12,841 Feet

We accomplished one of Mary’s bucket list items last week.  To understand why it’s on her bucket list you need to know a little more about my wife.  Young Life was a huge part of Mary’s faith journey.  Through her Young Life leaders, she experienced what it’s like to be pursued by God, to trust Him, and to have a relationship with Him.  When she was a teenager she went to Frontier Ranch Young Life Camp near Buena Vista, Colorado 3 times - twice as a camper and once as summer staff.  Young Life loves to help teens accomplish difficult things, like facing their fear of heights, or pushing them past what they think they can do.  At Frontier Ranch they would take the campers on a hike to the summit of Mount Chrysolite.  It’s a difficult hike, with lots of boulders and rocks to climb up, but the views at the top are great.  Mary remembers completing that hike when she was at Frontier Ranch, and for years it’s been on her bucket list to climb that mountain again.

So last week we stayed at Frontier Ranch Camp and climbed Mount Chrysolite. The hike has a 2,214 foot elevation gain, is 5.5 miles round trip, and the view at the top is at 12,841 feet.  Most of the hiking websites describe it as a “hard” or “difficult” hike.  And it was.  We took lots of breaks to make it to the top.  As we were nearing the top, I felt an adrenaline rush of excitement, and when we got to the top the feeling of accomplishment was great, and the view was even better!  Now we can cross “hiking Mount Chrysolite” off of Mary’s bucket list.  We still have to cross off “swimming with sharks” from her bucket list!

I’m so thankful for the Young Life ministry.  I’m thankful for the Young Life leaders that pursued Mary with a Christ-like love when she was a rebellious teenager.  Her life (and mine) would be way different without those leaders driving to her house and dragging her to Bible Study or to Club.  It was fun to text those leaders and send them pictures of us at the camp and climbing Mount Chrysolite.

The challenge I’m reminded of and want to pass on to you is, who is God asking you to relentlessly pursue, and stubbornly get them to youth group, or church, or Bible study.  Who is there in your workplace, or neighborhood, or school that God wants to use you to reach?  Christ pursued us when we were his enemies, he kept coming after us.  Now we can be the hands and feet of Jesus and pursue others to show them Christ!  Don’t underestimate your influence, and don’t give up on them.  You can a part of changing a life just like Mary’s young life leaders were.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Kyle

No Services: Next 167 Miles

No Services: Next 167 Miles

Last summer Emily and I embarked with our 4 children on a 3-week road trip tent camping and visiting family through the western United States and encountered that road sign departing Ely, Nevada westbound on US Hwy-6.  It’s not conclusive, but some quick google searching indicates this is a top contender for the longest such stretch in the lower 48 states, and that only after 152 similarly remote miles arriving into Ely, and that following 105 miles of I-70 through Utah (which is officially the longest such stretch of Interstate highway).  

I have been told that among many other excellent traits, the Toews men in my heritage have a penchant for worry. This holds true for me, so while anticipation for our adventures to come was high, knowing these barren stretches of road lay ahead weighed heavily on my mind.  As we left Kansas on I-70 my mind battled anxious thoughts: what if the van broke down (we had major electronics issues repaired just 4 days earlier), what if someone gets sick, what if…. 

 Our phones held enough signal that Sunday morning to stream Grace’s service and we listened as Jack taught the parable of the persistent widow from Luke 18.  As we drove on my persistent prayer became Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you” (forgive the not quite word-perfect translation, that’s how I had it in memory and what I was silently repeating in prayer). 

 Our first night of camping at Arches National Park I read more of the surrounding context to better understand what I was praying.  Chapter 26 opens with “In that day….” looking forward to a future time when God would bring about peace, but the current state from which the prophet Isaiah spoke was anything but peaceful.  “The Lord has sent a word against Jacob and it will fall on Israel” (9:8) “wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns” (9:18) “Nothing remains but to crouch among the prisoners or fall among the slain” (10:4).  I nearly laughed out loud as I read 10:24-25 “O my people, who dwell in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrians when they strike with the rod and lift up their staff against you as the Egyptians did.  For in a very little while my fury will come to an end and my anger will be directed to their destruction.”  In short God is saying: “don’t worry, after they destroy you, I will destroy them!” How is that supposed to be helpful?  We see here that God operates outside our limited perspective and while Israel’s situation seemed hopeless God’s ultimate intent is to bring about peace.  By God’s grace, today we are one pivotal step closer in His plan to bring about peace.  The child referenced in 9:6, the Lamb of 53:7 has come to appease God’s wrath against the wickedness in each of us and open the door for us to be at peace with Him.  If we put our trust in Jesus’ atonement for our sin, we can look forward to the day when that peace will finally be perfected in His return!  

In the perspective of Isaiah’s tribulation my worries paled in comparison, but nevertheless God was faithful to answer my persistent prayer and our family enjoyed the trip of a lifetime together.  Not all went perfectly but we saw God’s provision throughout.  Our youngest got a stomach bug, but it came on the one day we had no real plans or firm destination and God provided a hotel with immediate early check-in available for her to sleep it off until the next morning.  We nearly got swept off a beach when the last wave of high tide wiped out all remaining sand back to steep bluffs, but by God’s goodness all our people (and things) remained safe, although very much not dry!  Most notable of all Emily and I felt a patience and calm throughout that could only be from God’s Spirit.  

In John 15:7 Jesus tells us “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.”  God’s word (“will” in NIV) is that of peace, so while that peace will not be perfected until His return if we remain in Him and persistently ask, He is faithful and will give us a spirit and mind at peace in the turmoil surrounding us.  

-Andrew Toews

Look How Far We've Come

Does anybody remember crazy hair day in school? Was that even a thing before my generation? All through elementary and middle school, I looked forward to this infamous day when I had the opportunity to come to school with a gallon of hair gel, sculpting my hair into crazy formations, not to mention spraying blue, red, and green washable colors into my hair. I thought it was the coolest thing anyone could ever do. It was quite possibly the best day of the year other than field day! Evidence of this belief I held can be found on my Facebook. If you’re curious, my earliest profile picture displays my 6th grade crazy hair day to the fullest. (See picture below)

This was a moment in time for me. A moment, that at the time, I was extremely proud of. Looking back, I can now laugh at my strange enthusiasm and thank the Lord for the wisdom and maturity that he has given me. Now, I am still strange and have some crazy ideas, but I am definitely… Maybe… possibly a little farther down the road, a little more mature, and a little better off because of it.

I shared this image with a group of leaders recently to make the point that it is sometimes good for us to look back at where we used to be, in hopes that we would see just how far we have come. 

The same can be done in our spiritual life, and I think should be done as often as we can.  Stopping and pondering what God has brought us through, or given us a mature perspective on, can point us to thankfulness for His faithfulness. I know when I think of my story and what God has done in my life, I’m immediately drawn to praise because I recognize how unworthy I am, but how merciful, generous, and giving our God is. 

Even in seasons of difficulty the Psalmist Asaph says this in Psalms 77:11-15 

“I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. God, your way is holy. What god is great like God?   You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples.  With power you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah”

Remembrance can lead to thankfulness, faithfulness, a strengthening of faith, and much, much more. Take some time to remember today what the Lord has done in the past and trust that He will continue to be faithful in the future! 

Peace and blessings Grace family,

Bryant Hart

PSST …..HEY YOU!

“Psst..Psst..Hey you come here.  I’ve got something to tell you.“

If someone whispered this to you and you could not see who it was would you go over to them?  Probably not.  You probably would not go over to them even if you could see them unless you knew them.

Question:  Have you ever been someplace or been walking somewhere and thought you heard someone calling your name?   If you have, you probably stopped and looked around and tried to figure out who was calling you.  Then you start to wonder if anyone else heard it also.  But you are too afraid of looking stupid to ask if anyone else heard the voice. 

You may know the story in the Old Testament when Samuel was a boy and he heard someone whisper to him.  Just in case you don’t, let me refresh your memory.  This comes out of the 3rd chapter of I Samuel.

Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord when he heard “Samuel”.  Samuel answered and said, ”Here I am,” as he ran to Eli, who was in another room.  When he got to Eli he again said, “Here I am; you called me.”  Eli told him that he did not call and that he should go back to bed.  So, Samuel went back to bed and guess what?  That’s right, it happened again.  In fact the same thing happened 2 more times.

Well on the third time Eli figured out that God was calling Samuel and he told Samuel to go lie down and if He calls you again say, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.”

Samuel did and when God called he was ready to listen because he knew the Lord's Voice. From then on Samuel was ready to hear God and willing to serve him. As a result God used Samuel to do mighty things and carry mighty messages.

As I am starting this new position at Grace I feel a little like this.  As the elders, my fellow pastors and I have felt God leading in a new direction, I have felt much like Samuel and am willing to say, "Speak Lord for your servant is listening."  

I don't know where this journey is headed but I trust that God has called and is directing it.  I believe that God has something planned for Newton and the people who live here. I believe that He is calling His people out to be the instruments of His grace.

My hope is that we as a church hear God’s beckoning and respond with open and willing hearts.

Has God ever called you and you did not know who to answer?  Has God ever called you and you did not know what to say?  My encouragement to you is spend time with God and learn what The Lord’s voice sounds like and when he calls respond by saying,

“Speak Lord for your servant is listening”.

Grace, we are the church, let's go be the church. Let us be sent!

-Pastor Sean

Count Your Blessings

“Count your blessings.”

This was something I heard my mother tell me frequently as I was growing up. “Remember Jillian, you need to count your blessings!” I can remember countless conversations where I was upset with a friend from school, or was acting stubborn because something wasn’t going my way and all I could seemingly focus on was the negative. Then came my mother, “Don’t get so stuck on what is going wrong. Rather, look for what’s going right!” Through clenched teeth I would muster, “I’m so glad our plans changed.” 

Admittedly, more often than not I did not change my perspective. I remained grumpy and upset. I pouted through my grandma’s birthday instead of getting to go to my friend’s house to play. However, as I’ve grown, I still hear my mother’s wise advice as I face a frustrating moment. Plans change, a relational conflict arises, or discontentment deepens in my ungrateful heart. “Count your blessings.”

I’m almost certain these are words you’ve heard before, too. Perhaps the song begins to play in your mind. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done. While the helpful phrase may be familiar, it is surely easier said than done. It’s a habit that has to be developed. It does not simply come over night, but has to be practiced so that when the crossroads come, we’re able to shift our gaze back to the Lord.

Paul David Tripp says counting your blessings is “looking for God’s presence, God’s grace, God’s blessing, God’s help, God’s provision, God’s protection in your life.” It’s seeking to find God and His goodness in everything around us. It’s turning our gaze from its natural inward bend, to rather outwardly acknowledge where all of our help comes from. In other words, it’s worship.

This summer our pastors are preaching through the Psalms. Perhaps you’ve joined our church body in the Bible reading plan and are reading through the Psalms in your personal time as well. While we haven’t quite reached this Psalm yet in our reading plan, Psalm 66 holds twenty instructional verses on how to become “blessing counters.” I encourage you to read it yourself and allow the Lord to show you Truth in these verses. However, I would like to highlight just a few. 

Verses 1-4 tell us to shout joyful praises to God. Sing to Him of His glory-but also tell the world! May our lips repeat the wonderful things He has done for us! Verse 5 invites us to come and see what the Lord has done. We can only share of His greatness if we’re seeking to find it. In your quiet moments (and in the busy ones too) are you looking for what God is doing? Are you searching to see His hand of goodness in your day? Even in the hardest moments, can you find God present? His Word promises He’s always with us! Can you see His good works?

The practice of counting my blessings has not been one of my recent strengths. I am too easily caught up in the negative and become surrounded by discontentment. The thoughts running through my head are complaints, which in turn become sour words spoken to those around me. I’m back to acting like the child I was twenty years ago- pouting my way through life. 

The Lord has been convicting my complaint-filled heart and showing me how miserable it is to live in discontentment. I must shift my gaze back to the author of our lives and the giver of all things good. The antidote for my ungrateful heart is to follow as Psalm 66 says: “Say to God, ‘How awesome are Your deeds!’” and “Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles He performs for people!” When my mind is consumed with praising God for all He has blessed me with, there isn’t space for complaints! When I’m busy singing praise to our Father or sharing with a friend how good our God is, there isn’t time for grumbling. 

I’m grateful for my mother's words, Psalm 66, and the hymn that sings its tune through my thoughts. How will you count your blessings today? Who will you tell what God has done?

In His Grace,

Jillian Hart

Abide

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”

John 15:9 ESV

Jesus tells us to “abide in my love”.  Other versions say remain in my love or continue in my love. 

God has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He has promised that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). In Psalm 139, which I will be teaching from this Sunday, we are reminded that there’s no where we can go from God’s presence.  But abiding in Him is more than simply knowing that He is always with us.  Abiding in Him implies some sort of action on our part.

In John 15, a passage about abiding in Christ, we see the picture of Jesus being the vine, and us being branches.  This picture of abiding reminds me that Jesus is my source of life, of strength, and of joy.  I am dependent on Him for everything.  Abiding is meditating on His words (1 John 2:24).  Abiding is being obedient (1 John 3:24, John 15:10).  Abiding is loving people (1 John 4:16).  And if I abide in Him, I will be fruitful and my life will bring Him glory (John 15:5)!  Apart from Him I can do nothing, I am fully dependent upon Him, and I need His help to abide in Him.

In our newest song we ask God to “Draw me close, and teach me to abide”.  We pray that this song will help us to abide in Christ.  We pray that it will remind us that we are desperately dependent upon Him for everything.  Thank you for singing along with us on Sundays!

Here’s a link to the song for you to be worshipping at home and declaring your dependence upon Him and asking Him to help you abide in Him.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Kyle

The Realest

Psalms in the summer. All of the Psalms in one summer? One hundred fifty chapters of Scripture in a row for back to back days all summer? I can almost feel the winces of pain that those three sentences caused you. I’m just kidding, I’m kiddingggg. I know we all read our Bibles faithfully 3 hours a day every day and sometimes even twice a day if we’re feeling extra spiritual. Also kidding… But seriously you might ask why should I read Psalms and to that I respond: why not join us in reading through the Psalms? What a great cop out right?

If you have no idea what I am talking about, allow me to fill you in. During Pastor Jack’s sabbatical there will be a MULTITUDE OF HEAVENLY HOSTS… (excuse me I can never say the word “multitude” without thinking of that phrase in scripture and saying it in my head with the best Morgan Freeman impression I’ve got)... During Jack's sabbatical there will be a multitude of guys filling the pulpit. Because of this, we wanted there to be some semblance of uniformity so we decided on everyone preaching from the Psalms. To add to the significance of this series we thought it might be an awesome opportunity for us as a church to read through the Psalms in our daily devotions and quiet times. Now that you’ve been filled in, here is a link to the actual plan that we can all read through together in the YouVersion bible app https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/32323. And if you are not into apps or you’re not super “techy” you can email the office at office@gccnewton.com and we will gladly give you a list of Psalms to read each day or you can pick up a printed copy at the connection desk. 

But still why. “Why would I read through all the Psalms?” I could never make you read them but the few words that I might try to persuade you with are these: Praise, faith, despair, lament, anger, thankfulness, hope and Messiah. The gamut of emotions, feelings, and heart postures you can experience are wrapped up with the last 5 chapters that give praise to our Creator. The Psalms might just be the realest reflection of the human experience in a broken world that was ACTUALLY designed to display God’s perfection. Or to quote Pastor Kyle “No matter your season of life, there is a Psalm for you.” The Psalms are fascinating depictions of broken people experiencing life as real as it gets in the highest of highs and lowest of lows. They, the Psalms, are so relatable and so easily applicable to our lives on a daily basis. There is great value in reading the Psalms straight through. 

So let’s do it. Let’s read the Psalms together. Then let’s talk about it, pray about it. Let’s let this season be marked by our faithfulness to spend time with God and read His word. 

Love you Grace. Peace and Blessings,

Bryant Hart

Fellowship of Evangelical Churches

The five of us guys on staff at Grace, Jack, Kyle, Sean, Bryant, and myself recently attended an Orientation at our fellowship's headquarters in Fort Wayne Indiana. Grace is part of the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches, or the FEC, and in the last 5-10 years they developed this Orientation to familiarize new ministry workers with the heart of the FEC. We also took the new pastor at our Hillsboro sister church AJ.

I have been part of the FEC since 2017 because the Christian camp I worked at in Michigan was part of the FEC. Some of the other guys have been part of the FEC for a while too. So needless to say, we cleaned house in some trivia games…LOL… The point wasn’t getting free t-shirts though it was to make connections with other ministry workers for collaboration and networking in the future. We also got to hear from our fellowship president and leaders and we got reminded of what our little group of churches really cares about. It was a joyful reset for me to remember the wonderful strengths of our organization.

The mission statement of the FEC is:

We exist to help our local churches obey the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) by establishing reproducing churches worldwide. 

You can read more about this here: https://fecministries.org/about/our-beliefs/

This highlights 2 of the FEC’s greatest initiatives. Ours is a church planting fellowship. The goal of our FEC churches existing is to produce more churches. At a local level, all of your pastors and the pastors from the other FEC churches in KS meet to work on church planting. Our group is called Synergy KS and we meet monthly to work on things like planting a church in El Dorado. But the FEC doesn’t just major on growth. The goal is to establish healthy churches and to establish healthy churches they need to be planted out of established healthy churches. 

That leads to the other aspect of the FEC mission that is so key. If churches are obeying the Great Commandment, the Great Commission and are healthy then they are the kind of church that can reproduce other healthy churches that can reproduce themselves. That is why the FEC puts a high value on supporting staff in local churches to be healthy themselves. From pushing things like sabbaticals to offering events for people in ministry to practice caring for their own souls the FEC is intentional about keeping pastors and staff in churches healthy. This is such a good emphasis that the FEC has. The statistics of people leaving the ministry is staggering and the FEC takes an active role in working to keep our churches healthy. As a ministry worker, you can call the FEC office and get advice, counsel, or help personally or professionally. The people who work at FEC headquarters work so hard, not to push their own agendas, but to be a support team for people on the front lines of ministry in any FEC church. They don’t just say that they care, they show it at every opportunity.

There is so much more I could say about the FEC but one thing is very special to me. I did not have a direct path into full-time ministry. I was a bi-vocational youth pastor for years, got into full-time ministry, and then had to step back out due to my wife's health being critical. There are so many guys and gals in the FEC like me, so many that have come from blue-collar jobs or had to take time out from ministry due to life happening. This dynamic builds a special flavor into our FEC gatherings and the fabric of our culture. There are plenty of people with awesome degrees but even those people have a humility that they carry with them. We are a group of pastors, staff, and leaders who have worked other jobs, ministry often isn’t our only option but it is people's passion. They know that the local church is God’s plan for His kingdom advancing and that God has no plan B after that. A lot of people in the FEC know what it's like to have bad bosses or a bad work/life balance in the private sector so they have joy in their ministry and also empathy for the people in their churches going through similar situations. All in all, God has truly blessed us to be a part of the FEC and I would encourage any of you to learn more about who our other churches are in KS and what the FEC is all about. It is an encouraging story of what God has done and is doing right now!

-Pastor Will

Great Expectation

There are some things going on in my life right now that made me think about when my girls were younger. Sometimes I had to be gone for a period of time. When I was gone there were two things that I could expect every time I returned.  One was my girls would come running through the house screaming, “daddy’s home daddy’s home” and then jump up to give me a hug and kiss. (Yes Susan was glad I was home too, but the girls ran faster than her.)  The second was waiting for me in the backyard.  My two dogs would sit at the kennel fence expecting me to feed them and pat them on the head.

As I was thinking about this Romans 8:19 came to mind.
 ”The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” 

We seem to get excited about many things in life and wait with great expectation.  But so often we forget to wait expectantly for God and what He is doing.  We are instructed to wait in eager expectation for Jesus to be revealed.  We should long for that day when we are face to face with Him. 

I find myself waiting in expectation for all kinds of things, from the newest movie to come out to a trip that is planned for a month from now.  But, I often find that I forget to expect of God.  This is dangerous as our expectation of Jesus and the fulfillment of that expectation is what helps build our faith.  Waiting expectantly for God is ever so  important.  Psalm 5:3
 says “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

For those of you that don’t know I am transitioning from the pastor of student ministry to the pastor of service and outreach. I am excited to see what that change in position here at Grace will bring. I am hoping for God to reveal His plan for new opportunities in ministry. I also am hoping, no I am expecting that God will do great things in and through our church as we seek to impact our community.

To close I would like to quote some lines from Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Great expectations”:

            And I’ve been invited as a son

            Oh I, I’ve been invited to come and …..

            Believe the unbelievable

            Receive the inconceivable

            And see beyond my wildest imagination

            Lord, I come with great expectations

Try coming before the Lord with great expectations and see what happens.  God loves to provide for us especially when it exceeds our greatest expectations.

Here are a few verses to look up, that will hopefully help you come before God with great expectations;

Ephesians .:2-21

Matthew 7.7-11

Ephesians 1.18-19

Jeremiah 29.11

Jeremiah 33.3

I pray that God will surprise you as He exceeds your wildest expectations!

Pastor Sean

Faithful Reminder

From afar my car looks great, but if you were to stand even ten feet away from it, you would notice that it has been put through the wringer.  My husband has fixed my car over and over again.  Between nature and teenagers, I don’t know how my car has survived.

Not long after I purchased my little car, a coyote ran out in front of me.  He was able to run off because all I hit was his tail, but it left a nice ding in the front bumper.  Soon after that, one fateful night, a deer crossed my path on a highway.  This completely destroyed the front end of the car. Luckily it was repairable, but it took my husband months to restore it.  Probably within six months of the repair, some teenagers, whom I am utterly close to, accidentally went into a ditch, and also went over a damaging cinder block.  Crazy, huh? This car is a magnet for destruction.  

Recently, on my drive in to work, I looked over at my driver’s side window, and on it right next to my shoulder I noticed a decal of a car with a rainbow over it.  I laughed so hard!  God has surely protected my car and all who have ridden in it!

The rainbow is a reminder of the covenant between God and man that He will never flood the earth again. But the rainbow is more than that to me. The rainbow shows us God’s grace and it shows us the purpose of redemption for humanity to start again.  It also shows us God’s amazing power over the elements.  I also think it directs our attention to God sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross, and then to rise again to redeem those of us who “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.” Romans 10:9.

There are big stressful things that have been bombarding me in life lately.  God is reminding me that I can make it through it because He is my rainbow.  He is beside me.  “He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul…Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for [He is] with me; [His] rod and [His] staff, they comfort me…my cup overflows. Surely Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23

So, even though the exterior of my car has taken many hits, God has protected the frame and mechanics of it to continue to give us a great dependable car.  He is comforting me through my little car and of course through bringing His Word to mind. He is showing me how much He loves my family. We are extremely blessed.

I pray that if you are struggling through some tough times in life right now, that God will use some mundane thing that you see daily to show you how He is with you and that He truly loves you.

Love to all,

Amy

Praise!

 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!  Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6 ESV)

We just introduced the song “Praise” By elevation worship in big church on Sunday morning!  This has been a favorite of the students this whole school year and I’ve been excited to sing it with everyone on Sunday mornings!  This song is all about the call to praise the Lord!  The opening call and response is straight from Psalm 150.  

The rest of the song is a declaration to praise the Lord.  In times of doubt or trust, praise the Lord.  When in the valley or on the mountain top, praise the Lord. The song gives us the reason we can praise in all of these times, because God is sovereign and he reigns.  We praise because God is in control.  We praise because God is faithful and true.  And we praise because Jesus rose and defeated the grave!

I have to praise God for who He is and what He has done!  I won’t stay silent.  I will declare, with joy, the praise that He deserves!

Whenever you are feeling worn down, or you are doubting, or you are walking through the valley, I hope this song will restore your joy to praise the LORD!

Here’s a link to the version we just introduced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2oxGYpuLkw

Here’s a link to a different version that you might enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yG63QXivBU

See you Sunday!

Pastor Kyle

Why Sabbatical?

This summer has been planned for multiple years. I italicize “planned” because I had direction, but no details. Our church and denomination encourage a Sabbatical for our pastors once every 7 years, and I am completing my 7th year in May. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long!

If the concept is new for you, a Sabbatical is an extended leave from ordinary work for rest, renewal, and uninterrupted focus. They are usually several weeks long, and many leaders swear by them.

I have a book on my shelf entitled “Leading On Empty” by a well-known and respected pastor in the Northwest named Wayne Cordeiro. His story is a testament to the need for rest and renewal.

Sabbaticals are more than a reward for years of service. They are an investment for healthy years of service to come. At Grace sabbaticals are one part of an overall ministry health plan designed to keep our pastors healthy.

Other than rest and renewal, I plan to spend time reading and writing on the topic of discipleship within a church context. If anybody’s interested, below is a list of the books I have lined up. I cannot vouch for them yet, but I was particular in researching reputable books.

• Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

• Intentional Disciplemaking: Cultivating Spiritual Maturity in the Local Church by Ron Bennett

• Down to Earth Discipling: Essential Principles to Guide Your Personal Ministry by Scott Morton

• The Multiplication Effect: Building a Leadership Pipeline that Solves Your Leadership Shortage by Mac Lake

• Hero Maker: Five Essential Practices for Leaders to Multiply Leaders by Dave Ferguson and Warren Bird

• Designed to Lead: The Church and Leadership Development by Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck

• No Silver Bullets: 5 Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry by Daniel Im

• Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Everyday Stuff of Life by Jeff Vanderstelt

Of course, I plan to spend a lot of quality time with Courtney and the kids. I would be understating if I said everybody’s looking forward to our time together.

If and when I come to mind, pray that I can make meaningful connections with God and the family. I am blessed to be one of your pastors, and I thank God for you constantly.

With love and gratitude,

Pastor Jack

Find It

Where’s your safe space? You know, the place you feel the most comfortable to completely be yourself and do whatever it is that you love the most. The place you sometimes do the embarrassing things you would never do around anyone other than MAYBE your spouse. My safe space is my car and I know for some of you it is your car too. I know this because I have definitely pulled up next to some of your cars at a stoplight and have caught you digging for gold if you know what I mean. Hey, no judgment here. Sometimes you got to do what you’ve got to do. But my car is my safe space where I practice my stand up comedy career that will never happen or to scream a song at the top of my lungs without a worry in the world of hitting all the wrong notes solely because no one is around. It’s just me! It is also, at times, the place that I have the most raw conversations with God, and the deepest moments of worship.

I absolutely love the moments that it is just me and God driving down I-135 southbound to Wichita, with a song full of truth on the stereo that I can belt out at the top of my lungs. If you have never done this I would highly encourage you to. If that feels too weird to you I totally get it. What is it that you offer to God in your safe space? Anyways, I just wanted to share a worship song that has been blessing me, is full of truth, and I have loved singing to God recently.

The song is called Altar by Joe L. Barnes. My favorite part is honestly in the bridge and it goes like this.

You don’t need four walls You don’t need an altar call

You’ll meet me right wherever I am (I know you will)

From a table in my house down to a stack of stones

You’ll meet me right wherever I am 

And though my feet may fail when things aren't going well 

You’ll meet me right wherever I am

And if I go astray I know you’ll find a way

To meet me right wherever I am

Singing this is a declaration of the Power of God. That no matter the situation I know my God is powerful enough and loving enough to show up. It’s a declaration that I know I have a God that is present with me wherever I go and wants a deep relationship with me. But that is right now when I feel like things are going well in life. 

This song is also an amazing prayer that I can sing in the moments that I feel so far from God. When I wonder if he is ever going to show up and when I even doubt his existence. One of my worship leader buddies shared a quote with me that I'm sure was a quote from somebody else, but it goes like this. “Sometimes we sing the words because we believe them. Other times we sing the words UNTIL we believe them.” That was simple but profound to me. The words in this song are true, but that doesnt mean I always believe them. It doesn't mean that I always want to sing them at the top of my lungs. But sometimes I need to sing them until the Spirit has time to penetrate my hardened heart. 

Where is your safe space? Find it. Maybe you need to “sing it until you believe it” this week. 

Peace and Blessings Grace,

Bryant Hart

The Big Serve is a Big Deal

The Big Serve is coming up! Registration is closing in just a few days! Please consider registering and please consider being willing to coordinate a site. The Big Serve is such a joyful event at Grace every year. We gather together and worship and hear from God’s Word and then we make our words into action and we go out to be the church. This event has the chance to have a massive impact on our community. Not just because it might look nicer, but because people can see the love that Jesus put in us for them. 

It is special that we would give up part of our Sunday to serve our community. This can impact not just people through our service but through our being willing to give up “our day” for others. Most people who have any knowledge of Christianity know that Sunday is a special day for us. Us being willing to give time, effort, and energy to them on a Sunday can speak something significant. 

But what if landscaping or light construction aren’t your thing? There are other ways to serve! We will be doing a diaper drive for a local community pantry and all it takes to serve there is a smile and a willingness to explain to people what we are asking for as they go in and out of Walmart. In fact, our first diaper drive two years ago was so successful that the Heartland Pregnancy Care Center here in Newton still does not need more diapers. That previous drive wasn’t a short-term blessing to them but a long-term one and we are hoping it will be the same for the Porch Pantry as they seek to provide basic needs for new or struggling moms in Newton. 

We have seen some long-term relationships come from this yearly service and our reputation as people who love where they live has grown. If you cannot be with us as we serve on April 21 please come worship with us at 9 AM and then pray for us as we go out. That the blessing of that one day will last and that lasting relationships will be born. Praying with us and for us is just as real of a role as swinging a hammer. You can also ask about the projects another person did afterward or encourage someone who you know has skills to serve. 

Thanks to all of you who have already registered! We are so excited for those who have stepped up to be Site Coordinators already. This is a great role to serve in. You do not have to know how to do every aspect of the project. We will find you those people. You just have to coordinate communication on the days ahead of the event and on the day of the event. 

I am always grateful for our church. We have so many wonderful people so ready to serve Jesus. It is rarer than we might be used to here at Grace for people to be so willing to serve and it is so worth celebrating. I am looking forward to sharing this day with all of you and loving our community like Jesus would!

Register now by clicking this button!

Pastor Will

Friday Was Coming

On Sunday a large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”” John 12:12-13 ESV

This did not cause Jesus to gloat or to be proud as He knew Friday was coming and could see His children being redeemed.

On Monday Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” Matthew 21:12-14 ESV

This did not take Christ's eyes off what was important and He had honor and respect for His house and attempted to put things in order. He knew that Friday was coming and He could see His children being redeemed.

On Tuesday Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.” Matthew 26:15-16 ESV 

Jesus knew this was going to happen and He was not shaken as He knew Friday was coming and He could see His children being redeemed. 

On Thursday evening, he came with the twelve. As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be sorrowful and to say to Him one after another, “Is it I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”” Mark 14:17-21 ESV

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”” Matthew 26:26-29 ESV

Jesus said these things to His disciples to help prepare them because He knew Friday was coming and He could see His children being redeemed. 

“And Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:39-44 ESV

Jesus knew what was coming and He was in His human flesh fearing and not wanting to have to do all that was required, He was stressed to the point that He sweated blood instead of water. but He remained faithful to His task and was willing to proceed with the plan because He knew Friday was coming and He could see His children being redeemed.

Early Friday morning “While Jesus was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”” Luke 22:47-53 ESV

Jesus was betrayed by a friend and arrested, He recognized the darkness and the power it had but He knew Friday was here and He could still see His children being redeemed.

All this happened while it was dark and before light would come Jesus would be tried two times then a third, forth, fifth and a sixth time He would be tried after sun up.  Only to be found guilty and sentenced to die.  

Jesus was falsely accused and grossly mistreated but He knew Friday was here and He could see His children being redeemed.

Jesus was beaten and mocked and humiliated amid these trials but still He spoke no contempt nor did He complain or cry out because He knew it was Friday and He could see His children being redeemed.

They took Jesus “and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called, “The Place of a Skull”, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified Him, with two criminals, one on either side of Him. Pilate wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”” John 19:17-22 ESV

Jesus endured this because Friday was here and He could see His children being redeemed.

“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.” Luke 23:44-49 ESV

Friday was here and Jesus was gone and the Father God had turned His back on His son who was so wretched from taking all mine, yours and the entire world's sins upon himself that God could not look at Him.  But God the father could see His children being redeemed because He knew Sunday was coming.

Pastor Sean

Generations Unite

I am excited to announce something important happening this next school year. After months of researching, the children’s council presented a new curriculum to the elder board. I am happy to announce that they approved our choice for next year! The coolest thing is that this curriculum is for more than just the kids this time. We have found a curriculum that will be for 3yrs old through the adults. We will be able to offer a new adult class with this same curriculum. It is also chronological through the whole Bible, and everyone will be studying the same scripture at the same time. This means that the adults will be learning the same thing as all of our children, middle school, and high school classes. 

There will also be family devotions to go along with what is studied weekly. I am most excited because I believe this will help many parents to disciple their own children better. Deuteronomy 6:7-9 “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.  You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” By studying the same scripture, we are hopefully giving families more opportunities to speak scripture into their kids and grandkids everyday lives. These studies will help develop discussions at home about the part of the Bible we are all on and maybe there can be new discoveries shared together. This will also foster more discussion between the different generations at church. It would be lovely for more relationships to grow between the different age groups.  This could lead to more mentoring. Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Another important part of this curriculum is that it includes apologetics. I think it is important for kids to be able to defend their faith. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” With the last curriculum, they learned such good depth about God and scripture. By adding apologetics, it will help them to be able to stand up for their faith. It will help them to give some tangible, factual information about why the Bible is true, why creation by our Creator is correct, and help them to speak truth into their daily social situations.

So which curriculum is taking us on this new adventure?  Answers in Bible Curriculum(ABC), which is a Bible curriculum from Answers in Genesis.

Please join me in praying for God’s guidance for our team and for the teachers as we prepare for next year.  God is doing great things at Grace and we are eternally blessed!

In His service,

Amy 

Purge the Evil From Your Midst

For my Scripture reading this last week I’ve been in Deuteronomy. The phrase, “So you shall purge the evil from your midst” is in there many times.  God was and still is serious about holiness.  For the Israelites, people were killed to purge the evil from their midst.  People were stoned to death for a number of different sins.  God’s people were to be set apart, and different from the nations around them.  And God still desires holiness for His people today.  He still desires that we purge evil.  It looks a little different today.  Thankfully God doesn’t command us to stone the thief, the adulterer, or the stubborn and rebellious son.  

In Matthew 5, Jesus does use some pretty intense language by figuratively saying we should cut off our hand or gouge out our eye if it causes us to sin.  God wants us to wage war against our sin, and he wants us to go to great lengths to do it.  Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”  God wants us to put to death our evil deeds.  This is pretty extreme language that helps us see the gravity of God’s desire for holiness.

For me, my greatest temptation is lust.  With the Holy Spirit’s strength, I work to purge this evil from my heart.  I use accountability.  I use pluggedin.com to screen movies before I consider watching them.  I never use my phone for social media.  I avoid situations that might bring temptation.  I memorize Scripture.  Scripture talks about resisting the devil, or standing firm in temptation, but with sexual sin, Paul tells us to flee!  Turn around and run!  Don’t attempt to defend yourself from it, just run away from it!  I know myself well enough that I need to flee.  I have met with lots of different men who are working to flee from sexual sin.  If you are reading this and want some support, or need someone who understands, it would be my privilege to encourage you and walk with you through this struggle.

Let’s strive for holiness.  Let’s put to death the deeds of the flesh. Let’s purge the evil from our lives.  God is holy, and He desires holiness for His church!

Pastor Kyle

Charting New Frontiers: Church Planting in El Dorado, Kansas

In May 1804, President Thomas Jefferson sanctioned the Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, to embark on an expedition through the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, with the primary aim of uncovering a direct route to the Pacific Ocean.

The journey commenced with an assumption that the unfamiliar Western territories mirrored the known landscapes of the East. However, their progress was impeded by the imposing obstacle of the Rocky Mountains. Despite their adeptness in navigating rivers, they encountered the reality that their established methods were unsuitable for traversing the rugged terrain ahead. Confronted with a pivotal decision, they deliberated between retracing their familiar route back to Missouri or pressing forward, ultimately opting for the latter. The subsequent events have etched an enduring mark in history.

In his perceptive work, "Canoeing the Mountains," Tod Bolsinger draws parallels between the expedition of Lewis and Clark and the challenges encountered by church leaders today in our ever-evolving world. Our contemporary landscape presents us with a milieu vastly different from our past experiences.

To effectively engage with people today and disseminate the gospel, we must be open to adapting our methods while steadfastly upholding the integrity of our message and mission. Nowhere is this more evident than in our church planting endeavors in El Dorado, KS. El Dorado transcends mere geographical boundaries; it embodies a community characterized by its unique attributes, needs, and opportunities. Similar to Lewis and Clark's transition from river navigation to mountain exploration, we must be prepared to adapt and sometimes depart from conventional approaches, innovating new strategies to extend the reach of Christ's love to the people of El Dorado.

While our overarching goal remains unchanged—to share the transformative message of the gospel with all—we acknowledge the necessity of tailoring our methods to suit the specific context of the community. This requires active listening, keen observation, and wholehearted engagement with the residents of El Dorado to discern their needs and devise effective means of service.

As we embark on the venture of planting a church in El Dorado, let us draw inspiration from the journey of Lewis and Clark. Let us exhibit courage and adaptability, embracing novelty and innovation as we endeavor to fulfill our divine calling within this unique locale. Together, let us confront the challenge of church planting in El Dorado with unwavering faith, resilience, and a spirit of exploration.

Warm regards,

Jay Nickless

Church Planting Developer

Synergy Kansas Network

“Self-Control or Legalism?”

Ever notice the similarities between 1 Peter 1:5–7, and Paul’s list of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–25)?

They both use the word self-control as one of the abilities Christians have when they are submitted to the Holy Spirit. Peter describes it as a divine power from God, and Paul describes it as “keeping in step with the Spirit.”

If you look up self-control in their language, it’s defined as “restraint of one’s emotions, impulses, or desires.” It’s a compound word, grouping “in” and “strength/power.” The idea is “in control.” It’s even translated as “temperance.”

Do you ever lose your temper? Do you ever say something you later regret? Do you ever get so frustrated that you react in a way you wish you didn’t?

Self-control is the ability that God gives us to keep things in check.

As I reflected on the word, I started to ask, “isn’t this just behavior modification?” This could be understood as a form of religious legalism.

So I asked the question, “what’s the difference between self-control and legalism?”

You find the answer is in the motive (also see Sermon on the Mount). Both share the exact same discipline, the same pursuit, but they have different motives. 

The motive for self-control is love, the motive for legalism is pride and acceptance. One is joyful and brings freedom, the other is arduous and leads to arrogance or despair.

There’s a lot more to say about this, but I encourage you to reflect on your own self-control as you pray and search the Scriptures.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

Aaawwe Yeah

Salt Lake City Utah. Once home to Joseph Smith and now home to the epicenter of the Mormon religion. It also happens to be the place where several of my friends have moved to, settled down in, and are diving into doing ministry. I have a high regard for these friends and their commitment to sharing the true word of God in a place where a twisted version of the truth is so heavily ingrained in the culture and people. Which is super interesting in and of itself but maybe i’ll cover that topic in my next staff journal. Back to Salt Lake. Recently my wife and I flew out and visited Utah because one of our friends was getting married. Man, that place is absolutely beautiful beyond belief! From anywhere in the city you have a 360 degree view of snow capped mountains that reach above the clouds on a covered day. I am a strong advocate for Kansas sunsets because of the sheer amount of sky and color that our flat landscape can boast. But, I think that this place can take the cake when it comes to “the most beautiful sunsets” category. I know some people are ocean and beach people, but I am a mountain man through and through. So, you take the mountains and add a God painted beautiful sunset… Chef’s Kiss, there are few things better in this life that God shows us through his creation. 

One of the days our friends were amazing hosts and took us up into the mountains for brunch and sightseeing around Sundance Resort. A Ski Resort and oasis that Robert Redford started in 1969. While there I had a moment, like many of you have had, where I was overcome with awe and wonder at the sight of God’s creation all around us. Then I was moved to thank God for who He is, His awe and wonder, His glory and majesty and how he loves me and how He even wants a relationship with me. It was a special moment where I connected with my creator on a deeper level giving him the worship that only He deserves. And then I got on a cheap Spirit flight back home and that moment was over. 

We have all had these experiences, if you have been a christian for any length of time. These spiritual mountain top experiences (no pun intended) where our relationship with God is easier and better than it seemingly has been in a long while. Those are great moments, and I know the highest of highs are not always sustainable. But, I believe the Holy Spirit has been challenging me in the couple of weeks following our trip that I need to be more in awe of God on a daily basis. Bringing God more of my praise solely because of who God is and He IS THAT GREAT. Why do I need a literal mountain to be in awe of my creator God? He is the sustainer and provider of every breath that I have, every experience that I have experienced, every relationship that I have built, and any hope I have ever received. I do not need a literal mountain, because I have something so much better. 

Take a moment to be in awe of who God is today. Take a second to praise him for all the things he has done for you, but also… just for WHO HE IS. 

If you need a little help doing so use Psalms 145 to pray through today! 

Psalm 145 Praising God’s Greatness

A hymn of David.

1 I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever. 2 I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. 5 I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. 6 They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. 7 They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. 10 All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, 12 informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions. 14 The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed. 15 All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts. 18 The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them. 20 The Lord guards all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked. 21 My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.

Peace and Blessings Church Family

Bryant Hart