Letting Go

"It's time. Let go. It will be okay."

Hmmm . . . that wasn't the answer I had anticipated. 

I'd committed myself to praying over something until God gave a clear answer. For awhile I thought God wasn't answering; this was a season of waiting. But I soon learned I just wasn't listening well. My stubbornness and pride were too loud to sense the Spirit's leading.

My answer came in an Elijah-esque fashion.         

"Then the LORD said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord. Behold, the Lord is about to pass by.' And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice.  " 1 Kings 19:11-12

Like Elijah's story in 1 Kings, I found myself in a desert place. God had just shown me his amazing power to provide and bring victory in some big ways. But I was physically and emotionally spent - like a runner who pushes past the finish line victoriously, only to stumble and fall. 

In my weakness I kept trying to push forward, up the mountain to get a better view. Maybe I could see what God was doing up there. I wasn't giving up! Like Elijah, God met me there. But he had to get my attention first. He had to compel me to listen.

First, came the mighty wind, cold and shocking. Next, came the earthquake, unsettling and scary. Then, came the fire. It was painful to say the least. Now God had my attention! 

What followed was a long period of silence - almost deafening, it was so quiet. I waited. I prayed. I sought wise, trusted counsel. I waited and listened some more. I learned to embrace the quiet. Then came the still small voice.

"It's time. Let go. It will be okay."

"But God, you don't mean . . . no, really?"

"It's time. Let go. It will be okay."

"But what about this? What about that? Who will . . . ?"

"It's time. Let go. It will be okay."

"How will I know if I'm hearing you right? What if this is wrong? Am I just giving up? Why now?"

"Trust me, child. It's time. Let go. It will be okay."

" . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ok, here goes . . . . I trust you. I'll let go."

I'm not sure what I expected to happen. A free fall? Everything to come crumbling down? Instead, I was met with the most amazing sense of peace. I'm not sure I have ever experienced peace quite like this! 

You might be wondering, what was this big thing you were praying about? What has God asked you to let go of?

Well, it’s kind of hard to say it. I really cannot believe I am saying it, but the Lord has led so clearly that it is time for me to end my time on staff here at the church. I’m letting you all know I have handed in my resignation and my last day will be September 17th . . . . Yup, that was hard to say!

I don't understand it, or the timing. I don't have any idea what God is leading me to next. I just know he is leading me out of my role here at Grace. And when God speaks as loudly (or softly) as he did, who am I to argue?

Honestly, stepping away will take as much courage as it took to step into my role. But, this peace . . . there's nothing like it!

Let me express my gratitude to you, the church. Over the past nine years on staff, I have been stretched and challenged. I have grown and developed in ways I never would have anticipated. You all have been so kind, loving, encouraging and supportive. I have been blessed to serve alongside you for the sake of God's kingdom. Thank you for all your prayers, kind and caring words, and love! My family looks forward to worshipping and serving with you each week, just in a different way.

To the staff, leaving you is hard. Thank you for your friendship, partnership, acceptance, laughter, and love. Whether we have served together for a lot or a little, I appreciate each of you. I will continue to pray for you, that God would lead and empower you in your kingdom work. 

Sorry, I know I'm getting a bit sappy here.  But truly, I have been so blessed and I don't want my leaving to be the focus. God is moving! His plans and his timing are perfect! I have complete confidence that he will lead and provide, even as he leads me away. 

I heard this phrase in a song on the radio that just seemed to sum up how I'm feeling about this change: "Not giving up. I'm giving in to what you've planned, for your glory."

I love you, Grace! See you Sunday!

For His glory,

Juli Dirks

Change That Changes Me

"When you are walking with the Lord, change is always in your favor."

I can't remember where I heard this quote, but it stuck with me . . . literally. I mean, I put it on a sticky note (which is how I manage in life). Every once in a while I glance at it and mull it over. It's really a comforting thought.

Life is always full of change, but it seems the last couple of years has brought an abundance of it. When I'd feel upset, uncomfortable, or overwhelmed by the change coming my way this thought would draw me back to a healthy perspective.

"When you are walking with the Lord . . . " That's really the key! God is unchanging, which is a great, anchoring truth and helps me keep my focus when change feels like chaos. As I stay in tune with him, in line with his Word and his way, I can trust that this change is under his supervision. Whether he planned it or allowed it, he's promised he's using it for my good and his purposes (Romans 8:28). This reminds me to strive to keep my connection with Jesus strong and consistent. He will strengthen me through the uncomfortable uncertainty of change when I'm devoting myself to his way (2 Chron. 16:9a, one of my favorites).

". . . change is always in your favor" - I love this part! I know I can trust that whatever purpose God has for the change, it will be for my benefit. He will grow and mature me, especially if I cooperate with him instead of complaining, arguing or resisting (Romans 5:3-4, Philippians 1:6).

This doesn't necessarily make me want to shout, "Bring on the change!" But, really, I can totally have that attitude. As Pastor Jack shared this past week, I can accept change I don't choose, embrace change that grows and changes me, and pursue change as I pursue the Lord.

What change are you experiencing? Can you face it with confidence that this change is in your favor? I hope so!

See you Sunday, church family!

Juli Dirks

Great News!

It's always fun to share great news, and that's just what I want to do today.

First, let's celebrate together the arrival of our new Pastor of Connection & Care, Will Regier! He and his wife, Stephanie, and their two children, Isabella and Malachai, arrived in Newton last weekend. They are getting settled, and Will is starting in the office this coming Monday. We are excited for him to join the team! They'll be around this Sunday, so be sure to say hi if you see them.

Second, we're excited to announce Sean Gardiner as our new Student Ministries Pastor! Yay! Sean brings a true passion for youth ministry, as well as a ton of creativity, wisdom, and experience which is sure to be a blessing to our youth and our church. He and his wife, Susan, and their daughters, Sayge and Scotlyn, are moving to Kansas at the beginning of July. Sean will start in the office on July 12.

It's been fun to see how God is providing for our church! This past year has brought its fair share of change, transition, and uncertainty. But God has been faithful to provide and sustain us through it. Thank you for your prayers!

We look forward to seeing you Sunday as we continue our way through the Sermon on the Mount.

Blessings,

Juli Dirks

Executive Director of Ministries

Extending our "Reach"

Do you remember Heart of Grace, when we told you we were doing something new with our missions efforts? Well, we wanted to keep you updated, because it has a few changes that affect you, too! 

And since YOU ARE THE CHURCH (and my favorite church family!), we need you to stay in the game. So here’s the game plan:

New Teams

We have officially established two councils, Reach Local and Reach Global (both were formerly under Extend). Reach Local focuses on ministry opportunities in Newton and the surrounding areas. Reach Global covers our national and international efforts. These teams are off and running and we hope you’ll be hearing from them soon. Go, teams, go!

New Strategy

We have restructured our priorities to include getting our people (THAT’S YOU!) more personally engaged with those we support. We believe we haven’t been connected enough. Many of our people don’t know who our missionaries are, and some don’t even know why we believe in sending and supporting missionaries in the first place (3 John 5–8). So, we are shifting our focus from just sending a check, to building a relationship. 

This shift in focus must take place, but it comes with change.

In order to do this most effectively, we are changing how and who we support through our church budget starting next year. We’ll be focusing on a smaller number of missionaries & organizations, and shifting our support to include an annual review and renewal process. 

We pray this new approach will allow for better communication, you all having a deeper knowledge of those we support, higher church engagement (personal giving and communication), and increased opportunities for involvement (trips and projects).

New Missions Expo

Every year we’ll invite our missionary friends (even some we don’t support through our church budget) to share what God is doing through their work. We pray this will build stronger relationships between missionaries and supporting church members. We’ll have more information on that later.

We are excited for our new teams and our new focus, and we hope you are too! We look forward to our continued partnership with you in the Lord’s work.

Grace and peace to you,

Juli Dirks, Executive Director of Ministries

"Love like I love"

Today is Maundy Thursday. But what is Maundy Thursday, anyway?

I'll be honest… having grown up in church, it's probably something I should have known and understood. But, somehow, I just haven't really thought much about it until now.

I'm reading through a lent devotional plan on my PrayerMate app called “Love to the Uttermost” by John Piper. As I read this morning's devotional I was challenged by what I read about Maundy Thursday.

“Maundy” comes from the Latin word meaning "commandment". Maundy Thursday commemorates the command Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper, just before he was crucified:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34)

Jesus commanded his disciples to love others the way he loved them. He soon demonstrated for them just what that love was to look like—service and self-sacrifice. He washed their feet in an act of servant leadership and later suffered and died on a cross in the ultimate act of love.

I really loved what Piper shared next. He connected this command with what Jesus identified as the second greatest commandment after loving God: "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).

What does that really look like—loving others like Jesus did and loving others like yourself?

Piper points out that when Jesus commands his disciples to "love like I love," it's like he's saying:

"Here is what I mean by ‘as yourself.’ Watch me. I mean: Just as you would want someone to set you free from certain death, so you should set them free from certain death. That is how I am now loving you. My suffering and death is what I mean by ‘as yourself.’ You want life. Live to give others life. At any cost."

What challenged me wasn't a new idea, but a reiteration that my life, as a follower of Christ, should be marked by this kind of love. Jesus commanded me to own this mission personally, and to desire and work toward helping others find life in him.

What does that look like for me right now?

How can I live to give others life?

It means sacrificing as needed to share and live out the gospel in my family. It means seeing others (neighbors, acquaintances) through glasses of grace, showing them love, and moving past my fears and insecurities to share life-saving truth with them.

I'm grateful for this reminder (more like a strong poke!) from God.

Love God. Love people. Lead others to do the same.

Join us Friday night as we observe Good Friday together (6:30pm), and Sunday morning as we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and amazing gift of eternal life!

Juli Dirks

Spiritual Vertigo

Have you ever experienced vertigo? That feeling of being off balance; how with a sudden movement you find yourself on a virtual roller coaster ride? It's no thrill! 

It's amazing to me how the tiniest parts of your ear can affect the equilibrium of your whole body.

There are not a lot of good remedies for an issue like this. But being still and taking a few deep breaths are immediate needs when things get spinning. Every movement must become slow and focused to avoid falling or injury. 

Our spiritual equilibrium is much the same.

An unexpected trial can set your world spinning—a thoughtless comment can unintentionally spark hurt, a winter storm can ruin plans, job loss can leave you scrambling. Life brings regular opportunities for imbalance in our thoughts, emotions, and relationships.

So when circumstances tip and turn you one way or another, what do you do?

I was reminded this week that my response to spiritual or emotional vertigo should be similar to a physical dizzy spell.

Be still. Breathe. Focus. Take careful next steps.

When worry, anger, hurt, or doubt creep in, I need to stop and breathe—take time to be still in God's presence, shut out distractions, reach out to him to steady me, breathe out my prayers for help and steadiness, stay and rest awhile with him.

Next, I must focus—focus on who God is, on truth from his Word, on praise and gratitude in the midst of everything.

Once I'm centered with the Lord, I can prayerfully take next steps considering how my reactions to this trying situation could affect myself and others around me. I must push on through whatever difficulties I'm facing, making choices that lead to personal and relational health. I can move forward, steadied by God's guidance and wisdom.

Are you experiencing some spiritual vertigo? Is life leaving you spinning? 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult… Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:1-3, 10a

Juli Dirks

Only Jesus

And I, I don't want to leave a legacy
I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus

And I, I've only got one life to live
I'll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus

The words to this song by Casting Crowns make me stop and think every time I hear them.

Our world says, "make a name for yourself". Even in Christian circles you hear, "leave a legacy".

I agree, leaving a godly legacy is a good thing. But this song made me think. Is my godly legacy something I should really be focusing on? Or should I be more concerned about Jesus’ legacy? The answer seems obvious.

I heard this song again yesterday, and it felt especially meaningful. Both Ryan and I have just lost our last grandparent within a month of each other. There's something hard to swallow about the finality of a whole generation in our families that's now missing.

We were both tremendously blessed with two sets of godly grandparents who had strong influence in our lives and our faith journeys. None of them set out to make their mark on the world. They simply lived lives of faithfulness to God.

While we'll treasure our memories of them, and special heirlooms that are passed down to us, what we can really treasure is the lingering imprint of Jesus they all have left behind—how Jesus' influence in their lives has spread to ours. Each of them, in their own way, despite struggles and failings, left Jesus' legacy.

Years from now, when I'm no longer on the earth, what do I want my daughter and grandchildren to remember about me? What's really important? Not my money, my things, my successes, or even my ministry work. Not me at all, really. Only Jesus.

My prayer is that, by God's grace, my greatest accomplishment will be that I was able to "step aside", get out of his way in a sense, and allow God to work through me to accomplish what I could not on my own so that my life points to Jesus.

And I, I don't want to leave a legacy
I don't care if they remember me
Only Jesus…

We look forward to seeing you Sunday, in person and online! Join us as we kick off our Habit of Grace series.

Juli Dirks

Now and Later

Now and Laters.

Does anyone remember these chewy, jaw-breaking taffy squares? It's been awhile since I've eaten one (I think the watermelon flavor was my favorite), but they came to mind as I was reading through I and II Thessalonians this week.

I know. Weird, right?

In these two letters Paul is writing to a church that is facing much persecution for their faith. He reaches out to them to encourage them to endure and stay faithful, and to address their concerns and confusion about Christ's return.

It felt timely to me that my read-through-the-Bible schedule landed me in these books right as Advent season is starting and our current sermon series will focus on patience this Sunday.

But then, when is God's Word not timely?

What I've been struck with is the balance a follower of Christ must aim for—the balance of Now and Later.

The Christian life is so much about balancing the Now (relationships, work, service, growing in Christ, struggles) with the Later (Christ's return, our heavenly destination). It's like trying to keep one foot firmly on the ground in two different worlds.

Paul calls us to be committed to our life here, making the most of our time waiting for Christ's return to work hard, love others, and intentionally grow in Christlikeness. At the same time, we keep our hearts anchored in the hope of Heaven. Be present in the Now and in the Later.

This is easier said than done.

I can find myself swinging too far one way or the other—getting caught up in the worries and tasks of Now, or longing so hard for Later that I withdraw because Now seems too long and too hard.

I loved the reminder to keep my heart balanced between the two. As I pondered how that looks for me, here are some things that came to mind:

• Live with anticipation, not anxiety.

• Live with confidence, not confusion.

• Live with faithfulness, not idleness.

• Live with hope, not despair.

I hope that this 2020 Advent season will remind you to patiently endure and actively serve the Lord right Now, while relishing in the hope of our Later with Christ.

Steady on, my friends!
Juli Dirks

Suffering, Comfort, and Hope

I'll be honest, writing these staff journals is hard!

I don't always feel like I have something amazing to share. I mean, I'm no pastor. What if people think what I have to say is silly? What if I don't communicate my heart effectively?

This time, again, I had a hard time landing on just what to share.

At a staff friend's suggestion, I went back to my prayer notebook searching for some inspiration and asked the Spirit to guide me. I landed on a page where I've been collecting Bible verses that have jumped out at me and spoken deeply to me during prayer time over the last few weeks. I had been revisiting these verses and praying through them. 

What I noticed this time was a progression I hadn't seen before—God leading me through his Word. So cool! I wonder if you'll notice it too.

2 Corinthians 1:8b-9

For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.  

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.  

Hebrews 6:19a

We have this HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. 

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Galatians 6:9-10

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we DO NOT GIVE UP.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. 

Acts 9:31

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Did you see it? 

This year, and especially these last few months, have brought many times of feeling utterly burdened beyond my strength. I've had no choice but to rely on God. But while I felt at times I was sharing abundantly in Christ's suffering, God also comforted me abundantly and led me to hope.

Hope reminded me who I was working for and led me to gratitude. Hope implored me to keep going and not give up, especially for the sake of God's people. And hope provided a picture of what God wants to do at Grace and in the Church worldwide.

This was, and continues to be, such an inspiration to me! I literally get chills each time I read through these verses. I hope it will encourage you too. 

Please join me in praying that God will bring peace to our church and among believers, and that he will strengthen and build us up. Pray that we will live reverently before the Lord, comforted by his Spirit. Pray that we would grow and multiply as we love God, love people and lead others to do the same.

See you Sunday, Church! Pastor Jack will be talking about getting dirty and smelly. 😊

-Juli Dirks

Perfection. Comfort. Ease. Cheese!

Perfection. Comfort. Ease. Cheese!

I bet you're wondering where I'm going with this, ha! Bear with me a bit here.

Over the past year or so, the church staff & elders have been praying over, revising, and re-articulating our church values (you will be hearing a lot more about them in the coming weeks). Our values are what color everything we do, setting our intention and direction.

All that talk of values led me contemplate, "What are my values?"

If values are the things that are important to me—the characteristics and behaviors that motivate me and guide my decisions—then what would my personal values be, exactly?

I've never put them down on paper and hung them on my wall. But if I did, what would it look like?

When I first began rolling this around in my mind and heart, things like Jesus, God's will, family, excellence, simplicity, and a few more were first to come. It would have been easy to leave it there and pat myself on the back for valuing the right things.

But the Holy Spirit prodded me to dig deeper.

The question became, "Does my life actually reflect what I think or say I value? What do my choices and actions reveal about what I value?"

These questions were a little more uncomfortable to answer.

Yes, in some ways I could see that those good values were truly driving many of my decisions, behaviors, and responses. But more reflection led me to see that I also really value some not so good things. Enter those words from above: perfection, comfort, ease, cheese. Yes, cheese!

Though I may not have intentionally chosen these values or made some pretty word art with them and framed them on my wall, God showed me how these things are more important to me than I'd like to admit. 

I've struggled with perfectionism since I was very young. My pursuit (or resistance) of perfection can take up a lot of time and emotional energy, as well affect my relationships negatively.

How I spend my time and approach daily responsibilities frequently reflects a desire for comfort and ease, trying to avoid difficulty or situations that feel uncomfortable.

And cheese… I turn to food (especially cheese in its many delicious forms) far too often for "self-care". Food can occupy way too much of my thinking space!

This wouldn't be the first time God has pointed out these weeds in the garden. It was hard to admit to myself (and now to you) that these things are still influencing my life. But it's a welcome opportunity to recalibrate my heart to what God values.

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

My daily prayer must continue to be "more Him, less me" so that I can "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and . . . run with endurance the race that is set before [me]." (Hebrew 12:1) 

When was the last time you thought about your personal values? Do you have them written down? What do your actions and decisions say you value? Are they the same?

Join us over the next few Sundays as we explore Grace's values. We're also really excited for fall ministry to be starting back up after a long break! So join us this Sunday morning for the start of Sunday School (kids through adults). See you then!

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

Let's Choose Love

Have you seen this image going around? Can you identify with one or more of these expressions?

I think this image adequately describes the way things are right now. I've personally heard almost all of these perspectives voiced by someone.

It's a difficult place to live for all of us, isn't it?

Opinions and feelings are so varied. Information (and misinformation) is constantly changing. Clarity and surety are in short supply.

This situation has reminded me of something I learned in a Bible study a number of years ago: the difference between personal convictions and biblical convictions.

Clearly, the Bible doesn't specifically address what a church should do about meeting in the case of a worldwide pandemic — how cautious or brave to be, whether to wear masks or not, how to configure chairs in the Worship Center, or how soon to begin children's ministry.

That would have been a incredibly big help if God had included that in the scriptures! Pandemic 3:12, "Thou shalt begin services on…" Ha!

But since he didn't, we must pray for wisdom to make those kinds of decisions since our personal convictions will fall on all sides of the matter. We all have our own reasons for those convictions too — health, age, concern for relatives, personal experiences…

Thankfully, the Bible is clear about a lot of other things: extending grace to others, loving others, being kind, and trusting in Him.

To be sure, our desire to be reunited in person is due to our love for one another and a strong desire for fellowship which comes from our shared love of the Lord. That love also drives our desire to be cautious and careful. 

So, as we begin the process of gathering again, let's choose love.

There is beauty and strength in our diversity of ages, abilities, perspectives, and even our personal convictions about the coronavirus. Let's extend grace by valuing people more than we do our own convictions and opinions. Go the extra mile to respect and protect those who are most vulnerable or extra cautious. Reach out to and encourage those who may need to wait awhile to return. We are the church. Let's be the church!

---

We are excitedly anticipating and diligently preparing for our first in-person Sunday morning gathering on June 7 at 10:30am! Things will look different; they may even feel strange. But God will be in our midst! Join us in praying for a safe and joyful reuniting.

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

Get to know the Grace Care Team

Grace, these are crazy times we’re living in, aren’t they? We need each other now more than ever!

I’m so glad that we have hope in a God who is in control, and a church family that is full of kind and caring people. Thank you for reaching out to support and care for each other during this difficult time.

You’re being the church in new and creative ways!

During this time, we continue to focus efforts on building up our Grace Care Team in order to meet the needs of those most vulnerable in our church body. Since this is a fairly new ministry team (just about a year old), I conducted an “email interview” with the chair of our Grace Care Team, Jill Moore, so you could learn more about how God is using their ministry.

Here’s what she shared with me:  

Juli Dirks: What is the Grace Care Team? Why did this special team start?

Jill Moore: Galatians 6:2 expresses our purpose, “Bear one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Grace Care Team was specifically organized to meet needs of the shut-ins and other seniors, people with long-term health issues, and new widows/widowers in our church.

We do this through being a visitor or phone prayer partner, offering transportation, arranging short-term meals, and helping with home repairs. When we “come alongside” a person, we infuse hope and the ability to keep going. They tangibly know someone cares and, most importantly, God cares.

JD: Why is the Grace Care Team an especially important part of Grace's ministry right now, during this pandemic?

JM: Fear and isolation can increase loneliness. Everyone needs connection. Getting a phone call from someone lets them hear that a real person is thinking of them and praying for them. A senior is more likely to tell us a specific need if there is relationship there. They, too, like to be independent and “not bother others." 

JD: Which kinds of needs are you finding to be most prevalent right now?

JM: This week most seniors are telling us they have what they need physically, but we notice in our phone calls that they carry burdens for their family members losing jobs and having surgeries being delayed. They have the same stress and fears all of us are tempted to carry—but they typically live alone.

Actually, the need for physical help with errands or food may escalate in the next 3 weeks depending on how long this continues. Someone to pray with now meets today’s need.  

JD: What can our church do support the Grace Care Team and those in our church who have needs?

JM: There are a number of ways:

• Make phone calls or send cards. Who do you already have connections with? Who does God bring to mind? Call and tell that person you are acquainted with them from the church and want to know ways you could pray for them. Send someone a note of encouragement or make a new pen pal. Ask if they have other people checking on them. If no one is coming to mind, we can supply you with specific people who are longing for this connection.

• Be eyes and ears for the Grace Care Team. If you discover a need that we can help with, tell us. Pray and tell them you are praying. I know it is true that all ages of people have special needs during this pandemic. Please strengthen your connections. And express your needs to the church, no matter what your age.  

• Join our volunteer list. We are compiling a list of volunteers who are standing by to address other needs—transportation to doctor visits or church, food donations for funerals, going to get groceries, advice or help with home repair/improvement projects, help for seniors navigating computer/technology. Contact us to let us know you’re willing to use your gifts and skills to meet these needs.

• Serve on our council. We are looking for a couple of additional people willing to serve with us in organizing our efforts to meet these needs.

I am praising God for using this pandemic to push us out of our busy, self-focused lifestyles and create in us the desire to care for one another. I, personally, have been strengthened and had my faith increase as I see God provide volunteers who become the hands and feet of Jesus to our church family.

JD: Thank you, Jill and team, for your passionate and compassionate work! Our church is blessed to have you.

---

So, Grace, this is a wonderful way to be the church during these uncertain times.

Let the Grace Care Team hear from you!

If you have a need or can help meet a need, here’s how you can let us know:

• Contact Jill Moore directly, 316-655-0954, jillmhm@gmail.com.

• Call the church office at 316-283-2554. We’re still answering the phone!

• Use the Connect With Us button on our website.

Hang in there, church! Lean into Jesus. I’m praying for God to meet you right where you are and bless you with peace and protection. 

Join us Sunday at 10:30am via Facebook Live as we worship together and start a walk through the comforting truths of Psalm 23.

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

Creating Joyful Community

I love our church!

On Sundays I feel so blessed as I walk through the halls because of the kind, warm people I encounter. They smile, pass out hugs, stop to see how I'm doing, or share a laugh with me. I think about how each person is contributing to our church body and see their care for others and it makes me smile.

But I realize this isn't everyone's experience.

Have you ever felt alone or a little lost in the crowd?

In a church our size, it can be easy to blend in and go unnoticed. In fact, some people like the idea of attending a bigger church where they can slip in and out; but I don't think that's the case for the majority of people.

I think most people are looking for a place to connect and belong, and that can be difficult in a bigger gathering.

At Grace we exist to love God, love people, and lead others to do the same. Part of loving people means that we value creating joyful community where people are more than just noticed. Joyful community happens when people are glad to be together. That is why we desire that people feel welcome, cared for, and important.

We have some great strategies in place to help people connect:

• Hospitality teams of greeters, ushers, coffee brewers and Connection Desk staff to help welcome, direct, and inform you

• We are intentional about our "meet-and-greet" times during services being an opportunity to actually meet the people around you.

• The Plan Your Visit button on our website where newcomers can sign up for a tour of the building, get help checking their kids into nursery or Sunday school, and find a seat next to a friendly face

• Community Life Groups are available to help find a place for deeper relationships and fun fellowship

• Our Grace Care Team ministers to widows, shut-ins, and those with major illnesses

• We have many opportunities to serve (serving with others—like during Summer Quest—can create belonging and community)

All of these are strategies are great but, to be honest, they sometimes just aren't enough.

Lately I've heard from some different people that making initial connections at Grace was hard for them. A few have visited services several Sundays in a row and had no one speak to them. I've heard from others who've attended here for a long time but are feeling invisible and unimportant.

I don't know about you, but that hurts my heart… and it's personally convicting! That has been motivation for me to be more brave in approaching new faces each week and being intentional about connecting with others.

How about you?

Do you feel connected?

Can I challenge you personally to help us create a joyful community here at Grace?

Our staff is committed to this value, but we can't do it all by ourselves. We need your help!

• Welcome and direct new people

• Look for and warmly engage new faces during "meet-and-greet" (go beyond a "hello"; if you don’t know where to start, ask "How long have you been at Grace?")

• Invite someone (new or old) out to lunch or over for supper

• Join the Grace Care Team

• Reach out if you're feeling alone (talk to the person next to you, come up to a staff member, or let us know through the Connect With Us button)

• Check in on someone you haven't seen in awhile

• Connect in a Community Life Group

• Find a way to serve

Generally, just look for ways to love people right here at Grace.

Together, we can create a warm and welcoming culture where people of all ages and stages, from all walks of life, can find belonging and unity in Christ.

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Join us this Sunday for week 4 of our FAQ mini-series exploring the hope we have for the future!

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

"All-In"

"All-In"

Have you been noticing those words popping up at church more? We sure hope so!

As a staff we've been working hard toward advanced planning, as well as creating a rhythm of ministry from year to year—a pattern of larger ministry efforts that the church can count on, look forward to, and plan to participate in.

We affectionately call all-ins our "big rocks".

All-ins are designed to be intentional church-wide initiatives that align with our mission to love God, love people and lead others to do the same.

Here’s a look at the rhythm for all-ins as it stands now:

• January: a focus on spiritual disciplines called “Habits of Grace”

• Summer: a focus on reaching our neighbors with the Gospel through Summer Quest

• Fall: a Fall Family Focus, alternating between a marriage emphasis one year and a parenting emphasis the next

As we grow and develop a rhythm that works well we'll also include other events like the Community Thanksgiving, First Responders Appreciation, or church-wide service days.

"All-in" really describes both how we approach these events and how we want you, the church body, to think of them.

Our desire is that these events will help to unify our body as we learn and serve together. We are one body and we need each other to grow well and minister effectively! We hope you will begin to look forward to all-in events with anticipation and a heart to join us in what God is doing here at Grace.

So when you hear "all-in" the next time, perk up your ears! Think about how you can join in, whether that be by attending, participating, or volunteering in some way. Let's look forward to seeking and serving the Lord together.

Our next all-in is coming January 2019! For this year’s Habits of Grace, we'll place a month-long emphasis on evangelism and discipleship. This includes not only a sermon series throughout the month, but also meaningful testimonies, weekly suggested activities to help you grow in your ability to make disciples in the home and beyond, access to valuable resources for all ages, and more.

Be looking for ways you can be a part of this important all-in event, and please be praying that God will equip our church to "be the church" in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools.

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

Pursuing Peace

What has God been laying on your heart?

Lately, as I've spent time with the Lord, I've felt him encouraging me to be a peacemaker.

I was struck several times over the course of last week that the enemy has been busy causing strife in relationships all around me - strife in marriages, families, friendships, ministry teams, and church relationships.

People who love and care about each other are struggling to be at peace with each other. This strife is disrupting the good work God wants to do in and through these marriages, families, friendships and our church.

The more I looked the more I saw this to be true.

And what is to be my part in it? God showed me that I needed to be a messenger of peace - to pray for peace and to seek ways to gently and kindly speak truth, directing others toward peace so that the Gospel of Peace won't be tarnished, distorted, or silenced.

Do you want to take a wild guess at what I've struggled the most with personally and spiritually this week?

You guessed it . . . peace.

I have been tested greatly, and failed often, with peace in my body and spirit, in my home, at work, and really everywhere else. Ugh!

I want to be frustrated by my own failings in this area, but I must confess them and then choose to let the struggle confirm that peacemaking for the sake of God's kingdom is such important work. I must let the struggle spur me on to keep trying.

Romans 14:19 says, "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another."

Ephesians 4:3-6 says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

So, I'm praying for God's strength to continue my efforts to lead with a peaceful, kind attitude at home, to encourage others to extend grace and understanding to those they are frustrated with or hurt by, and to point myself and others towards our common goal of sharing the Gospel by our words and the way we treat each other.

Where do you see the enemy working to create strife in the relationships around you? What can you do to pursue peace in your sphere of influence?

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Join us this Sunday as we turn our attention in this Frequently Asked Questions series to 1 Corinthians 12–14 and a discussion of the Spirit and spiritual gifts!

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

Surrendered is a Good Place to Be

Surrendered is a good place to be…

That's what I'm re-re-learning these days.

As we've walked through the book of James on Sunday mornings over the last few weeks, I've been challenged to be intentional about surrender - to have a present faith.

I'm a planner… I know, big surprise! (wink, wink)

Having a mind for details and planning for the future is a great gift to have. Planning ahead is a really good thing in a lot of ways. Admittedly, one of the pitfalls (at least for me) is the tendency and temptation to try to control outcomes.

I was convicted, as we looked at James chapter 4, that my attempts to control show a lack of faith and surrender to God's sovereign plans. Though often unintentionally, I am in my own way "boasting" about my plans for the future and operating foolishly in my own strength. I've seen this play out a lot lately as I'm in a season of big changes - new office staff, new job, new home…

The more things change, the more I feel out of control. The more I feel out of control, the more I try to control. Ug!

I love having the "What's Real?" and "What's Next?" questions at the bottom of the notes section in the church programs each week. They challenge me to think more personally about the sermons, be truthful with myself, and put action to my faith.

Recently one of the application questions on the program (7/14) was: "What habits help you humbly plan for your future while relying on God?"

Regular and intentional surrender to God's will is what I landed on.

When I'm out of the habit of daily (sometimes hourly) saying to the Lord, "Here's what I'm planning; here's what I have before me - but your will, not mine," I am less likely to grasp for control. But with this daily little practice in place, I can keep my heart centered on- and surrendered to the immortal, invisible, almighty God who has plans far greater and more glorious than I can imagine. This helps me bring prudent planning and reliant faith into alignment. I'll be working at reestablishing this habit now.

Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

What habits help you humbly plan for your future while relying on God?

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Join us this Sunday as we worship through song together and one of our elders, David Landis, leads us in exploring Matthew 8:5-13!

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

Meet God on the Midway

Who am I? 

Who gives me strength? 

How do I do life with Jesus? 

What do I treasure in life? 

These are questions we're going to ask and answer at Summer Quest next week. It's crazy to think that in just four short days we'll have eleven teams in place to meet the children who will be attending Summer Quest! 

Around 150 volunteers from GCC and New Anthem Church have been working creatively to prepare for this major, all-in outreach event. The 300+ children we are anticipating this year will be met by warm, inviting volunteers who will strive to provide a fun, safe experience that will most importantly point kids to the gospel and build relationships with families in our neighborhoods. 

This year our theme is Colossal Carnival: Meet God on the Midway. Here's a taste of what we'll be up to:

Our theme verse is Matthew 6:21, "For where your heart is, there your treasure is also."

On Monday - we'll explore the Hall of Mirrors and learn how we are created in God's image.

On Tuesday - we'll visit the Strong Man to understand that our strength and courage come from God.

On Wenesday - we'll ride the Tilt-a-Whirl to see that in order to navigate the twists and turns in life, we need to walk by faith and trust in Jesus.

On Thursday - we'll stroll the Midway to learn that the eternal life Jesus gives is our ultimate prize.

On Friday - we'll host a fun carnival here at the church, called Summer Fest, for those who have participated in Summer Quest over the week and their families. Along with food, fun and live music, Pastor Jack will share a gospel message and invite them to join us at Grace on Sundays.

Please join us in praying all week for God to be at work through our volunteers and in the hearts of the chlidren who come. We covet your prayers! In fact, we'll have prayer wristbands and cards with specific prayer requests available on tables around the church facility this coming Sunday. Please stop by and pick them up.

We appreciate your support!

Juli Dirks
Executive Director of Ministries

Practicing the Presence of God

"A picture is worth a thousand words."

You've probably heard that phrase before. But I'm seeing it in a little different light this week as I've been pondering my prayer life during our emphasis on prayer this month. It brought to mind another phrase that I feel God has been leading me in lately - "practicing the presence of God."  

'“Practicing the presence of God' means not only staying aware of Jesus throughout the day . . . [but also] living every activity of the day with Jesus, by his side, sharing every experience with him." -Fr. John Bartunek 

I have been working towards increasingly inviting Christ into all the moments of my day.

He's already there, of course, but the busyness of the day takes my focus away from the One who goes before me, walks beside me and hems me in behind. 

I've found that picturing Jesus physically in the room with me has allowed me to create room in my mind and heart for being with him and sharing my life with him more fully.

Sometimes I picture him riding in the front seat with me as I drive to work; his hand on my shoulder and a loving smile on his face. Sometimes I picture him sitting with me in our front room early in the morning as I drink tea and quiet myself for Bible reading, or holding his hand as I take a walk in the sunshine. Sometimes his arm is around me expressing understanding for frustration I'm feeling or he's embracing me in a big bear hug and just letting me cry. No need for words between us. Just me with him and him with me. 

It's here that "a picture is worth a thousand words" for me. Here I can most easily find my true identity and stability in him.

Sometimes words aren't enough to express what's really in my heart and my words get in the way of Jesus sharing what's on his heart. The picture of him with me and the quiet connection between us is worth a thousand words.

Psalm 16:11 says,

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Though I will continue to pray boldly, humbly, specifically and with scripture (as we’ve learned so much about this month), I also want to prioritize making space in my day and my heart for his presence, where my heart and his heart can align.

Will you make space for Jesus this week?

We look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday! Join us as we hear from Nathan Ehresman, our Creative Arts Director, on sharing the Gospel faithfully wherever the Spirit is leading you.

-Juli Dirks

Christmas Killers

What’s killing Christmas for you?

I've been listening and observing a lot lately and I've heard so many people say they're struggling to enjoy what is supposed to be "the best time of the year". They're tangled up in the busyness of the season, the stress of gift-buying and the difficulty of navigating strained family relationships during the holidays. I can completely understand!

I recently listened to a convicting podcast by Pete Scazzero called "The 4 Christmas Killers". Though he was speaking mainly to church leaders, I felt there was great truth to share for anyone. He pointed out that Christmas can be a low point spiritually for many who are working hard to make it a meaningful and fruitful time - that in that process we lose "the wonder and beauty of celebrating God's coming in Jesus of Nazareth."

The four Christmas killers he identified (I'm sure there are others) were:

• Rushing -  "The pressure of too much to do, in too little time, causes us to push a button into an ‘autopilot’ spirituality. We end up speaking of profound spiritual realities but our hearts slowly shrink."

• Living in anxiety - Anxiety keeps us busy, and busyness keeps us anxious. We try hard to do things perfectly. We worry over relationships.

• Doing too much - Packing our days (and nights) full of events and activities. Pushing past our God-given limits. It makes us so weary.

• Forgetting our greatest gift is who we are, not what we do - "Our number one work is to remain deeply connected with the Father, with ourselves, and with those closest to us." The craziness of the season can cause us to not be truly present with the Lord and those we love. 

So what can we do about these things that threaten to ruin the season? Slow down! Make time to be alone and pray. Relax! Ask God to help us focus on what's most important and eliminate what isn't. Remember to be present with the Lord and those around us.

I don't know about you, but I needed to hear all of this!

I pray that God will help us to center our hearts on him as Christmas week approaches, and that the wonder of Christ's coming will truly fill us with awe and joy!

Join us this Sunday as we worship Jesus as our Lord and Savior!

Juli Dirks
GraceKids Director

Introducing Route 56

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love and in purity." I Timothy 4:12

We're putting feet to this verse in GraceKids this year with the introduction of a new ministry called Route 56.

Perhaps you've noticed some fresh, young faces greeting you at the main doors, handing you programs when you enter the Worship Center, helping you get coffee or cappuccino at the Coffee Corner, and leading in song & tech for Kids Worship during Sunday school. If you haven't noticed, look for their easy-to-spot orange ringer shirts!

These great kids are part of a group of sixteen 5th and 6th grade leaders-in-training. They meet monthly for specific training in leadership and study of their correlating theme verse. Serving weekly all school year, they'll be exploring how God has gifted them and how they can use those gifts to serve him and the church.  

Though we're just in the beginning stages with this ministry - and naturally have some bugs to work out in the system - it's been exciting to see how enthusiastic and willing these kids are to serve. We're grateful for adult volunteers who have welcomed them warmly in their stations and are helping to mentor them. Recent research reveals that kids who become involved in serving in church early and see themselves as an important part of the church today will be more likely to stay in church (and serve) as they get older.

There are so many other great benefits to this kind of program - inter-generational serving & relationship building, creating a joyful environment that welcomes kids everywhere (not just in designated “kid” areas), and leading the next generation to name a few. This is one great way we can be intentional with Grace's vision to "lead others to do the same"!

GraceKids is blessed with creative, hard-working volunteers who recognize opportunities like these and are willing to innovate, create, and try new things like Route 56! Saying yes to new opportunities often means other things have to take the back burner.

This year, as we're turning our attention and resources toward Route 56 and some other changes, we'll be pressing the pause button on some other things - namely Trunk-or-Treat and the kids Christmas program. This doesn't necessarily mean those good things won't ever happen again; it just means we're redirecting our resources in the direction of something else we feel is important and meaningful. 

I want to invite you to celebrate this new opportunity with us! Keep your eyes peeled for our Route 56 team. Don't overlook them! Instead, give them a big smile, engage them and encourage them as they explore what it means to lead by serving. Pray for God's blessing on them as they grow and serve. Pray also that this ministry will bless our church now and in the years to come.

Blessings to you!
Juli Dirks