|
|
Greetings!
I recently read an April, 2008 article released by NASA concerning the Mars Rover called "Opportunity." The Opportunity was constructed in Pasadena, CA, traveled 330 million km and landed on Mars in January, 2004. Two years ago, a small motor in the robotic arm of the Opportunity began stalling - today the stall may potentially compromise its mission.
As I read, I was struck by how very much I am like the Opportunity. I am carefully constructed, filled with gifts and talents by my loving Savior, but sometimes I stall out before my mission is complete...to be truthful, sometimes I even stall out before I ever begin the mission...can you relate?
The Word tells me that God has a plan for my future, that He desires me to serve Him and that He will produce perseverence and endurance in me to accomplish the mission He assigns me. My job? To boldly sieze the opportunity!
This month the Grace Connection is all about the "opportunity." Not the one on Mars, but the one right here at Grace. You'll read testimonies of God's faithfulness through service, read of opportunities to serve right here at Grace and much more.
In His Service,
Sheila Hoekstra
Communications & Special Events Coordinator
|
|
Time, Power & Love
 In God's time...in God's power...with God's love... At Challenge '08, that is how Greg Stier told our youth that they could share the gospel with everyone they know. (Check out doubledare.org if you want to know more details.) God brought these statements back to mind as I was thinking about the many ministry opportunities here at Grace. The 'in God's time' part is probably my biggest struggle in ministry. In a society where we can have rice in a minute, become impatient when it takes more than a couple minutes at the drive through window, or where we can travel 'across the pond' in hours as opposed to weeks or months, I start believing that we should be able to 'deliver' a ministry very quickly after a need is identified. But then I'm reminded that God allowed Abraham to wait for 25 years to see His promise fulfilled in the birth of his son, Isaac. And, the Israelites spent 400 years in Egypt before being set free and traveling to the Promised Land. Here at Grace, we have now been 'in process' on the Phase 3 facility for over two years. And God's timing is perfect. If He chose to, I believe God could have provided one large donor to fund the construction of Phase 3 (or all of the master plan for that matter) and we could be nearing completion of the facility. However, we have seen Him choose to use each of us within the family of Grace, working together and giving as He has blessed us to provide the funds for Phase 3 in His time. And just as He has used all of us to help fund the construction, He will use all of us to accomplish His ministry. Pastor Joel shared at the ground breaking ceremony that the building process in less about 'building a church' than 'being a church.' And how do we 'be a church?' It is by serving others, using our time, talent and treasure to invest in God's kingdom as we live here on earth. God has provided His Spirit (i.e. God's power) to enable each of us to accomplish the work He has prepared in advance for us (Ephesians 2:10). Many of you are already using the gifts God has given you in ministry here at Grace and in our community. As we share additional opportunities for ministry that are available here at Grace throughout the month of August, we want everyone to ask God, "What are you calling me to do, Lord?" and "What gifts and talents have you given me to be used for You?" As He provides those answers, we want to work together with you; equipping you and helping you grow to become more like Him. As we all become more like Jesus, ministry will be accomplished that causes our community to be drawn to Him and His Kingdom will grow. Please contact Pastor Joel, the elders or me to learn more about your specific gifts and the ministry opportunities that exist here at Grace. Together we will accomplish God's ministry, in His time, in His power, with His love and to His glory. Living the Life (Micah 6:8) by God's grace, Blair Abbott "...act justly...love mercy...walk humbly with your God" P.S. If any of you take the double dare, please let me know. I'd love to keep up with what God is doing in and through you as you follow God's lead in this challenge. |
|
Sojourn, 2008
June 28th the sun was bright, the air smelled of diesel and I was surrounded by 45 Grace youth - what was all the excitement about? ...more |
| Have you seen it?
If you celebrated the Phase 3 groundbreaking -
If you missed the Phase 3 groundbreaking -
You'll want to read all about it at Neighborsgo.com . Watch for it in print August 2nd. |
|
Ministry Fair
Are you wondering where you fit in, or how God gifted you for service?
Don't miss the
Grace Ministry Fair
Sunday, August 3, 2008
10:15 - 10:45 AM
&
12:00 - 12:30 PM
|
| Ministry Opportunity
The Special Events Team is off to a great beginning and is looking for additional team members with gifts and talents to plan and execute Grace special events. Do you have the gift of hospitality or can you organize and encourage a team of volunteers? Maybe you've got great ideas for celebrations or just a strong back - we've got a place for you! Contact Sheila today at 972.727.4512
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. Closing on the construction loan
2. Continue to see this opportunity to 'be a church,' not just 'build a church'
3. Praise God for His continued provision through the people of Grace. |
www.grace-efc.org
2005 Estates Parkway
Allen, Texas 75002
972.727.4512
| |
LaWanna McPherson
Office Administrator
 LaWanna is most recognized at Grace as staff Office Administrator answering phones, greeting guests, producing the weekly worship guide and much, much more, but LaWanna's service goes much deeper and includes service on the Creative Arts Team and with her husband, Larry leadership of a Life Group. LaWanna grew up ...more |
|
Why Serve?
..."Serving in the church is a mark of love for God. Hebrews 6:10 reminds us that God will never forget the love we show to Him by ministering to His people. When I serve I learn, I grow and I make deep relationships with those serving alongside me." Kate Welchley
..."I serve at Grace because everyone that calls Grace "home" should find an area to serve.... When I committed to work in media, I immediately felt more connected to the body at Grace. We all need to feel like a part of the team, and finding a place of service is the best way I know to establish that connection." Brenda Dunai
..."As Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23 and Ephesians 6:7, when we serve others we in essence are serving our Lord and Master. I have really tried to focus on these directives since it truly changes one's perspective and outlook (and reminds me again of Christ's own words in Matthew 25:34-46, truly a wake-up call regarding the meaning of our service!!). I believe that the simplest of acts, if done with a loving heart, a heart touched with the humility and obedience of the Saviour Himself, is able to profoundly impact the person whom you are ministering to or serving." Cindy Ciesielski
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
