The last 18 months have been a challenge for the unity of the church everywhere. From necessary format adjustments to varying perspectives on the pandemic, along with waning commitment, the evangelical church in many places has struggled; some have had to shut down. I am very happy to report that, even though there have been some transitions, Grace has maintained a clear direction forward and our family bonds are still intact. It has been such a delight to be in the presence of folks that we have not encountered face-to-face for a long time. Gathering – being in each other’s presence – is designed and desired by God. I will quote Jonathan Leeman in Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ is Essential (free copies of this book are available). "What makes gatherings so powerful? The fact that you are physically there. You see. You hear. You feel. Unlike watching something on a screen, in which you’re bodily removed from the thing you’re watching, a gathering literally surrounds you. It defines your entire reality. God made us soul and body, and somehow, mysteriously, he intertwines them so that what affects the body affects the soul."
We have maintained the conviction that the gathering of God’s people is essential to the health of the body of Christ. Our desire for unity is compelling. In June we made the transition back to our pre-pandemic worship format. Now, half a year later, seeing the space that is available in two morning worship services along with the desire to worship together as one body, we are pleased to announce that we will transition to one worship service on Sunday mornings. Please note that this will require adjustments for everyone, so I ask you to seek the Lord to prepare each of us with the mind of Christ – consider others more important than yourself – for what this will entail. This current opportunity has its pros and cons, but we feel the unity of the church outweighs other factors.
When will this happen? The last Sunday of 2021 is on the calendar as a day we celebrate communion. So, on December 26 we will gather at the Lord’s Table at 10:00 a.m. (no other classes/service) for all to come together as His family to remember and celebrate what He has done for us.
It is my desire that our gatherings have the sense of children gathering with their Father in His family room both to honor Him and to hear Him. In this gathering our reality is informed and transformed with His truth, by His Spirit. So, beginning the first Sunday in January, ABFs and children’s Sunday School will be offered from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Then we will all gather with Abba, Father in His family room at 10:00 a.m. with ample time to make much of Him, ask of Him, hear Him, and respond to Him. A children’s church teaching time will be available. Also, extra seating in the auditorium and the Gathering Room will be added.
We are delighting in what God is doing among us, and we are looking forward with the vision He has entrusted to us for the mission to which He has called His church.
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