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Greetings!
You've heard it before, "the more things change, the more they stay the same" or better yet, "there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9-14). For me personally, the "new" part is finding myself in a new home getting settled, but just as every year before, the heat of changing seasons is upon us - the more things change the more they stay the same. Ministry at Grace is a bit like this.
As we bring the school year ministry season to a close at Grace, we can't help but look back at the great things God has done from Children's Ministries, Adult Ministries, Phase Three building and much more - Praise God! As a staff member at Grace, I am priviledged to have a "front seat" in the unfolding adventure that God is taking all of us on at Grace Church. Continuing the May 18th celebration, this edition of the Grace Connection will recognize God's activity at Grace and His vision for the future - so hop in and buckle-up, our Driver is full of surprises, adventure and hope!
Sincerely,
Sheila Hoekstra
Grace Church
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Death by Meeting
 I first picked this book up because the title caught my attention: Death by Meeting. Finally, I thought, a book that confirms what we have all been thinking - we have far too many meetings. What a surprise it was to learn that the whole thrust of the book was that we need to have more meetings. Meetings however, where the focus is not on making decisions and approving the plans of others, but meetings where there is sharing of accomplishments and encouragement of those who are on the team. On May 18th we gathered for our annual shepherding session - a time which many know by another name: the Annual Congregational Meeting. It is to some people simply a time when the official business of the church is conducted through congregational approval. To others, it is a wonderful time of celebrating what God has done through the ministries of Grace and in the lives of people who have been impacted through the ministry of Grace. We need meetings like this, where we are able to hear the testimonies of our ministry leaders and hear about the accomplishments from the past year. We need times like this when we can see that we need each other - to function as the team that God calls us to be. As God's word tells us "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ." NIV 1 Corinthians 12:12 So it is with the church. I hope you read some of the ministry celebrations in this communication, and celebrate with us what God is doing at Grace Church.
In His Service,
Joel Walters,
Senior Pastor
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Ministry at Grace
Changing seasons means a break from doing things one way, and a beginning of doing things a new or different way. Ministry at Grace is in the process of transitioning to summer ministry, but before we do this, take a look at the great things God accomplished at Grace. ...more. |
What are Life Groups?
"A living organism focusing on living God's Word in relationship with other believers." - Dick Erickson
- Living Life Together
- Impacting lives
- Focusing on God's Word
- Reaching people for Christ and helping believers become more like Him
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| Ministry Opportunity
The Creative Worship Team has an opportunity for someone to serve in an administrative capacity. If that person is you, contact Theresa Brandt at 972.727.4512 ext 104 or at theresa@grace-efc.org.
Prayer
Following Ephesians 6:18 which says, "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 saints." Please pray for:
Phase Three Building
1. Hard bids from contractors come in at or below budget
2. Weather during construction is favorable and does not cause delays
3. Spiritual protection for members of the Building Team. |
www.grace-efc.org
2005 Estates Parkway
Allen, Texas 75002
972.727.4512
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| Dick Erickson
Life Group Director
Dick Erickson and his wife, Cathy were founding members of Grace in 1976 and has recently been called to direct the Life Group Ministry at Grace. Dick has been married to Cathy for 47 years and has 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Dick is passionate about connecting through Life Groups ...more |
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New Leaders
Dave Beverage
Elder
Jeff Drees
Treasurer
Chad Leraas
Deacon
Bob RhineElder
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