You might notice a change or two around Grace Community. We have received a fresh round of painting throughout most of the building and we definitely want to express appreciation to the group from Abilene and all those Grace partners who took part in that project. Did you also know that while the group was here we were able to make further connection with students on campus as well as people in the community surrounding our church? Several boxes of granola bars were distributed on campus and team members took time to ask those they contacted on campus and in neighborhoods a few questions for us to be able to better love those around us. I am thrilled to see God continuing to build momentum for his kingdom as we build relationships with those God has placed around us.

So, for a few days a group from Texas invaded our church.  I have a few thoughts about the weekend with the expanded version to come later.

1.  I love Grace Community Church!  I was reminded again of the amazing fellowship, passion, vision and unity that we share.

2.  I love being around University Students!  There was a different vibe in our church for a few days.

3.  I love the opportunity to share our (Grace Community) story and try to inspire the next generation of leaders to think about the possibility of a better way of doing church.  I believe in our church to the core and want others to see that everything can be done in a life giving way.

4.  A fresh coat of paint is worth the effort.

What did you enjoy about this weekend?  I would love to hear your thoughts about the invasion of a group of Texans.  What did God show you as we served and lived together for couple of days?

Jerris

I have talked to several of you and the Holy Spirit is stirring. Let’s seek it out. Find out more about who the Holy Spirit even is. Find out why or why not you are feeling the Holy Spirit. Let’s be proactive about our faith…about our lives…about our purpose. Are you being stirred? If so, what are you doing about it?

(p.s I really would love love love to hear about how you have seen the Spirit at work in or around you!)

Brittany Black

Last night was the launch of the second online experience that Grace Community Church is hosting (I think the 41st experience offered by Lifechurch) and it was such a blessing to see God’s hand at work.  We were joined by volunteers from Texas and one from another network church in Franklin, NC.  What an awesome thing to see the body come together from three different states in our country to minister to individuals from 28 different countries as God’s word was shared!  Healing began as people received prayer and support in the love of Christ and we celebrated as 6 more surrendered their lives to Christ. Continue to pray for this tremendous ministry and be sure to check out church online at http://live.lifechurch.tv and see our great teams from right here at Grace Community Church be used by God at 6:30 pm on Mondays or 10:00 pm on Wednesdays!

Well, I have almost completed my first real Winter and so far feel as if we have fared pretty well, but I am ready for Spring!  I’ve noticed that even as temps still remain chilly, I’ve begun to wear short sleeve, lighter materialed shirts, and leaving my jacket at home.  When asked by my wife why in the world I hadn’t worn a jacket when we went to the store this last weekend I told her, “I’m protesting Winter!” 

As ridiculous as it sounds to think that I can somehow change the weather by acting as if it isn’t cold, I gave it further thought and realized that I can be guilty of trying the same ridiculous thinking in other parts of my life.  How many times have I simply replied, “I’m doing great!” when someone asked how I was doing even though I was having a horrible time?  Maybe it’s just a matter of being lazy and not wanting to enter into that long of an answer, maybe it’s pride that keeps me from admitting my struggles to others, but I think somewhere deep down I may actually think that I can change painful things by acting as if they don’t exist.  The only problem is, that just as I stay cold by refusing to put on a coat, the pain of struggles remains in my life when I refuse to admit them and allow opportunity for needed help.

- Aaron 

If you where not able to be at Grace yesterday here is what you missed.

1.   A fantastic sermon dealing with Hosea and Gomer.  The message will be available over 40 times this week at church online or on the Grace website.  Our church online team would love to have you join us Wednesday night at 10pm.
2.  Next Monday, March 8th at 6:30pm our church will launch a second online experience.  If you are looking for a place to volunteer we would love to have you join the team.  Contact Aaron Carpenter for more information.
3.  Saturday, March 13th we will be working with the students from Texas to paint the church.  We will be painting from 11am - 5pm and 7pm  - 9pm.  I will send a complete schedule for the weekend later this week.  If you have any painting supplies you can donate that would be helpful.  We need rollers, brushes, drop cloth, scaffolding, buckets, extension poles for rollers and anything else paint related you can share.  You can either drop stuff by the church or bring it on Sunday.
4.  Next week we will begin a new series called “Red letter Day”.  Craig will be looking at the final words of Jesus as we lead up to Easter Sunday.  This is a wonderful time of year to invite someone to church.  Easter is a time of year when people feel like they should attend church, so invite them and see what God chooses to do in their life.

Have a blessed week!

– Jerris