In Christ We Are One Body

Many of you know that I’ve been taking master’s classes online. In the last few weeks of class, we’ve talked a lot about the Imago Dei. Genesis 1:26 declares that all people are made in the image of God. All humans are inherently more valuable than any other creature on earth. This has made for timely discussion and timely truth with racism being a hot topic in the media. 

The sad truth is that racism exists. We live in a fallen world where there is injustice, and we live in an ungodly world where people don’t understand the truth that all people are made in God’s image.

As Christians who hold to the unchanging truth of God’s word, we are the ones that understand and teach this truth that directly combats the evils of racism. 

Even more powerful is the truth about everyone who is in Christ. As Ephesians 2:11-22 and Galatians 3:26-29 so powerfully declare, we are one body!

Any hostility that once existed is gone.

In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Christ! And this truth must be seen in us as we live it out. 

In Christ we already have the strongest union through the Holy Spirit as brothers and sisters of all different colors and languages. Our job is to maintain that unity we have through the spirit as one body, in humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:2-6).

While our city may not have a lot of racial diversity, I’m still praying that we would be the church, representing Christ in our neighborhoods and places of work. I’m praying that we would be known for our love and for our actions that reflect our understanding of the truth that all people have inherent value as beings created in God’s image.

It’s been so great hearing your voices again, and I love worshipping God with you through song every Sunday! May God continue to build momentum through our church for His Kingdom! I love you all!

-Pastor Kyle

PS, here’s my RightNow Media pick of the week to give us more material and teaching on racism and how scripture speaks to the issue.

New service times — 9:00 & 10:45am

IT WAS SO GOOD TO SEE YOU ON SUNDAY!

We were so encouraged by how many people came to worship with us. In fact, we quickly filled up the Worship Center and overflowed into the hallway and the foyer.

We know that overflow is not ideal; we would much rather all be together in the Worship Center. So, to accommodate everyone who wishes to worship together in person, we are moving back to two services starting this Sunday, June 14.

SERVICES WILL BE AT 9:00 & 10:45*AM.

*Did you catch that? The second service will not be starting at 10:30am like it used to but, instead, at 10:45.

The additional time between services will allow us time to clean the Worship Center and the bathrooms—another precaution in our efforts to make our reunion as safe as we can.

But that’s not all! The added time between services comes with a handful of other advantages as well:

• With only 15 minutes (or less if we run long) between services, the transition from one service to the next can be a little chaotic. We think added time will help smooth things out in the parking lot, foyer, entering/exiting the Worship Center, etc.

• The quick transition between services requires people to exit the Worship Center quickly, which does not allow much opportunity for conversation and connection. And we want you to have time to connect with one another! So we think the added time will create more space for relationship building and belonging.

How long will we use these new service times?

That is a great question. We plan to continue with these new times for the foreseeable future—likely for at least the next year.

In addition to capitalizing on the advantages above, the decision to continue the times for at least the next year comes out of respect for the many of you who serve in one form or fashion on Sunday mornings. As you consider your service commitment for the next year, we want you to know what you are committing to.

Will the service be live streamed?

Yes. Lord willing, we will continue live streaming the second service—now at 10:45am!—on both Facebook and YouTube.

Unfortunately, some wacky tech issues prevented us from streaming last Sunday. (We are so sorry for that inconvenience! If you missed the service, you can watch the recording here.) But, the good news is that we think we have it working again so you can expect to find a live stream this Sunday around 10:40am.

That's a lot of information. Can you summarize it?

For this Sunday, June 14, here is what you can expect:

• Two in-person services at new times: 9:00 & 10:45am

• Overflow (should it be necessary) will be in the Fireside Room

• The 10:45am service will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube

• Doors will open at 8:40am and remain open through the morning

• Rows in the Worship Center will be spaced out to continue allowing for social distancing

• Our hospitality team will be wearing masks while they greet you and hold doors open (and will continue refraining from handshakes and hugs)

• No physical programs, other printed materials, or coffee (bring your own notebook and caffeine!)

• We are not offering nursery or kids programming at this time but we do have disposable, take-home activity bags so families, we would love to have you join us

• We will ask you to exit the Worship Center quickly after the service so we can clean

If you ever have any questions, please call the office (316-283-2554) or use the Connect With Us button.

WE ARE EXCITED TO WORSHIP WITH YOU AGAIN ON SUNDAY!

What to Expect When We Reunite

Let's Choose Love

Have you seen this image going around? Can you identify with one or more of these expressions?

I think this image adequately describes the way things are right now. I've personally heard almost all of these perspectives voiced by someone.

It's a difficult place to live for all of us, isn't it?

Opinions and feelings are so varied. Information (and misinformation) is constantly changing. Clarity and surety are in short supply.

This situation has reminded me of something I learned in a Bible study a number of years ago: the difference between personal convictions and biblical convictions.

Clearly, the Bible doesn't specifically address what a church should do about meeting in the case of a worldwide pandemic — how cautious or brave to be, whether to wear masks or not, how to configure chairs in the Worship Center, or how soon to begin children's ministry.

That would have been a incredibly big help if God had included that in the scriptures! Pandemic 3:12, "Thou shalt begin services on…" Ha!

But since he didn't, we must pray for wisdom to make those kinds of decisions since our personal convictions will fall on all sides of the matter. We all have our own reasons for those convictions too — health, age, concern for relatives, personal experiences…

Thankfully, the Bible is clear about a lot of other things: extending grace to others, loving others, being kind, and trusting in Him.

To be sure, our desire to be reunited in person is due to our love for one another and a strong desire for fellowship which comes from our shared love of the Lord. That love also drives our desire to be cautious and careful. 

So, as we begin the process of gathering again, let's choose love.

There is beauty and strength in our diversity of ages, abilities, perspectives, and even our personal convictions about the coronavirus. Let's extend grace by valuing people more than we do our own convictions and opinions. Go the extra mile to respect and protect those who are most vulnerable or extra cautious. Reach out to and encourage those who may need to wait awhile to return. We are the church. Let's be the church!

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We are excitedly anticipating and diligently preparing for our first in-person Sunday morning gathering on June 7 at 10:30am! Things will look different; they may even feel strange. But God will be in our midst! Join us in praying for a safe and joyful reuniting.

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

Practicing Trust

I was a little taken aback when he asked, but I was glad that he did.

When I said that I am “trusting God with all of this,” he was quick to reply, “what does that even mean?!”

You know that feeling of, “So what! How does that help me now?!” That’s the vibe he was giving.

Friends that won’t take simple answers and pose deeper questions are both a blessing and a pest. I know, because I am one of those people. When those outside of the church ask me surprising questions, it is often a vulnerable exposure of the heart. They’re almost always connected to doubt or pain.

I think we all want to hear the truth in practical terms. When friends are hurting, they’re not interested in the lofty musings of a philosopher. They want something to apply to their current situation that sounds like it came from a wise farmer, not a grandiloquent professor (amirite?).

My friend wanted to know how I was dealing with all of the change and tension in my life, probably because he wanted to know how to handle his own.

Times are difficult right now. Many things have changed on a global scale in just a mere two months. Not only that, but my place of worship and work have become unfamiliar and uniquely challenging. Every time we make a decision, it changes before the week is over. New information or events have caused additional work, extra meetings, and added stress.

So, after silently praying in my mind, I told him how I have been trusting God in the fewest amount of words I could.

“Well, first, I have told God everything that is going on in my life. Every worry, every concern, every joy, every desire; I have shared everything I can with Him. I even opened up about my current regrets... bad things I’ve been thinking and feeling and, sadly, doing. I have confessed and spoken about it all with Him.

Second, I continue to believe that He actually cares. The Bible says to cast all your worries and concern on Jesus because He cares for you. I have faith in the Bible, so I believe that Jesus genuinely cares about what is happening in my life. I know He loves me, and I remind myself of that every day.

Third, I expect that He is going to do something about it. I believe He responds to all of my prayers. He doesn’t always do what I ask (thank God!), but He hears every word and has the power to change hearts and situations, including mine.

That is how I trust God. I share all that is going on, believe that He cares, and know that He will intervene and work it all out for the good.”

After I was done he simply said, “Oh... okay.”

Because our friendship is strong, I assumed that he wasn’t unaffected or uninterested. Maybe he just had to chew on it for a while. Either way, I was glad he asked, because once we finished talking I looked upward and whispered, “Thanks for reminding me how to trust You.”

I have been practicing trust a lot lately. Some of the process feels like exercise... I know the next move, and I choose to do it. But my heart hasn’t been left behind. As I practice trust, I develop more trust. And I don’t know of anything I need more than trust right now. 

I love you Grace family, and I am praying that God continues to guard your hearts as you trust Him with your lives. I will see you (well, you’ll see me) this Sunday as we continue learning about how Jesus lived as a human being.

Pastor Jack

Joys in the Midst of Trials

These are interesting times, aren’t they?

One minute we can buy toilet paper and Lysol wipes when we need them and the next… pandemonium ensues! For a little while I was concerned that my large family really would run out of toilet paper. 

We started spring break with the normal rhythms of life and by the end of the week, nothing was the same. My kids were suddenly adapting to schooling at home and I was learning how to work from home and navigate keeping my kids on task. 

Thankfully, my kids transitioned to online learning fairly well, so that piece went smoothly.

Disclaimer here: we did have our bad days. But school is out in just a few days, so it is safe to say that we made it! 

Sure, there has been bickering and tears (sometimes from the kids too). But the simple, slowed pace that we have been living at these past 6 weeks has been so good for my family.  

We have worshipped together, spent more time in God’s Word, learned new things, planted a garden, taken lots of walks, made lots of yummy treats, learned chess… the list goes on — all great things that we missed out on before because of our busy life.

This pandemic has been hard on all of us for different reasons, but it has been a joy to see God’s hand at work in the midst of the trials.

What are some ways that God has provided in your own lives during this time? 

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I am looking forward to the day that we can meet as a church family face-to-face again. We have missed our church family! Until then, “see you” at virtual church this Sunday.

Casey Teater

Prayers For Our Nation and Leaders

Did you know that our first President kept a prayer journal?

I didn’t, but it’s true.

George Washington compiled a personal book of prayers, written in his own handwriting, one for each morning and evening of each day of the week! His prayers provide a beautiful window into his soul, his faith, and the reason why God used him.

Take, for example, his prayer for Sunday morning… (I know it’s not easy to read, but imagine your President on his knees and praying this):

Almighty God, and most merciful Father, who didst command the children of Israel to offer a daily sacrifice to Thee, that thereby they might glorify and praise Thee for Thy protection both night and day, receive O Lord, my morning sacrifice which I now offer up to Thee;

I yield Thee humble and hearty thanks, that Thou has preserved me from the dangers of the night past and brought me to the light of this day, and the comfort thereof, a day which is consecrated to Thine own service and for Thine own honor.

Let my heart therefore gracious God be so affected with the glory and majesty of it, that I may not do mine own works but wait on Thee, and discharge those weighty duties Thou required of me:

And since Thou art a God of pure eyes, and will be sanctified in all who draw nearer to Thee, who dost not regard the sacrifice of fools, nor hear sinners who tread in Thy courts, pardon I beseech Thee, my sins, remove them from Thy presence, as far as the east is from the west, and accept of me for the merits of Thy son Jesus Christ, that when I come into Thy temple and compass Thine altar, my prayer may come before Thee as incense, and as I desire Thou wouldst hear me calling upon Thee in my prayers, so give me peace to hear the calling on me in Thy word, that it may be wisdom, righteousness, reconciliation and peace to the saving of my soul in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Grant that I may hear it with reverence, receive it with meekness, mingle it with faith, and that it may accomplish in me gracious God, the good work for which Thou hast sent it.

Bless my family, kindred, friends and country, be our God and guide this day and forever for His sake, who lay down in the grave and arose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Wow! That’s incredible!

Didn’t make it all the way through the prayer? I get it. Try reading it out loud and see what you think.

On our nation’s 69th annual National Day of Prayer, what an incredible privilege we have of humbling ourselves in God’s presence and coming to him as his much-loved children to intercede on behalf of our nation and its leaders!

I can’t think of anything more powerful or life-giving than to bring our needs before the One who sits on the throne of the universe, who raises and puts down nations, and who offers life and grace to all who call on his name through his Son, Jesus Christ!

If there ever was a time to pray for America, this is it!

The National Day of Prayer Task Force President, Kathy Branzell, has written a beautiful prayer which I encourage us to include in our prayers today.

Whether you’re praying alone, with your spouse or family, or online with your friends or Community Life Group, thank you for joining us and millions of Americans in humbling ourselves before our true King and inviting him to restore our souls back to his heart and ways.

Here’s the prayer Kathy has written for this day.

Lord, we exist to give You glory. We exist because of Your glory, and in Your glory, as our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. We give you thanks and praise for every breath and moment You have given to us.

We repent of our sin; for the shameful things we have done against You and for our silence when we did not speak up to proclaim Your Name, profess Your Word, or protect and practice Your will. We ask Your forgiveness.

We pray that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will spread across our nation and the entire earth as we seek Your Kingdom and righteousness; as we walk in obedience to You, and in humble unity, love one another. Jesus, the Bible says that You are “the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” You have taught us to pray, commanded us to love, and commissioned us to share Your gospel of grace. Your glory fills our hearts and families, it overflows into our neighborhoods, workplaces, campuses, churches, in our entertainment and media.

We give thanks for our military and ask that Your glory would spread to, and through them as they preserve freedom around the world.

We pray for our government, that all of our leaders and laws would be filled with Your glory, that they would magnify Your Holy Word and honor Your will and ways.

We pray that Your grace and glory would spread to bring hope to the hopeless, and love where there is hurt and hate.

God, use us as we pray your promise, that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” In Jesus Name, Amen!

Thanks for praying!

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16

Pastor Steve

A Strange and Uninvited Disruption

“Why is there a strange egg in our nest?!”

Courtney and I really enjoy the springtime. She loves gardening and working on our landscape, and our time outside has been refreshing and joyful.

We love it when the birds are singing in the morning and, for the past couple of years, we have had birds build their nest on our front door wreath.

It's always energizing to have new life chirping right outside of our door.

But this year was different.

The birds did come. And they did lay eggs. But as we inspected the nest (which we only do rarely out of eager anticipation), we noticed a strange colored egg sitting right next to the other eggs.

Out of curiosity, Courtney posted it on social media. We then did a little research ourselves and found that it was a cowbird egg. Cowbirds are “brood parasites” that lay their eggs in the nests of other birds… my birds.

(I say, “my birds” because I have become fond of our little winged friends. Courtney makes fun of me for pretending to be Dr. Doolittle as I whistle to them and watch them through our porch window.)

I did not like the idea of a sneaky bird messing up the good thing we had going on. Was this nature’s unsolicited foster care program? Why did that bird think she could have free daycare?

It was a little off-putting at first, but we found out that it's illegal to remove it (not that I would be one to disrupt a nest). Some even argue that the cowbird developed this technique to survive.

All I know is, my life can relate to that nest right now.

Recently, I felt like there has been a strange and uninvited disruption laid right in the middle of my comfortable and familiar life. 

Then it hit me.

Cowbirds are looking for help. They are looking for a “stronghold” for their babies. And isn’t that what I’m doing too?

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. —Psalm 9:9–10

My question of “Why would that bird cheat that other mama like that” was really a deeper question of “Why is this happening in my life right now?”

When I ask that question, I know where to go. I know where to search. Like that cowbird, I am looking for a stronghold. 

So even though I don’t like to admit it, I am like a cowbird. I am dependent on the care and protection of another... Jesus. I have only to sit under his loving care and allow Him to provide for my needs each day. Apart from Him, I can do nothing.

I love you, dear church family, and I eagerly await the day when I will see you face-to-face (or mask-to-mask), whatever that looks like. You are daily in my prayers and on my heart. May you trust in His strength for each day and bright hope for tomorrow. 

Pastor Jack

Introducing: Discovering Jesus

It was a blessing to walk through Psalm 23 with you these last four weeks.

Now, what's next?

Here's Pastor Jack sharing a taste of what to expect starting this Sunday:

For I Shall Again Praise Him

These things I remember,
as I pour out my soul:
how I would go with the throng
and lead them in procession to the house of God
with glad shouts and songs of praise,
a multitude keeping festival.

-Psalm 42:4 (ESV)

This is straight out of a Psalm of lament where David asks himself several times, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?”

It’s clear that David is not in Jerusalem at this time because of an enemy. Whether that enemy is from within his own household or from Saul or from a foreign nation, David is removed from the regular worship of God Almighty with his fellow Israelites.

He is in the pits, wrestling with depression and struggling to find joy. He remembers the great joy of being with the people singing God’s praises and celebrating God’s goodness.

Like most of you, I deeply miss the gathering of the church.

I remember the booming voice of the church when we would join together in song. The instruments would stop playing and the voice of the church would be like the roar of many trains passing by right in front of me. I can’t count how many times the sound of the saints has brought me chills.

The greatest part of my job is hearing and seeing the church pour out her heart in love to her Creator and Savior in worship through song. I miss seeing the smiles, and the tears of joy as we worship together through song!

I still love Sunday mornings, but they’re just not the same right now. And there are times when it makes me sad, longing for the church to be able to physically gather again.

While I don’t know when it will be, the church will gather again in the beautiful facility that God has blessed us with. Brothers and sisters… that will be a great celebration! We will fill that building with the most glorious, thunderous praise, and it will be heavenly!

I can’t wait!

If your soul is downcast and you long to gather with your brothers and sisters in Christ, you’re not alone. David has felt that way, I’ve felt that way, and I know that many that I’ve talked to feel that way.

At the end of this Psalm of grief and sorrow, David says, “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

Church, hope in God. We will again praise him under the same roof!

Until then, may God fill our homes with songs of praise, and build the anticipation and appreciation for the time when we will be able to physically gather together for worship! 

I love you church!

- Pastor Kyle

Radiate Joy

Growing up, Easter was a holiday that my family celebrated every year.

My extended family would gather and have a meal, maybe an egg hunt. There was an Easter basket and lots of candy delivered by the Easter bunny. We did not attend church, but a prayer was said to bless our meal. Outside of the prayer, there wasn’t much talk of Jesus—the whole reason to celebrate.

I remember going to church one time on an Easter Sunday as a young child. I don’t remember much about that morning except that there was an excitement to the atmosphere; it felt like a special day. Everyone was dressed in their best dresses and suits and they radiated joy.

Even though I was quite young, I remember feeling like it was not just because of the Easter baskets and bunnies.

I am so thankful that I now know that Jesus is the reason for that joy.

I know that Jesus dying on the cross is a precious gift to me, despite the fact that I don’t deserve it.

His resurrection gives me hope now and forever.

These truths bring me to my knees when I stop and truly ponder this rescue story. This is truly a reason to radiate joy every day!

This year, Easter looks different for all of us. While not physically gathering with our church family saddens me, I can’t help but feel like this is an opportunity to get back to basics. In a rare occurrence, our Easter celebrations will be done intimately with only the people in our homes. I pray that this is a time that we hear the truth with greater clarity and power than ever before.

Yet, though we are physically gathering only in our own homes, we will be connected with the whole body virtually.

Church, I am looking forward to celebrating virtually with you three more times this week!

• Good Friday service and communion (remember to look around your house for your own communion elements!) at 6:30pm

• Easter morning sunrise service at 7:00am

• Easter Sunday celebration service at 10:30am

You can join these services live on both our Facebook and YouTube pages. I’ll see you then!

Casey Teater
Children’s Ministry Director

Trying to Figure It Out

“Adjusting… making it… trying to figure it out.”

These are some of the common responses I’ve used when asked, “How are you doing?”

We are experiencing so many changes and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The experience has been a little disorienting for me. Each week seems to have its own theme, and sometimes it has felt like things shift and change on an hourly basis. 

Our family is adjusting to a new “normal.” We are together a lot more, and while we have enjoyed the increase in family time, it hasn’t been without difficulty. There have been tears, frustration, confusion, overwhelm, and short-tempers. Our plans, routines, and outings have either been cancelled, postponed, or reconfigured. Yet we have also seen the blessings that are mixed in with craziness.

We know there is plenty of grace for this moment in time, and God is still a help and comfort for our family. 

Ministry life has also been affected. Ministry still happens, but looks and feels different. Ministry is all about personal connections, but we are being forced to connect with one another differently.

The various ministries of the church are working on ways to reach out, stay connected, and be united in expressing care to our church family. With the help of different online platforms, ministry to children, students, and families is ongoing.

The staff and our ministry leaders want you to know we are here for you, and we are wanting to see each person and family grow spiritually, even in these troubling times.

We exist as a church to love God, love people, and lead others to do the same. And we as a staff are fully bought into that purpose. We love you, Church, and we want to do what we can to serve you.

Perhaps some of you are feeling overwhelmed with resources. That is ok and understandable; so much is happening and there is so much out there. And even so, maybe some of you are wanting more.

In an effort to help with any feelings of overwhelm and wanting to provide some resources to our church family, we have put together an online resource list that we hope you’ll find helpful:

Online Resource List

Bible.com / YouVersion Bible app

Reading plans and kids app

Staff Suggestions:

• For the Whole Family: Indescribable, Nurturing Great Kids, Family-iD Discipleship Plan

• For Kids: The King and the Kingdom, Kids Can Fight Fear

• For Students: Experiencing God’s Renewal

RightNow Media

So many studies for all ages (request free access through the “Connect with Us” button)

Staff Suggestions:

• For the Whole Family: The Real God

• For Kids: What’s in the Bible?

• For Students: The Red Letter Challenge

Fishbowl Family

Resources for parents. Their printable library is great!

ParentCue

Some great articles, resources, and tips for parenting, including through COVID-19

FamilyLife

Great content and ideas for parents and encouragement for marriages

The Gospel Coalition article

This article is full of links to devotions and discussions for discipling kids and students

BibleProject

So many great videos unpacking themes of the Bible and illustrated overviews of the books of the Bible

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

Get to know the Grace Care Team

Grace, these are crazy times we’re living in, aren’t they? We need each other now more than ever!

I’m so glad that we have hope in a God who is in control, and a church family that is full of kind and caring people. Thank you for reaching out to support and care for each other during this difficult time.

You’re being the church in new and creative ways!

During this time, we continue to focus efforts on building up our Grace Care Team in order to meet the needs of those most vulnerable in our church body. Since this is a fairly new ministry team (just about a year old), I conducted an “email interview” with the chair of our Grace Care Team, Jill Moore, so you could learn more about how God is using their ministry.

Here’s what she shared with me:  

Juli Dirks: What is the Grace Care Team? Why did this special team start?

Jill Moore: Galatians 6:2 expresses our purpose, “Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Grace Care Team was specifically organized to meet needs of the shut-ins and other seniors, people with long-term health issues, and new widows/widowers in our church.

We do this through being a visitor or phone prayer partner, offering transportation, arranging short-term meals, and helping with home repairs. When we “come alongside” a person, we infuse hope and the ability to keep going. They tangibly know someone cares and, most importantly, God cares.

JD: Why is the Grace Care Team an especially important part of Grace's ministry right now, during this pandemic?

JM: Fear and isolation can increase loneliness. Everyone needs connection. Getting a phone call from someone lets them hear that a real person is thinking of them and praying for them. A senior is more likely to tell us a specific need if there is relationship there. They, too, like to be independent and “not bother others." 

JD: Which kinds of needs are you finding to be most prevalent right now?

JM: This week most seniors are telling us they have what they need physically, but we notice in our phone calls that they carry burdens for their family members losing jobs and having surgeries being delayed. They have the same stress and fears all of us are tempted to carry—but they typically live alone.

Actually, the need for physical help with errands or food may escalate in the next 3 weeks depending on how long this continues. Someone to pray with now meets today’s need.  

JD: What can our church do support the Grace Care Team and those in our church who have needs?

JM: There are a number of ways:

• Make phone calls or send cards. Who do you already have connections with? Who does God bring to mind? Call and tell that person you are acquainted with them from the church and want to know ways you could pray for them. Send someone a note of encouragement or make a new pen pal. Ask if they have other people checking on them. If no one is coming to mind, we can supply you with specific people who are longing for this connection.

• Be eyes and ears for the Grace Care Team. If you discover a need that we can help with, tell us. Pray and tell them you are praying. I know it is true that all ages of people have special needs during this pandemic. Please strengthen your connections. And express your needs to the church, no matter what your age.  

• Join our volunteer list. We are compiling a list of volunteers who are standing by to address other needs—transportation to doctor visits or church, food donations for funerals, going to get groceries, advice or help with home repair/improvement projects, help for seniors navigating computer/technology. Contact us to let us know you’re willing to use your gifts and skills to meet these needs.

• Serve on our council. We are looking for a couple of additional people willing to serve with us in organizing our efforts to meet these needs.

I am praising God for using this pandemic to push us out of our busy, self-focused lifestyles and create in us the desire to care for one another. I, personally, have been strengthened and had my faith increase as I see God provide volunteers who become the hands and feet of Jesus to our church family.

JD: Thank you, Jill and team, for your passionate and compassionate work! Our church is blessed to have you.

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So, Grace, this is a wonderful way to be the church during these uncertain times.

Let the Grace Care Team hear from you!

If you have a need or can help meet a need, here’s how you can let us know:

• Contact Jill Moore directly, 316-655-0954, jillmhm@gmail.com.

• Call the church office at 316-283-2554. We’re still answering the phone!

• Use the Connect With Us button on our website.

Hang in there, church! Lean into Jesus. I’m praying for God to meet you right where you are and bless you with peace and protection. 

Join us Sunday at 10:30am via Facebook Live as we worship together and start a walk through the comforting truths of Psalm 23.

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

March Sadness

With the world of sports largely on hold at this time, brackets aren’t even going to be broken this year, but dreams and lives sure are!

In the middle of an overwhelming and unprecedented COVID-19-related tidal wave of cancellations nation-wide, college basketball fans like I am are wistfully remembering that today was scheduled to be the first official day of “March Madness,” the tournament to determine the NCAA men’s basketball division 1 national champion.   

But there’s no “madness” this year and—based on all the other closings and abrupt endings to athletic careers, school years, proms, church programs, jobs, and a host of dreams—many of us are experiencing “March Sadness,” which is how a friend of mine has tagged the season.

Whether we’re surrounded by kids at home trying to figure out how to survive or living on our own and feeling totally shut out from the world, so many of us are having to give up so many things in such a short amount of time that we’re reeling from our losses and trying to cope with our “new normal.” And we’re getting very familiar with “sad,” the painful emotion that says, “I’ve lost something important to me, and I’ll never get it back! That hurts!”

What an incredibly difficult time this is!  

Obviously we want to do everything we can to flatten the contagion curve of this deadly virus that we’re up against. Still, closing our church facility and cancelling important activities takes a toll on our spirits.

Though we don’t know yet for how long we will need to change our rhythms, as a pastor, I’m sad that we can’t meet together for our Sunday morning worship services. I’m sad that we’ve had to (at this point temporarily) cancel our Restarting Class that just got underway last week. Our men’s and women’s Bible studies, special events, student and children’s ministries have all taken the “not meeting” hit. I’m sad that nursing homes have closed their doors to visits from outsiders and I’m sad that I’m not able to see my mother or my dad-in-law.

However, on the other hand, I’m thankful that sadness is a connecting emotion, and when I pour out my losses to Jesus, I get to experience a special bond with him as he comforts me and shares his perspective on my life and my circumstances.

I’m thankful that Jesus knows what sadness feels like and, as Psalm 34:18 says, is “near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

I’m thankful that knowing him is worth the loss of everything else, as the Apostle Paul expresses so eloquently and passionately in Philippians 3:8, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

I’m thankful that nothing in all creation “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

I’m thankful for my church family, and that we can stay connected via the internet, email, and phone calls.

I’m thankful that the Holy Spirit, our guide and comforter, is available 24/7 to shepherd us through the challenges of these circumstances.

And I’m thankful that we can pray for each other, our neighbors, our cities, our country and our world, have God hear and respond to our pleas and give us creative ideas of how to serve those around us in need. 

I’m thankful that the Lord specializes in bringing joy and good out of the biggest messes, and I’m thankful for hope even in the face of death, which is simply the doorway into his presence!

Hmmm…funny how I’m feeling better already! 

See you via the internet this Sunday, as Pastor Jack preaches on the timely topic of “fear.”

Pastor Steve

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PS: Here’s a letter from one of our members who is serving as an extension of us in a different part of the world. I believe her words will be encouraging to you in this challenging season!

Remember!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I know this is a difficult time with COVID-19 being on our minds almost constantly. It has disrupted all our lives, and we can’t seem to get away from it. There is undoubtedly different degrees of confusion, fear, uncertainty, anger and a range of other emotions felt at this time. I want to tell you that you are not alone. Everyone is feeling a vast array of emotions in regards to COVID-19.

Some of you will remember when I shared with you the beginning of last year about how difficult the previous fall had been. I want take a moment to go back to that fall in 2018 with you.
 
People were getting kicked out and being told to leave. At that time I was feeling many of the same emotions that I believe many of you are feeling today. I wasn’t sure who I could see and who I should stay away from. Who was safe? It was on my mind constantly. “Should I risk seeing so and so?” “Is it worth the risk?” It was incredibly isolating. I had no control. It all happened so fast, and it was so unexpected. There were so many unknowns. There still are. At times, I felt angry and defiant and wanted to storm the streets not caring what the outcome would be. The fear was real, tangible, and debilitating. 
 
Does any of this sound familiar? Does it resonate with you in any way? I know they are two vastly different situations, and yet, there are commonalities.
 
It took me some time to hear the Holy Spirit gently convicting me that my fear was displaced, and in the wrong place. I was fearing man, not God. Where was my trust? I can tell you, I was not trusting in God’s sovereignty. I share this so that you know you are not alone. I also want to remind you that God is good and He is faithful! In the midst of losing close friends, He brought me new sweet friendships with unexpected people and deepened previous superficial relationships. In the midst of feeling out of control, He showed me He was in control. In the midst of grief, sorrow, and pain, He gave me healing. In the midst of feeling alone, He was close. In the midst of suffering, He gave me hope. In the midst of fear, He showed me I could rely and trust in His promises. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, He taught me to trust in His sovereignty. Through it all, He showed me His love. 
 
I am still learning, and He continues to teach me these things every day. My desire is that my story will encourage you and bring you hope in the midst of this current trial we all face from COVID-19. 
 

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wondrous works!
Psalm 105:2

Call to Prayer

The other day I was wondering what I should be doing during this time. At the same time, I was reminiscing about times of prayer I had with people. I miss those times of coming together with my community to pray! Then I was convicted by my personal prayer life in regards to the current state of the world. So, I'm committing to intentional prayer for the people of our world, and to worship our Lord in the midst of uncertainty, every evening from 7:30-9pm until Easter. Why am I telling you?

1. To keep me accountable. Feel free to ask how I’m doing at any time. Seriously, ask me.

2. I’d love for you to join me in any way you can! Let us pray as a community. We are told to practice social distancing, but we can still unite in prayer!

“Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from COVID-19*, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of this world*, from everlasting to everlasting.” 

(1 Chronicles 16: 35-36)
 

*The original text says: “among the nations” and “Israel”

Would you join me? Are you struggling how to pray? You are not alone. There are times I don’t know what to pray, or I struggle with saying the same thing over and over. In these times, I believe it is fine to just sit with the Lord with whatever it is heavy on your heart. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us during these times.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

(Romans 8:26-27)

If you are needing some guidance, here are some things I do during my time:

1. I like to start off and finish with praising God and giving thanks. This includes, but is not limited to, declaring who God is.

2. I sing worship songs whenever they come to mind.

3. I have a focus. The main focus is COVID-19, but I go more specific. Last night I focused on people who are trying to get back to their homes from different countries. I will be posting on FB what I’ll be focusing on for the evening. Remember, this is a fluid time. Even though there is a focus it is okay to follow the Spirit's leading.

4. I read/pray scripture.

5. I end my whole time with praying the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6: 9-13).

I hope this email finds you well! Again, you are not alone!

Love,
A

Church Planting FAQs

Forgive me for seemingly bringing church plant updates each time I write the Staff Journal… but I’m so excited about this opportunity to multiply our ministry and I want to share that excitement with you!

I also recognize that this is still a new and somewhat unfamiliar idea to many of you, so I wanted to take this opportunity to address some questions I’m hearing often. So, in the spirit of our FAQ sermon series, here are my responses to some church planting FAQs:

Why plant a church?

Research has shown that a new congregation “will bring new people into the life of the body of Christ at six to eight times the rate of an older congregation of the same size,” (Timothy Keller, Center Church, 359).

In other words, starting a new church is one of the best ways to reach new people with the life and hope of the Gospel.

Why Lyons?

Short answer: Lyons (and all of Rice County) desperately needs the gospel.

According to our research, about 85% of people in Rice County are not attending church anywhere. This is an exciting opportunity for a church to step in and bring the hope of the gospel to a community that is broken, yet experiencing some positive momentum.

For the long answer, read my Staff Journal from January 30:

What do we know so far about the church plant in Lyons?

We have a name! The new church in Lyons is called King’s Cross Church. From planter Caleb Barrows:

“As Paul, Ashley and I were considering various names we thought fit the area and the gospel, King’s Cross emerged as the winner. We love that it captures the glory of who Jesus is in his kingship over everything, yet the suffering of Jesus in that this same king was also willing to die on a cross.”

We also have a launch date! King’s Cross Church is aiming to have their launch Sunday on September 20, 2020!

Between now and then, they are hard at work doing foundational tasks like writing a constitution and bylaws, while simultaneously building their launch team (the group of people who will be there from the start to make Sunday morning services happen).

We have planted 3 local churches and 1 international church in the last 8 years. What is different this time around?

We, as a church, are not the ones initiating the church plant this time. We are working with Synergy Kansas to plant this church.

Bonus FAQ: who or what is Synergy Kansas?

Synergy Kansas is a leadership group which gives oversight and direction to a combined effort of FEC church planting in Kansas.

Synergy Kansas is comprised of:

• the lead pastors from Grace Community Church (that’s us!) and our three local sister churches (Grace Community Fellowship in Hillsboro, Grace Crossing in Moundridge, and New Anthem Community Church in Hillsboro)

• key leaders from the FEC: Dave Reimer (our founding pastor) and Jay Nickless (former Grace staffer, now the church planting fielder coordinator for the FEC)

So what difference does that make?

We are not the primary sending body; it is a team effort. And what that means is that we are not primarily responsible for providing the resources—time, money, people—necessary to get the church started.

In the past, we have asked members of our church family to commit to changing church families to be part of the launch team. In the past, we hosted “baby showers” where we asked you to contribute to the start up cost of the new church, like you would give gifts to new parents to ease the burden of the transition into parenthood (just like babies need a lot of stuff, new churches need a lot of stuff—chairs, sound equipment, signage, printing, and more!).

Those opportunities are still available to you if you are interested (more on that later), but we do not bear the same burden to provide those resources as we have in the past. Because this is a team effort, that responsibility primarily falls on Synergy Kansas, which means it is spread out across our fellow churches.

Because we value church planting, we have a specific line item in our budget for supporting church planting. We contribute regularly to Synergy Kansas, and in turn Synergy Kansas is providing the primary financial support for this church plant. That means when you give to the Lord at Grace, you are already giving to the launch of King’s Cross Church!

Our role this time is to continue sharing updates with you, to continue giving faithfully to the Lord here at Grace, and to pray for King’s Cross and for planters Caleb & Paul and the impact of the gospel in Lyons.

What can I do if I want to be involved?

You can…

• sign up to receive prayer updates from King’s Cross Church (write “church plant prayer updates” on the Connect With Us form)

• sign up to be part of the launch team, meaning you commit to serving on one of the teams (worship, hospitality, children’s ministry, tech, etc) that will make Sunday morning services happen at King’s Cross Church (contact Caleb Barrows at caleb.barrows@gmail.com)

How can I find out more?

First, you can check out the Church Planting page on our website:

If you have more specific questions about information or how to be involved, feel free to reach out to Caleb Barrows at caleb.barrows@gmail.com.

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I have seen first-hand how God is preparing the ground for King’s Cross Church and I am so excited to see how he uses it to impact Lyons with the Gospel. I am excited to continue sharing updates as things develop, and I hope you will join me in praying for gospel transformation in Lyons and greater Rice County.

On the home front, I’m looking forward to worshiping with you this Sunday! We will worship through song, we will pray together, we will take the Lord’s Supper, and we will explore how we are to live before we get to heaven.

I love you, church!
Nathan Ehresman

Grieving with Hope

Have you ever logged onto social media and found yourself overwhelmed or broken-hearted by the news you read? This happened to me this week. Let me explain some of the context and background story. 

For almost as many years as I have been taking students to middle school LifeChange Camp and leading worship, Daniel Yoder has been our speaker and teacher. It is always amazing how quickly you can form a deep and lasting friendship bond with those you spend a week with at camp. This rings true for Daniel and I; we look forward to seeing and ministering together each summer. In many ways, for me, it feels like a family reunion, seeing relatives that live some distance away once a year. 

Before Daniel’s kids were old enough to be campers, his wife would bring them over during the week to spend some time with their dad. I got to know Daniel’s oldest son Malachi this way at first, and then as a camper.

A couple years ago, Malachi was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Yet, despite the seemingly tragic news, Daniel and Malachi came to camp last summer and openly shared how God was encouraging them, strengthening them, and giving them a living hope.

As the week of camp came to a close we prayed for Malachi to receive a miracle and rather than speak death, we spoke words of life. The testimony of God's presence and comfort and Malachi’s desire to trust Jesus in the fight for his life was simply inspiring and faith-building for so many, myself included. 

Fast forward to this week.

My heart sank when on Monday, March 2nd I saw a Facebook post that said Malachi went to be with Jesus. Daniel posted that Malachi got his miracle, that he had fought the good fight, and now is receiving his reward. Daniel also wrote that because Malachi knew Jesus it was a win win for Malachi.

What a testimony.

I have to say, what happens at a week of LifeChange Camp is so significant in our students’ lives. Relationships are formed that shape our students and impact their walk with Christ.

I know so many of our Igniter students, current and graduated, are deeply feeling the loss of Malachi. Would you join me in praying for the Yoder family and also for our Igniter students? Even though it’s sad, I’m glad we can grieve with hope because of Malachi’s faith in Christ. 

It was a timely and preparatory word this past Sunday as Nathan shared about God’s enduring steadfast love. God has used our “homework” assignment for this week to help me process the sadness and heart-ache I have over Malachi’s home going: 

God is near the broken-hearted,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

God saves the crushed in spirit,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

God is the Father of all mercies,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

He is the God of all comfort,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

He comforts us in our affliction,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

We can put our hope in him,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Loren 

Why We Sing What We Sing

As a Worship Council, we recently decided to try something new.

On Sunday night, February 16th, we hosted a Night of Worship.

I know many of you love to worship through song, but I didn’t know what kind of turn out to expect. We didn’t talk about it very much, so we didn’t expect a lot of people. So when 150 people showed up and the engagement in singing was incredible we were thrilled! We had LOTS of people requesting that we do more of those evenings and continue to get those requests! We will definitely make it happen again!

[Editor’s note: In the meantime, you can watch the video recording right here!]

We played a wide variety of songs that night and at least a couple that we’ve never sang together on a Sunday morning. I had a few people suggest some songs we could sing for the next time.

As you might guess, from time to time I receive song suggestions from the congregation. While sometimes we end up singing the song that is suggested, other times we don’t. We’re not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings, and I know that most of us have songs we love to use in our own private or family worship that mean a lot to us (I know I do).

We (the Worship Council) put a lot of time into considering new songs that we might add to our repertoire. I thought you might be interested to know how we critique songs that we are considering, as we’ve talked about this quite a bit recently as a staff and as a Worship Council. Here’s a few of the criteria we use when considering adding a new song:

1. Truth: Based on Grace’s value of Upholding Biblical Integrity, and the Worship Ministry’s value of Theology before Feeling, the most important thing about a song is truth (John 4:23-24, Colossians 3:16). Is there anything the song says that doesn’t line up with Scripture? Or are the lyrics simply too vague and could be misunderstood? What truth does this song help the church to understand and articulate about God? Notice it is Theology before Feeling, not theology as opposed to feeling. Truth deeply affects our feelings. Truth coupled with beautiful music that compliments the lyrics affects us on an even deeper level. Music should reflect the lyrics.

2. Singability: Based on the worship ministry’s value of Participation not Performance, we seek to sing songs that are “singable”. While some songs beautifully display talent that God has given musicians (which we use for special music), we pick songs with ranges that work well for the largest number of people. We choose songs with memorable melodies that are more simple and easy to catch on to.

3. Well-Rounded Theology: Does the song we are looking at help round out our theology? Does the song say the same things that many of the other songs in our repertoire say? Does the song help to articulate theology that is missing from our repertoire? We don’t want to add song after song about God’s love, and neglect to sing about his other attributes. We ask, “Why should the church sing this song?”

There are other things we think about when considering adding new songs to our repertoire, like our style of worship as established by the Elders: “blended leaning towards contemporary”. That means we still sing some of the great old hymns but we sing more contemporary songs than old ones, and often sing old songs with a more contemporary feel.

I want to remind you that you can worship at home with the songs we sing on Sunday morning through YouTube or Spotify!

I’m looking forward to Sunday when Nathan Ehresman will be preaching from Psalm 136, and we’ll lift our voices together in praise to our Creator and Redeemer!

Please be praying for the Amigo team as they leave for Reynosa on Saturday.

For His glory,
-Pastor Kyle 

Creating Joyful Community

I love our church!

On Sundays I feel so blessed as I walk through the halls because of the kind, warm people I encounter. They smile, pass out hugs, stop to see how I'm doing, or share a laugh with me. I think about how each person is contributing to our church body and see their care for others and it makes me smile.

But I realize this isn't everyone's experience.

Have you ever felt alone or a little lost in the crowd?

In a church our size, it can be easy to blend in and go unnoticed. In fact, some people like the idea of attending a bigger church where they can slip in and out; but I don't think that's the case for the majority of people.

I think most people are looking for a place to connect and belong, and that can be difficult in a bigger gathering.

At Grace we exist to love God, love people, and lead others to do the same. Part of loving people means that we value creating joyful community where people are more than just noticed. Joyful community happens when people are glad to be together. That is why we desire that people feel welcome, cared for, and important.

We have some great strategies in place to help people connect:

• Hospitality teams of greeters, ushers, coffee brewers and Connection Desk staff to help welcome, direct, and inform you

• We are intentional about our "meet-and-greet" times during services being an opportunity to actually meet the people around you.

• The Plan Your Visit button on our website where newcomers can sign up for a tour of the building, get help checking their kids into nursery or Sunday school, and find a seat next to a friendly face

• Community Life Groups are available to help find a place for deeper relationships and fun fellowship

• Our Grace Care Team ministers to widows, shut-ins, and those with major illnesses

• We have many opportunities to serve (serving with others—like during Summer Quest—can create belonging and community)

All of these are strategies are great but, to be honest, they sometimes just aren't enough.

Lately I've heard from some different people that making initial connections at Grace was hard for them. A few have visited services several Sundays in a row and had no one speak to them. I've heard from others who've attended here for a long time but are feeling invisible and unimportant.

I don't know about you, but that hurts my heart… and it's personally convicting! That has been motivation for me to be more brave in approaching new faces each week and being intentional about connecting with others.

How about you?

Do you feel connected?

Can I challenge you personally to help us create a joyful community here at Grace?

Our staff is committed to this value, but we can't do it all by ourselves. We need your help!

• Welcome and direct new people

• Look for and warmly engage new faces during "meet-and-greet" (go beyond a "hello"; if you don’t know where to start, ask "How long have you been at Grace?")

• Invite someone (new or old) out to lunch or over for supper

• Join the Grace Care Team

• Reach out if you're feeling alone (talk to the person next to you, come up to a staff member, or let us know through the Connect With Us button)

• Check in on someone you haven't seen in awhile

• Connect in a Community Life Group

• Find a way to serve

Generally, just look for ways to love people right here at Grace.

Together, we can create a warm and welcoming culture where people of all ages and stages, from all walks of life, can find belonging and unity in Christ.

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Join us this Sunday for week 4 of our FAQ mini-series exploring the hope we have for the future!

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

It's Never Too Late

It began with an unexpected call from my father. He wanted to fly to Kansas and spend almost a week with us... soon. We were glad to host him. God has gifted Courtney with the heart and diligence for hospitality, so we have always kept an open door to our family members (well, most of them, lol).

But you have to understand my relationship with my father. He enlisted in the Marines as a teenager and spent most of my childhood out of the house. He named me after the Tennessee whiskey, Jack Daniel’s, because that was cool. Needless to say, I didn’t grow up in a Christian home.

Then he and my mom split up, and from the age of 9 I never lived with him again. This “complicated” my relationship with him. I didn’t know how to receive love or feel anything when I was around him. It’s like I was emotionally numb on purpose. Can anybody relate?

When I was in my 20’s, I finally confronted him. I shared my heart, and he responded the best he knew how. I didn’t know if the confrontation was worth it, and since I lived far away, I left it in Michigan.

Then something wonderful happened. A few years later, we were driving around in his truck, and he initiated the conversation.

“Jack, I’m sorry. If I had known what kind of Dad I was and wasn’t, I would have never been that way to you. I’m sorry for the kind of father I have been.”

What happened?

My dad started going to church, and God was slowly peeling back the layers of hurt and confusion that surrounded his life. He watched me and my sister with “his grandkids,” and realized that the way we were bringing them up was in stark contrast to his own parenting.

The blindfold was removed, and God was working in his heart.

Then he moved to Oregon. More importantly, he started going to a church that emphasized personal discipleship. He began meeting with a man who walked him through sound doctrine, and he recently hit a growth spurt.

I’m so proud of him. And I’m thankful for God’s grace on our family.

Before the turn of the century, no one could have predicted 2020 for our family. You would have said, “Not a chance.” But God doesn’t rely on chance. 

God is still at work, reconciling people to Himself and each other.

Check out this picture of my dad in the service last Sunday (thanks to Teri Mather):

It’s never too late.

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This Sunday we will continue our study on Heaven and look at Revelation 6. Which brings a question to mind: When’s the last time you brushed up on the seals and trumpets and bowls of wrath? See you on Sunday!

I love you, brothers and sisters.
Pastor Jack

I Was Somebody's "One"

Our Habits of Grace sermon series this past month had me reaching into my childhood memories. I was somebody’s “one.”

Reflecting back on my years growing up, I can clearly see the people that God provided to impact me on my journey to becoming part of God’s family.

I did not grow up in a Christian home. There was mention of God and the Bible at times, but there was no church attendance, prayer, or relationship. For my family, the church had caused a lot of hurt and distrust, and that led to their ultimate removal from it.

My first real exposure to church was through a Vacation Bible School that was held at a rural church in west Wichita. Bill and Jackie were friends of the family and had invited my sister (5) and me (8) to attend. I remember making crafts, learning about Jesus, and some of the sweet people that invested in the event. Those planted seeds are with me today. I even have some of those sweet crafts currently packed away in a memory box. We only attended for 2 years and then moved out of Wichita.

Fast forward through several years of middle and high school, I am a freshman at college. At this point, I have made up my mind that following God just “won’t be my thing.” I get a job working on-campus in the student center. One of my co-workers, Janelle, was a Christian that boldly shared her faith daily. She recognized that I was walking down a path of bad choices and invited me several times to go to some of the Christian events that were held on campus. I never went.

To this day, I think about Janelle often and pray that she is still walking with the Lord. Despite my lack of interest during that time in my life, she also planted seeds. It wasn’t until a few years later that I came to faith in Christ.

God was working on me all those years and Bill, Jackie, and Janelle had a small, but significant part in that.

Don’t underestimate the impact of small, seemingly insignificant conversations as you seek your one. I am so thankful that God relentlessly pursued me and used them for His glory.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. -Galatians 6:9

Casey Teater
Children’s Ministry Director