A Glorious Future: The Story Continues

G R A C E A S S E M B LY O F G O D CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

THE

FUTURE GLORIOUS A

welcoming people home

CONTINUES

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STORY

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WE ARE A COMMUNIT Y OF HOPE

TABLE OF CONTENTS L ET T ER F RO M OUR PASTOR

W HO W E A RE

NEXTGEN

W HERE W E’RE GOING

PROJ ECT CO STS

FAQ

PRAY ER CA L EN DAR

S ERM O N O UT LINES

W HAT ’S M Y PART?

GUID E FO R GIVING

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A GLORI OUS FUT URE

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LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR In our 42 years of ministry, Cindy and I have experienced a wide range of spiritual seasons. What God is doing with Grace Assembly today is truly one of the greatest examples of the favor of the Lord we have ever experienced!

There is a lyric in a chorus we sing that says, “Look what the Lord has done!”

It invites us to observe and focus our attention on the activity of God. What God is doing is truly miraculous and is for our benefit and His glory!

A Glorious Future - The Story Continues…

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and A Glorious Future.”

JEREMIAH 29:11

Our vision statement declares, “Locally to globally pursuing every heart with the love of Jesus!” Through the miraculous provision of the Lord, we have been given a building on the main street of our community that will significantly increase our visibility locally compared to our current location.

In addition, we will be trading our current building and property for the church building and property that is directly adjacent to our new location.

Another miracle! These new buildings will allow us to increase our Sunday service seating and provide a dedicated building for the growth of our NextGen ministries. This move will increase our ministry space by 13,000 square feet compared to our existing facility.

The favor of the Lord comes with responsibility. Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much more will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

While we rejoice in the favor of the Lord, we each carry the responsibility to respond with full engagement in the opportunities afforded us. In a community of people characterized with fear, uncertainty, and anxiety - God offers peace, healing, and redemption. We believe that Grace Assembly has been created and anointed for this moment! We are a community of hope welcoming people home!

As we relocate, and completely remodel our new headquarters on West Genesee Street, your partnership in prayer, sacrificial giving, and service will open the door of opportunity for God to do more than we can ask or think.

The Story Continues…

Lead Pastor

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A GLORI OUS FUT URE

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OUR CHURCH IS GROWING

WHO WE ARE At Grace Assembly of God, we are honored to have a rich history that began over a century ago.

Originating as a home church, the church officially incorporated under the name Grace Tabernacle in 1918. Grace Assembly is considered by some to be the origin of the Pentecostal movement in Syracuse, New York, with every Assemblies of God church in the area having roots tied to Grace.

Throughout its history, Grace Assembly has met at several locations in the Syracuse area and has had fourteen different lead pastors. In February 2011, the church unanimously voted for Pastor Doug DeMent and his wife Cindy to be our lead pastors. Under his leadership, we have seen new life and continued growth in the church. Over the last several years, our church has continued to grow and now includes an online community joining us every week. Our children and youth programs have flourished and are continuing to grow. Our community outreach events have grown to the point where we can no longer host them on our current property. We have seen numerous people come to know the love of Christ, be baptized in water, and decide to pursue a relationship with Jesus.

We are so thankful for the faithfulness of the Grace Assembly family over the years to persevere and seek God’s will for our church. What started as a home church over one hundred years ago has grown into a multicultural and multigenerational family of believers dedicated to being God’s people, living in God’s power, and fulfilling God’s purpose. As we look forward to our new campus, we are excited to continue building on a rich legacy, reaching our community and pursuing every heart with the love of Jesus. We are so thankful that God has promised us A Glorious Future and that our story continues to be written.

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NYSDOT Traffic Data 2 www.datausa.io 3 data.census.gov

A N D N O W I N C LU D E S A N ONLINE COMMUNIT Y

2023 AVERAGE WEEKLY IN-PER SON ATTE NDANC E

INCLUDES WEDNESDAY NIGHT SERVICES

528 2023 AVERAGE WEEKLY VIR T UA L ATTE NDANC E

675 WHERE WE’VE BEE N

662 SOUTH AVE

643 WEST ONONDAGA ST.

1918

1952

THIS MOVE WILL PUT US ON THE MAIN STREET IN THE CENTER OF OUR COMMUNITY

16,000

CARS PASS OUR NEW CAMPUS DAILY WHICH IS MORE THAN DOUBLE WHAT PASSES OUR CURRENT FACILITY 1

SYRACUSE METROPOLITAN AREA HAS A POPULATION OF MORE THAN

661,000

THERE IS A BUS STOP

2

ON THE CORNER OF OUR NEW CAMPUS

LOCA LLY TO GLOBA LLY OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS WE HAVE SUPPORTED:

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WORLD MISSIONARIES

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35

U.S. MISSIONARIES

COUNTRIES

TOTAL MISSIONS GIVING:

$590,000

THE C I T Y OF SYRAC USE POVER T Y RATE RANKED #3 IN THE NATI ON. P O V E R T Y R AT E

CITY OF SYRACUSE P O V E R T Y R AT E

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ONONDAGA COUNTY 3

30.1%

13.8%

WHERE WE’RE GOING

4220 FAY ROAD

2515 WEST GENESSEE STREE T

2511 WEST GENESSEE STREE T

1970

2024 (MAIN)

2025 (NEXTGEN) A GLORI OUS FUT URE

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WHAT IS NEXTGEN? NextGen is our team of ministries focused on our kids, teens, and young adults. One of our goals of the NextGen model is to create family-like relationships within and across each age group of our church family. We hope from birth to membership at Grace each person will develop siblinglike relationships within their age group; and that they view their leaders and those in the age groups ahead of them as their spiritual big brothers/sisters, moms/dads, grandmas/grandpas!

We aren’t just pastoring a “fatherless generation, we are pastoring a family-less generation.”

OUR NEXTGEN MINISTRIES ARE FULFILLNG OUR CHURCH’S VISION OF LOCALLY TO GLOBALLY PURSUING EVERY HEART WITH THE LOVE OF JESUS LOCA L PAR TNER SHIPS

IN AC TI ON

West Genesee School Districts

Backpacks filled with school supplies

Solvay School Districts

Meals

Interfaith Works

Appreciation breakfasts & lunches for school staff

Salvation Family Shelter Rise Above Poverty Brookdale Senior Living

Cleaned the family shelter

OVER THE PAST 5 YEARS

$43,000

Crafts with children in the shelter to help brighten the holiday season

NEXTGEN

Singing carols, visiting with the seniors, and giving Christmas & Easter cards

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MISSIONS GIVING

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In a generation where so many young people feel invisible and ignored, we need leaders who will take the time to get to know them personally, thus earning the right to speak into their lives and point them to Jesus.

PASTOR JULI

SC HOOLS IN OUR C OMMUNI T Y

C OLLEGE AND UNIVER SI TIE S IN OUR C OMMUNI T Y

20 64,902 SCHOOL DISTRICTS

OCC

8,545

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY LEMOYNE

3,1 69

STUDENTS ENROLLED IN GRADES K-12

THE NEXT GE NERATI ON IN OUR C OMMUNI T Y IS IN NEED C H I L D P O V E R T Y R AT E

CITY OF SYRACUSE 1 C H I L D P O V E R T Y R AT E

ONONDAGA COUNTY 1 NUMBERS AS OF 2021

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46.9%

21.2%

22,698

BASED ON 2023 ENROLLMENT

THERE ARE OVER

14,000 CHILDREN IN SYRACUSE LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE.

The city of Syracuse is ranked #1

HIGHEST CHILDHOOD POVERTY

in the nation.

data.census.gov

A GLORI OUS FUT URE

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A

A MAIN BUILDING B NEXTGEN BUILDING CENTRO BUS STOP

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B

A

GLORIOUS

FUTURE

WHERE WE’RE GOING

S N E A K P E A K O F S I T E L AY O U T

Our new campus will increase our visibility within the community and presents exciting opportunities for continued growth and outreach.

God’s favor has been evident throughout the process of obtaining the facilities and properties of our new campus. Through miraculous provision, Grace Assembly has been blessed with two adjacent facilities on over five acres of valuable land in a central and visible location within our community... mortgage free! It is our desire to see our new campus become a vibrant center of community activity where lives are transformed by the love of Jesus.

Investing in the next generation is at the core of who we are at Grace Assembly.

We are excited that our new campus will have a facility dedicated to our NextGen ministries. Our NextGen building will be completely remodeled and customized to provide a safe space for children, teens, and young adults to encounter God. Our goal is to use our new campus as a tool to serve our community and to fulfill the vision of pursuing every heart locally to globally with the love of Jesus. We are certain that there will be new ministries and outreach opportunities that we haven’t even imagined yet as we take this step of faith.

INTERIOR DESIGN

A GLORI OUS FUT URE

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PROJECT COSTS

MAIN BUILDING

H OW AR E W E G O ING TO M A KE OUR NEW C HUR C H F E E L L IK E HO M E? By renovating the interior of our church with new and inviting finishes and signage Project highlights include new flooring and lighting throughout the entire building, new sanctuary chairs, new glass railing and handrails in the sanctuary, new interior doors, painting all the walls and trim, and modification of the stage.

W H AT AR E W E D O ING TO M A KE OUR C HUR C H M O R E ACCESS IBL E A ND FA M ILY FR IENDLY? Constructing three new accessible, family-style bathrooms and completely remodeling the six existing bathrooms from floor to ceiling

H OW W IL L W E CULT IVAT E A N ENVIR ONMENT FOR WO RS H IPPING G O D TO GET HER IN P ERSON AND ONLINE?

$582,200

$287,400

$357,500

By integrating state-of-the-art audio, visual, lighting, and streaming equipment

W H AT AR E W E D O ING TO M A KE OUR C AMP US MOR E IN VIT IN G A ND S A F ER FO R O UR COMMUNITY? Expanding and improving our parking lot and installing landscaping, lighting, signage, new exterior doors, and fire safety and security systems

H OW AR E W E ENS URING O UR FAC ILITY WILL BE A TOOL FOR US TO PURS UE EVERY HEART WITH THE LOVE OF JE S US FO R Y EA RS TO CO M E?

$775,900

$923,100

By installing all new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, upgrading the building’s electrical system, and repairing and improving building weatherproofing

H OW AR E W E A PPLY ING PRO FESSIONAL WISDOM TO S E RVE G O D W IT H INT EG RITY AND EXC ELLENC E? Through professional architecture and engineering design and obtaining necessary building permits, legal approvals, and insurance

MAI N BUI LDI N G P ROJE CT TOTA L:

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$224,900

$3,151,000

PROJECT COSTS

NEXTGEN BUILDING

H OW AR E W E ENS URING O UR FAC ILITY WILL BE A SAFE S PACE FOR KID S TO D IS COVER WHO THEY AR E IN C HR IST? When it comes to our NextGen building, safety is our top priority. We will be performing asbestos abatement with licensed professionals and installing new fire safety and security systems throughout the building. We will also expand and improve our parking lot and install new crosswalks, lighting, signage, and landscaping

$574,000

H OW AR E W E INT ENT IO NA L LY C R EATING A SPAC E FOR T H E N E XT GENERAT IO N TO ENCOUNTER GOD? By completely renovating our building to create a customized layout specifically designed for NextGen ministries

$1,528,000

Project highlights include new flooring and lighting, constructing new accessible and family-style bathrooms, renovating existing bathrooms, new audio and visual equipment, all new heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical systems, repairing and improving building weatherproofing, and all new paint and trim.

H OW AR E W E A PPLY ING PRO F ESSIONAL SERVIC ES TO PU RS U E THE NEXT GENERAT IO N AND THEIR FAMILIES W IT H T H E LOVE O F J ES US ?

$156,000

Through professional architecture and engineering design and obtaining necessary building permits, legal approvals, and insurance

NE XTGE N B U I LDI N G P ROJE CT TOTA L:

$2,258,000

TOTAL PROJ ECT CO ST $5,409,000 Thanks to your past generous and faithful giving, we had approximately $800,000 in our building fund reserves at the start of the project. This allowed us to begin work as soon as we obtained ownership of our new main building. Based on the total project cost, our remaining funding need is $4,600,000.

A GLORIOUS FUTURE: THE STORY CONTINUES

F UND RAI SI NG GOAL

$2,000,000 A GLORI OUS FUT URE

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FAQ W H Y D O W E NEED TO M OVE TO A NEW BUILDING? We currently do not have enough space to serve those God is bringing to us. We do not believe the size of our facility should limit what God desires to do through our church family.

W H E N W IL L BE M OVING INTO THE NEW B UILDINGS? We anticipate being in the main building by summer of 2024 and into the NextGen building by summer 2025.

W IL L W E RED UCE O UR S PEN DING IN MINISTRY TO R E N OVAT E T HE NEW CA M PUS? No. We do not plan to reduce our investment in ministry. We are also asking our church family not to shift their giving from support of our ministries to the new building project. We ask that your giving to the A Glorious Future: The Story Continues initiative be above and beyond your regular giving.

W IL L IND IVID UA L D O NAT IO N S B E K EPT CONFIDENTIAL? Yes, in the same manner that we honor all donations given to Grace Assembly.

H OW LO NG W IL L T HE CA PITAL C AMPAIGN R UN? We are asking our church family to consider a 36-month giving commitment beginning on December 3, 2023.

W H AT KIND O F CO M M IT M EN T WILL I B E ASK ED TO MAK E? We are not asking for a set amount. Each person has different income capacity.

We are asking for equal sacrifice, not equal giving.

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Hope changes us in the present A GLORI OUS FUT URE

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LET’S PRAY TOGETHER 1 4 - D AY P R AY E R G U I D E

W E E K 1 N O V.18 - N O V. 24 // W E E K 2 N O V. 2 5 - D EC . 1 During the two weeks leading up to our Celebration Service we invite you to walk through this prayer guide as we ask God what part He wants us to play in the A Glorious Future: The Story Continues initiative. When we seek Him with all of our heart, we will find Him, and He will lead us to a place of deeper faith and trust in Him (Jer 29:13; Prov 3:5-6).

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FAVOR

Pray for favor and open doors with the community and state agencies to propel this project forward and expedite decisions.

Pray that God’s grace will abound so we have the abundant finances to do the good work that God has assigned to us to do.

2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

GENERATIONS

OUTWARD FOCUSED

Pray for the next generations who are now and will be a part of our church and congregation in the future.

Pray that we may be shining examples to them and that they find their purpose in Christ alone.

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Pray that our congregation remains outwardly focused and that we would extend grace and mercy to people in every kind of need, opening our eyes to the lost here in our community.

Psalm 145:4-5b NIV One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty…

1 Peter 3:45 NIV Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Do this with gentleness and respect.

WORKERS

PRIORITIES

Pray for more workers to serve in our new facility. Give thanks and praise to God for answered prayer and for giving us a willing heart to serve him in our church, our community and our world.

Psalm 103:2-3 NKJV He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’.

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PROVISION

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Pray that each of our financial responses to A Glorious Future: The Story Continues will demonstrate that God is changing us and our priorities and is truly above all things in our lives.

I Chronicles 29:17 NIV Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

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A GLORIOUS FUTURE

Pray that God would use every square inch of our property and creatively use our building to reach the lost and hurting in our community and beyond.

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Pray for our Pastoral Staff as they lead and direct our congregation into this new chapter of our story.

There will be many decisions to make - pray for God’s wisdom, guidance, strength, and protection.

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UNITY

Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring encouragement, respect and unity among us as we embrace the Glorious Future God has for our church.

Hebrews 13:7 NIV Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Ephesians 4:1b-3 ESV Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

THANKFULNESS

HEALING

Pray in thankfulness for answered prayer, provision and for guiding the congregation into a Glorious Future.

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2 Corinthians 9:13 NIV Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

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Pray for God to strengthen our faith as we embrace the A Glorious Future: The Story Continues initiative.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Psalm 127:1 ESV Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

LEADERS

FAITH

BLESSING

Pray that God’s blessing would rest on all those who work, give, and pray for the ministry of Grace Assembly.

Hebrews 6:10 NIV God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.

Pray for the salvation and needs of relatives, friends and neighbors. Pray that God would bind up the brokenhearted, set captives free, heal the sick, and meet the needs of His church and children.

Psalm 103:2-3 NKJV Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits - who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases

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GENEROSITY

Pray that our financial responses to A Glorious Future: The Story Continues will grow our hearts to be more and more generous toward the things of God, giving without reluctance or compulsion.

2 Corinthians 9:13 NIV Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

A GLORI OUS FUT URE

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The guidance of God in prompting us to give sacrificially will always lead us out of our comfort zone, but the rewards of obeying Him are eternally immeasurable.

PASTOR DOUG

NOVEMBER

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WEEK 1

L IVIN G A L IFE OF SIGN IF ICA NC E Jeremiah 29:11

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NOVEMBER

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NOVEMBER

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WEEK 2

WEEK 3

L IV I N G I N D I VINE P A R T NER S H IP

LIVIN G OUT OUR FAI TH

Judges 6:14-15

Genesis 22:1-14

NOVEMBER

26

DECEMBER

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WEEK 4

WEEK 5

L IV I N G I N L I G H T O F E T ER NI T Y

CA L L ED TO GREATER THINGS

John 4:35

John 14:12

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WHAT’S MY PART? The A Glorious Future: The Story Continues initiative is not just about a building or property.

It is about investing in the vision that God has given us. We are asking each person/family to courageously trust God and ask themselves what a generous and sacrificial contribution would look like for them over the next 36 months. Each person has different income capacity.

We are asking for equal sacrifice, not equal giving.

God has enabled us to reach our diverse community of families and individuals, and create a place where we they will be embraced, valued, and shown the love of Jesus. We will look back at our investment into what God is doing in our community as one of the most significant and rewarding things we have ever done. Every time you see a new person walk into our new building and take a seat, you will know you helped create that space for them.

Jesus defined faithfulness as investing what has been entrusted to our care for growth and increase. We are excited to take this journey with you as we pursue the Glorious Future God has planned for Grace Assembly.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: As you begin praying about your financial commitment, here are some questions to consider before giving:

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Are there things that are keeping me from putting God first in my life?

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How will my commitment push me outside of my comfort zone and require me to courageously trust and obey God?

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What things can I afford, but can intentionally choose to live without because I am committing to give sacrificially?

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Are there any “out of the box” ways that I could increase my contribution?

GUIDE FOR GIVING

REMEMBER:

Your commitment can include both an initial cash gift and a 36-month giving commitment.

Most of us can give far more than we initially think by giving it over a three-year period.

O U R P R AY E R

AS WE GO THROUGH THE A GLORIOUS FUTURE: THE STORY CONTINUES INITIATIVE TOGETHER, JOIN US IN PRAYING THIS PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for everything You’ve done in my life and for everything You are doing in our church. I want to have a heart to see the hurting, lost, and broken people in our city have their lives changed by Your love. I pray that You will guide me as to what my financial commitment should be to the A Glorious Future: The Story Continues initiative. Help me to boldly trust You. Show me how to give out of love and not out of obligation, fear, or pressure. I am so thankful for Grace Assembly and am so excited for the plans You have to use our church to reach our communities, our city, and our world.

Thank you that everything I need is in You. Amen.

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UPCOMING DATES P A S T O R I N F O R M AT I O N MEETING N OVEMBE R 1 0

P R AY E R F O C U S D EC EMBER 2

C E L E B R AT I O N S U N D AY D EC EMBER 3

CONTACT INFORMATION

315-488-8013 Graceagsyr@gmail.com www.graceagsyracuse.com