Grace Alive JAN2016

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Interim Head of Staff — Pastor Cindy Shively

Growing Deeper with Our Lord in 2016 I just received news that a friend slipped on the ice, while walking his dog, and died. What a shock! Yet also a relief, that he knows and loves his Lord and Savior, Jesus. Life is incredibly fragile. We want to make sure we do what matters, to live life fully as God intended, loving God and each other. Even in the midst of joys and grief, we can rest in God’s grace and peace.

As I reflect on the past year, and ponder the New Year, I am filled with gratitude for God’s unfailing, unending love and care, for each one of us. When we are aware that God is our Loving, Heavenly Dad, and we were created for relationship with Him, it only stands to reason that we would desire a growing intimacy in our relationship with God – growing deeper in knowing and being known, in loving and being loved by God. Nothing else matters more, and nothing else provides the peace and perspective we need to live more fully as God intended.

So how do we grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord?

1. Remember that you were created by God, and for God’s loving purposes. “For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” (Colossians 1:16, MSG). God has our best interest at heart.

“I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.” (Isaiah 44:2a, CEV) We can relax in the perfect love of our Heavenly Dad. 2. Knowing how profoundly God loves us, we can trust that no matter what life brings, God is right there with us, giving us all we need, and weaving it all together for his good purposes. So no matter what we are going through, trust in the Lord’s love and faithfulness. Trusting God involves ongoing surrendering of our lives to God, to God’s ways and God’s will, and learning to rely on God’s Holy Spirit for everything.

3. Make time with the Lord a priority. Spend time talking to God, and also listening to God’s Spirit, so we can see things from God’s perspective, and gradually become more like Jesus. What are you saying to me, Lord? How do you want me to live differently? How do you want me to be more like Jesus in how I think, how I feel and how I act? Thank you for giving me all I need to do 2

what you want me to do. Time with the Lord is not a duty, but a delight. We are to love and enjoy God, and give ourselves to be used for God’s purposes.

So growing deeper with Our Lord involves remembering God’s deep love and faithfulness, surrendering our lives and wills to God’s, and living out God’s loving purposes in our every day, ordinary lives, resulting in sharing God’s love and hope with all the people in our lives.

May 2016 be a year of growing deeper in your relationship with your Lord. God wants to be included in every activity, conversation, joy and challenge of your life. Enjoy God. Love God, and let God love you. Give yourself more and more to God’s purposes.

Growing deeper with Our Lord, Pastor Cindy Shively

An Official Welcome to Dennis Whitcher!

You have probably noticed by now a familiar (or maybe notso-familiar) face up front during the 11:00 service. Elder Dennis Whitcher received his Certificate in Lay Ministry from Whitworth College in 2002. He was examined and ordained as a Lay Pastor by the Central Washington Presbytery (PCUSA), and commissioned to serve as the Pastor for the Tieton Presbyterian Church. Dennis and his wife Barbara (a Deacon) served there for three years.

He and Barbara were married at First Pres by Pastor Steve Barker in 1987. Dennis has taken many adult Bible classes (from his mentor Fritz Andrews) and has taught several classes, mostly in Reformed Theology earning him the nickname Dennis “R.C. Sproul” Whitcher.

After our church moved from PCUSA to ECO, Dennis was commissioned by our Session in January 2014, to serve as a volunteer Lay Pastor for Grace of Christ Church, primarily helping with Pastoral Care and assisting in worship. He currently conducts worship services at retirement homes, performs memorial and funeral services, serves on the Pastoral Care Team and assists during Sunday worship. Dennis and Barbara have also just begun serving as Deacons for the twoyear term beginning in 2016.

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Assistant Pastor — Pastor Tyler Van Horn BAGS OF HOPE FOR LOVE INC

Section 2: MISSION – we are invited to join Jesus in spreading compassion and grace Section 3: FAMILY – we are invited into intimate relationship with Jesus and our new family

Sermon Series Winter 2016 A Continued Study in the Gospel of Mark Section 4: ORDER vs CHAOS – In this section of the Gospel of Mark we will watch how chaos continues to swirl around Jesus. And we will get to see how Jesus conquers all kinds of evil in order to display the beautiful order of the Kingdom of God in this world.

JAN 10: “Jesus Calms the Storm” JAN 17: “Jesus Heals the Demoniac”

(Mark 4:35 -41) (Mark 5:1-20)

JAN 24: “Jesus Heals a Woman and a Little Girl”

(Mark 5:21-43)

JAN 31: “Jesus Rejected and Sending Out His Disciples” (Mark 6:1-13)

FEB 7: “The Death of John the Baptist” (Mark 6:14-29) Our hope is that we would all be given the gift of eyes that see and ears that hear. So may we all keep praying for Jesus to reveal to us the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Tyler Van Horn

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Sun, Jan 17: Pick-up a Green Bag of Hope Sun, Jan 31: Return Full Bags to Church Mon, Feb 1: Help Organize the Collection and

Transport to LOVE, INC. Contact Jerry Smith: 654-3105

Shopping List for

Silverware Twin Size Sheets Twin Size Blankets & Comforters Bath Towels & Wash Cloths Any kitchen items (especially pots & pans) Deodorant (men & women) Combs & Brushes (new only please) Baby Wash & Shampoo Dish Detergent Shaving Crème Hair Conditioner

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Section 1: INVASION – the kingdom of heaven is breaking into this world

Hope. This is the season of hope. Awhile back we established the ministry of Bags of Hope to assist some of our local mission outreaches with food, toiletries and school supply needs. One of those missions is Love, INC. Through its T.E.A.M. program, Love, INC provides longterm, self-help solutions for those who are chronically in need or have multiple needs. Participants in the program can shop for food in the Love,INC pantry as they learn money management and life skills. Our Bags of Hope will help to restock the shelves of the pantry for this very successful program. The familiar green Bags of Hope will be distributed on Sunday, January 17. A shopping list will be included; please shop generously and return them on Sunday January 31.

JA N

In the fall we began a study in the Gospel of Mark and we will pick this study back up January 10 of 2016.

Section by section we are looking at the ministry of Jesus in order to be reminded of things we have forgotten and in order to be surprised by new things we learn about the Kingdom of Heaven.

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Session Notes — Janet Krieger

During the November Session meeting Elders entered into a time of listening prayer and discerned God is leading us to pursue filling a senior pastor position.

During the time of prayer Elders variously heard “wait and see” as in wait and see what I (God) will do, “go forward,” “pursue change,” “have peace, do not fear,” and “I (God) am already in your tomorrow.” Following the time of prayer and sharing a unanimous vote was made to establish a Pastor Nominating Committee, or PNC.

potential candidates and identify the attributes of pastoral leadership that will express our vision for future ministry. Our present pastoral staff may apply for the position of senior pastor and, in addition, outside candidates will be sought. Ongoing communication regarding the work of the PNC will be shared with the congregation in this newsletter and via Chats With The Elders.

Praise God for the excellent leadership of Pastors Cindy and Tyler during this interim year. Pray for their energy and endurance to be sustained as they continue to lead us forward, minister to our Body and manage the day to day business of the church.

On December 20, an insert was placed in the Sunday bulletin that requested nominations for candidates to serve as members of the PNC. Please prayerfully consider who you might nominate. It is desired the PNC be representative of the whole congregation.

The Nominating Committee comprised of Peggy Shaffer, Sharon Trick, Mike Sorenson, Jake Weber, Diane Drollinger, Rodney Eells, Sara Holtzinger and Diane Kearby will review all suggested candidates considering these attributes: Church members of integrity who are: • Regular worship attendees and active participants in the life of Grace of Christ • Knowledgeable about the church and community • Able to make a significant commitment of their time, energy, and very best wisdom • Willing to accept this as a task of spiritual discernment, not being easily influenced by personal desires or congregational politics, but rather listening for the voice of God • Able to honor confidentiality Following interview of the potential PNC candidates the Nominating Committee will bring before the congregation the slate of names to be voted for acceptance as a Pastor Nominating Committee.

The recently completed Mission Study is an integral tool the PNC will use to describe Grace of Christ to 4

Please pray for our church to act in obedience to God, to move forward with fearless faith, to look for the presence of God following hard after Him and to anticipate the miracles of God knowing He can and will do great things.

– Janet Krieger

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Connecting Ministries — Jocelyn Larsen

Happy New Year!

Did you make any resolutions? I love making resolutions.

They feel so fresh and clean and hopeful and anticipatory.

Usually mine are something about bettering myself (don’t eat so many Oreos!) or bettering my family life (stop overcommitting!).

This year as I set about making resolutions, I remembered a mentor of mine who once gave me a fresh definition of what it means to walk with Jesus. He said that to walk with Jesus is to be, simply, two things: yielded to and dependent on Him. If what he says is true, and I definitely think he’s on to something, then why do I brag about and put so much emphasis on all the things I do for God rather than on all of the ways He is remolding me to be a person who reflects Him more whole-heartedly – in surrendered dependence?

Why am I riveted on all of the ways I’m a competent and qualified Christian all by myself, rather than on all of the ways I’m a needy, homeless orphan without Him? David Benner, in his book The Gift of Being Yourself says, Genuine Christian transformation “always involves encountering and embracing previously unwelcomed parts of self. Christian spirituality involves acknowledging all our part-selves, exposing them to God’s love and letting him weave them into the new person he is making.”

This year, instead of resolving to do more of some things, or to stop doing some things, let us resolve to let God make us become more and more of who He made us to be.

So, this year, I’m resolving to root around for the parts of my life that I have not yielded to Him. And when I find them, I’m loosening my grip and handing them over by faith. I’m opening my tight fists on every unyielded thing I can find, and giving them over to our God who orchestrates our every breath and directs our every step.

And, this year, I’m resolving to be on the lookout for the parts of my life for which I am not dependent on Him. And when I find them, I’m throwing myself down at His feet, letting all of my competencies and excuses crash with the fall, and I’m clinging desperately to Him, grateful just to be the object of His mercy. I’m resolving, prayerfully, to become less and less self-reliant, self-promoting, selfjustifying, as I bring my self-dependence into the Light of God-dependence.

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Cheers? Want to join me?

Here are a few self-reflection questions that have been helpful to me: Yielding. On what in my life do I have a white-knuckled grip? What is God asking me to yield to Him? What things must I keep control over in my life? What would it look like in my heart, mind, and actions if I were to relinquish control to Him? How would my family, friends, communities change if I were to yield more of myself and my ‘rights’ and my ‘way’ to God? Dependence. For what do I need to be more dependent on God? Place an ‘x’ on the line to indicate where you’re at on each of these spectrums:

On who do you rely for finances: Self

God

On who do you rely for your perception of security: Self

God

On who do you rely for reputation maintenance: Self

God

On who do you rely for patience and strength to get through difficult circumstances and long days at work / home:

Self

God On who do you rely for your personal spiritual development:

Self

God Cheers to us all as we set out on the inward journey toward yielded dependence!

Warmly, – Jocelyn

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Children’s Ministry — Susie Woodin

Welcome 2016! It was an incredibly fast 2015 filled with many blessings in the Children’s Ministries Dept. Thank you Grace of Christ congregation for participating in our annual holiday mission projects. Your generosity this holiday season provided 100 Salvation Army Angel Tree gifts, and 219 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas child… allowing 319 children and families to feel the love of Jesus and our church. You have made a difference in so many lives over the years of involvement in these two projects. God bless you for sharing in God’s love by giving these gifts to others!

With a grateful heart; Susie Woodin

Grace of Christ Preschool would like to thank EVERYONE for your support through our fundraising season with your purchases of calendars, cards and See’s Candies. We so appreciate not only this but for the cash donations of support as well. By you giving and supporting, we are able to provide our outreach ministry of an excellent Christian early childhood education to many children and their families. You make it possible for many to be included in a program that they would not otherwise be able to afford. You are helping us plant seeds of faith in these little ones and blessing their whole family. Thank you! — Rhonda Cardona

Preschool

Grace of Christ Preschool would like to thank EVERYONE for your support through our fundraising season with your purchases of calendars, cards and See’s Candies. We so appreciate not only this but the cash donations of support as well. By you giving and supporting, we are able to provide our outreach ministry of an excellent Christian early childhood education to many children and their families.You make it possible for many to be included in a program that they would not otherwise be able to afford. You are helping us plant seeds of faith in these little ones and blessing their whole family. Thank you!

Is it time for Preschool Registration for the 2016-17 school year? Almost!

Registration will begin February 1st! Watch for information and registration paperwork to be available in January!

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Student Ministries — Kelsey Schmidt

Greetings Church Family!

Last month we talked a little bit about the importance of common mission for a body of young believers. I filled you in our plans for a high school spring break mission trip to Portland, OR. This month, I’m excited to share with you about our mid high mission. For the past couple of years, we’ve been participating in a really valuable event called 30 Hour Famine. This event has been imagined by the people at World Vision, an organization that brings relief to impoverished people in a number of ways. Between now and February 26th, middle school students will be asking their friends, families, and loved ones for monetary pledges. All proceeds will be sent to World Vision when the event is over and will be used to feed real hungry people around the world. In 2013, more than 17,000 children younger than 5 years old died EVERY DAY. Most of those deaths were caused by preventable things, like hunger. Our middle school youth group is determined to help cut that number.

Fundraising is just the first step. Students will collect pledges and then, on the weekend of February 26th, we will all go without food for 30 hours. This time of fasting will be accompanied by a sleepover in an area church during which we’ll learn about worldwide hunger and suffering and how God calls us to respond to these realities. We’ll see what it feels like to be hungry and we’ll support each other in empathizing with the less fortunate. We’re partnering with Yakima Covenant and Selah Covenant this year, so our sleepover will take place in Selah. This partnership means we’ll make new friends and have new opportunities to discuss our faith and our purpose in doing what we’re doing.

I’m pumped about meeting and interacting with more youth in the area and about broadening our students’ vision of the global church!

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This weekend is always an eye opening experience for teenagers. It teaches us something about what it means to be human and to love others well, even people we don’t know personally. It also reminds us of how blessed we are and that the Scriptures tell us that the reason we are blessed is so that we can be a blessing to others. Please pray for us as we prepare to go without food for longer than most of us ever have before. As the event gets closer, we’ll continue to share information with the congregation. We so appreciate your support and your cheerleading as we work to make a tangible difference in a broken world.

Many blessings, Kelsey

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Women’s Ministries — Shan Trick

PURSUING OUR LIMITLESS GOD.

A NEW TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Ladies we hope you will be able to join us for “Alive in the Desert” the winter series Kelly Brewer will be teaching beginning Tuesday morning, January 12 at 9:15 in the gym.

Childcare is available with 48 hour advance reservation. (248-7940)

Please enjoy a testimony from one of our participants, Joann Benson.

As I reflect prayerfully on what we are learning in our Tuesday morning Bible Study with Kelly Brewer, I am learning what it means to have impossible faith in an imperfect world.

Jesus sets the ultimate example of what our lives should be about – loving, caring beyond measure, and being in constant relationship with our Father, the protector of our heart and soul.

away from family and away from Christ. It was so comforting to know we were not alone in our broken hearts, but that the Lord had gifted us with his strength and wisdom, and with sisters who were willing to share, pray for each other, support each other and find ways through Him to see joy and peace in celebrating. This is definitely testimony to opening our hearts to living in the impossible.

Another new experience this week for many was being anointed in our faith. The Lord invites us to join Him in the realm of the impossible, which He inhabits. In Romans 15:13 He tells us that our job is to believe. His Word is guiding our path and lighting the way for us to find joy in impossible places. I personally had a place in my life that I had held onto for many years that was anything but joyful. Through this teaching I realized I was trying to find answers that pleased me, and that only by trusting God and His answers could I find the peace and joy I was seeking. This is truly when the impossible becomes normal and we find joy in every circumstance in our lives.

At the end of several weeks of study we participated in Activation Week, selecting a station to reflect on finding impossible peace for the broken hearted, comforting those who mourn, rebuilding our ancient ruins, I am comforted knowing that we have being thankful for a double portion each selected a prayer partner to Joann Benson and learning more about everlasting continually pray for daily on a personal Covenant. For many this was a new way of worship level. I feel so blessed to have faithful believers caring because we moved away from the comfort of familiar so much for each of us, lifting and encouraging, and small groups to embrace others with similar concerns. loving unconditionally like Jesus loves us. I know We learned that our faith is bigger than our fear, that when I act in obedience to God, moving forward and we can be truly blessed with new experiences. in my life with fearless faith, seeking and listening for The group I prayed with all experienced broken His presence in my life, miracles do happen because heartedness, specifically struggling with celebrating I chose to believe. Then life is not impossible, but full holidays without family members who have moved of peace and joy.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Women’s Ministries Mops is a ministry that connects moms to other moms for fellowship, inspiration, and to grow closer to Jesus. We meet the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 am in the gym with breakfast served. The remainder of this year’s “A Fierce Flourishing” themed meetings go from January 8 until May 13. Children of all ages are welcome in our MOPPETS program. Contact the church for more information.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Senior Adult Ministries

Kaffee Klatsch ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM P.A.D.?

Have you noticed your neighbor’s Christmas trees silently disappearing? Have their festive lights evaporated? Has your newspaper become thinner without the enticing sales being promoted? Has that lovely box of fudge that came as a loving gift gone straight to your midsection? Do you have an urge to hibernate? If so, you may be suffering from P.A.D., also known as Post Advent Depression. Yes, indeed, many are affected by this yearly disorder.

Fortunately, our upcoming Kaffee Klatsch can help provide a painless cure for this distressing condition. Susan Sanders will be our guest speaker and her topic will be Beat the Blahs. What could be timelier? Sue is the Area Advisor for Bible Study Fellowship and has been active in that role for over 30 years. Many of you who participate in BSF already know that she is a well-educated, vibrant speaker. Not only that, this presenter is very down to earth and has a lovely sense of humor. Her experiences in Asia, Europe, and other exotic parts of the world have provided a wealth of experiences from which to draw poignant and uplifting messages.

Senior Adult Ministries encourages you to come and join us on January 14, 2016, at 2 PM in the Garden Room for a vibrant message of hope and encouragement as we face the New Year. All you need to bring is a smile. Pat Drollinger will have a delicious dessert waiting for you. For those of you who have been stout hearts and managed to stay with your resolution to lose weight, we’ll have a lovely tray of veggies to help you stay on the straight and narrow. That’s in keeping with our Lord’s message to not lead our brother or sisters astray. (Matthew 18:6 NIV incredibly loosely interpreted, but the essence is there. We’re not going to cause you to stumble.)

So, there you have it. Susan will bring you a wonderful message of new beginnings no matter where you are in life. You’ll have cheerful fellowship, loads of coffee, and a little something to help keep body and soul together. Please come join us. We need each of you to help make our family feel more complete. Blessings as you begin 2016

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BLOOD DRIVE Save the Date! Monday, January 11 American Red Cross Blood Drive Grace of Christ Garden Room 10:00a – 2:00p Sign up online www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood or call Ericka, 248-7940 to make your appointment.

Thank you Grace of Christ! We have been hosting ARC blood drives at our church for the past three years – a few times each year. The success stories are abundant! Our donations have helped save over 200 lives! There are so many benefits to donating blood… It feels great to donate!

You get free juice and delicious cookies and maybe even the famous onion cheese sandwich! It’s something you can spare – most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around. You will help ensure blood is on the shelf when needed – most people don’t think they’ll ever need blood, but many do. You will be someone’s hero – in fact, you could help save more than one life with just one donation. We look forward to seeing you on the 11th.

Welcome to Rapid Pass! www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass RapidPass allows you to start the blood donation process from the comfort of your home or office and save time at the donation site. The process is simple, just read the following information and complete the questions online, then print your RapidPass and bring it with you or show it on your mobile device.

MARY MACLEAN GUILD THANK YOU! The church wants to thank the Mary MacLean Guild for decorating the church for Christmas. The Guild along with many other volunteers took a day to add festive, holiday beauty to our Sanctuary, the Garden Room and the Parlor. Their attention to detail, time and efforts are appreciated beyond these simple words! We hope you enjoyed the festive look of our already gorgeous church, in December! Thanks again Mary MacLean!

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo Our Spanish speaking church has officially changed their name from Cristo Vive to Gracia de Cristo. Join us in the Sanctuary Sundays at 1:00 pm for worship!

— Alex Rule

THANK YOU!! Gracia de Cristo wants to take the opportunity to thank the members of Grace of Christ for your prayers, participation, and financial support in Gracia de Cristo Fundraising Dinner that was held Thursday, November 19. It was a great success and wouldn’t have been possible without you! Nearly 200 people, including volunteers got together in the event, and the atmosphere was filled with the Holy Spirit as our brothers and sisters took pleasure in the music, food, testimonies, and fellowship. Volunteers worked hard to serve everyone an authentic Mexican dish that was prepared by amazing cooks from our congregation.

It was such a blessing to hear Rodney Eells and his grandson Josiah Carvajal play their trumpets as well as hearing testimonies from Tamara, Lucia, and Rodney.

We closed the evening joining hands and singing “We Are One in the Spirit”. Everyone in the gym was surely moved by God that very night.

We continue to be a Church without Walls reaching out to our neighbors. We continue to make Disciples to help make other Disciples to spread the Good News, that Jesus Christ died for them and wants them to have everlasting life with him and to help them accept Him as their Lord and Savior.

We have many more places to be in Yakima - additional elementary schools, Davis High school and many more.

Our hope is to continue to listen to God to see where he is leading us and then to be obedient.

At last count we have raised over $15,000 and support and blessings continue to pour in. As many of you are aware funding from Central Washington Presbytery in the amount of $40,000 ends at the end of this year. So a successful fundraiser was critical - as you can see God showed up in a mighty way.

We wanted to let you know what your support will mean to us.

1) We will be coordinating and helping send 125 plus 4th, 5th, and 6th graders from Adams elementary and Washington Middle school to Camp Ghormley in June.

2) We will be having Financial Peace University in Spanish and English beginning January 31st 3) We hope to have a marriage class 2nd quarter 2016 4) We will have a class for Divorced parents 3rd quarter 5) We will continue our reading program made up of 15 volunteers at Adams Elementary.

6) We are feeding people on Sundays in the gym and then offering English as a second language 7) We have taken over a program from Madison House and now offer ESL twice a week at the Church 11

We are also aware that many of you could not attend the fundraiser that night and yet still wanted to know ways that you can help.

As you can see we have a full agenda! You can help by becoming a volunteer! It’s not too late to give money to the Gracia de Cristo Fundraiser (Dinner was November 19.) We would hope that you would prayerfully consider making Gracia de Cristo a part of your annual giving next year on a monthly basis.

Once again we sincerely want to thank those who came and gave so graciously, you, the Community, and above all God. This ministry will benefit greatly from your generosity. God Bless and help us to remember the Reason for the Season!

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp

CONSIDER A YEAR END GIFT TO GHORMLEY!

NEW STAFF MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT We are thrilled to announce the hiring of Cheryl Massingill for the position of Retreat Services Assistant. Cheryl comes to us from Bellevue, WA, and has attended many winter camps with her church here at Ghormley. We created this position to give support to our Guest Services Director and Food Services Department.

Cheryl will be splitting her time between hosting weekend retreat groups, while working Cheryl Massingill alongside our Guest Services Director, Stephanie Lewis, and will also assist in the Food Service area to give greater support to Matt Noteboom. Cheryl is a very talented young lady with many gifts, and we are excited to see how the Lord uses her to move our level of service to new heights. Welcome, Cheryl!

2016 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Don’t miss this great opportunity to save big on 2016 camps, while giving your camper a great surprise for Christmas!

EARLYBIRD PRICES VALID NOV. 23 - DEC. 31ST (To Qualify Pay 50% of 2016 Price by Dec. 31st)

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Ghormley’s excellent staff is prayerfully considering future needs for the camp, and are actively planning for future facility improvements. Will you prayerfully consider giving a year end gift to Ghormley?

We are excited about the direction God is taking the camp, and need your support. If you’d like to give a gift, please see our website for instructions on how to give and to see what we’re up to.

FINANCIALLY Support Camp Ghormley through operating funds, camp scholarships, and memorials.

PRAYER • As we wrap up the 2015 fiscal year, pray that Camp Ghormley will be financially successful for the rest of 2015 and into 2016.

• 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 prepare for adding and updating facilities.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Adopt-A-Cabin / Adopt-A-Flower Bed • Host Guest Groups

For Adopt-A-Cabin, contact Joe Buckley at 961-0424 or email jcbuckley2@fairpoint.net.

Ghormley Work Days are scheduled for the second Saturday of each month at camp to provide maintenance of facilities and grounds. Our next Second Saturday is scheduled for January 9th from 9:00am-3:00pm. Lunch will be provided with an RSVP. Call camp at (509) 672-4311.

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Missions

By Mark Washam As the December page turns on the previous year’s calendar, a quick glance at the months past would reveal where you spent your time and the meetings you thought important enough to schedule: birthdays, anniversaries, special events, doctor’s appointments, various meetings, etc. One of the joys of my new year is getting a fresh calendar. I usually receive one for Christmas with a natural beauty theme; you know, National Parks, waterfalls, tropical beaches, etc. Beautiful full color photos to enjoy and pristine, clean pages without any markings. For a few days at least, it appears that the New Year offers the hope of a new beginning, a fresh start, a break from the past, new opportunities.

Unfortunately for many of us, the new calendar rather quickly gets filled with more of the same routine and before long we start asking ourselves, “Where has the year gone? It’s almost Christmas AGAIN!” Very seldom are we given the gift of truly beginning anew, and intentionally building each new day as if it were filled with new possibilities. For individuals like Aretha, that is exactly what happened when she started the Women’s NEW LIFE program at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission (YUGM). Aretha started her journey of life transformation at Grace of Christ 15 months ago and is scheduled to graduate from the program in February. You may remember Aretha from her testimony in all three services last September, as she shared her journey from shame, sin and addiction to one of acceptance, holy living and freedom from ungodly dependencies.

Please pray for Aretha and our other program participants as they fill their new Life calendars with different perspectives based on God’s promises and Biblical principles.

Aretha 13

At YUGM it’s also a new year. A year filled with NEW LIFE participants, (present and soon to enroll), new construction and increased use of our Medical Care Center by our region’s poor, and new challenges due to the ever changing non-profit funding world.

In 2015 we lost 800 donors, mostly from “The

Greatest Generation” due to death, representing about 10% of our active donor base. Many of those faithful saints have contributed every month for many years. Most of them giving not large amounts, but more importantly, consistently and faithfully to the work we do here. That “Greatest Generation” is rapidly passing on to eternity. Who will take their place?

The “Greatest Generation” got that title for many reasons but one of the most important was their selfless contributions and sacrificial giving in the effort to rid the world of Hitler’s Nazism and Tojo’s militarism in World War II. Their efforts and commitment were immortally symbolized by the photo of the Marines lifting up the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. Seventy years have now gone by and passed. Those then young soldiers and the generation they represented are now in their 80’s and 90’s and passing away. Will you pick up the flag in their stead?

Please prayerfully consider making the Mission a part of your commitment to see this and future generations continue to have the hope of new life in Christ.

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

OUR CORE VALUES

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

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

January Calendar of Events Sun, December 20

Early Learning Zone Lunch

12:30 pm

Adult Ed Rm

Thur, December 24

Church Office Closes at Noon Today

12:00 pm

Church Office

Christmas Eve Services: 5:00 & 9:00 pm

5p Family / 9p Candles & Carols

Sanctuary

Fri, December 25

Merry Christmas! (Church Closed Today)

Sun, December 27

Two Services: 9 & 11 / No KidZone Today

Morning

Church Office Closes at 1:00p this week!

All Week

Sun, January 3

Two Services: 9 & 11 / No KidZone Today

Morning

Prayer Sunday

Tue, January 5

Women in the Word Bible Study Kick Off

Staff Birthday Lunch

Wed, January 6

Undecorate the Church (Mary MacLean Guild)

Preschool Staff Meeting

Business Ministry Team Meeting

Thur, January 7

Fri, January 8

Sat, January 9

Dec 28 - 31st

Everyone

Everyone

Sanct. / Prayer Rm

Everyone

9:45 am

Parlor

Women

12:00 pm

Parlor

all staff

Sanct., Parlor, GR

Everyone

Room 217

Preschool Staff

3:30 pm

Conference Room

Committee

Senior Adult Ministries

1:30 pm

Adult Ed Rm

Committee

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

9:30 am

Gym

Moms

10:00 am

Gym

Women

Women’s Brunch

All Morning

Church Office

ELZ Staff

9:00 am 12:00 pm

Mon, January 11

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Garden Room

Everyone

Tue, January 12

Pursuing Our Limitless God Begins

9:15 am

Gym

Women

Service Ministry Team Meeting

6:00 pm

Adult Ed Rm

Committee

Basketball Open gym for kids (parents must be present)

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Gym

Kids & Parents

Thur, January 14

Kaffee Klatsch

2:00 pm

Garden Room

Everyone

Sacred Messengers

3:00 pm

Lounge

Committee

Fri, January 15

MOPS Leadership

9:30 am

Lounge

Mops Leaders

Mon, January 18

Church Closed Today

Perspectives Class Begins

Gym

Everyone

Tue, January 19

Session Dinner and Meeting

Garden/Adult Ed

Elders/Prog.Staff

Wed, January 20

Edith Ferry Circle Lunch/Meeting

12:00 pm

Parlor

Women

Preschool Board Meeting

12:00 pm

Lounge

Board Members

Fri, January 22

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

9:30 am

Gym

Moms

Sun, January 24

Deacon’s Meeting

3:30 pm

Lounge

Deacons

Thur, January 28

Women’s Ministry Team Meeting

4:00 pm

Parlor

Committee

Sun, February 21

ANNUAL MEETING / 2 WORSHIP SERVICES

Sanctuary

Everyone

14

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

6:00 - 9:00 pm 6:00 pm

9:00 & 11:00 am

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Weekday Events Nightly

Winter Shelter: Volunteers Needed

6:00 - 9:00 pm

Gym

Volunteers Everyone All Staff

Monday TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

All Staff Check-In Meeting

10:00 am 10:00 am

Adult Ed DF Lounge

Mon & Wed

ESL Classes (On break until January) Overeaters Anonymous Trailseekers Al-Anon Divorce Care

11:00 am 12:00 pm 2:30 pm 5:15 pm 6:30 pm

Room 220 Everyone Adult Ed Everyone Gym Adult Ed Everyone Room 217 Everyone

Tuesday

Pursuing Our Limitless God (women’s Bible study) Women in the Word Bible Study

Wednesday

Women of Action (2nd and 4th Wednesdays) Men’s Noon Bible Study Youth Group - Mid High & Senior High Gracia de Cristo Music Rehearsal

Thursday Bible Study Fellowship

Contemporary Worship Rehearsal

Women of Prayer (Spanish/English)

Temple Choir

SOZO Prayer Friday

SOZO Prayer

9:15 am 9:45 am

Gym Parlor

Women Women

9:30 am 12:00 noon 5:30 - 8:30 pm 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Chapel Adult Ed Youth/Mid Hi Sanctuary

Women Men 6th-12th Grade Everyone

9:00 am 6:00 - 8:00 pm 6:00 - 8:00 pm 7:00 pm 5:45 - 9:15 pm

Sanctuary Women Sanctuary Lounge Women Choir Rm Lounge, Prayer Rm SOZO Team

9:00 - 11:30 am

Chapel, Prayer Room

SOZO Team

8:00 & 9:30 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm 9:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 10:30-11:00 am

Sanctuary Sanctuary Sanctuary Adult Ed Lounge 2nd Floor Mid High & Youth Rms

Everyone Everyone Everyone Adults Adults 3yrs-5th Grade 6th-12th Grade

Sunday Services and Events

Worship - Led by Contemporary Worship Team

Worship - Led by Temple Choir & Organ Worship - Gracia de Cristo (Spanish) Going Deeper: Revelation Golden Circle KidZone Youth Refuel

Announcements VALET ON SUNDAY

Would you be interested in using a free valet service when you arrive at church on Sunday morning? With our limited senior and handicapped parking, we are exploring the idea of providing valet service as a possible option for those who have difficulty walking in from the parking lot. Please indicate on the connect card if you would use this service if it were provided. (Again, this would be a free service!)

Additionally, we are interested in finding people who would enjoy serving others as a part of a team of valets to provide this service. If you have interested in this, please mark the connect card saying you are willing to be a valet.

COOKIES & CANS

Thank you for bringing cookies for our fellowship time on Sunday mornings and for bringing non-perishable food for the food bank. (We donate to Calvary Rescue mission.)

See the listed dates so your family can help this month.

15

JANUARY COOKIES & CANS DEC 27: A - F JAN 3: G - M JAN 10: N - S

JAN 17: T - Z JAN 24: A - F JAN 31: G - M

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

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59

EXTREME WEATHER SHELTER HELP > serve prepared meals > supervise until 9 pm

> extend God’s Love

QUESTIONS? Steve Hildebrand 480-0980 CLOTHING DONATIONS

Brrrr. Cold weather is upon us and as we consider the less fortunate and homeless we note that many of them are without adequate coats, hats, scarfs and mittens to keep them warm. We have a connection with Neighborhood Health and the cold weather shelters to assist with this need. Please search your closet for some gently used items that you can donate through a collection in our Garden Room. Be blessed as you serve in this mission.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS IMMEDIATELY!

In December, Grace of Christ began our Extreme Weather Shelter from 6-9pm every night until the cold season is over. For those who are interested in volunteering, come to Grace of Christ Monday through Friday (you pick the day) at 5:45PM for “on the Job” volunteer training. We will be starting with 7-15 men each night and will serve them a pre-prepared dinner, supervision and God’s love until 9:00pm each night. For more information please call Steve Hildebrand 4800980 or Ericka Clark at the church, 248-7940.