“After this (the feeding of the 5,000... and some challenging teachings of Jesus) many of His disciples (followers) turned back and no longer walked with Him. So, Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’
Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.’”
– John 6:66-69 (ESV)
Why am I a Christian? Why do I believe?
Why have I dedicated my life to following Jesus? Being a Christian has not been, and is not, easy. I make certain choices as a Christian I would not make if I was not attempting to follow Jesus. Why am I a Christian?
It certainly isn’t because of how I was raised. I did not have the benefit of legacy Christians in my family tree. My grandparents, on both sides, did not impress on me the importance of Christian faith. In my early years my father had no interest in God. My mom was a spiritual wanderer, unanchored, drifting, her life already filled with fear.
The church I was raised in had a significant impact on my life... but IT’S not why I believe. When I was about five years old, my mom wandered into a very good Presbyterian church in my hometown, Danville, California. My earliest memories: The sanctuary was long and narrow, the pastor deep voiced and intimidating, the people kind and welcoming. I couldn’t tell you why (not then, I can now)... but I was drawn in.
I sat through the services, my mom and sister next to me. The hymns, the prayers, a sense of majesty, slowly captured me. That church talked about Jesus. Actually, it did more than talk... it tried to live out what it talked about. It was a good church and it provided me with a solid foundation.
The college I attended helped develop my Christian faith but IT is not why I am a Christian. I spent four good years at Whitworth College in Spokane. My mind and heart were stretched by exceptional teachers. I was involved in campus Bible studies, community missions, local Presbyterian churches. I walked downtown streets talking to those I met about Jesus. Whitworth was a great place for me, a safe place for me, a growing place for me.
Do you
want to go away as well?
The semester before I graduated, I asked myself, “Why am I a Christian?” Do I believe because of my home church? Will
my Christian faith survive once I leave the safety and support of Whitworth? And so I decided to spend my last few months at Whitworth questioning everything, especially my Christian faith. I decided I would live as if I wasn’t a Christian. My lifestyle did not change, but my faith did. I took a close look at other faiths and philosophies. I still went to church, but I didn’t take communion. I stopped leading campus Bible studies. I didn’t pray. I didn’t talk to others about Jesus. I didn’t let others know what I was doing... I just quietly questioned everything. It was difficult and troubling. But I’m thankful for that time.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
After months of wallowing in the darkness of disbelief I heard the question above, “Do you want to go away as well?” And I found myself responding as Peter did, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
I discovered I really believe. I discovered I am not a Christian because of the church I grew up in. I’m not a Christian because of Whitworth. The reason I am a Christian is Jesus. I have come to believe that He is the Holy One of God. Where else could I go? He loves like no other. He teaches like no other. He is unlike anyone else who has ever walked this earth. Even though I remain a skeptic... Jesus makes sense. He won me over many years back, and He still does today. Jesus patiently calls me, cares for me, speaks to me, forgives me, and offers what no one else can... “the words of eternal life.”
Curt, a Jesus-loving, Jesus-following, skeptic... and Christian.
Faith, Sexuality & Gender Conference | October 21-22 | Grace of Christ
“Jesus said to her, ‘Go, call your husband, and come here.’
The woman answered Him, ‘I have no husband.’
Jesus said to her, ‘You are right in saying, “I have no husband”; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.’”
– John 4
Our Lord regularly entered into relationships and conversations with those who were making choices out of sync with God’s intentions. How can we do the same?
Faith, Sexuality & Gender Conference
Here at Grace of Christ, we will host the Faith, Sexuality, and Gender Conference on October 21-22. We hope you will consider participating (in person or online) both Monday evening and all-day Tuesday. Please invite your family members, friends, and neighbors. Details about the conference, and registration information, can be found on the church website, https://yakimagrace.com/faith-gender-conf You can also contact the church office at 509-248-7940.
In our country, and our community, attitudes on sexuality and gender are changing dramatically and rapidly. Conversations about these topics can be volatile. Personal feelings can run high. Turmoil and division surrounding sexuality and gender are increasing rather than decreasing. How can we as Jesus people, and as a Jesus church, engage those who disagree with our convictions on sexuality and gender in a God-honoring way? How can we talk to our children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends, about these important issues without damaging the relationships? I am aware that not everyone reading this article agrees with the church’s stated positions, and this pastor’s convictions.
Grace and Truth
Compromising what we believe is not the answer. Compromising on our Christian calling to genuinely love others, even those who see themselves as our enemies, is not the answer. We need BOTH Grace AND Truth. I believe this conference will help us.
We will not agree with everything said at this conference. I have already found points of disagreement. But I am convinced the speaker, Preston Sprinkle, and those in his organization (The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender), are good Christians trying to help us find a way to engage these topics, and those struggling with (or celebrating) their sexual and gender choices.
I’ve spoken to several in our church who are asking for help. They want to know how to relate to a son, a daughter, a grandson or granddaughter, a neighbor or friend, who have rejected the Christian understanding of gender, sexuality, and identity.
The question is... how would Jesus relate to, have conversations with, those who are out of sync with God’s intentions? And, how should we?
“Documents
of the Christian Church”
By Henry Bettenson and Chris Maunder
Pliny (the Younger) (lawyer, author, and magistrate, of Rome). Regarding those accused of being Christians in Bithynia (now Northern Turkey), around the year 112.
Those accused, “declared that the sum of their guilt or error had amounted only to this, that on an appointed day they had been accustomed to meet before daybreak, and to recite a hymn antiphonally to Christ, as to a god, and to bind themselves by an oath, not for the commission of any crime but to abstain from theft, robbery, adultery and breach of faith, and not to deny a deposit when it was claimed. After the conclusion of this ceremony, it was their custom to depart and meet again to take food; but it was ordinary and harmless food, and they had ceased this practice after my edict in which, in accordance with your orders, I had forbidden secret societies.
I thought it the more necessary, therefore, to find out what truth there was in this by applying torture to two maidservants, who were called deaconesses. But I found nothing but a depraved and extravagant superstition, and I therefore postponed my examination and had recourse to you for consultation. The matter seemed to me to justify my consulting you, especially on account of the number of those imperilled; for many persons of all ages and classes and of both sexes are being put in peril by accusation, and this will go on. The contagion of this superstition has spread not only in the cities, but in the villages and rural districts as well; yet it seems capable of being checked and set right.
Prayer Ministry
Pray for The Next Generation - Prayer Guide Guides available at: YakimaGrace.com/pray
SEPTEMBER 1 – 21ST
Young people are facing challenges we never imagined facing as children and teens. There are forces at work in our world that can seem overwhelming to our kids. But God’s Word tells us that no weapon turned against us will succeed. Prayer is His weapon for us to defeat the forces of darkness.
Please join us in praying for God to intervene on their behalf. Prayer is one of the most powerful things we can do for them!
The Prayer Priority Team has prepared a 21 Day Pray for the Next Generation Prayer Guide for our Grace of Christ family to join together to pray September 1 through September 21 as they return to school. We can go to battle for them with the Word of God through our prayers.
We invite you to set aside the first 21 days of September to pray for our youth, for the next generation.
Paper and digital copies will be available August 25 at the church and on the website YakimaGrace.com.
Grace School of Ministry and Leadership
Intern Updates
We are excited to start this next fall with four Interns. Three are returning for their second year: Isaac Gambito, Linda Camarillo, and Alex Moran. We will have one new Intern: Belén Damian-Vazquez.
Isaac Gambito is in his senior year at Northwest University, majoring in Business. He will continue working around the church, helping Debbie Meyers with sound, graphics, and other technical systems.
Linda Camarillo is a sophomore this year, and her goal is to become a teacher. She will assist Becca Mailand with our Preschool ministry.
Alex Moran is a sophomore at Northwest and she plans to focus on ministry. She is starting to speak at more youth ministry events. These three had good grades all last year at college.
Belén Damian-Vazquez is finishing online high school this year and is being mentored by Kara. She went on the Kona mission trip in 2023, and our mission trip this summer in Oregon. She hopes to start Northwest later this fall or next spring.
Larissa Belknap will continue as the Director of Interns and our School of Ministry and Leadership. She has hit the ball out of the park in building relationships with the Interns, guiding them through the quagmires of going to college, and faithfully building their faith. She works hand in hand with Kara.
Congratulations to Aaron Brown who is continuing his education through Northwest University while maintaining his role in the front office and assisting his wife Kara, Director of Student Ministries.
Thank you Teachers!
A big thank you goes out to the folks who taught at the School of Ministry and Leadership last year. These volunteers are from within Grace as well teachers from other churches.
Blake Belknap
Larissa Belknap
Kathy Bricel
Kara Brown
Garrett Gress
Craig Hooper
Donnie Ide
Curt McFarland
Gerardo Mendoza
Kathy Myers
Don Stuber
Robin Stuber
Thanks to Our Internship Advisory Board!
Finally, a shout out to the Advisory Board for Interns, who planned and prayed this ministry into reality. They also went out and raised the funds to pay for 44% of the Intern’s tuition to attend Northwest University.
Jackie Anderson
Larissa Belknap
Jo Branca
Kara Brown
Julie Grove
Steve Hildebrand
Donnie Ide
Jake Kupp
Peggy Schafer
Monte Schilperoort
Pray for Our Interns
Please pray for the Interns as they start school on August 26th. If you could greet and welcome them when you see them at church, it will bless them.
Jay Sentz
Cathy Simons
Jerry Simons
Don Stuber
Corday Trick
Student Ministry
Eleven middle schoolers and five high schoolers attended camp Ghormley this year. What an incredible gift to see this increase from just the small handful who attended camp last Summer! We are confident in the fact that God used their time at camp to draw near to them in deeper ways and reveal more of His love and power, setting them free in new ways to live a “more abundant life” for Christ alone.
Student Ministry is ALWAYS assured and consistent in their lives.
At Grace Youth, we don’t always claim to have all the answers, but we KNOW, and CONNECT with the ONE who IS the answer... Every time we meet. So, celebrate with us that The One True God, manifested in Jesus Christ, the resurrected Savior has been ABIDING with and SPEAKING to your youth through The Holy Spirit at each and every one of our Summer events and gatherings! ...and that Spirit of truth is bringing TRUE love, TRUE freedom, and TRUE friendships to our young people! ...that we might truly “enjoy HIM and enjoy each other” forever!
A Letter From Your “Fearless Leader” – Kara Brown
Praising God for the opportunity to give our Middle Schoolers a club all their own on Sunday mornings! It was so immediately evident how much more comfortable that was for incoming 6th graders, and how helpful it was for the focus and fellowship in the room to be more quality. We will continue with this split-club style, with separate clubs for Middle School and High School, when we kick-off our Fall program on Sept 8th. (Youth group for 6th-12th grade will start Sept 4th).
Praising God for the amazing work that He did in the minds and heart of our youth, interns, volunteers and leaders during the Mission Trip. What a God ordained opportunity for each of us to take the next step of intimacy with God on this journey of faith and to allow us to discover new levels of His power and faithfulness as we served out of our weakness!
Thank you, Sacred Road and the Warm Springs Tribe, for hosting us and allowing us into your lives and community and missions.
Family & Children’s Ministry
— Sarah Huck Family & Children's Ministry Director
Greetings, Grace family, whom I greatly respect,
Lately I’ve been talking with my children about the fundamental value of respect that plays a crucial role in our relationships. Why is respect so important? What does it look like, sound like, and feel like when someone is showing you respect, or you are respecting another? Does someone have to earn respect, or do we freely give it?
I asked my children how they know I respect them, and they answered, “Because you listen to us.” Aha! Yes, one way we demonstrate respect is by listening. My friend Jamal Zakhary once gave me a lesson on listening. She said we listen by not interrupting, not giving advice, and not offering solutions. Respectful listening involves trying to understand what someone is thinking or feeling, perhaps encouraging them to tell us more or asking a question. There may be an opportunity to share, but the most important thing is to build relationship by listening and understanding the other person.
Don’t do anything for selfish reasons or seek to promote yourself ahead of others, but in humbleness and love be more concerned for the welfare and good of others than for your own. – Philippians 2:3
Respect involves humility and is freely given, not earned. We love and respect because Jesus first loved us (1 John 4:19). We did nothing to deserve God’s love. Yet He laid His life down for us.
Last December I was hired at the YVC Tasting Room. I consider myself a respectful person, but something unexpected came along with that job that literally rearranged some of my thinking. I was suddenly immersed in the LGBQT+ community. I realized two things very quickly. Number one: I didn’t know anything. Number two: I love people. All people. It was as if God grabbed my snow-globe-like brain full of thoughts, perceptions, ideas, judgments, stereotypes, and prejudices and shook it like crazy. Then He set it back down and said, “Let’s try this again.”
Why am I sharing this? Because I want to live more like Jesus lived, and most likely, you do too. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated respect to all people by listening to them. I realized my new friends didn’t need me to agree with them, but rather to listen to them. For relationships are built on listening and on respect. Agreement is not a deal breaker in relationships, but disrespect is.
Consider carefully how you listen.
Jesus’ command in Luke 8:18
Listening is not passive. It is a choice. Jesus listened in a way that communicated compassion and care, taking the time to understand others. James understood the value of listening. He wrote:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Grace, we do awesome in community-building, helping others, praying, and serving. But perhaps we can practice being better listeners. Maybe there are simple ways we can be more respectful of those who see things differently than we do.
In October we are hosting a conference featuring biblical scholar and speaker, Preston Sprinkle, titled Gender, Faith, and Sexuality. I hope and pray you take this opportunity to come, not necessarily so your thinking will be changed, but perhaps you will grow in understanding and compassion and be equipped with ideas on how to talk about challenging subjects. Maybe the Lord wants to do some shaking up of your snow-globe-like brain. Everyone deserves respect. Let’s become healthier in living this way.
KICK-OFF SUNDAY! SEPTEMBER 8 | 10:15AM | SANCTUARY
We are kicking off our fall Sundays, saying so long summer and embracing the school year ahead! Join us for an allchurch potluck, live music, shave ice, face painting and more! We will gather between services, so plan on staying after the first service or coming early for the second service. It’s going to be a fun time on the lawn!
Family & Children’s Ministry
Celebrating Baptisms!
On Father’s Day, June 16, and on June 30 our church family celebrated the baptisms of three children. We praise God for their and their family’s commitment to the Lord with their decision of baptism. We welcome them into our church family, and we pledge to nurture them in Christian fellowship.
Bennett Geir Dalan Baptized: June 30, 2024
Peter Curtis Alexander Baptized: June 16, 2024
Peter Curtis Alexander
Parents: Kevin & Rosie
Alexander, big brother
Hezekiah, grandparents Curt & Kathaleen McFarland and Alexander & Nancy Alexander.
Graham McKay Dalan Baptized: June 30, 2024
GRACE KIDS
Grace Kids enjoyed a little indoor time in the gym and a lot of outdoor time on the north lawn this summer!
Family & Children’s Ministry
VBS SUCCESS!
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14.
Vacation Bible School was a week of fun songs, silly jokes, tasty snacks, learning scripture, and most importantly lots of talking about how much God loves us! We had kids four years old up to 5th graders, and our teen & adult volunteers
gathering all throughout the church sharing the goodness of Jesus. Here are a few pictures to show you a glimpse of the fun week. You can see more pictures on our church website VBS (yakimagrace.com).
We are tremendously grateful for our faithful, energetic, loving volunteers – VBS wouldn’t have happened without all your help!
Deacons
SERVING AND ENCOURAGING
Todd and Julie Hunziker hosted a BBQ for the Deacon Ministry Team in July. They enjoyed a special time for fellowship, refreshment and reflection on why they said “yes” when they were asked to become a deacon. See their answers on the following page.
“Who wouldn’t want to be in ministry with all these good people?”
WHATEVER YOU DO, WORK AT IT WITH ALL YOUR heart, AS WORKING FOR THE Lord
not for human masters, since you know that you’ll receive inheritance from the Lord as a reward. IT IS THE
Lord Christ YOU ARE SERVING.
Colossians 3:23-24
WHY WE SAID YES TO SERVING AS DEACONS...
“I know I’m using my time wisely and making a difference.”
“It gives me purpose, keeps me centered on what is important in life.”
“I
struggled getting to know people in the church until I became a Deacon. I’m getting to know my church family in ways I could never have imagined.”
“Who wouldn’t want to be in ministry with all these good people?”
“I enjoy the team aspect of the ministry. My wife and I have the flexibility to travel and still know that the ministry isn’t suffering due to our absence for a few weeks.”
“Because of what Jesus does for me, serving as a Deacon is a reasonable act.”
SELFLESS SERVICE – DEACONS MINISTRY
Selflessness is being more concerned with the needs and desires of others than one’s own. It is a virtue shared by those who serve in the Deacon Ministry. There are benefits to service. When we are selfless, we experience positive emotions such as gratitude, compassion, empathy and joy. We feel more connected and fulfilled in our relationships and our purpose in life.
Selflessness has been found to improve general health. Lowers BP, reduces cortisol and stress, boosts the immune system and protects us from depression, anxiety and loneliness. As we engage with others, we often learn new skills, gain perspective, expand our world view and see how God is at work in our life and the lives of others. We begin to mature and grow as Christ Followers.
It’s true there is much to be gained by serving. It can also be tiring. In the months of July and August we forgo our monthly meeting and instead meet in a home and have fellowship. We share a meal, we talk, we pray, we laugh, we encourage one another. These times keep us fresh, gain perspective, renew our energy and enthusiasm.
ANDLETUS CONSIDER HOW TO STIRUPONE ANOTHER TO LOVE AND GOODWORKS
.
Not neglecting to meet together as the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see THE DAY DRAWING NEARER.
Hebrews 10:24-25
— Becca Mailand yakimagrace.com/preschool
Marching Ahead:
This year we are looking forward to ways God will move through our preschool and students. As we prepare activities for our first few themes, as a parent and a teacher, we reflect on how amazing these children are.
Our “All About ME” theme gives students a chance to share their hopes, dreams, fears, and family life with us. Preschool is often the first experience children have away from home... Their first experience practicing empathy and trying to understand new friends and new behaviors.
As the school year begins, take a moment to see the people in your life as if it’s the first time meeting them, with the grace and compassion we teach our children when meeting new friends. How can God create new depth in your relationships this year?
Equipped to Share and Serve
This year our chapel theme is the Armor of God from Ephesians 6! We want our students and teachers to remember that we are protected by God to share His love and serve our friends and neighbors. We will be exploring each piece of the armor as we journey through the Bible from creation to the birth of Christ to the sending of Christians into the world.
MEET THE TEACHER August 29 & 30 (9-11am)
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL September 3
APPLE PIE FUNDRAISER Coming in October!
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do!” Ephesians 2:1 PARENT ORIENTATION August 28 at 6pm
Mission Ministry
BLESSINGS OF HOPE: WHAT’S UP?
Filipino children and youth)
Navigators’ Ministries
Blessings of Hope is one of the Missionaries that Grace of Christ supports. Blessings of Hope is a channel of blessings to give hope and a better future to poor Filipino children and youth. They operate under the umbrella of Philippine Navigators’ Ministries.
SALLY MARINAS.
Prayer Workshop
The youth practiced the ACTS format in the prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
on Evangelism: The youth used Lessons on the Way” and “Bridge to Illustration as evangelism tools.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.
“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
The youth used both the “Lessons on the Way” and “Bridge to Life” Illustration as evangelism tools.
Find Your Mission. Find Your Passion.
Collaboration: The Cebu Navs had a Jericho ride in January 2024 in conjunction with the Bible Month Celebration to pray , do evangelism and distribute bibles. Some of our senior high youth joined with them for exposure.
The puppy was my link to share the gospel with his owner, Eson, one of our youth. I gave him a Bible afterwards. (Lani)
Workshop on Evangelism
Summer Fun Time
Praise God for the provision of the refreshing Kawasan River to beat the heatwave.
Mission Ministry
Community Children’s Classes
Some of our youth (who have hopefully matured in Jesus - prayers) are already helping our children’s classes with feeding, as they perform different functions: preparation, leading the action songs, doing the lesson and food distribution. We also collaborated with the Navs Short Term Mission last April 2024.
Student Center and Camp House
As we are awaiting college students this coming school year, we are taking baby steps in the preparation by having corporate worship with prayer, bible study and classes. We were also able to host Student Athletes, a church from Quezon City and the Navs Short Term Mission.
Adult Bible Study on the Book of John
Some fun time after Bible study through videoke with a singing champion. Who says the Bible study group is boring :)
Prayer Request
Financial support for the monthly operations of the newly opened Student Center and for the students who will be living in the Student Center (10 min walk to College).
Thank you for your support & partnership!
Michael and Lani Johnson
BOH Sponsored www.philippinesblessingsofhope.com
Mission Ministry
ADAMS OPEN HOUSE
Grace of Christ has adopted Adams Elementary School as one of our many local ministries. Tuesday, August 20th was their Open House where they invited every student and their families to come to school to meet their new teacher and visit their classroom. As they entered the school, they were welcomed by our Grace volunteers with a celebration dinner of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and juice.
We fed over 350 folks thanks to Monte Schilperoort and his trusty barbecue grill. Other volunteers included: Patty Arkills, Larissa Belknap, Pat Carey, Linda Carmarillo, Ericka Clark, Dave and Janine Connell, Janice Craig, Carol Drake, Linda Estella, Jake and Carla Kupp, Kathy Mathison, Rick and Kathy Murray, Ray Navarro, Greg Nebeker, Tom Oliva, Don and Robin Stuber, Selene Viorato, and Rich Williams.
The next day, August 21, Jake Kupp and his Adams Committee thanked the teachers and staff of Adams with a deluxe luncheon. This is an annual event to showcase the hard work and excellent dedication of the staff who serve our children with an extraordinary commitment each year.
CLOTHING EXCHANGE!
Saturday, September 28 | 9am–1pm | Gym
It’s that time again... we are planning and preparing for a Fall Clothing Exchange on Saturday, September 28th from 9:00am – 1:00pm in the church gym. We will be giving away clothing for babies, toddlers, kids, teens, men and women!
Now we just need your donations. We need LOTS and LOTS of donations! Please take some time to look through your closets and donate items (that are clean and in good condition) for our neighbors who are in need.
Donations can be dropped off at the church office or gym beginning September 8th. Please contact Michele Elledge or any Missions Ministry Team Member for further details. All volunteers are welcome to help with set-up on Friday, September 27th or at the event on Saturday 28th.
Hospitality
— Linda Mathews
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
I reported in the last Grace Alive that I would focus on one team per issue in order that you have a better idea what we are asking of our volunteers. I indicated that Dave Whiteside, leader of the Refreshment Team, was looking for someone to take over his position in the next few months. As of this writing, the position remains open. If you are reading this for the first time and have (or know someone else who might have) an interest in taking over this position, please contact Dave Whiteside or Linda Mathews. Every volunteer is greatly appreciated.
Welcome Center
The Welcome Center is for all of us a place where we can facilitate connection within our church family. We welcome newcomers, answer any questions they might have and offer them a gift bag with additional information. We also offer information to our congregation, so please stop by if you have a question. If we don’t know the answer, we can get your name and number and have someone get back to you. Every Sunday you will see sign-up sheets for Greeter and Welcome Center volunteers. You will also see sign-up sheets for various other things, as needed. If you are thinking about volunteering, but are feeling uncertain because you may not know enough about what is going on, please be assured you are not expected to know everything. You will be trained where to find things and who to call when in need. That includes medical emergencies or when something just seems off. We are the eyes and ears of what is going on in the Garden Room, but we are not expected to act as emergency/safety people. Numbers are available to contact others with those responsibilities. There is also a pink binder in the top drawer of the west side counter that offers valuable information about Welcome Center duties. We would love to have you on our team.
Calls will go out soon to those whose name is on the volunteer list for the Welcome Center. We want to know if you would like to continue serving with the Hospitality Team or have your name removed from the list. It is so heart warming to walk into church on Sunday morning and see so many people in the sanctuary and mingling in the Garden Room. Recently, on walking into the Garden Room after the service, it was full of people. It reminded me of pre-Covid Sundays. When I turned to see the Welcome Center, there was nobody there. It looked so empty. I actually felt a little bit of sadness. I knew there was a new person sitting up front and nobody at the Welcome Center to welcome her. Looking over the list of volunteers, we are mindful that we are an aging population, though many of us are still quite able. Oh, to see a number of our younger parishioners sign up as volunteers, not just for the Welcome Center, but for the Hospitality Team in general. We are also mindful of the those who work and have the responsibilities of parenthood. So we ask for God’s discernment in determining how all of this plays out. Please pray that He will put on your heart what He wants for you now. We will be grateful for any and all volunteers that come our way.
Our Lost and Found, at the Welcome Center, has been cleaned out, along with those things the office has been holding. Please be sure to check with us if you have lost something. Our drawer gets full of things, many of which are never claimed. We do not want to donate your unclaimed items. Also, if you find something that has been left behind, we can hold it for someone to claim, so please bring it to the Welcome Center. Thank you.
Summer at GoC has been in full swing with youth activities, VBS, camps, clubs and ministries. A big shout out to volunteers and leaders who make it all happen. Now August is here and there will be only have one service each Sunday from Aug 11-Sept 1. I see this as transition time, as fall will soon be here and we will be off and running again, starting with Sunday Kick-off September 8th. In the meantime, prayers for Camp Ghormley, for all the firefighters, the homes, animals, crops and anything in the way of the fires that are burning.
“Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” – Psalm 33:3
–Cathy Campbell
Sharing Life Together at Grace
WOW FALL CLASS CLASS BEGINS SEPTEMBER 10 | 9:45-11AM
The Women Of the Word (WOW) fall class will begin September 10th and go through November 26th. All Grace women are invited to meet on Tuesday mornings from 9:45-11:00 in the Fireside Room for a time of fellowship, prayer, and study of God’s Word. Come join us for the study of Ephesians and feel free to invite a friend or neighbor. Questions can be directed to Donna Oliva or Donna Fuhlman.
Our LifeGuide Study for fall will be “Ephesians—Wholeness for a Broken World” and will be facilitated by a variety of leaders. WOW women from the spring study encourage you to join them in September. They shared a few comments of why they enjoy attending WOW Bible studies.
• “Loved meeting and connecting with other ladies in the church”
• “WOW is a bright spot in my week”
• “Enjoy the variety and team of leaders”
• It is absolutely wonderful, encouraging, inspiring and challenging studying the Word together with other women.”
STARRY STARRY NIGHT
SEPTEMBER
19 | 7PM | SANCTUARY
Save the date for our special Starry Starry Night performance as we celebrate talented musicians and vocalists on Thursday, September 19th. This is a free event, open to the public. We will have program details soon!
WEDS@GRACE WELCOMES A NEW TEACHER! SEPTEMBER 18 | 6:45PM | LOUNGE
September 18 - November 13 (Not meeting October 23)
Dinner in Gym at 6:00pm | Classes begin at 6:45pm
Adult Class Option: Christianity in America
Dennis Whitcher
A choice confronts Christians in every generation: Will we stray from the truth to gain the world’s approval or stay the course at all costs? Here, the story of the American church can help us.
Dennis Whitcher will lead a video teaching series, from Ligonier Ministries that surveys the history of American Christianity, examining the lives of people who accommodated to the spirit of the age and those who maintained their commitment to God’s Word. By relying on the Lord and learning from the tragedies and triumphs of those who have gone before, we can be better prepared to be faithful disciples in today’s culture.
KICK-OFF SUNDAY!
SEPTEMBER 8 | 10:15AM | SANCTUARY
We are kicking off our fall Sundays, saying so long summer and embracing the school year ahead! Join us for an allchurch potluck, live music, shave ice, face painting and more! We will gather between services, so plan on staying after the first service or coming early for the second service. It’s going to be a fun time on the lawn!
Calendar of Events August - September
Join Us For Worship Sunday Mornings!
9AM SUNDAY SERVICE
9am Contemporary style worship, classes for children of all ages, childcare available
9am Middle School and High School Clubs (6th–12th grade) Mezzanine and Lower Level Classrooms
9am June 23–Sept 1 – Middle School Summer Club Senior High Rec Room (Basement)
9:45am Deeper Roots Adult Bible Study (Adult Ed Room)
11am Traditional style worship with choir and pipe organ, childcare available 12:30pm Pastor Nominating Committee meets weekly Sunday Prayer & Communion
Prayer Available at the front of the sanctuary after each service
Communion Served the First Sunday of each month at both services unless otherwise noted
Aug 27 Session Meeting
SEPTEMBER
Sept 1 Communion
Sept 3
Sept 3 Preschool - First Day
Sept 4 Youth Group Kicks Off
Sept 6
Sept 6
Sept 8 Kick Off Celebration on North Lawn
Sept 8 Grace Kids and Student Classes Begin 9:00am KidZone / Chapel Sun, Sept 8 Deacon Meeting
Sept 9
Tue, Sept 10 Women of the Word (WOW) Bible Study Kicks Off
Sept 12
Sept
Wed, Sept 18 Weds@Grace Kicks Off (All Ages!!) 6:00pm / 6:45pm Gym / Classrooms Wed, Sept 18 Dinner at 6:00pm / Classes at 6:45pm - 8:00pm Thur, Sept 19 Starry Starry Night - Free Concert
