The Sermon on the Mount is a collection of Jesus’ teachings found in Matthew 5-7. For three Sundays, we look at teachings from each chapter. I encourage you to read each chapter in preparation for worship. The volume of teachings is so great that we cannot cover it all in worship, and I think you will enjoy the fuller context.
– Catherine NB
We are halfway through our current Grace Confirmation class. Since late October, six confirmands have had weekly discussion topics that have provided great conversation and questions. Topics included trust in God, who is Jesus, discipleship, prayer and its importance, grace and sin, the history of the church and Grace Presbyterian, what is Presbyterianism and the PCUSA, worship, and the sacraments. The confirmands served with First Presbyterian and their homeless breakfast and spent time reading the book of Matthew. They also were privileged to worship with Congregation Emanu-El at their Shabbat service and learn from Rabbi Michael Davis.
Now that we are in the new year, we participate in worship with St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, and possibly visit another church. We look at what it means to view the world through the verses of Matthew 25, how the confirmands can be change in the world, deal with the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and what it means to them. Also, we learn where the Holy Spirit and the confirmands’ spiritual gifts are needed. They study the Apostles’ Creed, consider how they imagine God, and put down their faith in a faith statement. From there, they get the opportunity to make their decision to join the church. If they answer yes, the confirmands meet with the Session and, on March 26, confess their faith to God and join the church.
It has been a great journey for all of us involved in this class of amazing young adults. Please pray for them and for God to be present in their lives every day. – Kirk Anderson
Did you know that Grace supports two international mission households? We offer monthly financial support to Dr. Katie Rhoads and to Jerry and Breanna Hurd and family. These relationships span more than a decade.
Dr. Rhoads (yes, she’s Tom Rhoads’ sister) is a medical missionary and theologian in Northern Uganda and Sudan. She offers medical care, medical training, and she trains pastors.
The Hurds are part of the missionary flight community in east Africa. Jerry flies supplies and people throughout different countries. Since we’ve known them, they had a fourth child (2012), and in 2019 their oldest child got married.
The Mission Distribution team invites you to join us in praying for Katie and Jerry, Breanna, and family.
The new year brings us a time for renewal and resolutions. It also brings us another opportunity to assist our sister congregation with its food pantry program. This month’s recipient for Yellow Bag donations is Covenant Presbyterian Food Pantry. Food staples such as canned vegetables and fruits, canned meats, cereals, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, and pasta sauce are good items to donate. Please be sure the food being donated is within the “use by” date and packaging is not open. We also suggest, if possible, do not bring items in glass containers.
Another note, if you have yellow bags in your home or car, please return them to the Church, preferably full of food. We are once again running low on bags.
Join us in the building or online for worship this Saturday at 5:00 pm in the Great Room and 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.
Streaming is on Facebook Live. You do not need a Facebook account to watch. Go here: https://www.facebook.com/mygpc.org