Grac e of Christ Presbyterian Church Iglesia Presbiteriana Gracia de Crist o “Together at Grace, Loving God and Loving Others” SEPTEMBEROCTOBER2022VOL135
Grace Pastor TOGETHER, BUILDING ON THE ONE FOUNDATION
of Christ Presbyterian Church
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The foundation determines what the house, what Grace, will look like, how stable it will be, how long it will last, what kinds of things will happen inside, and how those inside will love others outside.
Together, building on the One foundation, trusting in Him who brings the growth,–Curt
YakimaGrace.com2
Hey guys! Mark your calendars – there will be a men’s break fast on Saturday, October 8th at 7:30am in the church gym. A very hearty (and delicious) meal and good conversation with the guys. A great way to start the weekend. Men of all ages are welcome – bring your sons or grandsons, friend from work, and your neighbor! Please let the church office know if you want to help cook & set-up or help clean up afterwards. Call 509-248-7940.
We have failed at times. We are a work in progress. He is still at working among us, in us, through us! God is so good, patient, and kind.
MEN’S SATURDAY,BREAKFASTOCTOBER8
“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth... For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” – 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, 11
As the concrete foundation is being poured, I am reminded of its importance for a home, a church, for our own Christian faith. If the foundation isn’t right everything falls apart. What is the foundation for our life together at Grace of Christ?
In the Adult Education room (next to the main office) there is a wall with photos of pastors that have served the church from its very first years. Pastors like David Ferry, Charles Ghormley, Mark Koehler, Vic Pentz, Rick Murray, Steve Barker, Gustavo Carvajal, Jack Peebles. Individual lives have been changed, eternally. Our city has been dramatically impacted by our church’s commitment to its foundation, to Jesus. Let us never forget that it isn’t a particular pastor, no mat ter how eloquent, how charming, how skillful, that brought growth, God gave, gives, and will give, growth. Pastors have played a role, but so many others have too. Who should be on that wall in the Adult Ed room? A picture of each and every per son, each of you, who have (has) loved Jesus and built First Pres/Grace on Him.
7:30AM | GYM
Trusting in Him who brings the growth — Curt McFarland, Pastor
The passage above is one the church program staff recently reflected on. As I write this article I am at home, looking out my window, watching the pouring of the concrete foundation for the last of the 12 homes in our little subdivision. Since the sale of that piece of property more than a year ago it seemed nothing much was happening. In reality a lot of work was being done. Plans were developed, permits obtained, power, water, and ir rigation lines dug, pipes put in place. Then these future home owners designed their home and contracted with a builder. The place where the home would stand was dug, leveled, soil compacted, all to ensure a solid foundation. The build ing code established the right amount of concrete to bear the weight of the home for generations to come.
Grace of Christ (First Pres) has an incredible history. How grate ful we are today that those before us took the time to build wisely, faithfully, and their investment has given us, in the fall of 2022, a firm foundation to continue building on. But let’s not fool ourselves, any real growth through the years, and in the future, has been God-given, not the result of human effort.
YakimaGrace.com3 Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church Pastor INTRODUCING
In discussions over the past few months your session (those you elected as elders, leaders, to guide Grace of Christ) arrived at Six Priorities we will focus on over the next 18-24 months. This does not change our main focus, our mission: Love God, Love Others. We believe this is God’s continuing desire for us, and for all who follow Jesus (Mark 12:28-31). This also does not change our commitment, our priority, to speak about, and elevate, Jesus in everything we do (teach, preach, serve, care for each other, live our lives … everything). We are a Jesus church! Jesus, God in human flesh, came to rescue us. He is One and only hope (Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12). In addition, we are a mission church deeply committed to our city, our community, and our world. To our last person, our last breath, we want to be a giving, loving, serving, generous community of Christians.
In the next several weeks you will hear more about this process, and you will be invited to be a part of the team you are prayerfully drawn to. If you have questions or comments please speak to one of your elders, one of your staff, either Alex (Alex.Rule@yakimagrace.com) or Curt (Curt@ yakimagrace.com). Church phone: 509-248-7940.
SIX PRIORITIES
The Six Priorities (and the elders and staff who will help guide each) in no particular order:
(3) OPEN CHURCH: We believe God has given us a beautiful facility in the heart of our city. How can we use our facility to bless our community? Elders: Robin Stuber, Duncan McRayde. Staff: Sarah Huck, Becca Mailand.
(1) PRAYER: We are committing ourselves again to prayer. We want to better understand prayer, and more contin ually incorporate prayer in all we do. Elders: Carla Kupp, Keith Mathews. Staff: Alex Rule.
(6) VULNERABILITY: We believe God wants Grace of Christ to be a safe place for those who have questions and doubts, those who may not agree with everything the pastors, the church, Christian faith, believes. Being a part of Grace is a call to community not conformity. Elders: Jeff Arkills, Jeff Steere. Staff: Ericka Clark, Debbie Meyers.
These Six Priorities are not new ministries, instead they are six priorities that every existing ministry will take and infuse into what they are already doing. They are also a work in progress. Details have not been worked out. This is why we pray for your involvement as each of these six takes shape over the next 18-24 months.
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer Book Excerpt from “Letters and Papers from Prison”
Session (Elders): Jeff Arkills, Rosanne Bacon, Doug Bernd, Michele Elledge, Janet Krieger, Carla Kupp, Keith Mathews, Duncan McRayde, Trinidad Rivera, Jeff Steere, Robin Stuber.
(2) ONE CHURCH: We will continue the process of becoming One Church, uniting Gracia de Cristo and Grace of Christ. Elders: Rosanne Bacon, Michele Elledge, Trinidad Rivera. Staff: Curt McFarland.
(4) STUDENTS: God has called us to care for students. How can we faithfully love and serve students, pointing them to their Savior and ours? Elders: Doug Bernd, Michele Elledge. Staff: Kara Brown.
(5) CARE FOR STAFF AND KEY LEADERS: God has blessed Grace of Christ with a beautiful group of dedicated, passionate staff and key leaders. How can we care for them as they care for us? Elders: Rosanne Bacon, Janet Krieger, Keith Mathews, Duncan McRayde, Jef f Steere. Staff: Tammy Nunley.
A portion of a prayer for fellow prisoners, Christmas 1943 “O God, early in the morning I cry to Thee. Help me to pray and to concentrate my thoughts on Thee; I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, but with Thee there is light; I am lonely, but Thou leavest me not; I am feeble in heart, but with Thee there is help; I am restless, but with Thee there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with Thee there is patience; I do not understand Thy ways, but Thou knowest the way for me... Lord Jesus Christ, Thou wast poor and in distress, a captive and forsaken as I am. Thou knowest all man’s troubles; Thou abidest with me when all men fail me... give me such love for God and men as will blot out all hatred and bitterness; give me the hope that will deliver me from fear and faint-heartedness... I remember in Thy presence all my loved ones, my fellow prisoners, and all who is this house perform their hard service; Lord have mercy. Restore me to liberty...”
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More from our All-Church Survey
This last spring, we sent a survey either by mail or email to those connected to Grace. If you did not receive one and would like to take part, please connect with Ericka. (509) 248-7940 x107 or Info@yakimagrace.com. In the last issue of Grace Alive, we provided some of the comments from surveys returned to date. Below you will find additional information we learned, and some of the comments we received.
• 88% of those returning surveys have been connected with Grace of Christ for 7 years or more
• 65% (40) on the shorter survey indicated they are members or legacy members of Grace of Christ
“I will be attending more regularly once, God willing, COVID “Wesubsides.”needleadership stability after so many changes.”
Thank you for taking part in the survey. Our church staff and leadership are grateful, humbled, encouraged, and have been educated, by your survey responses. The survey was not the end, but a beginning. Listening and learning must be a part of our life together at Grace, now and in the years ahead.
• 73% (287) on the longer 5-minute survey indicated they were members. Another 11% (43) legacy members, and an additional 9% (34) attend regularly but are not members • 97% indicated they were Christians • 25% indicated they, or someone they know, had been hurt by decisions and actions of the church. 59% said they had not been hurt. 16% were unsure if they or others had been hurt
“I would love to see a spirit of acceptance, welcome, and respect to all who enter our church, rather than judgment.”
“I have been grieved, frustrated, and discouraged at times. Sometimes tempted to try elsewhere but figured I would find the same elements elsewhere.”
“Hurt is too strong, changes instituted or proposed without input from the ‘pews’; top down driven.”
“It is a beautiful church with wonderful and caring people!”
4 Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
“I was hurt by the secrecy around firings or leavings.”
“Grace of Christ has taken a stand on issues that I disagree with. This has been my home church for many decades, and I was saddened to leave.”
“This church is so welcoming and it’s a beautiful church. The pastor is so nice and welcoming. There are amazing people and they have good events and groups you could go to and same with volunteer opportunities. It’s an awesome church and I would definitely recommend this beautiful church.”
TO DATE, 455 SURVEYS WERE RETURNED
ALL-CHURCH SURVEY UPDATE…
I would not invite someone to Grace, not the shape it is in now. There is no definite purpose for it. Why is Grace of Christ here? What is its purpose? What are we learning as believers in the Yakima Valley, State of Wa. or the world?”
Pastor THE Wednesday,CHOSENSeptember
YakimaGrace.com
• 87% of those returning surveys are over the age of 55
Pastor Curt will be leading an adult class that will watch the TV series, "The Chosen," based on the life of Jesus as seen through the eyes of those who met Him. A guided discussion following each episode will provide background information with historical and cultural context as we study the truths about God revealed in His word.
21 | 6:45pm Bring your family for a good meal at 6:00pm in the gym and then join one of the studies planned for every age group.
“I would like to see Grace of Christ be more open in sharing things with the church instead of keeping things so secret!”
• Top 6 Strengths of Grace of Christ: 1) Sunday Morning Services/Preaching 2) Friendships 3) Mission Commitment 4) Ghormley 5) Studying the Bible 6) Sunday Music
SOME OF THE SURVEY COMMENTS RECEIVED
Top Needs/Priorities for Grace of Christ: 1) Sunday Morning Preaching 2) Leadership Stability after so many changes 3) Children’s Ministry 4) Student Ministry 5) Help in a personal crisis
• 72% stated they would invite someone they knew to Grace of Christ
DIOS CUMPLE SUS PROMESAS
Padre confío y creo que siempre estarás con nosotros porque tus promesas, amor y sabiduría son verdaderas y son para siempre. Gracias por amarnos a nosotros, a nuestras familias, iglesia, comunidad, país y al mundo. Oramos por tu intervención divina para detener las guerras y todo tipo de enfermedades. Por favor trae tu Amor y Paz a nuestro mundo, y déjanos disfrutar de tu poderosa creación. En el nombre de JESÚS, AMEN!
Outreach — Alex Rule, Pastor
In early June, we honored our dearly missed Maruice Peugh with the dedication of a special garden on the west side of the church building. Maurice spent many, many hours creating and maintaining our church grounds over the past years. Every day he is remembered fondly as we see his many touches throughout our church and grounds. Family and friends came to see the unveiling of the memorial rock, admire the new landscaping, and enjoy cake and conversation. A principios de junio, honramos a nuestra muy extrañada Maruice Peugh con la dedicación de un jardín especial en el lado oeste del edificio de la iglesia.
I n Memory of Maurice ~ En Memoria De Maurice
Maurice pasó muchas, muchas horas creando y manteniendo los terrenos de nuestra iglesia durante los últimos años. Todos los días lo recordamos con cariño al ver sus muchos toques en nuestra iglesia y terrenos. Familiares y amigos vinieron a ver la inauguración de la roca conmemorativa, admirar el nuevo paisaje y disfrutar del pastel y la conversación.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in Me, and I in you. Whoever has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” – John 14:15-21 (ESV) God our Father, has promised us that He will always be with us. He sent His son Jesus to bear witness to His great truth, and Jesus has revealed His Father God to us. He tells us that if we truly love Him, we must keep His commandments, and by doing so He will also send us the Spirit of Truth. I personally believe in a powerful and sovereign God, creator of the earth and the entire universe, of the visible and the invisible, who always governs with unlimited love and wisdom. I also believe that God has absolute power over time, matter, and space. I believe He always keeps His promises. Father, I trust and believe that You will always be with us because Your promises, love and wisdom are true and are forever. Thank You for loving us, our families, church, community, country, and the world. I pray for Your divine intervention to stop the wars and all kinds of diseases. Please bring Your love and peace to our world and let us enjoy Your mighty creation. In Jesus’ name, amen!
YakimaGrace.com5 Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Él nos dice que si verdaderamente lo amamos debemos guardar Sus mandamientos, y al hacerlo Él también nos enviará el Espíritu de la Verdad. Yo personalmente creo en un Dios poderoso y soberano, creador de la tierra y del universo entero, de lo visible y de lo invisible, que gobierna siempre con Amor y Sabiduría ilimitados. También creo que Dios tiene poder absoluto sobre el Tiempo, la Materia y el Espacio, y que Él siempre cumple Sus promesas.
GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES
Dios nuestro padre, nos ha prometido que siempre estará con nosotros, Él ha enviado a su hijo Jesús para dar testimonio de su gran verdad, y Jesús nos ha revelado a su padre Dios.
“Si ustedes me aman, obedecerán mis mandamientos. Y yo le pediré al Padre, y él les dará otro Consolador para que los acompañe siempre: el Espíritu de verdad, a quien el mundo no puede aceptar porque no lo ve ni lo conoce. Pero ustedes sí lo conocen, porque vive con ustedes y estará[a] en ustedes. No los voy a dejar huérfanos; volveré a ustedes. Dentro de poco el mundo ya no me verá más, pero ustedes sí me verán. Y porque yo vivo, también ustedes vivirán. En aquel día ustedes se darán cuenta de que yo estoy en mi Padre, y ustedes en mí, y yo en ustedes. ¿Quién es el que me ama? El que hace suyos mis mandamientos y los obedece. Y al que me ama, mi Padre lo amará, y yo también lo amaré y me manifestaré a él.” – Juan 14:15-21
Si traes algo para regalar pero no está en la lista, considere llevarlo a cualquiera de las tiendas de la Misión.
Sabiendo que Dios nos Ama con Su Amor Eterno los estaremos esperando con las puertas abiertas. Trabajando para el Reino de Dios, – Pastor Alex Rule
After two plus years of pandemic, our clothing giveaway is back! This year we are doing things differently. We will ONLY be collecting and giving away WINTER clothes in NEW or GOOD condition. Coats, sweaters, pants, hats, scarves, gloves, and boots for men, women, and/or children. You are very important to us, please bring your family and take the clothes you need, you can also bring some clothes to share with our community. Our Winter Clothing Drive will be Saturday, October 15 from 9:00am - 1:00pm in the church gym. Bring your donations (see list above) to the church beginning October 1. If you have items to donate, but they are not on the list above, please consider taking them to any of the Union Gospel Mission Thrift Stores. Knowing that God Loves us with His Eternal Love we will be waiting for you with open doors. Working for The Kingdom of God, – Pastor Alex Rule
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
Que gran oportunidad tenemos de servir a Dios en nuestra comunidad. Fuimos invitados a la Casa Abierta de la Primaria Adams, el evento se llevó a cabo el lunes 22 de agosto. Algunos miembros de nuestra iglesia recibieron el llamado para ser voluntarios y servir comida a las muchas familias que asistieron a este evento tan importante. Gracias a todos por amar a Dios y amar a nuestro prójimo.
ADAMS OPEN HOUSE
COLECTA DE ROPA DE INVIERNO
Tú eres muy importante para nosotros, por favor trae a tu familia y lleva la ropa que necesites, también puedes traer algo de ropa para compartir con nuestra comunidad.
CASA ABIERTA DE ADAMS
Outreach
What a great opportunity we have to serve God in our community. We were invited to Adams Elementary Open House, on Monday, August 22. Some members of our church received the call to volunteer and serve food to the many families who attended this very important event. Thank you all for loving God and loving our neighbors.
Abrigos, suéteres, pantalones, gorras, bufandas, guantes y botas para hombres, mujeres, niños y niñas. Nuestra colecta de ropa de invierno está programada para el sábado 15 de octubre de 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. en el gimnasio de la iglesia.
YakimaGrace.com6 Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Después de más de dos años de pandemia, nuestro evento de ropa está de vuelta. Este año será diferente y solo recibiremos y regalaremos ropa de invierno nueva o usada.
YakimaGrace.com
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TIME TO RETREAT?
The next Grace of Christ women’s retreat will happen in 2023. What to do in the meantime? Come to the Oregon Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch Creekside Camp for their Women’s Retreat. Several GOC women are helping with this retreat and Emily Jamiesen, who spoke at our 2019 retreat in Leavenworth, will be the speaker. She is focusing on how God’s faithfulness is the source of our hope – future hope AND present hope. We can receive wisdom and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances because we are not alone. God has proven that not even death can separate us from His love. Living in the reality of this kind of hope will change our lives.Creekside Camp is an amazing property. The 3 ½ hour drive will fly by if you carpool with a few friends. Great food, fellowship, inspiration, and activities. Yes, a wonderful getaway. Register at the website and select "Women’s https://washingtonfamilyranch.younglife.org/events/Weekend"
Tina Wanamaker WOMEN'S MINISTRY FALL KICK-OFF! Writing a fall kick-off article in late July, while the forecast is in the 100’s all week, seems crazy! In this moment, it is hard to believe fall is just around the corner. Yet as we look ahead to harvest and the new school year, it always feels like time to re-start or renew. It is time to return to regular routines and rhythms after the summer break. Women’s Ministry at Grace of Christ has great opportunities for every woman this fall –some familiar and some completely new. Take a look.
Fellowship and food often go together at Grace, and this time it’s dinner! Bring your family for a good meal at 6:00pm
Make a note you are with Grace of Christ Church. We will room together and eat together in the dining hall, building our church family relationships while we are there. Questions? Connect with anyone on our Women’s Ministry team: Sarah Huck, Jennifer Ulmer, Sarah Myers, Rachell Newman, Julie Grove, Jennifer Brice in the church office, or Trinidad Rivera. For More Information or Registration Details
WOMEN’S LUNCHEON A Renovated Faith | Garden Room
Just as relationships with others are sometimes wonderful, challenging, scary or just plain hard, it can be the same in our relationship with Jesus. But thankfully, He has given us road signs along the way. In this class, we will look at the names Jesus gives us about Himself that can help deepen our relationship with Him and others. And it all starts with “Arise”!
Tuesday, September 20 | 9:45am | Fireside Room
If you’d like more details or registration information for these opportunities, visit the Women’s Ministry table in the Garden Room, check our website, https://yakimagrace.com/women, or call the church office at 509-248-7940. If you’re a woman attending Grace, we’d love to have you and your friends join us this fall. It’s time to renew our faith together.
We are carving out time to invite God and His living Word to restore places in our lives where difficulties, wounds, or trauma have taken a toll on our re lationships or spiritual vitality. Some times it’s as if there are cracks in our walls of faith, yet the Great Renovator is available and ready to set us back on a firm foundation. We hope you will join Tina, our speaker, and our amazing community of women as we grow in our faith together. RSVP through the church web site or call the church office at: 509-248-7940.
WOMEN OF THE WORD (WOW) BIBLE STUDY
Women of the Word (WOW) Tuesday morning Bible study is back and we will be looking at the Psalms, Jesus’ prayer book. This will be a meaningful time together as we study and pray nine different Psalms. Our teaching team (Donna Fuhlman, Donna Oliva, John Stolzenbach) will be leading us through LifeGuide’s “Praying the Psalms” study guide, which can be purchased at the first class. Questions? Call Donna Oliva 509-452-3961. Please join us for this time of prayer, study, laughter, meeting new friends, and increasing our faith.
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Women’s Ministry in the gym and then join one of the studies planned for every age group. Robin Stuber will be teaching a nine-week study for women on deepening our relationship with Jesus, titled Arise . If you can’t make it to dinner, class begins at 6:30pm.
FALL Wednesday,WEDNESDAYS@GRACESeptember21|7pm
Creekside Camp | Antelope, OR | Sept 30 – Oct 2nd
Saturday, September 10 | 11am
Five boys gave their lives to Christ that Sunday. And let me say that these kids had never done this before. This wasn’t one of those times where a child gives his heart to Jesus over and over because everyone else is doing it, not that there is anything wrong with that. Some of these kids were new to our church and new to this whole idea of Jesus. But they wanted what Elisha had. They wanted to be men of God. Parents, time is short. You will never get to do these years over with your kids. How do you want them to be prepared to deal with the deadly things they will be exposed to? The difficult choices they will have to make? The way they will view their purpose for living and the meaning of life?
HELLO GRACE FAMILIES!
YakimaGrace.com8 Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
But let me be more specific. On Sunday, July 24th, I taught our Sunday School kids about Elisha purifying the deadly stew with flour (from 2 Kings 4:38). I asked the kids how Elisha knew to put flour in the stew. After several comments, one little boy raised his hand and said, “Elisha asked God what to do.”
I asked, “How do you know that? The Bible doesn’t tell us that Elisha prayed to God and asked him what to do.” The boy said, “He asked God because the Bible says he was a man of God. So, he heard from God. He knew God!” Why am I so excited about that? This boy had only been coming to church since VBS. That is four Sundays. No prior knowledge of God or Jesus, yet he gets it. My next question was, “Why didn’t God just wave a magic wand and make the soup good? He was God after all. So why not do this Himself?” We were able to talk about how God created us to be in relationship, and sometimes He wants to do things through us rather than for us.
So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God. And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. – Joel 2:25-27 This is a word the Lord spoke to me about a decade ago. I was grieved over poor decisions I had made and the years I had spent partnering with unhealthy behaviors and habits. It affected my family, my marriage, and most of all my relationship with God. God spoke to me one night, saying, “Sarah, I will redeem the years the locusts have eaten.” And when I heard that, I wept. God would redeem the years! God is faithful. God is so good. And He has honored His promise. One way I see this redemption is through my job at Grace of Christ. I have experienced the goodness of the Lord as I’ve followed nudges on what to teach our KidZone kids and who to invite to VBS and Sunday School, as well as through the amazing volunteers who have agreed to serve with me.
I hope and pray everyone had a wonderful summer. It sure goes fast, doesn’t it? As a kid I remember thinking summer lasted forever, and by the end of August, I couldn’t wait to start school and wear my new clothes my mother made me wait to wear! But now, as an adult, I blink and summer is over. I’ve been aware of time my whole life. Don’t worry, I won’t go all Ecclesiastes on you. But even as a child I knew about time – what time it was, the time it took me to do something, the time I had to spend with a friend, the time I could read, and the time it would take to ride my horse to the candy store in Wiley City. And one thing I hated, HATED, and still hate, is wasting time. Somehow, at a very early age, I was able to understand the value of time. After all, it is the one thing we cannot get back. People can even come back to life, but they cannot get back time.
I shared a real-life story with the kids about an impossible problem I had, but when I prayed to God, He gave me the solution. I asked the kids if they wanted to have this kind of relationship with God – this kind of friendship with Jesus.
— Sarah Huck Family & Children's Ministry Director Family & Children’s Ministry
There are a lot of fun things, a lot of good things, and a lot of ways to spend Sundays. But there is a short amount of time to equip your kids to know the love and power of Jesus and to develop friendships with others who are choosing to follow the Lord. No matter what stage of life you’re in, I encourage you to be a man or woman of God. Time goes by quickly. Don’t waste it. Use it wisely, bringing God’s love everyplace you go. Allow Him to do miracles through you. He’s your God, and now is the time.
What have they been up to?
"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."– Luke 12:7 "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!" – Luke 12:24 KIDZONE OPEN HOUSE
Cubbies Class ( Ages 3 - Kinder)
Cubbies recently made bird feeders to remind them that God provides.
"Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of–food?"Job38:41
Sunday, September 18 | 9AM | Kidzone We are exicited for you and your children to join us for our annual KidZone Open House on Sunday, September 18th!
This is a time set aside for new and returning Grace of Christ parents and kids to become famililar with their classrooms, meet some of their Sunday School teachers and it's also an opportunity for students meet and reconnect with friends.
Each of our classes are filled with creative lessons, games, activities and artwork that points us toward our goal of learning how to love Jesus, learn Jesus and live Jesus. If you would like to learn more or are interested in volunteering, please contact Sarah@yakimagrace.com.
YakimaGrace.com9 Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church Family & Children’s Ministry GRACE KIDS…
Seekers ( 1st - 5th Graders )
Our Seekers class had a great group discussion after Hamilton and Carol Licht’s teaching. The Lichts always come up with inventive ways to bring the lesson to life.
Kathaleen McFarland recently joined our class to teach us how to paint our own Starry Starry Night canvas!
STARRY NIGHT PAINTING
FAMILIES…
YakimaGrace.com10 Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church Family & Children’s Ministry
What have they been up to?
FAMILY SWIM
This year Trunk or Treat will be on Saturday, October 29th from 6pm – 8pm in the church parking lot. We need cars and candy! If you would like to bring your car, lead a carnival game, or just volunteer please let me know! Join us Sundays, Wednesdays, Trunk or Treat or just by praying for each of our little ones. It is a privilege to serve as we follow Jesus!
TRUNK OR TREAT
HAMBURGERS & HAIRCUTS
STARRY STARRY NIGHT We hope you were able to come to our Starry Starry Night in August. We are truly blessed with such gifted vocalists and musicians in our Valley. Our very own (and amazing) Jason Wickson, along with talented Joseph Brooks (on clarinet), and Sam Ritchie with his teacher, Anne Schilperoort (on piano), collaborated in presenting a dynamic concert of Starry Starry Night. We enjoyed excerpts from Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise.
Saturday, October 29 | 6–8pm | Parking Lot
Our 2nd annual H & H event was huge Speakersuccess!Brian Jones shared a powerful message with the kids about the strong, redeeming love of Jesus. A big thank you to the hair stylists who volun teered their time, to our church family volunteers and especially to Monte for feeding us delicious bbq burgers. We are already looking forward to next year!
Our family swim day at the Gustafson’s was a hit! Three new families attended, and the kids had such a fun time, as did the parents! Thank you, G’s!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS
Crystal Lopez, Lead Teacher – 5-Day Ana Espinoza, Assistant Teacher – 5-Day Amber Miller, Lead Teacher – 2-Day/3-Day Amiya Aparicio, Assistant Teacher – 2-Day/3-Day
The beginning of the school year is so familiar to families: the mad dash for school supplies, new outfits, haircuts, lunch box friendly foods, and the struggle to find shoes that fit just enough to stay on but not so well that they’ll be outgrown in a few months. When the school year starts, everything is shiny, new, sharpened, and organized. But there is also a lot that is the same each year: shopping, meeting teachers, bedtimes, breakfast routines... Even as teachers we have our start-up checklists that we dust off every August: cubbies, name tags, circle spots, curriculum, Me Books, art supplies, books, puz zles, and building blocks.
Robin Stuber (Chair), Kayelyn Aggett, Jennifer Brice, Darlene Fairbrook, Lauryl Garcia, Carla Kupp, Jean Schiewe
Taking a Turn in the Gunnysacks
2022-2023
There is anticipation in the new and comfort in the old. Too much newness creates uncertainty and fear. Too much tradi tion can make programs feel stagnant. But a balance between the two builds a strong foundation for faith, education, and relationships while filling us with joy, excitement, and a fresh start each morning. We as a preschool team turn to prayer when we can’t find a balance, and in our prayer, we discover an important truth: Our God is “the same yesterday and today and forever” and He also tells us, “Behold, I am doing a new thing!”
(4) Our Board – may they lead with wisdom as we carry out the mission and vision of our preschool and support the mission and vision of Grace of Christ
School starts! We’re welcoming back nine returning students and over 20 new students! Our main floor classroom is home to our 2-day and 3-day programs. The classroom got updated this summer, check out the new paint and bright lights. The space is so inviting! We also added another classroom on our 2nd floor. Take a peek inside 217 to see the wonderful things happening in our 5-Day PreK Ourclassroom.annual pumpkin patch field trip and pumpkin party is our first big celebration of the school year. We’ll have photos up in the halls and online towards the end of October.
Becca Mailand, Preschool Director
PRESCHOOL BOARD
NEVER-CHANGING, EVER-CHANGING
2022-2023 PRESCHOOL STAFF
PRAYER REQUESTS
Preschoolers Learn to Rotate Through Each Activity Table
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We hired two assistant teachers for this fall. Watch our staff page online to see their bios and make sure you say hi to them in the halls.
(1) New Students – may they be filled with excitement, not fear (2) Returning Students may they find a fresh new start to this year (3) Teachers – may they build studentseachrelationshipsstrongwithother,their&families — Becca yakimagrace.com/preschoolMailand
Crystal Lopez, Ana Espinoza, Amber Miller, Amiya Aparicio Investigating Pumpkins
Enjoying Small Pleasures Together
The men and women of Grace serving on the Deacon Ministry have the privilege of loving on the Grace family through three specific sub-ministries. The Communion Ministry, the Celebra tion of Life Ministry and the Encouragement Ministry. For this article, let’s focus on the Encouragement Ministry.
“I never thought I could be a Deacon. I was scared when I first started. But now I love this opportunity to serve the Grace Family.”
Consider Janet Doty’s experience. Janet visits Peggy Riley, a long time Grace member who now lives in Garden Village Facility. As they were getting to know each other, Janet learned that Peggy loves strawberry sundaes. Well that meant a trip to Dairy Queen much to Peggy’s delight! Janet learned that Peggy had family members buried in the Terrace Heights Memorial Park. So, a drive through the city, with a visit at the grave sites was planned. Delightful memories, reminiscing and then feeding the ducks made for a joyful afternoon.
ENCOURAGEMENT
I guess after you’ve had 100 of them, that’s saying something! Loving people in practical and meaningful ways. That’s what deacons do.
MINISTRY
YakimaGrace.com12 Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church Deacons DEACON MINISTRY AT GRACE Serving the Grace Family through the Encouragement Ministry
When Sigrid Hagen, Peggy’s daughter, let the deacons know that her mom was turning 100 on May 30th, deacon Peggy Steere enlisted the help of a host of deacons to put on a fabulous 100th Birthday Party and luncheon for friends and family. There was worship together, birthday cake with the Grace congregation in the Garden room, followed with lunch, hosted by the deacons, in the Lounge. Balloons, cake, friends, laughing, and stories meant one great party!
Celebrating Peggy's 100th Birthday
Kathaleen and Curt opened their home to the deacons for a delicious meal, a hilarious challenging game of Jeopardy and a sweet time of sharing and prayer. Encouraging and refreshing!
Mary Pooler Gets a Haircut from Deacon Robbie Johnson Pastor Curt Knows The “Encouragers” Need Encouraging Too
Deacon Robbie Johnson visits long time Grace member, Mary Pooler who lives at Blossom House. During a recent visit Mary shared she wished she could get her hair done. Well Robbie happens to be a hairdresser. She spread out a sheet on the floor, wrapped a cape around Mary, grabbed her scissors and worked her magic much to Mary’s delight! Being a deacon is just blessing others with the skills God has blessed you with.
Peggy Riley's 100th Birthday Celebration
Blessing Others with Your Talents
Encouraging the Encouragers
“This was my best birthday ever!” Peggy reported.
Each deacon has at least one Grace family member that they pray for and encourage in practical ways. Most are unable to attend church due to a variety of reasons, so a visit with their deacon is something they look forward to.
So how do you encourage someone in a practical way?
Summer Pool Parties at the Gustafson's, Licht's & Bensons
Students filled some of the more laid back moments by spend ing time in the water or making friendship bracelets with both new friends and old. But most exciting, they had great conver sations with the speaker on their understanding of Jesus.
Middle School Camp
And finally, we ended our weekly summer meets with a splash. We have a bit of a yearly tradition of having what we call International Water Fight Day! We use the amazing space we have by the north and south lawns as well as a good chunk of the parking lot to have a giant game of cap ture the flag with water balloons. It was epic.
Student Ministry
Besides camp, we had our weekly pool parties all summer. We want to thank the Gustafson’s, Licht’s, and the Benson’s for lending us the use of their pools. We appreciate you guys wholeheartedly. Thank you for letting us cool off through out the hot summer!
International Water Fight Day
Exploring
Summer Pool Parties
STUDENT’S SUMMERGhormley'sRECAP
God's Creation Captain Amy at the Helm
Ghormley's Water-Ski Camp Water-Ski camp was in July and boy what a ride! Our students that went definitely caught some awesome waves! All were begin ners at skiing or wake-boarding and they took to it like naturals!
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We had so much fun this summer... Middle School camp was a blast. It was a week of action-packed fun. From the slip’n slide to Thursday’s lake day! We know the students that went had life changing expe riences. The surge of enthusiasm they rode all week has stayed with them and we hope contin ues to lead them to the next step in life as they start school in a new environment.
First Time Skiers Master the Waves
My own relationship with Christ began at a young age, having grown up the 5th of seven pastor’s kids. My father preached for 30 years with the Southern Baptist denomi nation, and I was blessed to be surrounded by true repre sentations of the love and sacrifice of Christ.
Both my parents as well as church lay leaders were bright examples of true Christ-likeness and I chose to follow in their faith-filled footsteps as a grade schooler, later also choosing to be baptized as a middle schooler.
Kara Brown and Husband Aaron Brown Kara Brown
Grace of Christ welcomes Kara Brown as Director of Student Ministry. We believe that her love for God, expe rience and enthusiasm will guide the youth of our church along the paths of our Lord Jesus Christ.
NEW DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRY
We will start our Fall Wednesday Program on September 21st and will continue until December 14th.
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Our mentorship program contiues to be priority. We hope to realize a 5 to 1 students to mentor ratio. With our mentorship program, we hope to connect our students to adults with similar interest in hopes to get our students to find connections within our church. We will have other events, hosted by our connectors, beginning later in the year, so keep an eye out for those. We can’t wait for another great school year!
WELCOME TO FALL
Spanish Language Studies at UW I worshiped with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship during my college years at the University of Washington while I played sports and pursued a degree in Spanish language studies. It was such a gift to have my understanding of Jesus expand as I began to rub shoulders with Christians from all different backgrounds.
OUR WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE DINNER (IN GYM) 6:00-6:30 GAME (S) 6:45-7:15 TALK/DISCUSSIONS 7:15-8:00 NEED A RIDE? If you need help with transportation, the van will be available afterwards for rides home.
Student Ministry
MEET KARA BROWN Greetings Grace of Christ! I am honored by your inviting me to nurture and teach your students, and I am en thused about getting to mentor, disciple and love them as Christ might. 6 7 8
STUDENT MENTORS
Thank youAmae and Jazheel!
While I’m sure that He will redirect us often into seasonally specific themes as we move forward together; a few of the deep passions that are guiding me at the outset are: That this would be a place...
(1) where God’s present-day power and presence are expected.
The opportunity to serve as youth pastor for Grace of Christ Presbyterian is also, in my view, a divinely orchestrated door that was opened for me. God has been steadily and deeply planting in me several passions of His heart for our young people, and I believe that those are key elements to the direction in which He would guide our studies and discipleship with the youth.
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Student Ministry
The Opportunity to Serve at Grace
In 2018 I followed a divinely orchestrated invitation to take the position of Music Director for Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. It was a rich time for growth in my leadership style and confidence built in the mighty strength of our
(3) where we are surrounded by people who love us like Jesus has loved them.
After graduating from the UW in 2006, I took an internship serving youth on the Yakama Reservation with Mending Wings Ministries in Wapato. Following the conclusion of the internship I joined the Carpenters Union and worked in that trade for seven years; five of those years with Habitat for Humanity, eventually becoming a site supervisor for them. My greatest joy as a crew leader was creating an environ ment for volunteers where they could be equipped, en couraged and empowered to contribute toward our goal. No matter what skills they came with, there was always a way in which they could participate, and I absolutely loved making the job site a place where all felt welcomed and spurred towards their potential.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord –Christ.”Colossians 3:23-25
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
– Kara Amae Merrill & Jazheel Garcia
On behalf of Grace of Christ, we want to thank Jahzeel Garcia and Amae Merrill for their great leadership and constant support of our youth. Being available to help our young people is not an easy task, and you both did extraordinary work, especially in times of pandemic. We want you to know that you are a vital part of the Kingdom of God here on earth. Your love and patience for our church and your ministry is appreciated. May God continue to bless you both, and Kara as you work for the Kingdom of God and His youth ministry.
During that time, I worshiped with Hope for The Nations Foursquare church in Toppenish and then with Harvest Community Church in Selah. I once again enjoyed the blessing of learning more about the many facets of God and His Kingdom by fellowshipping with new denomina tions. I served on the worship teams and with the youth ministries in these congregations, also leading a small group for a short time.
unifying God as I experienced the beauties of serving a liturgical congregation. During my service there I met and married my husband Aaron, who hails from Eastern Oregon and moved up to Yakima when we got married on leap day of 2020.
(4) where each student grows to better understand God’s unique and Kingdom-centered design for each of them.
(2) where we hear His voice clearly and often.
Mending Wings Ministries & Habitat for Humanity
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Music Director
I look forward to working alongside you all to nurture a youth cadre that experiences the love, truth and power of God.
Grace
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:18
Hospitality & Serving at Grace
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PRAYER AND HOSPITALITY
of Christ Presbyterian Church
“The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18 Many years ago, I read a story of a missionary who went to a remote region where two unreached people groups lived on opposite sides of a mountain. He knew he couldn’t witness and minister to both groups because of the distance between them, so he decided to live amongst one group and made a vow to the LORD to go to the top of the mountain each day and pray for the people on the far side. After a good many years, the coverts were few among the people group with whom he lived. But, one day he happened to make it to the village on the far side and found there many believers and the Gospel thriving. This account has stuck with me and is a reminder that the greatest work we can do is to spent time in prayer! This quote sums it up well, “When man works, man works. But when man prays, God works.”
– Martin Kim PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER…
Prayer has been a hallmark of Grace of Christ Church for many years. In Luke 18:1, Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Prayer is foundational in Christian discipleship. It is essential for ministry even as we extend the welcome of Jesus to others as they enter our church on Sunday mornings or hand out cookies. Prayer should undergird all aspects of our ministry as well as our individual daily walk with Jesus.
The Hospitality Minitry Team (HMT) volunteers gathered together for some fellowship and training on August 17th. After our meal we spent some time singing, worshipping to LORD under the leadership of Nathan Gross. There were door prizes and updates on safety were shared. (FYI – We now have a defibrillator in the basement outside the wom en's bathroom.)
HMT FELLOWSHIP AND TRAINING
The group split up so that the Ushers could meet with head Usher Donnie Ide and Pastor Curt. The rest of the group spent time at their table sharing their own conversion story and praying together for the lost, the ministry of Hospitality, the church, and for revival. It was a good time together and a delight to see old friends and make some new friends! We are always happy to have new people join our HMT team. Don’t hesitate to let the church know if you are interested in joining in. We all like to be flexible, so we can always find a spot that can fit your schedule preference for volunteering. We certainly could use someone who likes photography to take photos at church events.
SPANISH CLASS – Fun & Interactive for all Levels!
PERSPECTIVES CLASS
As a part of our church’s fall Wednesdays@Grace, a Spanish Class, taught by Rebecca Whitmore and Terri Buchanan, will be offered as one of the options following the Wednesday dinners. The class begins September 21, with the goal of encouraging English speakers to expand their skill and comfort level speaking Spanish and interacting with Spanish speakers. The class will be fun, interactive, and free! Please plan to attend.
Comming To Grace of Christ Church | January 2023
The aim of the Perspectives experience is to educate in order to mobilize the whole Body of Christ to become "World Christians," people who live intentionally to see God globally worshiped.
Wednesday | September 21 | 7pm
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
Becoming World Christians (1) The Course Grows Vision – the Biblical vision of God accomplishing His purpose.
Living Water for the World – Yakima Meetings
(2) It Gives Purpose – as we align ourselves with God's timeless purpose and global promise.
In October, Javier Valencia, a member of Grace’s LWW team, will be heading to Clean Water University in Camp Johnson burg, NJ, for four days of intense training in installing water systems. The Yakima Network for LWW meets the third Fri day at 1pm, here at Grace. If you enjoy traveling and making a difference in the lives of others, please join us!
Mission Ministry
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Grace of Christ is a mission focused church, sharing DROPS OF GRACE locally, nationally and internationally having a global reach. Loving in the name and power of Christ, Grace of Christ truly has a world-wide impact, changing lives for His Kingdom. The Mission Ministry Team (MMT) maintains interaction with and oversees distribution of funds to more than twenty mission partners and organizations.
(3) It Gives Hope – as we see people from every tongue, tribe and nation worshiping God together before His throne.
Friday | September 16 | 1pm | Grace of Christ
In January 2023, Grace of Christ will be the location for a 15-week Perspectives Class. If you’d like more information or would like to register, please contact the church office or connect with our Mission Ministry Team. The Perspectives Ministry Vision is to see the Body of Christ awakened to pursue the fulfillment of God's global purpose within every people for His glory. Mobilize the Body of Christ Perspective's Mission is to mobilize the Body of Christ in the USA through education to strategic engagement in God's global purpose, not necessarily to make missionaries out of all believers, but to have all believers be on mission with God.
(4) It Unifies the Body of Christ – as we work with a common purpose to see Jesus glorified among the peoples of the earth.
LIVING WATERS AND A FALL SPANISH CLASS Living Waters for the World em powers everyday people to change lives through clean wa ter. We train, equip and support volunteers in forming global, clean-water mission partnerships. These mission partner ships empower international communities to install and sustain water purification systems and health education pro grams that transform lives. The Yakima Network partnership is with the Yucatan Mexico communities. In June, a check for $1000 was given to supplement the 10,000 pesos our Becal Partners had saved, for the purchase of a “moto caro.” This vehicle enabled them to meet the water delivery requests for this thriving community at the hottest time of the year.
“Equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors”
University in Kenya and has designed courses for teaching in Francophone Africa. In addition, Dr. Tim is a world renown expert in AIDS education/prevention.
Bolstering the team, Muriel holds degrees from The Uni versity of Calgary and University of Alberta. Muriel has pri marily acted as librarian/teacher and library consultant and trainer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She also has been the de veloper and manager of school programs for needy children in church schools in rural Haiti.
Most recently, Dr. Tim has been actively teaching with the Christian Medical-Dental Associations Medical Missions Con ference. CMDA-CMDE is an international association that ex ists to start and strengthen Christian national medical and dental movements in Greece. The CMDA-CMDE has made various excursions to Germany, Switzerland, the United King dom, Austria and France to visit supporters and to participate in conferences. As a long-time member of CMDA-CMDE, Dr. Tim has previously done some teaching at medical missions conferences in Kenya, Thailand and Greece. The Teusinks’ work with SIM will continue to the end of 2022 as their assignments will involve visiting supporting churches and individuals, as well as attending a final debriefing at SIM-USA headquarters in Charlotte, NC, in October. In addition, the Teusinks will be mentoring a missionary couple who are just beginning their work in the field, as well as active recruitment involvement, particularly of medical/educational missionaries. Dr. Tim will continue his role with SIM International Health Ministry Team and will be available as a consultant with SIM-France until they secure a French physician. One of the biggest, and perhaps most welcomed change will be that after many, many years spent apart, the Teusink family will finally be living on the same continent. After so many years spread around the world, the family will all be residing on the North American continent, with son Jona thon in Canada and daughter Bekah in the Pacific North west. Needless to say, the sacrifices of a global missionary family are great. Wishing the Teusinks a healthy, happy and blessed new chapter!
“With profound gratitude for your partnership, encourage ment and support over the decades.” – Dr. Tim & Muriel Teusink Dr. Tim and Muriel Teusink
Mission Ministry
Dr. Tim earned his medical degrees from the University of Washington, then completed a residency in Family Medi cine, followed by additional surgical and tropical medicine training. His master’s degree is in Bioethics (Medical Ethics).
of Christ Presbyterian Church
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Dr. Tim developed an international Bioethics curriculum, teaching at the Myungsung Medical College (MMC) in Addis Ababa, where he remains on visiting faculty. He also teach es medical ethics to Family Medicine residents at Kabarak
“There is not much we would have changed over the past decades –with the exception of working in a war zone – but, even that experience had its unique blessings, as we shared difficult challenges with our Rwandan brothers and sisters who taught us so much about trusting God in every situa tion,” Dr. Teusink reflects. “All of our colleagues in every country we’ve been blessed to work with, have left their profound imprint on our lives and for that we will be forever grateful.” – Dr. Tim Teusink
Choosing to lead lives of service over comfort and predict ability, the Teusinks have truly impacted untold numbers and have made a world-wide difference. Dr. Tim and Muriel have selflessly served together for nearly four decades in the fields of medicine/surgery and education.
Following decades of service and... circling, circling, and circling the globe, now it is time for the Teusinks to return home. After some 40 years of hands-on missionary work in the trenches, Dr. Tim Teusink (fondly known as Dr. Tim) and his wife Muriel will be retiring and returning to the United States. More specifically, Yakima. Logging numerous miles and saving countless lives (both physically and spiritually), the Teusinks’ stint as medical/educational missionaries is coming to a close. Their mission work took root with Free Methodist World Mis sions in Haiti and Rwanda. Following was service with SIM (an international, interdenominational, evangelical mission organization) in Ethiopia, and France, as well as teaching throughout the African continent. Staying the course, the Teusinks continued with their SIM – France/Belgium duties in France – which acted as a springboard for travel between different continents. Coming full circle, Dr. Tim and Muriel will soon say “au revoir” and set foot upon American soil.
Grace
Gerardo strongly believes that to change the student, you must reach out to the parents. This year, an opportunity opened up for Gerardo to work full-time for Young Life. He was hired to oversee all Young Life Ministries for the Yakima School District and the Union Gap school. Young Life maintains active ministries at Stan ton, Davis and Eisenhower High School, as well as Wyld Life Clubs centered at Lewis & Clark, Franklin, Washington and Union Gap Middle Schools. He will be bringing 30 local high school and 13 middle school teens to a Young Life camp this summer.
Gerardo’s email is Gerardo.mendoza.ruiz71@gmail.com
If you can’t go and be with students yourself, why not support someone who is called by God to do this work? Gerardo and Jenny Mendoza Gerardo Working with Teens through Young Life
Personal Checks can be made and sent to: Young Life – WA28 725 W. Yakima Avenue Yakima, WA 98902
Gerardo started as an Intern at the Madison House when he was 18 years old, working with elementary kids on a daily basis and taking them to events and to camps. He wasn’t paid because at the time he was undocumented. In the summers, he worked at Lost Creek Camp as a lifeguard, counselor, and other jobs. He met Jenny and knew she was the love of his life. They were married at Cascade Gardens, and now have two boys, Noah (age 6) and Jonah (age 3). For three years Gerardo stopped ministry and moved with Jenny to Seattle, where Jenny got her Masters Degree in Social Work. Now, she is a school counselor in East Valley. The Mendoza family goes to the 9:00 service at our church, where Gerardo is an usher. Back at the Madison House, Gerardo was hired part-time by Young Life and by the Union Gospel Mission to be the Pro grams Coordinator at the Madison House. He helped recruit and train staff and most importantly nurtured them through the very hard task of loving kids. He created events to min ster to both the students and their parents. Under his lead ership, Madison House started block parties that swelled to 300 participants. He implemented an outstanding Thanks giving and a Christmas dinner program that served 100-120 parents and kids. Volunteers are hard to come by, but he was able to convince the community to jump in and help.
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Gerardo Mendoza has an amazing ministry with students from his old neighborhood. Gerardo says that growing up in the hood was both a struggle and a blessing. It was a strug gle because the area was full of gang violence, crime, and poverty. Through all the hardships, God continued to bless him with mentors and organizations that came into his life. Together, The Madison House Community Center and Young Life gave to Gerardo what he needed most: a spotlight on Christ through personal relationships. He says, “I know that serving God through Youth Ministry is what I am called to do. If it was not for the people who invested in me at such a young age, the streets of Yakima could have been lethal.”
YOUNG LIFE WELCOMES GERARDO
Part of his job responsibilities include raising funds for the Yakima Valley's Young Life Ministry. Gerardo is praying for 22 partners throughout the valley to pray with and support his ministry with teenagers. With God’s help, he needs to raise $12,000. Will you consider being one of his partners?
Full-Time Hap Brahams: 1957-1959 Tom Pearson: 1967-1968 Sonny Salsbury: 1969-1977 Doug Cairns: 1978-1979 Greg Tyree: 1979-1981 Tim Uecker : 1981-1982 Rick Hudson: 1983-1984 photos your children with a youth pastor. Please send them to Don Stuber at dstuber47@gmail.com
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Mission Ministry
THE HISTORY OF STUDENT MINISTRIES
Jeff Murray, Student Ministries 2010–2015
In recent years we have had a wealth of Student Volunteers, Interim Directors & Assistants: Jahzeel Garcia-Figueroa, Amae Merrill, Hamilton Licht, Carol Licht, John Yolo, Kelsey Schmidt, Esteban Mata, Courtney Hutchins, Austyn Chynoweth, Ali Hildebrand, Shane Hildebrand, Josh Merrill, Jacob Merril, and Brent Alderman Thank you for giving your prayers, time and energy to the future of the church. An essential part of any staff person’s resume is the support of his/her family and spouse. A big thank you for all the staffs’ families.
Andy Ross: 1984-1990 Roger Bennett: 1991-1993 Bryce Lund : 1994-1997 Anthony Peggins: 1999-2005 Tyler Van Horn: 2006-2009 Jeff Murray: 2010-2015 Thomas Sudbury: 2017-2019
Directors of Student Ministries
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church has a legacy of strong Student Ministries. For decades, this ministry was direct ed by either the Head Pastor or an Associate Pastor. In the 1950’s, churches started to hire Youth Pastors full-time to focus on the important work of training young people to fol low Christ and find their identity in sharing the Good News with others. The greatest gains in this discipleship always happened because volunteers or part-time staff from the congregation rolled up their sleeves and dived into building strong relationships with the students. We are honoring those men and women who lived out 1Thessalonians 2:8, “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” This commemoration focuses on those who were hired full time to be the Director of Student Ministries. Hap Brahams came to First Presbyterian in 1957 to work as our first Youth Pastor. Ten years later he came back to our church as our head pastor and hired Sonny Salsbury. Sonny defined the phrase of long-term excellence as he served eight years. This remains our longest tour of duty for any Youth Pastor that we have had. Both Andy Ross and Anthony Peggins served six years pouring into middle school and high school students.
Tyler VanHorn, Student Ministries 2006–2009Anthony Peggins, Student Ministries 1999–2005
Do you have corrections or additions to this story? Perhaps you have
of you or
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church
GHORMLEY
PRAYER NEEDS FOR OUR FALL SEASON
• We believe that we have identified the right person to serve as our future Program Director! However, this individual grew up in Vancouver, B.C., so there are some immigration hoops we will have to jump through. Pray that God will smooth the way for Elliot Daly (along with his wife, Vivian, and their two children) to join us in the spring of 2023.
• Pray that God will send us guest groups that we can serve in the later part of this fall season.
• Pray that God will continue meet our financial needs as we enter the end of 2022. We have had a strong summer in terms of campers and guests, but the impact of inflation has made our budget tighter than we would have hoped coming out of the summer.
came home from camp like a different person! Thank you so much for all you do!" "Thank you for everything, you all helped me g et close to God again, and I am really thankful!"
As we turn the page from summer to fall, we are celebrat ing an amazing summer of ministry at Camp Ghormley! 483 campers attended this summer, along with 100 campers for Outreach Camp Weekend, plus many rental guests through out the summer. It was a tremendous joy to once again have a full slate of camps and summer activities here at camp. Campers enjoyed many fun activities at camp this summer, including a pool rodeo, nighttime pool party, a Christmas in July celebration, color wars, slip n' slide, face painting, along with all the traditional camp fun like paintball, ropes course, swimming and lake activities. Another huge hit this summer was the return of horseback riding! Nearly 50% of the 483 campers who attended camp this summer went riding! Spiritually speaking, God did some incredible things in the lives of so many young people. Hundreds of kids made com mitments to follow Jesus! We were also blessed with an incredible staff team that was strong and excited to serve from the first to the last day of camp! This year's team was truly a blessing that will set the stage for future summers. Praise God for a great 2022 summer camp season at Ghormley!
Ghormley
" I loved my time at camp so much, I cried when I had to leave."
"My child
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SUMMER 2022!
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE
MEN’S SATURDAY,BREAKFASTOCTOBER8 | 7:30AM | GYM
Sonny Salsbury is gearing up for a new season with the Gospel Kids, a singing group in Yakima, open to the community. Sonny and team will lead the group made up of children grades 3rd through 7th who want to sing. (No formal training required!) Weekly rehearsals will begin September 22nd – Thursdays from 3:45pm – 5:15pm at Grace of Christ Church in the choir room. Please contact Sonny for more information or to sign up! (805) 709-6605.
WEDNESDAYS@GRACE
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Join us Wed. nights, Sept 21 – Nov 16 for dinner & class! We have something for all ages, so bring your family! Dinners are in the gym at 6pm. Suggested donation $4/person or $12/for family. Classes begin at 6:45pm unless stated otherwise.
GOSPEL KIDS: A YAKIMA CHILDREN’S CHOIR |
Childcare Available: 6pm – 8pm (Main floor childcare) Grace Kids: Kinder through 5th grade (2nd Floor KidZone) Youth Group: 6th grade – 12th grade (Youth Room/Gym)
Hey guys! Mark your calendars – there will be a Men’s Breakfast on Sat, October 8th at 7:30am in the church gym. Enjoy a hearty (and delicious) meal and good conversation with the guys. Men of all ages are welcome – bring your sons or grandsons, friends and your neighbors. Please let the church office know if you want to help cook & set-up or help clean up afterwards. Call 509-248-7940.
This year we will only be collecting and distributing WINTER CLOTHING in NEW or GOOD condition. Please bring your donations of: Coats, Sweaters, Pants, Hats, Scarves, Gloves, & Boots for men, women and children to the church beginning October 13th. Bring your family on Saturday, October 15 (9am to 1pm) and take the winter clothes you need, you can also bring some winter clothes to share with our community.
BELLS OF GRACE
Adult Class Options: The Chosen (Adult Ed Rm) see pg. 4 Arise! (Chapel) see pg. 7 or Spanish Class (Lounge) see pg. 17
Bells of Grace welcomes veterans and newcomers alike to rehearsals beginning Tuesday, September 20th at 4:00 pm. We are a friendly bunch of varying bell ringing abilities, but love to share our gift of music. We aim to play throughout the year... 5th Sundays, Advent, Christmas Eve, and Lent/Easter Season. Contact Julie Hunziker at (530) 209-4329 or jbhunziker@gmail.com
THUR, SEPT 22 | 3:45PM – 5:15PM | CHOIR RM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 | 9AM – 1PM | GYM
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 | 4PM | SANCTUARY
Mon, September 19 Trailseekers Begins 2:45pm - 4:00pm Gym
Tue, September 6 Worship Ministry Team Meeting 4:30pm Garden Room
Mon, September 12 Preschool Board Meeting 1:00pm Adult Ed Room
Sun, September 11 Women's Ministry Team Meeting 10:30am Adult Ed Room
Prayer Available at the front of the sanctuary af ter each service
11:00am Traditional style worship with choir and pipe organ, childcare available
Mon, September 12 Men's BSF Begins 7:00pm Sanctuary
WEDNESDAYS 6:00pm Wed@Grace Dinner & Classes 6:00pm Choir Rehearsal THURSDAYS 9:15am Women’s BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) 3:45pm Gospel Kids Rehearsal 6:00pm Worship Band Rehearsal
Tue, September 13 Business Ministry Team Meeting 4:00pm Library
Thur, September 8 Grace Sunday Teacher Meeting & Dinner 6:00pm Lounge
Tue, September 27 S ession Meeting 6:30pm Adult Ed Room
Tue, October 11 Mission Ministry Team Meeting 4:30pm Adult Ed Room
Sat, September 10 Women's Luncheon 11:00am Garden Room
Sun, October 9 Women's Ministry Team Meeting 10:30am Adult Ed Room
Mon, September 5 Labor Day / Church Closed
Communion Served the First Sunday of each month at both services (9:00am & 11:00am)
Tue, October 4 Worship Ministry Team Meeting 4:30pm Garden Room
Sat, October 29 Trunk or Treat 6:00pm Parking Lot WHENDATE WHEREEVENT
Wed, September 21 Wednesdays@Grace Dinner & Class Begins 6:00pm Gym / Classrooms
Thur, September 15 Women's BSF Begins 9:15am Sanctuary
Wed, September 28 Mary McLean Guild Meeting 1:00pm Fireside Room
Tue, October 11 Business Ministry Team Meeting 4:00pm Library
YakimaGrace.com23
TUESDAYS 9:45am WOW - Women’s Bible Study 6:00pm Youth Worship Band Rehearsal
Sun, September 11 Grace Kids Open House 8:30am-9:15am KidZone Room 2nd floor
Tue, September 13 Mission Ministry Team Meeting 4:30pm Adult Ed Room
Fri, September 16 Living Water Meeting 1:00pm Lounge
9:00am Contemporary style worship, classes for children of all ages, childcare available 9:00am Grace Kids (Kidzone 2nd Floor)
Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church JOIN US FOR WORSHIP SUNDAY MORNINGS!
S ept 30 - Oct 2 Women's Conference (at Young Life Family Ranch) All Weekend Oregon
Tue, October 25 S ession Meeting 6:30pm Adult Ed Room
Youth Youth Breakfast Club (Chapel Main Floor)
MONDAYS 6:30pm Divorce Care 7:00pm Men’s BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)
Wed, September 7 Hospitality Ministry Team Meeting 3:00pm Lounge
MON–FRIDAY 9:00am Preschool
Sun, October 2 Communion Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am Sanctuary
Sun, September 11 Deacon Meeting 12:30pm Lounge
Sunday Services & Calendar of Events
Sun, September 11 Pastor Chat A fter Each Service Fireside Room
Sun, October 2 Chat with the Elders A fter Each Service Fireside Room
Sun, September 18 K ick Off Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am Sanctuary
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT GRACE
Sun, October 9 Deacon Meeting 12:30pm Lounge
Mon, October 10 Preschool Board Meeting 1:00pm Adult Ed Room
Sat, October 15 Winter Clothing Drive 9:00am-1:00pm Gym
Tue & Wed Sept 6 & 7 First Days of Preschool 9:00am Classrooms
Sun, September 4 Communion Sunday 9:00am and 11:00am Sanctuary
Tue, September 20 Women of the Word Bible Study Begins 9:45am Fireside Room
Wed, October 26 Mary McLean Guild Meeting 1:00pm Fireside Room
NONPROFIT ORG US PERMITYAKIMA,POSTAGEPAIDWANO59 GRACE OF YAKIMA,PRESBYTERIANCHRISTCHURCH9S8THAVENUEWA98902RETURNSERVICEREQUESTED
