GraceAlive

“Glorifying God through equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors.” Volume 58

Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church

FEBRUARY2014

Grace Alive is available in a PDF format on the church web page at www.YakimaGrace.com. For inquiries, submissions,omissions, and corrections, contact Curt Rosenkranz in the church office. 248-7940 x 113 curtis.rosenkranz@YakimaGrace.com

Grace of ChristPresbyterian Church 9 South 8th AveYakima, WA 98902(509) 248-7940

CALENDARFebruary EventsSunday, February 2 Communion Sunday All morning Sanctuary Everyone EasterProjectMeeting 11:00a MidHighRm TeamMonday,February3 LivingWatersMissionsMeeting 5:30p Parlor Committee FellowshipMinistryTeamMeeting 6:00p DFLounge CommitteeTuesday,February4 Women’sMinistryMeeting 4:30p PrayerRoom Committee AdultEducationMeeting 7:00p AdultEd CommitteeThursday,February6 HappyTravelersMeeting 1:30p AdultEd Committee SeniorAdultMinistriesMeeting 3:00p AdultEd CommitteeFriday,February7 MOPS(MothersofPreschoolers) 9:00a Gym MomsSaturday,February8 PrayerShawlMinistry 9:00a GardenRoom Knitters GhormleyWorkDay/FreeLunch!/RSVP Allday GhormleyMeadow EveryoneSunday,February9 CarenetCommitteeMeeting 12:15p AdultEd CommitteeMonday,February10 EdithFerryCirclePotluck 12:00p Parlor WomenTuesday,February11 WorshipMinistryTeamMeeting 6:00p Parlor Committee DiscipleshipMinistryTeamMeeting 6:00p Room203 Committee ServiceMinistryTeamMeeting 6:00p AdultEd Committee BusinessMinistryTeamMeeting 7:00p Library Committee SacredMessengers 7:00p DFLounge CommitteeThursday,February13 Women’sCraftNight 6:30p AdultEd WomenFriday,February14 MOPSLeadershipMeeting 9:00a DFLounge Committee S’MoreLuvDinner 6:00p GardenRoom EveryoneSunday,February16 ChildcareStaffLunch/Meeting 12:00p AdultEd Staff CristoVivePlanningMeeting/Potluck 2:00p DFLounge CommitteeMonday,February17 President’sDay/ChurchClosed Allday EntireChurch EveryoneTuesday,February18 Children’sMinistryBoardMeeting 4:00p DFLounge Committee SessionLeadershipTeamMeeting 7:00p AdultEd CommitteeThursday,February20 GhormleyCommission 6:30p AdultEd CommitteeFriday,February21 MOPS(MothersofPreschoolers) 9:00a Gym MomsFeb21and22,2014 StudentMinistriesTheFaminie 6pFri-7pSat Gym,YouthRoom StudentMinSaturday,February22 PrayerShawlMinistry 1:00p GardenRoom KnittersSunday,February23 NewMemberClassKickOff(4wks) 9:30a Chapel Everyone NOPARENTINGCLASSTODAY 9:30a Gym EasterProjectMeeting 11:00a MidHighRm Team Deacon’sMeeting 3:30p DFLounge DeaconsTuesday,February25 FoundationBoard 7:00a Library Committee SessionDinnerandMeeting 6:00p GardenRm/MidHigh Elders&ProgramStaffWednesday,February26 NaomiCircleMeeting 10:00a Parlor WomenFriday,February28 MOPSCreativeMoments 9:00a Room217 Moms CristoViveFamilyNight 6:30p DFLounge EveryoneSunday,March2 EPAuctionandDinner(StudentMissionTrip) 6:00p-8:00p Gym Everyone ChatWiththeElders-After9:30aand11aServices AdultEdRoom EveryoneMonday,March3 LivingWatersMissionsMeeting 5:30p Parlor Committee FellowshipMinistryTeamMeeting 6:00p DFLounge CommitteeTuesday,March4 Women’sMinistryMeeting 4:30p PrayerRoom Committee AdultEducationMeeting 7:00p AdultEd CommitteeWednesday,March5 AshWednesdaySoup&BreadMeal 5:30p Gym Everyone AshWednesdayService(Prayerat6p) 6:30p Sanctuary EveryoneThursday,March6 HappyTravelersMeeting 1:30p AdultEd Committee SeniorAdultMinistriesMeeting 3:00p AdultEd CommitteeFriday,March7 MOPS(MothersofPreschoolers) 9:00a Gym Moms PreschoolBookFair 8:30a-12:00p GardenRoom Everyone

Our Core Values• Glorifying God with our best• Pioneering and ongoing outreach• Engaging and nurturing relationships• Being a cornerstone in the community• Equipping people for ministry through

biblical foundation and service

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“Family Values”

Ourcongregationisnowconnectedtoalargerdenomination,orchurchfamily,calledECO:ACovenantOrderofEvangelicalPresbyterians.ECO’smissionis:TobuildflourishingchurchesthatmakedisciplesofJesusChrist.

Additionally,ECOhasembracedcertaincorevaluesandthesevaluesexpresshowtheirchurchesarecalledtoministerandinteractwithoneanotherandtheirsurroundingcommunitiesastheyfulfillGod’smission.AwonderfulthingaboutECOisthatourcongregation’smissionandcorevaluescloselyparallelthemissionandcorevaluesofECO.MuchofwhatECOliftsupisconsistentwithwhatourchurchhasalwaysvalued.Inotherwords,theECO“DNA”isamatch! JoinusduringthisnextsermonseriesasweexploretheECOandGraceofChrist“FamilyValues.” FEBRUARY2 “ACCOUNTABLECOMMUNITY” SermonText:1Thessalonians5:12-15 FEBRUARY9 “MISSIONALCENTRALITY” SermonText:John20:19-23

FEBRUARY16“EGALITARIANMINISTRY” SermonText:1Corinthians12:12-20

FEBRUARY23“LEADERSHIPVELOCITY” SermonText:Acts16:1-5

M-W-F Exercisers 9:30a-10:30a Gym/GR Sr AdultsMonday TOPS(TakeOffPoundsSensibly) 10:00a AdultEd Everyone OvereatersAnonymous 12:00p AdultEd Everyone Trailseekers 2:30p Gym Al-Anon 5:15p AdultEd EveryoneTuesday LivingaSpiritLedLifeWomen’sBibleStudy 9:15a Gym Women WomenintheWordBibleStudy 9:45a Parlor WomenWednesday WomenofAction(2ndand4thWednesdays)9:30a Chapel Women Men’sNoonBibleStudy 12:00n AdultEd Men ContemporaryWorshipRehearsal 6:00p-8:00p Sanctuary SOAR:SchoolofSpiritualTransformation 5:30p Chapel SoarStudentsThursday BibleStudyFellowship 9:00a Sanctuary Women TempleChoir 7:00p ChoirRm CristoViveMusicRehearsal 5:30p-7:00p Chapel CristoVive CristoViveMid-WeekWorshipService 7:00p-8:30p Chapel CristoVive SOZOPrayer 5:45p-9:15p Lounge,PrayerRm SOZOTeamFriday SOZOPrayer 9:00a-11:30a Chapel,PrayerRm SOZOTeam

Weekday Events

Worship-ledContemporaryWorshipTeam 8:00a&9:30a Sanctuary EveryoneWorship-ledbyTempleChoir&Organ 11:00a Sanctuary EveryoneWorship-CristoVive(Spanish) 12:15p Chapel EveryoneAdultEdBibleClass 9:30a AdultEdAdultsParentingClass(throughMarch16) 9:30a Gym EveryoneGoldenCircle 9:30a Lounge AdultsYouthSundaySchool 9:30a YouthRoom Gr6-12KidZoneSundaySchool 9:30a Classrooms 3yrsthru5thgr

Sunday Mornings

SERMON SERIES

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

COOKIES & CANS Every Sunday morning we serve cookies, coffee and punch during fellowship hours after each service in the Garden Room. Our church family provides the cookies each week. Please bring cookies on the week beginning with the first letter of your last name.

Also consider bringing a donation of non-perishable food items for donation to Calvary Rescue Mission.

February2:T-ZFebruary 9 : A-FFebruary16:G-MFebruary23:N-S

WEBSITEWith the name change, we also have a new website.

www.YakimaGrace.com

Church email addresses are similar to the old ones.Firstname.Lastname@YakimaGrace.com.

Our old website name and email addresses will forward to the new one.

“GOD MOMENTS”Wegetup,gotowork,andinteractwith the world. We strive to live forChristasHewouldwantustoinourdealingwiththeworld.DoyouhaveastoryaboutatimewhenGodbrokethroughtheeventsofthe day to minister to you, your client, or co-workers?

We’dlovetoshareyourstory.Pleaseemailordropoffattheofficeyour“GodMoment”story.curtis.rosenkranz@Yakimagrace.com

EXPLORING GRACE OF CHRISTBecoming a Covenant Partner (member)Please join your Pastors for this 4 Week Adventure in discovering what it means to be a Covenant Partner with Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church of Yakima.

We’ll be exploring:• What does it mean to be a Covenant

Partner (member) of a congregation? Is this for me?

• What does it mean to be a Presbyterian? How did we get here? What is unique about ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians? What do we believe?

• Discipleship and Missional Living. How do we grow together in our faith, become more like Jesus in our character and lives? How do we partner with God and one another to make a difference in our church, community and the world?

• What is the particular Mission and Vision of Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church of Yakima?

When: Sundays at 9:30a – 10:30a, Feb. 23 – Mar. 16.Where: The Ward ChapelHow: Sign up at the Connection Center or by calling the Church Office (248-7940)Kids: Infants to age 5 – child care; Kindergarten to 5th Grade – Kid ZoneIf you are already a Covenant Partner (member) of Grace of Christ, but want to join us for this class, we’d love to have you, too!

SAVE THE DATERegionalGatheringoftheECOPresbyteryoftheNorthwest:March 7-8 at the First Presbyterian ChurchTacoma.Seepage18fordetails.

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DEVOTIONAL JanetKrieger

Janet

Blessing

The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace. Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in My name I Myself will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27 (NLT)

The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace. So they will put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." Numbers 6:22-27 (NIV)

God spoke to Moses: "Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the People of Israel. Say to them, God bless you and keep you, God smile on you and gift you, God look you full in the face and make you prosper. In so doing, they will place my name on the People of Israel - I will confirm it by blessing them." Numbers 6:22-27 (Message)

Aaronandhissonswereconsecratedandsetaparttoserveaspriests,therepresentativesofGod.UnderOldTestamentlawtheIsraelitescouldonlyreceivetheblessingofGodwhenAaronorhissonsspokeitoverthem.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God's holy nation, His very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Jesushasestablishedanewreignandanewcovenant,ornewagreement,withGod’speople.WeareHispriests,Hisrepresentatives,andwearecalledtospeakblessingoverourselves,ourhouseholdsandallpeople.GoddesirestoblessHispeople.GoddesirestoblessusandforustosharetheblessingsthatareavailableinChrist.TheblessingAaronwasinstructedtospeakovertheIsraelitesemphasizesGod’sdesiretobeinvolvedinthelivesofHispeople. May the LORD bless you...Goddesirestoprovidefavorandgiftinginourlives.. . . and protect you...Godpromisestowatchover,guardanddefendHispeople.May the LORD smile on you...GoddesiresweexperiencethefellowshipofHispresence.. . . and be gracious to you...Godgivesusthegiftofgrace;Hisundeservedfavor.May the LORD show you His favor...GodisthegiverofallthingsgoodandnogoodgiftispossiblewithoutHim.. . . and give you His peace...GoddesireswefindourcontentmentinHim.

Theabilitytoblessothersisapowerfulprayertool.Whenyoublessanother,theHolySpiritwillmovetoimpartthepowerandloveoftheFatherinthatlife.AskGodtoopenyour eyes and ears to whom you might intercede for with aspokenblessing.ListentoHimforawordofinfluence,hopeandencouragementtoshare.SpeakGod’sblessingsfromHisWord.

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SENIOR PASTOR

Jack

Pastor Jack Peebles

February2014

DearGraceofChristChurchFamily:

Jesussaid:“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19-20, NIV)

ThesewordsfromJesusareoftenreferredtoasthe“GreatCommission.”TheygivetheChurchherpurposeandmission.Largely informedbytheGreatCommission,ourcongregation’smissionstatementreadsas follows:“Glorifying God through equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors.” Attheheartofourmissionstatementisdiscipleship.WegetsobusydoingtheministryofthechurchthatweoftenneglectthisverysimpleandyetessentialdirectivethatcomesfromourSavior:MakeDisciples!

Acoupleofyearsago, IreadMikeBreen’s“BuildingADisciplingCulture:HowtoReleaseaMissionalMovementbyDisciplingPeopleLikeJesusDid.”It’sbecomeoneofmyfavoritebooksandIturntoittimeandtimeagain.Considerthesewords:

“If you make disciples, you always get the church. But if you make a church, you rarely get disciples.

Most of us have become quite good at the church thing. And yet, disciples are the only thing that Jesus cares about, and it’s the only number that Jesus is counting. Not our attendance or budget or buildings. He wants to know if we are ‘making disciples.’ Many of us serve in or lead churches where we have hundreds or even thousands of people showing up on Sunday. But we have to honestly answer this question: Do their lives look like the lives of the people we see in Scripture? Are we just good at getting people together once a week and maybe into a small group, or are we actually good at producing the types of people we read about in the New Testament? Have we shifted our criteria for a good disciple as someone who shows up to our stuff, gives money and occasionally feeds poor people?” (Breen, p. 11-12)

Convicting,yes?Itsureconvictsme!HowmuchtimedoIspenddoing“church”workvs.howmuchtimedoIspendmakingandequippingdisciples?MysinceredesireforourcongregationisthatwewouldcollectivelygrowintermsofourrelationshipwithJesus.It’snotenoughtoknowaboutJesus,weneedtoknowJesus!ThetruthiswestruggletofollowJesusasthatentailssubmittingourlivestoHim.FollowingJesusistough,buthere’sthereality:You’llnevergrowasadiscipleifyoudon’tmakeaneffort.

Thus,Iofferyouaquestionandachallenge:Notcountingthetimeyouspendinworship,Sundayschool,smallgroup,howmuchtimeduringyourweekdoyouspendpursuingJesus?Ifyouarelikeme,there’sroomforimprovement!

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ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Cindy

Pastor Cindy Carter

WhatdoesitmeantobeaCovenantPartner(Member)of Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church?

Ephesians 1:5 (NLT) says, “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave Him great pleasure.”

GregOgden,inhisbook,DiscovertheFullnessofLifeinChristforYourselfandOthers, says,“TheChristianwalkisnotasoloexistence.WhenwewerecalledtoChrist,weweresimultaneouslycalledintoHisfamily,thechurch.FellowshipisbeingresponsibleforandaccountabletothoseinthebodyofChrist.”

RickWarren,inhisbookThePurposeDrivenLife,remindsus,“WhenweplaceourfaithinChrist,Godbecomesour Father, we become his children, other believers become our brothers and sisters, and the church becomes our spiritualfamily.OurfamiliesoneartharewonderfulgiftsfromGod,buttheyaretemporaryandfragile,oftenbrokenby divorce, distance, growing old, and inevitably, death. On the other hand, our spiritualfamily–ourrelationshiptootherbelievers–willcontinuethroughouteternity.”

ThePolityofournewdenomination,ECO:ACovenantOrderofEvangelicalPresbyterians,describesthenatureandpurposeofchurchthisway:TheChurchisvisiblewhenevertwoormorearegatheredinJesus’name. The congregationiscomposedofmembersofthebodyofChristwhohavecovenantedtogethertoengageinthemissionofGodintheirparticularcontext,withJesusChristasHead.EachcongregationshouldstrivetobeatangibledemonstrationoftheKingdomofGod.Congregationsexistinavarietyofformsyethavetheseendsincommon:

• SharingtheGoodNewsofreconciliationtoGodinandthroughJesusChrist.• Gatheringpeoplefordivineworshipandnurturingrelationshipsforspiritualaccountabilityandmutual

ministry, all the while…• PreparingdisciplestobethesentpeopleofGodintheworld.

BeingaCovenantPartner(Member)ofGraceofChristPresbyterianChurchisimportantnotonlytothecongregationbutevenmoresoforthecovenantpartner.Itprovidesopportunityto…

• Receiveencouragement,support,andlovingcorrectionfromoneanother.• GrowinbecomingmoreChrist-likeinourcharacterandbehavior.• Makedecisionsaboutthedirectionofthecongregationanditsleaders.• Participatetogetherinministrywithinthecongregation.• DiscoverourplaceinGod’smissioninourcommunityandtheworld.

Aswecovenanttogether,boththecongregationandthecovenantpartners(members)areblessedandbecomeablessing,aswecarryouttheLord’swork.

HowdoIbecomeaCovenantPartner(Member)ofGraceofChristPresbyterianChurch?

JoinusforourEXPLORINGGRACEOFCHRISTclass,tounderstandwhat’sinvolvedinbecomingaCovenantPartner(member)ofourcongregation.Thisis4-weekclass,whichwillbeSundayMorningsat9:30,startingFebruary23.(Seepage4formoredetailsandhowtosignup.)

Hopeyouwilljoinusinthisadventure!

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STUDENTS

CRISTO VIVE

JeffMurray

StudentMinistrieswillbetakingpreordersforcinnamonrollsintheofficeandintheConnectionCenter.Theywillbeavailableforpickupon2/23.

Freesamplesavailableafterchurchserviceson2/16.

AllproceedsgotobenefittheEasterProjectmissiontripto San Fransisco this year.

2014,ayearofCommitmentwithGodandwiththeHispanicCommunity.Bynow,newyearresolutionshavebeenputtothetestoftimeandmanyhaveflunked!Thatisnotourcase,though.Wehavestrengthenedandsharpenedourvisionforthisyear.ThesecondhalfofJanuaryentailedplanningmeetingsbyareaofministrytoestablishgoals.Thesegoalsarethesignspostedalongtheroadwaytohelppeoplecommittopersonalgrowthandservice.

Thisyearwillbeayear• todowhatweweremeanttoaccomplish(Ephesians2:10)• tobelieveagainstanyoddsrootedinGod’spromises(Hebrews11:1)• tocommuneinsuchawaythatlovespillseverywhere(Ps.133,Col.3:12-14)• toshareGod’slovetothepointofreachingaLoveOutbreak(Romans12:9-10)• tobuildbridgeswithinandwithouttohelppeopletakealeapintoaNewLifeinChrist(2Cor.5:17-21)

IsGodpromptingyoutojoinourCommitment?ThinkaboutyourHispanicfriends,prayforthem,andthen,takeaction!Escortthemtooneormanyofourongoingevents.Youbothwillbeblessed.SomeofourFebruaryeventsare:WorshipservicesonThursdaysat7pandSundaysat12:15p.CraftsNight,Thursday,February13,andFamilyNightFebruary28@6:30p

Come to the

Student MinistriesSilent Auctionand Dinner!Sunday, March 2

from6p-8pTickets $10.00

Gus

GustavoCarvajal

TakeandBakeCinnamonRollsHalf Dozen for $10

Dozen for $15

Two opportunities to financially supportthis year’s student mission trip.

Easter Project

San Fransisco

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SOAR

CompelledbyLove(2014)isapowerful,inspiringanddefinitiveportraitofHeidiBaker,amoderndayMotherTeresa,whoseministryisbasedinover30nationsaroundtheworld.Shotontherunoveraperiodof20years,in10countriesandon4continentsinwarzones,brothels,bushes,andIvyLeaguecampuses,fromHollywoodtoMozambique,thisfilmtranscendsallpolitical,religiousandsocialbarriers.FollowRollandandHeidiBaker’sjourneyintotheworld’sdarkestandmostdesperateplaces,astheirpursuitofthepresenceofGodhastransformedanationthroughloveinaction.ThefilmchroniclesthepowerofonelifefullyyieldedtoGodandthetruththatlovewins.Wednesday,February26,2014@6:00p.Allareinvited.Nocost.IntheWardChapelatGraceof Christ Presbyterian church.

SOARSchoolofSpiritualTransformationishostinganopendoorscreeningof“CompelledbyLove.”

ThingsarehoppingintheKingdomofGod!Biblestudies.Parentingclasses.Craftnights.MOPS.MoreBiblestudies!SomanypeopledrawingclosetotheLord.Somanychildrentoministerto.It’swonderful!

ChildcarehereatGraceofChristreallygoesaboveandbeyond.Thestaffisamazinglydedicatedintheirwork.However,withallthenewrequestsfromattendingparentsforchildcare,weareneedingmorehelp.Willyoupray,andaskGodifHeneedsYOU to volunteer? Even if it’sonlyeverynowandthen?HasGodgivenyouthegiftsof nurturing? A tender heart? Please consider sharing thosegiftshere.

FormoreinformationcontactMonnieMillerinthechurchoffice.

CHILDCARE

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PRESCHOOL Rhonda Cardona

3 Year Old Class Tuesday & Thursday 3 Years old by Sept. 1 Tuition: $100 month One-time Snack Fee: $35

4 Year Old Class Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4 Years old by Sept. 1 Tuition: $140 month One-time Snack Fee: $45

4 Days a Week Pre-Kindergarten Monday through Thursday 5 Year old by Dec. 31 Tuition: $175 month One-time Snack Fee: $55

5 Days a Week Pre-Kindergarten Monday through Friday

5 Years Old by April 30 Tuition: $200 month One-time Snack Fee: $60

2014-15 CLASSES OFFERED: 9:00—11:30 A.M.

Nurture your child’s potential and watch your child grow and learn with us. We offer a safe and caring, Christian learning

environment, with experienced teachers using a proven

curriculum.

New Student Registration Fee: $80 Returning Student Registration Fee: $60 (Registration fees are non-refundable.)

New student registration fee includes school t-shirt & bag plus supply fee. Returning student registration fee includes a supply fee.

9 So. 8th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902 Questions? Call or email Rhonda Cardona: 509.248.7940 / Rhonda@YakimaGrace.com

Check out our web-site: www.yakimapreschool.com

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MISSIONS-HABITATHOUSE

MoreInfo:Althoughweneedhelpeveryday,weespeciallyareaskingGraceofChristfolktocomeonFridays.

SoifyoucanvolunteercalloremailSharonKearbyat509.895.4184orvolunteers@yakimahabitat.org.

AswedothisbuildthebestwaytoviewprogressthroughouttheupcomingbuildistoLikeusonFacebookatYakimaValleyHabitatforHumanity.Wepostphotosandupdates3-4timesperweek.

ThankyouforyourwillingnesstopartnerwithHabitatforHumanityandotherchurchesinYakimatomakeHopeatangiblerealityforVictor,Laura,andBenjamin.Lookingforwardtoworkingwithyouall!

HabitatforHumanityApostleBuildParticipatingChurches:

GraceofChristPresbyterianChurch,MemorialBibleChurch, Yakima Covenant, Central LutheranDetails:BuildTimesonSaturday:8a-12,(lunch12-1)1-4p.Location:520SouthernCross,UnionGap(On the corner of Washington and Cornell behind the condos)BuildDays/Times:Tuesdays9-12,12:30-4Wednesday-Saturday8-12,12:30-4• Noexperiencenecessary–Justbringawillingattitude,awaterbottle,andalunchifyouarestaying the full day.

• Attire:Tshirts,jeans,sweatshirtstennisshoesorwork boots.

• Signuponthesheetsavailableatyourchurch.Questions?Email:volunteers@yakimahabitat.org

MeetVictorMedina(23),LauraQuintana(21)andtheirsonBenjamin(1)whohavebeenselectedfortheUnionGapApostleBuildHabitathome.

TheyarelegallymarriedbutLauradecidedtokeephermaidenname.TheyarecurrentlylivingwithLaura’sfamilywhoarealsoHabitathomeowners.Theylivewith5otherfamily members, which has been challenging since their familyisgrowing.Theyhavestrongfamilyvaluesandgreatsupportfromtheirfamily.

VictoriscurrentlyworkingforBillHarrisUsedCarsasanautodetailer.Hehasbeenemployedthereforapproximately10months.

Lauraisafull-timestudentwhoplansonbecomingateacher.TheyareayoungcouplewhohavemadegreatstridestopreparetobecomehomeownersandpartnerswithHabitat.TheyhavepaidofftheirvehiclesincetheiroriginalapplicationwassubmittedinDecemberof2012.

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WOMEN’SMINISTRIESEncouraging women to be intentional about their faith. SheriRynd&AmaeMerrill

Sheri & Amae

Imaginemorethan60women,allinoneplace,allhungryforGod’swordonhowtomakeapowerfulmarriage.ThisiswhatGodbroughtontogetherJanuary11.Itwasamazingtoseewomenfromallwalksoflife,allages,anddifferentsituationsintheirmarriages,seekingGodtohaveapowerfulmarriage,akingdommarriage.Godwasdefinitelyatwork!

Godwasatworklongbeforetheclass,PursuingGodforaPowerfulMarriage,evenstarted.HeplacedintheheartsofWomen’sMinistrymonthsagotohaveaone-dayclassforwomenonmarriage.Weasked“God,whoshouldteachthisclass?”andJamalZakharyandRobinStuberwerethenamesthatGodbroughttoourgroup.Thesewomenhadtouchedsomanylivesthroughaclassafewyearsagoandthroughtheirmentorshipthatweknewtheyweretheones.ItwasamazinghowGodputWomen’sMinistryandthesetwowomeninlinewitheachothersothatthisclasswouldbetaughtbythem.Butitdidn’tstopthere.Godmadesurethathungrywomeneverywherecouldbefed,bothspirituallyandphysically!Thedaybeforetheclass,wehad70womenregistered!Justafewdaysbefore,therewereabout50womenandwewerefeelingalittleanxiousabouthavingenoughfoodforeveryone,butweputourtrustinGod,andwehadmorethanenoughfoodwithleftover!

Itdidn’tstopatthedetailseither.Godhadsomereallypowerfulthingstosayaboutmarriagetowomen.Nomatterwhereyouwereinyourmarriage,Godspoke,anditwillbeexcitingtoseehowwomen’sliveschange!ItwasamazingtoseehowGodhadeverydetailinplacesothatthisdaywouldbepowerfulforallthewomenwhocame.Heprovidedgreatteachers,agracioushostess,morethanenoughfood,andthewomenwhowereseekingafterapowerfulmarriage.IlookforwardtoseeingwhatGodhasinstoreforthewomenthisyearin2014!

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GHORMLEYGhormley75thAnniversaryPlansareunderwaytocelebratethe75thanniversaryofthecamp.Wehopetohaveeventsplannedthroughout2014-2015.Ourfoundingchurch,GraceofChristPresbyterianhasalsodesignatedayearofcelebrationforthecampstartingthisspring.Ananniversarycelebrationcommitteeisbeingformedevennowandwewouldlovetohavesomeofyoujoinus.IfyouwouldliketohelpcontactMarkWasham,ExecutiveDirector(509)-945-4655,mark@ghormleymeadow.org.Themorethemerrier.

Hopefullywehavehadlotsofsnowfallbythetimeyoureadthis.Thewintersofarhasbeenalmostsnowfree.Notsince2005havewehadsolittlesnow.Pleasepraythatwegetourfairshareintheremainingweeksinordertoreplenishourgroundwatersupplyandtoserveourwinterguests.

East,West,CabinisBestThegameofmusicalhomeswillhopefullybecompletedbyFebruary.Tosavemoney,wearenotgoingtoberentinghomesforstafffromtheForestService.Creativehousingarrangementshaveresultedintwostafflivingintwo5thwheeltrailersatcamp,amarriedcouplelivinginFir,(ourformernurse’scabin)andourfoodserviceassistantlivinginGhormleycabin,(12x12,norunningwater or bathroom).

MuchishappeningattheMeadowthismonth.Everyweekendisbookedwithwinterretreatgroups.Ourstaffwillbeputtinginmanylonghourstoservethesechurchesaswellasbeginrecruitingsummerstaff,promotesummercamp,andmarketthecamptootherguestgroupsforsummerandfall.

WealsoanticipatethevisitofDavidBlack,aChristianCampconsultant,whowillbeheretoassistusindiscerningwhatwayswecanimproveourministryandfinancialstanding.“Thankyou”tothosewhoparticipatedinthesurveyweaskedallofyoutocomplete.Hewillbemeetingwithcampandchurchstaff,GhormleyCommissionmembersandothers,aswellasbringinghisexpertiseinworkingwithcampsallaroundtheworld.After74plusyearsofministry,it’shightimeforathoroughphysicalandfiscalexamforourministryinthemountains.

MarkWasham,ExecutiveDirectorandhisfamilywillbemovingtoYakimaandcommutingwhileKevinLinville,ourFoodServiceDirector,andhisfamilywillmoveintoTamarackoncampproperty.Joel(ProgramDirector)andhiswifeTrishawillalsobelivingtemporarilyoffcampatleastuntilsummer.Whew!Thatisawholelotofmovin’goin’on.Pleasepraythatthesemoveswillgosmoothlyandthatthesacrificesmadewillnothindereffectiveministry. Everyone has been incredibly gracious and patientwiththesemovesandothershavebeensohelpfulinmakingitpossible.

Mark Washam

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BABIESCELEBRATION2013

April28,2013CohenJeffreyTweedyDOB4/25/12Parents:DerekandStefani

May12,2013HarrisonTimothyVanHornDOB2/1/12Parents:Tyler&JessicaDedicated5/12/13

August18,2013MairinJuneO’ConnorDOB6/4/13Parents:NateandNicoleBaptized:August18,2013

August18,2013KayleighGracePolageDOB3/24/12Parents:Dan&DanielleDedicated:August18,2013

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October27,2013GrahamKennethReedDOBAug26,2013Parents:Chris&LinneaBaptized:October20,2013

October27,2013ScarletGraceMcCoyDOB9/24/12Parents:Aaron&AndreaBaptized:October27,2013

October27,2013AndrewRuleDOB:Sept25,2013Parents:AlexandAuroraBaptized:November26,2013CristoVive

October27,2013Samara and Linda CardenasDOBJanuary2,2013ParentsSamuelandDulceBaptized:November26,2013CristoVive

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“BecomingaStudentofYourSpouse”ThereisasongthatIheareveryonceinawhileinwhichthechorussaysthissimplephraseoverandoverandover:“findsomeonewho’seasytolove…findsomeonewho’seasytolove…findsomeonewho’seasytolove…”Unfortunatelythissonghasareallycatchymelody,makingitalmostimpossibletogetoutofmybrainonceitgetsin.Ifindmyselfwhistling the tune or even singing the words to myself just under my breath when moving from one activitytonext.Iamsurethewritersofthissongmeantthelyricsprettyharmlessly,notintendingtoeither injure my brain or the marriages of those who hearthissong.Butwhetherintendedornot,Ithinkthischorussumsupprettywellthemostpopularpursuitamongstpeoplewhoarestrugglingintheircurrentrelationships.

Theideathatthereissomeoneouttherewhois“easytolove”isanillusion,andthisillusionispowerfulenoughtobreakapartrelationshipsifwedon’ttaketimetoremindourselveswhatisreallytrue.Hereisthatsoberingtruth:allpeoplearehardtolovebecauseloverequiresofusself-sacrifice.Thisisn’tbadnewsbecausewhenwelearnhowtolovepeoplewell,welearnmoreandmoreaboutthelovethatGodhasforeachofus.Infact,thedeepestkindofjoyisfoundwhenweintentionallylaydownourlifeforanotherpersonbecausethisiswhenwearemostlikeChristandmostlikethepeoplewewere created to be.

Sotothemarriedcouplesofourchurchcommunity:TAKECOMFORTINKNOWINGTHATYOURSPOUSEISNOTTHEONLYPERSONINTHEWORLDWHOISHARDTOLOVE…ALLHUMANSARETHISWAY!Don’trun away from the commitment you have made because the grass looks greener somewhere else. Instead,trythisapproach:BECOMEASTUDENTOFYOURSPOUSE.Learnthethingsthatmakethemfeeltrulylovedandasajoyfulactofself-sacrifice,liveintotheselovingthingsforyourpartner.Thesecouldbeanythingfromactsofservice,physicaltouch,giftgiving,qualitytime,orwordsofaffirmation.Youwillfindsomuchmorejoyinrememberinghowtoserveyourspousethanyoueverwillinthepointlesssearchoffinding“someonewho’seasytolove”.

MARRIAGE

HerethesebeautifulwordsfromPaulinhislettertotheGalatians(chapter5verse13):“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly in love.” Wewanttobeacommunitythatkeepsmarriageasapriority.Inordertodothiswellweneedmarriedcouplesofallages,experienceandseasonsoflifetocomeandbeapartofthis10-weekclass.WewillbeeatingdinnertogetherintheGardenRoomwithallofourkidswelcomeduringthemeal.Duringdinnerwewillpracticehavingintentionalfamilyconversationsoverameal,andthenwewillhavethekidsheadofftochildcare.TheclasswillbebasedonthePREPARE-ENRICHcurriculumthatwehavebeenusinginourchurchcommunityforpre-maritalandpost-maritalcounseling.Thiscurriculumwilltakeusthrougha10-weekstudyofthemainsubjectareasformarriage(ie,communication,conflictresolution,sexualintimacy,finances,etc.).Wewillhavetimesoflargegroupinputfromavarietyofinstructors,timeforsmallgroupconversations,andtimeforone-on-oneswithourspouses.ThisisagreatopportunitytopartnerwithothermarriedcouplesinordertolearnmoreaboutwhatitmeanstobeintentionalwiththerelationshipswehavebeengivenasagiftfromGod.

Tyler Van Horn

Tyler

DETAILSWednesdays,March12throughMay14,6:30p-7:45pAll-FamilyDinner:6:00pto6:30p(IntheGardenRoom)Kids:Childcareforages0-5/GradeSchoolprogramasneedarises/YouthGroupfor6thto12thGrades.

ChildcarereservationsneedtobemadeonFridaysbynoon.

Formoreinformationortoreserveyourseatinclass,pleasecallShanTrickorTylerVanHornat248-7940.Costs:Prepare&EnrichOnlineAssessment$35/couple.16

PUBLICATIONS Curt Rosenkranz

JOHN QPUBLIC

Newyear,newname...newnametags?

Wehavebeenplanningonprintingallnewnametags,andwhatbettertimingthannowwithournewchurchname!Manycurrentlyinusearesun-weathered,broken,tapedtogether,andingenerallookprettyshabby.Theracksalsoholdduplicatenametags,peoplewhohavemovedaway,orpassedonintothepresenceoftheLord.So,inordertomakethingseasieronourvolunteerswhenwereplacethem,here’showyoucanhelpusgetready.

When you come in on Sunday morning, or for another event,youmayfindyournametagalongwithmanyothersonatableinfrontoftherackwhereyoulastleftit.Pleasefeelfreetouseit,andwhenyouaredoneplaceitbackontherackonthewall.Afteracoupleweeks,wewillremovethe unclaimed tags, and move on to another holder.

Ifsomehowyournametaggetslostintheprocess,oryouneverhadone,pleaseindicateonaConnectionCard,orcometotheConnectionCentertorequestone.Thanksinadvance.

DaysbeforeChristmas,theMadisonHouseCommunityYouthCenterhostedtheirannualChristmasPartyalongwithourlocalcommunityfortheneighborhoodsurroundingMadisonHouse.....over2,000guestsweregivenawrappedgiftandtheGospelmessage.Guestsalsohadanopportunitytobeprayedfor...toreceiveourLordastheirpersonalFriend,LordandSavior.PastorsfromaroundtheYakimaValleytookturnsprayingforthosewhofeltledtobeprayedfor....lineswerelongerfortheprayersforsalvationthanthelinesfordessertsandgifts.WhatatestimonyoftheLord'sworkinandthroughourcommunity!Blessings and much love to all.

MISSIONS-UNIONGOSPELMISSION

RecycleBinTheUnionGospelMissionhasbroughtusaspecialbinforcollectingnewspaper,bulkpaper,cardboard,aluminumcans,andplasticbottles.RecyclingisaHUGEpartofUGM’sincome,sopleaseconsiderbringingyourrecyclablesfordonation.Sinceitisalltransportedandsortedbyhand,pleaseplaceyouritemsintobags.UnfortunatelytheyCANNOTacceptglassatthistime.Thebinislocatednearthegarageat the south entrance to the church.

SaraHoltzinger

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PRESBYTERY

ConnectR e g i o n a l g at h e r i n g o f t h e p r e s b y t e r y o f t h e n o r t h w e s t

March 7-8, 2014

At this regional gathering, we are focusing on accountable community which is the 4th core value in ECO. We believe guidance is a corporate spiritual experience. We want to connect leaders to one another in

healthy relationships of accountability, synergy, and care.

F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n c h u r c h o f Ta c o m a

The 2014 Regional Gathering of the ECO Presbytery of the Northwest will take place in Tacoma, WA, from Friday, March 7th at 9:00AM to Saturday, March 8th at 3:00PM. Gathering hosted at First Presbyterian Church, 20 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402.

Registration is $50. To register, go to http://eco.fpctacoma.com

A block of hotel rooms are reserved at the Hotel Murano. For reservations, call 866.986.8083 or 253.238.8000 http://www.hotelmuranotacoma.com/

Join the gathering and begin building

relationships within our new presbytery. Discuss

and experience missional affinity groups. Hear and learn from our speakers:

Reverend Earl Palmer

Reverend Anna KentECO Director of Mission

Affinity Groups

F o r M o r e i n f o r m at i o n , c o n ta c t:F i r s t P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h o f Ta c o m a2 5 3 . 2 7 2 . 3 2 8 618

MISSIONS-PHILIPPINESBlessings of Hope Ministry (The Johnsons)

Change of Landscape

Michael's dream partial retirement comes true. He

now takes his early morning coffee while checking

his email on the patio of our rented 3-br beach

house in Moalboal, Cebu(southern part). You have

a room here to stay :)

Change of Lifescape

We were welcomed by two major

calamities that hit the Philippines this year ---the

7.2 magnitude earthquake and the super-typhoon

Haiyan. There was no damage in our location.

On a personal note, Lani's mom had a mild

stroke- left side of her body is not functional. This

has taken a toll on us especially because there is no

assisted living or nursing home in the Philippines.

We just have to be reminded of what Rick Warren

once said (when his wife was suffering cancer) that

in life there are two paths that we have to walk-one

of pure bliss and joy and the other of sufferings. We

hope to be encouraged by others who have walked

this path before us, yet they continue to offer their

lives in full service to God.

A Few Baby Steps

Visit-Lani with the family of Jesabel Morejon

(FPC pre-school scholar)

Emergency Relief Operations-In partnership with a

willing couple-friend, (Mr. Peter and Mrs.

Rosalinda Buckby), Blessings of Hope distributed a

few relief good items to 50 super-typhoon victims

in the northern part of Cebu.

“Towel Blessings”-One American couple specified

to use their donation for a towel giveaway. We

handed 95 towels last Dec. 22, 2013 at Berean

Gospel Church, our partner church in San Carlos C.

“Doll Blessing”- Michael personally gave a doll to

our neighbor who always greets us “Monin!”

whatever time of day we walk by.

Prayer Requests:

1. Full recovery for Lani's mom.

2. More ministry partnerships for the coming

year.

3. Stamina for Lani as she travels more often.

4. Mike's adjustment to food and culture.

Thanks for your partnership! (Mike and Lani J.)

December. 31, 2013

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S’more LuvFebruary 14

GhormleyissponsoringaValentine’sDayBanquetforcouples.ItwillbeheldattheGardenRoomatGraceofChristPresbyterianChurchonFriday,February14at6p.Theeveningwillfeaturefabulousfood,funmusic,andasurprisesuretoencourageyouandtheoneyoulove.YoucansignupviaaGhormleyCommissionmembers,inthechurchofficeandSundaymorningsattheConnectionCenter.ChecksmustbemadeouttoGhormley.

Comeandspendaspecialeveningwiththeoneyoulove.Whoknows,“Cupid”mightevenshowuptohelpyoucelebrate.

FormoreinformationcallSerenityTurnerat(509)672-4311oremailatoffice@ghormleymeadow.org.

Only $20 per person

NONPROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDYAKIMA, WA

PERMIT NO 59

GRACE OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH9 SOUTH 8TH AVEYAKIMA, WA 98902