Change is in the Air
God is moving at Grace Place church in new ways. There is a fresh wind blowing. If you haven’t been at worship services and don’t know what I’m talking about, please watch or listen to my message (on our website, www.graceplace.org) from August 16 called “Fully Devoted.” I shared openly and frankly about a new work that God, through the Holy Spirit, has been doing in my heart, and in the hearts of others at the core of Grace Place. There is a new awakening happening, and the best is yet to come. That’s not just a cliché. I’m serious. We are pressing in, asking God for the outpouring of his Spirit, and for revival. And we are not going to quit. If you live in northern Colorado and can get time off at lunch on Tuesdays (regularly or occasionally), come join the pastors and staff for prayer every Tuesday from 12:00-1:00 PM in Berthoud. I love that line in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia, “Aslan is on the move.” Well, it’s happening!
GRACE PLACE FAMILY: Beginning September 6, we are moving the Loveland Campus worship location to Loveland High School and worship time to 6:00 PM on Sundays. Why do this?
1. Thompson Valley High School is too large for our Loveland congregation, and this will allow us to be in a more intimate setting (400 rather than 1200 seats), much closer to the stage, with more of the feel of the Berthoud auditorium. There will be more energy and togetherness at this new location.
2. As primary teaching pastor, I will be able to be at all four worship gatherings in person (except on rare occasions where video-cast teaching may be utilized). I’m looking forward to seeing the eyeballs (and the rest of you!) of those who worship at the 10:30 AM gathering in Berthoud!
3. We are going to be saving a little over $2000 per month. This is significant since we have been in a financial downturn and are seeking ways to make cutbacks. (Side note appeal: Please give generously if you are able. Give as God has blessed you!)
4. By moving to Sunday evening we will provide another time option which may help in reaching people who work, sleep-in, or play during the day on Sundays.
5. We are planning to have a meal time at 5:00 PM which will enhance fellowship as we seek to create an Acts 2 environment where they (“ate together with glad and sincere hearts” Acts 2:46). We are currently offering a meal from 5:30-6:30 PM Thursday nights in Berthoud; and the café is open before, during, and after Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 AM gatherings in Berthoud for the same reason.
6. Loveland High is farther north which separates our two locations more. We hope this will provide more outreach opportunities and also want to encourage our core group to lock in more at one location as their primary place of worship, service, and fellowship. I’m not saying that folks can’t visit back and forth some; but make a primary commitment to a time and place for sake of community.
7. We believe this will be a relaxed gathering with some time afterward for such things as prayer, discussion groups, Q & A, dessert, hangin’ out together, etc.
We are planning to include a class for middle school students as well as younger children during the Loveland Sunday night gathering. Also, plans are being laid for a new Tween/Teen service (4th-8th grade) Sundays in Berthoud at Five Stones at 10:30 AM.
I’m so energized about many, many things that God is doing at Grace Place. Exciting new “glocal” (global and local) outreach plans are being developed, and we have a whole list of amazing life-change stories that are going to be told each week this fall. Buckle up your seat belts and prepare for take off! I’m loving my job (calling) and God’s people (you) more than ever before.