Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Interim Head of Staff — Pastor Cindy Shively
Thanks for Making a Difference with Clean, Living Water! We want to extend a BIG ( long overdue) THANK YOU to Steve and Dottie Hildebrand for teaming up with Neighborhood Health Services and taking charge of GCPC’s involvement for the Winter Shelter. What a tremendous blessing to the community and to our church! I recently received a letter from Living Water World equals to date, $43,588.00. What an investment! Missions, and wanted to pass along some good news! Just Sometimes it’s hard for us to realize what an incredible, lifea little over a year ago (February 2015), a team from Grace changing gift clean water can be for a community. Perhaps of Christ, and Yakima Covenant, joined up with another even more important, it also provides the opportunity team from California, and we installed two water systems for people in the community to hear about Jesus, the in Guatemala, both at churches who host Compassion Living Water, so they might experience the hope and peace International sites, which sponsor children through spiritual, which comes from knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior. physical and educational support. The Living Water team also provides training for the system operators, and Thanks again for giving to the Lord’s work through education so the people know how best to use the Living Water World Missions! AND… THANK YOU for clean water. These 2 water systems were primarily funded giving to World Vision through our Mid-High Student’s 30 from gifts in memory of Rev. Hour Famine to help reduce Greg Carter, who went to be global hunger. Over the with the Lord in March of 2014. How Can We Continue to Make a past 25 years, the number Thank you to many faithful of children dying each day Difference Through Living Water? servants who donated their from preventable causes • Pray for the Lord to continue to use this vital time and money to make these has gone from 40,000 per ministry to meet both physical and spiritual projects possible! day down to 17,000. We still needs of people through Living Water have our work cut out for us, As of January 2016, these ministries. Living Water World Missions has as stewards (managers) of committed to installing 73 systems over a two systems have produced 3-year period for Compassion International God’s resources, yet we are 108,970 gallons of clean sites in Guatemala. making some progress. So water. That clean water helps keep up the good work, and keep communities healthy, • Consider joining one of our teams on a Living keep giving of yourselves (helping approximately 1200 Water trip. What a powerful way to spend a to make a difference in families), so that children can vacation! You can go without training, or you Jesus’ name. go to school and adults can can consider receiving the training as well. go to work and take care of Please contact either Jim and Kathy Bricel Together with the Lord, their families. Pete Emerson, 965-6042 (bricels@hotmail.com), or Larry and our Christian brothers Allan 653-2821 (larryallan1946@hotmail. an economist and analyst for and sisters around the com) for more information about being the U.S. Congressional Budget world, we can make a involved with Living Water, or to find out about office, developed a “calculator” difference! How does the upcoming trips. to determine the economic Lord want you to make a value of the clean drinking • You can also give financially to support Living difference this year? water in Guatemala. According Water through Grace of Christ Church (put to his calculator, the value to Living Water on the memo line), either via Serving joyfully with you, check or online. the communities of the two – Pastor Cindy Shively water systems we sponsored 2
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Pastor Nominating Committee Report — Janet Krieger
PNC REPORT The PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) has met with Pastors Cindy and Tyler who shared characteristics they see as having high priority in a lead pastor for Grace of Christ. The congregation has also participated in a survey to identify the strengths and leadership qualities they see as important in a lead pastor. Our congregation had the opportunity, in the survey, to listen and then respond to what they heard God saying is His dream for our church. In addition, the Rev. Al Sandalow, ECO’s Northwest Presbytery’s Ministry Partner Chair, has met with us to provide guidance for the function of the committee and search process. Work has begun on creating a job description for the position of a lead pastor. The PNC desires that the posted position reflect the “DNA” of our church:
• Jesus Christ • Holy Spirit led • Prayer • Know the Word of God • Discipleship • Relational • Transforming in Our Community To that end committee members are writing descriptions and providing testimonial examples of what those attributes and characteristics look like in the life of Grace of Christ. A graphic is being created which incorporates those attributes as foundational pillars of our church. Finally, He said to His disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” But His disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone You. Are You going there again?” – John 11:7-8 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. – Matthew 14:29 She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, “Whatever He tells you, do it.” – John 2:5
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Please join the PNC in prayer: Lord, may we be faithful to You, deliberately committing ourselves to Your presence and Your leading, even when we cannot see the way ahead. We pray the candidate God will call to Grace of Christ is also faithful and joyfully obedient to our Father until that time God releases him to us. – Janet Krieger, PNC Chair
BUSINESS MINISTRY TEAM 2016 FINANCIAL UPDATE 2016 is off to a good start. The Business Ministry Team (BMT) has worked hard the past few years to closely monitor our monthly revenues and expenses so that GCPC does not accrue large deficits every month. During the first quarter of 2016 our revenue of $304,969 exceeded expenses by $6,516. BMT believes GCPC should operate it’s budget the same way you run your household – by living within our means and having a fund for emergencies. On behalf of BMT I would like to thank all those who have made contributions to GCPC so far in 2016. As mentioned, income is slightly above our budget expectations while staff has done an excellent job of holding expenses below budget. Placing God first brings blessings to our own lives, as well as the Ministry of GCPC. Thank you for your continued, faithful, and generous giving to the mission and ministries of Grace of Christ! — Mark Baldwin BMT Treasurer
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Connecting Ministries — Jocelyn Larsen
Fellowship Ministry Team What good gifts do you have? (Health, Wealth, Beauty, Home, Friendship, Family, Marriage, Children, Work, Passions, Natural Talent, Strengths, etc. etc.) Think about them for a moment. If you have a minute right now, make a list of them somewhere. Look them over; assess their worth - see if you can! Now. With this incredible list of gifts in my hand, how can it be that I am constantly falling back into a mindset of for richer & for poorer?! What I mean is this: Whatever great gift I have, I often find myself vacillating between thinking: This gift is not that great; others ought to appreciate me and even pity me because they have it richer (better or easier) than me! Poor me.
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And thinking: This gift is so great; others ought to think everything I have and do and am is also great because they have it poorer than me (I’ve earned it)! Rich me.
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Instead. May we settle just quietly, gratefully, humbly into a way of thinking that sounds more like, The gifts that I have are the just-right amount of great for me; others ought to be increasingly blessed by them! For Christ’s sake. Praying: God, we are grateful for the gifts You’ve given us because You chose them for us and gave them to us out of Your generosity. Keep us from the stealthy treachery of “for richer & for poorer” in our minds and hearts. Help us to steward our gifts in ways that allow You to bring more and more good into the lives of others through our lives.
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We agree with the proverb (30:8-9): give us neither poverty nor riches, but give us only our daily bread. Otherwise, we may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or we may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of our God. - Amen. 4
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42 Fellowship Ministry hosted Gather at The Table the first Monday in March and again in April; during these two months 86 people came together to share a meal and conversation. Each month has seen a family attend who is new to our church and looking for a way to meet people in an intimate setting. One family joined the Monday meal after a conversation with an “accountant” in which she was invited to attend. The accountant was tax volunteer Keith Mathews. During the April meal a woman requested prayer for chronic pain. She had been prayed for by prayer ministry on Sunday morning and received immediate relief from the pain. She shared that she would like additional prayer as she was beginning to experience discomfort once again. Suzanne Bacon, Ruth Maloney and I prayed with her in the Prayer Room. As we prayed in the name of Jesus for pain to leave her body there was a visible release of tension within her and she responded that the discomfort she had been experiencing was removed. It is a good thing when a church family eats together; lives are shared and touched with souls impacted eternally! Please join us the first Monday of each month for a simple meal. A soup and bread dinner is served from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Drop in as you are available. There is no cost. Let’s share life together and celebrate being part of the family of God! — Janet Krieger
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Senior Adult Ministries
Kaffee Klatsch Thursday, May 19 2:00 pm in the Garden Room
BRIDGING THE GAP Kaffee Klatsch attendees are frequently of an age where they remember soda in a glass bottle, gas at 25 cents a gallon, Jack Benny’s age as 39, Neil Armstrong taking his first steps on the moon, the draft, home-made clothing, piccalilli as a common relish, tiddly-winks, roller skates with keys, and the list goes on. As we hit our late teens, we eagerly looked forward to the future, viewing it as a time when we could be on our own and make our own way. There were all sorts of jobs waiting for us. One simply had to be willing to work. If your family is fortunate to have three, four or possibly even five generations convene together for special occasions, you may have noted that odd communications take place. While young folks delight in seeing their grandparents, they often have little in
common for lengthy conversations. Grandchildren arrive and, once past preliminary hugs, they tend to communicate with their friends via hand held devices which their grandparents can’t even identify much less use effectively. Similarly, grandparents may then volley a few questions their direction but find that lively dialogue does not ensue due to lack of a similar interests or experiences. For instance, most of us walked to school no matter what the weather was. Today’s kids are frequently bussed or driven to school for safety precautions. Kicking a tin can or a rock all the way home isn’t a part of their experiential background. Similarly, Facebook is a part of their world but possibly not ours. The list goes on. Today’s young people are facing a very different world from the one those of us who were born in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s experienced. Wise grandparents realize 5
that they are the ones who have the time to reach out to make connections with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our young people may not yet have the maturity or the skills to be able to reach from the other direction. On May 19, at 2:00 p.m. in the Garden Room, Kelsey Schmidt will address ways we can better understand the issues facing our young people. Global warming, constant threats of terrorism, instability in political structures, cyber bullying and many other highly depressing topics bombard our children daily. She will give us some ideas to consider and some tips for creating good dialogue with our young folks. We think you’ll leave with some fresh understandings and a renewed interest in keeping close contact with your young family members. Savvy grandparents can play a special role in the lives of their grandchildren. Kelsey is going to help broaden our understanding of what lies ahead for them as well as help us think about additional ways we can open doors to enhance our communications with our younger family members. Please come join us for dessert and fellowship. We’re all in this together. Let’s share what seems to work well so that we can truly be helpful in our roles as grandparents. George Burns put it rather succinctly, “You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” Programs of this nature can help us with that.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Family Ministries — Shan Trick
APPRECIATION FOR PEACEFUL PARENTING A big thank you to Mary Pleger for another amazing parenting class! The community of Yakima is grateful for her years of parenting training to hundreds who have walked through the doors of Grace of Christ church on a Sunday morning or Wednesday night. Also, thank you Grace of Christ Church for making this class possible, from donating Bibles, to childcare, lovingly taking care of all the little ones who come. 248.7940 | 9 Sbeen 8th Ave &life Yakima Ave | yakimagrace.com This class has changing for many of the parents who come. Let me share with you what a few parents had to say at our last class in April:
PARENTING WITH PURPOSE FREE PARENTING CLASS!
Julyto 6 through Augustof10 “I’m sadWednesdays, to say “good bye” the volunteers Peaceful 6:00-7:30pm parenting. I’m truly grateful for each of you and all of Childcaresupport, provided RSVP 248.7940 your dedication, guidance and especially, Instructor: Robin prayer. I thank God for each of Perches you. I looked forward to Mary’s class/teaching every Wednesday, but just Building a strong foundation Understanding as much the prayers of my |table captain your andchild closing Buildvery positive relationships prayer was touching. I’ve| Managing not hadconflict many people solving with you teenagers in myProblem life show loveskills and| Communication support the way do every time I’m here. I can’t tell you how truly grateful and REGISTER FOR CLASS: Shan 248.7940 | shan@yakimagrace.com blessed and loved I feel after being here.” “Thank you so much for everything. You have been so kind and giving. I appreciate all your prayers.”
PARENTING WITH PURPOSE 248.7940 | 9 S 8th Ave & Yakima Ave | yakimagrace.com
FREE PARENTING CLASS! Wednesdays, July 6 through August 10 6:00-7:30pm Childcare provided RSVP 248.7940 Instructor: Robin Perches
Building a strong foundation | Understanding your child Build positive relationships | Managing conflict Problem solving skills | Communication with teenagers REGISTER FOR CLASS: Shan 248.7940 | shan@yakimagrace.com 6
“Thank you so much for being such a big part of us bettering ourselves. I appreciate you and your prayers for all of us women and our kids.” Peaceful Parenting sounds incredibly serene and very unassuming but nothing could be further from the truth. The class itself is built around a saving element of concern and compassion injected into the lives of those people who come, with hope to learn and apply all the available information to assist them in their day to day living. I was so impressed with the interaction of the group and hope that what has started in this class will continue to further develop and nurture the lives of all who attended. — Jerry Smith, Table Mentor
Prayer Ministry SUNDAY DISCIPLESHIP TIME
Experience the Joy of the Lord through Prayer! It has been wonderful to have an hour between Sunday services for the opportunity to prepare ourselves to be disciples of Jesus. Praising God, abiding, listening, waiting, sensing and living life as He is with you creates such luxury and peace. Seeing new ways of viewing Old Testament lessons concerning the prayer life of these famous leaders gives the desire to pray with wisdom, humbleness and assurance. What joy to move through life knowing God is by your side! If you haven’t stopped into Room 220 upstairs, please come and experience with us the Joy of the Lord.
WATCH FOR UPCOMING DATES FOR * VBS PRAYER TENT TRAINING! *
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Women’s Ministry
Ladies Luncheon Come join us for a delicious lunch, and be inspired by stories of freedom, hope, and redemption found in the blood of Christ from women in the Union Gospel Mission Women’s New Life program. The Lunch is provided by Grace of Christ Women’s Ministry and a love offering will be taken for the UGM Women’s New Life Program. Reserve your spot for the luncheon at the Connection Center or in the Church office. Childcare provided for kids up to 5th grade with a reservation, 248-7940 x117.
Temple Choir & Bells
A Beautiful Easter Sunday Celebration Scripture tells us that God’s blessings are new and fresh on a regular basis. It’s certainly proven true! The new year brought Grace of Christ a new choir director, a new approach, and a “new song.” The handbells have been roused from their slumber, dusted off, serviced, and are now ringing vigorously, as a new generation of ringers emerge. On Easter morning, our newly-resurrected handbell choir rang out “Come, Christians Join to Sing” as the Introit. Temple Choir continues to grow, revitalize and energize the congregation. They sang “Joy in the Morning” as the Easter Anthem.
New Life Ladies Luncheon Saturday, May 21 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Grace of Christ Church $5 Suggested Donation for Lunch
Mothers of Preschoolers is a ministry that connects moms (with children in utero through kindergarten) to other moms for fellowship, inspiration, and to grow closer to Jesus. The last meeting of our “A Fierce Flourishing” themed year is Friday, May 13, from 9:30 to 11:30 am in the gym with breakfast served. Children of all ages are welcome in our MOPPETS program (we have a home school room for kids past kindergarten). Registration will be available for next year’s “We Are the Starry Eyed” theme, which begins Friday, September 16, 2016. Please contact the church if you would like more information. 7
We are always looking for more participation, please consider yourself invited to participate. “Making a joyful noise” is the only prerequisite!
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Grace of Christ Preschool — Rhonda Cardona 509.248.7940, ext. 119 Rhonda@YakimaGrace.com www.yakimapreschool.com
Spring has arrived in Preschool! Caterpillars turning into butterflies before our very eyes! Seeds are planted and waiting to sprout! And our annual Spring Tea was celebrated! It is hard to imagine that we are coming to the end of our school year. We are already preparing for our next year. We still have a few spaces available in our program for next year so don’t wait too long to secure your spot. Please keep Grace of Christ Preschool in your prayers as we prepare for 2016-17. We are in need of scholarship funds; lead teachers, and students to take the last spots. Please pass on our information! Happy Spring!
Greetings Church Family!
Student Ministries
As I write to you, I’m sitting in a dorm room in Portland surrounded by the sounds of happy and exhausted teenagers. We are on our mission trip! We are halfway done and it has been a whirlwind so far. I have never been so proud of this group of youth. We’re spending our mornings with children at a ministry called Open House where families come to recover, receive shelter, and obtain valuable resources and job training. While we’re with the children, we’re leading a small Bible school every day and giving them tons of individual attention. Our youth are playing with Legos and chasing laughing kiddos around the playground all morning long. After lunch we do all types of projects. Today and tomorrow we’re spending time at the Union Gospel Mission handing out food, giving people clothing, and packing sack lunches. The students are interacting with the homeless, giving away their own food during our free times to anyone who asks for help, and most importantly, listening to the stories of people who are often ignored. Our teenagers are great at asking questions and have surprised me over and over again by being the only people on the sidewalk willing to stop, listen, and connect. This trip is teaching us about what it means that we are blessed to be a blessing. This week, we are 8
Kelsey Schmidt — partnering with Jesus in making all things new and I have a feeling we’ll be forever changed as a result. Thank you for praying for us and supporting us! Without you, this trip would not have been possible. In other youth news, our Senior Brunch will take place on Sunday, May 15 at 10:30am in the gym. If you are a high school senior or you have a son or daughter who is a senior, watch for your invitation in the mail. We’ll be eating brunch together, honoring our seniors, and praying/ sending them off with our blessing. This event is free for all immediate family, but requires an RSVP to save your spot at a table. If you are not the immediate relative of a senior, but would like to attend, the cost is $5 and you can sign up at the Connection Center or by contacting Kelsey at kelsey@yakimagrace.com.
Until next month, Kelsey Schmidt
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Children’s Ministry — Susie Woodin
DIG DEEP...
WITH JESUS IN KIDZONE THIS SUMMER!
We are digging deep this summer to plant seeds of faith and grow with Jesus as we adventure through the Bible. We will dive into the fruits of the spirit as we explore the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control that the Lord is growing in each of us.
Join Us on Sunday Mornings this Summer!
Summer KidZone Schedule
June 12 & 19 No KidZone June 26 VBS Celebration Sunday (Kids in Worship Service)
July 3 July 10 - Aug. 28 September 4 September 11
No KidZone Summer KidZone No KidZone Fall Kickoff
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2016
Register Online! Opens May 1st
July 10 – August 29 | 9:00 am – 10:45 am We are looking for Summer Kidzone leaders and assistants to adventure with us on the Sunday(s) of your choice. Contact Melissa Gray at: 248-7940x143 .
GRACE OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
YAKIMAGRACE.COM/VBS 9 S 8TH AVE YAKIMA, WA 98902 509.248.7940
REGISTER ONLINE! Debit/Credit accepted YakimaGrace.com/vbs
WHEN?
June 20 - 24 / 8:30a - 12p
WHO?
$35 per child
4 years old - 5th grade must be 4 by June 1, 2016
WHERE?
Registration Closes June 15
(If Space, Onsight Registration June 20 beginning at 8:00a / $45 per child) Opens REGISTER ONLINE! May 1
st
www.yakimagrace.com/vbs scholarships available: call 248-7940
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church 9 S 8th Ave & Yakima Ave 509.248-7940
FREE Childcare for kids whose parents volunteer at VBS! (3 mos - 3 yrs) 3 Year Olds take part in a free VBS class!
PICK UP a Volunteer Application Today!
Following Jesus - The Light of the World! 9
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Mission Ministry Team Transform Yakima Together Uniting, Equipping, and Activating the Body of Christ TRANSFORM YAKIMA TOGETHER is a growing collaboration of Christian leaders, and organizations who believe that the people of God are His unique transforming agency in the world. We are committed to touching our Valley for the Glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are asking, “What can individual Christians, churches, and organizations, do better together than we have been doing separately?”
UNITE Our desire is to encourage the Christian community to team together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ - the goal is to COMPLETE, NOT COMPETE - so that strengths are shared, weaknesses minimized and all are given value. We invite you to believe with us that no solitary individual, denomination, agency, culture, or generation can hope to complete the God-given task of community revival and revitalization.
EQUIP Wherever God has placed you in life, we believethat every believer should be equipped with the necessary tools in order to grow in their walk with the Lord and live out the Gospel. Our desire is to see Christians in our community develop a gospel-centered Kingdom oriented lifestyle.
ACTIVATE No matter if we are in our workplace, our family, or our neighborhood we must be intentional about establishing the Kingdom and having influence wherever we have been placed. This is not possible for any one person to do alone. However, together with God we can have a positive impact upon our community. We want to see God’s Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven...in the 10
Let’s Transform Yakima Together! Yakima Valley! We believe that God is good and our Valley should be a testimony of God’s goodness to the world! Now is A STRATEGIC TIME for the body of Christ to come together and serve our community. We believe that EVERYONE has a contribution to make and we respect, love, and honor each other.
THE INVITATION God is committed to the transformation of this world, and is calling upon believers to join Him in His mission. Our Team is committed to this mission, with a determined focus on the Yakima Valley. We are committed to the unity of the Body of Christ and working together to impact this region. We are building teams of Kingdom-change agents to focus on various areas of our community. If you would like to be a part of changing our Valley then we would love to partner with you. Please email us at transformyakima@gmail.com or call us at 509-673-2100.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / English Our Spanish speaking church has officially changed their name from Cristo Vive to Gracia de Cristo. Join us in the Sanctuary Sundays at 1:00 pm for worship!
— Alex Rule
God’s Abundant Grace Clearly Evident in Gracia de Cristo God continues to manifest His grace and blessing in the midst of the Gracia de Cristo congregation. After eight hours of intensive training sessions, seven adults joined our fellowship as Covenant Partners on Palm Sunday, March 20. They learned about the history of the Reformation and how the Presbyterian Church came into being. As well, they heard of the journey that Grace of Christ has walked during the past five or six years, culminating in our separation from PCUSA and our uniting with ECO. On Easter Sunday, three adults were baptized, and two babies were dedicated to the Lord. One of our new partners accepted Jesus as his personal Savior about a year ago. As he was growing up, his mother told him that it was more important to get out and work on Sundays rather than to waste time in church. But God worked through a multitude of circumstances to bring him to our group where he was confronted with the reality that he needed to begin a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. As a result of the training sessions, he determined to follow the Lord in water baptism as well. Another new member has gone through a lot of personal struggles in her life. About two years ago she opened her heart to Jesus, and recently determined as an adult to obey Jesus’ command to be baptized. Many of her family members tried to dissuade her, but others encouraged her, and she chose to follow God’s call on her life. So on Palm Sunday, she too, became a covenant partner of Gracia de Cristo. And just before being baptized on Easter Sunday, she presented her youngest daughter to be dedicated to the Lord. A woman began attending our services about two years ago, leaving behind a church where she had been involved in teaching and musical ministry. It is a blessing to have her singing praise to God with us in the worship team. She has been through a lot of personal struggles recently, but God has been her refuge through it all. Now she has a new church family who love and support her. Several months ago a couple met our leader, Alex, who invited them to visit our congregation. They had decided 11
to leave a congregation where they were not able to serve God in tangible ways. They are excited that God has led them to us and are looking forward to the doors that God is opening before them. Another lady has begun attending our services. Our sister was a part of the group many years ago but had been side-tracked by the onslaught of MS. Her family abandoned her, but she has since come to realize that her Savior did not abandon her. She freely expresses her thanks to God for bringing her back to Gracia de Cristo. Another sister has been a sporadic attendee of our group for many years. Recently she decided that it was time to get serious about her relationship with God, and chose to follow the Lord in water baptism on Easter Sunday. Who will be next in line to join our fellowship? God is at work behind the scenes. We are confident that He is raising up new disciples who will surrender their wills to the will of the Father, even as our Lord did as evidenced by His conversation with His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me – but it is not my will, but yours, that must be done.” (Matthew 26:29 - J. B. Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English) — Rodney Eells
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / En Español Our Spanish speaking church has officially changed their name from Cristo Vive to Gracia de Cristo. Join us in the Sanctuary Sundays at 1:00 pm for worship!
— Alex Rule
La Abundante Gracia de Dios Evidente en Gracia de Cristo Dios sigue mostrándonos su gracia y bendición en medio de la congregación Gracia de Cristo. Después de ocho horas de estudio intensivo, siete adultos se añadieron a nuestra comunidad como socios del pacto el 20 de marzo, Domingo de Ramos. Ellos aprendieron la historia del movimiento de la reforma y cómo se formó la iglesia presbiteriana. Además, escucharon de los pasos que ha tomado la Iglesia Gracia de Cristo durante los últimos 5 o 6 años, terminando con la separación de la denominación PC/USA al unirse a la nueva denominación presbiteriana ECO. El domingo de Pascuas, se bautizaron tres adultos y se dedicaron al Señor dos infantes. Uno de los nuevos socios del pacto, aceptó a Jesús como su Salvador personal hace un año. Cuando era joven algunos de sus familiares le decían que era más importante salir a trabajar que perder su tiempo en la iglesia. Sin embargo, Dios usó muchas circunstancias y lo trajo a nuestro grupo donde se confrontó con la realidad de que él necesitaba comenzar una relación personal con el Señor Jesucristo. Al terminar las sesiones de entrenamiento, decidió ser obediente a la palabra del Señor y ser bautizado. Otro nuevo miembro ha pasado por muchas dificultades personales. Hace unos dos años abrió su corazón a Jesús, y hace poco determinó que como adulto deseaba obedecer el mandato de Jesús de ser bautizada. Muchos de sus familiares se opusieron a su decisión, pero otros la animaron, y ella decidió seguir el llamamiento de Dios. Así que el día Domingo de Ramos, ella también fue recibida como socio del pacto en Gracia de Cristo. Y justo antes de bautizarse, dedicó a su hija menor al Señor. Una hermana comenzó a asistir a nuestros servicios hace unos dos años, dejando una iglesia donde había servido como maestra y cantante. Es una bendición tenerla en nuestro equipo de alabanza. Ha pasado por muchas pruebas personales recientemente, pero Dios ha sido su refugio a pesar de todo. Ahora tiene una nueva familia en Gracia de Cristo quien la ama y la respalda. Hace unos meses un matrimonio conoció a Alex, nuestro líder, quien los invitó a visitar nuestra congregación. Ya 12
habían dejado de asistir otra iglesia donde no les permitían servirle a Dios en forma tangible. Están emocionados porque Dios los dirigió a nosotros y están buscando la dirección de Dios para servirle juntos con nosotros. Otra pareja también comenzó a congregarse con nosotros. Nuestra hermana en Cristo era parte de nuestro grupo hace muchos años, pero sufría de MS, la cual la dejó sin familia y sin iglesia. Ahora se ha dado cuenta de que su Salvador nunca la abandonó. Libremente expresa su gratitud a Dios por tráela nuevamente a nuestra iglesia. Otra hermana ha asistido a nuestro grupo esporádicamente por años. Hace poco decidió que ya era tiempo de tomar su relación con Cristo seriamente, y tomó la decisión de obedecerle a Él al ser bautizada el domingo de Pascuas. ¿Quién será la próxima persona que se una a nuestra comunidad? Dios está trabajando de la forma que no vemos. Confiamos que Él está alistando nuevos discípulos quienes sujetarán su voluntad a la voluntad del Padre, tal como lo hizo Jesús en su conversación con su Padre Celestial en el Jardín de Getsemaní: “Padre mío, si es posible, que pase de mí esta copa; pero no sea como yo quiero, sino como tú quieras.” (Mateo 26:39 – La Biblia de las Américas) — Rodney Eells
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp & Conference Center We need help fixing up cabins so they are ready for summer use, as well as a few outside jobs that need attention. Your efforts, contributions and prayers are needed and much appreciated! To RSVP call camp at (509) 672-4311.
Office Project Update
GO FOR THE GOLD! GO FOR THE GOLD! Summer camp registration has begun! This year’s theme is the GHORMLEY GAMES. Camp sessions will be loaded with Olympic-style games and activities as we dive into what it means to live for the King: Jesus! Be sure to sign up early to guarantee your spot. Don’t forget about our early-bird special if you pay in full before April 15th!
We are excited about God’s provision for our office project! Since our last update, $11,000 of the remaining $25,000 we need has been given, leaving us with approximately $14,000 left to raise! If you would like to give towards this exciting and vital project for Ghormley’s future, please call our office, send a check, or donate through GCPC, note “Ghormley Office Project” on the memo line of your check.
HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: SHIFT & OVERDRIVE The application and selection process for our High School Leadership Development Program is now open! SHIFT (and OVERDRIVE – for second-year students) is a 3-week program that trains and equips high school students to be spiritual leaders in their homes, churches and schools as well as providing vital work experience. Visit www.ghormleymeadow.org for more information and to apply! *Must be 16 years old or entering junior or senior year in fall 2016.
PRAYER • As we prepare for summer, pray that God prepares the heart of each camper who sets foot on camp. • Pray that relationships will be built, lives changed, and every person who comes to Ghormley Meadow will meet Jesus. • Pray that the Lord will lead us as we prepare for adding and updating facilities.
OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Adopt-A-Cabin / Adopt-A-Flower Bed For Adopt-A-Cabin, contact Joe Buckley at 961-0424 or email jcbuckley2@fairpoint.net.
FINANCIALLY Support Camp Ghormley through operating funds, camp scholarships, and memorials.
SECOND SATURDAY WORK DAY Our next Second Saturday is scheduled for May 14th from 9:00am-3:00pm. 13
SUMMER STAFF POSITIONS STILL AVAILABLE!” We are still in the process of hiring college students to serve at Ghormley this summer! We have a need for male counselors, kitchen staff, and several leadership positions. If you know someone who is looking for a great opportunity to serve, send them our way!
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church 9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902 (509) 248-7940
OUR CORE VALUES Glorifying God With Our Best Pioneering and Ongoing Outreach Engaging and Nurturing Relationships Being A Cornerstone in the Community Equipping People for Ministry Through Biblical Foundation and Service
May Calendar of Events
Sun, May 1
Prayer Sun
Mon, May 2
Gather at the Table / Dinner
Living Waters Meeting
Tues, May 3
WOW Bible Study Leaders Meeting
Wed, May 4
Soar Potluck & Reunion
Thur, May 5
Sanctuary
Everyone
5:30 pm
Garden Room
Free for Everyone
5:30 pm
Room 220
Committee
Library
Leaders
5:30 pm
Garden Room
Soar Students
Senior Adult Ministries
1:30 pm
Adult Ed Room
Committee
Faith & Family (Public Meeting)
5:30 pm
Adult Ed Room
Committee
MOPS Leadership Meeting
9:30 am
Lounge
Committee
Sanctuary
Everyone
Fri, May 6
All Morning
11:00 am
Sun, May 8
Baptism Sunday All Morning (Introduce New Covenant Partners)
Happy Mother’s Day!
Tues, May 10
Mission Ministry Team
6:00 pm
Adult Ed Room
Committee
Thur, May 12
Sacred Messengers Meeting
3:00 pm
Lounge
Committee
Fri, May 13
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
9:30 am
Gym
Moms
Sun, May 15
ELZ Staff Meeting / Lunch
Adult Ed Room
Staff
Sat, May 14
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Garden Room
Knitters
Camp Ghormley
Everyone
12:30 pm 1:00 pm
2nd Sat Ghormley Work Day
Wed, May 18
Edith Ferry Circle Meeting
12:00 noon
Parlor
Women
Preschool Board Meeting
12:00 noon
Conference Room
Preschool Board
Thur, May 19
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Kaffee Klatsch
2:00 pm
Garden Room
Everyone
Faith & Family (Public Meeting)
5:30 pm
Adult Ed Room
Committee
11:00 am
Garden Room
Women Deacons
Sat, May 21
Women’s Luncheon: Celebrate New Life
Sun, May 22
Deacon’s Meeting
3:30 pm
Lounge
Mon, May 23
Trailseeker Carnival
2:45 pm
North Lawn
Tues, May 24
Session Dinner and Meeting
6:00 pm
Garden Room
Elders
Wed, May 25
Mary MacLean Guild
12:00 pm
Offsite
Women
Tues, May 26
Preschool Luau 3’s
10:00 am
Garden Room
Preschool
Parlor
Committee
Garden Room
Preschool
Women’s Ministry Team Meeting
Preschool Luau 4’s and PK
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Fri, May 27
4:00 pm 10:00 am
Grace Alive is available in a PDF format on the church web page www.YakimaGrace.com. For inquiries, submissions, omissions, and corrections, contact Ericka in the church office 248-7940 x 100. ericka.clark@yakimagrace.com
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Weekday Events
Monday TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) All Staff Check-In Meeting ESL Classes (Mon & Wed) Overeaters Anonymous Serve at Love INC Trailseekers Al-Anon Divorce Care
10:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:30 pm 5:15 pm 6:30 pm
Adult Ed DF Lounge Room 220 Adult Ed Love INC Gym Adult Ed Room 217
Everyone All Staff Everyone Everyone Everyone
Mon & Wed ESL Classes
11:00 am
Room 220
Everyone
Gym Parlor
Women Women Everyone Men Everyone 6th-12th Grade Everyone
Tuesday
Pursuing Our Limitless God (Women’s Bible Study) Women in the Word Bible Study
9:15 am 9:45 am
Everyone Everyone
Wednesday ESL Classes (Mon & Wed) Men’s Noon Bible Study Quiet Worship Youth Group - Mid High & Senior High Gracia de Cristo Music Rehearsal
11:00 am 12:00 Noon 12:00 Noon 5:30 - 8:30 pm 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Room 220 Adult Ed Sanctuary Youth/Mid Hi Sanctuary
Thursday Bible Study Fellowship Women of Prayer (Spanish/English) Temple Choir SOZO Prayer
9:00 am 6:00 - 8:00 pm 7:00 pm 5:45 - 9:15 pm
Sanctuary Women Lounge Women Choir Rm Lounge, Prayer Rm SOZO Team
Friday
SOZO Prayer
9:00 - 11:30 am
Chapel, Prayer Room
SOZO Team
2nd Floor Sanctuary Adult Ed Rm Mid High & Youth Rms Lounge Sanctuary Chapel Room 220 Garden Rm Sanctuary Sanctuary
3yrs-5th Grade Everyone Everyone 6th-12th Grade Adults Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone
Sunday Services and Events
KidZone Worship - Led by Contemporary Worship Team Going Deeper: (Romans) Youth Refuel Golden Circle Discipleship Application Discipling Your Kids Prayer in the Kingdom of God Discussion Groups Worship - Led by Temple Choir & Organ Worship - Gracia de Cristo (Spanish)
9:00 am 9:00 am 9:30 am-10:30 am 10:00 am 10:00 am-10:45 am 10:00 am-10:45 am 10:00 am-10:45 am 10:00 am-10:45 am 10:00 am-10:45 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm
Announcements COOKIES & CANS
Thank you for bringing cookies, crackers, fruit or quick breads for all to enjoy during our fellowship hour on Sunday. See the dates you can contribute - last names beginning with…
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MAY 1: MAY 8: MAY 15: MAY 22: MAY 29:
N-S T- Z A-F G-M N-S
GRACE OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9 S 8TH AVENUE YAKIMA, WA 98902
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59
JOIN US FOR THIS "ROCK SOLID" VBS ADVENTURE JUNE 20-24 | 8:30 - NOON, AGES 4 YRS - 5TH GRADE REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE WWW.YAKIMAGRACE.COM/VBS
INTRODUCING OUR CAVE QUEST 2016 BIBLE BUDDIES Day 1 – Sal I’m a salamander who loves to explore cool caves! But I couldn’t always crawl over rocks and boulders. When I was born, I didn’t have legs, and I had to breathe water. I’ll remind kids that JESUS GIVES US HOPE! Day 2 – Mawtha Moths are nocturnal – that means we’re not afraid of the dark! I want kids to know that they don’t have to be afraid during dark times because JESUS GIVES US COURAGE! Day 3 –Radar Bats are pretty special because God gave us a cool way to find our way without light. Jesus didn’t leave you in the dark, either… JESUS GIVES US DIRECTION! Day 4 – Olivia I’m a beautiful barn owl whooo God lovingly created! Look at my fabulous face – it’s got love written all over it! My heart-shaped face can remind kids that JESUS GIVES US LOVE! Day 5 – Ray Glow worms light up dark caves with an amazing power God gave us. Sometimes kids may feel like they’re going through a dark time. But they have the greatest power source of all… JESUS GIVES US HIS POWER!
DON’T WAIT… SIGN UP NOW TO SERVE AT CAVE QUEST! VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION IS IN FULL SWING.
Room now, and pick up a volunteer application form.
The number of children’s registrations we accept at VBS is completely dependent upon the number of volunteers we have to serve. Please don’t wait to sign up - it is
Youth and adult forms are both available. If you are a youth volunteer (must be entering 6th grade) you can use your hours serving in VBS as volunteer hours required for school. Adult volunteers…don’t forget that we provide free childcare for your infants and toddlers, as well as a free VBS class for 3 year olds.
vital that we know the number of volunteers sooner rather than later. Stop by the Cave Quest display in the Garden