Join us as we discuss God’s heart for the hurting, helpless, hungry, and homeless. Many of us have become “Comfortably Numb” to the needs of people right around us. God feels strongly about this subject!
Beginning the weekend of May 2, we will be consolidating all of our worship gatherings at one location at our Berthoud facilities. Thursday night worship time stays the same: 6:45 PM. New worship times on Sunday will be the same as on Easter: 8:00, 9:45, 11:30 AM.
Last fall we moved the Loveland worship gathering from Thompson Valley High School in the morning, to Loveland High School in the evening. The reasons for this move included: 1) The 1200 seat auditorium at TVHS was too large for a feeling of community and energy and LHS was smaller; 2) We were making necessary budget cutbacks and LHS was half the price to rent; 3) LHS was not available in the morning; 4) We were able to move away from video teaching at a time when I, as the primary teacher, was also wanting to be able to pray specifically for revival and healing with people after every service.
Over the past eight months we have learned that while some do prefer an afternoon/evening service, about half of the Loveland group wanted a morning worship experience and many were willing to drive an extra 10-15 minutes to Berthoud. Because numbers in Loveland have dropped, the campus is no longer paying for itself. There has also been a loss of volunteers who can spread the load of set-up takedown, and other serving roles.
Pastor Gregg and I began to explore various options for a Sunday morning location in Loveland. One exciting option we considered was purchasing a building downtown that could also be a coffeehouse ministry during the week. As we began to research and pray over this idea, I begin to sense a strong conviction that it was time to prayerfully restudy where God is taking us in the future. Not just 2 years out, but 20 years out. There are two strong convictions that I share with other leaders: 1) We must find ways to become a more outwardly focused church–especially in ministry to those who are victims of injustice, poverty, oppression, or hurting. On May 16 we will be starting a new teaching series on this theme called “Comfortably Numb.” ; 2) We do not have a sufficient long term facility plan for maximizing the potential that exists for gospel impact in northern Colorado over the next couple decades.
So we are doing two things: 1) I have asked Pastor Gregg (formerly “Loveland Campus Pastor”) to take the title of Outreach Pastor to concentrate on helping us be more intentional about getting out of the seats and into the streets. We are also going to designate $2500 per month (which was being paid in rent for LHS) to direct ministry to people in the community who are in need. If your small group wants to take on a serving project that will demonstrate the love of God to someone in need, talk to Gregg about possible funding. $30,000 a year will now be going to direct ministry to needy causes and people, rather than rent. 2) Without ruling out multi-site as a future option, we are going to look at future facility options—including relocating our Berthoud (inside or outside Berthoud) campus in order to more adequately provide for long term growth and ministry. You will be hearing much more about this in the future!
We are appealing to our Loveland church family members to make the drive to Berthoud and stay a part of Grace Place! We will still be very intentional about reaching out to the community of Loveland, regardless of whether we currently have a worship location there. I also want to appeal to those in Berthoud who usually worship at 8:30 to please make the shift to 8:00. I know we’ll have to set the alarm for 30 minutes earlier, but if everyone shows up at 9:45, we’ll be in trouble.
Here are some details to note:
This consolidation move is a responsible stewardship move at this time. Let’s pray for unity, for togetherness, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for God to have his way in our hearts, homes, church, and community!
I love my church family and look forward to our future together.
We just got dates and prices locked in for the 12-day Grace Place Holy Lands Tour March 23-April 3, 2011 for $3898. The price is all inclusive from Denver (DIA)—including tips, taxes, guides, transports, and buffet breakfast and dinners. Your only expense is lunch and souvenirs. Wait until you see the itinerary. We’ll stay one night in Tel Aviv, three nights at the Sea of Galilee… six nights in Jerusalem while we tour the country. We’ll visit Capernaum and walk through the very synagogue where Jesus taught, see the place where he called Peter, the Mount of Beatitudes, the place where 5000 were fed, sail on the Sea of Galilee, have baptisms in the Jordan river, visit Nazareth, the ancient ruins of Jericho, float in the Dead Sea, hike to the falls of En Gedi (where David hid from Saul), Masada, and so much more. And Jerusalem… too much to say about Jerusalem. This trip cost more than a 7-9 day trip, but after doing that length, we’ve learned that we need more time to soak in the sights and sounds and reflect on the Scriptures associated with key locations. I will be doing some teaching along the way as well.
There will also be an OPTIONAL 3-day (two nights) Rome Extension April 3-5, 2011 for $1448. Rome is amazing–the ancient ruins, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Mamertine prison (where both Peter and Paul were held), the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Basilica of St. Paul (where Paul was buried)… not to mention Italian food and culture. Definitely worth a stop since we are flying over anyway!
We have decided to tour with Inspiration Tours http://www.inspirationcruises.com. They come highly recommended by my friend, Mark Martin, pastor the 14,000 member Calvary Community Church in Phoenix, who has traveled several times to Israel with Inspiration. They are currently hosting trips for Charles Swindoll, Micheal W. Smith, Greg Laurie, Jack Hayford, and many other well known leaders.
Very soon we will have a brochure available and also a webpage.
This is your opportunity to walk where Jesus walked. You’ll never read the Bible the same again—guaranteed!
I’m looking forward to the Resurrection Celebration we have planned for you and the friends you’ll bring with you this year. The message, “Come Alive,” will bring encouragement that God is offering you more than just “the good life;” he is inviting you to experience “the abundant life.”
Notice the addition of an extra Sunday morning service to accommodate more people. If you normally attend at 8:30, PLEASE come a half hour earlier at 8:00 so we can make room for extra friends and neighbors at 9:45 and 11:30. (Keep in mind that childcare will be limited to nursery/preschool at the 8:00 service).
Here are three specific things that you can do as we prepare to celebrate Easter:
1. Invite your friends!
It’s always amazed me that although I know many of my friends are LOOKING for a church to attend on Easter, I still feel nervous when inviting them. Maybe it’s the fact that we all feel a bit nervous when talking about things that are important to us. The truth is, when you invite a friend to join you for church on Easter they very often will come, and even if they cannot, they’ll appreciate the fact that you thought of them.
2. Help out in any way that you can.
If you see ANYTHING that needs to be done – a piece of paper that needs to be picked up, a person who needs a question answered, a restroom that needs to be cleaned – I encourage you to “just do it.” Another of the great things about Easter at Grace Place is the way that we all pull together to meet whatever is needed.
3. Personally celebrate the good news of Easter starting today.
Just think of it: because of Easter our past is forgiven, our life is worth living and we have a future in heaven! Romans 3:22 says, “We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.” (NLT)
I’m looking forward to celebrating the Risen Christ with you!
Matthew 5:1-11; Romans 12:1-8
Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling, and I’m finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There is no turning back. Jesus is my Lord, the Holy Spirit is my Guide, and I choose to cooperate with the healing God intends for my life.
I realize I am not God. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing. I earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me be an overcomer. Therefore, I consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control, confessing my faults and submitting to every change God wants to make in my life, humbly asking Him to remove my character defects. I will spend time with God in order to know Him and His will for my life and gain the power to follow His will.
I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, serve in ministry, grow to maturity, and fulfill my mission through God’s family.
Realizing that this life is preparation for the next, I refuse to be molded by this world. I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position and pleasure. I will not live in the past or hold grudges. I choose to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and will try to make amends, if possible, for harm I’ve done. I choose to be transformed toward God’s will.
I know what matters most, and I will give it all I’ve got. I will do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today and every day. I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, and mission-focused, so I can’t be bought, I will not be compromised, and I will not quit until I finish the race.
I am a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me. I choose to honor the Lord as a member of His body, using my gifts to serve others. I yield myself to God to be used to bring His Good News to others, both by my example and by my words. I hereby declare my supreme allegiance to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I say however, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer is, “Yes I’m ready. Any time; any way. Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day I’ll hear you say, ‘Well done, good and faithful one. Come on in and let the eternal party begin!’”
Dear Grace Place church family:
Exciting things are happening at Grace Place. For months now we have been praying together for revival—for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, homes, and church. And God is answering! We have been hearing thrilling testimonies of healing and life change. Recently, many have taken steps toward a closer walk with the Lord and deeper honesty with others through the series, “Life’s Healing Choices.”
I want to invite you all to a CELEBRATION March 7, 10:30 AM, at Thompson Valley High School. (This is an all-church worship event. Normal services will not be happening in Berthoud or Loveland on Thursday, March 4 and Sunday, March 7). This is the finale of “Life’s Healing Choices,” but also a celebration of all that God has been doing in our midst. You are invited whether you have been involved in this series or not. We will be celebrating baptisms and sharing a meal together afterwards. FREE FOOD! We are not asking for you to bring food, but could use some volunteers to help out with food set up, clean up, and serving. Contact the office if you would like to help serve—or if you would like to be a part of the baptism. Bring extra clothes if you are wavering!
We are only about a month away from Easter (April 4). I hope you will pray in advance about who you might bring with you (regular worship schedule at both campuses). I’m already working on a message that I think will be compelling for those who are not yet followers of Jesus. If you would like to be a part of a creative outreach to families, you are encouraged to become a sponsor of the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday (April 3) or volunteer to serve. If you are a business owner, there are some creative opportunities for you to get your company name out at this event. Last year approximately 1500 participated. Contact the office if you are interested in involvement.
We are welcoming two new members of the Board of Trustees at Grace Place: Jodi Walsh and Clarke Stoesz. Jodi and Clarke have demonstrated commitment to the Lord, to Grace Place church, and to ministry leadership. They are welcome additions. We also want to thank Gary Hamor and Lani Gerst who have retired from the board after multiple years of service—pouring out prayers and energy for the Lord and his people. Thanks Gary and Lani!
We are in a season of spiritual growth at Grace Place studying “Life’s Healing Choices.” We are getting honest with ourselves, with God, and with each other.
In 2 Corinthians 1:8 Paul talks about hardships and troubles he was going through that were so severe that he says: We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Did you know that great hero of the faith got that discouraged and depressed that he was feeling like giving up on life? But then he says:
We saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9 (LB)
I need to admit my need and ask God for help. Listen how The Message Bible paraphrases the first Beatitude:
You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. Matthew 5:3 (Mes)
Sometimes people have to hit the bottom before they are willing to humbly admit their need and ask God for help. I encourage you not to wait until you are at the end of your rope or hit rock bottom to get honest about your problems, and admit them and surrender to God, asking him to help you.
1. KEEPING THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING
The gospel of grace through the finished work of Jesus is the central message of Scripture.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— –not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
2. GIVING OUR LIFE AWAY
Our response to the gospel of grace is to give our time, talent, and treasure; our lives if need be, for Christ and His kingdom purposes.
In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25
3. BRINGING SCRIPTURE TO LIFE
Biblical study and teaching result in the understanding and life-application of Scripture.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
4. CHURCH IS COMMUNITY
The local church is a community of people who connect relationally and serve compassionately.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common… Acts 2:42-47
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16
5. CHRIST DEPENDENT IN ALL THINGS
We are totally dependent upon Jesus through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit for every aspect of life and ministry.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
6. FREEDOM IN CHRIST
We are committed to helping each other find freedom from and victory over all that keeps us from the abundant life promised by Jesus.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:9-10
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
7. LEADING MATTERS
We are responsible for equipping and encouraging men and women in the work of ministry.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8;
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Ephesians 4:11-12
8. GOD DESERVES OUR BEST
We honor God and inspire others when we seek to do the best we can.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:17, 23-24
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
It appears that the tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had. The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god with two faces. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new.
Even though January 1 is just another day, it is helpful to have opportunities for evaluation and fresh starts. More than half of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions even though, much less keep them!
Someone said, humorously, “A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other.” A resolution is usually not kept unless it is a realistic goal that is accompanied by a written action plan.
I’ve found over the years that I’m much more likely to follow through on goals if I:
1. Order Priorities
Think and pray about what is most important in life and what on that list needs to improve in my life.
2. Be Realistic
It is easy to get overly optimistic on January 1 and set yourself up for failure. For example, “Get out of debt” is an excellent goal, but it might be an unrealistic goal if you are so far in debt that you really need a five year plan to accomplish it. So, breaking it down to a doable objective is essential. Set goals for a few things you are committed to accomplishing, not for everything you wish you could do or become.
3. Create a Written Plan
Goals without plans are just wishful thinking! Resolutions don’t get accomplished without “resolve.” But resolve is not enough. A written plan is a way to outline how to accomplish a goal—something that can be read, re-read, and evaluated along the way.
4. Put the Plan on the Calendar
How can I read the Bible through if I don’t budget time? How can I get in shape if I don’t have specific times and days when I workout regularly? How can I spend time with my wife if I don’t have a date night?
5. Tell Others
Accountability is one of the most important features of any plan for life change. Very few of us have the personal self-discipline to make significant change without having someone we trust asking us how we are doing.
So in the spirit of telling others, here are mine:
With realistic goals, a written plan, and accountability, New Year’s resolutions do not have to be just wishful good intentions. They do not have to end up like Mark Twain’s assessment: “New Year’s Day… now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”
