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"Immigration Reform"
The big topic out of Washington so far this week has been immigration reform. A Senate proposal on Monday, a President's proposal on Tuesday.
A core question is "What should America do about the millions of people who live here but do not have the legal right and rights to do so. Some slipped across the borders, others overstayed their visas, all are living under mixed messages from the state and federal governments.
America benefits from cheap labor but also wants to have its laws respected. The issue is complex because deep values are at issue: justice and mercy, law and grace, punishment or forgiveness.
To address these cherished values, the politicians are seeking how to offer some leniency and a "path to citizenship" while also bringing a measure of punishment to those who have broken the law. The concern is that if they offered complete and immediate amnesty without conditions to everyone, not only would it demean the laws, but it would be very unfair to all those who came to America through the cumbersome legal channels.
Spiritually, not one of us had any right to enter God's Kingdom. God has impenetrable border control, we cannot sneak in, we can only come in through repentance and belief in Jesus Christ. But when we come in and receive all God's free gifts, He does not calculate what penalties we will live under because we were aliens to His realm.
The beautiful simplicity and grace of citizenship in God's Kingdom is abundantly clear when an "illegal" was dying on a cross turned to Jesus and said: "Remember me when you come into your Kingdom." Jesus responded: "Today, you will be with me in paradise."
(Luke 23:22-23)
Praise God for the free gift of citizenship in God's Kingdom! Even better--He adopts us as His sons and daughters.
That's love!
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Sermon Series: "God's Call to Holiness!"
Holiness. Some say that holiness is the most misunderstood aspect of our Christian life. Others have said it's the most overlooked. Some people strive for it. Some say "not in this life!" Some people say it means never making a mistake, never sinning again. Others say holiness leads people to be arrogant, judgmental and critical. Some see holiness as beautiful. Some see holiness as a burden or a threat.
What is holiness anyway? Have you studied God's Holy Word on this subject to grasp and apply what God says? Does God call us to be a holy people? If so, what does that look like, what does it mean?
Lord, willing, over the coming weeks Pastor Wes will lead us through a Biblical study of what God says about holiness and what He says about our lives today. Please pray and attend so that we can all be able to understand and articulate God's word on this vital topic! You can see an anticipated schedule of holiness sermon topics by clicking on "God's Call to Holiness!"
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Valentine's Dinner
On Saturday, February 16, there will be a Valentine's Day dinner sponsored by the GCCN Teens. This is the first of our fundraisers this year! A menu is available on the church website. welcome2grace.org Join us!
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Kids and Teen News
Good Wednesday morning/afternoon/evening! We pray that you are being filled with the Holy Spirit this day as you are working, reading, praying and seeking after God's face!
Tonight, we continue our theme, "Taking a Stand". Join us for some fun, fellowship, food, funny quotes and other things! Check out the intro for this theme on our church website by clicking here.
God bless you this day!
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Upcoming Women of Grace Events
The Ladies' Sunday School class will be meeting for breakfast, this Saturday February 2nd at Mastori's Restaurant at 10:30 AM. ALL women are welcome! Come for a time of good food, fellowship, and devotions. Contact Sarah Tink or Sandi Weyna for details. You can link to Mastori's for information or direction here.
Also, the next Women of Grace Ladies' Tea is currently being planned. Watch for more details, consider who you might invite.
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Mission 2013 Offering Pledge
We need your participation! We need 15 more people who will pledge $2.00 per day for 2013. Grace Community Church can fulfill all the ministry God has for us in 2013 if every member of the congregation is tithing on their income and we are also able to have 25 people who would give $2.00 per day in offerings. This "Mission 2013" offering is what allows us to have an Associate Pastor for Children and Youth. as well as maintain our commitments to missions around the world. Please pray about what you could do for this vital ministry.
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RockSolid Men's Ministry
This coming Tuesday, February 5, we move into the second half of the "The Quest." The first half got into history, the second gets into the present and future--all of it is useful and helpful! Men, if you weren't able to make it to the session this week, we are having a catch-up session at 6:00 pm next Tuesday before we launch into the new session. Let Pastor know. |
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District Assembly 2013
The 2013 Philadelphia District Assembly will be held Sunday evening, April 21 through Monday evening April 22. The Missionary Convention will be held Tuesday, April 23. All events will be taking place at the Fairview Village Church of the Nazarene in Phoenixville, PA. Church leaders from GCCN will be traveling back and forth daily. If you are interested in attending, please speak with Pastor Wes
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Prayer for Travel and Success
Our Grace Community Administrative Assistant and Treasurer, Ming Lai has arrived today in Taiwan. As the American base representative for missions to Chinese language groups, she will be attending leadership meetings over the next three weeks. Please keep her and her family in your prayers!
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Upcoming Events
February, Alabaster Offering Month
February 2, Bible Quizzing with Tom's River Church
February 3, First of New Sermon Series: "God's Call to Holiness!"
February 5, RockSolid Men, "The Quest" Session #14
February 5 RockSolid Men, "Saddle Up!" for the Second Half
February 13, Ash Wednesday
February 16, Valentines Dinner Sponsored by Youth Ministries
February 18, President's Day, Church Board Advance Conference (not a Retreat!)
February 18, District Festival of Life Practice Day
February 19, RockSolid Men, "The Quest" Session #15
February 26, RockSolid Men, "The Quest" Session #16
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Final Good News
"Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth.... remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ....Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household..." Ephesians 2:11-19
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Church Office
GraceCommunityOffice@gmail.com
609.737.3184
Pastor R. Wesley Tink Mobile: 609.226.9615
Pastor Matthew Brown Mobile 917.226.7621 |
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