Summer Grace Alive 2021

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church Iglesia Presbiteriana Gracia de Cristo

“Love Well Through Drops of Grace”

JUNE/JULY 2021 VOL 127

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Head Pastor — Bill Williamson, Pastor

Communion, Children & Coffee Dear Grace of Christ Family, I have good news of great joy once again – let me share my three C’s: • COMMUNION – As always, we will celebrate Communion on the first Sunday of each month.

However, the good news of great joy is that you will be invited to come forward to receive the bread and the cup. We are able to serve the elements safely to each person individually, with certain limitations.

You can either receive the bread and juice, or still use the all-in-one containers. You can also stay in the pew to receive the elements if you prefer. If you are watching on-line, be sure to have your elements ready at home.

• CHILDREN – In May, we opened up classrooms on Sunday mornings during the 9am Worship Service.

This is for all children, age 2 through 5th grade. As we have been doing, children will join families in the Sanctuary for the first part of the service, and be escorted by their teachers to their various classes in KidZone. Be sure to check in at the Family Ministries table in the Garden Room.

LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU, WHICH WAS ALSO IN

Christ Jesus PHILIPPIANS 2:5

THERE IS MORE: IN CHRIST – a look at Philippians. In June and July, we will unpack Paul’s passionate letter on Sunday mornings as we try to understand what it means for us to be “IN CHRIST.” Paul addresses the letter, “to all the saints IN CHRIST,” which includes us. What does it mean to live in Christ, be confident in Christ, obedient in Christ, one in Christ? Join us this summer as we explore these and many other great lessons that we can share together IN CHRIST.

• COFFEE – For the last month we have been enjoying coffee on the Playground. It has been such an enjoyable experience that we are going to continue providing coffee Sunday mornings from 10:10am – 10:45am. Children can play on the playground, while the adults enjoy fellowship. It’s our outdoor version of the Garden Room for the entire church. If you attend the 11am worship service, come early for coffee and fellowship.

WEDNESDAYS @ GRACE – Join us Wednesday, June 16, 6pm-7:30pm. Everyone is invited for dinner, worship and optional studies for children, youth and adults. You can read more about it in this edition of Grace Alive.

Because of Christ, and in His Grace, – Pastor Bill 2

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo

En Español

— Alex Rule, Pastor

MÍ PUEBLITO FAMILY BREAKFAST

DESAYUNO FAMILIAR MI PUEBLITO

We are proud and filled with joy and peace that we have finally had the opportunity to meet with some families from our community at Madison House and to have breakfast together as one family. The children, their parents, Grace of Christ and Mí Pueblito volunteers and leaders enjoyed delicious pancakes with sausage, bacon, and scrambled eggs.

Estamos orgullosos y llenos de alegría y paz porque finalmente hemos tenido la oportunidad de reunirnos con algunas familias de nuestra comunidad en Madison House para desayunar juntos como una sola familia. Los niños, sus padres, los voluntarios y líderes de Grace of Christ y Mi Pueblito disfrutaron de deliciosos pancakes con salchicha, tocino y huevos revueltos. Tuvimos la oportunidad de jugar juegos de mesa y colorear con las familias para mostrarles lo importante que es pasar tiempo con nuestra familia en cada comida y estar alejados de los teléfonos celulares que nos quitan el valioso tiempo que podemos dar a la familia y a las personas que amamos y que Dios ha enviado a nuestras vidas.

Community Breakfast at Madison House hosted by Mí Pueblito

We had the opportunity to play board games and enjoy coloring pages with the families. We were able to show them how important it is to spend time with our family at every meal and to be away from cell phones that take away the valuable time that we can give to the people we love and that God has sent into our lives.

We also enjoyed worship music, prayer, and sharing the Word of God with all the people gathered there. We took all the families on a tour through the Madison House building so that they could see and enjoy Mí Pueblito Library, the computer lab, the classrooms and study areas. Then we went outside the building to play different sports with our families such as soccer, basketball and tennis. The end of our time together was spend sharing our experiences. The families that attended loved the event, want to come back again and would like to invite another family. We all enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship on a beautiful sunny day.

VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME FOR OUR NEXT MÍ PUEBLITO FAMILY BREAKFAST – SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH AT 10AM Our next Family Breakfast will be on Saturday, June 5th at 10am. Our vision and commitment is to bring programs and workshops to the families in our community. Programs like ESL (English as a Second Language), Computer Basics, Financial Classes, Parenting Classes, Bible Studies and Music.

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También disfrutamos de la música de adoración, la oración y el compartir la Palabra de Dios con todas las personas allí reunidas. Llevamos a todas las familias a un recorrido por el edificio de Madison House para que pudieran ver y disfrutar de la "Biblioteca Mi Pueblito", el "Laboratorio de Computadoras", los " Salones de Clases", etc. Después salimos al exterior del edificio para practicar diferentes deportes con nuestras familias como fútbol, baloncesto, tenis, etc. Y al final compartimos nuestras experiencias; a las familias les encantó el evento y quieren volver de nuevo y les gustaría invitar a otra familia. Todos disfrutamos de un maravilloso tiempo de compañerismo en un hermoso día soleado.

LOS VOLUNTARIOS SON BIENVENIDOS PARA NUESTRO PRÓXIMO MÍ PUEBLITO DESAYUNO FAMILIAR – SÁBADO 5 DE JUNIO A LAS 10 A.M. Sábado 5 de Junio a las 10 A.M. Nuestro próximo desayuno familiar será el sábado 5 de junio a las 10:00 a.m. Nuestra visión y compromiso es llevar programas y talleres a nuestras familias en nuestra comunidad.

Programas como ESL (inglés como segundo idioma), Clases de Computadora básica, Clases financieras, Clases para ser Mejores Padres, Estudios Bíblicos y Música.

Mí Pueblito Family Game Time

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo

Families Tour Mí Pueblito Library, Computer Lab & Classrooms

Mí Pueblito Family Game Time and Coloring

We will work and invest time with each family so that we can reach our goal and Transform One Family at a Time.

Nuestro deseo es trabajar e invertir tiempo con cada uno, y así poder alcanzar nuestro objetivo de transformar una familia a la vez. Juntos y con las bendiciones de Dios, podemos lograr la transformación de las familias de nuestra comunidad proporcionándoles los recursos que satisfagan sus necesidades.

Together with God's blessings, we can achieve transformation for the families in our community by providing them with resources that meet their needs.

At this time, Raymond and Anita Navarro are leading “The Youth Career Program” at Madison House which is part of Mí Pueblito. The goal is to help these young students through the process of finishing their college studies, and graduating to careers that God has planned and prepared for all of them. In order to achieve this dream, we need your prayers, we need volunteers who are willing to Love Well with Drops of Grace with the Love of Christ and who also want to help in different areas of need.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS WHO MADE OUR FIRST MÍ PUEBLITO FAMILY BREAKFAST A SUCCESS! We thank God that our first family breakfast was a complete success; and on behalf of Grace of Christ and Mí Pueblito, I want to thank everyone for their participation.

Steve – Thank you for the welcome, prayer and for making the pancakes, the kids loved them!

Javier – Thanks for cooking the sausage, bacon and scrambled eggs. You started very early to have things ready and on time!

Anita & Raymond – Thank you so very much! Our words cannot express our gratitude. You both are making a big difference in God’s children!

Miguel – Thank you for leading the family activities and games. You and your family are role models.

Jake – Thank you for your love for our families and for your constant support. I know you never get tired of doing good.

Thank you for your words of wisdom and for encouraging us to be Houses of Light in our community.

Bladimir & Jahzeel – Thank you for the worship music. Your love for our Lord and our families is appreciated.

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En este momento Raymond y Anita Navarro, lideran el “Programa de Carrera para los Jóvenes” en Madison House que también forma parte de Mi Pueblito. El objetivo es ayudar a estos jóvenes estudiantes durante todo el proceso para que terminen sus estudios universitarios y se gradúen de las carreras que Dios ha planeado y preparado para todos ellos. Para lograr este sueño necesitamos sus oraciones, necesitamos voluntarios que estén dispuestos a Amar Bien con Gotas de Gracia con el Amor de Cristo y que también quieran ayudar en diferentes áreas de necesidad.

¡GRACIAS A TODOS LOS VOLUNTARIOS QUE HICIERON DE NUESTRO PRIMER DESAYUNO FAMILIAR MÍ PUEBLITO UN ÉXITO! Damos gracias a Dios porque nuestro primer desayuno familiar fue un todo un éxito; y en nombre de Grace of Christ y Mi Pueblito, quiero agradecer a todos por su participación.

Steve – Gracias por la bienvenida, la oración y por hacer los pancakes, ¡a los niños les encantaron!

Javier – Gracias por cocinar las salchichas, el tocino y los huevos revueltos, empezaste muy temprano para tener las cosas listas y justo a tiempo.

Anita & Raymond – Muchas gracias, nuestras palabras no pueden expresar nuestra gratitud, ustedes están haciendo una gran diferencia en los hijos de Dios.

Miguel – Gracias por liderar las actividades y juegos familiares, tú y tu familia son modelos a seguir.

Jake – Gracias por tu amor por nuestras familias y por tu apoyo constante, sé que nunca te cansas de hacer el bien, gracias por tus palabras de sabiduría y por animarnos a ser Casas de Luz en nuestra comunidad.

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

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Gracia de Cristo Edith & Family – Thank you for doing the set-up; moving tables and chairs, is not an easy task.

Vinny & Gerardo – Thank you for allowing us to use Madison House and to have a wonderful time of fellowship and unity with the families in our community.

Grace of Christ – Thank you for supporting this valuable ministry in our community. God knows your hearts and loves you very much!

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God, appointed to eternal salvation], inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’ – Matthew 25:34-40

God Bless You Always!

Working for the Kingdom of God, Pastor Alex Rule

Bladimir y Jahzeel – Gracias por la música de adoración, en verdad les agradecemos su amor por nuestro Señor y nuestras familias.

Edith y Familia – Gracias por organizar el comedor; mover mesas y sillas no es tarea fácil.

Vinny y Gerardo – Gracias por permitirnos usar Madison House para tener un maravilloso tiempo de compañerismo en unidad con las familias de nuestra comunidad.

Grace of Christ – Gracias por apoyar este valioso ministerio en nuestra comunidad. ¡Dios conoce sus corazones y los ama mucho!

“Entonces el Rey dirá a los de su derecha: “Venir, benditos de mi Padre [favorecidos de Dios, designados para salvación eterna], heredad el reino preparado para ustedes desde la fundación del mundo. Porque tuve hambre, y me diste de comer; Tuve sed, y me diste de beber; Era forastero y me invitaste a entrar; Estaba desnudo, y me vestiste; Estaba enfermo y me visitaste [con ayuda y cuidado ministerial]; Estuve en la cárcel y viniste a Mí [ignorando el peligro personal]. Entonces los justos le responderán: Señor, ¿cuándo te vimos hambriento y te alimentamos, o sediento y te dimos de beber? ¿Y cuándo te vimos forastero y te invitamos a entrar, o desnudo y te vestimos? ¿Y cuándo te vimos enfermo, o en la cárcel, y vinimos a ti?''. El Rey les responderá y les dirá: `` Les aseguro y muy solemnemente les digo, en la medida en que lo hicieron por uno de estos hermanos Míos, hasta el más pequeño de ellos, lo hicieron por Mí. – Mateo 25:34-40 ¡Dios los bendiga siempre!

Trabajando para el Reino de Dios, Pastor Alex Rule

Hospitality Ministry HOSPITALITY UPDATE After so many long and isolated months we are so very grateful to be able to be together! Grace of Christ Church is open and welcoming – please join us in-person on Sunday mornings! It has been a slow process but we are so very thankful for those who have given time to focus on renewing in-person worship in and where possible. Thank you to all those who have assisted with greeting, check-in, ushering and in the parking lot. Your contribution of time, smiles and warm welcome is an extension of the love and welcome of Jesus to all those who come to church on Sunday mornings.

The Hospitality Ministry Team is comprised of Greeters, Ushers, Welcome Center, Refreshment Servers, Baby and Baptism Celebrations, Seasonal Decorating of the 5

Sanctuary and Event Planning. The Hospitality team leaders will be joining the Worship Ministry Team meetings to come along side each other in planning Sunday morning worship.

Soon we will be having signup sheets for greeters for Welcome Center Volunteers the months of July through September at the sign-in tables, so be watching for that opportunity a to serve as a greeter once summer arrives.

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

With grateful hearts, Your Hospitality Ministry Team

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family At Grace — Sara Huck, Family Ministries Coordinator

We are all ONE in Him

Grace Kids has launched on Sunday mornings! We had a fantastic time in May – the kids were eager to get to their classes, be together and they were ready to have some fun! Our Seekers group (1st through 5th graders) met in the KidZone room – spending time talking about Jesus, hanging out, crafting and of course there were games…

God showed up in a mighty way!

Our Cubbies class made a mural of the seven days of creation while our Seekers class explored their creativity. They were asked to create something with five random objects from around the room. I’m pretty sure the boys made some sort of cave man while the girls worked on making pretty things. So. Much. Fun! We can’t wait to have your kiddos join us on Sundays!

I am thankful to our teachers for loving and teaching our children about Jesus and modeling to them that while the body of Christ may look different, we are all ONE in Him.

SUNDAYS WITH GRACE KIDS

We currently offer three classes during our 9am Contemporary Worship Service:

Emma helps in the Cubbies Classroom

The Seekers Class is challenged to get creative as they explore

Sonbeams AGES 2 & 3 YEAR OLDS

Meet in the Childcare Room (Main Floor) Cubbies AGES 4 & 5 YEAR OLDS

Meet in Room 203 (2nd Floor) Seekers 1ST THROUGH 5TH GRADES

Meet in the (huge!) KidZone Room (2nd Floor)

REGISTER KIDS ONLINE WEEKLY!

Please remember to register each child online every week via the church website (YakimaGrace.com) or church app (Yakima Grace) . Children will join their parents in the sanctuary for worship then will be dismissed to their classes. Their teachers will accompany them to class. Parents pick children up after church, in their classrooms.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family At Grace

PROPHETIC

ART NIGHT On Thursday evening May 6th we hosted a Prophetic Paint Night. We had friend and teacher Jayne LusterPainter, come and share about what it means to paint prophetically. In simple terms, just asking the Lord what is on His heart and expressing it on canvas. We had an amazing night. We learned that you do not have to have any artistic ability to express our Father’s heart. Some people saw colors, others received scriptures, some got clear impressions... it was just SO MUCH FUN! The neat thing about paint night was at the end our time, most of what people had painted the Lord had led them to give away to another person in the room.

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I was gifted a painting with a stream going through a meadow and this painter said to me, “I know this speaks to you and I want you to have it.” And in fact, it did speak to me. When I saw her painting, I immediately knew the Lord was speaking to me Psalm 46:4. “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.” This had been an important verse in my life and when this young girl offered me her painting, I knew it was the Lord reminding me of His Word to me.

– Sarah Huck

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Paint night was inspirational and freeing. A night with open creativity and testimony. I enjoyed spending time with my girls. We learned how art can touch people and bring healing, no matter our skill level. I can’t wait to have another paint night!

– Sarah Myers

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Granddaughter & Grandmother adding color to their canvases a spiritual level. But as for me, my thoughts were “I’m not artistic, I can’t draw and I definitely can’t paint.”

Paint Night Success!

Sarah Huck, our new Family Ministry Coordinator, invited me to bring my granddaughter to a prophetic paint night at GOC recently. I was excited to bring my 13-year-old granddaughter who is artistic and has painted with her Mom in art classes. I knew she would enjoy painting, and I knew I would enjoy being with her. I’m always looking for ways to connect with my grandchildren, especially on

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Jayne Luster-Painter Teaching Prophetic Painting

I went with excitement for her, but when I looked at the blank canvas my mind was as blank as the canvas. Jayne Luster Painter, a therapist and Sozo prayer minister in our community, spoke to us about “prophetic” painting and her experience which she described simply as asking God what is on His heart and then painting what you hear, see, and feel. She said sometimes He reveals an image or experience and a word from scripture. Often, He reveals the person who is on His heart and prompts her to paint for that person and give it to them. For Jayne it has become a ministry. She has learned to trust in His leading which blesses others. It has become much more than just a creative outlet.

After explaining the prophetic aspect of painting, she said, “Let’s ask God what is on His heart for you to paint tonight.” After a short prayer, we began. My granddaughter had seen a picture of a tree with strong

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Family At Grace

SUMMER KICKOFF!

FAMILY FAITH KITS

Grace Family Time Swimming at the Gustafson’s

Please join us for Summer Kickoff at the Gustafson’s on June 13th. Bring your family and enjoy a summer BBQ and swim from 1-4pm. (Call church or email Sarah@ yakimagrace.com for directions.)

FAMILY SWIM DATES – Mark These Dates Now!

The Gustafson’s have generously offered Grace of Christ families use of their pool and outdoor space. Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, towel and a picnic lunch! (Call church or email Sarah@yakimagrace.com for directions.)

Sunday, June 13 | 1 – 4 pm BBQ lunch provided.

SUNDAY

Sunday, July 11 | 1 – 4 pm Bring a picnic lunch

SUNDAY

Sunday, August 15 | 1 – 4 pm Bring a picnic lunch. (PLUS - Live

AUG 15

music by the Gambito brothers & we will be recognizing our Graduating 5th Graders!)

Art Night continued... roots that went deep into the soil. She said, “The roots were strong enough to go through the rocks and obstacles to find water for nourishment.” She sensed God was saying this tree is how I see you. The image I saw when we prayed was less concrete. The colors were bright with subtle hues that began to swirl down in a circular form. The feelings reminded me of an experience as an 8-year-old when I had my tonsils removed. I was given an anesthetic called ether which causes dream like 8

Come check out our new Family at Grace table in the Garden Room! Everything you need to know about what is up and coming as well as registration for events.

GRAB AN ACTIVITY BAG!

SUNDAY JUNE 13

JULY 11

The Family Faith Kit for May was “Baking Through the Bible”

Grab an activity bag or a Family Faith Kit on your way in.

We will continue to have activity bags and Family Faith Kits available monthly, each with a different theme for family activities and discussion. For May, we did Baking Through the Bible and families were given a bag containing a family devotional, Bible story recipe, Baking Through the Bible art, Baking Through the Bible craft, and Baking Through the Bible activity. They were also given an apron and chef’s hat to decorate!

experiences. I sensed God saying I am taking you deeper.

I began to stroke the canvas with different brushes with colors I had seen. Rather than feeling the pressure of creating something, I felt an excitement that something was being created through me. I’m not finished with the painting. There’s more that needs to be revealed in the depth of the canvas, and I am looking forward to the next “prophetic paint” event. I’ll bring my canvas with me, and I hope you Grandmas and kids and moms will join us!

– Carla Kupp

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Congratulations Seniors!

CLASS OF 2021

GRADUATES

MABETH GARCIA-FIGUEROA Davis High School Mabeth plans on taking a year off to work and to save up money and explore career options.

NATALIE MACIAS Davis High School Natalie will be attending YVC. She plans on attaining a Vet Tech Degree as well as minoring in Spanish.

REGAN BINGHAM Davis High School Regan plans on attending a beauty school to get her certification in Hairstyling and Dyeing. She also plans on getting her own place and finally getting her Driver’s license, if she doesn’t have it by graduation.

MICHEAL CASTILLO Davis High School Micheal plans on attending Perry Tech studying ITCS, or Information Technology Computer Sciences. It is a 2-year program and right after he hopes to work for a big company such as Amazon or Google.

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Graduation is around the corner for these six students. They have each had a long year, with a rough start to the school year. They have not been able to do all the normal activities past seniors have been able to do. They missed going to their Homecoming game and dance, senior brunch, the pep rallies, and many other things that weren’t the same. Despite the missed events and additional challenges, each of our seniors have shown resilience, determination, as well as faith in Christ, and they are all graduating this June. Many of these students, if not all, have been attending our youth group since middle school all the way until now. These kids attended Ghormely during the summer and in the fall/winter. They have also participated in lots of activities like Outreach Camp and fundraising dinners.

This last year has had hardly any youth activities, however, students have still been connected in some way or form to our church, whether it was helping on the worship team, attending services or just going to their small groups. As the school year comes to an end and the summer starts up, we hope to continue building them up with words of encouragement as they continue on as young adults. When they head off in the fall, we hope that they are able to be lights wherever they have chosen to go. We pray that they won’t be discouraged when someone tries to knock them down. These young men and women that have come up through our church are able to be strong in their faith and are able to love others as Christ has.

We wish these six Seniors: Regan, Micheal, Mabeth, Natalie, Jacob, and Joshua, congratulations!

JACOB MERRILL West Valley High School YVC, AA Degree

JOSHUA MERRILL West Valley High School YVC, AA Degree

Jacob will be attending CWU. He got into the music program and will be studying Clarinet performance and double majoring in Electronics Engineering Technology.

Joshua will be attending CWU and studying Music Performance. He will also be double Majoring in Electronics Engineering Technology.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mark Your Calendars!

WEDNESDAYS @ GRACE June 16 | July 7 | August 4 6pm – 7:30pm | Dinner in the Gym Join us in the gym for a time of worship and dinner, starting at 6pm, followed by optional extended time together: children, youth, adults.

CHILDREN: There will be childcare for children ages 2-6, with activities and games for the older children.

YOUTH: Middle School and High School students will gather after dinner in the Chapel or out on the lawn for... (you never know what to expect).

FAMILY NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK! Saturday, June 19 | 7pm Let’s plaaayyy baaalll! Or actually, let’s watch!

Join us on June 19 to cheer on our local Pippens baseball team! Go online to order and pay for your tic kets yakimagrace.com/pippins - it's just $5 per person and includes entry to the game, a hot dog and soda and a fun firework show to end the evening. Ticket price includes all ages; infants that don’t require a seat are free.

ADULTS: Adults will gather in the sanctuary after dinner for a time of teaching with Pastor Curt.

DINNER SIGN UP! We need your help setting-up, making

dinners and cleaning up. Want to be on the team? Great to do with your Life Group or family! Let the church office know – 509.248.7940 or info@yakimagrace.com.

WOMEN’S FALL RETREAT “Our Beautiful God” – Speaker Robin Stuber October 22–24 | Campbell’s Resort, Lake Chelan Ladies we invite you to come away with us to historic Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan for a time set apart. This has been a challenging year. We have found that we need community and intentional time together. Please join us October 22-24 - More details to come.

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION FOR 2021-2022

If you, or someone you know, has a preschool aged child, send them our way! We have a rich history in this community, and our ultimate goal is to continue that.

Registration packets can be picked up in the church office, or can be found on our website yakimapreschool.com.

We will have one three-year-old class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, one four-year-old class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and our Barely 5’s PreK class Monday through Thursday. All classes are 9am - Noon.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Grace of Christ Preschool PRESCHOOL UPDATE Grace of Christ, formerly First Presbyterian Church, has ministered to hundreds of children through our PreSchool since the 1980’s and even before. The pre-school has developed a strong reputation in our community. This past year permission was given by the Health Department to allow the pre-school to continue operating during this Covid period, even though public schools were closed.

However, the number of children attending the pre-school decreased, as did the number of teachers. Jessica Van Horn, the director of the pre-school, took on the additional role of teaching. Becky Gruenberg, Ryan Clinkenbeard and Jenifer Knight will be teaching until the school year ends in June.

Unfortunately, not all of them will be returning in the Fall.

The Elders at Grace of Christ have discussed future options of the pre-school. The Elders felt called to form an interim committee to explore the possibility of keeping the preschool open for the school year 2021-22. This will require re-structuring, re-staffing and working on increasing enrollment in order to make it financially viable.

Seeing the opportunity “at such a time as this” to lay a foundation of faith for little children, we also sense the preschool can open its doors to young families in the surrounding community as we develop an intentional plan to reach out through Children’s Ministry at Grace of Christ.

U MRS. VAN HOR O Y K N N! A H T

Quoting a parent whose daughter has attended GOC Pre-School for three years, she says,

teachers “haveThetaught joy

in education.

They have set a foundation for the rest of my daughter’s life.

They have built character, a love for God, how to pray.” She went on to say, “We have a two year old who we will be sending to Grace of Christ because we trust and value how they care for our children.

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THANK YOU MRS. VAN HORN! We want to extend our thanks and great appreciation to Jessica for stepping into the role of director mid-school year and running the program well especially in the midst of a pandemic.

She brought her zeal for Christ, her fun spirit and her love for children to the program and made the most excellent lemonade from the lemons the world was given. We wish Jessica, the teachers and their families all the best in their next adventures, praying God’s blessings, guidance and protection.

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Please join us in prayer asking the Lord to make a way for the school to continue...

“Helping children learn to love and love to learn.”

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.

MOMENT FOR MISSIONS MAKES A COMEBACK It’s back! Following years of hiatus, Moment for Missions – a successful spotlight of Grace’s missions and mission organizations – is making a return. What once was a regular monthly occurrence from the pulpit, Moment for Missions will again feature Grace of Christ’s mission activity. The purpose of Moment for Missions is to highlight the various local and global missions that Grace supports, as well as to provide education, updates, and ways that our congregation can hold-up these servants of the Lord. Take a look at some of Grace’s recent Moment for Missions.

UNION GOSPEL MISSION YAKIMA, WA Mike Johnson, CEO

“How the church enacts the Gospel can threaten how the church proclaims the gospel,” proclaims Mike Johnson, CEO of Yakima Union Gospel Mission (YUGM). For this Moment for Mission on the 21st of March, Mike Johnson, CEO of YUGM, not only took a few minutes to spotlight the Union Gospel Mission, he presented the message. Drawing from Acts 6:1-4, Johnson challenged listeners to “enact the Gospel Mike Johnson, CEO of in a way that matches the way Yakima Union Gospel we proclaim the Gospel” as Mission Speaking at GCC Christians. Addressing what it means to care for the poor and to enact the Gospel, this high-energy, dynamic preacher and CEO states that, “God wants and loves everyone,” sighting Psalm 24:1-2.

Johnson shared how his relationships developed from working with the poor, addicted, and needy have shown him the Gospel firsthand. He also shared how these relationships help to protect us from what he calls the creep of self-justification.

Emphasizing that YOU are the mission in Union Gospel Mission, Johnson spurred Grace church members to care for the poor and to remember that while there may be multiple cultures, there is only one church, the body of Christ.

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BLESSINGS OF HOPE CEBU, PHILIPPINES

Michael and Lani Johnson Our own beloved Pastor Alex Rule, who oversees Ministry and Outreach at Grace of Christ, introduced Lani and Michael Johnson on February 21st to share the latest updates on Blessings of Hope.

A video presentation entitled “Wow! What a Year,” depicted what Pastor Alex called an outpouring of real and spiritual food. Pastor Alex stated that even the world-wide pandemic could not stop this ministry from meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of children and youth in the Philippines.

Blessings of Hope meets physical and spiritual needs of children and youth in the Philippines

The vision of Blessings of Hope, as stated by Lani Johnson, is to offer a channel of blessings to give hope and a better future to less-privileged Filipino children and youth. Johnson also explained how during this past year, Blessings of Hope was able to provide financial assistance, weekly Bible studies and Discipleship for youth, Bible stories for children, and youth programs. And, in addition, “We were able to sustain their hope to go on in their lives’ journey, despite trying times (of COVID).”

Michael Johnson, Lani’s husband and ministry partner, added that they had received protection from the Lord that allowed their ministry to safely continue in the COVID climate.

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry

Blessings of Hope was able to continue work despite COVID and was able to provide relief packages containing masks, in addition to local fruit and vegetables

The ministry Blessings of Hope was able to provide masks, relief packages, and local fruit and vegetables to be used for preparation of healthy and nutritious meals.

In the near future, Blessings of Hope is working toward establishing a summer reading program to stir interest in reading and to increase reading comprehension. This would include a mini-library, as Lani calls it, and a playhouse for recreation, of which both would be operated by volunteers.

Supplementary support is also needed to enhance their job apprenticeship program whereby youth can learn basic skills and earn a small wage to add to their families’ future economic outlook and prepare for adulthood.

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Blessings of Hope is working toward establishing a summer reading program to stir interest in reading and to increase reading comprehension

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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Mission Ministry MÍ PUEBLITO

While these views may seem typical for any young person looking to discover their place in the world, at-risk youth often face many additional obstacles that compound their situation. Most are facing financial and language barriers (parents may not speak English). Most are the first generation in their families to seek further education. Most hit major roadblocks and hit them hard!

Raymond and Anita Navarro

Raymond Navarro referred to 1 Peter:4, reminding Grace’s congregation that we are all given gifts and need to use those gifts to serve (others). He explains how we need to help students to discover their God-given talents and traits.

Raymond and Anita Navarro share updates about Mí Pueblito

Special guests Raymond and Anita Navarro came before the congregation on Sunday, April 18th to provide updates on the ministry work of Mí Pueblito.

Both experienced in the field of education, Raymond at Yakima Valley College and Anita currently at Hoover Elementary, have been integral figures in the establishment of Mí Pueblito. The concept of Mí Pueblito is to provide a village-like atmosphere that is centered on Jesus, where families come together to build trusting relationships. Mí Pueblito is an outreach ministry of Grace of Christ.

After four years of mentoring under-served students from Adams Elementary and now serving at Hoover Elementary, another at-risk population, Anita Navarro believes that now the time to claim southeast Yakima for the Lord. “We need to claim southeast Yakima,” she says. Further stating her message, “We need to claim it for Jesus. We need to work together. We are the soldiers. Stay together. Pray together. Be like-minded. We are in the battlefield in southeast Yakima.”

Driving the point home, Raymond Navarro spoke about his joint experience with his wife at the Madison House, a safe hub for Yakima’s youth, ages 5-20. Taking a survey of students who participated at the Madison House, Navarro discovered three key elements that undermined a successful future. These were: (1) lack of direction, (2) lack of motivation, and (3) lack of confidence.

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A program has been created to help students identify these talents and traits so that they can select future career paths. As Navarro states, “In a nutshell, if you complete the program, you are guaranteed to go to college.” He also suggests that students should not only aim to complete a bachelor’s degree, but a Master’s or Doctorate as well.

Students will be offered guidance and support to enable completion of the program; as well as financial planning and scholarship information.

If you are a business looking for a summer intern or have other employment opportunities for these youth, please contact Pastor Alex Rule.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SUMMER INTERN?

Help a student learn more about your business or line of work. Provide a space for them to fine-tune their skills as they prepare for college. Contact Alex@ YakimaGrace.com for more information.

PROJECT MERCY YETEBON, ETHIOPIA On tap for June’s Moment for Missions is Project Mercy.

Despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19, Project Mercy still has bright news to share. Even though the pandemic shut down in-person schooling until late fall of 2020, the hospital remained opened, serving a record number of birthing mothers. Additionally, with the down-time of school closures, work on a new water distribution system began. The cattle breeding program expanded, creating improved nutrition and income opportunities. And, the school and college are now back up and running.

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Grace’s own Kathaleen McFarland, along with seasoned mission veterans Kathy Mathison and Betty Rosenkranz will share with our congregation some of their amazing experiences volunteering with Project Mercy in Yetebon

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

Camp Ghormley CAMP GHORMLEY RE-OPENS! After a long year of being “paused” from normal operations due to COVID-19 impacts, Ghormley is excited to be offering summer camp programs in the summer of 2021! We will be offering a condensed summer season during the month of July (contingent on Yakima County staying in Phase 3), with the hope Ghormley Camper being that a successful Enjoying a S’more! summer will lead to a return to normal business during the upcoming school year heading into 2022.

We ask for your prayers as we pray and plan for this exciting and yet still-uncertain time of ministry ahead.

We know that things could change at any moment (we’re all used to that by now!), but we are trusting God for the outcome, and looking forward to serving at full-speed once again!

So many families have reached out to say how excited they are that camp is returning. As of this writing (end of May), our camp capacity is 75% full! Please pray that God would continue to sustain us, and that He would lead us, the staff and the campers who need to be here this summer!

PROJECT “RENEW AND REOPEN”

Ghormley is excited to be able to serve guests again soon, but reopening during COVID brings many unique operational challenges. We will have to make many adjustments to our normal operations in order to serve guests this summer, and we can use your help in getting prepared to serve well! We need to make a number of facility enhancements and purchases in order to meet state health guidelines and be equipped to do ministry nearly 100% outside this summer.

WE ARE SEEKING TO RAISE $25,000 BY JUNE 15! ( $18,000 raised & $7,000 to go! )

YOUR GIFTS WILL HELP US WITH NEEDED FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS SUCH AS: • Replacing outdoor campfire seating benches • Finishing “Phase 2” of our outdoor worship stage project • Building a multi-person outdoor hand-washing station • Purchasing additional tables, chairs, and tents for outdoor meals • Updating camp signage

MINISTRY PRAYER NEEDS

Picnic Tables get a fresh coat of paint at Camp Ghormley 15

• Pray that God will continue to sustain us financially as we slowly reopen during this year • Pray that God will provide the staff we need, both for the summer and year-round • Pray for a safe and successful upcoming summer camp season

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

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