Grace Church
Messages from the Movies #4 Wonder: Choose Kindness
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Our series this month is Messages from the Movies. Each week we are going to use a contemporary movie to illustrate a concept, look at the theme from Scripture, delve into the idea and try to get a deeper understanding of it's meaning and then apply the principle to our life.
It's also a reminder to be discerning with the media influences that we all consume.
It's also a reminder to be discerning with the media influences that we all consume.
WONDER
A wonderful family film that encourages us to Choose Kindness.
The plot deals with 10 year old Auggie Pullman who has a rare facial deformity caused by Treacher Collins Syndrome.
The movie looks at Auggie's transition from being homeschooled into the 5th grade at public school.
Auggie learns firsthand the meaning of the saying, "Everyone is somebody else's weirdo." All of us, at some time, have felt this to be our case...or have pointed this out to others.
A wonderful family film that encourages us to Choose Kindness.
The plot deals with 10 year old Auggie Pullman who has a rare facial deformity caused by Treacher Collins Syndrome.
The movie looks at Auggie's transition from being homeschooled into the 5th grade at public school.
Auggie learns firsthand the meaning of the saying, "Everyone is somebody else's weirdo." All of us, at some time, have felt this to be our case...or have pointed this out to others.
Choosing Kindness is a theme we see throughout the Bible.
It is not just a feeling but a conscious action and way of living.
We can learn kindness from how Jesus treated people.
Jesus went beyond being kind to his family, community, and those whom he shared a national and religious identity; the Lord chose to be kind even to those who were the "weirdos" in His culture.
An example of this is found in Mark 1:39-42 [NLT] when Jesus encountered a leper. Leprosy was a disfiguring and medically incurable disease in the 1st century. It rendered a person physically and spiritually unclean and people would have to live and practice their faith in isolation from others.
It is not just a feeling but a conscious action and way of living.
We can learn kindness from how Jesus treated people.
Jesus went beyond being kind to his family, community, and those whom he shared a national and religious identity; the Lord chose to be kind even to those who were the "weirdos" in His culture.
An example of this is found in Mark 1:39-42 [NLT] when Jesus encountered a leper. Leprosy was a disfiguring and medically incurable disease in the 1st century. It rendered a person physically and spiritually unclean and people would have to live and practice their faith in isolation from others.
As we look at Mark 1:39-42 we see the intentional kind actions of Jesus:
1. Jesus PLACED Himself in the midst of people. Mark 1:39
1. Jesus PLACED Himself in the midst of people. Mark 1:39
2. Jesus STAYED near a specific person who was in need. Mark 1:40a
3. Jesus LISTENED to the pain and perspective of others. Mark 1:40b
4. Jesus ALLOWED Himself to feel pain and be empathetic. Mark 1:41a
5. Jesus RESPONDED personally. Mark 1:41b
6. Jesus TOUCHED the person. Mark 1:41c
7. Jesus SERVED as the conduit of God’s grace. Mark 1:41d-42
The movie, Wonder, teaches you how to deal with the painful moments and people we encounter in life.
This movie may make you question the fairness of life, encourage you to see the potential that every single living person has, or motivate you to stand up for those who need support and encouragement. Most of all, the movie will leave you with a decision...to become a better human being or stay who you are and less than what God wants you to be.
This movie may make you question the fairness of life, encourage you to see the potential that every single living person has, or motivate you to stand up for those who need support and encouragement. Most of all, the movie will leave you with a decision...to become a better human being or stay who you are and less than what God wants you to be.
Application: Take a few minutes and brainstorm a few ways you could show kindness to the people you encounter this week:
1. Pray with someone
2. Write a note
3. Speak to someone about the Lord and the grace of God
4. Call someone who is hurting and check on them
5. Share a praise, a testimony, or a truth God is teaching you in conversation
6. Smile
1. Pray with someone
2. Write a note
3. Speak to someone about the Lord and the grace of God
4. Call someone who is hurting and check on them
5. Share a praise, a testimony, or a truth God is teaching you in conversation
6. Smile
Questions:
1. In what ways can you relate to the leper in Mark 1:39-42?
2. Thinking of the movie Wonder, when have you felt like Auggie? Have you ever sat at the Bully Table? How did you feel in either case?
3. Review the seven actions that were pointed out from the Lord's life. What did you learn and what will you apply to your own life?
4. Do you know anyone who would fit into the category of Auggie or the Leper? How can you be Jesus to that person this week?
5. With whom (kind of people) do you find it easiest to be kind and compassionate? Who do you find it hardest? What might be some of the reasons for these patterns? Write a prayer for yourself as a person who wants to grow in empathy and compassion.
1. In what ways can you relate to the leper in Mark 1:39-42?
2. Thinking of the movie Wonder, when have you felt like Auggie? Have you ever sat at the Bully Table? How did you feel in either case?
3. Review the seven actions that were pointed out from the Lord's life. What did you learn and what will you apply to your own life?
4. Do you know anyone who would fit into the category of Auggie or the Leper? How can you be Jesus to that person this week?
5. With whom (kind of people) do you find it easiest to be kind and compassionate? Who do you find it hardest? What might be some of the reasons for these patterns? Write a prayer for yourself as a person who wants to grow in empathy and compassion.
Grace Church Website
https://gc3.org/Giving at Grace
https://gc3.org/pages/giveFind us on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@GraceChurchMIBreeze Directory
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.breezechms.com/r/dashboardCJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order
Skip the line and order your latte ahead of time!
https://gc3.org/pages/cjs-orderGrace Church has an App!
Access messages, prayer posts, news & events, Breeze login, and more! Use the link below to download the Grace Church app through Tithely. This is an easy way to access all of the most important things found on our website or even get to the website itself. Once you download the app it will ask what topics you would like notifications for so that you won't miss out on any information that is shared. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org) or Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org).
https://tithely.app.link/gc3Join a H.O.M.E. Group
Life is better lived in community with one another. As Christ followers, we know that being in community helps us tremendously as we learn and grow in our faith. Grace Church offers H.O.M.E. Groups that help us do just that! These groups meet from September to May in homes throughout our 4 county region. H.O.M.E. Groups guide us in four key areas: Hospitality, Obedience, Ministry, and Evangelism. It is our hope that everyone be able to experience life lived in community through a H.O.M.E. Group! If you have questions or want help finding a group that is right for you, contact the church office (grace@gc3.org). You can learn more and sign-up using the link below.
https://gc3.org/pages/h-o-m-e-groupsMeet and Greet
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month following the service in CJ's coffee shop. 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! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Collection
Drop off your boxes any Sunday in October
Operation Christmas Child is an outreach that Grace Church participates in each October. These gift-filled shoeboxes are packed and sent to children in need around the world together with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Shoeboxes will be available at the Operation Christmas Child table each week. Please return your filled boxes to the church no later than October 26th. Learn how to pack a shoebox gift at the link below. Contact Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org) if you have questions.
https://gc3.org/events/operation-christmas-child-shoebox-collection/2025-10-05Trunk or Treat
October 31st 5:30-7:00 pm
Trunk or Treat is an annual community outreach event of Grace Church which takes place in the Highpoint Community Bank parking lot in downtown Nashville on Halloween. This is a great opportunity for Jesus' love to shine through us to families in our community. We hope you'll take part by doing one or more of the following:
Donate candy to be used during the event. We'll need lots! There are totes in the center of the lobby to place the candy in.
Sign-up to participate in the event taking place on Friday, October 31st from 5:30-7:00 pm. Use the link below to sign-up. If you haven't participated before and want to learn more about it, contact the church office or Jacki Van De Moortel (fishism0296@gmail.com).
Contact Jacki Van De Moortel (fishism0296@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
https://gc3.org/events/trunk-or-treat/2025-10-31Annual Pie Fundraiser
This is an annual pie fundraiser and all funds generated go directly to the Samaritan Fund to help people in the church and in the community. Pies are $18 each and all orders should be placed on or before November 16th. Use this LINK to order.
Pies will be available for pick-up on November 16th or 23rd depending on when you order.
Please be very specific about the quantity you are ordering along with which type of pie (cherry, apple, or blueberry) and whether you want it frozen or baked. You may pay in person with check (to Grace Church) or cash in CJ's coffee shop or pay online now.
Contact Susie Butler with any questions regarding your pies (nanaloveshugs@gmail.com).
A big THANK YOU to Susie for using your time, talent, and treasure to help people in need through this fundraiser!
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/pies25American Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, October 30th 12:00-5:45 pm
Make an appointment to give at this link...
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=GracefulConcealed Pistol Class (CPL)
with Jake Wedge Shooting LLC
Saturday, November 8th
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
$105 per person
The church tries to offer a concealed pistol carry class each year. You can learn about the class, sign-up and pay, and ask any questions you may have at the link below. There are 14 spots in the class so don't wait to sign-up.
https://jakewedgeshootingllc.company.site/Birthdays and Anniversaries we're celebrating this week:
Sunday, October 26th - Steve Sterkenburg
Wednesday, October 29th - Karen Smith
Thursday, October 30th - Katrina Joppie
Friday, October 31st - Tony Wright, Elaina Nowicke, Hudson Whitten
Saturday, November 1st - Kevin Doyle, Elesha Smith
Wednesday, October 29th - Karen Smith
Thursday, October 30th - Katrina Joppie
Friday, October 31st - Tony Wright, Elaina Nowicke, Hudson Whitten
Saturday, November 1st - Kevin Doyle, Elesha Smith