G race of Ch r i s t Pre s by t e r i a n C h u rc h
January
Yo u r P l a ce To B e l o n g , B e l i e v e , B e co m e , B l e s s
VOL 109
Iglesia Presbiteriana Gracia de Cristo: Un Lugar Para Pertenecer, Creer, Ser y Bendecir
2019
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Session Report Dear Grace of Christ family,
Grace of Christ is blessed, given the overwhelming goodness of our God and the faithful dedication of our remarkable congregation and staff. 2018 has been a year of both tremendous challenges and opportunities. Your leadership wants to communicate openly, honestly, and transparently sharing with you the journey of Grace this past year.
Youth Ministry
• Thomas Sudbury, Youth Ministry Director, is encouraging a new generation of worship leadership among the mid-high and high school students in our congregation. There are currently two youth bands that play regularly in the community and support worship here on Sunday mornings. • There are 115 youth enrolled in our mid-high and high school programs with a regular attendance of 50 each week. 23 new middle schoolers and 11 high schoolers have begun to participate. More than 12 adults from our congregation volunteer to serve in youth ministry. • ‘Rally in the Valley,’ a multi-church youth rally was hosted by Grace of Christ Church. • A youth leadership team has formed partnerships between students and mentors from our congregation. • Our youth are successfully operating their coffee shop, Mission Coffee Roasters, to support youth mission trips. • Ali Hildebrand joined Thomas Sudbury as an assistant in the Youth Ministry program.
Children's Ministry
• Sunday mornings are thriving in Children’s Ministry under the leadership of Melissa Gray. The children of Grace led us in worship on Palm Sunday, Sunday Funday and at Christmas. Each Sunday they learn God’s word, His love for them individually, and how to better love the Lord and others. The children earn rewards for Scripture memorization, attendance, bringing their Bibles to church and bringing a friend. A team of 25 adults volunteer to help in Kidzone. • During Vacation Bible School, children’s ministry taught how God rescues us in the midst of all of life’s circumstances. Over 250 children and more than 100 volunteers participated. 50 children, who did not previously have a Bible, went home with one of their own. The prayer tent provided many wonderful opportunities for children to experience God’s amazing love for them and the children blessed the Yakima community through their contributions of supplies that supported local firefighters.
Worship Ministry
• We welcomed Nathan Gross as our Contemporary Worship Leader and are enjoying the talent that he brings both musically and in regards to mentoring musicians and singers on our worship team. • Our traditional worship service has been greatly blessed by the leadership of Roz Strang. The choir has added five new members. As Roz prepares to retire, we welcome Jason Wickson as Grace’s new choir director. • Each Sunday 24 – 30 volunteers serve to provide welcome, hospitality, and service to congregants and guests. 2
• Karpos Live is a coffee house music ministry that happens monthly under the direction of Thomas Sudbury.
Growth Groups & Study Groups
• There are 34 Growth Groups and/or Small Groups meeting on a regular basis for fellowship and discipleship. • Alpha Courses, which invite seekers to explore the basis of Christianity, are led by Nancy and Eric Gustafson.
Gracia de Cristo
• Pastor Alex Rule and other leaders of Gracia de Cristo continue to provide ministry to children, staff and families of Adams Elementary School. Ministries include; the reading program in which 27 members of our congregation volunteer, an after school program for 35 children with an emphasis on character building and academic tutoring, a staff appreciation dinner, and presentation of the Financial Peace seminar for parents. • The generosity of our congregation made it possible for more than ninety 3rd– 5th grade students from Adams to attend Camp Ghormley. The congregation also provided Adam's students with school supplies, 150 blankets, and 200 gifts through the Adams Giving Tree.
TrailSeekers & Missions Ministry
• TrailSeekers provides weekly discipleship and fellowship to over 60 children who meet each Monday at Grace of Christ for biblical teaching and fun under the leadership of Monnie Miller and volunteers from Grace. • During this year our Missions Ministry has provided both financial and hands-on support to missions and ministries including Love Inc., Campbell Farm, the Moultray family in Honduras, the Barkers with YWAM, Yakima Union Gospel Mission, Camp Hope and Living Waters, among others. Amidst the wonderful ministry we shared among ourselves, and within our community and world, there were challenges experienced. Pastor Cindy retired, there were transitions within our staff and Pastor Jim submitted a request to dissolve his call to Grace. Session chose to honor Pastor Jim with a generous severance package of six months salary with full benefits. Going forward we will pursue a Designated Pastor to serve our congregation alongside your Session, lay ministers and congregational volunteers. This is a recommendation of our Presbytery and involves hiring a pastor to serve on staff for one to three years. The goal will be to bring stability and nurturing to our church body. At some point during that interval a pastor nominating committee can be formed to search for a senior pastoral leader. In the meantime, we will continue to worship our Lord, provide discipleship of our body and service to our community. We will engage guest pastors such as Pastor Cindy, Pastor Bill and the gifted members of our own congregation to lead us on Sunday mornings. We understand you will have questions and may perhaps experience uncertainty as we move forward into 2019, charting a new course for Grace. We ask for your patience, your involvement and most importantly your prayers for our leadership and staff.
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Continued on page 3
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Pastoral Care — John Stolzenbach
Take One Day at a Time Climbing a Summit
Can you believe it? Another year has come to an end and another has begun. New Year’s Eve is one of those times like climbing a summit, where you can look back and see where you’ve been and where you are going in the distance. When I was 36, I was about to make a life changing decision to leave my teaching career and embark on a new career as an ordained pastor, starting with four years of seminary. My friend had done the same thing. He shared with me that life and its day-to-day decisions are like walking on a glass path where you can only see one step at a time, which takes faith. There are times after reaching a milestone, when you stop and look back seeing God’s presence at each crossroad guiding you for the next step. Then the journey, which, may have even had some detours, begins to make sense.
Maybe another analogy might help. As you face this New Year, think about it not as a whole, but like one of those flip calendars that only shows one day at a time. Yes, we are about to embark on a new year, but we are being given it in 365 installments. It would be good to read Matthew 6:25-34 which talks about not being anxious about tomorrow, but to live each day to its fullest. I want to share some words on a wall hanging a good friend gave us as we were about to leave everything familiar and move from Ohio across the United States, seven and a half years ago to come to Yakima. It reads: “I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I do know who holds tomorrow.” I want to close with these familiar words of comfort from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
God's Promise
God promises, as Jesus did with His disciples as He was about to ascend back to His Father in the familiar words of the Great Commission where He tells them to “Go therefore and make disciples...” He completes His charge with this great promise, “And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20 Beginning a new year is a perfect time to stop and look back at where you see God with you in the twists and turns of 2018 and all the ways you have seen God present with you as He promised. Take time to thank and praise Him for His presence, even if this year has taken you through some rough times. Remember the promise of the Good Shepherd: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” – Psalm 23:4 With those images of God with you this past year, it’s time to look to the future that 2019 holds. Even though we do not know what the future holds, we can remember what Paul tells us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Together Serving and Trusting Jesus, John Stolzenbach
Session Report Continued from pg 2... Please know we welcome you contacting us. If you have questions, and we expect that you will, come to us individually after services; we will listen and answer you as best we can. We will work
diligently to ensure your Elders are available in person to communicate with you. As a Session we have a renewed commitment to engaging well and listening deeply. Our desire is to serve you with the love of Christ and in the highest degree, humbly asking for your grace, patience, feedback and prayer. We commit to pray fervently for you, our church family. We will continue to focus on and lead Grace of Christ with all our heart, with our soul, and with all our strength and mind, always following after our Lord. “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” – Zephaniah 3:17 Respectfully, The Session of Grace of Christ
Janet Krieger, Jeff Arkills, Roseanne Bacon, Jeff Gray, Steve Hildebrand, Linda Mathews, Rich Milhorn, Peggy Schaffer, Steve Schiewe, Linda Sorenson John Stolzenbach, and Don Strother Brent Alderman, Jeff Steere, and Shan Trick (To be installed January 13) 3
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / English
En Español
Christmas Party
On Saturday, December 8, Grace of Christ celebrated the Christmas season by remembering the birth of baby Jesus with families from our community. The place was full of the presence of God, Jesus His Son, the Holy Spirit and lots of fun. The variety of food was delicious; the children danced and sang songs to the rhythm of Christmas and Aztec music. Our worship band praiseed God by singing from their hearts, always with genuine desire to honor our Lord and Savior. We are praying to God to give us the opportunity to celebrate another year in 2019 with our families and our community. On behalf of our Grace of Christ family, we thank you for your participation in such an important celebration! We pray and wish you the Best of 2019! – Erika & Ricky Duran
Fiesta de Navidad
El sábado 8 de diciembre, Gracia de Cristo celebró la temporada de Navidad recordando el nacimiento del bebé Jesús con las familias de nuestra comunidad. El lugar estaba lleno de la presencia de Dios, Jesús su Hijo, el Espíritu Santo y mucha diversión. La variedad de comida estuvo deliciosa; Los niños bailaron y cantaron canciones al ritmo de la Navidad y la música Azteca. Nuestro grupo de adoración alababa a Dios cantando desde el fondo sus corazones, siempre con un deseo genuino de honrar y glorificar a nuestro Señor y Salvador. Estamos orando a Dios para que nos dé la oportunidad de celebrar otro año en 2019 con nuestras familias y nuestra comunidad. ¡En nombre de nuestra familia Gracia de Cristo, les agradecemos su participación en una celebración tan importante! ¡Oramos y les deseamos lo mejor de 2019! – Erika y Ricky Duran
Gratitud a Dios y Gracia de Cristo Iglesia
Gratitude to God and Grace of Christ Church
We are so grateful to God our Creator and our Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church for all the love shown to our brothers and sisters inside and outside of our church. Thank you also for sharing that love with the families of our community. It has been 12 months and the year 2018 has been a blessing full of learning opportunities for all.
Estamos muy agradecidos con Dios nuestro Creador y con nuestra iglesia Gracia de Cristo por todo el amor mostrado a nuestros hermanos y hermanas dentro y fuera de nuestra iglesia, también por compartir ese amor con las familias de nuestra comunidad. Han pasado 12 meses, el año 2018 ha sido de mucha bendición y de mucho aprendizaje para todos.
Serving God in 2019
Sirviendo a Dios en 2019
We continue to pray to our Heavenly Father so that the new year of 2019 is filled with His blessings, presence and wisdom. It is our desire to continue serving Him with great enthusiasm and passion by sharing the good news of the gospel in our beautiful
Seguimos orando a nuestro padre celestial para que esté nuevo año 2019 este lleno de sus presencia, sus bendiciones, y su sabiduría para que continuemos sirviéndole con mucho entusiasmo compartiendo las buenas nuevas del evangelio en nuestro hermoso valle de Yakima y el mundo entero a través de nuestra iglesia, de los discípulos de nuestro Señor Jesucristo y del Equipo del Ministerio de Misiones (MMT). Sabemos de antemano que nuestra jornada en los caminos del nuestro Señor no será fácil pero juntos nos gozaremos, confiando siempre en el Poder y Amor de nuestro Amado Padre.
Aliento del Apóstol Pablo
El apóstol Pablo nos anima en Filipenses 4:4-9 (AMP) a que vivamos una vida con gozo confiando siempre en nuestro Padre Celestial y Todopoderoso. Entonces regocijémonos confiando que Dios nos dará en el 2019 esa paz que trasciende todo entendimiento. 4
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / English
En Español
Yakima Valley and the entire world through our church, the disciples of Jesus Christ and our Mission Ministry Team (MMT). We know in advance that our journey in the ways of our Lord will not be easy but we will enjoy together, always trusting in the Power and Love of our Beloved Father.
siempre en el Señor [deléitense, disfruten “Regocíjense de Él]; Una vez más diré, ¡Alégrense! Dejen que su gentil
Encouragement from the Apostle Paul
The apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 4:4-9 (AMP) to live a life with joy by always trusting in our Heavenly and allpowerful Father. Then let us rejoice trusting that God will give us in 2019, that peace that transcends all knowledge. in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in “Rejoice Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your
graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
espíritu [su gracia, su generosidad, su misericordia, su tolerancia y también su paciencia] sean conocidas por todas las personas. El Señor está cerca. No estén ansiosos ni preocupados por nada, pero en todo [en cada circunstancia y situación] por medio de la oración y la petición con acción de gracias, continúen dando a conocer sus peticiones [específicas] a Dios. Y la paz de Dios [esa paz que tranquiliza el corazón, esa paz] que trasciende todo entendimiento, [esa paz que] permanece en guardia sobre sus corazones y sus mentes en Cristo Jesús [es suya]. Finalmente, creyentes, lo que sea verdadero, lo que sea honorable y digno de respeto, lo que sea correcto y confirmado por la palabra de Dios, lo que sea puro y sano, lo que sea encantador y traiga paz, lo que sea admirable y de buena reputación; si hay alguna excelencia, si hay algo digno de elogio, piensen continuamente en estas cosas [centren su mente en ellas e imprimanlas en sus corazones]. Las cosas que aprendieron, recibieron, oyeron y vieron en Mí, practique todos estas cosas [en la vida diaria], y el Dios [que es la fuente] de paz y bienestar estará con ustedes.
”
On behalf of our church Grace of Christ, we wish you a Happy New Year, filled with the love of God, and that you receive the answer to all your prayers. 5
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A nombre de nuestra iglesia Gracia de Cristo Les deseamos un Feliz Año Nuevo 2019 lleno del amor de Dios, y que en el reciban la respuesta a todas sus oraciones.
May God bless you today and always. Working for His Kingdom, – Pastor Alex Rule Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Que Dios les bendiga hoy y siempre. Trabajando para Su reino, Pastor Alex Rule
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Growth Groups Growth Group Opportunity! Looking for a way to Belong? Believe? Become? Bless? One step is getting connected in a Growth Group. People, meeting regularly, to grow spiritually through building meaningful Christian relationships and studying God’s word together.
Growth Groups… • SHARING what is happening in our lives.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together...” – Hebrews 10:24-25
• STUDYING scripture to learn how to live out our
faith in everyday life through “...teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” – Colossians 1:28
• SUPPORTING each other in practical ways,
including prayer, encouragement, listening, challenging one another, and meeting needs.
• SERVING together in a quarterly service activity as a group.
Winter Quarter Growth Groups will kick off the week of January 13. Call the church 248-7940, or email info@yakimagrace.com to sign up, or find out more information.
Mothers of Preschoolers MOPS had a great 2018 and we can’t wait to start off the New Year with some fun! MOPS will be having a movie morning for the whole family on Jan 4 at 9:00am in the Gym. This will be nice way to end winter break and catch up with one another. We kick off our regular meetings on Jan 18. We hope you have had and are having a wonderful Christmas break and thank to all that came and made our Christmas Breakfast such a wonderful event!
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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Women's Ministry Happy New Year!
Don’t you just love new beginnings! Selecting the perfect wall calendar for the coming year is one of my favorite activities, all the possibilities of the coming year! One year, the calendar theme was outhouses – they have been a very critical structure in past days, and now an item of humor! This year I moved up to skyscrapers, which brought to mind thoughts of Babylon. Once again we are trying to reach the Heavens by building huge structures, when the best way to touch Heaven is on our knees. many recommendations to contact Emily Jamieson about her availability as our Retreat Speaker and she said YES!
Emily Jamieson is the online author of The Tethering Place In her own words from her page: "I hope you find here a place to rest, a place to ponder, a place that leaves small talk behind, and ultimately, a place that tethers you to the things that matter." – Emily Check out more at: https://thetetheringplace.com/
Women's Spring Retreat!
The Spring Retreat is less than three months away!
We are excited to invite you to the Enzian Inn, Leavenworth for the 2019 Spring Women’s Retreat on March 29 to 31 – the first weekend of Spring Break!
Register online starting January 1! YakimaGrace.com/retreat
If you are unable to complete the registration online, we have brochures and paper registrations at the Welcome Center, in the Garden Room. The speaker for the Spring Retreat in March has been selected. For those of you who attended the fall retreat at the YoungLife Camp in October, she will be familiar. We received
The Women’s Ministry team is working full steam ahead attending to all the details of the Spring Retreat. Some of the awesome extras at the Enzian Inn include: complimentary full breakfast buffet, the music of the Alphorn serenade. Golf complementary at the Enzian Falls Putting Course. Indoor and Outdoor Pools Exercise Room. Plus, Saturday night Buffet Dinner is included. We have informational brochures available to give all the women in your life.
Gather up your friends and family – decide on your
roommates, or let us find new friends for you to share a room with! One Queen Room 1 person $290 2 women $180 each
Two Queen Rooms 2 women $185 each 3 women $145 each 4 women $120 each Thank you for keeping Women’s Ministry and all the details involved in these events in your prayers. We sure appreciate it!
– Jennifer Ulmer 7
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Hospitality Ministry "We like to serve as we are able to put names with faces and get to know people better. You get to meet new people." MR. & MRS. CONNELL WELCOME CENTER
"I need to serve the church and its fun to greet people and say good morning." LARRY ALLEN USHER
QUESTIONS? Feel free to call Linda Sorenson at 834-1185 or Linda Mathews at 697-3013.
"We are blessed by serving in hospitality ministry and always come away feeling good."
KAREN WORDEN & GINGER MCIIVANIE WELCOME CENTER AND GREETERS "Greeting people as I serve cookies is a good way to meet people." DAVE WHITESIDE REFRESHMENTS
"We serve because it is important to us for people to feel welcomed here." MARCUS & SARA HUCK WELCOME CENTER
"I love worship! So welcoming folks to worship is a privilege. And... it gives me an opportunity to see friends and to meet new people, all at the same time. A good thing in every way." DONNA OLIVIA GREETER
Yakima Grace… a Place to BELONG… and a Place to BLESS Others! Hospitality is a crucial aspect of building community and extending an invitation that this is a place to BELONG. On behalf of the entire church family, we want to give a huge THANKS to all those who have been a part of showing hospitality in 2018! It could not have happened without YOU! As we embark on a new year, it is our hope and dream that each congregant makes time to help serve in this ministry 2-3 times during the year. You will be blessed as you bless others with your warm smile and welcoming words of greeting! It is simple and fun to do! Just read the photos captions to find out more. Even sharing in these types of hospitality responsibilities, just a few times throughout a year, can make a big difference in our church. Sign up for hospitality opportunities at the Welcome Center today! 8
Do you know you can even be a ‘secret agent’ on the Hospitality Ministry Team? Think of these five verbs and take action: • PRAY that everyone who enters our church feels the love of Jesus! • OBSERVE WHO IS AROUND YOU – Is there a face you don’t know or haven’t met yet? Does someone look lost or in need of help with something? • INITIATE – Introduce yourself. Start some small talk. Thank others for attending the worship service. Bless their day as they leave. Invite someone to join you for a cookie and coffee. • SMILE – Intentionally look others in the eye and then flash a big, warm, smile. • SERVE – Help someone with his/her coat, offer a pen for note-taking, offer a cup of coffee, etc.
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Mission Ministry Love INC. (Love in the Name of Christ) T.E.A.M. Program Making a Difference
The T.E.A.M. (Training, Equipping, and Mentoring) Program links families in poverty with trained volunteers from LOVE, INC’S (Love in the name of Christ) network of Love INC over 24 local churches. Families in Love In the Name of Christ the T.E.A.M. Program earn points for their participation. The points are then redeemed for material help such as groceries and gas cards to free up their income to pay off debt. T.E.A.M. provides vital budgeting and life skills that in turn, help families to lead productive and financially independent lives. According to T.E.A.M. Program Coordinator Larena Mills, there are many success stories. Lisa, whose name has been changed for privacy, is a single mother of two young girls who is working two jobs in her effort to get out of the debt trap. “T.E.A.M. is helping her to manage her money better,” Mills explains. “As she is learning new skills, we are giving her the accountability that she needs.” Further, Mills states that, “She is living on the little money that she makes and is paying off her debts!” And, there are many more stories similar to Lisa’s that are making their way out of the cycle of debt. Amazingly, the T.E.A.M. program and Love, INC of Yakima are run entirely by volunteers from Yakima – area churches. If you are looking for a way to truly make a difference in the lives of families this New Year, would you consider volunteering with T.E.A.M.? As Mills says, “YOU are Love, INC! Thank you for changing a life like Lisa’s.” Please contact Larena Mills, 509.426.2725, tcm@loveincyakima.org, to volunteer or to learn more about the T.E.A.M. Program.
MOULTRAYS VISIT GRACE OF CHRIST'S MISSION TEAM Dr. Ryan Moultray and his wife paid a visit to the Mission Ministry of Grace of Christ. Home for a brief visit, before returning to the mission field in Honduras, the Moultray family wish to extend their sincere thanks to the Grace church body for their constant and unwavering support. Left to right: Dr. Ryan Moultray, Mission Ministry Team Member Michele Elledge, and Heidi Moultray 9
Bags of Hope!
This month we will be blessing Love, INC. with Bags of Hope! Choose items from this list, bring them back to the church by Jan 27 and we will get them to Love, INC. It is such an honor for our church to be able share the love of Jesus with our neighbors. Thank you for taking part! Pick-Up Bags: Jan 13 Return: Jan 27
• Tea: black, herbal, or green • Regular coffee • Syrup (pancake) • Honey • Hot cereal (oatmeal) • Cold cereal • Cider and white vinegar • Flour • Brown sugar • Chocolate chips • Chicken and beef broth • Taco seasoning packets • Tuna • Meal helpers (hamburger, tuna, etc.) • Spaghetti noodles
• Egg noodles • Canned fruit • Applesauce • Tomato paste • Diced/stewed tomatoes • Rice & dried beans (no kidney) • Kidney beans (canned) • Refried beans, baked beans, pork & beans • Paper towels • Quart, snack, sandwich, & gallon-size zip lock bags • Liquid hand soap • Ammonia • Sink & tub cleaner • Toilet cleaner
YUGM CHAPEL OPPORTUNITY!
With 2019 comes a new beginning to share the Good News and to lead worship with the folks at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission (YUGM). Once a month, Grace has the opportunity to lead worship at the Mission. The half-hour service is a way for you, your family, or your Growth Group to bless others and to grow your faith. Musical talent is always a plus but, is not necessary. Grace’s Mission Ministry Team invites you to become part of this life-giving ministry. Currently, our Deacons and Gracia De Cristo have committed to participate on a quarterly – four times per year – basis. We are looking for others to step up and take a chapel date on a one-time only or on a multiple-time basis. Chapels take place in English from 7:30pm to 8:00pm. Prior to the English service, there is a Spanish service taking place from 6:30pm to 7:00pm. Grace has committed to filling the English language slots. We are also looking for someone to coordinate Grace’s monthly chapel dates for the Mission. If you want more information or, are feeling that the Lord is calling to serve, please contact Alex Rule at Alex.Rule@Yakima Grace.com.
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Student Ministry — Thomas Sudbury
What a Great Way to Start the New Year!
Our leadership team has met three times so far and it has been a wonderful program. Each youth has been paired with a mentor from our church. They have been able to be involved in many of our events and we will be planning a retreat where they organize it from start to finish! We have wonderful youth and look forward to what they’re doing to do in our community! “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Tim 4:12
Our First Rally Was Amazing
Thanks to everyone who came to Rally in the Valley this year. We had a wonderful time and it was a great opportunity to get more churches involved and reach our community in an amazing way. We had just over 60 youth attend and had our first ever dodge ball tournament! You can see all the pictures on the Grace Student Ministries Facebook Page!
New Year Parent Meeting!
On Thursday, January 24 @ 6:00PM, we are going to have a parent meeting to discuss everything that is going on, as well as to meet other parents whose children are in the program. We have a great community of youth and we would love for their parents to get to know each other as well! Snacks will be available and we will be discussing a number of things, including Sunday structure, Missions trips, Summer Camp, and answering any questions you may have!
In Need of a Few God Men & Women
Our program is growing and we have had a couple of leaders have to step down due to medical procedures and work schedules, so we are looking for a few people to step in midyear! This is a great way to get your feet wet and see if youth leadership is for you. The commitment would be until the end of summer, or possibly end of school year depending on the situation.
Are You Mission Minded?
We have a wonderful opportunity to explore a Mission Trip to Yetebon Ethiopia. For many years, our church has had a strong relationship with Project Mercy and the Demeke family. We desire to continue that legacy and serve the team in Yetebon. If this is something that interests you, please contact Thomas or attend the meeting on Sunday, January 27 @ 3:00PM! 10
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Children’s Ministry — Melissa Gray
January Memory Verse: He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:4
January Lessons & Life Applications at a Glance... Jan 6: God is kind... so we’re kind. 2 Samuel 9 2 Samuel 6 Jan 13: God is our provider... so we depend on Him. 1 Kings 17:1-6 Jan 20: God is generous... so we’re generous. 1 Kings 17:8-16 Jan 27: God is comforting…so we comfort others. 1 Kings 19 During the month of January, we will be learning how God helps us to be kind, how he provides for us, is generous, and comforts us! Through teaching us these things, we learn to be more like Him, and He helps us to treat those around us the same. Join us in KidZone at 9:00am and 11:00am for worship, Bible exploration, games, crafts and more!
FAMILY Dinner & BINGO Night! WED, JAN 23 6-8pm GRACE OF CHRIST GYM Take the night off from cooking and join us for dinner & family game night! We will be playing a variety of BINGO games with lots of great prizes and FUN! Dinner served from 6:00-6:30pm.
RSVP to Melissa at Melissa.Gray@yakimagrace.com
or 248-7940 x110 to reserve your BINGO card and help us get a count for dessert. See you there!
THANK YOU!!!!!! Thank you Grace of Christ family for blessing the children and families at Adams Elementary! From shopping for gifts, to wrapping presents and spending time with the children as we celebrated the Christmas season together! What a blessing to share the love of Jesus with the community at Adams.
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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Grace of Christ Preschool — Alli Weide 509.248.7940, ext. 119 Alli@YakimaGrace.com www.yakimapreschool.com
CHAPEL
In December we skipped ahead to get to the story of the Nativity. January brings us right back into the Old Testament, where the people are still learning that no matter how hard they try they cannot get to Heaven by themselves; they need a Rescuer! We know that the Rescuer is Jesus, but just how does God plan to use him to rescue the whole world?
The Present (The story of Abraham and Isaac, from Genesis 22) God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, whom he loved, but then God provided a ram instead. But later, God actually sacrificed someone he loved. God sacrificed his only Son, Jesus. We also read in the story that, like Isaac, ‘another Son (Jesus) would climb another hill, carrying wood on his back.’ What was the wood this time? It was the cross. God sacrificed Jesus his only Son, whom he loved, for us.
The Forgiving Prince (Joseph and his brothers, from Genesis 37-50) Even though people intended bad things to happen to Joseph and Jesus — and bad things did happen — God intended good things to happen — and good things did happen. God is always in control. His brothers left Joseph for dead, but later Joseph rescued them—as God had planned. Jesus was killed by those he came to save, but his death provided a rescue for them—as God had planned.
God to the Rescue! (Moses and the Great Escape from Egypt, from Exodus 3-13) This is not the greatest rescue in the Bible. An even greater rescue was coming. What was that rescue? When Jesus died on the cross that was the greatest rescue! Just as the oldest son could point to the lamb and say, ‘That lamb died instead of me’ we can point to Jesus and say, ‘Jesus died instead of me.’ That is why Jesus is called the Lamb of God.
CLASSROOMS
“You can’t get too much winter in the winter.” – Snow, by Robert Frost
We spend the first two weeks of January getting in as much winter as we can! Hopefully, we will have snow outside to explore, but even if we don’t, we will still be studying snow and snowflakes! We will also learn about animals that live in snowy climates and animals that hibernate in the winter. The rest of the month, we become Intergalactic Travelers and journey into space to explore all the planets that make up our solar system with our Space Explorer Passports!
January Memory Verse:
God will command His angels to guard you in all your ways. – Psalm 91:11
Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need. He gives me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm waters. He gives me new strength. For the good of His name, He leads me on paths that are right. 12
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp Mountain Meadow Christmas Memories Thank you for making this weekend such a fun success!
Thank You For Your Support
Thank you to those who supported the ministry of Ghormley in 2018. You truly made this a wonderful year at camp. We are excited for the future of this ministry, and covet your continued support and prayer. If you are not already a Ghormley supporter, you can find more information about how to support Ghormley by visiting the link below. God Bless! Link: http://www.ghormleymeadow. org/join-our-team/donate-to-ghormley/
2019 Summer Camp Registration
Registration is now open for summer camp 2019, which includes registration for FAMILY N OW CAMP 2019! Register between now and April O PEN 19 to save $15 off your youth camp registration fee. Discount does not apply to Family Camp registration. https://www.ghormleymeadow. org/family-events/family-camp-weekend/
Mother Daughter Retreat Weekend
Make plans to join us for our third annual Mother Daughter Retreat Weekend, coming the weekend of April 12-14! This weekend is designed for mothers and daughters to spend intentional time with each other to have fun, learn, make friends, and further develop their relationships with God and each other. There will be a speaker, worship time, crafts, games, good food, and lots of other fun activities designed for moms and daughters to connect and make memories! Online registration opens on January 14! Link: https://www.ghormleymeadow. org/mother-daughter-retreat-weekend/
www.ghormleymeadow.org 13
Prayer Needs
509.672.4311
• Pray that God will continue to bless us with groups to fill our 2019 calendar. • Pray that relationships will be built, lives changed, and every person who comes to Ghormley Meadow will meet Jesus. • Ghormley is undertaking a series of futuredevelopment related planning sessions in the near future; pray that God would give us abundant wisdom as we consider the future of this ministry! • Pray that God will lead us to the right staff members who He desires to serve at Ghormley this summer.
facebook.com/ghormleymeadow
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
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
9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902 (509) 248-7940
JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Thur, December 20 Preschool on Christmas Break - through Jan 6.
Preschool
Mon, December 24 Christmas Eve Family Service
5:00pm Sanctuary
Everyone
Mon, December 24 Christmas Eve Carols and Candles
8:00pm Sanctuary
Everyone
Dec 24 – 29, 31 & 1st Church Closed
All Day Entire Church Everyone
Sun, December 30 Church Services
9:00am, 11:00 & 1:00pm Sanctuary Everyone
Sun, December 30 Grace Kids
9:00am, 11:00pm Students ReFuel 9:00 Everyone
Sun, December 30 ReFuel Sledding Party
1:00pm Off-site
6th-12th graders
JANUARY
Wed, January 2 Undecorate Christmas
January 2, 3 & 4 No Preschool / Christmas Break
Thur, January 3 Adult Ed Ministry Team Meeting
10:00am Garden Room
Everyone
All Day Preschool Preschool
Fri, January 4 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) - MOVIE with Kids!
4:00pm Library
Committee
9:00am Gym
Moms
Tue, January 8 Staff Birthday Lunch
12:00pm Fireside Room
Tue, January 8 Hospitality Ministry Team Meeting
4:00pm Lounge
Committee
Tue, January 8 Mission Ministry Team Meeting
4:00pm Adult Ed Rm
Committee
Tue, January 8 Prayer and Healing Gathering
6:30pm Chapel
Everyone
Wed, January 9 MOPS Leadership Meeting
6:00pm Fireside Room
Committee
Sat, January 12 Prayer Shawl Ministry
1:00pm Garden Room
Knitters
Sun, January 13 Officer Installation
Morning Sanctuary
Everyone
12:00pm Fireside Room
Women
Mon, January 14 Edith Ferry Circle Lunch & Meeting Mon, January 14 Business Ministry Team Meeting
4:00pm Library
Tue, January 15 Preschool Staff Meeting
Wed, January 16 Preschool Board Meeting
Staff
Committee
12:00pm KidZone Room
Preschool Staff
12:00pm KidZone Room
Preschool Board
Fri, January 18 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
9:00am Chapel
Moms
Fri, January 18 Karpos: Live! Coffeehouse Music
6:00pm Garden Room
Everyone
2:30pm Adult Ed Rm
Staff
Sun, January 20 Childcare Staff Meeting
Mon, January 21 Martin Luther King Jr. Day / Church Closed
All Day Entire Church
Tue, January 22 Session Dinner and Meeting
Everyone
5:30pm Garden Rm/Adult Ed Rm Elders
Wed, January 23 Bingo & Dinner! Family Fun Night!
6:00pm Gym
Families
Sat, January 26 Prayer Shawl Ministry
1:00pm Garden Room
Knitters
Sun, January 27 Annual Meeting!
10:15pm Sanctuary
Everyone
Sun, January 27 Deacon's Meeting
12:30pm Lounge
Deacons
Fri, February 1 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
February 1 - 3 The Blast! Register on GhormleyMeadow.org
9:00am Chapel All Weekend Ghormley Meadow
Moms 9th-12th graders
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
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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Weekday Events MON TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) All Staff Check-In Meeting Overeater’s Anonymous Trailseekers Al-Anon Divorce Care
10:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 2:30pm 5:15pm 6:30pm
TUE SOZO Prayer Women in the Word Bible Study Gracia de Cristo Music Rehearsal
9:00-11:30am 9:45am 6:00-8:00pm
WED Encounter: Youth Group *Dinner too!
6:30-8:30pm
HUR Bible Study Fellowship T Temple Choir SOZO Prayer
9:00am 7:00pm 5:45pm - 9:15pm
FRI MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) (Meets the 1st & 3rd Friday) SOZO Prayer
9:00-11:30am
Chapel Moms
9:00 - 11:30am
Prayer Room SOZO Team
SUN Grace Contemporary Worship Grace Traditional Worship (Led by Temple Choir) Gracia de Cristo (Worship in Spanish) Going Deeper: ACTS Golden Circle Grace Kids Youth reFUEL
9:00am 11:00am
Sanctuary Everyone Sanctuary Everyone
1:00pm
Sanctuary Everyone
Adult Ed Everyone Lounge All Staff Adult Ed Everyone Gym Trailseekers Adult Ed Everyone Lounge Everyone Prayer Room SOZO Team Fireside Room Women Sanctuary Gracia de Cristo Music Team Gym 6th-12th grade Sanctuary Women Choir Room Temple Choir Prayer Rm Everyone
Sunday Services and Events
9:30am Adult Ed 10:15am Room 103 9:00 & 11:00am KidZone Wing 9:00am Youth Rm & Gym
Announcements COOKIES, CRACKERS & FRUIT
Thank you for bringing cookies, crackers, fruit, or quick breads for all to enjoy during our fellowship hour on Sunday. See dates you can contribute – last names beginning with…
Sunday, 15
Jan Jan Jan Jan
6 13 20 27
N - S T-Z A- F G-M Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Adults Adults 3yrs-5th grade 6th-12th grade
GRACE OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9 S 8TH AVENUE YAKIMA, WA 98902 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59