G ra ce of C h r i s t Pre s b y t e r i a n C h u rc h 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 Iglesia Presbiteriana Gracia de Cristo: Un Lugar Para Pertenecer, Creer, Ser y Bendecir
December
2018
VOL 108
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Lead Pastor — Pastor Jim Marian
Be the Blessing It was that week between Christmas and New Year’s. The anticipation of Christmas Day is over, but the house is still a mess and several relatives are over-staying their welcome. Some families just leave it all and go on vacation, while others prefer to let the remaining days of the holiday season end quietly. Then the phone rang. It was one of my “student leaders” in our youth group who had a “great” idea. Tim was a junior at Westview High School in San Diego. He said he was thinking about all the presents he received for Christmas... and that the homeless people downtown probably didn’t get anything. He wondered if they were cold and miserable in the winter weather. He thought God could use our youth group to do something about it. I said, “Tim, I’ll tell you what, if you organize something, I’ll get drivers and we’ll make it happen.” Before I knew it, Tim had rounded up about 25 teenagers from our group and he had collected a truckload of blankets, socks, knit caps and snacks. Either God was working or these kids were really bored!
shared and received, without pressure or pretense. As one of my student groups was preparing to leave two women they met in a downtown park, I saw a woman wrapped in her new blanket say to one of the girls, “thank you for my Christmas present. Jesus loves you!” Watching that tender expression of love and gratitude was a gift that far outweighed any I had given or received that Christmas. It reminded me of the gifts given on the first Christmas long ago, When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On “coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
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– Matthew 2:10-11 What will you give the Savior this Christmas? Because of Jesus, Jim Marian, Lead Pastor
It was a cold, rainy day in San Diego, but we packed everything up and headed for the places the homeless would go: under bridges, near the homeless shelters, parks, down by the alleys near the baseball stadium and near a large, unused parking garage. We prayed for God’s protection and that He would lead us to the people who needed our goodies the most. The students went out in groups of four or five with an adult leader in tow, looking for the broken and the outcast. And they found them. One by one, my students encountered men and women on the streets who were dirty, cold and shivering. But when a blanket was held out with no strings attached, the hopelessness in their eyes turned to one of appreciation. One thing I’ve noticed from doing years of street ministry with the homeless: they will almost always open-up and speak with young people. And this wet Saturday afternoon was no exception. Stories were shared and prayers were made – on behalf of those living on the streets and for my students! The “Gift” of Jesus was 2
PRAY YAKIMA 24/7 Churches in our valley pray for the city of Yakima every day, every hour, 365 days a year. Our church covers the 2nd Sunday of each month. Prayer prompts are on our website YakimaGrace.com or at the Welcome Center.
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
STEWARDSHIP Putting Your Gifts and Talents to Work in the Family of God
given solely to enable us to build up God’s Kingdom on this earth. God certainly uses our natural talents and abilities for His purposes but as believers we are not limited to them.
We are all parts of His one body, and each of us has “different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. – Romans 12:5-6
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there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it “isNow the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all.
There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another He gives the gift of special knowledge. The Spirit gives special faith to another, and to someone else He gives the power to heal the sick. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and to another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to know whether it is really the Spirit of God or another spirit that is speaking. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, and another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
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Most believers do not immediately recognize the spiritual gift God has given them and some may spend a lifetime not identifying or using their gifts. Don’t spend so much time wondering which gifts you have that you never get around to trying out the possibilities. Set aside the “which gifts?” Search and consider the bigger question of where and how God wants you to serve Him. What is your personality? Your personality might make you more comfortable with large gatherings or small groups, building relationships or accomplishing tasks, with welldefined responsibilities or creating new ideas or with being in charge or supporting others who are in charge. What stirs your passion? There is an exact thing God has designed you to do. Ask yourself “If I could do anything for God, what would it be?” God created you to be exactly the person you are. He created you wonderfully and with a purpose. Spend your life discovering how His spiritual gift to you is essential to all believers. Spend time considering your spiritual gifts and talents. Know you have the gifts and skills God wants you to have. Ask God to show you those places you can serve His body the Church. Trust you’ll grow as you go. Whatever your gift is, it is needed. – Janet Krieger Elder Business Ministry
As believers, we are each given a spiritual gift that is unique to ourselves, that will serve the church, the body of Christ. This gift is given to us so that we can give away God’s presence and grace to those around us. These gifts are given to us by the Holy Spirit and are designed to bring blessing and benefit to others. Spiritual gifts differ from natural skills and talents which tend to be genetic in nature, or present from birth. Believers and unbelievers alike have natural talents and abilities. When we believe in Christ our talents can be dedicated to God for His glory, but they are not spiritually generated. Spiritual gifts on the other hand are given at the time of our salvation and are given by the Holy Spirit. Only believers have these God given gifts and they are 3
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Pastoral Care — John Stolzenbach After Pastor Cindy retired in May, Pastor John Stolzenbach joined our staff as a volunteer. He is overseeing pastoral care and giving leadership to the Deacons of our church.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every “matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die... a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. – Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
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Loss, sadness, illness, grief comes to all who live. We can’t pick the times for such occurrences. For some, the holidays are a sad and lonely time because of the death of a loved one, a divorce, strained or severed relationships, health worries, etc. There are the ongoing economic conditions or concerns over jobs, while others find themselves away from family and friends. Loss, loneliness and fear are magnified during times like the holidays. Some want to just put on a happy face and forge ahead which can cause more problems, such as finding themselves getting more depressed or having more angry outbursts with family, friends or sales people in stores, while others just avoid social gatherings altogether and become a hermit. If you find yourself at one of these extremes or somewhere along the continuum, I would like to share a growing list of suggestions on how to get through the holidays.
What can be done to help those experiencing loss, sadness, illness, loneliness or fear? • Send encouraging notes or call them over the coming weeks. • Invite them to gatherings where they will not feel overwhelmed. • If they choose to be alone on Christmas or not come to your function, honor their decision and take them a sampler of food from the event. • Offer to take them to events and sit in the back, agreeing to leave early if they would like. We, you and I, are the body of Christ and are to be His hands, feet, eyes and ears to those around us, especially for those who are fragile at this time of year. Wherever you find yourself this Advent/Christmas season, able to give or in need of receiving, remember the real reason for this season is to celebrate God with us – Emmanuel. It started with the birth of a baby in a manger who grew up to save the world:
“For God so loved the world that He gave... ” – John 3:16
How can I cope during a difficult season?
• Acknowledge your feelings to a few close friends; ask them to pray for you. • Spend daily time in God’s Word and in prayer. • Do not isolate yourself. Set boundaries and only accept invitations to activities or events in which you choose to participate. • Skip the lengthy Christmas letter; send cards to only a few people, if at all.
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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Together Serving and Celebrating God with Us, John Stolzenbach
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Womens Ministry Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! The Women’s Ministry team is working full steam ahead attending to all the details of the Spring Retreat. This Fall we had a volunteer/information form available for the women of the congregation to fill out. Thank you to all who are available, able, and willing to help, AND took the time to fill out the form to let us know. We are in the process of developing a more formal roster of volunteers — so we will know who is interested in helping in different areas and events. As always, many hands makes light the work, Thank You! The Women’s Ministry team would not have been able to do what we have without all the volunteer help we have had! We have big dreams and ideas to meet the needs of the community and fulfill our mission statement: “Providing opportunities and encouragement for women to be intentional about their faith” under the umbrella of the Church’s “A place for everyone to Belong. Believe. Become. Bless.” We are super excited to invite you to the Enizan Inn for the 2019 Spring Women’s Retreat on March 29th to 31st — the first weekend of Spring Break! Some of the awesome extras at the Hotel include: complimentary full breakfast buffet including made-to-order omelets, potato dishes, meat selections, homemade pastries, fruit, and other European specialties as you listen to the music of our daily Alphorn serenade. Surrounded by panoramic views of the mountains and valley, and sounds of the Alphorn, it is a beautiful beginning to your day. Golf complementary at the Enzian Falls
Putting Course. Indoor and Outdoor Pools (outdoor maybe too chilly for me—but indoors, maybe). Exercise Room. Plus Saturday night Buffet Dinner is included. Online Registration will open in January — gather up your friends and family; decide on your roommates! Two Queen Rooms One Queen Room 1 person $ 290 2 women $ 180 each
2 women $ 185 each 3 women $ 145 each 4 women $ 120 each
Please keep praying for the Women’s Ministry and all the details involved in these events! Thank you!
Mothers of Preschoolers MOPS has had a busy month. First, they had their paintnite which was a ton of fun and a great turn out. It was also a great bonding experience for the moms that came.
be watching a movie and having some snacks and crafts. This, as well will be open to all moms with their kiddos no matter the age. Please come and join us in ending the year full of the spirit and the reason for the season.
Then MOPS was able to put together 45 boxes for Operation Christmas Child. This was such a fun experience and blessing to be able to put together so many boxes. MOPS then had a winter bazaar with a room of vendors and MOPS with a table that was painting faces and had snacks. MOPS has their annual Christmas Breakfast on December 7th in the Chapel, which is open to all women to come have a warm breakfast, great fellowship as well as a great testimonial speaker Amy Wells and what God has done and been so faithful in their lives. MOPS also has a family movie morning scheduled for Dec 21st since there is no school that day and we will 5
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / English
En Español
A Year Of Celebration With Grace Of Christ And Our Community
We are celebrating another year full of blessings, we have seen and we will continue to see the hand of GOD ALMIGHTY because it is HIS PROMISE. your character [your moral essence, your inner “Let nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed
–be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]! – Hebrews 13:5 AMP
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Fundraising Dinner Success!
The fundraising event and dinner was a BLESSING and a total SUCCESS. Many people joined us to celebrate together what GOD is doing in our LIVES, CHURCH, and in our COMMUNITY. They heard the testimonies of lives being transformed (Transform One Family at a Time) through the love of JESUS CHRIST and the different ministries and programs supported by members of Grace of Christ and people of our community. WE THE PEOPLE! We are doing this together but it is God who receives the Praise, the Glory, and Honor. We will continue being obedient to our GOD by listening to His voice and doing His will…doing exactly what He want us to do [KAIROS].
Un Año De Celebración Con Gracia De Cristo Y Nuestra Comunidad Estamos celebrando otro año lleno de bendiciones, lo hemos visto y continuaremos viendo la mano de DIOS TODOPODEROSO porque es SU PROMESA. que su carácter [su esencia moral, su “Permita naturaleza interna] esté libre del amor al dinero [evite la codicia, sea financieramente ético] y esté contento con lo que tiene; porque Él ha dicho: "Nunca [en ninguna circunstancia] te abandonaré [ni te dejaré sin apoyo, ni te dejaré indefenso en ningún grado], ni te abandonaré ni te decepcionaré [ciertamente no]! – Hebreos 13: 5 AMP
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¡Cena de Recaudación de Fondos de Éxito!
El evento de recaudación de fondos y la cena fue una BENDICIÓN y un ÉXITO total. Muchas personas se unieron a nosotros para celebrar juntos lo que DIOS está haciendo en nuestras VIDAS, IGLESIA y en nuestra COMUNIDAD. Escucharon los testimonios de vidas transformadas (Transformar una Familia a la vez) a través del amor de JESUCRISTO y los diferentes ministerios y programas apoyados por miembros de Gracia de Cristo y personas de nuestra comunidad.
kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is “Thy in heaven. – Mathew 6:10 ”
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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / English
En Español
We are ready to begin another year full of blessings, always waiting and trusting in our GOD ALMIGHTY. in you. “LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts ” – Psalm 84:12
¡NOSOTROS LA GENTE! Estamos haciendo esto juntos, pero es Dios quien recibe la Alabanza, la Gloria y el Honor. Seguiremos siendo obedientes a nuestro DIOS escuchando su voz y haciendo su voluntad... haciendo exactamente lo que Él quiere que hagamos [KAIROS]. a nosotros tu Reino, hágase SEÑOR tu voluntad “Venga en la tierra como en el cielo. – Mateo 6:10 ”
Estamos listos para comenzar otro año lleno de bendiciones, siempre esperando y confiando en nuestro DIOS PODEROSO. Todopoderoso, bienaventurado es el que confía “Señor en ti. ” – Salmo 84:12
Gracia De Cristo Worship Band
I thank God and "Gracia de Cristo" congregation for the opportunity they have given me to serve as worship director, to teach music and preach the word. It is a great honor for me to have found the grace and confidence of Pastor Alex Rule, his family and the church to be able to share with them what I do with joy and passion. My PLAN is to teach and disciple people with purpose to serve our LORD JESUS CHRIST with dedication and passion in the gifts or talents that are discovered in them. My GOAL is to be true worshipers of God and as they find their identity in Christ, be available and willing to serve the LORD. I have a group of students to whom I dedicate time to teach, and they are: Noah, Isaac, Juan, Daniel, Roberto, Jazmine and more that have been added. I practice music with the members of the worship band: Jahzeel, Ana, and Noe. It motivates me to know that there is interest in them and it is my joy to see how they are developing in what they like to do in the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Bladimir Rivera
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Grupo De Alabanza De Gracia De Cristo
Agradezco a Dios y a la congregación "Gracia de Cristo" por la oportunidad que me han brindado de servir como director de adoración, enseñar música y predicar la palabra. Es un gran honor para mí haber encontrado la gracia y la confianza del Pastor Alex Rule, su familia y la iglesia para poder compartir con ellos lo que hago con alegría y pasión. Mi PLAN es enseñar y discipular a las personas con el propósito de servir a nuestro SEÑOR JESUCRISTO con dedicación y pasión en el don o talento que se descubre en ellos. Mi META es ser verdaderos adoradores de DIOS y cuando encuentren su identidad en Cristo; Estar disponibles y dispuestos a servir al SEÑOR.
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / English
En Español
Financial Peace Program At Adams
WE DID IT! The classes have successfully completed on Tuesday, November 6th at Adams Elementary School in Yakima. We have celebrated with students (parents) and their beautiful families a night full of emotions, food and the presentation of FINANCIAL PROGRAM certificates. The students share with emotion the benefits of the classes and the beautiful relationship (fellowship) with the Program Director Lucia Solis, and Juan Aguilar and Javier Valencia who assisted her. It is our desire to bring parenting classes “We want more after to our community. school programs; we want Please continue to learn to be better parents praying for a better and better citizens.” Yakima and for the transformation of – Maria Elena, Young Mother & Student of the Program one family at a time. God bless you always! Working for His Kingdom, – Pastor Alex Rule
Tengo un grupo de estudiantes a quienes dedico tiempo para enseñar, y son: Noah, Isaac, Juan, Daniel, Roberto, Jazmine y más que se han agregado. Practico música con los miembros del grupo de alabanza, que son: Jahzeel, Ana, Noe y su servidor. Me motiva saber que hay interés en ellos y mi alegría ver cómo se están desarrollando en lo que les gusta hacer en la obra de NUESTRO SEÑOR JESUCRISTO. – Bladimir Rivera
Programa De Paz Financiera En Adams
¡LO HICIMOS! Las clases se completaron con éxito el martes 6 de noviembre en la Escuela Primaria Adams en Yakima. Celebramos con los estudiantes (padres) y sus hermosas familias una noche llena de emociones, comida y lalapresentación presentacióndede certificados del PROGRAMA loslos certificados FINANCIERO. del PROGRAMA FINANCIERO. “Queremos más Los estudiantes programas después de la escuela; compartieron con Queremos aprender a ser mejores gran emoción padres y mejores ciudadanos." los beneficios –Dijo María Elena, Quien es una Joven Madre y Alumna de las clases y la del Programa. hermosa relación (compañerismo) con la Directora del Programa Lucía Solís, y también con Juan Aguilar y Javier Valencia quienes la asistieron durante todas las clases. Queremos y es nuestro deseo traer clases para ser mejores padres a nuestra comunidad. Por favor, continúen orando por una mejor Yakima y por la transformación de una familia a la vez. ¡Dios los bendiga siempre! Trabajando para su reino – Pastor Alex Rule
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Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Hospitality Ministry Holiday Hospitality
We continue to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the many gifts and kindness He showers upon us and for His Light shining brightly in each of you through your generosity and kindnesses. We give thanks for the many helping hands who aided in the All-Church Thanksgiving Meal. Especially those that helped with the Saturday set-up, early morning kitchen help on Sunday, and all those who stayed afterwards to help clean up by washing dishes and put things away. And, let’s not forget the contributions of all the yummy side dishes and desserts! “Blest be the ties that bind our hearts in Christian love...” – John Fawcett
“Over 300 people attended the All-Church Thanksgiving Potluck on Sunday, November 18!”
It’s a busy season ahead both in our personal families as well as in our church family. What better time to pause to prayerfully consider how each of us can share the spiritual gift of hospitality towards strangers as well as with family and friends on the home front and at church. For many, the holidays can be a painful reminder of loss and loneliness. Each of us doing some small gesture, deed, or word of welcome can do much to infuse the atmosphere with God’s love! As disciples of Jesus, each of us carries His Light, “So let your light show shine before others that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) The warmth of hospitality brightens every gathering and can minister as a healing balm to those battered and broken by the world.
Why not consider gifting a bit of your time to Bless our church community through a gesture of hospitality by extending a welcoming invitation that Grace of Christ Church is a place to Belong? • Can you spare an extra 20 minutes, 4 or 5 times a year, before a worship service to greet other worshipers as they enter our church? • Enjoy making festive holiday goodies? We could use some for Karpos Live on the 21st and for Christmas Eve services on the 24th. • Help us welcome others by serving in one time-slot at the Welcome Center a few times a year. • Take a turn as a Parking Lot Greeter/Security person for 35 minutes on a Sunday once in a while. • Help host refreshments at one of the special Christmas services.
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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! Questions? Feel free to call Linda Sorenson at 834-1185 or Linda Mathews at 697-3013.
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Christmas Calendar MOPS
Christmas Breakfast FRI, DEC AT 7 GRACE IN DECEMBER? WHAT’S HAPPENING 9:00 am Chapel *childcare ADAMS Giving Treeavailable!
7th
Unwrapped Gifts due Sun, Dec 2 (pick up a gift tag in the Garden Room!) A Christmas Concert
8th
Mountain Meadow
of Piano & Art
Wrapping Christmas Party! Help us wrap the gifts on Sun, Dec 2 at th 10a in the Gym. THUR, DEC 13 9 DEC 8, 9 2:00pm Sanctuary AdamsGhormley ChristmasMeadow Party – Help hand out gifts to kids & serve dinner to families at Adams Elementary on Wed, Dec 12 at A Northern Nativity by 5:00p **Sign up with Melissa.Gray@YakimaGrace.com Christian Camp William Kurelek with Anne Schilperoort on piano. **Sign up at Refreshments following, in GhormleyMeadow.org 13th the Garden Room.
MOPS Christmas Breakfast available! Prayer & Healing
Friday, December 7
11
Gathering
9:00a Chapel
*childcare
th
TUE, DEC 11 6:30pm in the Chapel Mountain Meadow Christmas December 8 and 9 Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp In the midst of a busy holiday **Sign up GhormleyMeadow.org season, take some time to come worship Christ our Savior. We will set aside time for worship and time for prayer. Please join us as we align hearts with our Father’s. Prayerour and Healing Gathering Tuesday, December 11 6:30p in the Chapel In the midst of a busy holiday season, take some time to come worship Christ our Savior. We will set aside time for worship and time for prayer. Please join us as we align our hearts with our Father’s. Grace Kids Sing! “Crazy, Busy, Peaceful Christmas” SUN, DEC 16, 9amofService A Christmas Concert Piano & Art: A Northern Nativity by William Kurelek with Anne Schilperoort on piano. (Drop off kids in KidZone by 8:45! Pick up kids from Thursday, December 13 attheir 2:00p in the Sanctuary. Refreshments following, in the Garden Room. Classrooms AFTER the 9:00 th worship service!)
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Grace Kids Sing! “Crazy, Busy, Peaceful Christmas” Sunday, ADAMS Giving TreeDecember 16 during the 9:00 service (Drop off kids in KidZone by 8:45! Pick up kids from their Classrooms AFTER the 9:00 worship service!) Unwrapped Gifts Due (Pick up a gift tag in the Garden Rm!) SUN, DEC 2
Wrapping Karpos Live!Live! Coffeehouse for all ages. Friday, December 21 atParty! 6:00p in the Garden Room. Karpos Help us wrap the gifts FRI, DEC 21 SUN, DEC 2, 10:00 am in the Gym 6:00 pm Adams Christmas Party Garden Room Help hand out gifts to kids & serve dinner Christmas Eve Services Coffeehouse for all ages.
Family Service
21st
75th Annual Carols & Candles
Christmas Eve Services
to families atstAdams Elementary. Sign up: 21 @YakimaGrace.com Melissa.Gray 5:00p Sanctuary WED, DEC 12, 5:00 pm
24
th
8:00p
Sanctuary
The Entire Church Building will be Closed
MON, DEC 24 Family Service -------- 5:00 The pm church (entire building) will be closed December 25 through and DEC 28, 25 –31 28, 31January 1. -------Sanctuary and 75th Annual JANUARY 1 Carols & Candles 8:00 pm Sanctuary 10
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
2nd 12th 25th
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
New Grace Partners | Baptisms | Growth Groups WELCOME GRACE PARTNERS
Diane Smith
On Sunday, November 11 we welcomed two new Grace Partners to our church family, Deborah Kaiser and Diane Smith. They were both baptized (immersion) in the Garden Room by Pastor Jim Marian.
Deborah Kaiser
BAPTISMS
Sammy Mortimer
GROWTH GROUP OPPORTUNITIES! Looking for a way to Belong? Believe? Become? Bless? One step is getting connected in a Growth Group.
This same Sunday, we witnessed the baptisms of two young children, Sammy Mortimer (Scott & Sara) and Cruz Cowman (Jeff & Amber) during the 9:00 worship service. It is an honor as the church family to help share the love of Christ Jesus with these families as they raise up their children in God’s family.
WHAT ARE GROWTH GROUPS?
People, meeting regularly, to grow spiritually through building meaningful Christian relationships and studying God’s word together.
Cruz Cowman
A Growth Group takes our good intentions and puts them on the calendar! Jan 6 – March 10
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
SERVING
together in a quarterly service activity as a group.
SUPPORTING each
other in practical ways, including prayer, encouragement, listening, challenging one another, and meeting needs. 11
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)
Winter Quarter Growth Groups
will run the weeks of January 6 through March 10. Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Call the church
248-7940, or email
info@yakimagrace.com to sign up, or find out more information.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Children’s Ministry — Melissa Gray
Grab the kids and join us for a FUN FAMILY DAY at Ghormley Meadow for their MOUNTAIN MEADOW CHRISTMAS event!
December Memory Verse:
He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. Philippians 2:7
December Lessons & Life Applications at a Glance...
Dec 2: God is Praiseworthy... so we celebrate Him. 2 Samuel 6 Dec 9: Jesus is Humble... so we show humility. Luke 2:1-7 Dec 16: Crazy, Busy, Peaceful Holy Night Performance at 9:00. Christmas Craft and Cinnamon Rolls in class following the program. Dec 23: Happy Birthday Baby Jesus! Join us for a fun morning of cupcakes and fun as we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus! Dec 30: KidZone Game Day! Come ready for a morning of fun and games!
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 2018!
We are excited for our upcoming Christmas Performance on Sunday, December 16 at the 9:00am service. Please bring your child to class by 8:45am on that morning. DRESS REHEARSAL* will be in the Sanctuary with Pizza Dinner provided in the Garden Room on Thursday, December 13. Soloists will rehearse from 4:30-5:00pm, and group rehearsal will be from 5:00-6:00pm. * This is a mandatory rehearsal, so please plan to join us as we work to finalize the details of this special Christmas gift for our congregation.
There are many great activities to choose from including sledding (let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!) Go to YakimaGrace.com/Ghormley to sign up & pay online. We would love to spend time with you and your family on Saturday, December 8th – there is also the option to spend Saturday night up at Camp!
Sign up at GhormleyMeadow.org
LET’S WRAP!
Grab your wrapping paper and ribbons and join us on Sunday, December 2 as we wrap gifts for the children at Adams Elementary. We will be wrapping gifts in the gym from 10-1 with Christmas music, cookies and fellowship. Thank you for helping us to bless the children at Adams this Christmas Season.
We Still Need Volunteers &
Growth Groups to help us present music, meals, and gifts to the children and families of Adams Elementary on Wednesday, December 12, at 5:00pm. There are many ways to help including:
Dinner Preparation Handing out Dinner Plates Greeting Handing out Gifts Talking with Students & Families Passing out Candy Canes & Sharing Your Christmas Spirit!
Please contact Melissa Gray for more info: 509-248-7940 or Melissa.gray@yakimagrace.com 12
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Student Ministry — Thomas Sudbury
’Tis the Season
I am excited for this season of life in our Student Ministries! God is doing great things and the kids are really responding to God’s Word in amazing ways! Please pray for them during this time to come closer to God, closer to their families and closer to the Church over this Christmas Season.
Mountain Meadow Christmas
Join us for a FUN FAMILY DAY at Ghormley Meadow for their annual Mountain Meadow Christmas event! There are many great activities to choose from including sledding, gingerbread house decorating, delicious meals, games and time just to breathe in the mountain air! Sign up & pay at GhormleyMeadow.org. We would love to spend time with you and your family on Saturday, December 8. (There is the option of spending Saturday night at camp – see their website for the details!)
Make sure to come to Karpos:Christmas!
We are excited that Karpos:Live! has started again and we are especially excited for the Christmas special on December 21st! Come on out and listen to some great Christmas music, enjoy a hot chocolate or a latte, and hear what God is doing in the lives of others both in Yakima and around the world! The fun starts at 6:00pm in the Garden Room!
Music Opportunities
We have been blessed to have so many talented musicians in our Student Ministries. Last month the middle school helped out and did an amazing job! This month we will be putting together a Christmas Choir to share in worship. They will be going door to door and singing to the local community, as well as sharing in one of our services. It is a great opportunity not only for them, but also for our church. If you see any of these talented youth, encourage them, for the great work they are doing has eternal significance.
Hitting the Slopes Getting into the Word Together
We have been encouraging youth from the church to add the Bible App to their phones. Although I prefer having them read a paper copy of the Bible on Sunday mornings so they are familiar where things are, I also want them to have access to phenomenal teaching at home. The Bible App has great lessons and daily readings to help strengthen our faith and get us into the word more! Encourage your child to download it today! 13
It has been long overdue for the youth to go on a big ski trip! I have heard many stories from young adults in our congregation that this was one of their favorite opportunities they had while in youth group. This is one of the few times where we get a large group together for an extended period of time. This allows for us to build stronger connections and get deeper into our relationship with God during this time! If you know of a youth that would benefit from this, be sure to let them know! There is still room. We will be staying at Schweitzer Chapel and leaving early on December 14!
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
That is good news for everyone everywhere, which means it is good news for us too. Jesus, the Rescuer, the Light of the World, is born!
Get Ready!
From: The Jesus Storybook Bible (from Nehemiah 8-10, Malachi 1, 3-4, Ezra 7)
“
I can’t stop loving you. You are my heart’s treasure. But I lost you. Now I am coming back for you. I am like the sun that gently shines on you, chasing away darkness and fear and death. You’ll be so happy – you’ll be like little calves running free in an open field. I am going to send my Messenger – The Promised One. The One you have been waiting for. The Rescuer. He is coming. So, get ready!k
God Plans His Rescue
”
From the very beginning we have been reading stories from our Bible about how much God loves His children and how He had a plan to rescue His children from the sin and sadness Adam and Eve let in. Now we get to learn about and experience the great joy of Jesus coming down as a baby to rescue us!
December Memory Verse:
Behold, I bring you good news of great joy “that will be for all the people! – Luke 2:10 ”
Classrooms
December is all about Christmas – traditions, preparation, and most importantly, Jesus! How do we show outwardly that we are preparing for Christmas (lights, stockings, a tree, visiting Santa, etc.)? What can we do during Advent to prepare our hearts and minds for celebrating Jesus’ birth? We spend the final weeks leading up to Christmas Break celebrating Jesus’ birthday!
Christmas Program
Our preschool Christmas Program is Monday, December 17th at 6:30pm. We hope you will join us as we sing songs celebrating Jesus and Christmas! Cupcakes served following the program.
He’s Here!
(The Nativity, from Luke 1-2): In a stable, in Bethlehem, Jesus, the Rescuer, the King, is born. God has come to live with us. God’s Son, Jesus, is born!
The Light of the World
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(The story of the shepherds, from Luke 2): The angel told the shepherds the good news for everyone everywhere. It was the good news that Jesus was born. Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Mission Ministry Volunteer Training
,
LOVE, INC trains volunteers to minister to help serve others. Some volunteer opportunities include:
New Interim Executive Director
LOVE, INC (Love, in the Name of Christ) has tapped Grace of Christ’s own Keith Matthews to act as Executive Director of this service organization. The non-profit seeks to empower people to break out of the cycle of poverty through programs of financial literacy and life skill classes. Love, INC also networks with churches to meet current needs within the community. Mathews - who holds much experience working with non-profit Christian organizations, along with corporate networking, and management experience – was selected by LOVE, INC'S Board of Directors. Beginning his tenure on November 1, Mathews takes over the reins from past Executive Director Elizabeth Benefiel who held the position for the past six years. A reception was held in the Grace of Christ Garden Room on October 11 to bid Elizabeth farewell and to thank Keith Matthews her for her service.
Answering Phones
Love Note Writer
(writes notes of encouragement to clients)
Budget Mentors Children’s Program Connection Center Intake Data Entry Housekeeping Inventory
Laundry Life Skills Instructors Pantry Organizers Prayer Team Registration Desk
Contact LOVE, INC of Yakima for more information or for an application, 509.453.2942, info@loveincyakima.org. The mission of LOVE, INC of Yakima is to mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities in the Christ. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. – Psalm 133:1
“
”
Money Management & Life Skills
Providing a renewed hope and opportunity to regain selfsufficiency, the Yakima LOVE, INC program has collectively paid off some $200,000 of debts. The Yakima organization is one of 130 national affiliates, with referrals coming from the present 21 partner churches of the Yakima Valley. LOVE, INC offers both immediate short-term assistance and a year-long training program deemed as TEAM or Training, Equipping, Assisting and Mentoring. Through TEAM, money management skills are gained as well as other essential life skills. Along the way, participants are also given incentives to pay down debt more quickly.
one changing the world egg one egg at a time
Project Mercy Launches Poultry Project In keeping with their vision to help pluck poverty out of the nation of Ethiopia, Project Mercy has now launched a poultry program. This program will introduce the production and consumption of eggs into the Yetebon community, which in turn, will address the issue of malnutrition and/or undernutrition. Targeted for the first beneficiary are the children in Project Mercy’s Pre-K and kindergarten school. Typically, there are between 190 and 220 children in this age group. 15
For a majority of these students, seeing an egg will be a firsttime experience. Furthermore, having the opportunity to eat an egg will be an extraordinary experience. In early October, Project Mercy received some 1,000 chicks from funding through the OneEgg Foundation. This funding will help support the initial start-up of this project. This group of chickens is projected to start laying eggs in February 2019. Following this pilot program, Project Mercy hopes to expand the program to add nutritional value to its current breakfasts served to grades 1 to 8 at Project Mercy’s school. Also, following assessment, hope is to expand the program to include community outreach.
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
Join us for a FUN FAMILY DAY at Ghormley Meadow for our annual Mountain Meadow Christmas event! There are many great activities to choose from including sledding, gingerbread house decorating, delicious meals, games and time just to breathe in the mountain air! Sign up & pay at GhormleyMeadow.org. We would love to spend time with you and your family on Saturday, December 8. (There is the option of spending Saturday night at camp – see website for the details!)
2019 Summer Camp Registration
"Registration is now open for summer N OW camp 2019, which includes registration for OP E N FAMILY CAMP 2019! Register between now and December 31 to save $35 off your camp registration fee. Don't miss this great opportunity to save money and surprise your camper with the gift of CAMP this Christmas!" www.ghormleymeadow.org/camp-for-christmas/
End of the Year Giving
Will you give a generous year-end gift to help Ghormley finish 2018 strong? Thank you in advance for your generous support! www.ghormleymeadow.org/donate/
Slamquest Report
"This has been a wonderful year of ministry at Ghormley! We estimate approximately 4,800 people will visit Ghormley this year. Hundreds have reported that they have made significant spiritual decisions this year while at camp! We are grateful to have hosted 150 friends of Ghormley for our first-ever fundraising event, which set the stage for a future of ministry growth at Ghormley.
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We have made great progress this year in strengthening our support base for the future, and now there is just one thing left to do: FINISH 2018 STRONG!
We had a great weekend full of fun at Slamquest! 72 Middle Schoolers came out to Ghormley for our annual retreat and learned from our speaker, Ben Downey. Ben shared about how we fit in to God's story, and many students realized for the first time that they are a part of this story that is larger than themselves, and saw God's purpose for their lives. They also played a night game, paintball, went on the giant swing and zipline, and made new friends!
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Welcome New Choir Director!
Jason Wickson
We are proud to announce our new Temple Choir Director for our 11:00 service. Jason Wickson, a man of many classical musical accomplishments, has accepted the position and will be working with Roz Strang beginning Dec. 6, and then assuming all choir direction responsibilities at the beginning of the new year. He is a gifted soloist
in his own right, with stage, choir, and operatic performance experience across the United States. Although he has big shoes to fill with the resignation of our highly capable Roz Strang, we are doubly blessed in that Roz will continue her participation here as a member of the choir. Welcome Jason!
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Log in, update your Online Directory & Privacy Settings. You will login to Realm using email address the church has on file for you. Since every person needs a unique email address, husbands and wives cannot share the same address.
Ya k i m a G r a c e . c o m
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
DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS Tue, November 27 Preschool Staff Meeting 12:00pm KidZone Room Teachers Tue, November 27 Session Dinner and Meeting 5:30pm Garden Rm/Adult Ed Rm Elders Wed, November 28 Decorate for Christmas 10:00am Garden Rm/Sanctuary Everyone Nov 30 & Dec 1 Rally in the Valley: Student Ministries Various Sanctuary 6th-12th graders Sun, December 2 Communion Sunday All Morning Sanctuary Everyone Sun, December 2 Adams Giving Tree: Wrap Gifts 10:00a - 1:00pm Gym Everyone Tue, December 4 Staff Birthday Lunch / Office Closed 1:00p - 2:30pm Lounge All Staff Wed, December 5 Fireside Fellowship Team Meeting 1:30pm Fireside Room Committee Thur, December 6 Adult Ministry Team Meeting 4:00pm Library Committee Thur, December 6 Ghormley Commission 6:30pm Adult Ed Rm Committee Fri, December 7 MOPS Christmas Breakfast 9:00am Chapel Women Fri, December 7 Youth Game Church 7:00pm Gym 6th-12th graders Sat, December 8 Mountain Meadow Christmas All Day Ghormley Meadow Everyone (Register with Ghormley) Sat, December 8 Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00pm Garden Room Knitters Sat, December 8 Gracia de Cristo Christmas Party 5:00pm Gym Everyone Mon, December 10 Business Ministry Team Meeting 4:00pm Library Committee Tue, December 11 Preschool Staff Meeting 12:00pm KidZone Room Teachers Tue, December 11 Mission Ministry Team Meeting 4:00pm Adult Ed Rm Committee Tue, December 11 Dinner for Elders & Deacons / Meetings After 5:30pm Garden Room Elders & Deacons Tue, December 11 Prayer and Healing Gathering 6:30pm Chapel Everyone Wed, December 12 Foundation Board 7:00am Library Committee Wed, December 12 Preschool Board Meeting 12:00pm KidZone Room Board Members Wed, December 12 Christmas Party at Adams Elementary 5:00pm Adams Elem School Everyone Wed, December 12 MOPS Leadership Meeting 6:00pm Fireside Room Committee Thur, December 13 Grace Fellowship: Christmas Concert of Piano & Art 2:00pm Sanctuary Everyone Thur, December 13 Grace Kids: Christmas Rehearsal (and pizza!) 4:30pm Sanctuary Grace Kids Dec 14 and Dec 15 Student Ministry Ski Trip! All Day Schweitzer Pre-Register Sat, December 15 Bell Choir Rehearsal 9:00am Middle School Room Ringers Sun, December 16 Grace Kids Christmas Program 9:00am Sanctuary Everyone Sun, December 16 Childcare Staff Meeting 3:00pm Adult Ed Rm Staff Sun, December 16 Youth Staff Meeting 4:00pm Lounge Staff Mon, December 17 Preschool Christmas Program 6:30pm Sanctuary Preschool Thur, December 20 Preschool on Christmas Break - through Jan 6. Preschool Fri, December 21 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9:00am Gym Moms Fri, December 21 Karpos: Live! Coffeehouse Music 6:00pm Garden Room Everyone Sat, December 22 Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00pm Garden Room Knitters Sat, December 22 Student Ministry Staff Christmas Party 6:00pm Garden Room Staff 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 9:00, 11:00 & 1:00 Everyone Grace Kids 9 & 11, Students ReFuel 9:00 Everyone Sun, December 30 ReFuel Sledding Party 1:00pm Off-site 6th-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
9:00-11:30am 9:45am
WED Encounter: Youth Group *Dinner too! Gracia de Cristo Music Rehearsal
6:30-8:30pm 6:00-8:00pm
THUR Bible Study Fellowship 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 Gym 6th-12th grade Sanctuary Gracia de Cristo Music Team 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,
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Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
2 9 16 23 30
G - M 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