Pastor — Curt McFarland, Pastor
The Birth of Jesus Christ
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him …”
– Matthew 1:18-24
The story of what took place that first Christmas is well known: the shepherds, angels, visitors from the east, a star, the overcrowded inn, evil Herod, surprised but obedient Mary, the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and Mary’s betrothed, Joseph.
Joseph doesn’t get much more attention than the shepherds. But his role in the unfolding miracle is spectacular. We’re given few details about his life. He was from the small northern village of Nazareth (Luke’s gospel, “Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth”). He was a
carpenter by trade (referenced twice - once in Matthew and once in Mark, they asked, “Is not this the carpenter's son”). Joseph is mentioned sparingly. He does not appear often in the New Testament. And yet he was chosen by God for such a beautiful and powerful part in the greatest of all stories.
Joseph took on the shame of Mary’s “out of marriage” pregnancy. Joseph dreamed dreams, and obeyed what he believed was the voice of God. He protected his betrothed and the son growing in her womb. Joseph remained faithful, did not run out on Mary or Jesus, and raised this Son of God. Joseph moved them from Bethlehem to Egypt and then back to Nazareth, all in response to God speaking to him in dreams …
“… as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream …”
I like Joseph. His humble, non-attention-grabbing role as husband, parent, provider. He also was a child of God, a follower of God, a servant of God. He challenges me. The spotlight is on Mary, then Jesus, rarely Joseph. Mary was blessed. And Joseph was too. And because of them we are blessed.
How is God calling us, quietly, humbly, in non-attention -grabbing ways, to serve our families, our friends our community, our church?
May we experience, again or for the first time, the blessing, and the calling, of God, this Christmas, Curt
After nearly 38 years, Dan Barela is retiring from Grace of Christ. If you asked the staff or church family who their favorite staff person is at Grace, Dan would be at the top of the list. He is known for his sense of humor, his willingness to go above and beyond when assisting people and groups who meet at the church, and for his long-running ability to sneak up behind people and startle them with a simple “Hey!” None of us want him to leave, some of us are in denial, but we can all wholeheartedly agree he has earned this glorious gift of retirement. Well done, Dan!
A few friends from over the years wanted to share their congratulations for Dan. Enjoy the comments and stories below. (There were too many to fit in this space. Everyone’s words of admiration will be given to Dan so that he can read them as he sits by the fire this winter, watching the snow fall, thinking to himself, “Thanks be to God I don’t have to shovel!”)
Dan has always been a “user-friendly” guy. I appreciated his insights and suggestions he shared when assisting with various functions! Enjoy your retirement! ~ Linda Sorenson
Dan wore many hats. I appreciate his attention to details. When I was working with TrailSeekers, he'd always stop by to see if the room's set-ups were correct. Thanks, Dan for being you and always going the extra mile. Happy Retirement! ~ John & Sue Stolzenbach
Dan has always been ready to help, welcoming, and friendly. His warmth and good humor have made such a difference in so many situations. ~ Peggy Schaffer
Dan was so welcoming when I first started working here at Grace. He would always check on me and ask how I was doing, and if I needed anything. It has been a real honor to work and serve alongside him. ~ Aaron Brown
We always considered Dan as “one of the girls” which I believe he saw as an honor. Whenever we had our after-work or holiday gatherings, Dan was part of the group. Not only was he wonderful to work with, but he is considered a dear friend. I’m happy about your retirement! ~ Susie Woodin
What do you say about a man who has given so selflessly of himself... From cleaning some of the nastiest things around, to being a listening ear when the pains of life hit. A man who I've always known to ask, "How can I help?” On to new adventures and many blessings my friend. Congratulations on your retirement! ~ Monnie Miller
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Dan on a personal level as we have worked together on the church grounds. We have been co-laborers for the church, and I have seen him up close. He has been consistently kind, helpful and genuine and a joy to work alongside. ~ Thank you, Dan. Duncan
Dan has a welcoming way about him. Whether you are a visitor, child, or friend, he is winsomely available. He can problem solve with the best of them. Thank you, Dan, for decades of service! ~ Don Stuber
The definition of a servant is Dan Barela. He is the most humble and kind human. His willingness to help each one of us is the best gift we could ever receive from the last 37 years of his career. Enjoy retirement! ~ Tammy Nunley
Dan Barela
Thanks, Dan, for always turning the fireplace on for our small group, sharing your fries with me, being gracious when I booked to many groups at once, and for always having a kind word or something funny to share. Let’s keep the taco lunch tradition! Congrats! ~ Ericka Clark
Dan will forever be known as "Dan the Man." My children gave Dan this nickname during my first year on staff. I will always remember arriving with my children to Church and them asking, "Is Dan the Man here?" Dan always checked in on me regardless of how busy he was, asking, "Anything you need Sarah?" And he always seemed to know when I needed a cup of coffee! Congratulations on your retirement! ~ Sarah Huck
Dan, your smile and welcoming heart were truly appreciated when planning, preparing and serving the Women’s Spring Luncheon and the Thanksgiving Meal for our neighbors at Mabel Swan. Thank you for your patience and dedication to our church family as we served our community. Happy retirement! ~ Joyce Sagare Those of us in the Tuesday morning Bible Study (WOW--Women of the Word), have appreciated Dan so very much. He has set up our classroom each week for decades, checking in to see if everything is okay. And his friendly greetings in the parking lot or in the hallway are delightful offerings of hospitality. Thank you, Dan, for your gracious, generous presence over the years. ~ Donna Oliva Dan…the pillar of the church. He was there when I was a preschool student and when I was a preschool teacher! We have so many good memories together- the 80s mullet, scaring me while decorating for VBS, Pepsi, flautas from the taco truck, but mostly his giving and graciousness in helping and serving. I always knew when I needed anything, I could ask Dan, and he was always willing. I’m mostly thankful for the friendship we have had almost the entirety of my life! The next Pepsi’s on me! ~ Jessica Van Horn
Amazed and grateful. Dan has been a solid, steady and devoted caretaker … not only of our beautiful and complicated facilities … but also of each of us: pastors, church members, staff, visitors. He has quietly, humbly, worked behind the scenes to make it possible for a generation of us to serve others and to experience the love of God ourselves. Thank you, Dan! ~ Curt and Kathaleen McFarland
Family & Children’s Ministry
— Sarah Huck Family & Children's Ministry Director
Greetings Grace Family,
As I write this article, I am sitting by my fireplace, enjoying its crackle and warmth. After a few minutes, I ask the Lord what is on His mind and hear Him ask, “Where are you, Sarah?”
“Right here Lord, by the fire,” is my first response. But in my spirit, I know this is not what He means. He wants to know where my heart is. I reply, “My heart is with you God.” And then, slowly I realize what He is doing. He is inviting me into a space where I can be honest. For my heart is broken and troubled. It feels weak and frail, out of rhythm with the way it is meant to work. I am sad and angry and feel a bit lost in the fog of my own thoughts. I think I have rented my heart out to panic and allowed fear to move in. Worry is setting down roots, and confusion is painting the walls of my brain.
I hear all the scriptures play through my mind like a rolodex. “For I know the thoughts I have for you, plans to prosper you and give you hope for a future,” (Jeremiah 29:11). “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for your rod and your staff are with me,” (Psalm 23). I can say the verses, but the words do not penetrate. It is only in His presence that my heart can be honest. Space and love are what He has given me this morning. Space to come close and love to feel secure.
Recently I came across something Brene Brown wrote—
“We can’t always ask our students to take off the armor at home, or even on their way to school, because their emotional and physical safety may require self-protection. But what we can do, and what we are ethically called to do, is to create a
space in our schools and classrooms where all our students can walk in and, for that day or hour, take off the crushing weight of their armor, hang it on a rack, and open their heart to truly being seen.
We must be guardians of a space that allows students to breathe and be curious and explore the world and be who they are without suffocation. They deserve one place where they can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale. And what I know from research is that we should never underestimate the benefit to a child of having a place to belong—even one where they can take off their armor. It can often and does change the trajectory of their life.”
As Christ followers, we know we don’t need to hide, protect, or pretend with Jesus. But sometimes we are unaware of what we are hiding from, what we are protecting, or where our hearts are. It is not until we step into our Father’s living room, sit with Him, and are honest, that we begin to understand and therefore start the healing process. We lead busy lives and don’t always make the time to check on our hearts. We go to church and Bible studies, and we pray. We are doers. But thankfully, our God is a relational God, a curious God who asks us questions to lead us into the truth about where we really are. Inside. And the best part is, He doesn’t leave us in that place. He is not the doctor you wait for an hour to see and then find he was called to some other emergency. No, He is there. He comes for us. He is never late or too busy. Your emergency is His opportunity. God settled my heart in that space of honesty by my fireplace. He received me as I was. He understood. He let me know I wasn’t too much or too needy or too messy. He didn’t sort it all out for me. And that was okay. I knew I was safe, and He would be with me through every difficult circumstance. Isn’t that what our kids need from us?
Isn’t that what we need every day from our Father?
This season, may we take time to sit with the Lord in silence. Let Him put His stethoscope to our hearts and ask us the questions we have been avoiding. Let us create space within our families, in our classrooms, and in our social groups where people can feel seen, safe, accepted, and loved.
Sit with the Lord and let Him ask, “Where is your heart?”
Celebrate Christmas
GRACE KIDS - IMPORTANT REHEARSAL SATURDAY | DECEMBER 7 | 10AM
Cubbies Class (Ages 3 - Kindergarten)
GRACE KIDS - BOTH SERVICES
SUNDAY | DECEMBER 8 | 9AM AND 11AM
(1st – 5th grade)
K2 (Kindergarten – 2nd grade)
Seekers
Celebrating Baptisms!
On Sunday, October 13 our church family celebrated the baptism of year and a half old Calvin M Wilcox with his parents Curtis and Lauren, and his grandparents. We praise God for this little one and his family. Their commitment to the Lord is evident along with our church family commitment to nurture this family in Christian fellowship.
Cheetahs, Cheerleaders and Tigers!
Farmer with all the goodies
Giant Cupcake Treats
Boo-ti-ful Beverage Volunteers
Calvin Michael Wilcox
Grace of Christ Preschool
— Becca Mailand yakimagrace.com/preschool
Hark the Glad Sound!
Christmas has come to preschool! We started singing in October and carry on well into January. It’s a season for giving thanks, for counting our blessings, and for singing!
Go Tell It on the Mountains...
We have finished another successful season of our Apple Pie Fundraiser. Thank you so much for buying a pie (or 2 or 3...) this year. All the money we raise goes to our scholarships and supply funds. We never turn away a student due to finances and YOUR generosity make this possible!
Registration for the next school year is coming up quickly, so go tell a friend or family member to take a tour and find out more about our school!
What Child Is This?
The life of a preschooler moves at lightning speed. One moment they’re playing blocks and the next moment they’re across the room into art supplies. One moment their shoes are too big and then you blink, and their toes are pinched. On the first day of school, a preschooler is shy and can hardly be understood, but by now they’re talking a mile-a-minute, and you can’t get a word in!
Some of this growth is inevitable. Kids grow up too fast, whether we’re ready or not. But at preschool we focus on the parts of life that don’t come naturally. Making friends, learning letters, using words to solve problems, and developing the talents and skills God has given us... all of these take time, patience, and careful planning. By the time our teachers hand students back to their parents at the end of the year, they are almost unrecognizable from where they started!
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town! Holiday Highlights:
• Thanksgiving Feasts kick off the season with a gathering of all our preschool families, friends, board members, and even some staff!
• Our Annual Gingerbread Man Hunt continues in style the first week of December. Even though we never can catch him, he always leaves a tasty treat!
• Christmas Spirit Week is a favorite and this year is no exception! Cozy PJ Day, Santa Hat Day, Holiday Socks Day... every day is filled with cheer!
• Our Christmas Program is on our final day before break this year. A blend of traditional Christmas tunes, goofy poems, Bible verses, and the story of Jesus’ birth – this program highlights the best parts of celebrating together!
• Cookies with Santa happens every year after our program. Cocoa, cookies, photos, and hugs fill the Garden Room on this day.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 | 11AM | SANCTUARY
We’d love to have you join us for our Preschool Christmas Program on Friday, December 20th at 11am. Enjoy Cookies, Coco & Photos with Santa after the program in the Garden Room! We Wish You a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Adam's Giving Tree
Who is my Neighbor?
“Who IS my neighbor?” or “Which of these WAS a neighbor?” (Luke 10:29 & 36) The Self-Centered mindset and The Kingdom mindset are constantly at war within us, aren’t they? No less so during the holiday season as our schedules get packed and our brains crowd with the many competing priorities of festivities. Perhaps with the added strength that comes by joining together as a family of faith we can redouble our efforts and hone our focus; and, together, keep Christ at the center of Christmas, and prove ourselves the “neighbor” that Jesus applauded in Luke 10.
Grace of Christ invites you to join our community in one of the biggest and most beautiful acts of neighborliness we put our hearts and hand to each year: The Giving Tree for Adams Elementary students!
Volunteers Needed...
Sign up today!
Dec 4... Gift Wrapping Party at 6PM
Dec 5... Giving Party at 5pm: Prep, Greet, Clean-Up
Christmas at Grace
SHOP FOR GIFTS
UNWRAPPED GIFTS DUE DECEMBER 1ST
This year, we aim to give 250 gifts to children at Adams Elementary! This happens when you bring in an unwrapped gift or donate to the cause. ($30 value each gift suggested.)
WRAP NIGHT
DECEMBER 4TH FROM 6:00PM – 8:00PM
This year, we will be wrapping 250 gifts… in two hours’ time! This happens when you sign up to volunteer at wrap night!
TAKE GIFTS TO ADAMS
DECEMBER 5TH – EARLY AFTERNOON
This year, we will be transporting 250 gifts from Grace to Adams! For this, we need volunteers with trailers, trucks or vans to help us on December 5th in the early afternoon.
ADAMS GIVING TREE PARTY
DECEMBER 5TH – 5PM
This year, we will be distributing gifts to families and children at the Adams campus, and we need volunteers who will be greeters, welcomers, minglers, or carolers to make it a merry occasion!
We will be serving a scrumptious baked potato and nacho bar to the families who come to receive gifts. This happens when you sign up to volunteer as a helper for the prep and serving at the event.
And undoubtedly, we will have a myriad of jobs and chores that come up for which we didn’t plan and for this we need a list of volunteers who are willing to jump in whenever and wherever!
We do our best work when we work together! Let’s BE big way this Christmas!
Hospitality
— Linda Mathews
This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. – 1 John 3:1
Hello everyone and welcome to Winter at Grace of Christ. So much has already been happening through the fall. While unable to attend Trunk or Treat, I have heard wonderful things about its success. I love that we can volunteer to help with activities of Ministries other than the ones we are involved with. Next year, count me in. That’s not all, there was Dutch Apple Pie to look forward to, the Thanksgiving potluck dinner and decorating for Christmas to name a few. All these activities require many hands-on board. Please pray for where the Lord wants you. Is it rewarding? Absolutely. We gain friendships, enjoy fellowship and are behaving in ways that are pleasing to God.
“Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s son, will be with us in truth and love.” – 2 John 1:3
GREETERS
our conversation as “the best people,” “wonderful people” and “good group to work with.”
This Advent season we would like to encourage you to reach out and greet our guests and fellow members. We desire to be a welcoming body of believers who love Jesus and the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth at Christmas. Each member of Grace of Christ can be a welcoming and friendly face to a guest. Introduce yourself to someone you haven’t met. Discuss their interests, activities, family and/or occupation. Make connections and introduce them to others.
Our Hospitality teams of Greeters, Ushers, Welcome Center and Refreshment volunteers serve our Grace of Christ community every Sunday and at other events throughout the year. We welcome you to join one of our teams on a regular basis or as someone who steps in when there is a need. Sign-up sheets for greeters and the Welcome Center are available at the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings.
USHERS
In this issue we are addressing what is expected of you if you choose to help as an Usher. The team leader is Donnie Ide, who is very excited about his team, who he describes during
Unfortunately, out of about 21 volunteers, only about 12 are active. This is for several different reasons. He indicates he would never turn down a volunteer. In the past, the Ushers have operated on a three-month rotation, which Donnie would like to see happen again in the future. Currently, it is Sunday by Sunday with available volunteers. To date, there has not been a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center for Ushers. Be on the lookout for this to change soon. Of note is the need for bilingual volunteers. They are much needed and appreciated.
DUTIES INCLUDE:
• Welcoming those who come through the door on Sunday morning, especially those you have never seen before.
• Passing the offering plates for the 11:00 service.
• Assisting with Communion for both services on the first Sunday of the month.
• Security training (AEDs-defibrillators are located next to the stairs in the Garden Room - they offer vocal instructions)
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” – Romans 12: 4-8
– Cathy Campbell
Student Ministry Director
Student Ministry Assistant
Student Ministry
As fall comes to a close, we are coming into the other half of the busiest time of the year. Here’s a recap of what we’ve done so far. In October, we covered what wisdom is and all the benefits of having wisdom in our lives as ChristFollowers. Our memory verse was Proverbs 3:5-6. We had a good chunk of our students fully memorized this verse. So proud that they did!
After our series on wisdom, we dove deep into events. We had our yearly outing to the corn maze on a Wednesday night. Some opted to stay at church and carve pumpkins. The interns did a great job with this activity! In Sunday Club, we began talking about being the light that God has made you to be, with the memory verse: Matthew 5:16.
November
In November, we started the month off with a night of worship and testimony. Parents and youth shared many testimonies and we had an awesome time celebrating all God has done. We continued the fellowship on the 20th with a family game night.
November brings the middle school retreat. We went to Ghormley with a van full of students from November 15th to the 17th. This year's theme was the Reliability of God. We wanted to explore God's unchangingness in a fast-paced society where things go out of style as soon as they hit the shelves. We also discussed what to do when we can’t see God’s reliability. We had such a blast with our Mad Hatters themed dinner that also turned into a mystery-solving event. The kids sure did have a good time all weekend long!
December - Christmas Time!
For this coming month, we have many things happening. Starting off with shopping and wrapping gifts for our annual Adam's Giving Tree event. (See page 8 on how to get involved this year!)
The wrapping party will be held on Wednesday, December 4th. The following day (5th) is the Adams event. We always welcome volunteers for both days. So, if you aren’t too busy and want to spread some holiday cheer, come and help out!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
The next week we will have our famous Nerf Battle! You don’t want to miss this epic event! And to close our year we are once more hosting a Youth Christmas Party on the 18th. There are also a few extracurricular events this month: Cookie decorating at the Merrill’s 12/7, the Downtown Lighted Parade 12/8, and the Luminaria outing at the Arboretum on 12/14.
In the new year, we will start up youth group again on January 8th. And just to be on top of it all, right around the corner, is the High School retreat. The dates are (TBD).
Follow us on Social!
We will continue to post updates and info on our Socials so if you don’t follow then go ahead and check them out:
@yakima_grace_youth. We also send a Monthly Newsletter out via email the first week of each month, so parents: if you want to receive that, please get us your email address!
VOLUNTEER EVENTS
Wrap Gifts for Adam's Elementary – December 4
Adam's Giving Tree – December 5
DECEMBER YOUTH GROUP EVENTS
Cookie Decorating at Merrill’s – Dec 7
Downtown Lighted Parade – Dec 8
Arboretum Luminaria Outing – Dec 14
Youth Christmas Party – Dec 18
Family Christmas Eve Service – Dec 24 at 4:00pm
Youth Group 2025 Begins – January 8
High School Ghormley Retreat – TBA
Kara Brown
Jahzeel Garcia
Mark Your Calendar
Camp Ghormley
MOUNTAIN MEADOW CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 14 & 15
Get into the Christmas spirit by spending a day or the weekend here at Ghormley devoted just to family and activities!
Activities Include:
• Amazing meals
• Gingerbread House Building Contest
• Sledding
• Christmas Crafts
• Family Activities
• Family Night (Caroling, Devotions, and Movie Night!)
• Cut down your own Christmas tree!
You can find pricing and registration information online at campghormley.com
PRAYER NEEDS
• Praise God for His financial amazing provision to help us overcome some big challenges in 2024! Please pray for us as we finalize plans to install our new walk-in freezer and fridge units in our Dining Hall.
• Our Office Project build has started! Please pray for a smooth construction process during the winter months and that the remaining funds needed to finish the project would come in so that we can move into the new space in the spring of 2025.
• Pray that our staff will be unified and renewed in body and spirit as we move into a slower season before winter arrives.
GIVE ONLINE
Would you like to support the ministry of Ghormley? It's easy to do! Head to campghormley.com and look for the donate button. Thank you in advance for your support of all that God is doing here at camp! www.campghormley.com/donate
All gifts are tax-deductible and those donating will be provided with a donation receipt.
Sharing Life Together at Grace
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED... SIGN UP TODAY!
Dec 1... Bring an Unwrapped Gift
Dec 4... Gift Wrapping Party at 6PM
Dec 5... Giving Party at 5pm: Prep, Greet, Serve, Clean-Up
MEN’S BREAKFAST
DECEMBER 7 | 7:30AM | GYM
JANUARY 11 | 7:30AM | GYM
All guys are invited to breakfast on Saturday, December 7 and January 11. Bring a friend and come Hungry!
WINTER WEDNESDAYS@GRACE
WEDNESDAYS | JAN 22 – MARCH 19
6:00pm Dinner in the Gym ($12 per family or $4 per person)
• Childcare: 6pm–8pm
• Grace Kids: 6:45pm–8pm
• Youth Group: 6pm–8:15pm
• Adult Class: 6:45pm – 8pm
DECORATE THE CHURCH
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 | 2:30PM – 5PM
We’d love to have you join us in decorating the church for Christmas. The more the merrier!
BELLS OF GRACE
TUESDAYS | 5:30PM | MID-HI ROOM
Ring in the new year by trying Bells of Grace. No bell experience necessary, all ages (teenagers and up) welcome, and an ability to read music helpful, but not a deal breaker. Questions? Email Julie: jbhunziker@gmail.com
MOUNTAIN MEADOW CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 14-15 | CAMP GHORMLEY
Join Ghormley for amazing meals, gingerbread house building, sledding, Christmas crafts and more! Get all the details and register at campghormley.com.
Sunday Services
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP SUNDAY MORNINGS!
9AM SUNDAY SERVICE
9am Contemporary style worship, classes for children of all ages. Childcare available.
9am Grace Kids (K – 5th grade) in KidZone 2nd Floor
9am Middle School and High School Clubs (6th–12th grade) Mezzanine and Lower Level Classrooms
9:45am Deeper Roots Adult Bible Study (Adult Ed Room)
10:20am YAM Young Adult Meet Up (Library)
11 AM SUNDAY SERVICE
11am Traditional style worship with choir and pipe organ. Childcare available. 12:30pm Pastor Nominating Committee meets weekly.
Sunday Prayer Available at the front of the sanctuary af ter each service.
Sunday Served the First Sunday of each month Communion at both services, unless otherwise noted.
Calendar of Events November – December
Sun, Nov 24 One Service / Stewardship Sunday 10:00am Sanctuary
Sun, Nov 24 All Church Thanksgiving Potluck 11:30am Gym
Mon, Nov 25 Preschool Thanksgiving Feasts 11:00am KidZone Room (2nd Floor)
Tue, Nov 26 Preschool Thanksgiving Feasts 11:00am KidZone Room (2nd Floor)
Tue, Nov 26 WOW Bible Study - last one until February 9:45am Lounge
Tue, Nov 26 Decorate Church for Christmas - All are welcome! 2:30pm - 5:00pm Garden Rm & Sanctuary
Tue, Nov 26 Ghormley Meal Pick Up (if you ordered Thanksgiving) 3:00p - 6:00pm Gym Kitchen (pull up to door by playground)
Tue, Nov 26 Session Meeting 6:00pm Adult Ed Room
THUR, NOV 28 HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Nov 28 - 29 Church Closed for Holiday All Day Entire Church
Sat, Nov 30 Deacons Set up for Communion 10:00am Fireside Room
Sun, Dec 1 Communion Sunday Both Services Sanctuary
Sun, Dec 1 First Sunday in Advent
Tue, Dec 3 Personnel Meeting 9:00am
Tue, Dec 3 Staff Calendar Meeting 10:00am Adult Ed Room
Wed, Dec 4 Wrapping Party - Adams Giving Tree 6:00pm Gym
Thur, Dec 5 Adams Giving Tree Dinner & Gifts 5:00pm Adams Elementary School
Sat, Dec 7 Men's Breakfast 7:30am Gym
Sat, Dec 7 Grace Kids Rehearsal 10:00am Sanctuary
Sat, Dec 7 Youth Cookie Decorating 4:00pm Shane & Amae's House
Sun, Dec 8 Kids Sing at both Services 9:00am & 11:00am Sanctuary
Sun, Dec 8 Breakfast for Grace Kids & Families 10:15am KidZone Room (2nd Floor)
Sun, Dec 8 New Deacon Training 12:20pm Lounge
Tue, Dec 10 Off icer Christmas Dinner 5:30pm Garden Room (Elders, Deacons, & Nominating Committee)
Tue, Dec 10 Session Meeting 6:45pm Adult Ed Room
Tue, Dec 10 Deacon Meeting 6:45pm Lounge
Wed, Dec 11 Youth Group / Jacob's Well 6:00pm Chapel
Fri, Dec 13 Staff Christmas Lunch / Church Closed at 1pm for day 1:00pm Off-Site
Sun, Dec 15 Chat with the Pastor Af ter Each Service Fireside Room
Fri, Dec 20 Preschool Christmas Program 10:00am Sanctuary & Garden Rm
Tue, Dec 24 Christmas Eve Family Service 4:00pm Sanctuary
Tue, Dec 24 Christmas Eve - Carols and Candles Service 7:00pm Sanctuary
WED, DEC 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Dec 25 –Jan 1 Church Closed for Holiday All Day
Sun, Dec 29 Two Worship Services (kids & teens stay in Sanctuary) 9:00am & 11:00am Sanctuary
Weekly Classes, Groups & Activities
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT GRACE
MONDAYS
Preschool 9:00am
Trailseekers 2:45pm Gym
Men’s BSF 7:00pm Sanctuary
TUESDAYS
Preschool 9am
Men’s BSF (Satellite)
7pm Lounge
Bells Rehearsals 5:30pm Mezzanine RM
Calendar of Events January
WED, JAN 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thur, Jan 2 Church Resumes Normal Business Hours
WEDNESDAYS
Preschool 9:00am Youth Group 6:00pm Weds@Grace 6:00pm (Begins Jan 22)
THURSDAYS
Preschool 9:00am
Women’s BSF 9:15am Worship Team Rehearsal 6:00pm
Temple Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm
Sun, Jan 5 One Service (Communion next week) 10:00am Sanctuary Mon, Jan 6 Preschool Resumes 9:00am Classroom
Tue, Jan 7 Personnel Meeting 9:00am
Tue, Jan 7 Staff Calendar Meeting 10:00am Adult Ed Room
Tue, Jan 7 Worship Ministry Team Meeting 4:00pm Garden Room
Wed, Jan 8 Business Ministry Team Meeting 4:00pm Adult Ed Room
Sat, Jan 11 Men's Breakfast 7:30am Gym
Sat, Jan 11 Deacons Set up for Communion 10:00am Fireside Room
Sun, Jan 12 Communion Sunday Both Services Sanctuary Sun, Jan 12 Deacons Monthly Meeting 12:20pm Lounge
Sun, Jan 19 Ordination and Installation of Officers Both Services Sanctuary Sun, Jan 19 Chat with the Pastor After Each Service Fireside Room
MON, JAN 20 CHURCH CLOSED FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR DAY ALL DAY
Tue, Jan 21 Staff Bible Study 10:00am Adult Ed Room
Sat, Jan 25 Walk for Life Event 1:00pm Garden Room
CORE VALUES FOR GRACE OF CHRIST
Core Values
1. JESUS: We are a Jesus Church, Jesus people.
2. THE BIBLE: The Bible is our ultimate authority for life and faith.
3. PRAYER: In Prayer we listen to, and seek to live in tune with, the Holy Spirit.
4. COMMUNITY: We pursue Community by intentional and honest relationships.
5. OUR CITY AND VALLEY: We sacrificially serve of our city and valley.
Our Vision ~ Every person transformed by God’s Power and Love Our Mission ~ Love Jesus, Love our City, Together in Community
