Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Senior Pastor — Senior Pastor Jim Marian
What A Welcome! The Marian’s can’t thank you enough for the warm and enthusiastic welcome you all gave us February 12 at Grace of Christ! Back in August, I remember seeing the ad stating the need for a new senior pastor at the church. My only connection to Yakima was John, a friend of mine from my 20’s who partnered with me in ministry in Southern California for about five years. He told me of growing up in Yakima: fishing in the rivers, hiking in the summers, skiing in the winter time and learning to love God from his family and church. John was fun, a faithful friend, humble and a passionate follower of Jesus. I could never guess that years later, I would be called to minister in John’s hometown… and I couldn’t be more honored by the Lord for giving me such a calling to use my gifts and energy to serve Him at Grace of Christ. Let me tell you a bit about the welcome we received. First and foremost, our coming to GOC was bathed in prayer for months. The pastoral nominating team (I like the word team better than committee), elders and many of you faithfully prayed and listened to God’s voice. I truly believe your prayers led us to Grace of Christ. Praise the Lord for His wonderful provision. When we arrived, we were invited to dinner at the Strother’s home. Don and Krista have a daughter the same age as our daughter, Sophia and they got along great. While they got to know each other, I found myself down on hands and knees
spring forward Remember to set your clocks forward 1 hour Sunday, March 12th
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racing Hot Wheel cars on the kitchen floor with their other three little girls. What fun! The kids even let me win a race or two! It meant a lot that a family reached out to us in building relationships – especially for our 11-year-old daughter. On Sunday morning I was greeted by the staff, then we spent some time in prayer for the service. It was exciting to have all three services worshipping the Lord at once. I felt the Holy Spirit’s presence during the worship and His power as I shared God’s Word. Your response was greatly encouraging. As we were welcomed into the church family, so many of you came up to greet us. Please give us some time to learn names -- there’s a lot of you! My wife and I were so touched by your warm hugs and handshakes. We felt the love of God and His people at Grace of Christ. We look forward with great expectation to joining you in ministry. As for now, we appreciate your prayers in finding a home in Yakima and selling our home in San Diego. I will be driving out the weekend of March 3-5 with my brother, then starting on Monday, March 6. Hopefully the family will be joining me in Yakima soon after. With Grateful Hearts, – Pastor Jim and Harriet Marian
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Associate Pastor — Pastor Cindy Carter
Making space for the Holy Spirit – The Season of Lent What is Lent? Lent is the forty days before Easter beginning with Ash Wed (March 1st, this year) excluding Sundays, because every Sunday is like a little Easter. It is a season where Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and giving things up, in order to make space for the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. It’s a time of reflecting on our deep need, and great gratitude, for Jesus’ death on the cross, and how we can share in His work in our world. Marianne Meye Thompson, Professor of New Testament at Fuller Seminary, in her article, “Letting Go in Lent,” writes: Many Christians practice the discipline of “giving up” something for Lent--a favorite food, such as chocolate or coffee, or a favorite activity, such as television. Once Lent is over, so is the “giving up.” Living as Jesus calls us to live means that we are asked to let go of certain things, not just temporarily, but altogether. What we are called to let go of are those selfseeking ways, attitudes that further our own interests and ends, the grudge that we are nursing, anger against a boss or coworker or mate, a bad habit, our greed, and the driving desire to have or consume something. As Jesus approached the Cross, he let go of His own will and even His own life. He gave himself to God. So to live in the shadow of the Cross is to let go of those things that keep us from living fully unto God and for the benefit of others, precisely with the intent of letting them go forever.
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It is also possible in Lent to think not of giving something up but of giving something away. In these fearful and anxious times, it is easy to turn to protecting our own interests and concerns. And it is important to be prudent. But the hungry are still hungry--and maybe hungrier-when times are tough; the homeless are still homeless, and there may be more of them. Although it is easier to clench one’s hands than to open them, Jesus calls his disciples to “give their lives” to serve others. One of the ways this is done most tangibly--and perhaps painfully, too--is to practice the discipline of giving alms (Mt 6:2-4). Lent is a time not so much to give something up, but to give it away, as Jesus gave himself for us. How will you make room for the Holy Spirit in your life this Lenton Season? Perhaps you can begin by joining us for our Ash Wed Service - March 1 (begins with meal at 5:30). Also spend some time listening to the Lord: 1. God, what are you saying to me about what you want me to let go of, in order to live more fully for you? 2. God, what do you want me to do, in the area of giving myself, my time, or my resources away for you and bringing Your Kingdom here on earth? With gratitude and grace, – Pastor Cindy Carter
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Winter Shelter EXTREME COLD WEATHER SHELTER UPDATE What a blessing it has been to so many that Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church of Yakima has partnered with the greater community through the Yakima Community Health’s Extreme Cold Weather Shelter program in providing food and shelter to some of the homeless of Yakima during this cold and wet winter! Each and every night since the middle of November, our church has hosted an evening meal for some of Yakima’s homeless men and then helped transport them to Central Lutheran Church where they spend the night. Besides financial support, the use of the church building and the church van, close to 80 volunteers have stepped up to be the hands, feet, and face of Christ while serving these men. Other faith and community groups* (see list) have provided the meals. Our volunteers are at the church nightly from 5:30-9:00pm to feed the men and offer food for the soul by extending the love of Christ to each person. Many hours spent listening to stories, getting to know one another and times of prayer with those who requested prayer. We are so very grateful to the LORD for extending His compassion through so many people of our church and community. “THANK YOU!” for responding to His call to serve others. As Jesus stated in Matthew 25:35-40, “Then the King will say… For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed
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you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” The Winter Shelter program is scheduled to run through the middle of March. There is still a need for volunteers to help finish out the season. If you are interested in helping one evening, please sign up at the Connection Center or call Linda Sorenson at 834-1185.
*Thanks, Grace of Christ Church for letting His light shine through you! Those who have provided meals served at Grace of Christ Church include: Michelle Russell, Wesley Methodist Church Groups, Tony’s Pizza, LDS Church Groups, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Health Care Group, various individual Grace of Christ congregants, and the Yakima Islamic Center groups. In addition, there have been folks who have made meals for men who spend the night at Englewood Christian Church and for the women’s shelter housed at the Unitarian Church. Even more are the numerous homeless that have been served this winter through the Union Gospel Mission, who we continue to support year-round.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
WORSHIP MINISTRY TEAM We Worship the Holy God
let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before “Come, the LORD our Maker; For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. ” –Psalm 95:6-7
We worship the Holy God. Holy means set apart, not common. In Isaiah 55:8-9 we read, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and my ways are not your ways,” declares Yahweh. “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.” He is the Creator; our daily existence is dependent utterly upon Him! He is sovereign over all. His goodness knows no bounds. He is fully worthy of our adoration and praise. Earlier in chapter 6, Isaiah said, “Woe to me for I am undone!” when he was before the LORD who was exalted and seated on His throne with the train of His robe filling the temple with glory. This is the God whom we worship, fearfully awesome! Creator, Perfect, Righteous, Just, Merciful, Steadfast, Unchanging, Kind, Forgiving, Sustainer of Life, Truth, Healer, Good, Redeemer, Gracious, Loving Father, Good Shepherd, Light-that-darkness-can’textinguish… We’ll spend eternity and never come close to acknowledging His worthiness or extolling His praises!
Focus on His Attributes I’ve found that when I take my eyes off myself and my own circumstances and humbly acknowledge the attributes of our Awesome and Almighty God, hope and expectation rises up in me and I find courage and strength rooted in WHO HE IS. It is in the personal revelation of WHO HE IS that my faith is transformed. God, MY Redeemer. God, MY Provider. God, MY Healer. God, MY Loving Father. These are the Ebenezers, the memorial markers, where He has personally revealed Himself to me that become altars of praise, remembrances of WHO HE IS. What if, when we worship together, we wouldn’t become distracted by differences of our personal preferences of worship styles, music selections and instruments, Bible translations, choice of apparel, preaching styles, or who is or isn’t present in the congregation? Those things are tied to who we are, not 5
WHO HE IS. What if we simply and humbly came before Him with praise and thanksgiving, focus wholly on Him? It was at a great cost that He, Himself, bridged the divide between holy and common. He extends the invitation to eternal life to us; welcoming us to enter His kingdom here and now. This is cause for great rejoicing! Yes, yes, “Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2 - Hallelujah! Amen!
Worship Team Needs You
The Worship Ministry Team (WMT) umbrellas many areas of our worship time together on Sun mornings. This team welcomes folks who desire to participate! There’s a place for YOU! Choose an area of interest… • Ushering • Prayer Ministry • Contemporary Music • Temple Choir • Bell Choir • Decorating the sanctuary for special seasons • Celebrations of new covenant partners, baptisms, and baby dedications • Helping with technology and the soundboard • Assisting people at the Connection Center • Aiding our seniors in & out of church building with walker/wheelchairs or offering to park their car Even the smallest gift of time is a great gift to the church family. AND you will feel more connected! For more information, call the church office at 248-7940 or Elder Linda Sorenson at 509-834-1185.
You don’t have to be crazy! Thurdays in March • 6:00pm - 6:45pm Join us in the Mid-High Room to learn about handbells and how to ring them. No experience necessary. Ages 12 - 99 welcome! No commitment expected. Have Questions? Call Julie Hunziker
(530) 209-4329
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
All Church Spring Cleaning Party! “For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven...” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
All Church Clean-Up April 6, 7 and 8
Pick a Day & Shift
This is our opportunity to clean the building that has housed so many of our memories, friendships, worship, fellowship, weddings, VBS and so much more. We have been so richly blessed, now let’s join together to return gratitude and service to our church, Grace of Christ.
Morning: 9 am– 12 pm Afternoon: 12 pm– 3 pm
(Thur, Fri & Sat)
We are asking you and your family to come help spring clean our beautiful church building and grounds. We will have a variety of jobs from which to choose. Most supplies and tools will be provided, however, you can bring your favorite garden tools, broom, scrub brush and gloves to help make the jobs easier!
There will be an morning and afternoon shift each day from April 6-9th.
Of course, you are welcome to come at your convenience and stay as long as you would like! All assistance will be greatly appreciated and welcomed! Please sign up at the Connection Center and pick from a more detailed job list. Thank you for helping us!
CLEAN-UP PROJECTS INCLUDE… Indoor Projects • • • • •
Deep Clean Kitchens Paint Touch-Up in Various Rooms Patch and Repair Various Areas Inside Church Wood Stain Touch-Up in Various Rooms Spring Clean/Vacuum Nooks and Crannies
Outdoor Projects • Yard Work: Weeding, Trimming and More!
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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Senior Adult Ministry MARCH KAFFEE KLATSCH
Thur, March 16 at 2 pm in the Garden Room Musical Guest: Gary Malner Join us as we will be greatly entertained by Gary Malner and his accordion. He’s been playing for over 65 years and absolutely LOVES doing it! Gary takes his accordion to local retirement homes, birthday parties, and other various functions, sharing his gift of music with others. He is quoted in the local paper saying, “Life keeps giving me the chance to play music. I go in and try to create happiness, take the mind off the worries, the anxieties and the pains for a while. It’s such a wonderful challenge to have that opportunity.” Mark your calendar for March 16, invite a friend and come enjoy Gary’s music! Refreshments will be served.
APRIL KAFFEE KLATSCH
Thur, April 20 at 2 pm in the Garden Room Guest Speakers: Jim and Kathy Bricel Living Waters for the World
Trail Seekers Auction YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
Sun, March 5 at 2 pm in the Gym You are cordially invited to attend our Bi-annual Trail Seekers Auction. Dessert will be served through our Dessert Auction. The purpose of this auction is to raise funds to support our programs for high-risk children and youth. Trail Seekers is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization providing services for the past 26 years. We focus on home visitation, weekly character building programs and Christian values for elementary children, and Leadership programs for middle school and high school youth. We also provide camps during the summer months. We have approximately 160 volunteers, including two full time, and zero paid staff working in our program. There will be a dessert auction, hand-crafted quilt raffle, silent and live auctions (fabulous opportunities to sponsor kids to camp). 7
Please RSVP to church office...
248-7940
If you are unable to attend but would like to make a contribution, please let us know. – Joanne Benson
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Women’s Ministry WOMEN’S SPRING RETREAT It is hard to believe that the departure time for the Women’s Retreat is nearly here. The team has been hard at work trying to iron out all the details involved in such a production—especially when none of us has experience pulling together the Retreat. We have definitely prayed a lot, and seen answer to prayer in details big and small. The beginning and end of each meeting, prayer has been to understand and do the will of God, for the women He has prepared to attend this event. It is exciting to see God at work in Women’s Ministry! Ladies, we hope you will join us at this year’s retreat on Lake Chelan. We are eager to see what God has in store, trusting He will influence our lives for His glory. We are planning a weekend of rest, and opportunity for growth. However, most of all, it is your weekend, to engage with as much or as little of the scheduled events as meets your needs! We have sent out confirmation packets to those already registered. Please contact the church office if you have not received your packet by March 6. We have heard several women who wished to come to retreat, but it wasn’t going to be possible this year. If you are one of those women OR you feel led to give, would you consider making a gift to our retreat scholarship
fund? This payment, of any amount, will be used for women who could use a little help making it to the retreat. That is how it is in the Kingdom of God: those who have extra, share; those who need help, receive. We have overextended our scholarship fund. Believing we are here to help our neighbors, and defining our neighbors as all those who call Jesus their Savior.
RETREAT FOLLOW UP This year we are offering a discipleship opportunity for six weeks after the Retreat. We will be discussing the book “Overextended ...and Loving most of it!” by Lisa Harper. This class will meet in Room 220 during the Discipleship Time at 10 am - 11 am on Sundays, March 26, April 2, and 9; we won’t meet on Easter Sunday, and then back for the last three sessions on April 23, 30, and May 7. Invite a girlfriend and join us!
Would you consider making a financial gift to our Retreat Scholarship Fund? Contact the church office by March 6 Call : 248-7940 ~ Thank you! 8
REGISTER & PAY ONLINE: YAKIMAGRACE.COM/RETREAT
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Student Ministry Dear Church Family, Wow! God has been so AMAZING! He has brought so many great volunteers to this ministry who are willing to serve our youth by hanging out with them, playing games with them, teaching them, and cooking for them! God is using you to bless this ministry to impact the lives of these youth. Thank you! If you still hear God tugging on your heart to serve in this ministry we can find a place for you to use your gifts to help impact the youth by helping them deepen their relationship with Jesus, as well with the larger church community. On Wednesdays, we have not been able to meet consistently since we came back from the holidays because of the snow, but the nights that we have met we have learned so much from those who have come to teach. We had a movie night in February. We watched A Secret Life of Pets. We also added a time of worship to Wed night Youth Group, led by youth.
We asked the students to come up with questions that they would like to be answered and they had many great questions like:
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On Sundays, we continue to have Refuel during the Discipleship Time, these groups are divided into middle and high school small groups. We discuss the scripture from the sermon, with a little bit of fellowship thrown in! Please continue to pray for Student Ministries. Pray for the students, the volunteers, and for the person that God would like to lead the youth. Thank you for your support and prayers! Blessings! With Christ’s Love, Amae Merrill
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / English Summary of Happenings at Gracia de Cristo Gracia de Cristo has been busy this past year. We eagerly step into 2017 continuing our vision of changing one family at a time. Gracia de Cristo continues to listen to what God is calling us to do. We prayerfully consider what we are hearing and then with thoughtful consideration, act on those ideas. We have a huddle group, which consists of Pastor Alex Rule, John Stolzenbach, Jake Kupp and Rich Millet. We meet weekly to pray for our church as well as look for ways to serve the Lord by serving and honoring our church families, our neighbors and the community.
10) Continue to coordinate the reading program at Adams Elementary, led by Rosalie DuBrau. It has been an extremely successful program with positive results and outstanding participation. 11) Continue to be a part of the PTO at Adams, and continue our weekly involvement at Bulldog Hugs and at Movie nights (both at Adams.) 12) We have been meeting with many individuals outside of Gracia de Cristo, who are all coming together with common goals to help make Yakima the city it can become with GOD at the forefront. Please pray that we continue to have the support of Session and Grace of Christ. We continue to pray that Session, the Pastors, and the members of Grace of Christ see Gracia de Cristo as part of GOC and not separate.
Here is a look at what we want to do in 2017… 1) Work on an initiative with La Casa Hogar for Pathway to Naturalization. We had our first meeting at Adams School on Januray 12. We had 75 people attend and many showed interest in moving forward. We will be holding a series of meetings this spring. 2) Work with Whitworth College on getting a Fellow for the summer, expanding the Kingdom of God. 3) Host an Adams Elementary School Staff & Teacher Appreciation Dinner in March 4) Coordinate with Camp Ghormley to send 100 kids to Outreach Camp in June. The tentative theme is “God’s Story is My Story and My story is God’s Story.” 5) Do outreach by providing Financial Peace, Making Marriage Better, and ESL classes at Adams Elementary School throughout the year. 6) Alex, with John’s help, will continue shepherding his congregation, moving to fill the Sanctuary by creating disciples who make disciples. 7) Host a Fundraiser Event, reaching out to Grace of Christ as well as the community. 8) Establish local partnerships with the business community, Superintendent of Schools, and with other churches. 9) Work with Jay Sentz to prepare for Junior Achievement at Adams Elementary School and the Junior Achievement Facility.
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As you can see there is a lot going on at Gracia de Cristo, and we cannot do it alone. How can YOU help? • Please continue to pray over Gracia de Cristo • Can you help financially? • Help with the Teacher Appreciation dinner in March • Be a counselor at Outreach Camp at Camp Ghormley in June
You will find great satisfaction in working with these kids, just ask some of those who are participating at the reading program at Adams. The Time Is Now! This is what our Pastors have been preaching about. The Time is Now to go and make disciples. The Time is Now to do your part in helping to Change Yakima One Family at a time. Thank you and God Bless you.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Gracia de Cristo / En Español Resumen de sucesos en Gracia de Cristo
Mucho ha ocurrido en la Gracia de Cristo comenzando el año.Continuamos con nuestra visión de cambiar a una familia a la vez, Gracia de Cristo sigue a escuchando lo que Dios nos está llamando a hacer, con oración ferviente consideramos lo que estamos escuchando para después con profunda consideración actuar sobre esas ideas. Seguimos trabajando con Michael Moore quien nos está ayudando con la elaboración de la estructura organizacional. Después de que el hermano Rodney Eells dejara nuestro grupo Huddle, (por motivos e intereses personales) ahora este grupo está formado por el Pastor Alex Rule, John Stolzenbach, Jake Kupp y Rich Millet quienes se reúnen semanalmente. La directiva solo se reúne cada trimestre y la próxima reunión será en febrero.
Una actualización de las iniciativas del 2017 incluye lo siguiente:
1) Estamos trabajando en una iniciativa con La Casa Hogar por el camino hacia la naturalización. Tuvimos nuestra primera reunión en la escuela Adams en Enero 12th 2017. Hubieron 75 personas que asistieron y muchos mostraron interés en seguir adelante. Llevaremos a cabo una serie de reuniones en el primer trimestre. 2) Estaremos trabajando con la Universidad de Whitworth en Spokane, para conseguir a un compañero el cual trabajará con nosotros en el verano para extender el Reino de Dios. 3) El 20 de Abril estaremos celebrando en nuestra iglesia la cena de apreciación para los Maestros y el personal de la escuela primaria Adams. 4) Estamos coordinándonos con el campamento Ghormley para enviar a 100 niños en junio. El tema tentativo es “La Historia de Dios es mi Historia y mi Historia es la Historia de Dios” 5) Proporcionaremos programas durante el año, y después de la escuela para los padres de familia de la escuela Adams, tales como Paz Financiera, Fortaleciendo Matrimonios, clases de ESL (inglés como segundo idioma) y otros programas durante todo el año. 6) Alex con la ayuda de John continuará pastoreando a su congregación para que unidos sean movidos a llenar el Santuario mediante la creación y formación de discípulos que hagan discípulos. 7) Trabajando con Michael Moore llevaremos a cabo un evento para recaudar fondos (al final del 1er trimestre y principio del 2do trimestre) alcanzando no sólo a Gracia de Cristo, pero también a la comunidad. 8) Estaremos estableciendo alianzas con nuestros socios de la comunidad empresarial, Superintendentes de las escuelas, otras iglesias, así como también con otras personas. 11
9) Estamos trabajando con Jay Sentz en la iniciativa de trabajar con Junior Achievement en Adams y en el edificio de la organización de JA, apoyando y animando a nuestros futuros empresarios. 10) Continuamos con el programa de lectura en la escuela primaria Adams liderado por nuestra hermana en Cristo Rosalie DuBrau, y el cual continúa siendo extremadamente exitoso en cuanto a los resultados y a la participación. 11) Seguimos siendo parte del PTO (Junta de padres) en Adams, y seguimos participando en la celebración de Bulldog Hugs cada viernes, al igual que en las noches de cine familiar. 12) Nos hemos estado reuniendo con muchos hermanos de Gracia de Cristo, los cuales están unidos y tienen objetivos comunes al igual que grandes y buenos pensamientos para hacer de Yakima la ciudad que puede llegar a ser con Dios como nuestro guía. Con todo lo que está aconteciendo en nuestra iglesia GOC/ GDC les pedimos de todo corazón que sigan orando para que sigamos contando con el apoyo de la Sesión y de la iglesia Grace of Christ. Continuamos orando para que la Sesión, los Pastores, y los miembros de Grace of Christ (GDC) miren a Gracia de Cristo y a sus miembros como parte de una Iglesia unidad y no como algo separado.
Como se puede ver es mucho lo que está sucediendo en Gracia de Cristo, y no podemos hacerlo solos. ¿Cómo puede Usted ayudar?
• Por favor continúen orando por Gracia de Cristo • ¿Puede ayudar financieramente? • Por favor vuelva a leer el artículo y considere si hay algún lugar en el cual a usted le agradaría servir como voluntario tales como ayudar con la preparación de la cena de Apreciación de maestros el jueves 20 de Abril o talvez siendo consejero en el campamento Ghormley en junio, o cualquier otro lugar que usted elija. Estamos seguros de que al servir usted encontrará satisfacción en el trabajo que desempeñe con nuestros niños, simplemente pregunte a algunos de los hermanos que ya estén participando en el programa de lectura en Adams. ¡Ahora es el momento! Esto es sobre lo que nuestros pastores han estado predicando. Ahora es el momento de ir y hacer discípulos. Ahora es el momento de hacer la parte que nos corresponde para ayudar a transformar a Yakima, al transformar una familia a la vez. Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Children’s Ministry
Excitement is
for the BEST week of the summer! Come join us as we celebrate the great joy we have in the resurrection of Christ Jesus as our KidZone children present...
Oh, Happy Day! Special Sun Rehersal March 26, 10:15-10:55 Parents PLEASE bring your child to KidZone for a Special Sunday Rehearsal following the 9:00 service. Children will be dismissed to KidZone at 9:30, and will be picked up from the Sanctuary following rehearsal at 10:55am.
Palm Sun April 9 9am and 11:15 Services All KidZone kids will lead in worship. A pancake breakfast will be served between services for the children.
Easter Sun April 16 Join us in KidZone Easter Sun as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior. He is Risen!
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Come Bee a part of VBS! Maker Fun Factory VBS Coming to Grace of Christ Church June 19-23: 8:30 am – Noon Imagine a world where curious kids become hands-on inventors who discover they’re lovingly crafted by God. Fun Factory VBS will spark creativity as they deepen their faith and discover that God created them for a purpose! We’re buzzing with excitement, so keep watching for more inforatmion about how you can be a maker-rific leader at Maker Fun Factory this summer!
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Call: (509) 248-7940 Rhonda @YakimaGrace.com
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
GHORMLEY MEADOW CHRISTIAN CAMP MOTHER DAUGHTER WEEKEND FRED MEYER REWARDS
Fred Meyer Rewards: “Ghormley recently became an official Fred Meyer community rewards member (#84874)!” Help send kids to camp just by shopping. All funds donated go towards our general scholarship fund.
Want to join? Simply visit our website:
http://www.ghormleymeadow.org/join-our-team/ donate-to-ghormley/
2017 CAMP REGISTRATION Registration for summer camp 2017 is now open! Don’t miss the opportunity to save money on your child’s camp registration by registering before April 14th.
For more information, visit us at:
www.ghormleymeadow.org/summercamp/
SUMMER STAFF HIRING We’re hiring! We’ve begun our search for those who God is calling to serve at camp this summer. We have many needs, and a variety of types of positions remain available. If you’re thinking about joining our team, don’t delay, apply today!
For more information on summer jobs, visit us at: http://www.ghormleymeadow.org/join-
our-team/college-summerstaff/
Attention all moms and their daughters! We’re excited to announce our first-ever mom and daughter weekend at Camp Ghormley, the weekend of April 28-30! Plan to spend a weekend created just for moms and their daughters to have fun together, explore, play, laugh, and build life-long memories together, all in God’s beautiful creation! There will be a speaker, worship time, crafts, games, good food, and many other fun activities designed for moms and daughters to connect and make memories! Don’t miss out on this amazing time.
Register online now:
http://www.ghormleymeadow.org/community-events/ mother-daughter-weekend/
ONLINE GIVING We’re excited to announce that online giving is now available through our website! Please visit our Donate Page to see what giving opportunities we currently have, and how to get involved. http://www.ghormleymeadow. org/join-our-team/donate-to-ghormley/
SUPPORT NEEDS Interested in supporting the ministry of Ghormley? We have a number of projects either in process or that we are raising funds for so we can begin. If you would like to know what we’re up to, or how to support the ministry of Ghormley, visit us at: http://www.ghormleymeadow. org/join-our-team/donate-to-ghormley/
PRAYER NEEDS • Pray that God will continue to bless us with groups to fill our non-summer months. • 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 raise funds and embark on a number of facility improvement projects. • Pray that God will lead us to the right staff members who He desires to serve at Ghormley this summer.
www.ghormleymeadow.org 14
509.672.4311
facebook.com/campghormley
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM Happy New Year from the Barkers! Two years have passed since we moved back to Hawaii. While 2015 was a major year of transition it feels like we have been able to really start flying in 2016. Each member of the family has found areas that we have passion for and are thriving as we move into 2017.
A year ago I (Aaron) was asked to be part of the Core Leadership Team for YWAM Kona to lead the overall vision of the campus with a team of five alongside our founders, Loren and Darlene Cunningham. This has been a steep learning curve, but I love being part of the breadth of this place as we train young people for missions around the world. Over 1300 students come through our campus each year to be trained for the mission field. I continue to lead the worship and prayer department and in 2016 we trained about 50 musicians through Music Discipleship Training Schools and another 35 right now. The level of talent being drawn to this place is staggering and we have started recording new songs with the students that we hope to share this year. Lastly, 2016 has been a year of some amazing open doors for music with a solo artist named LT Smooth. I have been playing keyboards for the past couple years for LT, a seven time Grammy nominated artist in Kona. We have traveled the world this past year playing for world leaders and opening for artists like U2, Neil Young, and Stevie Wonder. This has been a total surprise and an amazing blessing to be able to impact the lives of so many through our stories and songs.
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Ronda is now in her second full year at Kealakehe Elementary school as a fourth grade teacher. She has the respect of her colleagues and has been appointed the grade level chair by her principal. Mrs. Barker is a loved teacher as you can imagine and, as her husband, it is so fulfilling to see her having such a positive impact on the children and families of her classroom. Ronda gives her all to students and loves them so well. Her class is so blessed to have a teacher like her and it’s amazing to see her in her sweet spot as a teacher! It’s amazing that two years ago we moved back to Kona with a lot of uncertainty about the future. God has been so faithful to our family and we thank Him everyday for the opportunity to share His love with so many on this island and around the world. We could not do this without the support of our friends and family…that’s you! We continue to rely on our team of partners for the majority of our income and are amazed at how God has been so faithful to provide for us since we started our journey in missions over seven years ago. We pray this New Year begins with fresh hope and the goodness of the Lord leads you into an amazing season of new beginnings! – Aaron and Ronda Barker
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM Let’s Catch Up with the Graves Family!
David and Noni Graves are missionaries with Wycliffe in Sentani, Indonesia. David is a pilot with Wycliffe’s aviation division JAARS. He flies other missionaries and supplies to and from sites in Indonesia. David’s wife Noni runs several missionary outreaches to the city of Sentani including a clothing exchange and the Sentani Language Learning Center as well as home schooling the couple’s two daughters. Both David and Noni teach several Bible studies and English learning classes to their neighbors as well. Below, in her own words, Noni shows her amazing heart that is on fire for Jesus and Evangelism. Please take a moment to read her words.
“It starts with a vision” – By Noni Graves
I am an Indonesian woman with a Muslim background married to an American Christian man. People here in Indonesia often wonder if I left Islam and became a Christian because I married David. Actually, I started following Christ because people took the time to speak love to me. This was a few years before I met David. We now live in Sentani, Indonesia, which is a town smaller than Yakima, but with many more languages, ethnic groups, and nationalities. Living here makes our lives and our marriage open for observation by our neighbors, and friends. It would definitely be easier to live somewhere else where you didn’t have to adjust, learn the culture, and accept things that you don’t agree with in that culture. Will my life be more meaningful here? Will I find fulfillment in my life here? I wonder about this sometimes, but when God gives me a vision, will I turn it down? Will I walk away?
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I became a Christian when I was 26 years old. I was afraid when I made that decision because of what could happen to me if my family found out about my new faith. That fear was overcome by my longing to have a new, better life with purpose and without condemnation and guilt. I chose Jesus as my savior and Lord. He holds my hand and shows me what life is all about. I am still in this journey with Him. I still tell myself that His vision is a way of life. I believe it. I want to be part of it. I want to follow Him. I want to share HIS Vision. What is HIS Vision? That we tell others the Good News. What is the Good News? Jesus died on the cross for you and me. He rose from the dead on the third day. He conquered death so that we can live a victorious life as part of His family and spend eternity with Him. Do you believe it? Do you live a victorious life? Do we live our lives with a conviction that can affect the world? Let’s create history together! Let’s tell others about the Good News. How about this. In order to be more comfortable saying “good news”, let’s practice with each other. Tell someone, “I have a good news for you!” Then, tell them something that is “good news” for them such as, “Your gift of hospitality make me feel accepted,” or, “Your gift of teaching inspires me to study God’s word more,” or, “Your kind words give me hope,” or, “Jesus loves you for who you are,” or, “There is no condemnation in Christ when you believe Him,” etc. When we speak love to others, it is worth it just to hear their responses and to learn from them. Do you think we can heal broken hearts by speaking love? Do you think your heart can be healed and inspired by speaking love? Let’s try it together. It is worth it! “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” – Matthew 28:19a
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
MOPS
Silent Auction, Dinner & Special Guest Speaker; Clint Gresham
Our auction is on Fri, March 24 and we appreciate all those who will be purchasing tickets and attending to support our ministry and to help send a few moms to Kansas City, Missouri in September for a MOPS conference! This year’s annual MOPS Auction will not disappoint! We have a fantastic night planned for you including‌
DINNER, SILENT AUCTION WITH FABULOUS ITEMS TO BID ON, DESSERT AUCTION, AND SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER CLINT GRESHAM, SUPER BOWL CHAMPION AND FORMER SEATTLE SEAHAWK. Clint Gresham is an authentic, encouraging, and gifted speaker. He is a leader with a deep passion for God and for revealing his heart to people. Clint is a gifted communicator who is engaging and anointed, but the authority on his life comes from not just sharing theory but being in the trenches of seeing lives changed.
FRI, MARCH 24TH 5:30 PM SILENT AUCTION 6:15 PM DINNER GRACE OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
9 South 8th Avenue, Yakima $60 per pair (or) ($35 individual)
Purchase Tickets @ Church Office (1-5 pm) You must have ticket to enter. All proceeds go to promote MOPS moms on their journey toward becoming better moms! 17
Supporting Moms with Young Families The MOPS ministry at Grace of Christ Church continues to see its members growing in relationship to one another, and to Christ. Our strong sense of support for one another has proven to be essential to moms raising young families. Each meeting provides the opportunity for us to lean on one another, and laugh and cry with a mom who is needing to connect with another who understands or is able to offer a listening ear. MOPS has only three months left in its regular calendar year which includes five regular meetings, a play date, and a free day with child care called Creative Moments. We have enlisted the talent of some wonderful speakers who will enhance our experience as moms making an effort to be better moms.
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
March Calendar of Events Wed, March 1 Ash Wednesday Soup Dinner/ Prayer / Service Thur, March 2 Senior Adult Ministries Handbell Clinic (5 weeks)
5:30pm Garden Rm/Sanctuary Everyone 2:00pm Adult Ed Rm 6:00 - 6:45pm Mid High Rm
Committee Everyone
Fri, March 3 Preschool Scholastic Book Fair Open in AM/1 Week 8:30am-12:30pm Garden Rm MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9:30am Gym
Everyone Moms
Sun, March 5 Trailseeker Auction and Dessert
Everyone
2:00pm Gym
Mon, March 6 Welcome Pastor Jim! 5:30pm Room 220 Committee Discipleship Ministry Team Meeting 5:30pm Garden Rm Everyone Gather at the Table -dinner & conversation Tue, March 7 Staff Birthday Lunch Worship Ministry Team Meeting Wed, March 8 Preschool Open House / Scholastic Family Night
12:00pm Lounge 6:15pm Adult Ed Rm
All staff Committee
5:00 - 7:00pm Garden Rm/Classrooms Everyone
Thur, March 9 Ghormley Commission
7:00pm Adult Ed Room
Committee
Fri, March 10 MOPS Leadership Meeting
9:30am Adult Ed Room
Committee
Sat, March 11 Prayer Shawl Ministry
1:00pm Garden Room
Knitters
Sun, March 12 Daylight Savings Begins / Set clocks ahead 1 hr Mon, March 13 Edith Ferry Circle Tue, March 14 Foundation Board Meeting Mission Ministry Team Meeting Wed, March 15 Preschool Board Meeting
12:00pm Parlor 7:00am Library 4:00pm Adult Ed Room 12:00pm Room 220
Women Committee Committee Board
Thur, March 16 Kaffee Klatsch / Gary Malner on Accordion
2:00pm Garden Room
Everyone
Fri, March 17 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
9:30am Gym
Moms
March 17-19 Women’s Retreat at Campbell’s Resort Sun, March 19 Preschool ART Show
All Weekend Lake Chelan All Morning Garden Room
women Everyone
Fri, March 24 MOPS Dinner & Auction / Tickets for sale
5:30pm Gym
Everyone
Sat, March 25 Prayer Shawl Ministry Bells Rehearsal
1:00pm Garden Room 1:00pm Mid High Rm
Knitters Ringers
Sun, March 26 Baptism Sunday Deacon’s Meeting Tue, March 28 Foundation Board Meeting Session Dinner and Meeting Pray with an Elder (Session Member)
9:00am Sanctuary 12:30pm Lounge Deacons 7:00am Library 5:30pm Garden Rm / Adult Ed 6:30pm Prayer Room
Committee Elders Everyone
Wed, March 29 Mary MacLean Spring Luncheon
12:00pm Garden Room
Women
All Week
Preschool
April 3 - 7 Spring Break (Preschool)
April 6, 7, & 8 All Church Spring Clean
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9:00am - 4:00pm Church & Grounds
Everyone
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 TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) All Staff Check-In Meeting Overeater’s Anonymous Serve at Love INC Trailseekers Al-Anon Divorce Care
Mon
Mon & Wed ESL Classes
10:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 2:30 pm 5:15 pm 6:30 pm
Adult Ed DF Lounge Adult Ed Love INC Gym Adult Ed Room 217
Everyone All Staff Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone
11:00 am Room 220
Tue Pursuing Our Limitless God (Women’s Bible Study)
9:15 am Gym
Women
9:45 am Parlor
Women
Women in the Word Bible Study
Wed Noon Bible Study Youth Group - Mid High & Senior High Gracia de Cristo Music Rehearsal
12:00 Noon Adult Ed 5:30 - 8:30 pm Youth and Mid Hi Rms 6:00- 8:00 pm Sanctuary
Men 6th-12th grades
Thur
9:00 am Sanctuary 6:00-7:30 pm Room 217 7:00 pm Choir Room 5:45 - 9:15 pm Prayer Room
Women Everyone
Bible Study Fellowship Parenting Class Temple Choir SOZO Prayer
Fri SOZO Prayer
9:00 -11:30 am Prayer Room
SOZO Team SOZO Team
Sunday Services and Events
Worship - Led by Contemporary Worship Team Discipleship Time Worship - Led by Temple Choir & Organ Worship - Gracia de Cristo (In Spanish) Going Deeper: John Golden Circle KidZone Youth Refuel
Announcements CLEAN CHURCH PARTY
All Church Clean-Up April 6, 7 and 8 (Thur, Fri & Sat) We are asking you and your family come help spring clean our beautiful church building and grounds. We will have a variety of jobs from which to choose. Most supplies and tools will be provided, however, you can bring your favorite garden tools, broom, scrub brush and gloves to help make the jobs easier!
COOKIES & CANS Thank you for bringing cookies, crackers, fruit, or quick breads for all to enjoy during our fellowship hour on Sun. We collect non-perishable food for the Calvary Rescue Mission weekly. Your donations are appreciated! See dates you can contribute – last names beginning with…
March 5 N - S March 12 T - Z 19
March 19 A - F March 26 G - M
9:00 am Sanctuary 10:15-11:00 am Church 11:15 am Sanctuary 1:00 pm Sanctuary 9:30 am Adult Ed 10:15 am Lounge 9:00 am 2nd Floor 10:15 am Mid Hi & Youth Rm
Everyone Everyone Everyone Everyone Adults Adults 3yrs thru 5th gr Gr 6-12
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