Earlier this week, I visited with Jenae Holtzhafer, the Executive Director of The Kindness Project. A few years ago, God gave her a vision for a way to serve foster children. And that vision became The Kindness Project. As the numbers of foster children rapidly increase in the Lehigh Valley, The Kindness Project has served hundreds of children by providing for their most basic needs and easing their transition into their new foster home. And as the needs have grown, Jenae’s vision has allowed more and more people to be engaged with her – including GRACE Church.
Through our Christmas Eve offering, you gave $20,000 dollars to help The Kindness Project expand. Jenae walked me through her current tiny 10×6 “sorting room” and the new much larger “sorting room” space that your gift will build out, enabling the ministry to receive more donations. Liz Cook, our Elder, and foster parent is actively involved with Jenae in this vital ministry.
Thank you for loving the Lehigh Valley and foster families in Jesus’ name. Be on the lookout for more opportunities to help in the “sorting room” build and other volunteer opportunities with The Kindness Project. Above is a picture in the new space with Liz, her daughter, Hannah, and Jenae as we presented her with the check from GRACE Church.
NEW SERMON SERIES: I BELIEVE
Ash Wednesday, this past week, was the official beginning of Lent, the days we countdown to the cross and to resurrection. It was powerful to receive, and give, and see the imposition of ashes to mark the beginning of our journey. Throughout this season of Lent, we will be in a Sunday sermon series — I Believe.
Everyone believes in something. If you were asked today what you believe in … what would you say? How would you explain?
The earliest Christians shared what they believed with three simple words — Jesus is Lord. With those words, you told the world that you believed in Jesus – you were a Christian. As time went on, there was more to explain about what Christian believe. So, by the fourth century, the oldest and simplest statement of belief, or creed, the Apostles’ Creed was in place.
Ever since, people have used the words of the Apostles’ Creed to express what they believe. The Creed started as statement that new believers made when they were baptized. But since then, it has been used by believers all over the globe and for generations.
As we take on the creed, line by line, we will think about the most basic beliefs of the Christian faith and how what we believe shapes every part of our life. Each Sunday, one of our global mission partners will lead us as we say the Creed together.
I BELIEVE SMALL GROUP
And if you want to take this series to the next level, join a Sunday morning group “via ZOOM”. It’s a great way to discuss and apply the Sermon and the Creed to your life. And it’s a great way to connect with people… Groups begin this Sunday at 11 am or 12:30 pm. Click here to reserve your spot for 5-week groups.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Also, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Congregation/ Corporation Annual Meeting on March 7 at 12 noon – following the 11 am service. You may attend in-person at BECAHI or via Zoom (link to be sent out the week before the meeting).
PRESS ON 2021
2021 is an exciting year for GRACE. If you haven’t made your financial commitment to GRACE for 2021, you can still do that today. Click here. I am so grateful for you – you are a generous congregation and you are keeping our mission and ministry strong in such a strategic moment!
Stay warm and well…. And SHINE!
Your pastor and friend,
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor