bible

Sunday Morning Preaching Schedule for January 2016

January 3 

On this first Sunday of January, we welcome the Wise Men to the stable. Catherine Neelly Burton preaches from Matthew 2:1-12, and we celebrate the Lord’s Supper at both services.

January 10   

This is Baptism of the Lord Sunday, and we ordain and install new officers at both services. Catherine Neelly Burton preaches from Luke 3.

January 17  

Catherine Neelly Burton preaches from John 2:1-11.

January 24 

Catherine Neelly Burton preaches from Nehemiah 8.

January 31   

Catherine Neelly Burton preaches from Luke 4.

mission spotlight

Mission Spotlight: A Bountiful Day – Refugee Dinner

Written by Loretta Phares.

The December 5th Holiday Dinner for area refugees at Grace, in partnership with the IRC (International Rescue Committee) and Lorraine Avenue and Zion Mennonite Churches, reminds us of the title from an 80’s movie, The Trip to Bountiful.

Certainly the food offered was abundant. In addition to the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, donated home-made salads and desserts spanned several tables. Around 150 people were served. Leftovers were delivered to Inter-Faith Ministries and the Union Rescue Mission.

Even more impressive was the number of volunteers who made a plan, set up the Great Room, greeted, cooked, served, put together centerpieces and gift bags, assisted in arts and crafts for the children, washed dishes, tore down, vacuumed, and much more. Working-teens lent their enthusiasm, and several members chose to make it a family event. Thank you all.

Volunteers had an opportunity to visit with guests at their tables. Serendipitously, two people who had first met each other in a refugee camp in Kenya, re-connected at the dinner. Neither knew the other was in Wichita. I’m not sure who felt more blessed that day – the guests or the hosts. It was a bountiful day for all.

 

liftupyourhands

Lift Up Your Heads…for God is Great

by Kirk Anderson, Director of Student Ministries

Psalm 141:2 May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering.

We have so some much to be thankful for from the past year — great youth, volunteers, mission, support, staff and of course you. Without you, none of this would happen. So to God we must lift our hands and give thanks. This year has been an amazing one – truly God-inspired. But if 2015 is coming to an end, that just means 2016 is here, and God has a plan for that. He has a mighty and transforming plan that will change lives in ways we may or may not see. So my request today is that you take a few moments, lift your hands and pray for this church and its ministry.

God, we lift our hands to you and pray for…

  • Our youth to be transformed by You and Your word.
  • Our volunteers to be strengthened and led by You.
  • That new relationships are built and old ones strengthened.
  • That Mission unto others is a priority and looked upon with excitement and opportunity for change.
  • That families are strengthened and supported.
  • That Sundays are days of teaching, growth and rest.
  • That school is a place of great learning.
  • That our school teachers, administrators and staff are renewed and accept the challenge of leading and growing our youth.
  • That camps and mission trips are times of profound and lifelong change.
  • That new opportunities to connect with youth be found.
  • That the Grace family grows, and new life in you is found.
  • That Children’s ministry thrives and grows.
  • That the Grace staff be strengthened by You.
  • 2016 to be the year of peace, justice, love and forgiveness.

Amen.

 

youth

January Youth Schedule 2016

If you would like to get on the Student Ministry email list for either IGNITE or INSPIRE/WYLDlife, please email your request to Kirk Anderson.

IGNITE (All High School aged youth)
•    Sunday discussion (10 am – 10:50 am) Every Sunday but the 3rd.
•    Tuesday Chess Club (3:30 – 4:30 pm) in Room 101 led by Ann Graham and Gary Hart starting on the 19th.
•    Wednesday Fellowship (5:30 – 7:15 pm) Dinner at 5:30 pm followed by games and discussion. We meet January 20 and 27.

INSPIRE (All Middle High aged youth)
•    Sunday discussion (10 am – 10:50 am) Every Sunday but January 3.
•    Tuesday Bible Study at Robinson during the lunch periods
•    Tuesday Chess (3:30 – 4:30 pm) in Room 101 led by Ann Graham and Gary Hart starting on January 19.
•    Wednesday Fellowship (3:30 – 4:45 pm) in the Youth Center. We meet January 20 and 27.
•    WYLDlife Club (after school to 5:00) will start again in January. Look for dates soon. Youth meet at the Robinson cafeteria and then walk to Grace. Pick-up is the Battin street fountain entrance.

Save the Dates 2016

Westminster Woods Winter Retreat

  • Middle High: January 30 to February 1
  • High School: January 23 to February 25
  • Westminster: Woods Summer camp dates

Westminster Woods Summer Camp 2016 Family Camp:  May 27-29

  • 3rd & 4th Grade Camp: May 31-June 3
  • 5th & 6th Grade Camp: June 6-10
  • 7th & 8th Grade Camp: June 13-17
  • High School Camp:  June 20 –26

For Westminster Woods Camp info and registration go to www.westminsterwoodscamp.com

Mission Trip date change!

  • IGNITE Mission Trip – July 8 – 17