Good morning all the way from Jerusalem,
As I write, the Grace Church Pilgrims are getting ready to spend the day again walking the steps that Jesus walked in Jerusalem. We will have many stories to tell on our return. Thank you for the many notes and prayers you are sending our way.
All the way in Jerusalem, I am hearing reports from people in 40 days groups. I am praying daily for our congregation and specifically for these groups. I am praying that God will continue to show his plan and purpose for each one of us and for us as GRACE Church. It is exciting to have all of us engaging 40 days together!
On Sunday morning, we will continue the 40 days series, with a very special guest and friend of GRACE Church. Dr. Jim Singleton will be preaching at both services. Jim is the Associate Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Evangelism at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Before teaching at Gordon-Conwell, Jim served as senior pastor of churches in Texas, Washington and most recently, First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jim played an important role in the interim period before I was called to serve as your pastor. He was a regular preacher and great source of encouragement to you. And, Jim is a dear friend to me. Jim is the one who gave my name to our church’s pastor nominating committee – so I will forever be grateful to him for his part in God’s call for me and Mark to be your pastors. I know that Jim will have an important word that you won’t want to miss. I’ll be tuning in by live stream.
Once again, as I write, a hurricane is bearing down on our country. I know you join me in praying for people living on the coast and praying for the first responders and for the churches who will be helping once the storm passes. I know there will be opportunities for us to be a part of assisting – stay tuned for those.
Your pastor and friend,
Dr. Marnie Crumpler, Senior Pastor