bible study

The Adult Sunday School Class

The Adult Sunday school class continues at 10:00 am in the Grace Parlor. The class is comprised of adults of all ages. We resume our study of the Sunday lectionary. The class does a deeper dive into the scripture that is the basis for Dr. Marsh’s sermons. This is a good place for people to jump in and gain insight into scripture, ask questions, and learn together. There is no Sunday School Class on Sunday, February 23, due to one worship service at 11:00 am, followed by the Annual Meeting and luncheon.

yellow bags

Yellow Bag Sundays in February: Faith Builders

We are asking for infant/toddler/children’s clothing (new/gently used) for our February Yellow Bag collection. Our recipient for this collection is Faith Builders. This organization was brought to our attention by a teacher with JLL. The mission of Faith Builders is “to be the hands and feet of Jesus by serving kids & families in crisis in our community.” The organization has a wide list of services, and we picked one. So, if you can donate gently used or new infants, toddlers, or children’s clothing, we will donate them to the agency for distribution.

NOTE: Please check your car, pantry, or other locations in your home for yellow bags.  We ask that you bring them back and put them on the rack by the coffee bar.  Thanks.

 

Interim Pastor update banner

A Word From Our Interim Pastor – Truth to Power-Part III

Like many Christian pastors, ministers, bloggers, authors, podcasters, and congregants, I believe that the Church must be more courageous. Human rights and dignity are at stake. And the Church is not the building. The Church is the millions of Christians that make up the body of Christ. Yes, Christians are Republican, Democrat, and Independent in party affiliation. But the mark of a Christian is not a particular party platform. The mark of a Christian is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, and most certainly love.

What might a courageous Christian look like?

  • A person who values their personal faith convictions more than their allegiance to a political party.
  • Men and women who will say that bigotry wrapped in religion is still bigotry.
  • Christians, saying that Christianity was never supposed to be about power or America being first.
  • A person who asserts that diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything Jesus was doing when he was here and continues to do through his followers today.
  • Men and women who will say, “No more,” to a Jesus-less Christianity.

I believe, along with other pastors, ministers, bloggers, authors, podcasters, and congregants that the American Church is at a turning point. That turning point is to shed irrelevance, uselessness, prejudice, selfishness, and moral bankruptcy and begin the rebirth of being the living, loving, and forgiving presence of Jesus.

Can we, the Christians of Grace Presbyterian Church, defend the millions of vulnerable people who are being sacrificed on the altar of hateful people’s phobias, privileged people’s convenience, or fearful people’s cowardice?

My thanks to John Pavlovitz, who in his February 12, 2025, blog informed my thinking, reflection, and convictions in this column.

On the journey of Christian discipleship and spiritual formation with you, I remain faithfully yours,

Steve

The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh, Interim Pastor