Grace Church
#4 New Year, Same Church
We hope you are looking forward to this new year with all of its challenges and celebrations and are grounded by the important constants in your life.
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Our January sermon series is, "New Year, Same _____."
The phrase "time marches on" communicates the idea that all of life changes and the things of this world do not remain the same. This month we're talking about some things in the Bible that should stay the same even though time marches on.
The first week was New Year, Same God. We looked at the character of God, specifically His fierceness, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
The second week was New Year, Same Commands. We looked at the command in the Bible to Love God and Love people.
The third week was New Year, Same Mission. The Mission has not, can not, and will not change. Our challenge is to make disciples.
This week is New Year, Same Church.
The phrase "time marches on" communicates the idea that all of life changes and the things of this world do not remain the same. This month we're talking about some things in the Bible that should stay the same even though time marches on.
The first week was New Year, Same God. We looked at the character of God, specifically His fierceness, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
The second week was New Year, Same Commands. We looked at the command in the Bible to Love God and Love people.
The third week was New Year, Same Mission. The Mission has not, can not, and will not change. Our challenge is to make disciples.
This week is New Year, Same Church.
Mother Teresa invested her life helping the poor, the dying, and the unwanted around the world. She was the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work and has inspired millions worldwide.
She felt the calling of her life was to help those who couldn't help themselves and saw it as an act of worship to serve others.
"By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the heart of Jesus." - Mother Teresa
She felt the calling of her life was to help those who couldn't help themselves and saw it as an act of worship to serve others.
"By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the heart of Jesus." - Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa's Famous Quotes
https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ed/turnbullvva/quotes-from-mother-teresa/As humans, we all have a deep desire to find worth, fulfillment, and importance in life. This desire can lead us to totally selfish ends or it can direct us to a lifestyle of sacrifice and servanthood that benefits countless individuals and groups.
Together we can be and do more. This is a saying that is true in our families, workplace, schools, sports, arts, and every social institution we know of. This leads us to our message today...
Together we can be and do more. This is a saying that is true in our families, workplace, schools, sports, arts, and every social institution we know of. This leads us to our message today...
As Christians we are part of the family of God, the body of Christ, or as we know it - The Church.
The word church in Greek is "ekklesia" and means "a called out assembly or group of people who are united in purpose."
When Jesus becomes our Lord and Savior, we are joined to God's family. Then He expects us to live as His representatives, working together to carry out the objectives for which He has saved and gathered us together.
This is the meaning of the term "calling."
The word church in Greek is "ekklesia" and means "a called out assembly or group of people who are united in purpose."
When Jesus becomes our Lord and Savior, we are joined to God's family. Then He expects us to live as His representatives, working together to carry out the objectives for which He has saved and gathered us together.
This is the meaning of the term "calling."
When the word Church is referenced, it is referring to the sum total of all the people who are saved and gather together. Grace Church is a local example of that.
The Church is comprised of people all bearing a different S.H.A.P.E.
In many ways, the church is like a team. There's an old adage that says, "A team is only as strong as its weakest link." What kind of link are you?
The Church is comprised of people all bearing a different S.H.A.P.E.
In many ways, the church is like a team. There's an old adage that says, "A team is only as strong as its weakest link." What kind of link are you?
As we walk through Paul's writings about the church and its sense of calling, we see a number of objectives which the Lord has entrusted to His people.
This morning we'll look at 1 Thessalonians 1 & 2 in the Message version to highlight just 5 objectives of our calling. They help us to determine whether we are spiritually healthy, working for the glory of God, and are a contributing member of the team called Church.
This morning we'll look at 1 Thessalonians 1 & 2 in the Message version to highlight just 5 objectives of our calling. They help us to determine whether we are spiritually healthy, working for the glory of God, and are a contributing member of the team called Church.
1. EXALT the Lord and the lives of those who love Him.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Exalt means "to hold or lift up (someone or something) in very high regard; think or speak very highly of."
1 Thessalonians 1:1-4
Exalt means "to hold or lift up (someone or something) in very high regard; think or speak very highly of."
2. ENGAGE the lost with God's Word and the reality of our faith.
1 Thessalonians 1:5
Be storytellers - God's Story of Jesus and our Story with Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 1:5
Be storytellers - God's Story of Jesus and our Story with Jesus.
3. ESTABLISH believers through relational mentoring.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
Biblically, you've not learned a subject or skill until you are able to DO IT and PASS IT on to someone else. This is the difference between a disciple and a church-goer.
1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
Biblically, you've not learned a subject or skill until you are able to DO IT and PASS IT on to someone else. This is the difference between a disciple and a church-goer.
4. EQUIP ministry workers with intentional discipline.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Here Paul uses 2 illustrations that show the importance of being regularly equipped or trained to do God's work. One is found in verse 7: a mother caring for her little children. The other is found in verses 11 and 12: a father who deals with his own children. In both examples, discipline is the key element.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Here Paul uses 2 illustrations that show the importance of being regularly equipped or trained to do God's work. One is found in verse 7: a mother caring for her little children. The other is found in verses 11 and 12: a father who deals with his own children. In both examples, discipline is the key element.
5. ENCOURAGE one another with the end in view.
1 Thessalonians 2:13-18
We see how Paul is encouraging others - with his personal affection but also focusing their spiritual attention on the Lord. Jesus is Coming!
1 Thessalonians 2:13-18
We see how Paul is encouraging others - with his personal affection but also focusing their spiritual attention on the Lord. Jesus is Coming!
Our series this month has pointed out 4 areas of the Christian faith that should never change. Our God, Commandments, Mission, and Church.
Now we must simply BE what has been talked about and then DO it!
Now we must simply BE what has been talked about and then DO it!
Website
https://gc3.org/Giving Link
https://gc3.org/giving/Breeze Church Management
At Grace we use a secure directory/giving service called Breeze Church Management. Creating your personal account allows you to contact others in the church family, keep your contact information updated, and keep track of your giving if that is important to you, and/or create an online giving account.
Use the link below to get started or to login if you already have an account.
https://gc3.org/login/CJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order Link
https://gc3.org/cjs/The Greenhouse Project
https://gc3.org/tgp/Here's Grace Class
Here's Grace will take place on Mondays at 6:30 pm beginning January 22nd and going through February. This class is for anyone who calls Grace Church their home and has not taken the class. Here's Grace is required for church membership. Child care will be provided.
https://gc3.org/grace-university/Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage Conference
Hey gentlemen! Looking for that last minute Christmas gift for your wife? Yes, I assume the ladies have already bought gifts for their men, but if not here is a great idea!
Jeff and Mary Burpee, and Aaron and Angie Walker are planning on getting several couples together to attend Laugh Your Way, a couples comedy event on March 8-9 in Taylor, MI. The speaker is Mark Gungor, one of the most sought-after speakers on love and marriage. Join us as he explores the underlying dynamics of male/female relationships with a comedic twist. The event is Friday 7-10pm, and continues on Saturday from 9am-12pm. We plan to have lunch together after the event to discuss what we’ve learned. For tickets or more information, use this LINK. See the Walkers or the Burpees if you have questions
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taylor-mi-tickets-664505222007?aff=ebdssbdestsearch2024 Bible Reading - Grace Journals
Our 2024 church-wide Bible Reading Plan is underway! If you haven't already, you can pick up your 2024 Grace Journal in CJ's coffee shop. You can find an at-a-glance list of the reading each week at the link below. We are excited for you to grow in your faith as we read and study through the writings of Paul together!
https://gc3.org/bible/Meet and Greet
Following the service today is a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church and have never attended one before.
This will take place in CJ's coffee shop after the service ends. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you!
This will take place in CJ's coffee shop after the service ends. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you!
Courtside Grace Apparel
Did you know that Grace Church has a shopping link through Courtside Screen-printing for Grace apparel? You can check it out at the link below. There are more styles coming so be sure to check back again. Any questions should be directed to Courtside. Their contact information can be found at the bottom of the page.
https://grace2022.itemorder.com/shop/sale/Constitution Class at Grace Church
Patriot Academy is holding a Constitution Alive class at Grace Church. This 10 week class will be held on Monday nights starting February 12th and runs from 6:00-8:00 pm. There is a notebook to be purchased ($10-12) and you must register at the link below. Contact Sandy Schilz (rappingrama@gmail.com) or Cyndi Twichell (cynditwichel@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
https://www.patriotacademy.com/coach/register/7620Annual Helping People Rummage Sale
Our annual church-wide rummage sale will take place on Friday evening, February 23rd from 6:00-8:00 pm AND Saturday morning, February 24th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Visit the link below to see how you can be involved!
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/96c1ca8011Alpha Women's Center Baby Bottle Bounce Back
The Alpha Women's Center Baby Bottle Bounce Back begins this Sunday and runs through Sunday, February 18th. You can show your support to the Alpha Women's Center by taking a bottle and filling it with spare change. Once filled, return it to the church. Be sure to sign your bottle in and out on the sheet provided. The Alpha Women's Center helps women, children, and families in Barry County. To learn more, contact Don Wiser (donaldwiser@rocketmail.com) or Lindsay Justice (lindsaydjustice@gmail.com) or by visiting the Alpha Women's Center website at the link below.
https://www.alphawomenscenterbc.org/CJ's Gift Cards
You can now purchase CJ's Gift Cards in either $10 or $20 amounts at the counter in CJ's. These cards are good for anything purchased in CJ's (not for online purchases). This is a great way to bless someone as well as supporting the Samaritan Fund to help those in need in our community!
Birthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!
Tuesday, January 30th - Chris Webster
Wednesday, January 31st - Gina Cox
Wednesday, January 31st - Gina Cox