I confirmed with my son, John (who’s avocation is sports writing for USA Today’s Texans Wire) what I’m about to suggest. Unless you are a Tampa Bay Buccaneer or a Kansas City Chiefs fan, the greatest Super Bowl story line this year is the quarterback contest. Danny Heifetz said it this way, “The sport’s biggest legend is about to face its biggest legend in the making.” Maybe Sunday will help us answer — who is the greatest? Is it young whippersnapper Patrick Mahones or seasoned quarterback, Tom Brady?
That question – applied to sports or politics or any leadership arena – has been asked since Cain and Abel. Jesus’ disciples even got sucked into asking – Who is the greatest? Jesus answered with words and his life.
This week, we continue in our sermon series, “Good Lessons from a Bad Year” with another lesson – Leadership Matters. In the middle of a presidential election and a global pandemic, we saw the power and the pressure and the peril of leadership. What does it mean to lead? What does it mean to be great? On Sunday, we will dig into Jesus’ answer and apply it to your life – where God has called you to lead.
After church I’m sure you’ll be watching the Superbowl with most of America. We can’t go to parties like we normally do, but when you come to church this week, you are a part of a weekly party – called worship. You can join in person – Click here to register. Or click here to join online.
At our party, we gather with people we love who have a common love for Jesus Christ. Imperfect, yet forgiven people. But we also have a new guest list each week. Every week, over 1200 households are joining on-line as well as the limited number who are able to attend in person. Many are joining us for the first time.
Our prayer is that every week — new people – new to our Lehigh community and new to knowing Jesus– will join our party, meet Jesus, and become a part of our faith family. And this week, we will share our family meal – Communion. So, if you are at home, be sure to have your elements ready – Juice and bread.
A couple of other important items—
2021 COMMITMENT
Thanks to all of you who have made their financial commitments to GRACE. If you haven’t made yours, click here to do that now online.
NEXT CLASS
If you are newer to GRACE and looking to take the next step into our community, it’s not too late to sign up for Next. Next is this Sunday, February 7 from 2-4 pm via ZOOM. Our Next Class will give you an inside look at GRACE Church – our core commitments, our vision for the future, and ways for you to connect. You will also have the opportunity to become a member of GRACE! To reserve your spot, click here.
AND we will be done in plenty of time for you to prepare your Super Bowl Snacks.
I BELIEVE SUNDAY MORNING GROUPS
In a few weeks, I will begin a new series called I Believe. I hope you will consider participating in a 5-week small group to discuss the Apostles’ Creed – line by line – following the Sunday Sermon Series. Joining a group is a great way to take Sunday morning to the next level and a great way to meet new friends and grow in your faith. You will receive a Zoom link the week before groups begin. Click here for more information.
I can’t wait for our party Sunday!
Your pastor and friend,
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor