Grace Connection
July 2009
 
In This Issue
Perspective
Ministry
Greetings!

I am blessed to serve in the Creative Arts Ministries at Grace.  The most visible area of this ministry is Sunday morning worship.  I hate to admit it, but I sort of take it for granted that most people know what happens on a week-to-week basis in this ministry.  That was until a friend gave me a reality-check when she arrived about 20 minutes before the 9:00 AM service a few weeks ago.  After seeing the number of people involved and the hectic paced activity to prepare for this service she said, "Wow, I didn't know what went on to make the Worship services happen!"  She asked more questions and left with a new appreciation of what it takes to make this ministry tic.

Here's a brief rundown of who serves on an average week... 2 staff directors, 1 drummer, 1 guitar player, 1 bass player, 1 keyboardist, 1 pianist, 4 vocalists, 1 media, 1-2 sound tech's, - well I'm sure you get the idea...we already total 14 people and this does not include extra elements such as drama, special music, family focus etc.  They serve Wednesday evenings and arrive 7:00 to 7:45 AM every Sunday morning depending on their area of service.  Amazing isn't?  All this got me thinking...what don't I know about the many other areas of ministry at Grace?

This week the Grace Connection will focus on the Ministries of Grace, what makes them tic and most importantly, what the vision is for each ministry.

Blessings,                                                                            
 
Sheila Hoekstra
Grace Church
 
Perspective
Ministry at Grace
 
Joel Walters

"For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve."  Mark 10:45

I'm glad Jesus said that and not me.  If it was me, I would probably be accused of campaigning for ministry workers or trying to get people to do something they don't want to do.  I would also probably be ignored; because I don't know how busy your life is right now or that there just isn't any ministry at Grace where your gifts and talents fit.  

Our country is fearful of an unemployment rate that is around 8%.  My heart is heavy for those of you who are without employment at this time, and I pray for the provision of a job.  But I am also reminded that the unemployment rate... more

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www.grace-efc.org
2005 Estates Parkway
Allen, Texas 75002
972.727.4512 

Ministry
A.W.A.N.A
AWANA is all about having fun with a purpose: to win and grow kids for Christ.

AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed - 2 Tim 2:15) As Paul encouraged Timothy, we encourage kids (through AWANA ministry) to show that they have studied and are workmen who can be proud of their accomplishments.  Contact Jim Rousey at 972.396.9740
C.A.R.E.
(Contact, Assist, Relate, Encourage)
The C.A.R.E. Team fulfills the ministry of Grace by greeting all people who come through the doors of Grace, whether current attendees, or guests.

We assist visitors by providing information, introducing them to at least one other person. Contact Sue at 972.742.9795
Crash
Our mission is to reach people for Christ and help those who believe in Christ become more like Him.  It is our prayer that through CRASH young adults learn that Christ is to be the first choice through life. Contact Chris or JoAn at 469.471.3133.
Creative Arts Team
Our mission fulfills the mission of Grace by glorifying God, enlightening believers, sharing our relationship with Christ with others, and most of all, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength (Mk 12:30).  By using elements such as music, prayer, video drama, sound and lighting we seek to reach people by impacting them in a way that speaks to them, allowing them to freely worship and be led to God's presence.  Contact Theresa Brandt or Eric Tagg at 972.727.4512
Discover Grace
The mission of Discover Grace is to be the bridge for those moving from being a guest of Grace Church to a deeper commitment with God and His people at Grace. Contact Craig and Laura at 972.359.7978
GEM Express Preschool & Kindergarten
Our mission is to be an outreach to our community and to support parents in the "training up" of their children according to biblical principles while supporting the overall mission of Grace Church to reach our community for Christ and help those who believe in Christ become more like Him. Contact Diana at 972.727.4512
Grace Bible Fellowship (GBF)
GBF's provide solid Biblical instruction for adults helping them to become more like Christ.  Contact Ryan Wiersema at 214.547.1363
GraceLand
Graceland fulfills the ministry of Grace by partnering with parents in the spiritual training of their children through
  • Teaching children the Bible so they learn about who God is and how He longs to have a relationship with them.
  • Providing opportunities for children to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior
  • Helping children apply God's Word to their daily living
  • Equipping children with the desire and ability to share God's saving grace with others. Contact Laurie Munden at 972.312.8562



Ministry (con't)
Life Groups
If you are trying to connect at
Grace, joining a Life Group is part of the answer.  At Grace, Life Groups focus on meeting needs by caring for each other in relationship with God while impacting our community.  Why not check one out today?  Contact Dick Erickson at 972.390.8885
Little Blessings
Little Blessings fulfills the vision of Grace by providing Biblically faithful teaching in a caring and engaging environment for children ages 0-Pre-K.  We desire to be God-centered and child-focused, so that every child knows they are loved by a great and mighty saving God. Contact Laura Hall at 972.359.7978.
Men's Ministries
Our mission begins with the lifelong journey of authentic manhood starting with a personal relationship with God coupled with interpersonal relationships with others resulting in explosive spiritual growth.
Contact Mark Munden at 469.939.8562
Missions
Missions is called to reach people for Christ and help them mature in that relationship both locally and globally.  This month we have a team in Belize and next month we'll be in the Dominican Republic.  Contact Larry McPherson at 214.733.7375
Prayer Ministry
Prayer in the undergirding of all ministry to reach people for Christ and helping those who already believe in Christ to become more like Him.  Contact Bob or Pat at 972.202.0262
Women's Ministries
Our mission is to reach women for Christ through Bible Study, retreats and relationship connections.  Contact Stacie O'Grady at 469.675.0551
Youth
Grace Youth Ministries exist to help students grow their faith, own their faith and become more like Christ.  As we grow in Christ, outreach should be a natural by product of spiritual growth. Contact Wes at 972.390.7595.

July Prayer Focus
Matt 6:33 - But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...
 
Praise God for:
  • His goodness
  • His mercy and grace
  • His faithfulness
  • His perfectness
Celebrate:
  • Phase 3 completion
  • God's provision (through you) to get to long term financing
  • Many new visitors at Grace
  • Belize mission experience
Intercede for:
  • Effective outreach to our community
  • Personal and corporate spiritual growth
  • GEM summer camps
  • Vacation Bible School (Rock the Dock)
  • Galveston mission experience (youth & adult leaders)