I love the Spring. The new growth is exciting to watch as we stand in awe of its beauty, but with it comes added work. As you probably already know, it takes a lot to maintain a yard with its flowerbeds, trimming of trees, mowing and other landscaping projects. For me, help is always welcomed and needed.
I would say the same thing occurs during Confirmation. The beauty of God's creation and love is evident all around as the Holy Spirit beckons us to work. It is indeed a joy to watch a group of youth grow while exploring their personal relationship with God, to better understand Wesleyan theology, the inner workings of denominations and world religions, and what being a follower of Christ entails. But all of that takes work. It takes commitment. It takes time and patience and a desire to grow. It takes youth willing to dig deep. It takes parents and grandparents, Sunday school teachers, a senior pastor, congregation members and friends stepping up and leading the way with love, encouragement, and accountability. Thank you for all you have done to follow God's call. The GraceYouth Confirmation Class of 2022 is nearing completion of an 8 month period of study and reflection that I often refer to as a mini masters of divinity degree. We are proud of each of these youth for their commitment and desire to better understand and challenge their thinking with an intentional focus on understanding how much God loves them and wants to be the center of their lives. On Easter morning, we will recognize their commitment and study and following our service, a celebration of Baptism and remembering their Baptism for those who were baptized as infants. We invite each of you to be a part of this special celebration as you have certainly been a part of their confirmation journey as their Grace Family. We also invite you to reflect upon your own personal relationship with Christ and know how much He loves you. May the Easter and Confirmation season be a time of new growth in each of us. Happy Easter Grace Family! David Sutton, Youth Ministry Save the date for April 24th, 2022. Starting at 10am, Grace UMC is having a combined outdoor service followed by a cookout. There will be hamburgers, hotdogs, and goodies to eat, plus music, and bounce houses for the kids. This is a free public event open to everyone. It's happening in our parking lot and on the south lawn at 1075 Hogan Lane in Conway. No reservations needed, just come as you are. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors. Can't wait to see you there!
Three points:
1. Gives a Real Principle
2. Reveals God's Purpose 3. Show's God's Redeeming Power Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our[a] struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,[b] take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
Grace UMC Conway Sermon Series, The Armor of God, continues with "Shield of Faith"
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our[a] struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,[b] take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. three Main points
Three ways Christians extinguish the devils spiritual arrows through our faith:
1. Believe in God 2. Have confidence in God 3. Submit ourselves to God
On Sunday, March 13, 2022 we had the honor of dedicating and renaming the Grace Choir Room the "Taylor Music Room". The dedication is to honor Don and Mary Lou Taylor for their many years of faithful service to the music ministry at Grace.
In addition to this, we presented Mary Lou Taylor with an original artwork that was created just for her by one of our newest choir members, Christina Blum. Below is a picture of Mary Lou with her son and daughter showing off the artwork.
If you'd like to watch the video shared during the service here it is:
Grace is blessed to have many members working together, being the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out throughout the community and sharing the love of God. Without people like Don and Mary Lou our church wouldn't be what it is today. Thank you again for all you have done and continue to do!!!
Here is the live stream from the service on Sunday if you'd like to check it out.
Our annual Youth Rummage sale was a HUGE success. Thank you for donating so many items. All the proceeds went to our Youth. The local community came out and shopped to find lots of amazing "new to them" goodies. It was a busy day and the kids had a blast. Thank you to everyone who donated items, helped with the set up, worked the sale, and helped clean up! We couldn't have done it without you.
We're excited to announce a new feature on our website all about Grace News. Much more will be added in the future and you'll see upcoming posts sharing information about our current ministries, weekly sermons, outreaches, and more.
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Grace Church NewsSharing information about our current ministries, weekly sermons, outreaches, and more. ArchivesCategories |
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