Grace Alive May 2019

G race of Ch r i s t Pre s by t e r i a n C h u rc h Yo u r P l a ce To B e l o n g , B e l i e v e , B e co m e , B l e s s

Iglesia Presbiteriana Gracia de Cristo: Un Lugar Para Pertenecer, Creer, Ser y Bendecir

May

2019

VOL 113

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Head Pastor If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself...” you are doing WELL.” – James 2:8

— Bill Williamson

LOVE YOUR Dear Family of Grace,

neighbor AS YOURSELF

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

- John 14:15. When asked which commandment was the greatest, Jesus said, “Love God... and love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus could have mentioned any of the 10 Commandments. In fact, Jesus doesn’t mention any of the 10 Commandments. He gets to the heart of the matter. If we want to truly be obedient, start by loving God. That could take a lifetime to not only figure out, but then to also obey.

What does it mean to love God? How do you love God WELL? Perhaps that’s why Jesus gave two answers: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Ok, there are actually three answers: 1) Love God, 2) Love your neighbor, 3) Love

I’ve noticed that churches have a catch phrase that summarize their mission statement. Here at Yakima Grace (formerly First Presbyterian) we have had several short statements...

• We love because He first loved us • We are a church without walls where seekers become servants

yourself. James 2:8 basically says, if you can get a handle on loving your neighbor as yourself, you are way down the road to loving God. You are doing WELL. This month, and maybe even into the summer, we will try to understand what it means for us to LOVE WELL. How do we love God well? How do we love our neighbors well? How do we love ourselves well? How do we love our enemies well?

The poor? The oppressed? The outcast? Those who are grieving? Those who do not know Christ? How do we love one another well? If we can love God and love others, then perhaps following the 10 Commandments is not too difficult.

Pastor Emeritus Steve Barker

We Currently Use 4 Words to Describe Our Mission: Belong, Believe, Become, Bless The emphasis is that we are called together in a

community. We have common beliefs about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. We will wrestle with what it means to live under the Lordship of Jesus. The community does not live for itself. The history of GCPC is a rich one in which we have spread ourselves throughout community.

I have used the imagery of manure to describe our roll as Christians in the world. If we just spend time piled up with one another then we stink, but if we spread out in the world, then we do a lot of good.

Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus who gave His life for the world. May the LORD bless you as you wrestle with your call to follow Jesus.

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In the Grace of Christ, Pastor Bill

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Pastoral Care — John Stolzenbach The Right Person at the Right Time

WALKING ALONGSIDE THE GRIEVING Any Loss Can Cause Grief

Recently, I shared a training about dealing with grief with our Deacons. We talked about helpful ways to walk through the seasons of loss. Most of us may associate grief with the death of a loved one, which often is the cause of the most intense type of grief. This type of grief includes physical loss and may include a family pet who is considered an intrical part of the family unit. Any loss can cause grief. We can also experience the death of dreams including marriage, infertility, or physical injuries that change the direction of our lives. Life changes can also be a source of grief when they involve a separation or divorce, the loss of a job, loss of friendship, or the loss of independence that can occur with age.

How To Comfort the Grieving

We are often at a loss for words or fear saying the wrong thing when we encounter friends or family who have experienced a loss. As a rule of thumb, less is more. My dad died 41 years ago, and I can still recall how a hug at just the right time provided a longer lasting comfort than words of condolences. Read how Job’s friends sat with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights without speaking a word. (Job 2:11-13). Too bad they eventually opened their mouths! If we speak, it is better to say, “I’m sorry for your loss,” and “You and your family are in our prayers.” Just be sure to actually pray for that family! What isn't helpful, is talking about your own losses, or saying that you understand what the grieving person is going through, because we really don’t know what life is like for someone else behind closed doors.

Recently, Alex Rule was with his Trailseekers group and one of the boys became very upset because his dog had died.

Monnie Miller oversees childcare at Grace of Christ and also leads the Monday Trailseekers group. She was making her rounds through the various groups and arrived at that very moment. Monnie lost her husband to death on July 5, 2018, and her dog shortly after that. She could identify with this young boy's grief.

Monnie shared a little bit about her dog Max and how special he was to her. She encouraged the boy to tell her about his dog. Monnie then asked, “Would you like to see a picture of Max the next time we meet? Could you bring a picture of your dog too?” It was affirmative on both counts. It was exactly what a grieving little boy needed at that very moment.

Brent Miller & Max

Facing Those “Firsts” and Helping Others

Patty Arkills, whose husband died on June 11, 2018, recently shared how she faced her first Christmas without David. She wondered if she should decorate her house? Would she be able to attend church alone? She prayed for strength and direction. It was the first Sunday in December. She went.

She noticed the tree was up in the Garden Room with the names of kids at Adams Elementary in need of gifts. She took several names, and even before leaving church, she had a plan to go shopping for them that very afternoon.

She recalled how the dread of the holidays began to recede.

She then came to the wrapping party the next week and decided to also help with the dinner at Adams when the gifts would be distributed. She said, “I was taking my eyes off myself and thinking about others.” It helped with all the other “firsts” she was facing. She would now like to walk alongside others who have experienced loss. She wants to begin brainstorming with others who would like to help her start a group for people who have experienced losses.

These are just two examples of how different people have handled their grief, and how they used that grief to help another. “May the Lord lead us to be willing to walk alongside those who have suffered a loss.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Together Serving Jesus, John Stolzenbach 3

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo / English

En Español

True and Genuine Love Comes from Our Father God

El Amor Verdadero Y Genuino Viene De Nuestro Padre Dios

We can find God's expression of unconditional love for us throughout the Bible. A true repentance and God’s forgiveness make us possessors of His Love without condition. Even when God is commanding us to repent of all our sins, and to live a holy life for Him, The Lord never stops loving us but goes along with us, on our path to Eternity. The Bible shows and teaches us that God's unconditional love never fails and is not motivated by personal gain.

Puedes encontrar la expresión de Dios de Su amor incondicional para nosotros en toda la Biblia. Un verdadero arrepentimiento y el perdón de Dios nos hace poseedores de Su Amor sin Condición. Incluso cuando Dios nos está pidiendo que nos arrepintamos de todos nuestros pecados y que vivamos una vida santa para Él, el Señor nunca deja de amarnos, sino que nos acompaña en nuestro camino hacia la Eternidad. La Biblia nos muestra y nos enseña que el amor incondicional de Dios nunca falla, y no está motivado por la ganancia personal.

person who has My commandments and keeps “The them is the one who (really) loves Me; and whoever (really) loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him (I will make Myself real to him). – John 14:21

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¿Quién es el que me ama? El que hace suyos mis “21mandamientos y los obedece. Y al que me ama,

mi Padre lo amará, y yo también lo amaré y me manifestaré a él. – Juan 14:21 (NVI)

”

Women Of Prayer

Mujeres De Oracion

About 15 women from the Spanish service participated in the Women's Retreat in Leavenworth. For some, it was their first time. We all experienced a time of worship and fellowship in total unity. There was Spanish translation.

Unas 15 mujeres del servicio de español participaron en el Retiro de Mujeres en Leavenworth. Para algunas fue su primera vez. Todas experimentamos un tiempo de adoración y compañerismo en unidad total. Había traducción al español. Más de 70 mujeres en total compartieron tiempo de calidad edificándose unas con otras. Este tiempo ha servido para nutrir nuestro espíritu y comprender más quién es Dios en nuestras vidas y cuánto ÉL nos ama.

More than 70 women in total shared quality time building one another. This time has served to nourish our spirits and to help us to better understand how God works in our lives, and how much He loves us. thank God and our church for giving us this “We wonderful gift of LOVE. – Aurora Rule ”

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a Dios y a nuestra iglesia por darnos “Agradecemos este maravilloso regalo de AMOR. – Aurora Rule ”

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo / English

En Español

CONNECT WITH JEAN SCHIEWE . 966-6537

The After-School Program Rosy Canales leads the Grace of Christ After-School program at Adams Elementary. Attendance almost doubled this past quarter! Ms. Canales is our new director and a member of Gracia de Cristo. She introduced a new curriculum based on her experience as a former principal in Mexico. She understands the needs of our Adams students. By focusing the curriculum on the child’s imagination and creativity, we are able to connect with the students and build strong relationships. Instead of centering the After-School Program purely on academics, which the kids are involved in during the whole school day, Rosy uses arts, stories and activities to engage the students. It makes it much easier for us to participate with the kids as volunteers and to enter into meaningful conversations as we work together on our projects.

Join Us For Spring Quarter!

Spring quarter started on Tuesday, April 9 and we will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3–5pm at Adams Elementary School for a total of 8 weeks. If you would like to participate in this meaningful program, please contact the church and we will find a place for you. It is a wonderful way to serve in God’s Kingdom right here in Yakima!

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El Programa Despues De Escuela

Rosy Canales dirige el programa después de la escuela en Adams. La asistencia casi se ha duplicado en el trimestre pasado en el Programa Después de la Escuela de Gracia de Cristo en la Escuela Primaria Adams. La Sra. Canales, nuestra nueva directora y miembro de nuestra iglesia Gracia de Cristo, introdujo un nuevo plan de estudios utilizando su experiencia como directora en México. Ella entiende las necesidades de nuestros estudiantes de Adams y al enfocar su plan de estudios en la imaginación y creatividad del niño, pudimos conectarnos con los estudiantes y establecer relaciones sólidas. En lugar de centrar el Programa Después de la Escuela en actividades académicas puramente, en las que los niños participan durante todo el día escolar, Rosy utiliza artes, historias y actividades para involucrar a los estudiantes. Se nos hizo mucho más fácil participar con los niños como voluntarios y entablar conversaciones significativas mientras trabajábamos juntos en nuestros proyectos.

¡Únete a nosotros para el trimestre de primavera!

El trimestre de primavera comenzó el martes 9 de Abril y nos reuniremos durante 8 semanas los Martes y Jueves de 3:00 P.M. a 5:00 PM en la Escuela Primaria Adams.

Si usted desea participar en este programa significativo, comuníquese con la iglesia y le encontraremos un lugar para usted en el Programa Después de la Escuela de Gracia de Cristo. Esta es una manera maravillosa de servir en el Reino de Dios aquí en Yakima.

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo / English

En Español

If you wish to volunteer & serve in any of these ministries, please call 509-248-7940 x 113 or call Pastor Alex Rule directly at 509-731-2657 or alex.rule@yakimagrace.com Si usted desea ser voluntario para servir en alguno de nuestros ministerios por favor comuníquese con nosotros llamando al 509-248-7940 X 113 o directamente con el Pastor Alex Rule al 509-731-2657 o alex.rule@yakimagrace.com

Rosy commented: “When we give, we become a channel of blessing from God. We coexist with one another and by engaging children,These opportunities for growth can occur when we share our time, resources, experiences and share the word of God with His children.” everything I showed you (by example) that by “Inworking hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed (and brings greater joy) to give than to receive.’

– Acts 20:35 (AMP)

”

Working for His Kingdom – Pastor Alex Rule

Rosy comentó: “Cuando damos, nos convertimos en el canal de bendiciones de Dios. Al convivir unos con otros, al interactuar y trabajar con los niños es la mejor manera de crear oportunidades para que ellos desarrollen su capacidad para escuchar, empatizar respeto y valores, teniendo oportunidades de crecimiento compartiendo tiempo y recursos y experimentando sin separarlos de nuestro principal motivo o propósito, que es llevar la palabra de Dios a Sus hijos.” todo lo que te enseñé [con el ejemplo], trabajando “En duro de esta manera, debes ayudar a los débiles y

recordar las palabras del Señor Jesús, que Él mismo dijo: 'Es más bendición [y trae mayor alegría] dar que recibir.’ –Hechos 20:35 (AMP) Trabajando Para Su Reino – Pastor Alex Rule

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Stewardship poor, the sick, the outcast... caring for all of God’s children.

Jesus used the power and authority of God to teach, preach, and heal. He shared the Kingdom of God.

“

As present-day disciples of Jesus, we have also been given the authority of stewardship to manage His affairs, care for His finances and provide for His children. We are stewards of the life God has given us which includes our time, our talents and our treasures... all gifts from our Father God. God has created and gifted each of us with unique attributes, interests, life experiences, skills and dreams. As His one of a kind creation we each have unique contributions to make in this world, on behalf of the Kingdom. Wisely fulfilling the responsibility God has entrusted to us becomes our gift to Him.

Managing The Life God Has Given You

And the Lord replied, ‘A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.’

”

– Luke 12:42 must warn each other every day, as long as it is “ You called ‘today,’ so that none of you will be deceived by

sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

– Hebrews 3:13-14

”

The Greek word oikonomos is defined as steward and paraphrased in the Luke text as faithful sensible servant.

Stewardship was the authority given to one trusted by the master to manage affairs, care for finances and provide for every servant and child. In this text Jesus is teaching that His disciples were to act, in His absence, as His stewards.

Jesus lived His life as a model of stewardship. He taught about the stewardship of time, talents and treasures. He served the

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who am I, and who are my people, that we could “ But give anything to You? Everything we have has come

from You, and we give You only what You first gave us!

– 1 Chronicles 29:14

”

Our lives take on the deepest meaning when we use our time, talents and treasures to serve our King. As we grow in our authority of stewardship we grow in our relationship with our God. We hear His call and are guided by His will rather than our own desires. We return to God a portion of that with which He has blessed us. Our stewardship becomes a lifestyle, lived not as a sense of duty, but rather as a generous response to the grace and love of our Father.

How Will you Manage the Life God has Given You?

Choose to walk in the authority of the stewardship to which Jesus has called His disciples. Put God at the center of your life. Spend time praying and thinking about what stewardship means to you, how it can affect your life and what commitments you can make. Discuss with your family how you can return to God the fruits of the time, talent and treasure He has gifted to you.

– Janet Krieger Elder Business Ministry

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Children’s Ministry — Melissa Gray

VBS DATES TO REMEMBER! JUNE 14 | Register kids at yakimagrace.com/vbs1/ (Prices increase after 6/14) JUNE 23 | Volunteer Meeting in the Gym. Youth 3:00pm , Everyone at 3:30pm.

JUNE 24 | VBS 8:30am-Noon (June 24-28) JUNE 30 | VBS Fun Day in the Sanctuary followed By Bouncy House & Hotdogs on North Lawn!

Day 3-Marge:

We Cape Buffaloes like to live in big families called herds. Life is good in the herd, but there are times we sure do move around a lot, and that’s hard in a herd. Sometimes I’d rather stay in one place, but I know

Introducing our 2019 ROAR Bible Buddies who will help us remember the daily Bible Points during VBS. All our Buddies are animals that you could find somewhere in Africa.

Day 1-Mack: Sometimes

people really want to take this awesome horn on my nose, but that isn’t fair – it’s mine! I grew it from when I was just a little rhino. Unfair things happen to all of us, and I’ll help everyone remember that

when life is unfair...God is good!

when life changes...God is good!

Day 4-Zion: Did you know my roar is so loud that it can be heard from up to five miles away? It helps me call out to my friends. When you’re sad, you can call out to God, and God will hear you from anywhere – even if you don’t have a roar like mine – because God is always close by. When life is sad…God is good!

Day 2-Hooper:

When I was just a chick, I wasn’t too sure about the whole flying thing. I didn’t let fear hold me back, and now I love to fly – it’s gooooood fun! I’ll help everyone remember that when life is scary...God is good!

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Day 2-Hooper: Giraffes like me can do things a lot of other animals can’t do because of our long necks. Our height and special necks bring a lot of good to our lives, and that’s something to celebrate! When life is good...

God is good!

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Children’s Ministry May Memory Verse For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything He does.

Psalm 33:4

May Lessons at a Glance...

May 5: May 12: May 19: May 26:

God is a Treasure.

Jesus is Dependable.

God Cares About the Details.

Jesus is Wonderful.

Family Night Our last family night was so much fun! Be sure to join us again for another great night of food and fun on Wednesday, May 22 from 6-8pm in the gym.

Please RSVP so we can be sure to have plenty of food for everyone!

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Student Ministry — Thomas Sudbury

Brent Alderman

Jana Alderman

Regan Bingham

Jahzeel Garcia

Nohelia Garcia 10

#YAKIMA2YETEBON #YAKIMA2YETEBON #YAKIMA2YETEBON #YAKIMA2YETEBON #YAKIMA2YETEBON

We Love You Mom

Hey moms, step-moms, grandmas, sisters, and mom-figures. Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for the way you love, influence, and mother the teenagers in your life. We love you! Thank you to our church mothers who have strived to grow up their children in the ways of the LORD.

Danielle Polage

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

This Months Lessons Are On Family

Every family feuds. Whether the latest feud is about curfews, chores, harsh words, someone’s attitude, or someone else’s questionable choices, everyone knows what it’s like to experience conflict with a family member. Although some families may have more struggles or conflict than others, every family can learn how to fight more fairly. In this 4-week series, we will challenge students to let their relationship with God transform their relationships with their family members as they seek to be more patient, forgive more often, be more honoring, and show love more freely.

Kyle Polage

We Are Hiring!

Well not really, but sort of! Over the next month we will be looking for an intern to help with Grace Student Ministries, to assist and develop our ministries during the summer. We are looking for a mature young person who has a passion for Jesus and a desire to reach youth in creative ways. If you know someone like this, or you are someone like this, contact Thomas and learn more! (248-7940)

Eli Sudbury

Grad Banquet: Sunday, May 19th

It is that time of year again where we recognize the graduates from our church and celebrate the young men and women they have become! If you have a family member that has been a part of our church and is graduating, please let us know! If you want to join us for the brunch, come to the gym at 11am, to celebrate these fine young people.

Jake Sudbury

#YAKIMA2YETEBON

Meet the Mission team! We are excited that God has called us to join with Project Mercy in Yetebon Ethiopia. During our spring break, we will be taking a group of teens and adults to help with the great work that Project Mercy has been doing for decades. We leave on April 4th, 2020, and will be working with the youth who live on the compound.

Mission Team Fundraisers

Over the next few weeks, you will most likely be hearing from some of our youth and adults who are procuring sponsorship for the mission team. If you have a passion for mission work, we would appreciate any financial support you can give us. Each of the team members also need a prayer partner, so some maybe be asking you for that as well! We will also be raising funds by selling some of our amazing coffee. Buy a bag of our delicious coffee to enjoy at home! Each bag is $10 and you can choose from ground or unground beans.

We have sourced this coffee from Ethiopia, so don’t miss out on your chance to purchase some great coffee and bless others with the proceeds!

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

Noah Sudbury

Jennifer Sudbury

#YAKIMA2YETEBON #YAKIMA2YETEBON #YAKIMA2YETEBON #YAKIMA2YETEBON #YAKIMA2YETEBON #YAKIMA2YETEBON

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Hospitality Ministry THANK YOU! A huge “THANK YOU!” to all those who helped extend a smile and hand welcome, to greet, to usher, to decorate, to serve others during the Easter celebrations. New guests stopped by and received Welcome Packets. People had fun taking pictures at the “We Love Our Peeps!” photo wall. The genuine welcome and of the love of Jesus was evident in this place! The addition of more Easter lilies enhanced the beauty of the sanctuary. Thank you, Sanctuary Guild!

Have you noticed some of our youth helping with greeting?

There are new faces at the Welcome Center as well. Each week ushers are on hand to help during the services. There are delicious cookies served in the Garden Room inviting people to linger and chat.

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It was wonderful to have people in the parking lot to welcome, a crossing guard to greet and assist those who parked at the hospital, and to have those warm smiles and helpful hands to aid those getting out of cars and with wheelchairs and walkers at the front pull up. But, this can’t happen without YOUR support!

Please consider taking a turn as a parking lot greeter!

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Hospitality Ministry YOU ARE WELCOME TO HELP SERVE Hospitality is an on-going ministry that is very simple, yet an essential part of extending the welcome of Jesus to everyone who enters our church on Sunday mornings.

If you call Grace of Christ your church family, we urge you to prayerfully consider sharing in the responsibility of extending hospitality as a greeter, Welcome Center volunteer, usher, cookie server, or a parking lot/security greeter two or three times over the course of a year.

There are always sign-up sheets at the Welcome Center for these areas of hospitality, but feel free to call Linda Sorenson (834-1185) or Linda Mathews (338-5527) to learn more.

Linda Sorenson

Mission Affinity Group Earlier this spring, Grace of Christ Church hosted the ECO Mission Affinity Group (MAG). MAG is an element of ECO to help foster Session to Session relationships of 2-5 area-centered churches committed to meet at least once a year for the purposed of spurring each other on in love and good deeds. In meeting together, we are building a deeper relationship with other ECO churches – learning from each other, encouraging, and praying for one another’s ministries.

It was a delight to spend the morning in fellowship with Ellensburg Presbyterian Church Session and their pastor, Al Sandalow, who also serves as the Ministry Partnership Team Chair (MPT) of ECO Presbytery of the Northwest.

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Linda Mathews

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

Al Sandalow, MAG Meeting

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

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

Pre-School Celebrations!

It’s hard to believe, but we are in our last month of school!

We will spend our final month learning about Sports, Oceans and Beaches, and celebrating Summer! We celebrate the end of the year with a Graduation Luau! These will take place on May 30 for the 3-year-old class and May 31 for the 4-year-old and PreK classes.

MAY 30 | 3 Year Old Graduation Luau Celebration!

MAY 31 | 4 Year Old Graduation Luau Celebration!

May Memory Verse

(CASEL, “What is SEL?”)

Go into all the world and preach the good news to all. – Mark 16:15

Second Step

Positive Discipline

Social-Emotional Skills for Early Learning is a program rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) that helps transform schools into supportive, successful learning environments uniquely equipped to encourage children to thrive. It is designed specifically for multiple-age early learning environments. The program is taught through 28 weekly themes that include 5-7 minute activities to be taught throughout the week. The Skills for Learning Unit teaches self-regulation and focusing attention.

Additional units cover empathy, emotion management, friendship skills, problem solving, and transitioning to kindergarten. We will help our preschoolers harness their energy and potential by teaching them to: listen, pay attention, manage their behavior, and get along with others.

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“In a world where emotional intelligence is critical for lifelong happiness, successful careers, and healthier relationships, social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults can better understand, manage, and express emotions and empathy, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

SEL curricula teach children techniques that help them gain confidence, set and achieve positive goals, collaborate well, and navigate the world more effectively – adding a highly valuable dimension to education in the classroom.”

Positive Discipline in the Classroom (developed by Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott) is a research-based classroom management program that empowers teachers with skills to build their students’ sense of community, prepare them for successful living, and increase academic achievement.

It is designed to create a respectful school climate through social emotional learning, character education and effective discipline. It helps create a climate of mutual respect through teaching communication, cooperation, problemsolving, and self-regulatory skills.

Enrollment Update

2-day Class: 3/16 3-day Class: 18/18 (+1 on Wait-list)

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

Pre-K Class: 6/18 K Prep Class: 9/18 K Prep Fun Friday: 8/10

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Women's Ministry Thank You Women's Retreat Volunteers!

As I am writing this, we have just returned from the retreat in Leavenworth with Emily Jamieson as guest speaker. Getting ready to leave for a retreat is always stressful – being sure that everything you would do is covered for the weekend; anticipating the time spent with “old” friends and getting to know some “new” friends. What should I take?! All that work to do something so selfish as going away for a weekend women’s retreat and yet every time I have gone, I have come away with so much more than I can explain.

Have you finished unpacking yet? Preparing and packing to go is fun – unpacking is just work. Emily recorded her sessions, and Grace of Christ has them on the Women’s Ministry page (Thanks Deb!) if you would like to go back and revisit the topics. I feel

that I could learn something different listening again. Or finish unpacking some of the ideas I had the first time!

The Retreat production takes LOTS of women to volunteer!

All are invaluable – The Worship band, Amae, Jahzeel, Jennifer, and Dottie; our MC: Janet Krieger; all the prayer volunteers! So critical and necessary! The registration check-in crew headed by Carrie – handing out both the retreat packet as well as room keys.

The Women’s Ministry team: Amae, Loxi, Danielle, Kathy, Jennifer, and Cindy, would like to Thank everyone who came – and those who volunteered; Everyone working together created a wonderful event!

– Jennifer Ulmer

Senior Adult Ministry Survey for Baby Boomers and Beyond...

SAMPLE SURVEY QUESTIONS This is a glimpse of what the survey will look like:

Born 1964 or earlier? We Want to Hear From You! Grace of Christ strives to LOVE WELL and meet the needs of all generations of our church family. If you are a Baby Boomer or beyond, we are asking you to complete a brief survey.

The survey will be available May 1 at the Welcome Center and in the Church Office. The survey responses will be used to plan a relevant vision for the Baby Boomers and Beyond of Grace of Christ.

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1. What are your interests? spiritual, social, physical, etc.

2. What do you value? programs, activities 3. What influences your decisions to volunteer?

4. What skills, talents & gifts do you enjoy sharing?

how have you helped others in the past?

YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT! Please complete the survey, encourage others to complete it and pray about your role in this important ministry. Thank you!

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry

Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp YOUR GIFT WILL TRANSFORM A LIFE THIS SUMMER!

Compassion International Recognition Day Observed RELEASING CHILDREN FROM POVERTY IN JESUS’ NAME On Sunday, May 5, Grace of Christ will observe Compassion International Day. Grace Partners Betty Rosenkranz and Pat Drollinger, both long-time supporters of Compassion International, joined efforts to mark this day of observation.

Compassion International brings Jesus to the core of their ministry and His life and teachings shape their programs.

According to Joel Whitehead, Executive Director of Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp, one in five campers at Ghormley desperately need a scholarship to attend camp. Whitehead shares how you can help bring a child, or maybe even a whole family, closer to God this summer, with life-changing results. He explains that through your generous gift to Ghormley Meadow, you can make it possible for youth to enjoy camp and to hear the Gospel.

With camp just weeks away, Whitehead estimates that Ghormley will need some $20,000 to bring scholarship applicants to camp. Moreover, an additional $6,000 is needed to make it financially feasible for many families to attend Family Camp.

Utilizing a holistic approach to child development, Compassion International carefully blends physical, social, economic and spiritual care together in the name of Jesus Christ. Please consider how you can partner with Compassion International to deliver comprehensive care to children. Compassion International works to fully develop children to become responsible and fulfilled adults.

In some cases, this means from prenatal care all the way through young adulthood. This long-term approach fosters healthy spiritual, physical, social and economic development. For further information, please email Betty Rosenkranz at bettybsn@yahoo.com.

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Camp Hope “Loving Well” Toiletry Drive Grace’s own Jahzeel Figueroa is spearheading a toiletry drive for Camp Hope. Jahzeel, along with several other Davis High School students, will be collecting toiletry items for Camp Hope, a shelter for those in need of temporary housing. This is a great example of “Loving (our neighbor) Well”, as Pastor Bill has encouraged and challenged Grace to exhibit.

Ericka Clark and Thomas Sudbury will also be helping with the collection process. Sample sizes, hotel travel bottles, as well as full-sized items are welcomed. Look for the collection depositories in the Grace church office.

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“Campers are meeting God and drawing closer to Him at Ghormley,” Whitehead states. “Will you help make this possible for campers and their families this summer?” he adds. Please be sure to designate your gift to Scholarships.

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry LOVE, INC MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY The staff of Love, Inc (Love in the name of Christ) invites you to participate in sorting donation items at their donation center. Create a small group of organizers, Love In the Name of Christ maybe from your Growth Group or small group, and come together to sort items. According to Larena Mills, a staff member from Love, INC, your group can reserve a day per month to join forces, have fun, and sort donations for a few hours. Through your efforts, items will then be ready for further use within the community.

“Bless someone today by signing up your group for a regular time to sort,” Mills states. “We need four groups per month,” she further explains. To sign up for this ministry opportunity, call 453-2942.

Love INC

YUGM Chapel Experience

Recently, Monte Schilperoort, Grace Deacon and Mission Ministry Team Member had the opportunity to lead – along with some of the other Grace Deacons – the chapel service at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission (YUGM).

Here are some of his thoughts:

Next Steps Class & Pizza with the Pastor!

“Our deacon group provided a worship service at the Union Gospel Mission... there has been some concern among many churches in the valley, that not requiring the clients to attend a worship service in order to get a meal would reduce the number of folks attending. That certainly was not the case the night that we served there – over 40 men and women (and two dogs) participated.

Most of the people enjoyed singing their favorite hymns and Doug Cairns gave a great message on perseverance.

Do you want to become a Grace Partner or are interested in learning more about our church? Then you are invited to Pizza with the Pastor on Sunday, June 2 from 12:30pm - 5:00pm in the Garden Room.

There was time before and after the service to visit and pray with some of the folks. A unique bouquet of persons that many of us do not get an opportunity to interact with and share the love of Jesus.”

GRACE PARTNERS

We’ll eat lunch together; Pastor Bill will have a time of teaching and the Elders will make it official (if you choose to join the church.)

Please RSVP to this one-day class, 248-7940 or email Info@yakimagrace.com.

Childcare is available.

This is another great example how Grace can “Love Well” and bless their neighbor. Thank you to our deacons for leading chapel at the YUGM. If you would like to help or lead a YUGM chapel, please contact Pastor Alex Rule at 509.731.2657, or alex.rule@yakimagrace.com.

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp SUMMER STAFF HIRING

Summer is coming up fast, but we still have many needs, and a variety of positions remain available. If you’re thinking about joining our team, don’t delay, apply today!

For more info. about summer jobs, visit us at: https:// www.ghormleymeadow.org/get-involved/summer-staff/

FAMILY CAMP WEEKEND

2019 CAMP REGISTRATION

Introducing our first annual Family Camp Weekend at Ghormley, on the weekend of July 19-21, 2019!

This camp is open to families of all ages who are looking for the traditional camp experience, together with their family!

Join us for inter-generational worship, meadow games, camp activities, age appropriate teaching, family challenges, campfires, crafts, a night game, and family devotional time.

Families have the option to stay in cabins or tent camp.

Childcare is available for ages 3-6 during the worship & teaching sessions. Group teaching and programming will be provided for children from ages 7-17 during the adult teaching times in the mornings and evenings.

Register today! (A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your registration). For more information regarding Family Camp Weekend, including pricing/payment options, please see our website: https://www.ghormleymeadow. org/family-events/family-camp-weekend/

www.ghormleymeadow.org 17

Registration for summer camp 2019 is now open!

For more information, visit us at: www.ghormleymeadow.org/summercamp/

ONLINE GIVING

We’re excited to announce that online giving is now available through our website! Please visit our Donate page to see what giving opportunities we currently have, and how to get involved. http://www.ghormleymeadow.org/donate/

PRAYER NEEDS

• Pray that God will continue to bless us with groups to fill our non-summer months in 2019.

• Pray that relationships will be built, lives changed, and every person who comes to Ghormley Meadow will meet Jesus.

• Ghormley has hired a fundraising consultant to help

us build a future vision and development plan. Please pray for God's direction in this very important process!

• Pray that God will lead us to the right staff members

509.672.4311

who He desires to serve at Ghormley this summer.

facebook.com/ghormleymeadow

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

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

MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wed, May 1

Fireside Fellowship Team Meeting

1:30pm

Fireside Room

Committee

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

9:00am

Chapel

Moms

Fri, May 3

Sun, May 5

Compassion International Ministry Highlight

All Morning

Tue, May 7

Hospitality Team Meeting

4:00pm

Wed, May 8

Preschool Board Meeting

12:00pm

Wed, May 8

Worship Ministry Team Meeting

Wed, May 8

MOPS Leadership Team Meeting

Thur, May 9

Last Bible Study Fellowship

Sat, May 11

Clothing Exchange

Sat, May 11

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Sun, May 12

Happy Mother's Day!

Sun, May 12

Baptism Sunday

Mon, May 13

Edith Ferry Circle Lunch/Meeting

12:00pm

Mon, May 13

Business Ministry Team Meeting

Tue, May 14

Lounge

Committee

Kidzone Center

Board

5:00pm

Library

Committee

6:00pm

Fireside Room

Committee

Sanctuary

Women

Gym / North Lawn

Everyone

Garden Room

Knitters

9:00am-11:00am 9:00am - 1:00pm 1:00pm All Morning

Sanctuary Fireside Room

Women

4:00pm

Library

Committee

Mission Ministry Team Meeting

4:00pm

Adult Ed Rm

Committee

Tue, May 14

Prayer & Healing Gathering

6:30pm

Chapel

Everyone

Fri, May 17

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

9:00am

Chapel

Moms

Fri, May 17

MOPS Appreciation Luncheon

Garden Room

Staff/Volunteers

Sun, May 19

Youth Sunday / Graduating Seniors Recognized

Sanctuary

Everyone

Sun, May 19

Senior Graduation Banquet

Gym

Grads & Families

Sun, May 19

Early Learning Zone Staff Meeting

2:30pm

Adult Ed Rm

Staff

Mon, May 20

Trailseekers Carnival

2:30pm

North Lawn

Wed, May 22

Family Dinner and Game Night!

Sat, May 25

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Sun, May 26

Bags of Hope Campbell Farm Kick Off

Sun, May 26

Deacon's Meeting

Mon, May 27

Memorial Day / Church Closed

Tue, May 28

Session Dinner and Meeting

Thur, May 30

Preschool Last Day Luau (3's)

Fri, May 31

Preschool Last Day Luau (4's & PK)

12:00pm 9:00am 11:00am

6:00pm-8:00pm

Gym

Everyone

Garden Room

Knitters

Sanctuary

Everyone

Lounge

Deacons

All Day

Entire Church

Everyone

5:30pm

Garden Rm/Adult Ed Rm

Elders

10:00am

Sanctuary

Preschool

10:00am

Sanctuary

Preschool

1:00pm All Morning 12:30pm

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Weekday Events MON TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Overeater’s Anonymous Trailseekers Al-Anon Divorce Care

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 All Staff Check-In Meeting Gracia de Cristo Music Rehearsal Gracia Men of Courage

Adult Ed Everyone Adult Ed Everyone Gym Trailseekers Adult Ed Everyone Lounge Everyone Prayer Room Fireside Room Lounge Sanctuary Sanctuary

SOZO Team Women All Staff Gracia de Cristo Music Team Men

WED Encounter: Youth Group *Dinner too!

Gracia Women of Prayer

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

HUR Bible Study Fellowship T Temple Choir SOZO Prayer

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

FRI MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) (Meets the 1st & 3rd Friday) SOZO Prayer

9:00-11:30am

Chapel Moms

9:00 - 11:30am

Prayer Room SOZO Team

SUN Grace Contemporary Worship Grace Traditional Worship

(Led by Temple Choir) Gracia de Cristo

(Worship in Spanish) Going Deeper: Hebrews Golden Circle Grace Kids Youth reFUEL

9:00am 11:00am

Sanctuary Everyone Sanctuary Everyone

1:00pm

Sanctuary Everyone

Gym 6th-12th grade Adult Ed Women Sanctuary Women Choir Room Temple Choir Prayer Rm Everyone

Sunday Services and Events

9:30am Adult Ed 10:15am Room 103 9:00 & 11:00am KidZone Wing 9:00am Youth Rm & Gym

Adults Adults 3yrs-5th grade 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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May 5 May 12 May 19 May 26

T - Z A- F G-M N-S

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

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59