Tag: GRACE

A most excellent Christmas gift.

On By MarkIn Christmas, Israel Trip2 Comments

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15

Here we go, Christmas 2022! We are just days away from people gathering together for Christmas traditions and celebrations, Christmas Eve services, candlelights, carols and exchanging of cards, gifts and family hugs. Reunited families gathering around the tree and later the festive table for the feast. Neighbors waving and kids playing with new toys. Most have prepared and waited for weeks for this special season. And here we are. Christmas has come and the meaning is as powerful as ever for those that know and follow Jesus.

Christmas is special.

Whether or not it matters that there were barnyard animals looking on as December 24 rolled around, the truth is, the Bible tells us that the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us. The prophecies and purposes of God were about to be fulfilled. So, as followers of Christ who have been changed by His grace, we celebrate, we remember and we worship.

Join with the Grace Church family this Christmas Eve for 5:15 service either on Friday Dec 23, or Saturday Dec 24. Hope to see you there.

Here’s a gift idea:

If you’d like a great idea for a gift that will long be remembered, come to Israel with me and Laurie this coming October. We will once again be hosting a group to the Holy Land and walk where Jesus walked. We’ll even have a chance to go to Bethlehem where the whole experience of “Immanuel: God with Us” began. You’ll see the garden where Jesus prayed the night before the crucifixion and the garden tomb where we believe His body was laid, before the glorious resurrection.

Check out the information here. After the holidays we’ll begin having some interest and information meetings. So, whether to give or receive, what an ideal Christmas gift: let’s go to Bethlehem and see!

http://www.allaboutgrace.com

https://www.adventurebibletours.com/grace-church-flagstaff

Blessings to you this Christmas.

March 1 Updates

On By MarkIn Flagstaff, GRACE1 Comment

Who chose that generic title? The thing about a blog is everyone can see how lame the author is in not posting for months at a time. I honestly think of updating with an occasional idea, but then a squirrel runs by and I can’t remember what day it is.

Welcomed snow last week!

Here are some updates: All great, by the way!

Yesterday our school district followed CDC guidelines and REMOVED the mask mandate for Flagstaff schools! For this I am so thankful. It communicates a few key ideas: The pandemic seems to be slowing. The metrics are going in the right direction. Many people can return to in-person community that have been unable to join us at Sinagua for a variety of reasons related to masks. Everyone is welcome! For those desiring to wear a mask, please do so. We’ll continue to make masks available as it is still recommended. Remember, always be gracious towards each other. However, no longer a mandate!

This Sunday, at Grace we’ll give the total of our recent ALL IN: Refresh. It’s pretty great news. If you missed Sunday, go online to catch the service. You can also go here to renew or make a first time pledge towards our new church campus through ALL IN.

Plan on staying after church this Sunday and support the Indian Bible College as they prepare “Indigenous Tacos”. They are raising funds for a missions trip and we can help while enjoying a great meal together. Let’s blow them away with our typical Grace Generosity!

Enjoy a few shots over the past couple of weeks. More to come…

Snow was welcomed in Flagstaff last week, and it barely held back the work. Though snow is necessary in the mountains, the milder winter has been somewhat helpful for the project. (think: glass half-full)
Laurie and I enjoyed getting out for a little snowshoeing on Friday. I love how blue the sky is as a backdrop to the beautiful ponderosas and fresh snow!

Jet lag? and Blessings

On By MarkIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

It is so good to be home. The time in Thailand was amazing and I’m so grateful I was able to be a part.  

I really don’t even understand jet-lag.  I mean the time change makes sense that it would bother you a little, but this is just odd.  I’d think a good night’s rest would take care of it. Of course I know better. We’ve traveled enough to know what this is and to expect it. But that doesn’t make it any easier. I’ve heard it best described as living in a ‘fog’.  That about says it.  So, forgive me if over these next few days you and I meet and you leave wondering if I haven’t suffered a stroke.  I think I’ll be fine. Eventually.

This morning at Grace was one of those special times.  I can’t wait for Resurrection Sunday and the opportunity to share more of what happened today. Blew my mind!  God’s grace is amazing the more we understand and celebrate who HE is and what HE had done for us.  To think, we deserve hell, but instead we find ourselves in the righteousness of Christ.  All because of His love and grace for us.  What a blessing to be a part of this church and to know God is working through a bunch of ordinary people.  

Nice. 

Let’s pray together

On By MarkIn Jesus!2 Comments

This Sunday is Resurrection Sunday, aka Easter. But then so is every Sunday really. We worship God as a church on Sunday because of the resurrection on Sunday.  Yet, we all know this Sunday is a day that more churches will have more guests than usual.  So, let’s enjoy it. Let’s be ready.

I’ve asked the people of Grace to pray/invite/welcome. Pray for opportunities to invite someone to church. Then take the opportunities God gives you. Invite them. Say the words. They won’t bite. They may reject. Probably won’t even laugh. But there are some that are just waiting for you to invite them. Then everyone reach out and welcome people at church on Sunday. Again, like you do every week!

I want to pray for and with you. If you’ll post a comment, I’ll join you in praying for your friend. Together, let’s pray that this week, though it really is just another week, will be special for someone who will come because they were invited and they will have their life changed because of Jesus. Okay? Let’s do this together. Alright, go…

Who’s waiting to be asked?

On By MarkIn church, GRACE, Jesus!Leave a comment

I read the other day that 30% of people would go to church with you on Easter if they were just asked. Wow. Think about it. Almost one of three are simply waiting for a personal, thoughtful invitation. In 12 days we celebrate the biggest deal of all time. We like to call it a Resurrection Celebration. Truth is, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus every Sunday. But, I’m glad we set aside one day to remember and share this amazing truth with as many as possible.

Here’s what you do. Make a list of 10 people you’d like to invite. Pray for them. Pray that they’d be open and ready. Be intentional about inviting them. Do it over the back fence, or over the little wall that separates your desks. Maybe send them a “happy Easter’ card now, inviting them to join you for church and lunch. This isn’t complicated. Not necessarily easy either. But really, we have the greatest news on the planet and we have a special day to highlight the central truth of our faith in Jesus as Lord and giver of life. So, whether you attend Grace with me or you’re in a different church, let’s invite someone to come alongside as we follow Jesus!