Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Interim Head of Staff — Pastor Cindy Carter
WELCOME Our Personnel team welcomes two new members, Jill Skone and Keith Mathews. The Personnel Committee oversees and represents the staff of Grace of Christ employees and consists of Steve Hildebrand (co-chair), Peggy Schaffer (co-chair), Jill Skone, Keith Mathews, Pastor Cindy Carter and Pastor Tyler Van Horn. Because the 40+ staff members are so very valued and important in the dynamics of church life, the Personnel Team considers it an honor to represent and assist these dedicated people in any way possible. We would also like to recognize the dedicated service of outgoing Personnel members Carol Licht, Rich Woodruff, Jack Peebles and Doug Kanyer. Many long hours were put in behind the scenes by these people who updated the personnel manual, created job descriptions, and spent many hours listening and encouraging.
Let’s Live into Our Name: Grace of Christ What is Grace? Grace is simply undeserved blessing freely given to people by God. It comes from the Greek, Charis, meaning “favor,” “goodwill,” and “loving kindness.” Jerry Bridges, (from Transforming Grace), says, “Grace is God’s free and unmerited favor shown to guilty sinners who deserve only judgement.” Most Christians don’t have any trouble believing we are saved by God’s grace alone (Eph. 2:8-10 & Rom. 3:21-31). There is nothing that we do to earn God’s love and forgiveness. It’s a pure gift through the death of Jesus Christ. Yet, sadly, once we have been saved by grace, we often slip into trying to live by our own effort, to somehow be good enough to continue in God’s favor. But that’s not God’s design. God wants us to live every day in grace, too, becoming more like Jesus in our everyday lives. Mark Labberton, in his book, Called, asks a vital question. “Here’s what I want to know: if I hang out at your church, will I meet people who are actually like Jesus?” I would answer with a resounding, “YES, but I hope we keep becoming more and more like Jesus!” 2
How do we become more like Jesus, including His grace? Romans 12:2 says we are to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Interestingly, the Greek verb “be transformed” here is plural, indicating this is not simply individualistic, but happens in community (including small groups, families, discipling groups and our entire church family). It is also a present tense, imperative, meaning, it’s a command, not a suggestion, and is something ongoing every day in our lives. Finally, it is a passive verb, implying transformation is an action done “to us,” rather than “by us.” It is the work of the Holy Spirit within us that brings about the transformation in our lives. It is not by our “trying” but by the Spirit’s working. So as we go about our daily lives let us listen to God’s Spirit (through our prayers, Scripture, an inner sense & other believers), anticipating opportunities to cooperate with the Spirit’s work to transform us, particularly in receiving God’s grace, and giving God’s grace to others. How do we grow in living out the Grace of Christ? It takes practice. Whoever walks into our church, or into our lives, look for ways of extending God’s grace – that undeserved favor and loving kindness. Our role as God’s family, is not to be critical, judgmental, focus on moral behaviors, or think that everyone should look like us. It is simply to extend love and acceptance, especially to people who are not like us. This might mean, reaching out to a family here for the parenting class, or helping with childcare or KidZone or VBS, getting involved in the outreach ministries of Cristo Vive, Madison House, Love INC, Trailseekers, or another. Grace is designed to be shared – It’s the way we invite others to consider faith in Jesus. Who is one person in your life, who needs to know they are deeply loved and highly valued by God? Would you pray for an opportunity to somehow let them know? When people hang out with us, or at our church, let’s be people who are actually like Jesus – full of grace, hope, and loving kindness. Our new name is not an accident – let’s move fully into being the Grace of Christ! — Pastor Cindy Carter
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Devotions — Janet Krieger
INTERCESSORY PRAYER brought a paraplegic to Him, carried by four “ They men. When they weren’t able to get in because of the crowd, they removed part of the roof and lowered the paraplegic on his stretcher. . . Jesus replied “Get up. Pick up your stretcher and go home.” And the man did it - got up, grabbed his stretcher, and walked out, with everyone there watching him. — Mark 2:2-12
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while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very “ But earnestly for him. ” — Acts 12:5 was as human as we are, and yet when he “ Elijah prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and a half years! Then he prayed for rain, and down it poured. The grass turned green, and the crops began to grow again. — James 5:17-18
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God listens to and answers the prayers of those who intercede on the behalf of others! When Jesus saw the faith of the four men carrying the paraplegic, He forgave the man’s sin and healed his body. Peter was freed from prison by an angel of the Lord. The prayers of Elijah yielded great power from Heaven to save the land. These three Scriptures are examples of God’s desire for believers to stand in the gap by praying for one another’s needs. It is God’s plan that we are able to borrow the strength and faith of other believers to intercede on our behalf. Prayer is God’s design for us to engage in relationship with Him that calls down Heaven to invade earth. Prayer is His gift to nurture relationships among each other and to encourage the church.
Senior Ministry
Kaffee Klatsch
The prayer of intercession is our privilege . . . when we come before His throne and talk about our needs and desires we unite with the Lord. Prayer becomes less of an effort to complain about or even change a situation but rather an opportunity to bring us into that place of agreement with His ways. Prayer is the fulfillment of our Father’s teaching, “Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Intercession is one of the most significant gifts to, and responsibilities of, the church. Sometimes we need others to pray for us. We do not need to carry the burdens of life alone. God has created us and called us to be part of a family of believers who can support us in prayer in our times of need. We are to be not only willing to pray for one another, but seek out every opportunity to do so because when we pray change happens. God has chosen to be moved by the intercession of His children. We must be ready to pray for ourselves, our families and anyone who comes before us with a need. We must recognize Jesus has declared our prayers have great power and authority when He is Lord of our life. Begin to intercede in prayer; allow God to lead you to those in the church, your family, our community who need God to reach down and touch their lives. Let God’s heart become your heart. May you be restored and lifted up as you intercede on behalf of others. Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored “ When his fortunes. In fact, the LORD gave him twice as much as before! ” — Job 42:10
TAKE NOTE!
The planners for the May Kaffee Klatsch want you to get ready for a toe-tapping, happy-go-lucky, hummingall-the-way-home kind of afternoon. The Take Note singers, a sub group of Bel Canto, have graciously consented to come and share their talents on May 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Garden Room. They will be singing some hymns, a few oldies but goodies, and a patriotic song or two. These will be songs you KNOW and songs you LOVE. Get this on your calendar now so you can look forward to a light-
hearted, stress-free afternoon. Plan on enjoying good music, laughter with friends, and something gently decadent for your tummy. Sounds like a jolly good time, doesn’t it? The only thing we need to make it even better is YOU! So, plan on bringing a friend and come join us. As always, we appreciate it when you sign up at the Connection Center so we have an idea of how much coffee we’ll need. Everybody is welcome. Spread the word. The more the merrier! 3
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Session Notes The Business Ministry Team has been diligent about good stewardship of Grace of Christ’s income the past several years. Two years ago “zero-based” budgeting was introduced wherein each ministry team reviewed their own income and expenses and presented their budget to Business Ministry. This differed from previous policy where each ministry team was simply told how much they could spend, with the amount generally similar to the previous year. Zero-based budgeting has tightened our expenses while at the same time helped ministry teams to focus their discipleship efforts. 2015 is off to a good start. Historically, our budget operated on deficit spending the first 11 months of each year and then relied on the love and generosity shown by the congregation, through year-end giving, to balance the budget. Session is striving to break this cycle of monthly deficits. We will still encourage year-end giving, with any surplus designated to special missions or programs as one-time gifts; Session will review this status in early 2016 and make appropriate designation decisions at that time. Session wants to avoid a repeat of 2009 when it was necessary to borrow $50,000 from the Foundation to continue church operations. That loan is nearly paid off and we believe Grace of Christ should operate their budget the same way you run your household – by living within our means and having a fund for emergencies. On behalf of Session, and in particular Business Ministry, we would like to thank all those who have made contributions to Grace of Christ in 2015. Both pledge income and other contributions have been consistent, and slightly above our budget targets. Placing God first brings blessings to our own lives, as well as the ministry of Grace.
gives you something you can then give away, which “ He grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
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— 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 A Chat with the Elders was held March 15th with the general consensus expressed that “things are going well.” A Transition Team report was given during the Chat. This report identified that the Team will begin to develop a church mission study to help guide the Session through recommendations related to the pastoral leadership of the church. The goals of the mission study will be to:
1. Assess present church status 2. Assess status of the community 3. Obtain member input
It is anticipated the mission study will be presented to the congregation for input during September of this year. Please pray for Pastors Cindy and Tyler as they continue to lead our church forward. Pray for their spiritual protection, for clear vision regarding God’s plan for our congregation and for a deposit of joy in their lives as they minister in His name. Pray for the Transition Team as the mission study is developed. Pray for clarity regarding the questions to be brought to the congregation. Praise God for the faithfulness of His people at Grace of Christ who give generously of their time, talents and treasures. Pray we continue to be the best stewards of all His blessings. — Mark Baldwin Treasurer
Senior Ministry
Kaffee Klatsch
HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, KID…
And you’re a wee bit fuzzy. While Humphrey Bogart didn’t add those last six words, many of us have had to squint and do some adjustments as we have tried to see something more clearly. Don Primrose, who was diagnosed with macular degeneration, has done some extensive study on strategies that can be done to maximize one’s visual capacities. Whether or not one has macular degeneration, aging eyes can work better with certain types of lighting, certain types of fonts, at certain times of the day and so forth. Corrective lenses are wonderfully helpful, but even more can be done. If you used to love reading and find that your eyes now tire very easily, Don has some suggestions that you might find helpful. If you are facing challenges with your eyesight—even with updated lenses--, or if you know of friends and family members who are doing so, please come to Don’s seminar on May 5, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the David Ferry Lounge. 4
Don suggests that you bring a book that tires your eyes or some sort of print material that is uncomfortable for you to read. He will have some various types of lighting available that he will be sharing. You’ll be able to try your material under a variety of light sources to see if any of them can provide more comfort for you. It’s easy to invest a lot of money on gimmicks touted as being helpful. While a particular item might be helpful for one situation it might not necessarily be the best for YOUR situation. He hopes to help you gain a better understanding of what’s available. Please sign up for this free seminar at the Connection Center and feel free to invite a friend as well. Having a nose count always helps us with our planning. Our eyesight is one of our most precious gifts and we all want to protect it and enhance it as much as we can.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Connecting Ministries — Jocelyn Larsen
Whenever I’m in a new place, it takes me a little while to settle in. In a place like my current 125-year-old church, where lots of people have been attending, serving, knowing, and being known for a lot of years, it can take me even longer. But, I’ll never forget the Sunday that God decided to settle me in. It was during ‘Meet & Greet.’ I sort of love ‘Meet & Greet.’ I love it because it feels wrong if we don’t do it. I mean, isn’t being together as the family of Jesus at least half of the reason we gather together on Sunday mornings? Aren’t we sort of hypocrites if we come and connect with God, but avoid connecting with other people as if they have a contagious disease? And I sort of hate ‘Meet & Greet.’ How am I supposed to have a meaningful conversation with anyone in the scant two minutes, fourteen seconds I’m allotted? Do I have to shake their hand? I’m sort of a germophobe. And it can sometimes feel incredibly awkward. I don’t know what to say or how to act. I’d ask people, ‘How long have you lived in our fair city?’ or ‘How long have you been a member of this church community?’ [Never ask them if they’re new, right? How insulting if they were a founding father or mother around here!] I was used to couples looking in befuddlement at each other, and then saying, ‘Oh we’ve been here almost seventeen years,’ or beautiful women with weathered hands smiling warmly, ‘I moved here in ’48!’ It was my sixth Sunday after my family decided that this church would be our new church home. And it was ‘Meet & Greet’ time. I was still so new that I was doing a much larger proportion of ‘meeting [new people]’ than I was ‘greeting [my friends].’
Preschool — Rhonda Cardona 509.248.7940, ext. 119 Rhonda@YakimaGrace.com www.yakimapreschool.com
We have openings in our preschool classes for the new school year starting in September. Openings are available in the new afternoon pre-kindergarten class. There are also a few spots open in our 3 and 4-yearold classes. Don’t wait! Call Rhonda today and let her tell you about our incredible preschool program.
I asked my usual question and the person responded: ‘This is my second time here.’ It hit me: I wasn’t new anymore. And furthermore: Meet & Greet isn’t about me. It’s not about making a new best friend. It is a sacred moment of acknowledging a truest old truth: that, because I am a creation of God, reflecting His image, I have something in common with every single person in the sanctuary. It’s about helping other people feel like they belong, like this could maybe sometime feel like home to them. So, if you’ve been attending your church for more than two weeks, you’re old. And the onus is on us old people to be a part of making Sunday morning a welcoming entry point for people checking out our community for the first time. Nowadays, when it’s time for ‘Meet & Greet,’ I try not to just shake hands and say the singular, anonymous, ‘Good morning.’ Sometimes I see a friend and give a hug. But usually I try just to talk to one new person. I look them in the eyes, I say my name, and I listen when they say theirs back. I ask them one question and I just listen. Then I try to remember their name when I see them next Sunday. If they shared something meaningful with me, like they were recently divorced or their daughter is sick, I try to remember that, too, and ask them about it next week. Isn’t that pretty much all people want? To know and to be known. To be remembered as if they matter. That’s all. That’s plenty. Maybe someday we’ll even become friends.
Our school year is coming to an end this month! Thank you for all your support through prayer and donations that you have given towards this ministry and outreach program. Please continue to lift up this preschool in prayer as we plan for our new year and for the staff, families and children who will be a part of it this next year. We have a need for your support in our scholarship program for this next year, especially with the additional numbers we are serving. Do you want to help financially? Contact Rhonda Cardona, Director, to find out ways you can be an important part of this ministry! 5
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Love In the Name of Christ of Yakima LOVE INC NEW LOCATION OFFERS A PLACE FOR YAKIMA CHURCHES TO MEET NEEDS AND TRANSFORM LIVES
Re-Purposing a Building to Re-Purpose Lives Phase 1 Goal: $100,000 by May 31 WE HAVE RAISED $25,000. ONLY $75,000 TO GO! Visit our website to donate today and designate it for Capital Campaign. LOVEINCYAKIMA.ORG
ANNOUNCING THE “RESTORING BROKEN FAMILIES” CAMPAIGN Many of you have prayed with us for warehouse space to make it easier for local churches to help those in need. God has answered above and beyond what we could imagine! Not only that, He has opened the door for us to purchase the building. This will greatly reduce overhead and establish a permanant home for the partnership of local churches, Love In The Name of Christ. This is so much more than investing in a building. It’s an opportunity to invest in transformation. If you missed our Open House April 15, contact our Administration Office 453-0214, to schedule a tour for your church or small group. You will be amazed at how God has re-purposed this building to re-purpose broken lives!
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE Not a retail store, this is free clothing for those in need. If your church is looking for a ministry, contact us to find out how to adopt this or another “Gap Ministry” (ministry that fills a gap in the community).
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA While parents or guardians are selecting clothing, kitchen items, linens, cleaning supplies or hygiene supplies, there is a safe place for kids to play. Need: carpet, paint, kid-size chairs & coloring books. 6
KITCHEN CUPBOARD MINISTRY Dishes, silverware, pots and pans, coffee makers, etc. This ministry is also available to be adopted.
FURNITURE MINISTRY A loading dock for furniture and appliances! Now the Furniture Ministry is under the same roof. You can help by donating: Gently Used Furniture, Appliances (10 yrs old or newer), Household Linens, Kitchen Items, Personal Hygiene, and Cleaning Products.
PROJECTS Looking for a project for your youth group, home group, or missions group? We have projects to choose from! Contact us to arrange a tour or schedule a project. Thank you Stan and John from Christian Life Center!
APPLIANCE MINISTRY This will be overseen by Love INC but manned by volunteers from several churches. Like to fix things? Contact our office about volunteering. From now on we will know that appliances going to those in need will work!
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Cristo Vive Fellowship — Pastor Gustavo Carvajal
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE BREAKING BREAD WITH FRIENDS? GOD’S KINGDOM UNFOLDS! Career Fair @ Washington Middle School (WMS) It was late Wednesday morning when Alex and Gustavo made a trip to WMS to take some books, little prizes to encourage kids to keep up the good behavior and tokens of appreciation for the teachers and staff. They were then invited to stay for lunch and enjoy the nachos and salad menu. Bill and Julio, the school principal and counselor, were sharing how excited they are with the partnership and the reading teams of mentors coming regularly. As stories were being shared, Julio had sort of an epiphany: He asked his boss if it would be fine to invite Grace of Christ to have a booth the next day for their Career Fair! The answer was firm and clear: “But of course, there are kids who may want to be pastors or church leaders when they grow up!” Alex and Gustavo looked surprised by both the short notice and by the great opportunity to share with the kids. The answer was an emphatic “yes!” They put together a slide show, portable bulletin board and got help from the Grace of Christ team back at church. Susie provided them with necklaces, bracelets, and other collectibles. In a nutshell, kids heard how our church is making a difference in our community by building and
remodeling homes, by teaching English as a Second Language, providing Parenting classes in English and Spanish, and by being a catalyst of transformation of families in our community one mom, one dad, one kid at a time, as they discover God’s awesome plans for them and their families. The kids took many of the gifts that were available including Bibles, The Story in English and Spanish, but above all they took with them a different view of what church leaders and pastors are called to do in our community.
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Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Ghormley Service Ministry Meadow Christian Camp
SUMMER STAFF WANTED!
REMEMBER TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP 2015! PRAYER • Pray that Camp Ghormley will be financially successful in 2015. • 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 prepare for adding and updating facilities.
OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Adopt-A-Cabin / Adopt-A-Flower Bed • Host Guest Groups For Adopt-A-Cabin, contact Joe Buckley at 961-0424 or email jcbuckley2@fairpoint.net Ghormley Work Days are scheduled for the second Saturday of each month at camp to provide maintenance of facilities and grounds.
FINANCIALLY Support Camp Ghormley through operating funds, camp scholarships, and memorials.
SECOND SATURDAY WORK DAY Saturday, May 9th from 9:00am-3:00pm is our last Second Saturday until the fall! We need help fixing up cabins so they are ready for summer use, as well as a few outside jobs that need attention. Your efforts, contributions and prayers are needed and much appreciated! Lunch will be provided with an RSVP. To RSVP call camp at (509) 672-4311.
WASHERS & DRYERS NEEDED We are looking for two electric washers and dryers to service our staff this summer. If you are interested in donating or can help with our search please contact Tim Acton at (509) 672-4311.
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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. We are still accepting applications for the following positions: • SHIFT High School Program Lead • Adventure Program Lead • Videographer* • Kitchen Staff • Counselors • Program Specialist • Office Assistant* *Positions that need to be filled immediately. 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.
PONDEROSA WALKWAY PROJECT Thanks to some kind donors and volunteers we have begun remodeling the Ponderosa walkway. For those of you who don’t know, Ponderosa is our second largest lodge at camp and has needed a revamping for quite some time. This project will allow us to better serve our guest groups and campers by providing a safe and handicap accessible walkway. We are still accepting financial support to cover the full cost of the walkway. If you are interested in donating financially to the Ponderosa Walkway project, please contact Tim Acton at (509) 672-4311.
HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: SHIFT & OVERDRIVE The application and selection process for our High School Leadership Development Program is now open! SHIFT (and OVERDRIVE – for second year students) is a 3-week program that trains and equips high school students to be spiritual leaders in their homes, churches and schools as well as providing vital work experience. Visit www.ghormleymeadow.org for more information and to apply! *Must be 16 years old or entering junior or senior year in fall 2015.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Missions
A PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL Israel is a dream destination for many followers of Jesus, and fourteen of us, mostly from Grace of Christ Church, had their dream come true in late March this year. Susie and I had the vision a year ago to put a trip together to the Holy Lands. We got connected with the Israel Tour Company, a well-respected and experienced group that leads trips to Israel, and started getting the word out. Twelve others joined in. We met every couple of weeks in preparation for this pilgrimage. I think it is safe to say that this trip exceeded the expectations, hopes and dreams of all of us involved. The ten-day trip went off without any major hitches. All of us stayed healthy during the trip. The sites we saw were incredible. And especially, our guide, was an unexpected blessing. His name is Abraham, a seventy-one year old Jewish man, who is a resident of Jerusalem, and has been leading Israel tours for over 30 years. His knowledge of Biblical sites, both Jewish and Christian, is truly impressive. Add to that great experience and knowledge a great sense of humor, and you have a wonderful combination. Abraham’s sidekick was our bus driver named Ahron (Aaron), who looked a little bit like a Jewish Elvis! We started on the coast, flying into Tel Aviv, and the old city of Joppa (Jaffa). After spending one night there, we headed up the coast to Ceasarea, and then further north to the Meggido/Mt. Carmel area. We spent the next two nights at a kibbutz at the south end of the Sea of Galilee, checking out Nazareth, Capernaum and Tiberius, as well as taking a boat trip out into the Sea of Galilee. We ended our time in the north checking out the archaeological finds at Bet Shean, and reaffirming our Baptisms in the Jordan River. After heading down the Jordan River Valley, we hit Jericho (where a few
of our group rode some camels!), and then made the ascent up to Jerusalem. The next five nights and days were spent in and around Jerusalem. What a fascinating city! So much Biblical history to experience. And a staggering amount of holy sites to visit. Too many even to write about. My personal favorites included going onto the Temple Mount (now controlled by the Muslims), The Garden of Gethsemane, Ciaphas’ house, The Wailing Wall (Western Wall), Mount Scopus and a visit to a huge model of Jerusalem during Jesus’ time. We even took a road-trip for one day, and went to the Dead Sea, Engedi, Qumram (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found) and Masada. We ended up with a final celebration dinner, and a short bus trip back to Tel Aviv for our long flight home. Other personal highlights for me were getting to check off two of my Bucket List items. For years I have wanted to walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which is a quartermile water tunnel carved out of solid rock from the Gihon Spring to the Pools of Siloam. It was built to prepare for the Assyrian’s siege on Jerusalem during the 700s BC. It is a bit claustrophobic, and still has water in it up to your knees. My other Bucket List item was eating a St. Peter’s Fish (tilapia) from the Sea of Galilee. Delicious! Our whole group felt tremendously blessed and thankful for the opportunity to take this trip. And it really was more than just a trip. It was a pilgrimage. If you ever get the chance to go to the Holy Lands, don’t hesitate. It is a life-changer. Susie and I, and I think our entire group, hope to go back as well! — Roger Bennett 9
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
May Calendar of Events Fri, May 1 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9:30 am Sun, May 3 Prayer Sunday All Morning Chat with the Elders 10:30 & 12:00 pm Cristo Vive Fundraiser Dinner 5:00 pm Mon, May 4 Living Waters Meeting 5:30 pm Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting 6:00 pm Tues, May 5 All Staff Birthday Lunch 12:00 pm Kaffee Klatsch (Macular Degeneration) 2:00 pm Discipleship Ministry Team Meeting 5:00 pm Worship Ministry Team Meeting 6:15 pm Thurs, May 7 Senior Adult Ministries Meeting 1:30 pm Women’s Ministry Team Meeting 4:30 pm Fri, May 8 MOPS Leadership Meeting 9:00 am Craft Night 6:00 pm Sat, May 9 2nd Saturday Ghormley Work Day All Day Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00 pm Sun, May 10 Mother’s Day Welcome New Covenant Partners Infant and Adult Baptisms Tue, May 12 Service Ministry Team Meeting 6:00 pm Wed, May 13 Business Ministry Team Meeting 4:00 pm Thur, May 14 Ghormley Commission 7:00 pm MOPS Set Up 5:00 pm Frid, May 15 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 9:30 am Sun, May 17 ELZ Staff Meeting 12:30 pm Mon, May 18 Trailseeker End of The Year Carnival! 2:30 pm Wed, May 20 Edith Ferry Circle 12:00 pm Thur, May 21 Kaffee Klatsch (Take Note!) 2:00 pm Sat, May 23 Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:00 pm Sun, May 24 No Parenting Class Today Deacon’s Meeting 3:30 pm Mon, May 25 Memorial Day / Church Closed All Day Tue, May 26 Session Dinner and Meeting 6:00 pm Wed, May 27 Preschool Board Meeting 9:15 am Mary MacLean Guild 12:00 pm Thur, May 28 Preschool Last Day Celebration! 10:30 am Fri, May 29 Preschool Last Day Celebration! 10:30 am
Gym Sanctuary Adult Ed Rm Gym Room 220 Lounge Parlor Lounge Room 218 Adult Ed Rm Adult Ed Rm Parlor Lounge Adult Ed Rm Ghormley Meadow Garden Room
Moms Everyone Everyone Everyone Committee Committee All Staff Everyone Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Women Everyone Knitters
Adult Ed Rm Library Adult Ed Rm Gym Gym Adult Ed Rm North Lawn / Gym Parlor Garden Room Garden Room
Committee Committee Committee Moms Moms Staff Trailseekers Women Everyone Knitters
Lounge Entire Church Garden Rm/Mid High Adult Ed Rm Offsite Sanctuary Sanctuary
Deacons Elders/Prog Staff Board Women 3’s & PK 4’s & PK5
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 10
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Weekday Events Monday TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Overeaters Anonymous Trailseekers Al-Anon Divorce Care
10:00 am 12:00 / noon 2:30 pm 5:15 pm 5:30 pm
Adult Ed Adult Ed Gym Adult Ed Room 203
Everyone Everyone
Tuesday
9:15 am 9:45 am
Gym Parlor
Everyone Women
Wednesday Women of Action (2nd & 4th Weds) Men’s Noon Bible Study Youth Group - Mid High & Senior High
9:30 am 12:00 / noon 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Chapel Adult Ed Youth & Mid High Rms
Women Men 6th-12th Grade
7:00 pm 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm 5:45 pm - 9:15 pm 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Choir Rm Chapel Cristo Vive Lounge, Prayer Rm SOZO Team Sanctuary
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Chapel, Prayer Rm
Bible Study “Living a Spirit Led Life” Women in the Word Bible Study
Thursday Temple Choir Cristo Vive Music Rehearsal SOZO Prayer Contemporary Worship Rehearsal
Friday
SOZO Prayer
Everyone Everyone
SOZO Team
Sunday Services and Events Worship - Led by Contemporary Worship Team Worship - Led by Temple Choir & Organ Worship - Cristo Vive (Spanish) Going Deeper Golden Circle Youth Sunday School KidZone THE STORY
8:00 am & 9:30 am Sanctuary 11:00 am Sanctuary 12:15 pm Chapel 9:30 am Adult Ed 9:30 am Lounge 9:30 am Mid High & Youth Rm 9:30 am 2nd Floor 9:30 am Gym
Everyone Everyone Everyone Adults Adults 6th-12th Grade 3yrs-5th Grade Adults
Announcements MARK YOUR CALENDAR ON SUNDAY MAY 3RD @ 5PM We are having our Cristo Vive Fund Raiser Dinner! We are growing, welcoming new families and just about to outgrow our Chapel worship space. Come, celebrate with us, and hear about how we are loving and serving our neighbors Latino style. Please sign up at the Connection Center as an attendee or gather up seven more people and sign up as a Table Host. COOKIES AND CANNED FOOD 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:
Last Name Begins With May 3 A–F May 10 G – M May 17 N – S May 24 T – Z May 31 A – F 11
GRACE OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 9 S 8TH AVENUE YAKIMA, WA 98902
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID YAKIMA, WA PERMIT NO 59
HERE COMES EVEREST VBS! Sundays @ 9:00 am at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church FOR CLIMBERS OF ALL AGES! Klymer here! June 21
I’m a spectacular snow leopard! God gave me just the right stuff to keep me warm and protected on high, snowy mountaintops. I’ll remind kids that God has the power to provide!
It’s me…Cliff! June 28
We marmots burrow deep into the mountain to stay safe and warm. The way the mighty mountain wraps around me can remind kids that our mighty God has the power to comfort!
I’m Mallory! July 5
Bar-headed geese are special because we’re the highest fliers around – we can even fly over Mount Everest! My high-flying wings remind kids of the way God helps us overcome hurt hearts and broken bodies. God has the power to heal!
Greetings from Pike! July 12
I’m a mighty mountain goat called a markhor. My spectacular spiraling horns are sharp! Sometimes people say sharp words or do things that hurt. When that happens, it’s good to know that God has the power to forgive!
Yup…I’m Yeddy! July 19
Himalayan brown bears like me spend a lot of time in our cozy cave homes. We hibernate for months and months and months! Someday God’s followers swill spend forever in the most amazing place of all – heaven! I can remind kids that God has the power to love us forever!
VBS Celebration Sunday July 26
Join us for this special service as we celebrate VBS and God’s power! The Yakima Fire Department will join us to receive the gifts we have collected for them over the summer. Don’t’ miss this chance to meet all our wonderful characters and participate in the fun!