellowship, Activities,

Raffles & Prizes!

Invite Your Friends & Family!

Have you been thinking about asking a friend or neighbor to come visit our church? This would be a great day to extend that invitation. We hope to see each of you at the worship service and picnic!

RSVP at the Welcome Center By Sept 8th

Please sign-up by September 8th and let us know how many are in your party. You can sign-up at the Welcome Center, call the office (248-7940) or make a note on a Connect Card. Watch for more information and details.

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We are looking for someone to coordinate the Welcome Center. If you find your passion stirred to become more involved, please let us know!

We’d love to talk with you. Elder Linda Sorenson 509-834-1185 or Elder Linda Mathews 509-388-5527.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Grace of Christ Preschool — Alli Weide 509.248.7940, ext. 119 Alli@YakimaGrace.com www.yakimapreschool.com

Meet the Teachers

Our teaching staff remains the same, but some of the positions have changed. Jenifer Knight is the Lead Teacher in our 2-Day Class with Crystal Lopez as Assistant Teacher. Crystal Lopez is the Lead Teacher in our 3-Day Class with Jenifer Knight as Assistant Teacher.

Katrine Schraan is the Lead Teacher for both our Kindergarten Prep and our Pre-Kindergarten Classes. Sheree Tsubota is the Assistant Teacher for the Kindergarten Prep Class and Crystal Lopez is the Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten Class.

Jenifer Knight

September Memory Verse: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

Chapel

In September we learn about what the Bible is and why it is important, what it means to pray, and how and why we worship God. We will read the Creation Story in Genesis.

Our chapel lesson is also integrated into our classroom curriculum themes including; “we are special because we are made by God in His image” and “God created animals with unique abilities and purposes, too!”

Classroom Curriculum

Crystal Lopez

The first two weeks of school we spend some time getting to know each other – what makes each of us unique and special, who is in our families, and if we have any pets. As the season begins to change we learn about farms – what they do, what foods they grow, what animals live on farms and what their purpose is.

Numbers this Month: 1, 2, 3 Color of the Month: Yellow

Color Days: Sept 23rd & 24th September Letters: L, E, F (2 Day and 3 Day Preschool )

September Letters: F, E, D, P, B, R (Pre-K and K-Prep)

Katrine Schraan

Sheree Tsubota 9

FUNDRAISER! Back by popular demand is our Annual Pampered Chef Fundraiser! Get a jump start on Christmas while also supporting our amazing preschool program! Grab a catalog or order directly from our website:

www.pamperedchef.com/party/gocpreschool

Second Step Curriculum

This year I am proud to introduce Second Step, a Social-Emotional Skills Curriculum for Early Learning. This month we will focus on Welcoming (how to greet people, introduce ourselves, and make others feel welcome); and Listening (what it means to listen, why we listen, and how we can show others that we are listening to them).

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Children’s Ministry — Melissa Gray

GRACE KIDS OPEN HOUSE & FALL KICKOFF, SEPTEMBER 15!

SEPTEMBER MEMORY VERSE

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” – Galatians 5:22-23

SEPTEMBER POCKETS...

EPIC TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE!

This Fall we begin our journey into EPIC TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE! We will explore the enduring lessons of the Old and New Testaments. Our kids will build a foundation that guides them in living God’s way. We’ll dig into Scripture such as the Fruit of the Spirit, Armor of God, and Psalm 23. Kids discover that the Bible matters and is a loving letter from a God who understands them.

SEPTEMBER LESSONS AT A GLANCE…

(Kids… bring your Bible to class each week and earn an EXTRA store token!)

Sept 1: Sept 8: Sept 15: Sept22:

Grace Kids Open House and Fall Classroom Registration will be held on September 15 from 9:30 – 10:00am. Enjoy pastries and juice during registration. One Service will be held at 10:00 am with a picnic lunch to follow!

Open House is a great time to visit your child’s classroom and see all the awesome activities they get to participate in each Sunday morning.

Grab a pastry, play a quick game with your child, and update their registration information for the exciting year ahead!

Summer Wrap up… God is Encouraging End of Summer Celebration Fall Kickoff! Love is a fruit of the spirit!

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.

did you know that we have a FREE kids activity book called Pockets available each month in our classroom? It is full of FUN stories, games, and activities and always has a monthly Bible reading plan. Every kid who completes the monthly scriptures and has their parents sign that the page was completed will receive 10 TOKENS to spend at the student store!

D2–DONUTS & DISCIPLESHIP 4TH AND 5TH GRADE FUN!

D2 kicks off on SEPTEMBER 29 from 10:00-10:30am in room 209. D2 is just for 4th and 5th grade students and meets on Sunday mornings immediately following the Sunday lesson. This small group time offers older students an opportunity to go deeper in their faith, share with friends, and learn more about prayer, all while munching on donuts and having a lot of fun together!

GRACE KIDS FAMILY WORSHIP NIGHT

Join us on Wednesday, September 25 in the KidZone for a Grace Kids family dinner, worship and games! This is a great event to carve out some fun family time, and bonus... no dinner to cook! If you have a child who attends Grace Kids, then this family event is for YOU!

DINNER: 6:30pm | Gym FAMILY WORSHIP & FUN: 7:00-8:00 pm | KidZone 2nd floor RSVP to Melissa by 9/23 Melissa.gray@yakimagrace.com 10

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Student Ministry FALL KICK OFF! September 11th @ 6:30pm

— Thomas Sudbury

(6th-12th Grade Students)

Happy Fall!

As we enter into this new season in our ministry, we are focused on reaching out and getting closer to our community. We will focus on building God’s kingdom by welcoming those who may not know Jesus into a community of believers. Our hope is that they will see God’s amazing grace working in our lives.

This year, we will serve at Northwest Harvest and Camp Hope so that we may gain a greater understanding of our community and the importance of working together as the Body of Christ.

One of the main pillars of the Student Ministry vision statement is that our youth will encounter community. It is our prayer that great things will come out of what we are doing this season.

It is here again! That wonderful time of year where we invite all of our friends and come together for an amazing time at church! We will drop something out of the tower, play some amazing games, and hear a great message to start off our school year. OF COURSE, THERE WILL BE FOOD TOO! Youth will meet this year’s staff, some old and some new, and will get to know everyone else in their group!

If your child is going into 6th-12th grade, we want them to join us! Even if they cannot make the kick-off, we will have events going on every week! Encounter meets each Wednesday night at the church from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. On Sundays, we meet in the garden room for reFUEL from 9:00am - 10:15am.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

I cannot express how much gratitude all of the kids have for those who opened their hearts and homes this summer so kids could fellowship! Thank you John, Joanne, Eric, Nancy, Jake, Carla, Hamilton, and Carol for all you do to make our youth feel welcome! I know we said it before, and we will say it again, THANK YOU!

Coming Up

We have some great events coming up! Specifically, we need to have youth register this month for the upcoming events in October, November and February. Every year we go to Ghormley for fall and winter camp! Middle School SlamQuest will be October 25-27 and High School Blast will be January 31- February 2! Get your child signed up today! We are also going to the Believe Conference in Oregon again this year! The dates are November 8th and 9th. This is a Middle School only event and space is limited, so register soon!

There are too many events to list here, so be sure to check our church website and get your calendar! www.yakimagrace.com/ youth You can also check out everything as it happens on our Facebook page. Look for us at Grace Student Ministries.

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Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us this: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp

Fall Events

We are excited to be getting ready for several events this fall!

SLAMQUEST

Save the Date

September 21

GHORMLEY MEADOW CHRISTIAN CAMP

80th Anniversary Celebration!

Ghormley is celebrating 80 years of life transforming ministry, and you’re invited!

Saturday, September 21 4pm at Westside Church Make plans to join us for an evening of inspiring testimony, great food, fun, a silent auction, and more, as we celebrate 80 years of lives transformed, and look forward to where God is taking us in the future.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 16th.

For more information, or to register, please visit our website: https://www.ghormleymeadow.org/80th/

Summer Report

“Summer is now over, and we are praising God for the 800+ campers who came to Ghormley this summer.

God did amazing work in the lives of so many youth who came to camp.

Campers were trained this summer about the mission that God has for their lives.

Many campers shared that they realized their true identity in Christ because of attending camp this summer. Please pray that the words heard and the love displayed to the campers this summer will stay in their hearts throughout the coming year!”

www.ghormleymeadow.org 12

is our weekend retreat for 6th-8th grade students and will be held October 25-27.

Online registration will be available beginning Sept. 9!

MT. MEADOW CHRISTMAS is coming this December!

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than a weekend here at Ghormley devoted just to family and activities to help kick off the Christmas season! Be sure to mark your calendar for the weekend of December 7-8, as this one family experience you won’t want to miss! Online registration will be available beginning October 4th.

Online Giving

Online giving is now available! Please visit our Donate page to see what giving opportunities we currently have, and how to get involved. http://www.ghormleymeadow.org/ join-our-team/donate-to-ghormley/

Support Needs

Interested in supporting the ministry of Ghormley? We have a number of projects either in process or that we are raising funds for, so we can begin. If you’d like to know what we’re up to, or how to support the ministry of Ghormley, visit us at: http://www.ghormleymeadow.org/join-our-team/ donate-to-ghormley/

Prayer Needs

• Praise God for His amazing work in the lives of campers at Ghormley this summer.

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

• Pray that relationships will be built, lives changed,

and every person who comes to Ghormley Meadow will meet Jesus.

• Pray that the Lord will lead us as we raise funds and embark on several facility improvement projects.

509.672.4311

facebook.com/ghormleymeadow

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Life Groups

GROWING TOGETHER through Life Groups

speaking the truth in love, we “Rather, are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

– Ephesians 4.15-16

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The Apostle Paul refers to the Church as the “Body of Christ.” It’s a beautiful description of our interconnectedness. As the above Scripture says, each in the body is to do his or her own part in contributing to the life, health and growth of the Church and the individual members within the Body of Christ. Church is a team sport. We are all in this together. The best way to stay connected to one another is through small groups.

The best way to build each other up is through small groups. The best way to grow and mature in Christ together is through small groups.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Life Groups Doing Life Together

Small groups are nothing new at Grace of Christ.

However, there are some changes that are being made as we transition into becoming an E4 Church. Grace of Christ may be currently described as a “church with small groups.” The goal is to become a “Small Groups Church.”

In other words, small groups are not just another program, but a primary vehicle for everybody within the church to care for one another, pray for one another, love one another, to... one another, and build one another “...encourage up, just as you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5.11 ”

Small groups are where we grow together in our faith as we ...spur one another on towards love and good deeds. – Hebrews 10:24.

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It’s basically doing life and faith together and to that end, our small groups will be called “Life Groups.” They will basically follow the same format at the previous Growth Groups, but with an emphasis on doing life together.

Your Participation is Important

Our prayer is to have every person at Grace of Christ in a Life Group. So, be praying about your participation and look for ways to sign-up for a group beginning September 15th. As you consider participating in a Life Group, also be praying about your role in this vital ministry.

Life Group Leaders

Upcoming Life Group Sessions

Life Groups will start September 15 and run through the middle of December. There will be a break, and then another session January to Easter, and another session following Easter to June. After each session, you can stay in the same group, begin a new group, or join another group that has availability.

Need More Information?

There will be a need for more Life Group Leaders, who will be trained and equipped to lead a group. Plus, there will be needs for each Life Group to have a Host/Hostess, Prayer Monitor, Care Facilitator, and Social Coordinator.

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Each Life Group will aim at finding a way to serve the church or community throughout the year. And, each Life Group will plan on 2-3 social events that can be used as an outreach to invite neighbors, friends, family.

If you have questions or need more information, contact: Shan Trick (Elder): shantrick70@gmail.com (or) Pastor Bill: Bill@yakimagrace.com

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Worship Ministry

Choosing Songs for Worship Hello! I’m Nathan Gross, the Director of Contemporary Worship Ministries at Grace of Christ, and I’m often asked how I come up with the songs for a given weekend.

While it’s not an exact science, I do have a few steps I like to follow. It’s my pleasure to walk you through what that looks like, from my perspective.

Sermon Series, Verses and Prayer

For starters, Pastor Bill is awesome about having any upcoming series outlined at least a month or so in advance.

He’ll usually have the series title, direction of the series, weekly sermon titles and verses ready at this point.

Oftentimes, God will begin to put songs in my head right then and there, based on prayer times, themes or verses that might relate. Sometimes Pastor Bill and I even bounce song ideas off each other, which definitely helps me to get my head into the right spot.

Then, each week, Pastor Bill will have a more defined direction out by Tuesday at the latest, which typically means I get to see the sermon blurb, sermon points and any additional verses. I like to try to fit songs as closely to each point as possible, with the overarching theme of that Sunday being central. It takes a lot of thought and prayer, but typically, things start to fall into place here.

Flow and I.M.P.AC.T.

Next, flow is an important aspect of worship, and while it’s not entirely up to me to make sure that the flow happens, I want to do my best to make sure that I’m not getting in the way. I like to think of a few things to help: I.M.P.A.C.T., Horizontal vs. Vertical Worship, keys, instruments and vocalists available, etc. I’ll try to keep the technical bits to a minimum as I go over these.

First, I.M.P.A.C.T. is an acrostic I learned early on that stands for Inspire Movement, Praise, Adoration, Commitment, and 15

Tie-it-all-together. With that in mind, we try to start each week upbeat, move through praise, adoration and commitment and tie everything together at the end. While not every service needs this, it typically works well for most.

Horizontal and Vertical Worship

Then, I’ll look at Horizontal Worship (singing with others about God) vs. Vertical Worship (singing directly to God, usually more personally). It’s ok to have both in one service, but I try not to go back and forth between the two very often. Typically, I’ve found it’s good to start with Horizontal Worship and then move into and stay in Vertical Worship, but the inverse can be effective as well. The idea is to try to not go back and forth between the two.

Instruments and Vocalists

I also need to keep in mind what keys we’re in, what instruments and vocalists we have available, as well as many other things. These things are a bit more technical, but basically what I’m trying to do here is to make things as comfortable as possible for as many people as possible.

As such, we’re trying not to sing too high or low, trying to recognize what is easiest for the instruments, and allowing for the possibility that other things might come up.

As I stated above, none of this is an exact science, so you may find that many things are different from one week to the next. However, these are the tools that I use to put a #SundaySetlist together, all for God’s glory! Now you can do one, too!

– Nathan Gross

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Women’s Ministry

MOPS Mothers of Preschoolers

WOW: Women of the Word Tuesday Bible Study

MOPS will kick off its 2019-2020 year on September 20 at 9:30am. Our first meeting is a little later this year, as MOPS International had their annual international conference in early September at Walt Disney World.

You are invited to set aside Tuesday mornings from 9:45am to 11:00am, to join others in learning, praying, and enjoying laughter together.

This year our group was able to send two moms, and they had an amazing time learning how to live life TO THE FULL. This is the MOPS theme for the new year. The verse that inspires this new theme is from the book of John. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10.

We are going to spend the year having more fun, fearing less, and finding our people. MOPS meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of the month from 9:30am to noon (with a few exceptions).

Please join us as we head into our 21st year at Grace of Christ Church. We are always looking for volunteers & mentors. If interested, please contact Danielle Woodcock at 509-312-9883.

Come to the Fireside Room to explore Women of the New Testament (September 24 – Jan 21) and The Letters of John (January 28 – May 5).

Some comments from last year… for an uplifting Bible study, as I deal with “Thanks grief. Women who care and pray! ” Blessings to the ladies who lead and who attend “our Tuesday Bible study. ” A place to share prayer with others who care. “ ” It is uplifting to be with other Christian women “studying God’s word. ” The fellowship of the ladies is a blessing. “ ” I was blessed by all the lessons taught. Each “teacher had their individual style of teaching which was great. I learned and understood more about the book of Matthew.

“

”

Loved the opportunity to get to know some really neat ladies.

”

Questions? Ask anyone on the teaching team or check with folks in the office. We welcome you!

Women in the Word (WOW) Teaching Team:

Donna Fuhlman, Donna Oliva, Jean Paulson, John Stolzenbach, Joyce Furstenau, Kathy Mathison, and Sue Sanders

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Women’s Ministry Children’s Program Available For those with children between first grade and 5th grade, Women’s Ministry is intending to offer a program just for them! Please sign-up at the Welcome Center.

Youth Group If you have middle school/high school age kids, this timeline falls in line with the Wednesday night Youth Group.

Sign Up Today!

So, bring the family Wednesday night for a mid-week refresher! Sign-up sheets will be at the Welcome Center.

The Inheritance | Women’s Bible Study

The Inheritance – A Beth Moore DVD Study

Even if you are no longer tied to the academic school year, the fall season feels like period of new beginnings!

This fall Women’s Ministry is looking forward to offering a Wednesday evening Bible Study from September 18 through November 13. We invite you to come and be fed body and spirit.

Wednesdays, September 18 – November 13 Grace Of Christ Church: Lounge on the Main Floor Simple Supper: 6:30pm – 7:00pm Bible Study: 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Free Shipping!

If you would like to purchase the book through Women’s Ministry, we will pay shipping and handling.

The concept of inheritance isn’t just a subject in Scripture.

It is a theme stretching all the way from Genesis to Revelation. Beth’s teaching is based on Psalm 16:5-6 (ESV).

The Inheritance Listening Guide $5 The Listening Guide is highly recommended for following along with the DVD.

“The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”

No Homework One of the deciding factors on our selection of Beth Moore’s “The Inheritance” was that it was one of the few studies that does not have homework and the DVD sessions are approximately 60 minutes each.

Regardless of how desired the Bible Study might be, we were concerned that schedules are often so full that the additional load of homework could be too much. An added bonus is the study book (Listening Guide) is only $5.00!

The Inheritance Journal $7 An optional journal is also available for purchase. The journal is not part of the class curriculum and is for your personal use.

What to Expect – Simple Supper & Study Hour Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm for a simple supper, followed by Bible study from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in the Lounge (main floor).

Childcare Available with Pre-registration If you need childcare for ages 3 months through Kinder ages, please register with the church office at 509.248.7940.

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“The lines have fallen for me in

pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”

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Psalm 16.5 - 6

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry “Equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors” Grace of Christ is a missional church distributing DROPS OF GRACE locally, nationally, internationally and globally.

Loving in the name and power of Christ, Grace of Christ truly has a world-wide impact, changing lives for His Kingdom.

Please enjoy this pictorial highlighting a few of Grace’s twenty-plus mission partners and Mission Organization Partners.

Celebrating Jesus' Faithfulness in Cambodia Greetings Grace of Christ from Cambodia!

With joy in our hearts we want to share some of what Jesus has been doing in Battambang, Cambodia! We began pioneering the ministry of Youth with A Mission (YWAM) and University of the Nations (U of N ) in 2005 here in Battambang to raise up the Khmer youth with education, integrity and self-esteem while coming to know Jesus.

By God’s grace, we have constantly grown until we started to pursue development of a centralized long-term Campus and Community Center in 2012. In 2012, we shared with our Grace family the journey that Jesus had led us on to buy a 13-acre property on the edge of our city. Through your generous gifts and those of many others from around the world, we saw God provide $850,000 by October 2012 in order to own, fill and fence the Campus property debt-free.

We celebrated Jesus’ faithfulness!

The journey continued in 2014 as we shared again about our 1st Phase of Campus construction for an estimated

amount of $3 million which included three dormitories, a 24-classroom training center and a cafeteria that seats 500. Again, your sacrificial giving was critical. We saw God provide these funds through you and many others. By the end of 2016, we had moved onto the campus. By the end of 2017 we had finished the 1st Phase of Construction, under budget no less, and were able to start building long-term staff apartments with the remaining budget. Again, we celebrated Jesus’ faithfulness!

From 2015-2018 we continued to see growth in the ministry especially in the area of sports, education and church planting. During this time, we started our preschool, followed by a primary school that is now grown to Kindergarten-3rd grade. In the area of sports, we started a Cross-Fit Gym and most recently taking on a soccer ministry that facilitates 600+ youth in soccer leagues with 50 teams as well as an elite women’s team that trains female soccer players for the Cambodian National Team. We also planted Community Light Church. After 3 years, it is now the largest in Battambang and has planted 13 house churches in surrounding villages.

The 1st Phase of the Community Center and Training Campus was finished in 2017.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry

Students at the University of the Nations Training School

YWAM’s University of the Nations Training Campus is the largest Missions Training Campus in Southeast Asia with 110 full-time staff serving in ministries to serve the poor, reach the lost and train the saved for missions in Cambodia and Asia.

The YWAM Community Center and Training Campus is one of the largest facilities in the 2nd largest city of Battambang, Cambodia.

In the midst of 2018-2019, we started to dream about developing more of the Community Center aspect of the Campus and felt led to make a push to develop soccer fields.

There were only a few pay-to-play ones locally. By the end of 2018, we had raised another $100,000 specifically for a mid-size all-weather turf field and full-size grass field. Bruce Drollinger from our Grace family sacrificially came out to help us install an underground irrigation system (the only one in our city) for our grass field and now we have hundreds of youth in organized leagues coming to play soccer on our Campus multiple times a week. We celebrated Jesus’ faithfulness!

Many of our Youth Development Center students start coming to the Campus to learn English and but after learning about and experiencing the love of Jesus, they choose to believe in and follow Him In November, we will be in Yakima preaching at Grace of Christ as well as hosting numerous dessert nights for all who are interested to hear more about what Jesus is doing to the ends of the earth!

As we celebrate Jesus’ faithfulness, we want to say thank you Grace of Christ for walking this journey together. As a couple, we have now been in missions full-time for 17 years.

It is in large part because of your prayers and support. We also want to invite you in 2019 to continue to be a part of the story that God is writing in Cambodia as He redeems and restores this nation for His Glory!

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Thank you so much Grace of Christ and Blessings from Battambang, Cambodia!

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry Let’s Partner with Living Waters for the World!

Without clean water, you lack health. Living Waters for the World (LWW) empowers everyday people to change lives through clean water. LWW mission team partners with communities to implement and sustain water purification systems and to provide health education. LWW does not drill wells but instead, empowers communities to treat contaminated water and maintain a safe water source.

On Sunday, September 22nd, you will have the opportunity to hear how the Yakima LWW team is creating access to purified water for the villagers of the Yucatan, Mexico (population approximately 2,818).

Trailseekers!

This summer we completed our 29th year of Orcas Encampment. This was a full, fun week with 21 boys from Yakima and 21 boys from Kennewick who were paired one on one with a high school mentor. In addition, we had four teachers per pod. It was a big group!

With this being my first year at Orcas, I had all the same excitement and the same worries as a first-time camper.

You see, I was the same as one of those 42 kindergarten and 1st graders that had no idea what to expect. Will they like me? Will I know what I’m supposed to do? What about the people I don’t know? Will I get along with people who are different then me? All the worries of a new experience...

What I didn’t remember while I was worrying, was that I had so many people who had gone before me and paved the way for one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I will forever be grateful for this camp!

I not only got along with this group of strangers, but I bonded with so many of them and established friendships

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The Yakima-based LWW team includes team members from Grace of Christ and Yakima Covenant Church who are looking to raise funds to purchase a used pick-up truck. This would be a game-changer for the outlying villagers, allowing them to receive clean water. Presently, large glass containers of safe water are transported by a three-wheel cart across rough, rocky, dirt roads. It can be quite cumbersome. A truck would expand travel to reach further distances and meet the needs of the surrounding people and villages. The Yakima team is planning a mission trip to the Yucatan in late December 2019.

Please consider sprinkling “drops of love, mercy and grace” upon the people of the Yucatan, allowing them to have access to purified water—which in turn—will boost overall physical, mental, and spiritual health.

with some of the most amazing human beings I know. The Lord had provided me with all the tools I needed to show His love to this new group of people.

This experience provided me with so much excitement for the upcoming TrailSeeker’s program. We kick off TrailSeekers on Monday, September 23rd @ 2:30pm here in the church Gym. I would be so honored to share this experience with you. If you are interested in hanging out (on Monday afternoons) with some amazing kids (Kinder through 5th grade) from our Yakima schools, then we have a place for you! Feel free to contact me at Monnie.Miller@ yakimagrace.com or call (509) 248-7940 ext. 105. I look forward to talking with you!

– Monnie Miller TrailSeeker, Monday Coordinator “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Announcements MEN OF GRACE Saturday, Sept 28 9am – 12pm, Lunch Follows Garden Room Allan Meyer of Lifekeys Ministry in Australia, along with ex-Australian Rules Footballer Andrew Jobling, will be sharing with us to discuss the ripple effect of braveheart manhood. Both are accomplished speakers and authors and will provide great insight for men who desire to find their purpose and meaning in their particular season of life.

MISSION TEAM FUNDRAISER #Yakima2Yetebon Our youth mission team is heading to Ethiopia in 2020! As a fundraiser, they are selling some amazing coffee. Buy a bag of our delicious coffee beans to enjoy at home! Each bag is $10 and you can choose from ground or whole beans. We have sourced this coffee from Ethiopia. Your purchase will bless this mission team greatly!

TRAILSEEKERS Monday afternoons @ 2:30 - Gym We are looking for volunteers! Are you interested in spending Monday afternoons with kids from our community and investing in their lives? We need people to study, play games, or transport kids home.

Contact Monnie at Monnie.miller@YakimaGrace.com.

PRAY YAKIMA 24/7 2nd Sunday of the Month Our church has the privilege to pray for our Yakima Valley on the 2nd Sunday of each month. There are 15-minute slots for the entire day – if you would like to take a slot or two, please visit the Welcome Center or call Ericka in the church office. Please pick up a copy of prayer prompts at the Welcome Center or at YakimaGrace.com.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Our Core Values

Glorifying God With Our Best Pioneering and Ongoing Outreach Engaging and Nurturing Relationships Being a Cornerstone in the Community Equipping People for Ministry Through Biblical Foundation and Service

9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902 (509) 248-7940

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sun, Sept 1

Prayer Sunday | Communion in Fireside Room

All Morning ALL DAY

Sanctuary

Everyone

ENTIRE CHURCH

EVERYONE

MON, SEPT 2

LABOR DAY / CHURCH CLOSED

Tue, Sept 3

Preschool Starts this Week!

Preschool

Tue, Sept 3

Hospitality Team Meeting

4:00pm

Lounge

Committee

Tue, Sept 10

Mission Ministry Team Meeting

4:00pm

Adult Ed Room

Committee

Tue, Sept 10

Healing Prayer Gathering

6:30pm

Chapel

Everyone

Wed, Sept 11

Fight Like a Queen Women's Bible Study (6 wks)

9:00am

Chapel

Women

Thur, Sept 12

Women's Ministry Team Meeting

4:30pm

Adult Ed Room

Committee

Thur, Sept 12

Ghormley Commission

6:30pm

Adult Ed Room

Committee

Fri, Sept 13

Safety Team Meeting

1:30pm

Library

Committee

Sat, Sept 14

Prayer Shawl Ministry

1:00pm

Garden Room

Knitters

Sanctuary/North Lawn

EVERYONE!

Sun, Sept 15

Kick Off Sunday: Fall Festival! One Service & Picnic

10:00am

Wed, Sept 18

Beth Moore: The Inheritance Kickoff (Dinner, too!)

6:30pm

Gym/Lounge

Women

Fri, Sept 20

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

9:15am

Chapel

Moms

Sat, Sept 21

Sat, Sept 21

Sunfair Parade

10:00am

Yakima Avenue

Ghormley 80th Celebration & Fundraiser

4:30pm

West Valley Church

Everyone

Garden Room

Everyone

Lounge

Deacons

Sun, Sept 22

Ministry Fair

All Morning

Sun, Sept 22

Deacon's Meeting

Tue, Sept 24

WOW Women's Bible Study Kickoff!

9:45am

Fireside Room

Women

Tue, Sept 24

Session Dinner and Meeting

5:30pm

Garden Rm/KidZone

Elders

Sat, Sept 28

Volunteer at Young Life booth at Fair! (Call Church)

All Day

Fairgrounds

Everyone

Sat, Sept 28 Men of Grace: Braveheart Manhood Conference 9:00am - 12:00pm

(Lunch Follows)

Garden Room

Men

Sat, Sept 28

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Garden Room

Knitters

Sun, Sept 29

Dr. Allan Meyer (Careforce)

All Morning

Sanctuary

Everyone

Sun, Sept 29

Baptism Sunday

9:00am

Sanctuary

12:30pm

1:00pm

OCTOBER

Sun, October 6

World Communion

Tue, October 8

Healing Prayer Gathering

All Morning 6:30pm

Garden Rm / Sanctuary

Everyone

Chapel

Everyone

Grace Alive is available in a PDF format on the church web page www.YakimaGrace.com. For inquiries, submissions, omissions, and corrections, contact Ericka in the church office 248-7940 x 100. ericka.clark@yakimagrace.com

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Weekday Events MON Bible Study Fellowship (Begins 9/9)

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Overeater’s Anonymous Trailseekers (Begins 9/23) Al-Anon Divorce Care

9:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 2:30pm 5:15pm 6:30pm

TUE

9:00-11:30am 9:45am 10:00am 5:30-7:00pm 7:00-8:00pm

SOZO Prayer Women in the Word Bible Study (Begins 9/24) All Staff Check-In Meeting Gracia de Cristo Music Rehearsal Gracia Men of Courage

WED Gracia Women of Prayer Encounter | Youth Group (Dinner too!)

5:30pm 6:30-8:30pm

HUR Bible Study Fellowship (Begins 9/12) T SOZO Prayer Temple Choir (Begins 9/5)

9:00am 5:45pm - 9:15pm 7:00pm

FRI SOZO Prayer 9:00 - 11:30am MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) (Begins 9/20) 9:15 - 11:30am

(1st & 3rd Fridays)

Sanctuary Men Adult Ed Everyone Adult Ed Everyone Gym Everyone Adult Ed Everyone Lounge Everyone Prayer Room Fireside Rm Lounge Sanctuary Sanctuary Adult Ed Gym

Make Appointment Women All Staff Gracia Music Team Men Women 6th-12th Grades

Sanctuary Women Prayer Rm Make Appointment Choir Room Choir Prayer Room Chapel

Make Appointment Moms

Sunday Services and Events

SUN

Grace Contemporary Worship 9:00am Sanctuary Everyone Sanctuary Everyone Grace Traditional Worship (Led by Temple Choir) 11:00am 1:00pm Sanctuary Everyone Gracia de Cristo (Worship in Spanish) Going Deeper: Genesis 9:30am Adult Ed Adults Golden Circle 10:15am Room 103 Adults Grace Kids 9:00 & 11:00am KidZone Wing 3yrs-5th grade Youth reFUEL 9:00am Youth Rm & Gym 6th-12th grade

Announcements COOKIES FOR SUNDAY!

Thank you for bringing cookies, crackers, fruit, or quick breads for all to enjoy during our fellowship hour on Sunday.

See dates you can contribute – last names beginning with…

SUNDAY

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