What’s Going On @ Grace Place?
Dear Grace Place Family & Friends,
While the temps are still hot during the day, it is cooler at night—a reminder that fall is on the way. I hope you had a good summer. With kids back in school and vacations over, attendance and participation always pick up at church. I want to make sure you are aware of a number of involvement opportunities, so scan these bullets and read carefully the ones that you are interested in:
• Children’s Ministry leaders have scheduled a Workday at the Dugout, Saturday September 4th, starting at 8:00am. Tasks include putting down some new rock and possibly mulch, repainting the trim, and clearing out all of the weeds. This is an initial fall fix up with more major work to be done in the months to follow to improve the facility where our grade school children meet during worship services.
• Grace Place 14th Anniversary is the second weekend in September. God has done some important work in our lives and church and he is preparing us for an exciting future. I am looking forward to sharing my heart with you.
• Men’s Advance is a one day summit for men at Dorband’s Ranch near Carter Lake, Saturday, September 18. This all day event starts at 9:00 AM and will include lunch and supper. Pastor Gregg and I have asked Paul Foss and Richard Fredericks to be with us from Damascus Road Community Church. You will hear inspiring stories of how God is working through a men’s ministry called “Waterboyz.” We believe that there are many transferable principles that will help us take our men’s ministry to another level. Men, you will be challenged to step out of passivity and take action to pursue godliness and change the world! Come ready for some recreation too–pasture golf, fishing, horseshoes, hiking, or just hanging out.
• Guest Speaker Richard Fredericks, founding and senior pastor of Damascus Road Community Church, and my mentor, will be bringing a message for the whole congregation called “Dancing in the Light” on the weekend of September 16/19. Richard will be talking to us about the importance and power of genuine community.
• New Series on Philippians begins September 23/26 called “Joy in the Journey.” This verse-by-verse study will bring the joy-filled little New Testament book to life. If you bring your own Bible to church you will get even more out of this study (digital or print)!
• Small Group Curriculum will be offered to accompany the Philippians series. In anticipation of the series and the formation of small groups for the fall semester, we invite those of you who are interested in opening your home and serving as a small group host to log on to our website, click on the “Connect” button and go to” Small Group Host.” If you already have a small group and have room for more participants, please let the church know.
• LION Ministries (Little Ones in Need) is doing their annual toy drive to collect toys for Christmas. Due to the growing number of families who are participating in LION Ministries, everyone is encouraged to donate new or gently used toys for children ages zero through four. The toy Drive is Saturday, September 11, from 10:00am – 2:00pm at the church. For more information or to volunteer contact Kristy Peatrowsky 532-9886.
• Madera Christmas Blessing Boxes will be available on the first weekend in September. Consider sponsoring a child or a family. And please pray for our sister church in Madera. They are going through a change of pastors. Also, think about what you might be able to donate for the mission auction (“Just One Campaign”) that will be happening in October.
• The Holy Land Trips is scheduled for March 23-April 3, 2011. At this point only 15 are signed up. We are running out of time to get people registered. If you want to go and have questions let me know. You can also get info at www.inspirationcruises.com/gp. This is a really good rate for a trip of a lifetime to Bible lands.
Wow! There is a lot going on… and this is not all of it.
It is a privilege to be sharing life with the community of faith called Grace Place. I really believe that God has some exciting adventures ahead for us!
In Christ Alone,
Clay