Dear Grace Family: What is a good thing that you have learned about yourself or your family as a result of this pandemic? We have all learned many challenging and unpleasant things, but it is important to ask ourselves about the good things. I have learned that I benefit greatly from more consistent time with my family and more consistent time alone. While I am generally extroverted, I still have an “inner introvert” side of my personality that I must nurture. I have also been reminded of how amazing our staff is here at Grace, and I am grateful for each member of our staff. When we focus on the good that God is teaching us, we find that there is meaning and purpose even in the toughest of days.
As we continue our online worship Sunday at 11am, we will focus on Acts 17: 21-34. This passage contains Paul’s sermon to the Athenians, and it is one of my favorite passages in the New Testament. The passage reminds us that all human beings have a religious side to our nature, and that impulse is ultimately rooted in our need for Christ. Please read the passage prior to worship and think about how the lesson it teaches might apply to you and your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart in the midst of your study, and then listen quietly so that you hear what God has to say. Please pray for me as well.
We will recognize our graduates this Sunday by reading their names in worship. I pray for the class of 2020 and their families, as this is such a milestone in their lives, and yet they are not able to participate in traditional graduation activities. If you know any graduates, take the time to give them a call or send them a card and remind them that you are proud of their accomplishments. They need that encouragement.
Finally, I encourage you to consider developing plans to share worship at home with a few friends. If you have people with whom you feel comfortable socializing in your home, invite them to watch worship online together. We will promote this idea of house churches more and more, even after we return to public worship. People meeting in small groups in homes, praying and sharing life together, is how we grow in discipleship. God bless you all. We love you! Pastor Steve