We are getting very close...only a few more things need to happen and Grace will begin construction of the Phase 3 building.  Join us on Saturday night, July 19th, for our groundbreaking ceremony as we celebrate God's faithfulness through His people and anticipate the things He will do as we bring the next phase of the Master Plan into existence.  But before we do, it is time for that hopefully familiar reminder, "It is not about the building, it is about the ministry we will be able to accomplish using the new facility."  God is looking forward to building us into His church, reaching our community for Christ and making His children more like Him.
 
I've heard it said that we are to "use things and love people,' not' love things and use people."  With construction starting soon, we will have the chance to use a thing (the building) to show real love to people.  It is true that some people will see the construction starting here at Grace and come to see what is happening with 'the building.'  But most people will come to see 'the building' because someone who is a part of the Grace family has invited them to come and see.  While we may be excited about what our new building will look like or the freshness of new space, it is what will happen inside the building, in the lives of the people who are in the building that will make a difference for all eternity.  When we invite our friends and family to 'come and see' at Grace, we really want them to come and see Jesus.  Just imagine what would happen in the Grace family if over the next year each existing Grace family was able to reach one other person or family with the good news of Christ.  Let's start this summer.
 
The summer months give us a chance to live life outside our normal routine.  What types of opportunities is God providing you this summer to be on a mission for Him, to discover people that God wants to reach through you?  We'll do a few special things around Grace to show our community that we care, like one of the quarterly Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups and the 5 day clubs in our community.  There are the GraceLand Boredom Busters scheduled, and the Grace Picnic in the Park coming up in August.  But what special opportunities has God given specifically to you to help build His Kingdom and show you care?  Is there a neighbor who needs a hand with a project they don't get to during the busy school year?  Or, now that your schedule has slowed a little, what about the cashier at the grocery store that you see regularly as you shop who may need a word of encouragement?  Or the other parent at your child's sporting or music club event that could benefit by knowing the power of Jesus in their life?  God has placed you where you are so that you can be Jesus to specific people.  Look for them.  Ask God to help you see them.  And then, invite them to 'come and see' not just the building, but the One for whom we build.
  
Living the Life (Micah 6:8) by God's grace,
 
Blair Abbott
Executive Pastor

972.727.4512