Dear Grace Family: I really appreciate the fact that so many of you have returned your pledge cards for 2021. It is a wonderful thing to have a significant amount of funds pledged to help us plan the budget for the coming year. If you have not yet turned in your 2021 pledge card, please do so by September 27, 2020. While we do not expect to have the entire budget underwritten by pledges, it is helpful to have as many commitments as possible. Pledging to the church is a great way to put our personal faith in action, and to trust God’s promises in uncertain times.
This Sunday, September 13, the scripture passages are Romans 14: 1-9 and Exodus 14: 19-31. The message is entitled “Guidance from the Front and From Behind.” I find that sometimes I need the power of the Holy Spirit both pushing and pulling me in the right direction. I need to be surrounded by grace, and fortunately this is what God offers. As you read the passage from Exodus, you will see the connection with this theme of pushing and pulling. I appreciate your prayers for all aspects of worship here at Grace.
We are planning to offer a pumpkin patch at Grace this year. It will be an opportunity to bless the community, but it will be different this year because of covid. My wife Colleen is taking leadership of the patch, and I know she appreciates everyone who is willing to help. We will provide more details in the coming weeks.
Finally, please remember to share our service premier notice with your friends on Facebook. I have watched people who have been away from church come back to a life of faith because of easily accessible online services. One Facebook share could change a life for the better! Whether in-person or online, I hope you will choose to worship this week! Thank you for the privilege of serving as one of your pastors. Pastor Steve Hart