Grace Alive March 2022

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Pastor — Curt McFarland, Pastor

SEE HOW MUCH OUR FATHER LOVES US GRACE OF CHRIST I struggle with the temptation for power, I doubt I’m alone. It may not be in grandiose ways... I have no desire to rule the world (Honestly, I’m only saying that because no one has given, or will give, me the opportunity). On a day to day basis, temptation to power comes in small ways, subtle ways, hidden ways. I want to control this or that thing, this or that person, this or that circumstance or aspect of my life. But no matter how much power I have, or gain, there is always someone or something who has more. The power I have, or think I have, can easily be taken away.

In a February sermon, based on an encounter Jesus had with an unclean demon (Luke 4:31-37), we came face to face with the unlimited power of Jesus. What He decides to do, no one can resist, or not for long. A 400 year old Presbyterian statement of faith called, “The Scots Confession” talks about the power of Jesus this way, “We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible.”

When I take an honest look at human power I see how fragile it is. Here one minute, gone the next. And then I look at Jesus. I remember His power. His power is real.

His power is matchless. His power never fades.

If all of the above, and all of the Bible, is True, how then did He end up dying on a Roman cross? That seems to be a powerless, victim-filled, position for Jesus to be in. Did He lose His power? No! Did Jesus meet some force that overpowered Him? No! Quite the opposite. His ultimate power joined ultimate love and that took Him to the cross.

He set aside His ultimate power voluntarily for our benefit.

Three days later His power was once more unleashed.

Right in the middle of Mark’s book about Jesus we read this, “the Son of Man (a term Jesus used for Himself) came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45.

For those who follow Jesus power is found in seeking, serving, saving. I am constantly in need of reminders of true power, real grace, heartfelt forgiveness, and genuine serving. Ultimate power and love belong to Jesus. He came to seek, serve, and save!

BOOK EXCERPT From a sermon Karl Barth preached in various Swiss towns in early 1945. This sermon addressed how the Swiss and the world should respond to the German population after the devastating death and suffering they caused with WW2. (Karl Barth was a brilliant and compassionate Swiss Christian, theologian, speaker, author, scholar. This sermon is included in the book, “A Karl Barth Reader” published in 1986.) Remember early 1945.

“Jesus is for them, unconditionally for them. He is for them exactly as He is for us... If even for the best reasons we resist and say that unconditional friendship for the Germans is too much to ask of us, then we must be careful lest the Savior’s call, ‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,” instead of passing through us, goes out to the Germans without applying to us at all...

FOR THE SON OF MAN DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED

BUT TO SERVE AND TO GIVE HIS LIFE AS A RANSOM FOR MANY MARK 10:45

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Pastor How about if we were suddenly to read, ’Come to me, you heartless ones, you wicked Hitler youth, you brutal SS soldiers, you vicious Gestapo villains, you sorry compromisers and collaborators, you mass men who for so long patiently and stupidly followed your so-called leader. Come to me, you guilty ones... If the Swiss, puffed up with their democratic, social and Christians ideas, which they have always extolled, are not interested in you, I am. If they will not say it, I will say it: I am for you, I am your friend.’”

NATIONAL DENOMINATION REPORT

Those who spoke did so with passion. Creative ideas and initiatives rose to the surface, including the launch of a new ECO Graduate School of Ministry (in partnership with Gordon Conwell) promising exceptional resources, classes, and flexibility. Our own Ruth and Fred Maloney, parents to Linda who is married to Mark Patterson. Mark is the newly appointed director of this school.

There were no contentious votes, mostly procedural (attempts to clear up wording in previous documents and decisions). Alex and I took time at this conference to build stronger relationships with other pastors from our Central Washington area.

During the first week of February, Alex Rule and I attended the 2022 ECO (Evangelical Covenant Order) Presbyterian National Conference held in Dallas, Texas.

Attendance was, my estimate, about 700-800. Each Candidate represented one of the 391 ECO churches in the United States. During the main sessions, and in the various smaller trainings, we heard an emphasis on; 1) remaining true to Jesus, 2) communicating the love and hope of Jesus in our communities, 3) planting new churches, and 4) responding faithfully to both social and racial needs and injustice.

The National convention ended one day early due to an ominous major winter storm due to hit Dallas on Thursday. The storm came, bringing with it one-inch of snow and freezing rain. The city shut down, airports too.

Flights were canceled, ours included. Thank you for your prayers for us, for Grace of Christ, and for our brothers and sisters in ECO churches across our denomination. Please contact Alex or Curt for more information (509-248-7940).

Men's Breakfast

Group Life at Grace

Saturday | March 12 | 7:30am | Gym Hey guys! Mark your calendars – there will be a men’s breakfast on Saturday, March 12 at 7:30am in the church gym. A very hearty (and delicious) meal and good conversation with the guys. A great way to start the weekend. Men of all ages are welcome – bring your sons or grandsons, friend from work, and your neighbor! Please let the church office know if you want to help cook & setup or help clean up afterwards.

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In the Good and Undeserved Grace of Christ, Pastor Curt

We are a church family that does life together. We have a variety of groups that meet weekly or a few times a month – they gather together to share life, pray for one another, do a study, perhaps even serve the community in some way. Some groups choose to do a book study chosen by our Pastor.

If you are interested in joining a group, contact Ericka at the church. Call 509-248-7940 x107 or email her at Ericka@yakimagrace.com.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Outreach — Alex Rule, Pastor

GOD BLESS OUR CHURCH & COMMUNITY

DIOS BENDIGA NUESTRA IGLESIA Y COMUNIDAD

We are very grateful for what God has allowed us to do to this day, our commitment to our community is a blessing although we have not been able to work at the speed we want due to the circumstances we are still facing. We are very optimistic that in the coming months everything will improve so that we can serve our community that needs it so much.

Estamos muy agradecidos por lo que Dios nos ha permitido hacer hasta el día de hoy, nuestro compromiso con nuestra comunidad es una bendición aunque no hemos podido trabajar a la velocidad que queremos por las circunstancias que aún estamos enfrentando.

Somos muy optimistas que en los próximos meses todo mejorará para poder servir a nuestra comunidad que tanto lo necesita.

We continue to work closely with Adams Elementary School administrators, parents, and students, as well as The Madison House which is part of the Union Gospel Mission. We know that together we will continue to provide for the needs of Yakima students and their families.

Continuamos trabajando de cerca con los administradores, padres y estudiantes de la Escuela Primaria Adams, así como con Madison House, que es parte de Union Gospel Mission. Sabemos que juntos continuaremos atendiendo las necesidades de los estudiantes de Yakima y sus familias.

Adams Elementary Reader Board Thanking Grace of Christ Church

Adams Elementary Reader Board Thanking Grace of Christ Church

The word of God is very clear when it teaches us that we must “Love God and Love Others Well”...

“Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:37-40 4

La palabra de Dios es muy clara cuando nos enseña que debemos amar a Dios y Amar Bien a los demás.

“Ama al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con todo tu ser y con toda tu mente” le respondió Jesús. Este es el primero y el más importante de los mandamientos. El segundo se parece a este: “Ama a tu prójimo como a ti mismo”. De estos dos mandamientos dependen toda la ley y los profetas.” – Mateo 22:37-40

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Outreach

Adams Teacher Appreciation

Clothing Exchange

OUR VISION

NUESTRA VISIÓN

Our vision is to continue working in the kingdom of God in the way we have been doing it for many years.

Unfortunately, the last two years we have worked very slow and with many restrictions, but that has not stopped the work we are doing in our community and in the schools of our Valley. Many volunteers are looking forward for the opportunity to work in the Adams Elementary School Reading Program as well as many others after school programs. We also hope to bring back the clothing exchange event before the end of this year as this event is a blessing, necessary and it is well received by our community around us.

Nuestra visión es seguir trabajando en el reino de Dios de la forma en que lo hemos venido haciendo durante muchos años. Lamentablemente, los últimos dos años hemos trabajado muy lento y con muchas restricciones, pero eso no ha detenido el trabajo que estamos haciendo en nuestra comunidad y en las escuelas de nuestro Valle.

Muchos voluntarios esperan la oportunidad de trabajar en el Programa de Lectura de la Escuela Primaria Adams, así como en muchos otros programas extracurriculares.

También esperamos traer de vuelta el evento de intercambio de ropa antes de que finalice este año, ya que este evento es una bendición, es necesario y es bien recibido por nuestra comunidad que nos rodea.

There are other programs and events that are waiting and are scheduled such as The Teachers Appreciation Dinner and The Outreach Camp at Ghormley. We will keep you informed so that you have the opportunity to actively participate in any of the events and programs that we will be constantly bringing to our community.

It is by working in unity and with a great desire to serve that we can experience the love and compassion that Christ taught us and that we must share with everyone.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”

So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”

And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

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Hay otros programas y eventos que esperan y están programados, como la Cena de Agradecimiento a los Maestros y el Campamento de Extensión en Ghormley.

Te mantendremos informado para que tengas la oportunidad de participar activamente en cualquiera de los eventos y programas que constantemente estaremos trayendo a nuestra comunidad. Es trabajando en unidad y con un gran deseo de servir que podemos experimentar el amor y la compasión que Cristo nos enseñó y que debemos compartir con todos.

Parábola del buen samaritano En esto se presentó un experto en la ley y, para poner a prueba a Jesús, le hizo esta pregunta: Maestro, ¿qué tengo que hacer para heredar la vida eterna?

Jesús replicó: ¿Qué está escrito en la ley? ¿Cómo la interpretas tú?

Como respuesta el hombre citó: “Ama al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con todo tu ser, con todas tus fuerzas y con toda tu mente”, y: “Ama a tu prójimo como a ti mismo”.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Outreach But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’

So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Bien contestado le dijo Jesús. Haz eso y vivirás.

Pero él quería justificarse, así que le preguntó a Jesús: ¿Y quién es mi prójimo?

Jesús respondió: Bajaba un hombre de Jerusalén a Jericó, y cayó en manos de unos ladrones. Le quitaron la ropa, lo golpearon y se fueron, dejándolo medio muerto. Resulta que viajaba por el mismo camino un sacerdote quien, al verlo, se desvió y siguió de largo.

Así también llegó a aquel lugar un levita y, al verlo, se desvió y siguió de largo. Pero un samaritano que iba de viaje llegó adonde estaba el hombre y, viéndolo, se compadeció de él. Se acercó, le curó las heridas con vino y aceite, y se las vendó. Luego lo montó sobre su propia cabalgadura, lo llevó a un alojamiento y lo cuidó. Al día siguiente, sacó dos monedas de plata y se las dio al dueño del alojamiento. “Cuídemelo le dijo, y lo que gaste usted de más, se lo pagaré cuando yo vuelva”. ¿Cuál de estos tres piensas que demostró ser el prójimo del que cayó en manos de los ladrones?

El que se compadeció de él contestó el experto en la ley.

Anda entonces y haz tú lo mismo concluyó Jesús.

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

– Lucas 10:25-37

– Luke 10:25-37

Trabajando para El Reino de Dios – Pastor Alex Rule

Working for The Kingdom of God, – Pastor Alex Rule

GHORMLEY GOODNESS

PRAY 24/7

Ghormley is proud to offer fresh meals created by our Executive Chef, Tom Bandy. Tom brings award-winning skills, decades of culinary experience, and an amazing amount of love to each meal he creates! Visit www. campghormley.com/goodness/ to learn more.

Our desire and purpose for 24/7 is to “set a watch” by connecting with Grace to pray for our Valley one day each month so that we may experience the blessings of God’s promises 24/7 for 365 days of our year. Your prayers matter! Visit https://yakimagrace.com/prayyakima.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family & Children’s Ministry — Sarah Huck Family & Children's Ministry Director

HELLO GRACE COMMUNITY! I am excited about all things spring this year – crocuses popping up even when it’s cold, colors other than gray, bird nests, and kids playing outside! Spring has always represented a time of growth for me. What was planted in the dark, like bulbs in the fall or seeds of possibility from God’s Word in the winter, will now start to bloom.

And spiritually, I just never know what that new growth will look like.

Lately I’ve been thinking about Jesus in the tomb for three days. Sometimes I forget that He really died. It is a hard thing to grasp. Jesus, totally dead. No heartbeat.

We know the scriptures and have seen the images of the tomb, but for me, something about this has been rumbling inside – like there’s a place of growth happening.

As someone who wants to learn how to live and love by studying Jesus’ life on earth, this is profound. What’s my take-away? That I can trust God, too. I can count on Him walking me through all the difficult places in life and I can trust that He will work all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

That’s what I want our KidZone kids to know, too. Those are the buds, I pray, we will see sprouting from what’s been planted in the soil of our kids’ hearts the past few months. The children have spent time with God and they’ve learned about His character, just as Jesus knew His Father’s character. I don’t want them to deny the scary or hard places in their lives, but I want them to know that if Jesus could trust God, they can too.

Where I’ve landed for now is that Jesus must have known the depth of the love His Father had for Him. He must have trusted His Father completely and somehow knew His Father could redeem any situation.

I invite families to come alongside their children and not only read the Word with them, but share the ways they are trusting God. Be honest with them. Authentic.

Trusting God is not always easy, but we know He is trustworthy. Talk about what trusting God looks like in your family and for you. Perhaps talk about a place each of you wants to grow in trusting God. Pray for one another, and watch the flowers of faith and trust bloom in any places of doubt or fear.

STARRY STARRY NIGHTS CONCERT

EASTER PROGRAM REHEARSALS

I’ve been wondering how Jesus could trust His Father enough to willingly go to the cross. To die an excruciating death. To obey what He knew God wanted Him to do.

Please join us on April 7th for a night of classical music and praise. Featuring Kayla and Daniel Kwon on violin and cello, with Anne Schilperoort accompanying on piano and organ.

Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Haydn... all the greats! Families and children invited to attend. Join us for refreshments following. Childcare provided. 7pm-8pm.

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Spring at GraceKids also means that on February 20th, rehearsals will start for My Savior Lives, our Easter program. The kids are enthusiastic about beginning practice, and we are excited to celebrate our Risen Lord!

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family & Children’s Ministry

SUNDAYS WITH GRACE KIDS GRACE KIDS… What have they been up to?

Seekers (1st – 5th graders) Our Seekers class has been learning about Jesus’ early life and ministry and looking at some of His teachings.

The kids have had a lot of fun with creative games and activities that help bring these lessons to life.

Cubbies Class (Ages 3 - Kinder) Our Cubbies class has also been learning about Jesus’ early life, ministry, and teachings.

Some of these have been challenging, but thanks to our creative teachers, the lessons have been adapted in a way that our little ones can grasp.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family & Children’s Ministry

WEDNESDAYS @ GRACE On Wednesday nights following dinner, kids 1st through 5th grade join us upstairs in the big KidZone room. We use icebreakers as a fun way to get interesting conversations going. Activities, games, and a Bible lesson follow. I like to let the kids decide on the order of the evening, and it’s amazing how much smoother class goes when kids are included in the planning of the night.

We have been exploring the Bible and getting to know who God is through a study called Bible Seeker Lessons.

The kids have enjoyed these lessons and are having fun exploring the creative ways God reveals Himself to us.

CREATIVE BIBLE STUDY

“Bible Seeker Lessons are designed to help us see God and know Him through connecting His Word with our everyday surroundings!

FAMILY AT GRACE GARDEN ROOM TABLE Stop by our table in the Garden Room on Sundays and pick up a Family Faith Kit. While you’re there, check out what is new and coming up! We also have activity bags available every Sunday for kiddos to grab.

God has placed His identifying marks all over our world and lives to point us to Him. Seeking to understand the Bible is seeking to know Him. These short & simple Christian Bible lessons begin with an everyday object that can remind us of God’s truth and His presence throughout our day.” creativebiblestudy.com 9

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry “Equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors” Grace of Christ is a mission focused church, sharing DROPS OF GRACE locally, nationally and internationally having a global reach. Loving in the name and power of Christ, Grace of Christ truly has a world-wide impact, changing lives for His Kingdom. The Mission Ministry Team (MMT) maintains interaction with and oversees distribution of funds to more than twenty mission partners and organizations.

YOUTH WITH A MISSION

Cambodia Update With The Gustafsons After almost two years of COVID restrictions it is so exciting that Youth With A Mission in Battambang, Cambodia is back open and completely running all of our ministries, educational programs and community projects. Despite COVID restrictions, we continued to serve our community with COVID food relief packages serving 1,000’s of families, not only in Battambang but around the country. This season also allowed us to be able to develop our Media Department to provide great online content including live online celebrations multiple times a week, relevant content and online evangelism, that is reaching out to 1,000’s daily.

Celebrating 15 Years in Battambang In 2021, we celebrated 15 years of YWAM in Battambang with a large celebration with government officials, local pastors and hosted a large three-day soccer tournament. As we celebrated 15 years, we were so thankful to God and how He continues to use our obedience to develop, educate and serve this nation. We continue Garth Speaking At The to believe God is transforming 15 Year Celebration One Nation in One Generation.

All of our schools, programs and projects are full to the brim as we welcome hundreds of people onto our campus and we are reaching out into surrounding communities with church planting and practical mercy ministries daily.

Garth, Caroline, Gunner and Lyla

Youth With A Mission in Battambang, Cambodia 10

YWAM Celebrated 15 Years in Battambang, Cambodia

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry Thank You Grace of Christ On behalf of YWAM in Battambang, we would like to say a huge thank you to Grace of Christ for continuing to support us as a family and our ministry as a whole over these last 15 years. We are confident that the best is yet to come and that we are just beginning to see what the Lord has for Cambodia in this generation, as we continue to trust Him and contend for His will as we head into the next 15 years of fruitfulness from His faithfulness!

With Grateful Hearts from Cambodia, – Garth, Caroline, Lyla & Gunner Soccer Tournament Celebrating 15 Years of YWAM

PROJECT MERCY Lightning Strike Disrupts Water Distribution Recently, the rural community of Yetebon, Ethiopia was hit with multiple lightning strikes which, in turn, impacted Project Mercy’s water distribution system. The powerful lightning strikes burned out electrical equipment, thus disabling and threatening the availability of clean and safe water to segments of the village. As a consequence, the community is suffering the effects of unhealthy water from this break of its water supply chain.

Last year, Project Mercy began working to enable some 20 water distribution centers to open and provide safe water, changing the story of the rural community of Yetebon. It is imperative that this work continues for the health and welfare of this region and to offer hope for the future.

Clean Water Provided By Project Mercy Water Distribution Centers Offer Hope To The Rural Community of Yetebon 11

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Mission Ministry Project Mercy Highlights

New Board Member Announced

Dr. Timothy Teusink

Project Mercy Celebrated The Largest Enrollment In The Medhane-Alem School Medhane-Alem School In 2021, Project Mercy celebrated the largest enrollment in the Medhane-Alem School with over 1,900 students enrolled. Effort was made to increase enrollment of girls in the school as an education brings great value to these young girls, their communities, and their families. Going against cultural norm, this school year 51 percent of the school’s student population was comprised of girls!

Hospital’s Birthing Mothers Department The Birthing Mothers Department in the Hospital continued to serve expectant mothers and their babies. Over 5,000 women sought antenatal care. All services were provided free of charge, impacting the health of future generations.

These services are lifesaving as the Ethiopian Ministry of Health reports that obstetrical complications account for 85 percent of all deaths.

Dairy Cattle Breeding & Poultry Programs The Dairy Cattle Breeding and Poultry Programs continued to feed children and their families while providing a second source of income-- along with nutrition. Eggs provide a complete protein for these growing children which prevents stunted growth and other maladies. With the cattle breeding program, the cattle’s milk supply is increased which will then provide enough essential milk for the families along with extra to sell. Now all children within the family will receive adequate milk provisions.

Community Health Program Community Health Program provided culturally appropriate education to the Yetebon community on communicable diseases and how to stop the spread of these infections within families and the community at large. This was especially indispensable with the COVID pandemic in the forefront.

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Project Mercy proudly announces the inception of its newest board member, Dr. Timothy Teusink, who is well-known to the congregation of Grace of Christ. Dr Tim is the director of SIM-Ethiopia’s HIV/ AIDS Prevention and Care Ministries, His primary focus is theological education, particularly a biblical perspective on sexuality and marriage.

“I’ve known about Project Mercy for decades, initially through First Presbyterian/Grace of Christ and the Yakima Rotary Club and then during our sixteen years working in Ethiopia, when I had several opportunities to visit the work at Yetebon as well as give some medical advice. Deme and Marta (Project Mercy’s founders) have long been my heroes. I was honored to be asked to serve on the Board of Project Mercy and look forward to helping wherever I can in this wonderful ministry.” – Dr. Tim Teusink Dr Teusink brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the board of Project Mercy. For the past six years Dr Tim has been living in France, teaching in francophone and Englishspeaking Africa. Since 2013 and at present, Dr Tim has served as Assistant Professor of Bioethics at Myungsung Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. And, Dr Teusink holds many additional years as a physician, surgeon and health educator.

YOUNG LIFE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Thursday | May 19 | 1:30pm | Suncadia - Prospector Join us for a day of golf with friends. Get three buddies and yourself for great scramble tournament with a Young Life feel.

Includes: Lunch, cart, tee prize, driving range and support to Young Life. For more information, visit: https://yakimavalley. younglife.org/events/.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Hospitality WORSHIP THE LORD

We gather on Sundays to worship the LORD and proclaim, “WHO He is.” We are humbled in worship as we acknowledge the Father’s unmerited grace towards mankind. Each time we worship, we testify of His redemptive work done through His Son. Although we, in turn, are strengthened by the hearing the Word and by fellowship with the brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ when we gather together for worship, it is the proclamation of redemptive work of the death and resurrection of Jesus that is core of our identity, unity, and empowerment.

SHARE THE GOSPEL

As disciples of Jesus, we are charged to “share the Gospel,” the Good News of the Salvation of the LORD! In John 12:32, Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Though this may be a literal reference to the crucifixion of Jesus, the work of His disciples is to give daily testament of the redemptive work of the cross by elevating Jesus in our hearts, words, actions, and thoughts in every aspect of our lives, not just during Sunday worship.

EXTEND THE WELCOME OF JESUS TO ALL

Hospitality Ministry Team’s purpose is to extend the Welcome of Jesus to all who enter the doors of Grace of Christ Church on Sunday mornings so that they may hear the Gospel and experience the love evident in the Father’s redemptive work. It’s ALL about JESUS! Yes, it is all of us together as a church family that gives a first and lasting impression of the welcome of Jesus every Sunday. Each and every one of us has a role to play in extending a welcome to others each Sunday. Please join the Hospitality Ministry Team by engaging with others and extending the welcome of Jesus.

Be a Greeter Before Service 13

BE THE WELCOMING FACE OF GRACE

Here are some ideas how you can extend the welcome of Jesus on a Sunday morning: • Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know • Visit with someone who appears to be standing alone in the Garden Room • Be a Greeter before a service 2-4 times a year • Take a turn serving cookies • Serve at the Welcome Center a time or two (it’s not that hard to do!)

• Help make a quilt for a baby or bake and/or decorate a cake for celebrations • Offer to be an usher • Offer to be helping hands at a church event such as the upcoming Ash Wednesday Dinner • Pray - Intercede on behalf of the church that we will faithfully extend the welcome of Jesus and testify of the redemptive work He has done in your life and the freedom that has brought you!

Want to know more about the Hospitality Ministry Team (HMT)? Call Linda Sorenson at 509-834-1185 or Linda Mathews at 509-388-5527 to learn more.

Serve at the Welcome Desk YakimaGrace.com

Volunteer for the Ash Wednesday Dinner

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Grace of Christ Preschool — Becca Mailand

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REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR 2022-23!

It’s an odd time of year for our preschool. It feels like we’ve finally settled into good routines and gotten to know our students. And now we’re beginning to invite a new set of children for next fall! Trying to find a balance between living in the present while looking towards the future can make my head spin at times. It’s a reminder that all things in this life are temporary and we need to make the most of every moment we have with the people around us. These kids will be in our preschool for a year, maybe two, before continuing their education elsewhere. We do our best to give each child a brilliant start before they go out into our busy, whirling world.

CHAPEL NEWS We are finishing this year’s theme, The Armor of God, with a Shield, a Helmet, and a Sword. In battle, these elements would give you the best protection, help you fight the enemy, and (most importantly) be decorated to let everyone know which side you belonged to. In preschool, we teach children that our Shield of Faith helps us believe in God. Our Helmet of Salvation helps us to know that God has saved us and we are His children. And the Sword of the Spirit gives us the words and knowledge to live each day for Jesus. It’s been a year of learning that our power is found in Christ alone!

PRAYER REQUESTS

PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER!

Hanging Baskets On Sale | March 1 - April 1 Beautiful flower baskets in time for Mother’s Day. They make great gifts and are beautiful additions to any front porch or patio! Baskets are on sale March 1st through April 1st. They will be delivered to the church the week of May 2nd, in time for Mother’s Day! Cost: $40 each. Contact church office during the week or stop by the Welcome Center on Sunday to place your order.

Hanging Baskets PRE-ORDERS

• Health for our teachers, students, and families!

• Sunshine and melted snow so we can play outside more often!

• Families registered for next year!

• Families who WILL register for next year—we don’t know who they are yet, but we still like to pray for those that God will send our way!

PRESCHOOL NEWS Springtime is full of celebrations, from St Patrick’s Day to Easter to the blooming of flowers & butterflies! Watch our hallway/doorway for the learning taking place each week!

An especially special moment each year happens when students hear the Easter story. Every child gets to peek in our empty tomb and announce, “He Is Risen!” to their classmates. It becomes one of our favorite memories and a celebration of our life and salvation in Jesus.

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Get Them Ordered Now!

Contact church office during the week or stop by the Welcome Center on Sunday to place your order. They will be delivered to the church the week of May 2nd, in time for Mother’s Day!

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FUNDRAISER SALE | $40 / EACH

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Grace of Christ Preschool

Register at Grace of Christ, 9 South 8th Ave Or Online YakimaGrace.com/Preschool 15

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Women’s Ministry

HIGHLIGHTS FROM JANUARY’S BRUNCH Making Room for Jesus The Women’s Ministry at Grace is on the move! Thank you to everyone who came to the brunch in January.

Women came hungry for Jesus, hungry for community, and of course... hungry for Kathaleen’s cooking!

Sarah Cooper, with Young Life in Tri Cities was our guest speaker. She shared God’s word powerfully – His Sarah Cooper desire to be with us. She encouraged us to make room for Jesus in our busy, every day lives. After such a wonderful response from those who attended, Women’s Ministry agreed that there will be more events in our future, and we are looking forward to seeing the women at our church reconnect after the long break.

The following are testimonies from two women who attended the brunch.

There is something about sitting around a table, eating together, sharing stories, laughing. Fills the heart. It was wonderful to be with friends that Saturday morning, donning my mask, ready to hear God’s word.

Boy, did He deliver! God spoke through Sarah. She shared His powerful, constant love for us. His abundance – in 16

peace, joy, provision. My takeaway was something Sarah said about whether my circumstances are giving me my perspective on life situations or am I choosing to see things through God’s promises and truths? Is our loneliness, poverty, sicknesses, and wants keeping us from seeing the richness in blessings God has already given us and will continue giving us? His love is bigger than anything we struggle with, anything we are longing for. Sarah encouraged me to turn back to God in all situations. Give Him my heart. And trust. I am eternally grateful I chose to go to the brunch. Thank you, Women’s Ministry team for providing such a beautiful event!

I encourage you, if you are hungry for more of God, please come to one of the Bible studies being offered.

– Ericka Clark

I was looking forward to the women’s brunch and hearing what the speaker, Sarah, would have to say about “Making Room for Jesus.” The everyday business of living keeps taking over my good intentions. Her opening comment that there was no “hack” for making time with Jesus, was expected and a disappointment. Don’t we always prefer a quick solution? Sarah went on to remind us of the welcome that He extends, and He is waiting for us and amply provides. Referencing the Old Testament when the Prophet Elijah was fed throughout the drought and famine by the widow’s small portion of flour and oil. As well as the New Testament revelation of Mary sitting at the

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Women’s Ministry feet of Jesus. These are the high points that have stayed with me from the time with Sarah.

We started the morning with a social time at our beautifully decorated tables. Each table had a mix of women invited by each table host. It was so amazing to re-connect with women, as well as getting to meet new people. At each table we had some questions, this helped to direct the conversations and I’m going to guess most learned new things even about long-time friends.

Of course, it is extremely possible that I was so ready to listen to speaker Sarah because I was in a food induced coma after the abundant and very delicious food! Kathaleen and her crew outdid themselves. I still remember how good it looked – such a variety – and how satisfied I was for pretty much the rest of the day. Body, mind and soul!

– Anonymous

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES

IGNITING YOUR FAITH-YOUR LIFE

WOW – WOMEN IN THE WORD BIBLE STUDY

A five-week study in the book of Mark. Robin Stuber will be guiding the conversation on unearthing hidden treasure and discover new ways to ignite your faith. We will gather in the Chapel on Mondays, February 28th through March 28th at 9am. Childcare is available with reservation. Invite your friends!

Tuesdays through April 12th, 9:45am in the Fireside Room.

We will be looking at John 13–17, Jesus’ conversation with the disciples before his betrayal. Our teaching team (Donna Fuhlman, Donna Oliva, Sue Sanders, John Stolzenbach) will be leading us through LifeGuide’s “Abiding in Christ” study guide. Please join us for this time of prayer, study, laughter, meeting new friends, drawing nearer to Jesus.

Mondays | 9am – 11:30am | Chapel

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Tuesdays | 9:45am | Fireside Rm

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Announcements ASH WEDNESDAY DINNER RSVP

Wednesday | March 2 | 6 pm | Gym Join us on Ash Wednesday as we will take the opportunity to reflect on the journey to the cross and resurrection of Jesus. A simple soup and bread dinner will begin at 6pm, followed by worship at 6:30pm. Please RSVP for dinner by calling the church office at 509.248.7940.

Contact Linda Sorenson at 509-834-1185 or Linda Mathews at 509-388-5527 to volunteer for the Ash Wednesday Dinner.

STARRY STARRY NIGHTS CONCERT Thursday | April 7 | 7-8 pm | Sanctuary

Please join us for a night of classical music and praise.

Featuring Kayla and Daniel Kwon on violin and cello, with Anne Schilperoort accompanying on piano and organ.

Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Haydn... all the greats! Families and children invited to attend. Join us for refreshments following. Childcare provided.

Friends of Missions

Wednesday | March 30 | 6 pm | Gym The Mission Ministry Team (MMT) will be hosting an introduction to FRIENDS OF MISSIONS on March 30th, during the regular Wednesdays at Grace dinner, at 6:00 pm. Are you curious about missions that our church is involved with, but at present cannot commit the time and energy to become a part of MMT full-time? Come check out FRIENDS OF MISSIONS. “The goal for Friends of Missions is to come alongside MMT and help with mission outreach events as each has time, interest, and ability,” explains Michele Elledge, MMT committee member and elder.

MMT wants to “Help People Find Their Mission & Passion” and to explore ways to boost our missions and mission partners. Maybe you want to go on a Living Waters of the World mission trip and travel to Mexico. Maybe you are interested in Project Mercy’s hospital and school in Ethiopia.

Or, maybe you are home-bound and want to write letters of encouragement to our missionaries. The possibilities are endless. Could you read to a child at Adams elementary? Become active with Mi Pueblito? It could be a onetime experience or an ongoing commitment. The choice is yours. Members of the Mission Ministry Team will be onhand to share a bit about missions as well as answer any questions that you might have. Please come!

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Sunday Services & Calendar of Events Join Us For Worship Sunday Mornings!

What’s Happening at Grace

SUNDAYS 9:00am Contemporary style worship, classes for children of all ages, childcare available

MONDAYS 9:00am Igniting Your Faith - Women’s Bible Study 6:30pm Divorce Care 7:00pm Men’s BSF TUESDAYS 9:45am WOW - Women’s Bible Study 12:00pm Bells Rehearsal 6:00pm Youth Worship Band Rehearsal WEDNESDAYS 6:00pm Wednesdays at Grace Dinner & Classes 6:00pm Choir Rehearsal THURSDAYS 9:15am Women’s BSF 3:45pm Gospel Kids Rehearsal 6:00pm Worship Band Rehearsal MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00am Preschool

9:00am Grace Kids 9:15am Digging Deeper – hour long, adult Bible study. All are welcome! (Lounge) Youth Youth hang out before/after church (9:40am & 10:20am) 11:00am Traditional style worship with choir and pipe organ, childcare available.

Communion Served the First Sunday of each month at both services (9:00am & 11:00am) Prayer Available at the front of the sanctuary after each service DATE

WHEN

WHERE

Tue, March 1

Coffee with Preschool Parents

8:45am - 9:30am

Preschool Entry

Tue, March 1

Hospitality Ministry Team Meeting

4:00pm

Lounge

Wed, March 2

Preschool Board Meeting

10:00am

Room 217

Wed, March 2

Ash Wednesday Supper & Service

6:00pm / 6:30pm

Garden Rm / Sanctuary

Thur, March 3

Personnel Meeting

9:00am

2nd Floor Office

Sat, March 5

Communion Set Up (Deacons)

Sun, March 6

Communion Sunday

9:00am & 11:00am

Sanctuary

Tue, March 8

Business Ministry Team Meeting

4:00pm

Library

Tue, March 8

Living Waters Team Meeting

4:00pm

Lounge

Tue, March 8

Mission Ministry Team Meeting

4:30pm

Adult Ed Room

Sat, March 12

Men’s Breakfast

7:30am

Gym

Sun, March 13

Deacon’s Meeting

12:30pm

Lounge

Tue, March 22

Worship Ministry Team

5:30pm

Garden Room

Tue, March 22

Session Meeting

6:30pm

Room 217

Sat, April 2

Communion Set Up (Deacons)

Sun, April 3

Communion Sunday

April 4 - 8 Tue, April 5 Thur, April 7 Thur, April 7

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EVENT

9:00am & 11:00am

Sanctuary

Preschool Spring Break Worship Ministry Team

5:30pm

Garden Room

Personnel Meeting

9:00am

2nd Floor Office

Starry Starry Nights Concert & Refreshments (Open to Everyone)

7:00pm

Sanctuary

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

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