Rock Climbing and John the Baptizer

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that made you wonder, ‘What crazy sequence of events got me here?’

That was me this last Saturday afternoon, 30 feet off the ground on an indoor rock climbing wall.

For this risk-averse, heights-fearing, not-particularly-adventurous ground-dweller, being that high in the air is not a… comfortable place to find myself.

At the bottom of the wall, as I was clipping my harness into the belay system, there was enough excitement and adrenaline to overcome the fear and propel me 30 feet up the wall. But, at that point, the adrenaline ran out and I started to question the decisions that led me here.

Once I thought about it, the answer was easy, though: I was doing it for my brother.

I have the joy and honor of being the best man in my brother’s wedding, now just over three weeks away. Fulfilling one piece of my best man duties, I planned a day of Brent-themed fun for last Saturday.

Had it been my day, we probably would have done something much closer to the ground. But my brother is adventurous and competitive, so he had an absolute blast climbing around that gym for four hours. And, because it was our day to celebrate him, it was my joy to watch him have fun. (I have to admit, I had a blast too after I got used to the feeling of the harness and rope catching me.)

Thoroughly exhausted, we left the climbing place, cleaned up, fired up the grill, and enjoyed conversation over some rather large steaks. The groomsmen went around the table sharing first impressions of Brent and stories of how he has encouraged and helped us—and even helped lead one of us to faith in Jesus!

As the stories kept rolling, I think I was beaming with a bigger smile even than my brother was.

Why?

Because it was so encouraging for me to hear the many ways that God has used my brother to edify the people around him.

Fast-forward to the next morning, Pastor Jack is preaching through John 3:22–36 and he lands on verse 29:

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.

I thought, ‘That’s it! That’s what I was feeling last night.’

In this story, some of John the baptizer’s disciples came to him and said, ‘Hey, John! Remember that Jesus guy you baptized? Some of your disciples are leaving to follow him!’

John could have been upset that his followers were leaving. He could have gone to fight for his disciples to stay with him. But, instead, John knew what was going on: he knew that Jesus was the true bridegroom and, thus, the people—the bride—rightfully belonged to him. And, because John had that proper understanding of his role, it was his joy to see people following Jesus.

I could have sat there and listened to those stories about my brother and thought, ‘man, I wish I had that kind of impact on people!’ Or ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah… another story about how great Brent is.’ But that’s not my place. He is the groom. I am that friend of the bridegroom, rejoicing at his voice.

Now, I can take that attitude and apply it to joining Jesus’ mission.

When I see people coming to saving faith in Jesus, what will my response be?

Will I grumble and be upset because I wasn’t the one who helped them get there? Or, like John, will I have a joyful perspective and rejoice that, no matter how they got there, the lost are being found in Christ?

No matter what shape my ministry takes, no matter what role I play in Jesus’ mission, it is not me who deserves the glory. Jesus is the true bridegroom, and the bride—his people, the Church—belong to him. And it’s that perspective that will allow me to sit back and smile.

I love you, Church!
-Nathan Ehresman

Student Ministry Update

Happy Thursday, Grace!

Summer often feels like a time of transition, with many families moving from one school year to another—a pattern that is largely followed by our own rhythm of ministry.

This particular summer has brought with it additional transition for our church family as we move forward without two long-serving members of our team.

We know that with transition comes many questions. So, we wanted to share the below update on plans for our student ministry. These are words directly from Paul Brandes, our Student Ministry Consultant:

Hello all!

My name is Paul Brandes. I currently serve as the Chaplain at Sterling College, and this summer I’m pitching in at Grace as Student Ministry Consultant. I have a background in student ministry, having served in a variety of churches and roles related to middle- and high school students. I love students, and I’m thrilled to have a chance to help the Grace Student Ministry reach its full potential. 

I have three aims for my work:

  1. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Grace Student Ministry

  2. Recommend programming direction for the upcoming school year

  3. Help launch the search process for Grace’s next Student Pastor

All three of these areas of focus are underway to some degree, though there is much still to be done!

In the meantime, two questions that I am sure are on your mind:

  1. When will the student ministry program launch for the fall semester?

  2. Who will serve as the point person for the ministry while the pastoral search is ongoing?

Both are fantastic wonderings. The current plan for the fall Igniter program launch is Sunday, September 13, after Labor Day. We believe this launch date is most prudent based on the transitional nature of the ministry, as well as COVID-19 complexities. Regarding the Wednesday night Refuel program, conversations are ongoing with Awana leadership and volunteers. Be on the lookout for more information on that coming soon.

We know how vital it is to secure the right point person to lead the Grace Student Ministry during this transitional period. I have recommended searching for a school-year Student Ministry Intern that can serve in that role September 2020 – May 2021, and we are proceeding that direction under the authority of the Elders. We're excited about this option for several reasons. One, it gives Grace a chance to develop a young leader who is beginning their journey in vocational ministry. Two, it provides a longer runway for the pastoral search, taking off the pressure to have to rush through that process. We have some interested candidates already; please pray that the Lord provides the right person for this next chapter.

This is a key moment of change for the Grace Student Ministry. And while change can be challenging, the Lord often uses it as a catalyst for His purposes. I deeply believe that the best days of Grace Student Ministry are ahead, and I’m thrilled to see how the Lord brings it all together!

All the best,

Paul Brandes
Student Ministry Consultant

Broken Radio Prayers

About 3 months ago, the radio in my car started having issues. Sometimes it would work and sometimes it wouldn’t.

Mary literally hit the dashboard one time and got it to work!

Well, it got worse, and I haven’t actually been able to listen to it for about 2 months now. 

How can the worship pastor survive without his radio, you ask? Doesn’t he listen to worship music non-stop?

Yes, I do enjoy music. But I also enjoy listening to people like Ravi Zacharias and Alistair Begg on Bott radio. And yes, I pretty much never shut off the radio in the car.

But not being able to listen to the radio or a CD has actually been a really good thing! God stirred in my spirit to use this new time in the car to pray.

I find myself praying for specific people in our local church as I’m on my way to and from work. I find myself praying for open doors to share my faith or to point people to Jesus on my way to Dillon’s or Walmart. I find myself praying for wisdom and the Holy Spirit to speak through me when I’m on my way to meet with someone for lunch or coffee.

I’ve seen God really work through the time of prayer in my car and have been overwhelmed by how God has responded a few of those times.

On my way out to the men’s cookout I prayed that God would give me opportunities to minister to and pray for people. I prayed for divine appointment. Well, God certainly answered that prayer—there were 3 specific divine appointments that I was so thankful to be part of!

So, I want to invite you to join me.

I want to challenge you to shut off your radio and pray when you are driving. Yes, I’m a little jealous that your radio works and mine doesn’t, so it’s easy for me to tell you to turn it off and pray… but I believe you’ll see God work in powerful ways. Try it a few times, and just watch and be ready for what He does!

Here’s my RightNow Media pick. We’ve watched a few of these episodes about archeology and found it quite interesting! There’s even some good humor to help keep everyone engaged. 

 
 

I’m looking forward to being with you on Sunday—whether online, in the Worship Center, or in the Fireside Room! I’m seeing great things happening and I’m believing God has more in store!

I love you, Church!

- Pastor Kyle

Sundays Are My Favorite Days

Sundays are my favorite days.

The joy of gathering together as a church family to be motivated, united, encouraged, and equipped is enough to seriously energize this introvert.

But you know what is even better than a Sunday?

Baptism Sunday.

That is because anytime one person gets baptized there is a party in the Throne Room, celebrating the public proclamation of a life transformed by Jesus. And that's why we throw a party here on earth when a member of our family chooses to be baptized.

This past Sunday we celebrated five such transformed lives—five members of our church family who publicly identified with the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

It was a glorious day, and I wanted to share some highlights with you.

Watch this video, and rejoice with me!

I love you, church!

-Nathan Ehresman

Weird But Fruitful

I’ll have to say it has been one of the weirdest summers for me, yet it has also been fruitful.

Weird but fruitful. As I’ve thought about it, that could easily be a way to describe youth ministry! 

But before I get lost in talking about the weirdness and fruitfulness of youth ministry let me say a bit more about the summer. It has been a summer filled with sweet and bittersweet memories.

We have spent the summer learning about the Holy Spirit with the Igniter students.

Last night, as we wrapped up our final night on the Holy Spirit, we did a spiritual gift inventory. A sweet and meaningful moment happened when each student and leader was invited to write down their top spiritual gift. It was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit has gifted the youth group. They were challenged to talk to their parents, leaders, and friends about how to use them, to see what areas they might be able to serve within Igniter, in our church, their schools, and the community.

I was reminded just how amazing it is that God uniquely gifted each one of us so that we could belong to one another and serve and strengthen one another.

Over the years there have been so many sweet and meaningful moments as we’ve seen God move in and through the lives of students. 

The bittersweet part is knowing that a transition is upon us.

I’m resonating with Paul’s words, “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers” (Philemon 1:4). Over and over I’ve been reminded that God is with us all, walking and guiding us through this transition. 

As I write my last staff journal to you, I just want to say thank you!

I have enjoyed all the weirdness yet fruitfulness in youth ministry here at Grace. God has been so good.

Thank you to those who entrusted your students to me and the other adult leaders, thank you to the many faithful coaches who sought to faithfully walk with students through the teenage years, thank you for loving our family, and thank you for praying for us.

There are a lot of memories that happen in 10 years, ones that we will carry with us our whole lives.

In His grace,
Pastor Loren

"Goodbye..."

“Goodbye…”

I’m glad we have the word, but, like most of us, I don’t relish using it. Since “goodbye” carries with it the emotional weight of separation, saying it takes some grace and faith. 

Last Saturday, Bobbie and I said our goodbyes to her father, Al Platt, who slipped peacefully into the presence of Jesus from his bed at Presbyterian Manor in the quiet early morning hours of Independence Day. We’re comforted by the assurance of Scripture “that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (Phil 1:23).

I love that my father-in-law is experiencing true freedom, that all of his burdens have been lifted and that the challenges of end-of-life frailty are over. I’m so thankful that we could be with him when he died and grateful for his legacy of faith and service to the Kingdom. 

Because of Jesus, that goodbye was a hope-filled one.

So is the goodbye I need to say to all of you. 

With the clock ticking on my last days here at Grace, I wish I could bid my farewell to each of you face-to-face but, since that’s not possible, I’m just going to blurt it out right here in this my last Staff Journal entry to you—my precious Grace family! 

If you’re a classic musical movie fan, I’m sure you can picture the scene and hear the notes from that final and poignant, pre-escape song from “Sound of Music” that begins,

“There's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall and the bells in the steeple too,
and up in the nursery an absurd little bird is popping out to say ‘Cuckoo…!’
Regretfully they tell us…but firmly they compel us…to say goodbye to you.”

“So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night;
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu, adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu…”

Hmm… so it’s the clock’s fault that Bobbie and I are having to say goodbye to all of you, our friends and family at Grace, and we’re planning to escape to Switzerland?!

Yes, but no… not exactly!

I did hear an internal clock ticking in some way as the Lord told me it’s time to shift gears. But more than that, just as the song in the movie is part of a larger drama, so my “goodbye” is a small piece in an overarching picture of what God is doing at Grace and in our lives. And I can’t thank him enough for the privilege of sharing this journey with you all for the last nearly twenty-three years! 

Though it’s not easy to say, I like the origins of “goodbye.”

The expression evidently morphed from “God-be-with-you,” which is a great way to let go, and which expresses the sentiments of my heart and my hope.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

I add my “amen” as I say my “goodbye.”

And, I look forward to seeing you on July 19, my last Sunday at Grace as I share my last sermon at Grace as one of your pastors!

Blessings!

Steve

Truth On Our Lips and In Our Hearts

Our very curious and energetic 2-year-old categorizes songs by why who he hears sing it most often and then, when he hears a song he recognizes, he calls it out: 

“Dada song!”

“Mama song!”

“Kyle song!” (During our stay-at-home time, Pastor Kyle became a bit of a celebrity at our house because of how much Caleb enjoyed watch the worship through song portion of our services.)

I’m often impressed by how fast—sometimes before the singing even starts—he recognizes a song. And then that realization drives home the power of music to stick in our hearts and minds.

Here at Grace, a driving principle of our worship ministry is to get truth onto our lips and into our hearts. And, as I have seen in my own home, this can start with the littlest members of our church family… even when they are barely conscious. 

You see, the four songs that Caleb most often calls “Dada songs” are the four songs that I routinely use to sing my kids to sleep:

  • How Deep the Father’s Love For Us

  • Before the Throne of God Above

  • Build Your Kingdom Here

  • All Glory Be to Christ

Initially, this was my four-song rotation because they happened to be the four songs I had memorized. But, as I sang them over and over (and over and over and over), I came to recognize that they do a good job of summarizing the truth that I want my kids to store up in their hearts.

How Deep the Father’s Love For Us

How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That he should give his only son
To make a wretch his treasure

Out of the abundance of his love for us—for me, for you—God gave Jesus in order to redeem and reconcile us back to himself.

Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high priest whose name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me

But it wasn’t just a one-time thing in the past; the glorified, risen Jesus is consistently pleading my case before the Father. 

Build Your Kingdom Here

To see the captive hearts released
The hurt, the sick, the poor at peace
We lay down our lives for heaven’s cause
We are Your church
We pray revive this earth

Because God, in his love, has redeemed and is reconciling us, we—the church—now have a mission: to take the hope of God’s loving kingdom to the broken world around us. 

All Glory Be To Christ

All glory be to Christ our king
All glory be to Christ
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing
All glory be to Christ

In it all—redemption, reconciliation, kingdom growth—nothing is by my power and I am not worthy of any glory; all the glory belongs to Christ.

 

If, by singing those four songs, that fourfold truth takes deep root in my kids’ hearts… praise God! Even if the words “how deep the Father’s love for us” instantly make them drowsy and “all glory be to Christ” opens the door to dreamland, the roots are taking hold. And that is why we sing truth at our church and in our home.

What songs are on repeat in your house? What truths are you hiding in your heart as you sing?

(If you are looking for a place to start, you can find a playlist of our Sunday morning worship repertoire on Spotify or YouTube.)

I love you, church!

-Nathan Ehresman

Introducing Paul Brandes

Introducing Paul 2.jpg

We are excited to introduce Paul Brandes as our new (temporary) youth ministry consultant! By serving in this role, Paul will be a vital piece in keeping the Igniter Student Ministry rolling—and moving forward—in the time following Pastor Loren's resignation.

As youth ministry consultant, Paul will have three main functions:

  • Assessment: attending youth functions; meeting with parents, students, and volunteers to get a good picture of our current youth ministry

  • Recommendation: help to develop a plan for maintaining ministry through the fall and into spring (during our search for a new youth pastor)

  • Search Process: help the elders by speaking into the search process based on his work this summer

We are so thankful God provided Paul to serve our church in this way at this time. And, because he will be working here behind the scenes, we wanted to give you a chance to get to know Paul.

Please read the interview below, and join us in praying for Paul and our Igniter Student Ministry during this time of transition.

Grace: Tell us about yourself and your family.

Paul: My wife Ashley and I have been married for ten years. We have two sons, Bevyn (5) and Owen (3).

When you are not helping us out at Grace, what are you doing?

I'm currently serving as the Chaplain at my undergrad alma mater, Sterling College, where Ashley and I met. I'm also helping my best friend from seminary, Caleb Barrows, plant a new Fellowship of Evangelical Church in Lyons, KS called King's Cross Church.

You look kind of familiar... where have I seen you before?

I wish I could say I had a first life as a reality television star, but I'd be lying.

If you recognize me, it's likely because I've visited Grace a few times, including once to give an interview with Caleb about King's Cross. And I'm thrilled to be coming to preach on July 5!

How did your role as our youth ministry consultant come about?

The genesis of my calling to pastoral ministry came as a result of the influence of the two incredible youth pastors I had in middle and high school. "I want to do for others what Brandon and Dan did for me," I thought.

I've been privileged to serve various youth groups over the past dozen years, and even though my pastoral calling and work have broadened out, it truly is my first love. If I can be helpful to students, sign me up!

Specifically for Grace, I've spent the past year working at Sterling College for David Landis [editor’s note: David is our elder chairman here at Grace]. He and I both thought youth ministry consulting would make general synergistic sense for my role as Chaplain, and that I might have something specific to offer Grace at this time. 

Why are you excited about filling this role at Grace?

As I've heard more about what the Lord is up to right now at Grace, the word that keeps coming to mind is "transition."

While transitions can be scary, the Lord can (and often does) use them to catalyze amazing growth. I'm so excited to get a front row seat to the amazing things that I believe God is going to do in and through Grace!

What are your goals for your time as our youth ministry consultant?

I hope to provide helpful assessment of the youth ministry, a recommendation for how to structure the ministry for the next semester or two, and provide input on the search process for the next youth pastor.

How can we, as a church, be praying for you?

Pray that I would listen well and provide truthful insight that proves to be deeply helpful.

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!

Let's Choose Love

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

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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!

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? 

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.

Jack Staff Journal 4.30.20.png

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

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