THAT’S THE CHURCH!
Posted by Admin on February 2nd, 2010One of the things I love so much about Grace is the regular demonstrations of how we are “the Church” to our fellow members and the community. What do I mean by that? We are “being the Church” when we:
- Welcome new visitors and treat them as if they are the most important person on the planet.
- Attend, and graciously support, a benefit for members of the church dealing with hard times.
Put our own needs or desires aside to help someone else. I have joked with some of our leaders that I always wear shirts with a pocket, because I’ve learned over the years that there is a steady stream of people at Grace sticking money in my pocket and telling me to pass it on to a person or family that is struggling.
One of my regular hopes and prayers is that Grace will continue to be the Church – and will carry on as a faithful representative of Christ’s love until He comes back! Dianne just brought me a letter from the family of our dear, sweet little Ginny Burton who went home to heaven before Christmas. Here is a part of the letter that shows the indescribable power and effect of “being the Church” as often as we can:
“Aunt Gin was the last of five brothers and four sisters. So the church was like her new family, a family of friends. She spoke to me many times about the services, the Bible class, the activities, the music, but most of all she loved the people. She felt welcome and comfortable, the way we all feel with our family at home…Gin loved to laugh, and she always left your church with a smile on her face.” (From Ginny’s Nephew)
What more can I say, but this: Do whatever you can to ALWAYS BE THE CHURCH!!!
A New Chapter…
After 12 years of faithful service to Grace as the Administrative Assistant, Sharon Long will be retiring at the end of January and entering a new chapter in her life! I am deeply appreciative of Sharon and all she has done for me and my two predecessors. Sharon has been a loyal, dedicated, up-and-above team player and servant of Christ here at Grace and I am grateful to have been able to work with her!
I still can’t understand how her grandchildren – and the new grandbaby Frankie – could possibly prevail over working for me here at Grace, but I’ll try not to be too broken-hearted! ? I hope all of you will join me in expressing your love and appreciation to Sharon for her wonderful contribution to Grace during her years on staff, and for her commitment to continue helping me and Grace as a volunteer in her retirement.
We will be having a celebration and reception for Sharon that is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, February 21st during the Education Hour. Stay tuned for more to come on this one…
Roxie Vanderpoel has accepted the Administrative Assistant position, starting February 1st. Please welcome and support her as she receives the torch and carries it forward in her ministry and service to Grace!
Valentine’s Day
Finally, guys…don’t forget Valentine’s Day! ?And may we all show the love of Christ – and be His eyes, ears, hands, feet and mouth – to Bradford and beyond, this month and always!
God’s love, peace and joy in your life!
Pastor John
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Dear Grace Family,
Joy, Austin and I are once again deeply humbled by—and extremely grateful for—the caring generosity shown to us by all of you! Thank you so much for the Christmas gift! Thanks, too, for another wonderful celebration of the greatest Christmas gift ever (Jesus Christ!!!) and for your ongoing commitment to sharing His love with each other and our community!
A blessed 2010 to you and yours!
Pastor John, Joy and Austin