There are 35 great groups to choose from and registration is under way! Choose from topical groups, Bible study groups, men’s groups, women’s groups, post-college-aged groups—groups for everyone. Life Groups are a place where relationships can grow and we can become the community that Christ is calling us to be.

        CLICK HERE to register.

Congregational Meeting
On February 5 there will be a congregational meeting at 11:00 AM in the Social Hall for members to reaffirm the Executive Board of Elders’ recommended list of elders for service in 2012.  In addition, there will be a vote to approve a recommended change to the current Statement of Faith. The Executive Board of Elders is recommending a newly worded Statement of Faith to replace the Statement of Faith currently in our Bylaws. Hard copies of the current Statement of Faith and the proposed Statement of Faith can be obtained at the Welcome Center on the plaza on Sundays. In order for the members to make an informed decision, information will be provided during the month of January to further explain and clarify the purpose of proposed changes.  The meeting agenda will consist of the reaffirmation of elders, the ordination of Kurt Victor, and the affirmation of an amendment to the Statement of Faith in the Bylaws.  The commissioning of Beth Balmer, Nancy Hagberg and Julie Schumacher has been postponed for further study.

View the Proposed Statement of Faith here.

View the Current Statement of Faith here.

CALLING ALL STORYTELLERS!

Have a great story to tell about a personal Romance Fail?

We’ve all been there.  Whether you’ve prepared a succulent duck l’orange, only to find out your date is vegetarian… or left your special someone stranded in a dangerous neighborhood while you’re heading out on foot with an empty gas can… none of us are immune to the old relationship “whoops.”

The theme for this February’s StorySLAM event is, appropriately, “Romance Fail”.  If you have a great story to tell about a romantic moment-gone-wrong (or if you know someone else who does, inside or outside the church), you’re invited to perform in the upcoming SLAM event on Saturday, February 25, at 7:00 PM at SEKA Coffee House.

November’s StorySLAM was such a blast, we had to do it again.  Based on a popular and spontaneous story telling event called The Moth (founded in New York in 1997), storytellers will be sharing their 10 minute true stories. Get in line early, as spots for writers and spectators alike go quickly.

Contact Jeremy Bear for more information.

Next Sunday’s Schedule
Due to the congregational meeting next Sunday at 11:00 AM in the Social Hall, there will be only be one service, at 9:30 AM.  Overflow seating will be available in the Chapel. Check with your Adult Bible Fellowship as to whether your group will be meeting.

A History of Change in the Brethren Church
In an ongoing effort to provide helpful educational information prior to the February 5 congregational meeting, the audio of last Sunday’s elective, A History of Change in the Brethren Church, is now available below, and by going to the Grace Media or via iTunes podcast. The second elective, What is Intellectual Character and Why is it Important to the Christian Life?, was also recorded and is available.

Click here to listen to A History of Change in the Brethren Church

Click here to listen to What is Intellectual Character…?

We’re Getting Close!

You know those home makeover shows that want the “big reveal” to be a surprise so they stop showing the progress toward the end?  Well, we’re taking a page from their book and there won’t be any more pictures until we re-enter the sanctuary.  We think you’ll be very pleased with how beautifully it’s all coming together.  There are a few inspections left with the city, some clean up work that needs to happen, and then we’ll begin the process of moving things from the Social Hall back to the sanctuary.  Stay tuned…

There May Not Be Snow, But There Will Be Fun!

This Friday, 17 4th and 5th graders and four staff will head to Forrest Home Christian Conference Center for a weekend at Junior Winter Camp.  Pray that they will encounter God in a fresh way, and develop a deeper intimacy with him, and with other followers of Jesus.  Pray for the camp staff, speakers and for our four “chaperones” (Jo Anne Chung, Joel Lueb, Beth Christen, Kevin Van Lant) as they interact with the kids this weekend.

Congratulations to the Saenz Family

Luke Vincent was officially adopted by Andy and Jennifer Saenz on Monday, January 23.  Luke joins adopted biological siblings Lance and Stella.

Have a Question?
“Ask a Question” is for people in the Grace community to ask questions and receive answers about the proposed Statement of Faith.  We will be voting to ratify the proposed Statement of Faith as recommended by the Executive Board of Elders on February 5 at a members meeting.  Our desire in this space is to reflect a healthy, gospel-oriented dialogue, so we ask that questions be posed in such a way as to promote clarity and conversation.  Disagreement is permitted but we ask that questions first seek to understand before demanding to be understood.  This space is for questions and clarity and will not serve as a forum for anonymous, vitriolic arguing as is seen so often on the internet.

Click here to Ask a Question.

View PROPOSED Statement of Faith here.

View CURRENT Statement of Faith here.

Elder Care in the Home

Grace Senior Adult Ministry is excited to sponsor a special senior adult care seminar on Saturday, January 28, from 9:00 AM to noon at Parkcrest Church.  The seminar is called “Elder Care in the Home”, and will be led by Alex Thomsen, Director of Community Relations at Attentive Home Care.  Also presenting will be  Dave Zalopany, CEO of Hygieia Home Health, and Fredy Dominguez, also with Hygieia.  This is a FREE seminar!  Questions?  Contact Pastor Jerry Giles.

Hallelujah! Our God reigns!
If the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus makes you explode into song, come join us on Monday nights as we rehearse for the Easter Service. We’ll sing in 4-part harmony music by composers from several different centuries to help us proclaim the glory of our Risen King!  Rehearsal start date is TBA.  Click here to sign up.

The MOPPETS Program Needs YOU!

The Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program at Grace will being its spring session on February 22. MOPS gives young moms a chance to recharge and get connected to each other and to Jesus. One of the ways these moms recharge is to have some time to connect with other moms…without their kids. We’re looking for 7-10 people to serve with the MOPPETS program for the children of MOPS moms. There are several paid positions. MOPS meets every other Wednesday from 9:00-11:30AM, on the church campus. Interested? Contact Marlene Alvey.

NOTE:  The MOPPETS program is in particular need of people to help in the toddlers room.