Elder Connection

Only one thing missing…

I am writing this article in a Best Western in Buda, TX. There are 13 of us who are now (02/26) on our way to the Children’s Haven International home in Reynosa, Mexico, where we are participating in GCC’s 23rd Annual Amigo Trip in support of the ministry.

The following are some reflections about why I keep going on this trip and to an extent, why YOU should consider participating soon as well.

  1. We are aiding a very productive, Christ-centered ministry that is (by God’s grace) rescuing many Mexican children from horrible living conditions, and teaching them to be productive citizens of Mexico. This is accomplished by providing a safe living environment, educational opportunities, and more importantly, leading many of them to faith in Jesus and modeling what a Christian home looks like.

  2. This trip becomes a wonderful opportunity to spend time with old friends, become better friends, and make new friends with other like minded believers from Grace Community Church and our sister Churches in Kansas.

  3. This is a very family friendly trip and for many of us has become an effective way of introducing our kids to missions in another culture. We have traveled with children as young as six months old and are known here as “the church that brings their kids.” A common quote from our children who return from their first trip is, “I never knew I had it so good.”

  4. Yes, we do accomplish many needed tasks ranging from construction to sorting clothes. But the longer I do this (and the older I get) I believe more and more that what is more important are the relationships we develop and the encouragement we bring, not only to the children, but also to the leaders and staff members who are constantly in challenging situations. Sometimes people are hesitant to go because they aren’t sure how much they would be able to contribute to the “projects,” and I tell them that this is not even the most important part of the trip, and you CAN build relationships.

  5. There are obviously many other reasons why Grace keeps organizing this trip, but my last thought is one that we all know, but often forget—when we give of ourselves to bless others, the one who receives the most blessing is usually us.

When I get home people will ask me, “How was your trip?” And I will tell them, “This was the best trip ever, and the only thing missing was you.”

- Paul Friesen (2/26/23)

The Mercy of God

Did you ever consider what the Garden of Eden was like? In the original creation everything was perfect and made to last forever. All the animals, the plants, the earth itself, along with man was vibrant and alive, growing, blossoming, and most beautiful, full of color. Everything was originally stable, lasting, permanent, full of life that never slowed down or aged or even waned a little. Sin took all of that away.

Gen. 3:17; Cursed is the ground because of sin.

Gen. 3:19; Cursed is man because of sin.

Everything is now groaning under the effects of sin. In Romans 8:21, Paul says we are in “bondage to decay”.  Everything will age, die, and decay.  Science calls it the second law of thermodynamics;  “entropy always increases”.  Entropy is randomness.  Anything left to itself will become more random in its nature.  A building, for example, left to itself will become more random in its structure, eventually falling apart and decaying.  Everything this side of heaven falls apart, including man.

This law was not part of our original created state.  It is part of our sin state. It is not natural.  It is a result of sin.  We only call it natural because we have lived with it so long.  We know nothing else.

But God, in His mercy, kicked Adam and Eve out of the Garden so they would not eat of the tree of life and live in this fallen state forever, according to Gen. 3:22  As a result man dies. But did you ever consider that death is actually a merciful gift from God.  We now do not have to live like this, in our fallen, decaying state, forever.  Christ came to restore all of creation back to a new state where the curse will be no more.

My paraphrase of I Peter 2:11;  Friends, this world is not your home.  In this state, it was never intended to be this way.  Don’t allow yourselves to get too cozy in it.  Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.

I don’t know about you, but I am looking with anxious anticipation to our new state of existence.

Allen Graber

Elder

Working Out Your Salvation

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Phil 2:12-13 NIV


This verse may seem to suggest that salvation requires works. Indeed, it is sometimes used by those who believe thus.  Later in his same letter to the Philippians, Paul rejects any such teaching. Phil. 3:2-11.  Even a casual reading of scripture produces many verses that do not support that idea (Jn 5:24, 6:37, 2 Cor. 5:21, Eph. 2:4-9, etc.).  So, what does it mean to work out your salvation?


Paul did not say to “work for” your salvation.  Instead, you are to “work out” your salvation, that is, put into practice in your daily living the things that the Holy Spirit is producing in your life as a result of God already having saved you. It is focused on what we are to do with our salvation.  God worked in your life to even give you the will to surrender to him and now we are to produce fruit for his purposes.  


Another way of saying this might be; if your salvation is real, then you should be serving God with your actions.  There are two parables that Jesus gave that support this idea of God expecting a return for his work in your life.  In the “gift of talents” parable (Matt. 25:14-30) the owner (God) clearly expects a profit in return for the talents given.  And in the “parable of the ten minas” (Luke 19:13-27) God is the investor.  He gave the same amount to each one, who then were judged on the gain they produced with His gift. 


So, how are you doing?  Have you found your place of service to “work out your salvation”?  Check out the board in the foyer for opportunities to do just that. 


Serving God this way is not drudgery but is an act of worship with gratitude in your heart for what He has done in your life. Being within the will of God in this manner brings fellowship with the Spirit, feelings of fulfillment and joy of heart. For those of you who have already found your spot, you know what I am talking about. May God continue to bless you greatly as you serve Him.


Allen Graber, Elder


Elder Connection: A Letter from Our Elders (January 2021)

[Editor’s Note: This is a special-edition Staff Journal written by Doug Stucky, one of our Governing Elders. This letter from Doug is part of an effort from the elders to create an open line of communication from the hearts and minds of the elders to you, the church.]

Greetings Grace Family,

I pray that this note finds each of you well. In this time of such uncertainty in our world it is such a blessing to know that we serve an amazing God who loves us, cares for us, and wants to have a personal relationship with us. We need to remember that He is in our yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He covers us with His grace, love, and forgiveness each and every day. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as an elder! It is an honor and privilege to serve with an incredible group of men that have a heart for the Lord and a desire to selflessly serve our church body. I am also thankful for our wonderful pastors, church staff, and volunteers. This is not an easy time for the church, and it is such a blessing to have the opportunity and options to meet in person or remotely to reach our church body and community with the good news of the gospel of Christ.

We are blessed to have pastors that are so devoted to fervent prayer and fasting. We are in prayer each week for the Grace family, our town, our country, and our world. As we meet each Thursday morning before work for a time of prayer, please join us in praying for the Lord’s direction and leading for our church.

I am very excited by what is happening in our church! The Lord continues to bless us in so many ways and I believe we are on the cusp of a revival. I know that many of you are interested to know the status of our pastoral searches. Certainly, our goal was to have these positions filled this past year. Who would have known that we would be dealing with a global pandemic! However, this time has allowed us to wait on the Lord for His timing to bring the individuals who will help lead our church body and youth program.

I want to encourage each of you to make plans to come to the Heart of Grace church meeting on the 28th of February. It will be a wonderful time of sharing by the Grace elders and staff concerning our pastoral searches, new vision for missions, new elective ministries, and a financial update. We will also have panel Q&A to answer questions from the church body. We are excited to share this time with you!

In difficult times or when faced with tough situations, my grandmother used to say, “This too shall pass.” What a blessing to know that there is no tragedy we’ll face, no adversity we’ll encounter, and no hardship we’ll endure, where the Lord is not with us, holding us up with His mighty hand. I am truly excited to see where the Lord is going to take us, and I do believe the best is yet to come! 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve!

Doug Stucky

Elder Connection: A Letter from Our Elders (October 2020)

[Editor’s Note: This is a special-edition Staff Journal written by Audrun Siebert, one of our Governing Elders. This letter from Audrun is part of an effort from the elders to create an open line of communication from the hearts and minds of the elders to you, the church.]

Greetings Grace,

Here we are, eight months deep into the COVID pandemic. Who would have thought this would have gone on for this long with no end in sight? It is wearing thin! It seems even as believers we are all responding in very different ways to this cultural moment. The political divisions in our country have begun to seep into the church. As the body of Christ, called to be one in unity, can we be gracious enough to respect each other’s opinions and their resulting actions? As elders, we are praying that God will give us wisdom as we seek to bring unity to this body of believers in a difficult time.

The elders are working on creating a vision for the future of Grace Community Church. Where is God leading us as we minister in this world and in this community? In light of the Great Commission, what should this Church look like and how should we minister as God’s feet and hands? 

We, as individuals and as a body, are the “church.” And, as we repeat each Sunday: “Now, go be the church.” But what does that look like for us as individuals and for us as a body? As elders we are trying to flesh that out for our church body. And as we search for new pastors to replace Loren and Steve, this is an opportune time.

Being down to two pastors is hard for everyone, especially Pastors Jack and Kyle. Please pray for them as their workload has become heavy. As difficult as this is, it is also a time of opportunity to set the direction for the future as we search for the right men that God has prepared for these positions. Please pray that God will guide us to the right men and that we will be patient as we wait on God’s leading.

As a long-time farmer (and still a farmer at heart), I believe this is “planting time” for Grace Community Church. The seeds we are sowing today will provide the harvest in the coming years. Let us sow carefully and with all due diligence as we search for new pastors.

Please pray for us as elders and staff that God will guide us to the right individuals to fill these positions and that the men to whom God leads us will be open and willing to serve. And please pray that we, as individuals, will be willing to carry our share of the load as we offer our talents and abilities as leaders in Sunday School, Awana, and on our boards and counsels. Remember, God doesn’t always call the qualified but qualifies the willing!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as an elder for the past five years. It has not always been easy, but it is a privilege and opportunity. Please continue to pray for me as well as all the elders and staff, that God will continue to grant wisdom, unity, and peace. May God continue to open our spiritual eyes to what it means to “be the church” in this time and in this community. 

In Christ,

Audrun Siebert

Elder Connection: A Letter From Our Elders (October 2019)

[Editor’s Note: This is a special-edition Staff Journal written by David Landis, one of our Governing Elders. This letter from David is the third in a series of quarterly updates from the elders as a way to create an open line of communication from the hearts and minds of the elders to you, the church.]

Greetings Grace Community!

On behalf of the elders, I am excited to write and update you concerning the happenings at Grace Community Church. It is rewarding to be a part of an elder board that is comprised of men who love the gospel, God’s truth, and our church!

I’d like to share a few highlights of what has recently happened or is upcoming at Grace:

  • Our annual baptism celebration was held July 21 at the Newton Pool. Praise the Lord that nineteen people were baptized that night!

  • The annual FEC Conference took place July 25–27 in Peoria, Illinois. Dave and Marilyn Reimer, Gene and Miriam Pankratz, Pastor Jack and family, Pastor Kyle and family, and Pastor Steve and Bobbie Friesen were able to attend. 

  • The Marriage Conference with Bruce and Julie Boyd will be held Saturday, October 19 from 8:15am to 12:30pm in the Worship Center. Please make plans to attend if you can!

  • Our Amigo 21 team is taking shape and will be in Reynosa, Mexico from Feb. 29– Mar. 7, 2020. Please see Pastor Steve if you are interested.

As someone who has spent his career in education, I am happy that our pastors are “lifelong learners” and are taking steps to continue their education in ways that will bless our church. Many of you may not know that Pastor Kyle is pursuing a certificate of theology, a 27-hour program recognized by the FEC. Kyle has completed three classes and is currently enrolled in his fourth, Apologetics and Ethics, through Denver Seminary. 

In addition, the elders are excited that Pastor Jack and Courtney will be able to travel to Israel on a Holy Lands tour with a group called Imagine Tours. They will be traveling with a group of pastors and their spouses from around the country from December 3–13, 2019. Please pray for Jack and Courtney that this will be a faith-building experience that bears fruit in their lives and in their ministry to Grace.

As our congregation knows, Pastor Steve Friesen will be retiring in about a year (August 2020). Pastor Steve has faithfully served Grace Community Church for 22 years and, in many ways, cannot be replaced. His unique giftings of communication, teaching, creativity, counseling, and passion for missions will be missed by all of us. The church is currently putting together a job description for a new Pastor of Counseling and Care that will post soon. The hope is that the new pastor will start July 2020, giving a chance for him to work and communicate with Steve for a month before Steve officially retires.

Finally, I wanted to remind you that Grace is part of a group of churches that support church planting called Synergy Kansas. Synergy Kansas has been meeting with a church planting candidate named Caleb Barrows who currently resides in Sterling. I have met Caleb and heard him preach and he is “the real deal” as a believer and brother in Christ. Please pray for God’s direction for Caleb and whatever part Grace Community Church will play in supporting this new church plant. 

David Landis

Elder Connection: A Letter From Our Elders (July 2019)

[Editor’s Note: This is a special-edition Staff Journal written by David Hall, one of our Governing Elders. This letter from David is the second in a series of quarterly updates from the elders as a way to create an open line of communication from the hearts and minds of the elders to you, the church.]

Hello Grace Community Church!

The Elders have been working on many things over the past quarter. A sub-group of Elders has been working on syncing our current leadership practices with our Church By-Laws. Over a period of many years, we have grown and changed, and our By-Laws have just not been updated to match these changes.

The first item that needed attention was the role of Staff Pastors as Elders. It has been decided the best way to match our current model of leadership would be to have two groups: Pastoral Elders and Governing Elders. The Governing Elders would be the elected Elders and the Lead Pastor. The Pastoral Elders would be the Staff Pastors at the discretion of the Governing Elders. This documentation change makes it much clearer as to what the different pastors’ roles are within our Elder meeting, plus matches what we are already doing in practice. 

The Elders have received and reviewed the surveys that were completed earlier in the year regarding all of our children’s ministries up through the high school level. Currently, we are creating action steps where needed. We really appreciate all the feedback!

The Stewardship Council recently gave a report on Capital Projects. You may have already noticed some of the items they have been working on, such as brighter lighting, a new ice machine, parking lot improvements, and new video equipment in the sanctuary. Praise the Lord for what He provides! Some of the things under way for future projects, or consideration for future projects, are landscaping improvements, refresh of the foyer/main entrance area and Fireside Room upgrades. Thank you to these men and women for their wisdom and hard work!

Oh, by the way, welcome to Grace’s newest team member, Casey Teater. She will be working as the Children’s Ministry Director.  Please pray for her as she looks to fill many spots and roles for the upcoming Sunday School year and Awana. Please prayerfully consider if you could help in one of these roles when asked. Better yet, give Casey a call at the office and ask her where she could plug you in.

Praise the Lord for the many children and families that were reached with the Gospel via Summer Quest! Thank you to all that helped pull off this massive endeavor. 

Juli Dirks is hard at work on many things, not the least of which is putting together the Council for “Extend.” This group has lots of important work to do with the missionaries that we support. Juli is also very busy working with upcoming “All–In” events such as the baptism celebration at the Newton city pool and a First Responders Appreciation event. All of you cookie bakers should be getting ready!

Loren Kurtz just finished planning and leading the Igniter group to and from Children’s Haven in Reynosa, Mexico. If you see Loren, don’t forget to thank him for his work! And, thank you to all of you who rented a student to help towards their expenses for this trip.

David Hall

Elder Connection: A Letter From Our Elders

[Editor’s Note: This is a special-edition Staff Journal written by Marc Friesen, the chairman of our elder board. This letter from Marc is kicking off a series of quarterly updates from the elders as a way to create an open line of communication from the hearts and minds of the elders to you, the church.]

Greetings Grace!

This letter is the first installment of what the elders hope to be another line of communication to the body. We are aiming for this quarterly letter to update you with what is on the hearts and minds of the elders. This need has been communicated. We hope this forum will better inform you, but that it will also highlight concerns and correspondingly the great things God is doing in this body for both celebration and prayer. The elders want to emphasize that we are here for the body.

The first thing we want you to know is in our monthly meetings one of the very first things we do is pray. We take an extended time of prayer. We pray for the body. We pray for individuals. We pray for conflicts, health issues, and other worries. We also pray to celebrate the joyous, the awesome, and the big and small.

Looking forward, we are surveying how GCC can encourage connection both here and in the Newton community and greater area. We are looking at communications, programs, and even our physical buildings and grounds. All these factors can, and should, work together to make GCC a place of encouragement and connection to Jesus. Our directional team does a lot of this work.

March was our first meeting with a report from our new XDM (Executive Director of Ministries). Juli has been busy diving into her new role, taking on several tasks that the elders have accumulated over the past several years just waiting for somebody like her to take. Two of those projects are developing employee evaluation tools and growing council unity. These tasks are in addition to the ongoing search for a new Children’s Ministry Director. The elders are grateful for someone like Juli in this role.

One of the mainstay agenda items of our meeting is the stewardship report. It is easy to become complacent when this area is running smoothly. The Stewardship Council does a lot of the work aiding the elders in what we are entrusted. We are grateful for all that He provides in His beneficence, and we want to be diligent in that management. 2019 is off to one of the better starts in recent memory from a financial perspective, which is even more reason for the diligence.

We also have been working on revising the church bylaws and employee handbook. Both projects involve many people, varying considerations, and a significant amount of detail.  The undertakings are slow, but steadily, moving forward.

In closing, I find myself continually struck and humbled by our familiar sending -- “YOU are the Church. Now go BE the Church.” My challenge is how I can embody and respond every day. I hope you also feel that same Spirit-led urgency.

Blessings,

Marc Friesen

We would love to have you join us for our two Holy Week services!

A reflective service focused on the cross and capped off by celebrating communion.

Two identical services celebrating the resurrection and highlighted by 17 (!!) baptisms.