This week, I’ll continue in our The Good Fight series, with “Hold On Tight.” We will be focusing on the Shield of Faith, the last of the defensive pieces of the armor. Paul writes:
In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16.
Your faith is key to the most intense seasons of battle. We will all have those moments this side of heaven. God knows this and gives us the tools to stay in the fight.
Sitting beside a hospital bed, or even at a graveside, I often hear the words, “I don’t know what I would do without faith.” Sunday, we’ll apply it to the ongoing fight for our life in Christ.
This past week, a team from GRACE took our Christmas Eve offerings to our two recipients – New Bethany Ministries and Allentown Rescue Mission. Thank you for your generosity. Each place received $15,150 dollars for much-needed renovations. It was good to speak to the staff in both locations about their frontline ministry to the homeless in our community. And also, wonderful to discover that one of our own members, David Strain, is on staff as the controller at Allentown Rescue Mission. I love seeing the long reach of our GRACE church – you serve all over our city. We prayed in both locations and dreamed about ways we can continue to partner – including at our Spring Serve Day. We hope to have a date and more information soon.
Thanks also for your donations to continue to fight food insecurity. You gave $1,589.50 dollars that will serve meals at Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering.
Through COVID, it has been difficult to serve our community hands-on, and we are looking forward to more opportunities for this in the coming months. That said, we were made aware of a specific need that I hope many of us can participate in. I received an email expressing a critical need for blood. After some research from our mission team and staff, we have adopted a week as a GRACE Blood Drive. Because of staffing shortages, there will not be a blood mobile coming to us. Instead, you can make your appointment anytime March 7-12. Mark and I already made ours. It’s easy. You can go to our website or CLICK HERE. I hope many of us will be able to donate blood.
What a gift to love the Lehigh Valley in Jesus’ name in very practical ways.
Finally, a few days to mark on your calendar.
Wednesday, March 2nd Ash Wednesday Service
Join us for worship at 7 pm at BECAHI as we begin the journey of Lent, counting down to Easter. Worship will include the imposition of ashes and special music from our Chancel Choir.
Sunday, March 6, 2022 Annual Meeting of the Congregation/Corporation
The Session has called the annual meeting at 3 pm at Locust Street. The highlight of the meeting will be electing our officers. The nominees will be announced next week. Additionally, you will hear ministry and mission updates as well as updates about our Hecktown Road Campus.
Looking for a Small Group?
If you are new or newer to GRACE, or if you have not found a small group, I hope you will consider joining a 6-week small group that will follow our Lent Sermon Series, Questions Jesus Asked.
Groups will meet Sunday evenings 5-6 pm, via ZOOM and Monday evenings, 7-8 pm at our Locust Street Campus. Registration will begin next week.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. And don’t forget to show up early or stay after service for coffee fellowship.
Your Pastor,
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor