Mission trips change lives. For those who are lucky enough to participate, God does some miraculous work that lasts a life time. Our youth get to experience new cultures, learn that God is everywhere and what is sacrificial giving through service.

No two trips are alike, each brings its own unique challenges and God inspirations. Even as adults we are changed each time we go. I anticipate this year will be no different. What is truly special about this year is we get three Mission trips. It is because you have listened to God’s call and supported mission here at Grace.

  • College or YaYa’s, as we like to call them, are embarking on their first trip in many years. We are headed to Denver, Colorado, to work with the Door Network.  Our mission is inner city exploration and service.   Our YaYa’s are giving up their spring break to serve.  We should have six-10 total.
  • IGNITE (High school) are headed to Rockport, Texas. We team up with our old friends, TEAMeffort, as we look to help with hurricane relief efforts.  Focus is on helping the rebuilding process and seeing that even after devastation God is still present in so many ways.
  • INSPIRE (Middle High) looks to Chase, Kansas, again this fall for our annual Mission Weekend. We collaborate with Chase Community Presbyterian church with projects throughout this small town. This is a gateway mission experience for our INSPIRE youth, and we see God’s work through service to others, community and worship.

Serving others, being in God’s presence beyond the city of Wichita, relationships built, challenged, and strengthened, accepting God, giving thanks for those who allow us to be a part of their lives, new skills, love, and patience…the list goes on and on for what happens during a mission trip and for years after.

Please be in prayer for all the participants; those you know, those you don’t and for those we meet on this journey.  We do not yet know what God has instore for us, but I do know it will be amazing.

Did you know?

  • Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood.
  • One pint of blood (the approximate amount given in a donation) can be used to help up to three people.
  • About one-third of the US population is eligible to give blood.
  • Five million patients in the US need blood every year.

On March 4, we host a Red Cross Blood drive at Grace from 8 am – 1 pm.  Sign up to donate on Sundays at Grace, by calling the office at 684-5215, or by going here:

[button url=”https://www.redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive/chooseDonationTime.jsp” target=”” size=”small” style=”orange” icon=”” popup=”” title=””]Learn More[/button]

You may use the “rapid pass” and save time on the day of your donation.  Go to the Red Cross website to finish the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online before coming to your appointment.

[button url=”http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass” target=”” size=”small” style=”orange” icon=”” popup=”” title=””]RED CROSS RAPID PASS[/button]

 

Our Lenten theme this year is, “I Believe.”  During the six Sundays of Lent we look at the Apostles’ Creed and what it means to say we believe it.  We also look at what it means to say, “I believe,” about anything.

Worship loosely follows along with Adam Hamilton’s book, Creed, which examines the Apostles’ Creed.  You are invited to join one of several book study groups or to purchase the book and read it on your own.  There is more information about all of this throughout the e-news and Grace This Week.

It’s time to bowl!

Join us Sunday, February 25, from 4-6 pm at the Wichita State University Rhatigan Center for bowling, games and snacks.

The cost is $3 a person and includes, bowling, shoes, popcorn, and soda. In addition to bowling, the pool tables and other games are available.

This is an opportunity for us to play and fellowship. Come and bring a friend.

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Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14. This year we again have two opportunities for Ash Wednesday worship.  The first is Ashes On the Go at Watermark Books. From 7-9 am Pastor Catherine Neelly Burton is at Watermark to mark you with ashes as you start your day. This is an opportunity for you to share your faith both by wearing your ashes and by making a public witness at our neighborhood bookstore. It’s a come and go time, though you’re welcome to get breakfast and stay for a while.

At 7 pm we gather in the Grace Sanctuary for an Ash Wednesday service that includes the imposition of ashes, Holy Communion, and music from our choir.