On behalf of all the team at Grace Church, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas! I pray that your celebrations with your family and friends have been life-giving and have drawn you closer to the God who so loved you that He sent his Son to us at Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas, I am still re-living Christmas Eve. The services were so beautiful. From the communion service on the Locust Street Campus to the 4 services at BECA high, the energy was electric. The choir led by Tom Goeman and the worship band was so inspiring. There were donkeys and sheep and a manger scene that made the good news come to life at our family service. There was so much light from all those candles. There were so many smiling volunteers greeting and ushering. At our seven services, we welcomed so many people, including hundreds of guests. At the family service alone, we had about 1000 people- including a wonderfully large cast of angels and shepherds. What a joyful celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus. To see a photo album of the day, click here.
Sunday, we will come back together as a church family. This Sunday, we will have services at our regular time – 9 am classic and 10:30 modern. Manuela will be preaching in the services and wrapping up our Christmas series with a look at the wise men’s search for Jesus.
The following Sunday, January 6, we will celebrate communion in our services. I will launch a new sermon series, RESET: Getting the Life You Always Wanted. As one year ends and a new year begins, it’s a perfect time to hit the RESET button. You may be stuck…. Or maybe you just know life can be better. What are your dreams for your relationships and your resources and the rhythms of your life? What would you change? And how can God help? This series will help you take a look. It’s a great series to invite a friend to experience.
One last reminder about end of year giving. We historically receive up to 15% of our annual giving in December. I hope you will join me in digging a little deeper to help us end 2018 and begin 2019 strong – ready to build on our ministries inviting people to know and show the Grace of Jesus Christ. Click here for more information including office hours or to give. I eagerly anticipate all God will do in and through us in 2019.
Joyfully,
Dr. Marnie Crumpler, Senior Pastor