Dear Grace Community: What’s in a name? Shakespeare made this phrase famous in Romeo and Juliet. He used this rhetorical question to communicate the idea that external labels or titles given to us do not change our essence.  “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet…..”, or so said the Bard. However, names that offer insight into identity are very important…

Dear Grace Community: A few years ago I had a friend who led a praise band called “Fools for Christ.” With that band title, my friend was able to remind people that part of the joy and freedom of Christian discipleship is that we never have to take ourselves too seriously. I have been reflecting on this idea in preparation for the…

Dear Grace Community:I have been thinking about bridges lately. As you know, our vision statement at Grace is “Building bridges between Christ and our community.” I think it is a very dynamic, exciting vision statement. It emphasizes the outward focus of our ministry, so that we avoid thinking of ourselves as a social club that just cares for its members. As we…

Dear Grace Community:Pay attention! We often hear this when someone is warning us to avoid a collision or accident. But what if paying attention is the best advice for maintaining a deep and meaningful walk with Jesus? Only by looking for evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives will we be able to witness God’s miracles and…

Dear Grace Community: Have you ever noticed how creative we human beings can be at finding excuses for inaction? We may say that we don’t have time, or that we are not smart enough or talented enough, or that we just do not believe in our ability to succeed in navigating the challenges of our lives. We have all, at times, leaned…

As we begin a new year, it is a great time to get involved in the life of your church. If you have ever considered starting a small group or Bible study, we have a great resource in Right Now Media. Every church member can get access to this Netflix style library of educational, inspiring, Biblical videos. If you have not ever…

This is my last Gracevine article of 2019, and I have been thinking about what words sum up this year for me. I am ending the year with a heart that is surprised, full, and very grateful. When 2019 began, I did not anticipate the many blessings that have come to pass in my family life. I did not anticipate a merger…

We are quickly approaching another Christmas and the end of another decade. How will this Christmas be different for us? Will we experience the warmth and joy that comes with Emmanuel, God with us? Will our hearts be changed as we again invite Christ to live in our hearts and influence the way we live and interact with the world around us?…

We are now approaching the second Sunday of Advent, less than three weeks from Christmas! My personal prayer this season is to stay focused on Jesus so that I am able to bring a sense of encouragement and hope to every encounter and interaction. This goal sounds easy enough, but the challenge lies in making time for God first, before tackling all…

Thank you for your prayers for our Kairos team as we served in the prison last weekend. The Holy Spirit showed up and those of us who went thinking that we would bless others came away experiencing renewal and joy beyond anything that we gave. This is the way it works in God’s economy! This Sunday, November 24, I will be sharing…