Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Associate Pastor — Pastor Cindy Carter
GOD IS DOING SOMETHING NEW! “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 (New Living Translation)
grateful to be serving alongside soon to be ordained, Pastor Tyler Van Horn, all of our capable staff, and every person of our congregation. God is at work in new and exciting ways here at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church of Yakima!
The prophet Isaiah foretells God’s deliverance of his people from Babylonian Captivity. Yet there is a hint of something even greater to come – something new – some unheard of and wonderful event, which shall far surpass all that God has formerly done. We have just celebrated that event - God’s loving pursuit of all people, coming to the earth as Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, in order to save His people from sin, and restore the loving relationship with Himself, for which we were created.
While the interim pastoral leadership arrangement will likely be tweaked a little along the way, I am looking forward to providing leadership through:
Just as God made a pathway through the wilderness to bring His people back to the promised land, God in His providence, continues to orchestrate the events of the world and our lives, in order to work out his good purposes. Trusting that our official congregational vote will go well at our January 25 Annual Meeting, I am both honored and humbled to be serving as your Interim Head of Staff. I am
• More Frequent Preaching • Working with our Faithful and Dedicated Session and Deacons • Being More Involved with All of Our Staff • Further Developing Our Strategic Plan for Implementing Our Vision, as We Seek to Grow as Jesus’ Disciples, Learn to Hear What God is Saying to Us, and Step Out in Faith and Obedience I will continue to enjoy my work in Congregational Care, Administration and Senior Adult Ministries, as well. In Matthew 14, when the disciples first saw Jesus walking on the lake toward them in the boat, they were terrified. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid, It’s me.” Peter says, “If it’s you, Lord, tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said. Then Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus.” As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. The moment he began to focus on the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. God is doing something new. Let’s all keep our eyes on Jesus, and step out in faith as He leads us. With Joy and Anticipation of Something New,
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– Pastor Cindy Carter
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Assistant Pastor — Pastor Tyler Van Horn
THRIVING IN TIMES OF CHANGE Dear Family of Grace, 33 years ago I was born into this church. In my early years I learned the love of God and in my adolescent years I learned the patience of God (while testing many others’ patience along the way) in this church. In my college years I learned the joy of serving Jesus and during my first “career” as a school teacher I learned the value of Jesus-community in this church. As the youth pastor of this church I learned the humility of God and as an assistant pastor here I have been learning all over again the love of God in this church. Thank you so much for all that you have taught me about the invitation of God the father, the mission of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. I am so grateful for this beautiful expression of the body of Christ. As we move into this interim time in our church, I am excited about the ways I am being asked to lead and to serve in our community. The biggest change for me will be how involved I will be in our worship services. I will now be part of the Worship Ministry Team; helping lead the planning of the worship services, setting the preaching schedule and preaching about half of the Sundays. I am so thankful for the people who are already serving in these areas. We have so many gifted and talented people leading us in worship both upfront and behind the scenes and I feel honored to offer leadership to these teams. I am also incredibly excited to preach more often. Thank you for all of your encouragement over the years as I have learned what it means to be a teacher and a preacher in our community. Please pray that we would all be inspired by the words of the scriptures as we continue to study them each Sunday and throughout our daily lives. The other big changes for me will be stepping onto the following teams: Personnel, the Ghormley Commission and the Service Ministry team. I will be
letting go of leading the 5th Act Community in this next season in order to free up time in my schedule for these other things. But I will however, continue to work in supervising the Program staff, serving alongside the Discipleship Ministry Team elders and all of the pastoral responsibilities I have been living into over the last two and a half years. My ordination process with the new denomination (ECO) is almost complete and we are hopeful it will culminate in the middle of March with an ordination service. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to both lead and to serve. We can all be so grateful for Cindy’s leadership in our church in this season. She has been incredibly gracious in helping to set up a leadership structure that will help us thrive in this interim time. Please also pray that we would all know how to support Cindy as she seeks to lead in the way of Jesus.
Hope, peace, joy and love in Jesus,
– Pastor Tyler Van Horn
THE STORY SERMON SERIES January 4 – “Solomon” Sermon Text: 1 Kings 9: 1-9 January 11 – “Kings” Sermon Text: 1 Kings 12: 1-11 January 18 – “Prophets” Sermon Text: 1 Kings 17-18 January 25 – “Fall of Israel” Sermon Text: 2 Kings 17: 1-18 One Service Today at 9:30a Annual Meeting at 10:45a 3
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Session Update During the November Session meeting, the recommendation was made by the Transition Team to not pursue bringing an interim pastor from outside our congregation, but rather to name Pastor Cindy as Interim Head of Staff during this transitional period and for Pastors Cindy and Tyler to define and share the roles and responsibilities of church leadership. It was recognized by Session that the Congregation would need to vote to change Pastor Cindy’s terms of call from that of Associate Pastor to Head of Staff. During the anticipated one year interim period a 90 day, six month and twelve month review of this plan would be conducted by the Transition Team working alongside Pastor Cindy and Pastor Tyler. Review of the roles and responsibilities, pulpit time and the ability of this interim plan to fulfill the call of God upon Grace of Christ and the ongoing leadership development of Pastor Cindy and Pastor Tyler would be assessed. Ongoing consultation with the Reverend Al Sandalow, of the Presbytery’s Ministry Partnership Team, has occurred and is an ongoing process. Reverend Sandalow has strongly encouraged a Church Mission Study be
completed during this interim period with the goals of:
1. Assessing Present Church Status 2. Assessing Status of the Community 3. Obtaining Member Input
The Transition Team agrees upon the importance of a Mission Study but thinks this might best be administered in approximately 6-12 months to better assess how our interim leadership is addressing church needs and expectations. During a congregational meeting held on December 7, 2014, the recommendations of the Transition Team were shared with the congregation. Unfortunately, during that meeting an error was made by the Transition Team, in that two motions were offered for congregational vote, but there had been no notification to the congregation prior to that Sunday regarding the intention to call for a vote. Consequently, the motions will be presented again during the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25 with a letter of notification and information, sent to each church member that allows an informed response by the congregation.
NTERIM PASTORAL RESPONSIB I F O N ILITI ISIO ES V I D Pastor Cindy Carter NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
Pastor Tyler VanHorn
• Moderate Session and work w/ Session Leadership NEW RESPONSIBILITIES • Team/Elder Training/Retreat • Discipling/Teaching/assist Training Elders • Preach Approximately 35% • Preach Approximately 50% • Secondary Worship Planning • Primary Worship Planning • Oversight of Tyler SHARED • Develop Preaching Schedule with Cindy’s Input • Oversight of Worship Leaders RESPONSIBILITIES • Service Ministry Team • Lead Staff Meetings • Influencing the Culture of the • Strategic • Strategic Planning, Vision and 3DM - Primary Panning, Vision and 3DM - Secondary Congregation • Mentor Assistant Pastor • Personnel Team Member • Equipping /Discipling Staff • Presbytery Responsibilities CURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES • Community Presence • Ghormley • Pastoral Care/ Funerals • Weddings /Funerals • Support Staff Oversight CURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES • Discipling • Business Ministry Team Stewardship • Discipling Ministry Team • Pastoral Counseling • Personnel Team • Development /Strategy of 3DM Model • Administer Sacraments • Deacons • Program Staff Oversight (Children, Youth, • Continuing Education • Senior Adult Ministry Family & Connecting Ministries) • Carenet • Help with New Covenant Partner Class • New Covenant Partner Class • Assist with Pastoral Care and Funerals • Co-Teaching Sun AM Class, Occasional Bible • Occasional Teaching of Golden Circle, Study, and Golden Circle Youth SS Class, and Bible Study • Presbytery Responsibilities • Foundation • Fellowship Ministry Team 4
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Senior Ministry DON’T WANT TO BE A VICTIM? Kaffee Klatsch is sponsoring TWO presentations to help you avoid being victimized. The first is an afternoon session and will follow the traditional Kaffee Klatsch pattern. At this session you will gain tips on how to protect your home. The second will deal with technological safety tips. Officer Amy Hayes of the Yakima Police Department will be with us for our Kaffee Klatsch program on Thursday, January 22, at 2:00 pm in the Garden Room. We frequently learn of scams, break-ins, thefts, and other distressing incidents. Along with this worrisome information, it’s frustrating to know that some of these situations might have been avoided, had the victim been better informed. Matthew 10:16 (NIV) says, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” While one doesn’t want to be paranoid about safety issues, one also doesn’t want to be gullible. Officer Hayes will provide helpful advice on ways to minimize the possibilities of being a victim. Near the end of the presentation, you will also be able to ask ‘what if’ sorts of questions. We also frequently hear about credit card and phone scams. Officer Hayes will have some new ideas to share with you related to those issues as well. Meanwhile, what are you consciously doing to protect yourself against those kinds of thefts? Unfortunately some of you might have already been a victim of these
sorts of crimes. If that’s the case, you may also have some helpful suggestions for the group. We’d welcome your informal input, too. As always, for refreshment planning purposes, we appreciate your name on the sign-up sheet at the Connection Center. The planning team is looking forward to the first session of Kaffee Klatsch in 2015 and hoping you’ll be able to join us. As His sheep, let’s do our best to avoid any potential encounters with wolves. The second session is an evening presentation also on January 22 from 5:30-7:30p in the David Ferry Lounge. Special guest speaker Mr. Curt Rosenkranz, will present tips and tricks on how to surf the web without compromising your safety. The internet connects the world in only a few keystrokes. Learn how to travel the internet world and avoid scams. He’ll share how to avoid the dark alleys of the internet. There will also be a time of questions and answers, and a special training on how you can remember your passwords. You are invited to bring your own brown bag supper. We’ll have a cup of hot coffee ready for you. Come for as much or as little of the session as suits your purposes. Curt doesn’t mind if you arrive late or need to leave early. We truly hope that both of these sessions will give you helpful information.
– Carolyn Mason
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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Children’s Ministry — Susie Woodin
GRACE IS ALIVE IN KIDZONE
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
“MORE IS CAUGHT THAN TAUGHT.”
Not only was grace given on a daily basis in KidZone, there was a lot of grace received this holiday season. We would like to thank our church family for joining the children in providing 252 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child for children in third world countries, and 100 angel tree gifts to the Salvation Army that were distributed to local children. Your gifts shared the message of love, joy, peace, and hope that every child should experience in their lives. The generosity of this church grows every Christmas, and I want to thank you for your continued support of these beautiful projects. I pray that you were blessed by the grace you shared, and that this New Year brings you much love and happiness that can only come from sharing the love of Jesus Christ…which is exactly what you have done! God bless you Grace of Christ family, & Happy New Year!
– Susie Woodin and the Children’s Ministries staff, board, and volunteers
We may hear that often and think immediately about the children who observe us. But pause for a moment to remember: what did you “catch”? What still echoes in your heart from childhood? Each of us absorbed enormously powerful attitudes and patterns as children. As we watched adults respond to life, we were shaped unconsciously, sometimes before we could speak. It’s the way we all learned what life was about. Who was your favorite teacher as a child? Can you remember the persons’ name? What’s more, can you recall anything that teacher said? We seldom remember the exact words of any teacher. As teachers, we may be amazed and perhaps a little disturbed when we realize that! So what made that teacher unforgettable? See if you can list some of the reasons. It probably wasn’t lesson content - it was what you “caught” from that person. Was that teacher an adult who believed in you? One who saw and said that you were able, worthy of love and encouragement? Who was excited about the way they were teaching, and let you know it was safe to be excited and happy, too? We are blessed in KidZone to have unforgettable teachers that depend on God to guide them as they influence and lead the children of our church. They count on God to give them the power to love each child in their class and see each one as a real person, the way God sees them. It’s the love that the kids “catch” from our leaders that plant the truth about God deep into the hearts of our children. Thank you KidZone leaders for your unforgettable love!
– Susie Woodin 6
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Preschool — Rhonda Cardona
HAPPY NEW YEAR December was so full of fun and blessings. We celebrated Christmas through the eyes and excitement of children with our annual Christmas program. Over 350 family and friends attended our Christmas programs. We also had so much fun visiting the “North Pole” for our Santa Breakfast. Over 120 people attended this fun event which included a delicious breakfast, advent wreath making, the movie – “Polar Express,” and visiting with not only Santa, but also our Christmas Angel, Buddy the Elf and Jovie, the Elf on the Shelf and Santa’s elves. We have so many people to be thankful for in making this event a success! Thank you Kari Gravrock for your professional pictures! Thank you Elaine Brennecke for accompanying our children at our Christmas Program too! Thank you everyone for your support and prayers!
– Rhonda Cardona
BAGS OF HOPE January and February are tough months for local food banks and challenging times for many people in our valley. We, at Grace of Christ, want to bless our neighbors at Love, INC by collecting food for their pantry. Please pick up a bright green bag, fill it (shopping list included in bag) and return it Sun, Jan 25. Thank you for being a BIG part of loving and serving our neighbors!
• • • •
Jan 11 & 18 – Bags of Hope handed out during church Shopping lists with specific needs are in each bag Jan 25 – Bags of Hope collected at church No Expired Items Please!
257 Bags of Hope Were Collected Last Fall! 7
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Women’s Ministry WOMEN’S SPRING EVENT WOMEN’S SPRING EVENT: MARCH 20 & 21
Grace of Christ Welcomes
guest speaker WENDY BACKLUND and music by AVORY
WHEN: FRI, March 20 @ 6:00 pm WHERE: Grace of Christ Presbyterian WHO: Open to Everyone
Wendy Backlund Wendy shares a powerful message about our beliefs and being transformed by the renewing of our mind towards Christ Jesus. Her life verse of Isaiah 61 to set the captives free, not just in the physical sense but setting people free from beliefs that hold them in bondage.
DAY 1
ABOUT AVORY: The band AVORY is comprised of three siblings from Yakima who use music to introduce people to Jesus, guide them to a road of discipleship in their local churches, and challenge those who already follow Jesus to live a bold life of faith. It’s not just about music for them. It’s not even just about worship. There is more than that. It’s about Igniting Lasting God-Experiences. They want to be radical for Jesus. Friday night concert is free. We will take a love offering that night for the band. Register at the Connection Center on Sundays or in the church office.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Shan Trick Call: (509) 248-7940 Email: shan@yakimagrace.com
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WHEN: FRI, March 20 @ 7:00 pm
(after AVORY Plays) WHERE: Grace of Christ Presbyterian (Men & Women) WHO: Everyone Open to Everyone
Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good and pleasing and perfect will.”
DAY 2
WHEN: SAT, March 21 @ 8:45 AM WHERE: Grace of Christ Presbyterian WHO: Women’s Workshop Event Opens Jan 15! HOW: Registration Register Today!
ABOUT WENDY BACKLUND: Wendy Backlund and her husband, Steve Backlund, pastored churches for seventeen years in California and Nevada. Wendy and Steve co-authored, Igniting Faith in 40 Days. They reside in Redding, California, where Steve is on staff and Wendy oversees the “Spiritual Intelligence” small group of third year Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BMMS) students. The two of them travel together and speak to churches to bring encouragement to the Body of Christ and restore joy and hope how everywhere they go. They have three children and five grandchildren.
GGrraaccee ooff CChhrriisstt PPrreessbbyytteerriiaann CChhuurrcchh
Women’s Ministry SATURDAY’S EVENT TOPICS: (MARCH 21ST)
NEW WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
IDENTITY Come learn your true identity in Jesus. Who does Jesus say we are? Exchange His thoughts for our thoughts. What is the difference between what we do and who we are?
ME, MYSELF AND LIES: A THOUGHT CLOSET MAKEOVER
BELIEF Learn how to recognize when God is speaking to us. Replace any lies we have believed with the truth about who God says He is and about who God says we are in accordance with the Bible. Jesus has promised the truth will set us free, so come and experience the liberty of renewing your mind in a belief system based in God’s truth!
6 - 8 PM WHERE: Lounge WHO: Women’s Event HOW: Register Today!
DECLARATIONS Learn about the power of spoken declarations and why they are foundational to building your faith.
REGISTRATION: Register for Saturday’s Workshop
with Wendy Backlund, by FEBRUARY 15TH and receive the EARLY BIRD PRICE OF $30. Registration after February 15th is $40.
WHEN: Wednesdays (Begins JAN 14)
Please join us for a thought closet makeover using Jennifer Rothschild’s book ME, MYSELF AND LIES. This six-week Bible study encourages us to clean out the junk in our thoughts and replace these hidden negative thoughts and failures with positive truths from God’s word. Rather than struggling with selfesteem, body image, stress and other unhealthy thoughts and emotions learn to replace the lies you may have been telling yourself with the truth from God’s word. Facilitated by Loxi Engebretson and Cindy McMinn. Cost for materials, $15.
SPRING EVENT SCHEDULE Friday, March 20 - Everyone Welcome! 6:00 Concert and Worship Band with Avory 7:00 Wendy Backlund: Engaging Families and Introduction for Women’s Event 8:00 Dessert Social Saturday, March 21 - (Women only) 8:15 8:45 9:00 9:30 10:45 Noon 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:15 5:00
Registration Welcome Worship with AVORY Wendy - IDENTITY Workshop Application Lunch Wendy - BELIEFS Workshop Application Wendy - DECLARATION Workshop Application Closing
Week 1 - What’s in Your Thought Closet? Week 2 - Filling Your Thought Closet with Truth Week 3 - A Wise Thought Closet Week 4 - Guarding the Door of Your Thought Closet Week 5 - God in the Center of Your Thought Closet Week 6 - A Hope-Filled Thought Closet
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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Devotion FAITHFUL VISION Then the LORD said to me, “Write My answer in large, clear letters on a tablet, so that a runner can read it and tell everyone else. But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” “Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked; but the righteous will live by their faith.” – Habakkuk 2:2-4 A vision is a mental picture given to us by our God. It is a way of discerning or seeing His purpose for our lives. It is often very different from our present reality and speaks deeply to our spirits. Mankind is driven to fulfill our ambition, a particular goal that we hope to do or achieve. Vision is different. Vision is greater than ambition. The pursuit of a vision becomes the pursuit of what God has uniquely created us to become. How do we receive vision? Vision is birthed in prayer. As we spend time in the presence of God He will speak into our lives through His word, His voice, the insight of other believers, or through visions; pictures of possibilities and future realities. “Peter went out on the balcony to pray. It was about noon. Peter got hungry and started thinking about lunch. While lunch was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the skies open up. Something that looked like a huge blanket lowered by ropes at its four corners settled on the ground. Every kind of animal and reptile and bird you could think of was on it. Then a voice came: “Go to it, Peter kill and eat.” Peter said, “Oh, no, Lord. I’ve never so much as tasted food that was not kosher.” The voice came a second time: “If God says it’s okay, it’s okay.” This happened three times, and then the blanket was pulled back up into the skies.” – Acts 10:9-16 Habakkuk was instructed by the LORD to write his vision down. If a vision is not written down it is easily forgotten. Writing on paper the vision God has given
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you begins to move it from possibility to reality. God modeled this, writing in Scripture His vision for His creation. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.” – 2 Timothy 3:16 Habakkuk was also instructed to wait patiently and with confidence. A vision from God becomes reality as we faithfully pursue it. We pray earnestly, we express hopeful expectation and we take action to attempt great things on behalf of our Lord. “But if we look forward to something we don’t have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently. And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” – Romans 8:25-28 Vision is always consistent with the word of God and should never be given greater authority than Scripture. Vision will always bring blessing. “The steps of the godly are directed by the LORD. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” – Psalm 37:23-24 What is your vision for yourself, your family, your church? Don’t settle for ambition, but rather faithfully pursue God’s vision; pursue what He has uniquely created you to become. God will provide a great vision that only He can accomplish in and through you . . . and in that He will be glorified.
– Janet Krieger
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Ghormley Service Ministry Meadow Christian Camp with the generosity of our supporters out there that we can get to work on the rest of the improvements listed.
MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TO BE AN ACTIVE PART OF CAMP GHORMLEY Thank you for supporting Ghormley Meadow Christian Camp in 2014. We are so blessed to serve our Lord alongside Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church. Here are some great ways to partner with Camp Ghormley in 2015:
ADOPT A CABIN There are several cabins needing tender loving care. Hands-on work and/or donations towards the upkeep of specific cabins are always welcome. Contact Joe Buckley if you can help. This month, we are spotlighting:
Here are some of the needs at Ponderosa Lodge: • Door Jamb Framing on Back Glass doors • Repair Broken Windows and Remove Unneeded Hardware • Deck Benches Repainted • Weather/Critter Proof Main Room • Clean Ceiling Cobwebs • Clean and Deodorize Furnace Room • Paint Rooms and Hallways • Dowels for Windows • Cloth Curtains in Bathroom Dressing Area • New Shower Curtains • Replace Chipped Mirror • Roof Repair
PRAYER • Pray that Camp Ghormley will be financially successful in 2015. • Pray that relationships would be built, lives changed and every person who comes to Ghormley Meadow will meet Jesus.
Ponderosa Lodge
OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Thanks to a generous donation by one of our members who wanted to participate in the Adopt-A-Cabin project, we have begun to gather funds to fix up Ponderosa Lodge. Ponderosa, being a large lodge which is useful for large gatherings of people, has more TLC needs than most of the other cabins. Therefore, we are encouraging two or three groups to join together in this most important refurbishing effort, and we are looking for ways of providing funds for supplies and materials. The donation spoken of above will be used to build a much-needed concrete entry to the lodge, making it much easier for visitors. It will replace an aged wooden walkway that has seen better days. Work will start on this in the spring, and we are hoping that
Contact Joe Buckley, 961-0424 or email jcbuckley2@ fairpoint.net • Ghormley Work Days are scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of each month at camp to provide maintenance of facilities and grounds. • Adopt-A-Cabin / Adopt-A-Flower Bed • Host Guest Groups • Help with activities and events that will be part of the Year of Ghormley.
FINANCIALLY support Camp Ghormley through operating funds, camp scholarships, and memorials.
SUMMER STAFF WANTED It’s that time of year again! Camp Ghormley is now looking for young men and women who want to serve God this coming summer through the ministry of Christian Camping. Those 18 and older can apply through www.ghormleymeadow.org, to be considered for a summer position. See the camp’s website for more information on available positions. 11
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Cristo Vive Fellowship — Pastor Gustavo Carvajal
LA ROSCA DE REYES WHEN: SUN, JAN 4 @ 10:45 AM WHERE: Gym WHO: Open to Everyone In Mexico and in other Hispanic countries the Kings (Wise Men) are said to have arrived with presents on January 6, after the birth of the King. So, if you want to celebrate this tradition with us, come to the gym on Sunday, January 4 at 10:45. We will meet there and have breakfast featuring a Rosca de Reyes, which is a giant donut shaped pastry. This kicks off the year with expectation of a time of fellowship and sharing together. If you really want to make it special, invite a Spanish speaking family you know, tell them about the Rosca de Reyes, and come with them to the Chapel to our Bible study at 9:30a and then we will go together and eat the Giant Donut!
– Pastor Gustavo Carvajal
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, among men in whom He is well pleased.” – Luke 2:14 There was a great fellowship among the 100+ people that were eating and worshiping God during the Cristo Vive fundraising dinner that took place on Sunday, December 7. Hearing the trumpets of Rodney’s little students was a delight to our brothers and sisters. Also, it was a great opportunity to hear what Cristo Vive is doing outside our doors that brings God’s Love and impacts our community. Perhaps the most notable moment of the night was when Gustavo invited those present to hold hands, form a large circle around the gym and sing “Silent Night” in English and Spanish. A comment was heard: “This was like a spiritual experience, sort of what heaven feels like.” On behalf of Cristo Vive, we extend our gratitude to everyone who supported and participated in the big event. Happy and Prosperous New Year 2015. – Adrian Rule
Missions FROM MORMONISM TO SATANISM TO THE LIGHT Recently a student named Rebecca approached our Campus Crusade for Christ information table at Treasure Valley Community College, where some students are leading CRU. Billy (on our staff team) learned that Rebecca grew up LDS, and that her family had left her years ago. She described being bullied a lot in school, her time in the Mormon faith, and that recently she had been having demonic dreams. Billy asked Rebecca if she was involved in anything else spiritually after leaving Mormonism. Rebecca avoided answering at first, but later admitted that her boyfriend had gotten her into Satanism. She said lately she had wanted to get back into a relationship with God, but heard a voice telling her “You’re not ready,” which she believes was probably demons. Billy asked Rebecca if he could share some things with her and she responded very positively as he shared the Gospel. She said it made sense and that she believed it. Rebecca wasn’t quite ready to place her faith in Jesus. Billy asked her if he could pray for her, and she said yes. He prayed that God would make everything about what they had just talked about clear, and that He would draw her to Himself. Then Billy prayed for freedom from any spiritual attack and commanded, in Jesus’ name, that any evil spirits leave her and asked for God’s protection over her. Billy had explained 12
to Rebecca that she would need to commit her life to Jesus to truly be free. When Billy said “Amen” Rebecca opened her eyes and immediately sat back with her eyes open wide - with a sort of shocked expression on her face. She said, “It’s lighter now...” Billy thought, “Well sure, you had your eyes closed and now they’re open and the sun is bright...” But Rebecca continued, “I feel lighter too... like the heaviness isn’t there anymore! I’ve been in the darkness for so long... but now it’s gone.” Billy asked, “So what do you think that says about what we just talked about?” “That I should follow Jesus for the rest of my life,” she said. “Wow!” Billy thought and encouraged her by saying, “You know, its one thing for me to pray for you; I think it’s even more powerful for you to pray to God yourself. Would you like to do that now?” Rebecca said, “yes,” and prayed a very sincere prayer, ending with “And Jesus, please help me follow you the rest of my life until I see you in Heaven. Amen!”
– Emily Carter, Campus Crusade for Christ Intl.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Student Ministries — Jeff Murray
Youth Ministry Changes Lives Hey friends! I don’t always do a very good job of promoting the fact that youth ministry changes lives. The fact is that one of the greatest needs that students have is simply to belong. Belonging to a community and having the love of a mother and father are the primary ways that young people learn about and experience God’s love. Below, Sarah’s article is a reminder that Jesus is doing amazing things in people through this church. I can’t tell you what an honor it is to know Sarah. My eyes got a bit watery reading her testimony as I remembered watching her grow up in this church and how much she reminds me of Jesus. Know that whoever you are, making young people feel welcome here is one of the most important things you can do at church.
– Jeff Murray
Proverbs 26 In Proverbs 26:12 it says, “Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” Years ago I felt that, looking at my heart, an easy conclusion would have been that there was no hope for me. On the outside, however, I’m sure I looked like a model child. I was always told that I was mature for my age and that I was ‘the easy child’. As a fool, I let the praise go to my head and became conceited. At a certain point, I decided I could do the Christian life by myself and I stopped going to Sunday school; a place that my family deemed mandatory. I never felt welcome, and I thought it was pointless to attend. In order to bridge the gap between my perfect image and reality, I lied. I can remember with clarity the first time I fibbed blatantly to my mother –something I never did –and it was to avoid going to Sunday School. As it were, things built up and I was soon an adolescent mess with crippling insecurity and a large helping of repressed anger. During this time when I felt lowest,
was when I heard God calling me to go back to the place I was avoiding, and to go even a little further. I had no idea how hungry I was for relationships with people my own age. Though I had desire, it was not easy integrating myself into a community. More often than not, I was too afraid to look people in the eyes, much less speak to them. But slowly and painfully, through God’s goodness, being a part of the amazing youth community brought me to a place where I could commit myself to Jesus, to a place where I could begin a journey to wholeness. But this narrow road is tough and full of hardships. It’s full of highs and lows and lots of in-betweens. There are times when I feel alone, times when I feel love and community, and times when I wait. As each second passes by, in love or sadness, I know that I am being refined. I am not who I was, because Christ has made me new and I am fortunate enough to say that I was able to play a part in maintaining a God-centered community where youths like me can be safe and ask questions. So, regardless of where I am, no matter what I do or feel, I know that God has hope for me. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Sarah Laurvick 13
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church 9 South 8th Ave Yakima, WA 98902 (509) 248-7940
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
September Calendar of Events Sun, December 28 Two Worship Services Today 9:30 am & 11:00 am Sanctuary Everyone No Kidzone or Youth Sun School Today Everyone Mon, December 29 No Divorce Care Tonight Meeting Offsite December 30 - 31 Church Closes at 5:00 pm (Office closes at 1:00 pm)
Thu, January 1
Fri, January 2
Sun, January 4
Happy New Year / Church Closed Undecorate Church from Christmas
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Garden Room
Prayer Sun / The Story Resumes
All Morning
Sanctuary/Prayer Rm Everyone
Mon, January 5 Living Waters Committee Meeting Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
Everyone
5:30 pm 6:00 pm
Room 220 Lounge
Committee Committee
Tue, January 6 All Staff Birthday Lunch Worship Ministry Team Meeting
12:00 pm 6:15 pm
Parlor Room 220
All Staff Committee
12:00 pm
Adult Ed Rm
Men
Thu, January 8 Senior Adult Ministries Meeting Sacred Messengers Meeting
Tue, January 7
1:30 pm 7:00 pm
Adult Ed Rm Library
Committee Committee
9:30 am
Gym
Moms
9:00 am - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm
Camp Ghormley Garden Room
Everyone Knitters
Fri, January 9
Men’s Noon Bible Study Resumes
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
Sat, January 10 Ghormley Work Day Prayer Shawl Ministry
Sun, January 11
Chat with the Elders
10:35 am / 12:10 pm
Adult Ed Rm
Everyone
Gym Room 218 Adult Ed Rm
Everyone Committee Committee
Tue, January 13 Living A Spirit Led Life Kicks Off Discipleship Ministry Team Meeting Service Ministry Team Meeting
9:00 am 6:00 pm 6:00 pm
Wed, January 14 Business Ministry Team Meeting Mid Hi Youth / Trampoline Park Women’s Bible Study Starts (“Me, Myself & Lies”)
4:00 pm Library 6:00 pm 6:00 pm Lounge (for 6 wks)
Committee 6th - 8th Grade Women
Thu, January 15
Ghormley Commission Meeting
6:30 pm
Library
Committee
Fri, January 16
MOPS Leadership Meeting
9:00 am
Lounge
Committee
Sat, January 17
Walk For Life / Starting Point at GCPC
1:00 pm
Garden Room
Everyone
Sun, January 18
Baptism Sunday
9:30 am
Sanctuary
Mon, January 19
Church Closed / Martin Luther King, Jr Day 6:00 pm 6:00 pm
Chapel Garden Room
Everyone Elders/Program Staff
Tue, January 20
SOAR Gathering Session Dinner & Meeting
Edith Ferry Circle
12:00 pm
Parlor
Women
Thu, January 22 Kaffee Klatsch Part 1 (Protect Your Home) Kaffee Klatsch Part 2 (Protect Your Computer)
Wed, January 21
2:00 pm 5:30 pm
Garden Room Lounge
Everyone Everyone
Fri, January 23
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
9:30 am
Gym
Moms
Sat, January 24
Prayer Shawl Ministry
1:00 pm
Garden Room
Knitters
Sun, January 25
ONE Service! / Annual Meeting to Follow Financial Peace University
9:30 am 5:00 pm
Sanctuary Sanctuary
Everyone Everyone
Class Kick Off (9 wks)
Mon, January 26
Blood Drive
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Garden Room
Everyone
Wed, January 28
Mary MacLean Guild
12:00 pm
Fri, January 30
Sun, February 1
14
MOPS Creative Moments Communion Sunday
Parlor
Women
9:30 am
Room 217
Moms
All Morning
Sanctuary
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 Monday
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Overeaters Anonymous Trailseekers Al-Anon Divorce Care
Tuesday
Bible Study “Living a Spirit Led Life” Women in the Word Bible Study
Wednesday
Adult Ed Adult Ed Gym Adult Ed Room 203
Everyone Everyone
9:15 am 9:45 am
Gym Parlor
Everyone Women
Women of Action (2nd & 4th Weds) Men’s Noon Bible Study Contemporary Worship Rehearsal Youth Group - Mid High & Senior High Cristo Vive Bible Study Cristo Vive Music Rehearsal
9:30 am 12:00 / noon 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Chapel Adult Ed Sanctuary Youth & Mid High Rms Adult Ed Chapel
Women Men
Thursday
Bible Study Fellowship Temple Choir Cristo Vive Music Rehearsal SOZO Prayer
9:00 7:00 5:30 5:45
SOZO Prayer
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Friday
10:00 am 12:00 / noon 2:30 pm 5:15 pm 5:30 pm
am pm pm - 7:00 pm pm - 9:15 pm
Everyone Everyone
6th-12th Grade Everyone Everyone
Sanctuary Women Choir Rm Chapel Cristo Vive Lounge, Prayer Rm SOZO Team Chapel, Prayer Rm
SOZO Team
Sanctuary Sanctuary Chapel Adult Ed Lounge Gym Mid High & Youth Rms 2nd Floor
Everyone Everyone Everyone Adults Adults Adults 6th-12th Grade 3yrs-5th Grade
Sunday Services and Events Worship - Led by Contemporary Worship Team Worship - Led by Temple Choir & Organ Worship - Cristo Vive (Spanish) Going Deeper: The Parables Golden Circle The Story (Resumes January 4) Youth Sunday School KidZone
8:00 am & 9:30 am 11:00 am 12:15 pm 9:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am 9:30 am
Announcements Church Hours The church will be closed on New Year Eve’s Day. The office will close at 1:00p on Fri, Jan 2. The church will close at 5:00p. The church will be closed on Mon, Jan 19 for the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Infant Baptisms There is an upcoming Baby Celebration on Sunday, January 18. Parents desiring baptism or dedication of their child need to call Diane, 248-7940 by Mon, Jan 12.
Cookies & Cans Thank you for bringing cookies for our fellowship time on Sunday mornings and for bringing non-perishable food for the foodbank. (We donate to Calvary Rescue mission.) The date below is when your family can help this month.
January 4: G- M January 11: N - S January 18: T - Z January 25: A - F
Living A Spirit Led Life Men & Women’s Bible Study Teaching by Kathy Bricel and Kathy Myers
Oh, For Heaven’s Sake! Has anyone ever said to you, “Oh, for heaven’s sake…don’t worry, grow up, or pay attention”? Although “for heaven’s sake” is often used as a figure of speech, it holds a lot of truth. Join us as we search the scriptures and what it looks like to follow Jesus, letting our lives make a difference for Heaven’s sake. Tuesdays beginning January 13th in Yakima Grace Gym: 9:00 am - Coffee and conversation, 9:15 am - 11:30 am - Teaching and discussion. Childcare is available (Call Monnie at 248-7940 ext. 105 at least 48 hours in advance.) Questions? Call Nancy Gustafson (966-9611) 15
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church GRACE OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9 S 8TH AVENUE YAKIMA, WA 98902
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59
CLASS BEGINS JANUARY 25TH! “Live like no one else so later you can live and give like no one else.” Have you heard this statement “Live like no one else so later you can live and give like no one else.” Dave Ramsey coined that statement and so many people can say that is their testimony today. This life-changing class has impacted millions and it can impact you, too. It changed our life and now we’re excited to bring Dave Ramsey to you via DVD on Sundays at 5:00 PM, beginning January 25th, right here at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church. Bring your kids as they will be learning about money too, Dave Ramsey style. Childcare will also be available for the little ones – three months to five years old. This is a nine week class open to everyone young and older, single, married or widowed. The 1 ½ hour class will consist of 55 minute DVD lesson with Dave, followed by small group time. Don’t let the thought of being in a financial class and small group time scare you. I promise, there will be no sharing personal financial information. 16
- Dave Ramsey
The purpose of small groups is to encourage each other as we go through this process together. There are questions in our study guide to talk through and help each other through our hopes, dreams and fears. It really is fun, I promise! The cost of the class is $93 which includes your membership kit. Before class, you will only need to purchase one membership kit per family unit. You can purchase your membership kit and register for class online at www.daveramsey.com/findaclass. You will be challenged and motivated to make a plan for your money and change your family tree forever. For more information about the class contact Shan Trick at 248-7940 ext. 142 shan@yakimagrace.com