Community Updates

Preparing for Worship: Let's Do This Together

John Haralson
July 29, 2022

Radiohead, “Creep”

Source: gocorps.org

How many Christians could honestly say that when they talk about “loving their neighbor” they actually refer to the same sort of visceral, heart-swelling tenderness that characterizes the sentiments of their closest relationships? My guess, not many.

But it’s this kind of love that ought to characterize Christian community. The kind that comes from giving your life to another person day after day after month after year, until finally your souls encounter each other. The kind that Christ gave to us.
Bridget Eileen Rivera

Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Romans 16:16 (NIV)


         Note: Sunday worship at 10:15 AM
                   In-person worship and live stream
         
Dear Grace Family,

That song was my introduction to the incredible world that is the music of Radiohead.

I ate that song up. As an angsty, insecure dude in my late 20’s desperately searching for community, I could totally relate to profoundly desiring connection with others while still feeling overwhelmed by a sense of how screwed up I was.

Deep and meaningful connection with others is so critical to our well-being, yet it is also the thing that we can find the most elusive. Many of us can begin to believe one of Satan’s biggest lies, which goes something like this:

   If people really got to know me,
   they would not want anything to do with me.


This lie is one of the key forces that keeps us from deeply and truthfully connecting with others.

But the love of God in Jesus changes everything.

Because of the free, unearned, eternal love and grace of God, we can now come out of our hiding. We can bring our true selves—not some fake, churchified versions of ourselves—to others in the community. And, as we grow in our own experience of God's grace, we can make room for others to be truly seen and truly known as well.

Connecting with the Lord and with one another in this way is a critical aspect of the abundant life Jesus has promised us.

I hope to worship with you on Sunday.

This Sunday: Romans 16:1-16 (NIV)
           “Let’s Do This Together”

This article has some great insights into the book of Romans as a whole.

Here is the Order of Worship.

Warmly in Christ,

John

P.S. Grace Kids in August. Grace families, please be aware that there is a possibility that either Nursery/Toddler class or the Sermon Time Class may be cancelled last minute in August if we have any teacher/volunteer cancellations. We will do our best to communicate. Miss Linn will be on vacation from August 2 to August 23 and not available as a last minute back-up. Thank you for your understanding.