Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Interim Head of Staff — Pastor Cindy Shively
Growing Deeper as Followers of Jesus
God cares for us so deeply, and wants us to know His love and way of life. That’s why He came to earth as a human being in Jesus, over 2000 years ago. What joy to be able to celebrate the grace and peace of the coming of Emmanuel, God with us! God has created us for relationship, and given us a deep desire to know and love God. David writes in Psalm 42:1-2, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” This longing for God motivates us to go deeper in experiencing God’s love for us, and our love for God. Psalm 42:7 reads “Deep calls to deep.” Something deep inside us longs to move past the superficiality which comes from being too busy or focusing on the things that don’t last, and instead, pursue what matters - growing deeper in our love relationship with God, and with others. Jesus’ sacrificial love on the cross makes this all possible! Growing deeper in our relationship with God and others takes time and intentionality – ordering our daily lives around the activities and habits which enable us to grow. Ultimately, growing deeper in our faith, and being transformed to be more like Jesus is a gift from God, and a work of the Holy Spirit within us. Yet, just as the farmer has to plant the seeds, and provide the right conditions for the seed to grow, we too have our part in growing deeper. Another way of thinking about growth is the athlete. It takes discipline to grow as an athlete – practice, learning skills, strength training, endurance training, regular, consistent time, whether one feels like it or not. Similarly, it takes discipline to grow spiritually, to grow deeper as followers of Jesus. In a sense, it takes “a sacrifice of time.” Growing deeper as a follower of Jesus is really what 2
we mean by growing as a disciple or learner of Jesus. And growing deeper happens our whole lives long. What are the “spiritual disciplines” or regular activities and habits which put us in a position to grow deeper? Some are things we do on our own – reading our Bibles, talking and listening to God through prayer and reflection, giving to the Lord with our time, abilities and resources, sharing the hope we have in Jesus through both our actions and our words. Some are things we do with our spiritual family – coming together for worship, Kidzone, Youth Group and other discipling opportunities. These involve studying the Bible and learning together, sharing our lives, caring for one another, having fun and enjoying each other, praying together, and serving together. When we intentionally make these regular practices a priority in our lives, we see God’s Spirit at work in us, taking us deeper in love, grace and faith as followers of Jesus.
Where are the places you are already doing well and seeing growth? Celebrate these! What is one place you’d like to be more intentional so you and your family will grow deeper as followers of Jesus? What can you do today to help make this happen? As we prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus this Christmas Season, what is one thing you can do to help you and your family grow deeper in loving God and others? Take some time to think, pray and talk about what God wants for you. May we do what it takes to grow deeper in following Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. May your Christmas be filled to overflowing with the joy and peace of knowing and loving our Lord. — Pastor Cindy Shively
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Pastor Nominating Committee Update — Janet Krieger
PNC Report We are now six months into the actual pastoral search. Our Pastor Nominating Committee was formed and held its first meeting March 10th of this year. The next three months were spent writing a job description and creating an information format that would identify to potential candidates who we are and what we are about. This information was completed and posted on the ECO job board the second week of June. It was also posted at that time on our own website for your review. It was then, during the month of June, that we began to receive candidate applications. To date we have received 29 applications. Eleven first round interviews have been conducted. Six candidates have been engaged in a second round interview and two candidates have been invited for a visit to Yakima. We are impressed with the quality of the candidates, their love for our God, commitment to being led by the Holy Spirit and rich prayer lives. Your PNC understands this process seems painstakingly slow but we believe God is moving to bring about His purpose in our church. And, we do not want to run ahead of God, but are disciplining ourselves to wait upon Him, listening, watching and following His lead. We know we will see the movement of His hand over us if we keep anticipating and pursuing. Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying
in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. -Romans 8:26-28 The Message I love this translation of Romans because there are moments when, we your PNC, feel pregnant, or full of responsibility, and very overdue in this journey! Please join Steve Hildebrand, Jake Kupp, Keith Mathews, Steve Schiewe, Don Strother, Robin Stuber and myself in prayer.
Pray For • For endurance; that we do not tire in the waiting • Thankfulness our Lord knows Grace of Christ far better than anyone of us and intercedes on our behalf before God • That as a congregation our love of God grows exponentially during this process and is worked into something very good
“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.” - Hebrews 10:36 — Janet Krieger PNC Chair
ECO: A Covenant order of Evangelical Presbyterians To learn more about ECO, visit their website, http://eco-pres.org 3
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Partnering with God
PARTNERING WITH GOD, Making a Difference A reminder from Pastor Cindy’s October Grace Alive article on what Partnering with God looks like as we go through this Faith Commitment season in our church.
Partnering with God means… • Asking God, and listening to His guidance for how we are to use the time, talents and treasure He has entrusted into our care. • Inviting God to infuse His Holy Spirit into everything we offer, who alone makes it effective. • Trusting God to accomplish His good work in us and through us. God will complete what He has begun.
As we move through this season of stewardship, let’s partner with God in making a difference. 1. How does God want us to manage the time and talents with which He has entrusted us? How can I serve my church family? Whether helping with students or children, leading a life group, helping behind the scenes with office work, sound or media, serving as an Elder or Deacon, greeting, or serving coffee, or more. Everyone is needed! Or maybe God is nudging us to help in our community with Adams Elementary, Love Inc., Union Gospel Mission, being a friend to a neighbor, or any of a number of opportunities. Or maybe we sense God’s leading to serve around the world.
2. God also wants us to partner with Him through managing the treasure with which He has entrusted us. God has blessed us bountifully, and wants us to give generously and sacrificially. We give first to God and His purposes, including the ministries and mission of our Grace of Christ Family, which God is using to change lives, from young children through older adults. As we grow, we can make a greater difference in our community, and throughout our world. 4
what JOY it is to partner with GOD and change the WORLD through the LOVE and hope of JESUS!
FAITH COMMITMENT UPDATE We are truly grateful for your faithful and generous giving in 2016. As you know, Business Ministry Team has structured our budget to support Grace of Christ’s missions without incurring a year-end deficit. Through your consistent giving it appears that goal will be achieved. Our finances are shown in the weekly bulletin. For many years we operated a budget that ran deficits throughout the year, and then relied on faithful year-end giving to balance the budget. In 2015 we changed the focus of year-end giving - it is now used to fund the next years’ budget. 2016 year-end giving will be as important as ever. We are budgeting to bring a new Senior Pastor in 2017, which will significantly impact next year’s budget. As we approach year-end we will communicate in more detail our budget needs. Please prayerfully consider a year-end gift to further the missions of Grace of Christ. — Mark Baldwin, BMT Chair
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / English “The Little Entrepreneurs of the Future” What do 120 fifth graders, a fast food restaurant, a TV station, a credit union, the Mariners, a health clinic, a copy center, writing checks and using a debit card all have in common? Let me tell you. Gracia de Cristo continues our partnership with Adams Elementary School. This time by helping 120 fifth graders complete a hands-on experience, seeing firsthand what free enterprise looks like through Junior Achievement’s JA Biztown. The fifth graders had been studying the JA BizTown curriculum in their classrooms for weeks where they were taught how to write checks, balance a checkbook, make deposits, set up a savings account, and how to use a debit card. Even though some of this was very advanced, many students understood the basic concepts.
There were twenty adult volunteers from Grace of Christ/ Gracia de Cristo, four parents from Adams, and eight from the community and sponsoring businesses who helped the kids run their business enterprises. Some had experience in a particular field, but most of us just brought a willing spirit. One of our volunteers from church who guided the kids in the copy shop said this, “I was very impressed with the students. They all behaved very well, were inquisitive, and helped each other to perform their tasks. When I was asking a girl who looked confused if she needed any help, a boy standing next to her said, ‘She doesn’t speak English.’ So, he told the girl what to do.” Other volunteers told similar stories, as the students boarded their buses to return to the school.
They learned about the various jobs that are needed to run a business, such as a CEO, CFO, advertising executive, store clerk, meter reader, and ones tailored to their specific business. They had to decide which jobs they wanted and write why they should be the one for that particular job. They even had a mayor for the day! Then on Friday, October 21, they got a taste of what it means to be a part of a business in a community. They even had to set goals for their businesses and evaluate those goals at the end of the day to determine if they met them or not.
5
I was one of the adults who helped students run the TV station and witnessed firsthand their willingness to problem solve. When there was a challenge, like the sound not working, or when the TV host was on break, it was the students who jumped in to find a solution and help keep the live interviews and programming going. They even invented a “weather person” to give the weather report, which they looked up on a smart phone. All-in-all, this was a wonderful experience for the kids, teachers, staff and volunteers. If they do this again next year, you can bet that I’ll be back along with many of the volunteers. Won’t you join us? Together Serving Jesus, John Stolzenbach
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / En Español “LOS PEQUEÑOS GIGANTES EMPRENDEDORES DEL FUTURO” ¿Qué tienen en común 120 estudiantes de quinto grado, un restaurante de comida rápida, una estación de televisión, una cooperativa de ahorro y crédito, los Marineros, una clínica de salud, un centro de copias, cheques y el uso de una tarjeta de débito y cosas como esas? Déjeme decirle. Gracia de Cristo continúa brindando su apoyo a la escuela primaria Adam. Esta vez ayudando a 120 estudiantes de quinto grado a completar una experiencia práctica viendo de primera mano cómo es la empresa libre a través de JA Biztown de Junior Achievement. Los estudiantes de quinto grado habían estado estudiando el plan de estudios de JA BizTown en sus salones de clase durante semanas donde les enseñaron cómo escribir cheques, balancear una chequera, hacer depósitos, establecer una cuenta de ahorros y cómo usar una tarjeta de débito. A pesar de que algo de esto era muy avanzado, algunos niños entendieron los conceptos básicos.
Aprendieron sobre varios trabajos que se necesitan para dirigir un negocio tal como un CEO, o un CFO, un ejecutivo de publicidad, un vendedor de tienda, un lector de contador, y los adaptados a su negocio específico. Ellos tenían que decidir qué trabajos querían y escribir por qué deberían ser los indicados para ese trabajo en particular. Incluso tuvieron un Alcalde para ese día. Luego, ya para el viernes 21 de octubre, tenian una idea de lo que significaba ser parte de un negocio en una comunidad. Incluso tenían que establecer metas para sus negocios y evaluarlos al final del día y ver si estas se cumplían o no.
6
Había veinte voluntarios adultos de Gracia de Cristo, cuatro padres de Adams y ocho de la comunidad y patrocinadores de negocios que ayudaban a los niños a dirigir sus negocios. Algunos tenían experiencia en un campo particular, pero la mayoría de nosotros sólo trajo un espíritu dispuesto. Uno de nuestros voluntarios de la iglesia que guio a los niños en la tienda de copias dijo esto: “Estaba muy impresionado con los estudiantes - todos se comportaron muy bien, fueron inquisitivos y se ayudaron unos a otros para realizar sus tareas. Cuando estaba preguntando a una chica que parecía confundida si necesitaba ayuda, un chico de pie junto a ella dijo: “Ella no habla inglés”. Así que él la interpreto y le dijo a la chica lo que debía hacer. “Otros contaron historias similares cuando los estudiantes subían a sus respectivos autobuses escolares para regresar a la escuela. Como la historia de uno de los adultos que ayudó a los niños a manejar la estación de televisión, y presencié de primera mano cuando había un desafío, como el sonido no funciona, o cuando el anfitrión de la televisión estaba en descanso, fueron los estudiantes los que ayudaron a encontrar una solución y también a mantener las entrevistas en vivo y la programación. Incluso crearon una “persona que diera la información del estado del tiempo” y para dar las condiciones del clima que obtuvimos de un teléfono inteligente. (Smart Phone) En general, fue una experiencia maravillosa para los niños, maestros, personal y voluntarios. Si lo hacen de nuevo el próximo año, pueden apostar que estaré de regreso junto con muchos de los voluntarios. Nos gustaría que te unieras a nosotros, estamos seguros que encontraras que es muy divertido y de mucha bendición. Juntos Sirviendo a Jesús, John Stolzenbach
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Women’s Ministry
WOMEN’S SPRING RETREAT AT LAKE CHELAN!
SAVE THE DATE!
It is hard to believe that Spring is right around the corner! Our women’s ministry team is planning the Spring Women’s Retreat at Lake Chelan’s Campbell Resort. We are expecting another amazing, Spirit-filled weekend for this upcoming retreat and hope you will join us. Mark your calendars for Friday, March 17 through Sunday, March 19.
REGISTER ONLINE:
Online Registration Begins December 1st www.YakimaGrace.com Consider treating someone to this retreat as a Christmas gift! It could be the cost of
attending the event (we will have a gift certificate to wrap) or helping someone who wants to go by taking care of her children while she is away…or perhaps helping with meals for her family while she is at the retreat. Rest, the ultimate gift!
Visit with the Women’s Ministry Team on Sundays in the Garden Room or call the church office for more information. And after the retreat, after experiencing the wonderful “mountain top experience,” you will be invited to join a study on Sunday mornings, beginning March 26. We will be offering a class during the Discipleship time that will take what we learned at the retreat and apply it to our everyday lives. We will study Lisa Harper’s book, “Overextended and Loving Most of It.” (Books will be available for purchase at the retreat and later at church.)
– Jennifer Ulmer We have asked Lindsay Brown to be our speaker. You’ve probably seen Lindsay on Tuesday mornings – she is on the leadership team for Pursuing Our Limitless God Bible study that is held in the gym. This will be her first engagement as the main speaker. She is soaking in what God has asked her Lindsay Brown and Family to speak on (REST!) and spending time with her mentor Kathy Bricel. Lindsay and her husband are excitedly preparing for the birth of their 2nd child in December. While I am in a much different phase of life than Lindsay, her word’s speak to my soul. My house is currently very quiet. My son joined Army reserves and my daughter graduated high school and is now in college in Tucson, AZ. When listening to Lindsay share at our ministry team meetings, I am refreshed to hear her share about resting in God’s goodness and knowing there is application for me, right where I am on my journey! This event is about rest and renewal, so Saturday afternoon there will be two workshop blocks so you can attend both workshops; or you can attend just one and have more free time. Lunch will be what you decide on as you trek through the town of Lake Chelan. We are expecting to offer three choices for Saturday’s dinner; one will be gluten free and one will be vegetarian. 7
REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE! DECEMBER 4 – JANUARY 30 EARLY BIRD PACKAGES Package A) Double Occupancy for Two Nights, Including Dinner on Saturday $175 per/person Package B) Triple Occupancy for Two Nights, Including Dinner on Saturday $135 per/person Package C) Quad Occupancy for Two Nights, Including Dinner on Saturday $115 per/person
OPTIONAL EXTRAS Breakfast Addition: Saturday breakfast at Campbell Resort (Greek yogurt, mixed berries, granola, fat free milk, hard boiled eggs, fruit salad, assorted Danish) $20 each* *must be purchased at time of registration
Bus Ride: Take the bus & start resting sooner! $55 each
FEBRUARY 1 – FEBRUARY 26
Add $10 per/person to each package
FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 12
We will be ta ki
n Add $20 per/person to each package offering for ourg a love g speaker, Lin uest dsay.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Student Ministry
Come rain or shine, SLAMQUEST WAS A SUCCESS God has been GREAT in this season of transition! He has provided new leaders and groups to providing dinners for our youth! Although we are still without a youth director, things are humming along and God is working in the lives of the youth. I have seen this community grow deeper together by asking some tough questions and then turning to the Bible for the truth. This has been a great way for youth to really make their faith their own.
In October, we took 10 middle schoolers to Slamquest, which is a weekend retreat for middle school youth groups at Camp Ghormley. Even with the non-stop, pouring rain we had fun, we laughed and we all learned more about God. The theme for the weekend was BIG GOD. Together with the youth we discussed how BIG GOD is from Genesis all the way to our own lives. We walked away getting to know each other better, learning to love each other better, and growing deeper in our faith.
8
It has been such an honor to work with the youth of this church! I ask that you continue to pray for them and the transition of finding a new youth director. Pray for patience and discernment as we listen to God lead us to the right person to serve our youth. Pray that our students continue growing deeper in their relationship with each other and with Jesus so that it will sustain them in the good and bad times. I also ask that you prayerfully ask God if this is a ministry that He would like you to serve in and support. It doesn’t matter how old you are, where you come from, or what you’ve done, if God is leading you into this ministry, He will use you. The youth need to be loved on intentionally and authentically. If you feel God is leading you to this ministry, please feel free to contact me. I would love to have a conversation with you! Thank you all again for your continued prayers and support! Blessings to you! With Christ’s Love, Amae Merrill
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Children’s Ministry — Melissa Gray
This Christmas Season... we are partnering with Adam’s Elementary to sponsor and share the love of Jesus with the students in our community. It is our hope to collect enough Christmas Gifts to support 200 students from Adam’s. There will be a Giving Tree in the Garden Room beginning November 20, decorated with Christmas tags with the student’s information and wishes. We ask that all gifts be returned to the church unwrapped with the child’s tag attached by December 11th.
On Wed, December 14th, the Youth Group
will be partnering with KidZone to wrap the gifts beginning at 5:30 pm. If you would like to help with sorting and/ or wrapping gifts please contact Melissa Gray at 2487940 ext 110 or Melissa.gray@yakimagrace.com. Donations of wrapping paper and tape are also needed to make this mission project a success. Thank you for joining us as we bless the children at Adam’s Elementary this Christmas.
9
Operation Christmas Child was a huge success! It is so exciting to share in a ministry that helps to bring the love of Jesus to children around the world through a simple gift tucked inside a shoebox. Thank you for your generosity and continued prayers for the children that will receive these special gifts. KidZone Christmas Celebration Children’s Ministries proudly presents our KidZone Christmas Celebration “Baby Jesus we love you.” The children will be singing at both the 9 am and 11:15 am services on Sunday, December 18. Parents, please mark your calendars for rehearsal on Saturday,
December 17 at 10 am.
We will not have regular KidZone on December 25 or January 1, as we will be worshiping together as a family in the Sanctuary. Activity bags will be available for children during both services. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I pray your family will be blessed as you celebrate the birth of Jesus!
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Christmas Celebrations 2016
COME CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH MUSIC! Organ Concert & Carol Sing Thursday, December 15 at 2:00 PM
Featuring our own Dr. Jon Waite Refreshments to follow in the Garden Room
We will be praying individually, corporately with a neighbor, at the altar with elders, or with prayer ministers. God simply wants us to come to Him. Approaching Him should be where you feel the most comfortable. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2) HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING, “GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING; PEACE ON EARTH, AND MERCY MILD, GOD AND SINNERS RECONCILED.”
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP AND PRAYER IN THE CHAPEL
Thursday, December 15 at 7:00 PM Sponsored by your Prayer Ministry and Jason Cavanaugh Christmas music alone without voices can be pleasant, however, on Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 pm, we are planning an extravagant hour of worship using voices. I believe in heaven our voices raised to celebrate God sound like absolute perfection. You are necessary to make this happen! Bring your voice, as it will be exactly the one we need to complete the sounds of carols and praises being raised in celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus. We are not creating a formal choir this night. We are joining voices of all God’s people to parley their love of the Christmas Season and it’s deep meaning for God’s children. Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. (Psalm 66:1-2) Along with the music there will be opportunity for your voices to spend time in prayer. He has given us the gift of prayer, a direct line to the Lord. What an amazing gift! 10
Dec 1 Gracia de Cristo Fundraiser Dinner (p 5)
Dec 2 MOPS Christmas Tea (p 13)
Dec 3 Santa Breakfast (p 17)
Dec 5 Gather at the Table (call church)
Dec 10 & 11 Mountain Meadow Christmas at Ghormley (p 11)
Dec 15 Organ Christmas Concert (p 10)
Dec 15 Christmas Worship & Prayer (p 10)
Dec 18 KidZone Christmas Celebration (p 9)
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Services (back cover)
Dec 25 Merry Christmas | One Service (back cover)
Jan 1 Happy New Year | One Service (back cover)
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp & Conference Center
Mountain Meadow Christmas 2016! Dec 10-11 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! Amazing meals, gingerbread house building, sledding, and Christmas crafts are just a few of the amazing activities you’ll get to enjoy. Join us December 10th and 11th for a fun-filled event that is sure to be a tradition for years to come! Registration is on the Ghormley website.
EASY ONLINE REGISTRATION! www.ghormleymeadow.org www.ghormleymeadow.org 11
Memories...
waiting to be made! Sledding Good Eats Christmas Crafts Family Movie Night Family Game Competition Christmas Light Displays Gingerbread House Contest Cut Down Your Christmas Tree
And So Much More!
END OF YEAR GIVING
We are thankful for another year of God’s provision and blessing! As we near the end of the year, we would greatly appreciate your prayerful consideration of an end-of-year gift to further the work of this ministry and help us finish the year strong. All gifts are tax-deductible and those donating will be provided with a donation receipt.
509.672.4311
facebook.com/campghormley
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Grace of Christ Preschool — Rhonda Cardona 509.248.7940, ext. 119 Rhonda@YakimaGrace.com www.yakimapreschool.com
Starry, Starry Night! “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger.” Luke 2:7 Grace of Christ Preschool is celebrating Christmas this month! We are planning a special day and evening for our annual Christmas programs on December 6th. There is much to be excited about and everyone is practicing hard. Our 3 year olds perform at 10:30 am, and our 4 year olds and pre-kindergartners entertain us at 7 pm. Come and join us!
Preschool Fundraisers See’s Candies are here!
This is our biggest fund raiser of the season and comes just in time for Christmas! Check out what we have on Sunday morning Dec 4th and 11th. We will have all the same favorites, and new this year, we have 4 oz. Peanut Brittles for sale! A perfect stocking stuffer! The candy is also available to purchase during the week at the coffee stand and in the church office.
Are Here!
Christian Calendars and Cards!
This is an important month for our fund raising and we need your support! We are selling our 2017 calendars and cards again this year. They can be purchased either at the Connection Center on Sundays or in the main church office or coffee stand during the week. We also have pocket calendars and greeting cards as well. Each item sells for just $6.
2017 Wall Calendars Pocket Calendars Greeting Cards (pack of 12) Christmas Cards (pack of 12)
CaleAll item nda s ju r st $
6
Each of these fund raisers is important for our preschool budget. We have many families receiving scholarships, and we are in desperate need of funds. Our daily operating budget is always stretched beyond our resources. Your support helps us to continue to provide this outreach ministry to our community. Please keep the preschool children, their families, and staff in your prayers. Thank you everyone for your support and Merry Christmas! Watch for information on 2017-18 preschool registration coming in January 2017! 12
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Mothers of Preschoolers
WE ARE STARRY EYED MOPS has begun its “We Are the Starry Eyed” theme with great attendance from both returning moms and new moms. Our speakers so far have included pastor Cindy Shively with a message on grief and plans that don’t go how we hoped, and Sabin Hogue with a message on not lowering the proverbial bar because of who we are in Christ. In September, MOPS was able to send four of its leaders to MOMcon, which is MOPS’s leadership conference. The ladies traveled to Milwaukee, WI and gave an inspiring report of their time spent, growing closer to Jesus. We also contributed to and delivered the church’s Operation Christmas Child boxes in November, as is our honor each year.
CHRISTMAS TEA Our Christmas Tea is Friday, December 2, 2016, 9:30 am, in the Garden Room. All women are invited, MOPS members or not. Our special guest speaker at the Christmas Tea is JoddiJoddi-Jay Babcock Jay Babcock, Director of Life Choices of Yakima, and minister of the Word of God. Leadership is anticipating a wonderful turnout for this highly anticipated event. The MOPS ministry at Grace of Christ Church continues to provide a place for mothers of young (and older) children to connect with one another and develop their relationship with Jesus. MOPS is very grateful for all the childcare workers and volunteers who take wonderful care of our children while we enjoy our sacred time in fellowship with one another.
MOPS meets the first and third Fridays of each month (with exceptions) in the gym from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Your first meeting is free, and there is a registration fee and a fee per meeting to join. Scholarships are available. 13
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
New Covenant Partners, Baptisms & Dedications On Sunday, October 30 we welcomed New Covenant Partners to our church family as well as celebrated baptisms and infant dedications. We are eternally grateful for each one of these people and we love seeing how God is (and will be) working in their lives! Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.� Luke 18:16
New Covenant Partners: A Family for Our Community
Debra Girard
Renee Harrison
The Sacrament of Baptism
Verna McLaren
Renewal of Baptism Vows
Silas Huck
River Huck
Wyatt Huck
Born May 24, 2016 Parents: Marcus and Sarah
Born March 26, 2009 Parents: Marcus and Sarah
Born September 16, 2005 Parents: Marcus and Sarah
Infant Dedications
14
Marcus and Sarah Huck
Luke Arkills
Holland Van Horn
Born January 11, 2016 Parents: Jeff and Brooke
Born July 8, 2016 Parents: Tyler and Jessica
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Missions
Aaron and Ronda Barker are missionaries with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) based in Kona, Hawaii. If you recognize the name, that is because Aaron is the son of our beloved pastor emeritus Steve Barker. Both Aaron and Ronda have a love for and are gifted in music. Aaron is a senior supervisor of YWAM’s music ministry for all of its international bases while Ronda is a music teacher. Aaron and Ronda, together with their three kids, make a very talented family of five. Below are some recent photos of Aaron and Ronda using the gifts God has blessed them with to serve the Lord and others around the world. If you wish to donate to Aaron Barker and his family, please make check payable to “Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church” and designate in the memo section of your check “YWAM – Hawaii.” Please do not put Aaron Barker’s name on the check.
Our first Music Discipleship Training School from last January. Two more kicking off this October & again in January. Go Jesus!
Jacob and dad leading worship together for a house church in Kathmandu Nepal.
Aaron’s classic intense face leading worship for YWAM Kona.
Our music class of 80 students learning voice, piano, ukulele, and guitar. 15
Aaron’s band on tour in San Francisco playing for a group of corp. executives. Praying for favor & influence with people from all lifestyles!
Ronda with her fourth grade classes on a field trip on the island.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Love INC & Bags of Hope Love INC (Love In The Name of Christ) is a way for you to impact lives in Yakima. Listen to how you are transforming lives through your support and partnership with Love INC.
MONIQUE’S STORY
TAMMY’S STORY
“Without you I would be on welfare!” “Two years ago, my husband left me. He was the main breadwinner and handled the finances in our 16-year marriage. For a year I struggled, maxing out 4 credit cards and barely keeping my business afloat.” Monique heard about the TEAM Program at church. She joined in January 2016. You have changed not only her life, but her teenage sons’ lives!
A single mother with 4 kids, Tammy worked three parttime jobs. “I didn’t know how to control my spending. Every month I spent all my money the first week then had no money the rest of the month. It was terrible but I just couldn’t stop! I felt overwhelmed and stressed. I heard about the TEAM Program from the Yakima Housing Authority. Learning how to budget has been awesome! I love that the program is Christian. The Life Skills classes have been so useful. I learned things I didn’t even know I didn’t know! My Budget Mentor helped me set a goal for an emergency fund. I’ve already reached that goal!”
“Since January I have paid off over $11,000 in debt and have a solid understanding of how to create and stick to a budget. By the time I graduate, I will have the last credit card paid off and my business has doubled! This program has made a significant impact on my life. I have also used what I’m learning to teach my teenage sons how to handle their money. Without you I would be drowning in debt and on welfare right now. Thank you!”
ASHLEIGH’S STORY You set Ashleigh and her toddler, James, on a new path! Ashleigh heard about the TEAM Program from a friend. “I knew I needed help. I’ve only lived in debt, never known how to not be in debt,” Ashleigh told us.
She started the yearlong program in June soon after graduating from a treatment program. Listen to the impact you are having: “I don’t feel helpless anymore. This program is helping me learn to be conscious and aware. I’m learning to make better decisions about money and about my life.” Ashleigh is now employed and working hard to get out of debt. She has hope for a better life for her son, James. Thank you for empowering Ashleigh to get “unstuck.” Thank you for equipping her and her son to live in freedom! 16
Tammy graduated from the TEAM Program in March. Soon after she was able to go back to school and secure a better job. Asked what will be different now she replied, “I have learned how to hold myself accountable, to not buy things we don’t need. I know how to plan ahead and pay my bills on time. This program changed my life!” Thank you for empowering Tammy to get “unstuck” and equipping her to live in freedom! We will be collecting the following items for Love, In the Name of Christ in January. Get your green Bag of Hope at the church, fill it up and bring it back by Sunday, January 25.
Shopping List
Toilet Paper Paper Towels Kleenex Shampoo (men’s, women’s & baby) Hair Conditioner Deodorant (women’s & men’s) Laundry Detergent (unscented) Dishwasher Detergent Plain Applesauce (not individual serving size)
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Announcements DISCIPLESHIP TIME SUNDAY MORNINGS JOIN US! 10:15-11:00 Each Sunday morning, we carve out some time for Discipleship. Time to gather with each other to learn more about the gracious, amazing God we serve. Time to be nurtured; to be fed. And time to come along side one another in this, at times, crazy walk we call life!
WHICH DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITY SOUNDS GOOD TO YOU? Kidzone or Refuel Helper: Want to hang out with the kiddos and youth of our church? This is the time to do just that! Golden Circle: A Bible study mixed with a bit of singing, laughing and fellowship. (Lounge) Deeper in the Word: Bible study focusing on the book of John, learning more about the life and ministry of Jesus. (Adult Ed Rm) Praying the Scriptures: Praying scripture over our loved ones. (Rm 220) Discipleship Application: The preaching pastor will go a bit deeper into that morning’s scripture. (Sanctuary)
17
COOKIES & CANS Thank you for bringing cookies, crackers, fruit, or quick breads for all to enjoy during our fellowship hour on Sunday. We collect non-perishable food for the Calvary Rescue Mission weekly. Your donations are appreciated! See dates you can contribute – last names beginning with…
Dec 4 G-M
Dec 18 T-Z
Dec 11 N-S
Dec 25 A-F
CHURCH HOLIDAY HOURS The church will close at 1:00p on Friday, December 23 and will be closed on Monday, December 26 and Friday, December 30. On Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 the office will close at 1:00p and the church will close at 5:00p. We are open normal hours on Monday, January 2. Have a joy filled Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church 9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902 (509) 248-7940
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
December Calendar of Events Nov 24 - 25 Sat, Nov 26 Sun, Nov 27 Wed, Nov 30 Thu, Dec 1 Fri, Dec 2 Sat, Dec 3 Sun, Dec 4 Mon, Dec 5 Tue, Dec 6 Thur, Dec 8 Fri, Dec 9 Dec 10 and 11 Sat, Dec 10 Mon, Dec 12 Tue Dec 13 Thur, Dec 15 Fri, Dec 16 Sat, Dec 17 Sun, Dec 18 Sat, Dec 24 Sun, Dec 25 Mon, Dec 26 Tues, Dec 27 – Fri, Dec 30 Sun, Jan 1 Mon, Jan 2
Happy Thanksgiving! Church Closed Thur & Fri All Day Entire church Bells Rehearsal 1:00 pm Mid High Rm First Sunday in Advent Decorate Church for Christmas 1:00 pm Sanctuary/Garden Rm Senior Adult Ministries Meeting 2:00 pm Adult Ed Room Gracia de Cristo Fundraiser Dinner 5:30 pm Gym MOPS Christmas Tea 9:30 am Garden Room Santa Breakfast 9:00 am Gym Communion Sunday All Morning Sanctuary Preschool See’s Candy Fundraiser All Morning Garden Room Discipleship Ministry Team Meeting 5:30 pm Conference Room Gather at the Table Dinner 5:30 pm Garden Room Preschool Christmas Program 10:00 am & 7:00 pm Sanctuary/Garden Rm All Staff Birthday Lunch 12:00 pm Parlor Worship Ministry Team Meeting 6:15 pm Adult Ed Room Ghormley Commission 7:00 pm Adult Ed Room MOPS Leadership Meeting 9:30 am Adult Ed Room Mountain Meadow Christmas All Weekend Ghormley Meadow Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00 pm Garden Room Bells Rehearsal 1:00 pm Mid High Rm Edith Ferry Circle 12:00 pm Parlor Mission Ministry Team Meeting 4:00 pm Adult Ed Room Session/Deacon Dinner and Meetings 5:30 pm Garden Room / Parlor Organ Christmas Concert with Dr. Jon Waite 2:00 pm Sanctuary Women’s Ministry Team Meeting 4:30 pm Garden Room Faith and Family Meeting 5:30 pm Adult Ed Room Christmas Worship & Prayer 7:00 pm Chapel MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9:30 am Gym KidZone Christmas Rehearsal 10:00 am Sanctuary Bells Rehearsal 1:00 pm Mid High Rm KidZone Christmas Celebration 9:00 am Sanctuary ELZ Staff Meeting & Lunch 12:30 pm Adult Ed Room Family Christmas Eve Service 5:00 pm Sanctuary Carols and Candles Christmas Eve Service 9:00 pm Sanctuary Merry Christmas / One Worship Service 10:00 am Sanctuary Church Closed Today All Day Entire church Thur Dec 29 Church office closes at 1:00 pm and church building closes at 5:00 pm Church Closed Today All Day Entire Church Happy New Year / One worship Service 10:00 am Sanctuary Church is open today! (No Preschool) No Gather at the Table in January
Everyone Ringers Everyone Committee Everyone Women Everyone Everyone Everyone Committee Everyone Preschool Staff Committee Committee Committee Everyone Knitters Ringers Women Committee Elders & Deacons Everyone Committee Committee Everyone Moms KidZone Kids Ringers Everyone Staff Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone 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 18
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Weekday Events Monday
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) All Staff Check-In Meeting Overeater’s Anonymous Serve at Love INC Trailseekers Al-Anon Divorce Care
10:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:30 pm 5:15 pm 6:30 pm
Mon & Wed ESL Classes
Adult Ed DF Lounge Adult Ed Love INC Gym Adult Ed Room 217
9:15 am Gym
Women
9:45 am Parlor
Women
Wednesday
Men’s Noon Bible Study Youth Group - Mid High & Senior High Gracia de Cristo Music Rehearsal Parenting Class Life Group Leadership
Noon 5:30 - 8:30 pm 6:00 - 8:00 pm 6:00 - 8:00 pm 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Bible Study Fellowship Diabetes Prevention Class Temple Choir SOZO Prayer
9:00 am Sanctuary 1:00 pm Parlor 7:00 pm Choir Room 5:45 - 9:15 pm Prayer Room
Friday SOZO Prayer
Everyone Everyone
11:00 am Room 220
Tuesday Pursuing Our Limitless God (Women’s Bible Study) Women in the Word Bible Study
Thursday
Everyone All Staff Everyone Everyone
Adult Ed Youth and Mid Hi Rms Sanctuary Lounge Adult Ed
9:00 - 11:30 am Prayer Room
Men 6th - 12th grades Everyone
Women Everyone SOZO Team SOZO Team
Sunday Services and Events Worship - Led Contemporary Worship Team
19
Discipleship Time Worship - led by Temple Choir & Organ Worship - Gracia de Cristo (In Spanish) Going Deeper: John Golden Circle KidZone Youth Refuel
9:00am 10:15-11:00 am 11:15 am 1:00 pm 9:30 am 10:15 am 9:00 am 10:15 am
Sanctuary Church Sanctuary Sanctuary Adult Ed Lounge 2nd Floor Mid Hi and Library
Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone Adults Adults 3yrs thru 5th gr Gr 6-12
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