Hi friend–

I wonder what unresolved situation you might be facing, or uncertainty about the journey ahead? Maybe there’s someone you deeply care for who is going through a tough season. Author Robert Greenman writes about the value of a non-anxious presence in a highly anxious world. In studies of human behavior, it’s noted how one non-anxious presence on a team, or group–even a child–can be transformative. Non-anxious leaders function as the immune system for a family or an organization.

How can we be that kind of person? The verse from Philippians (noted above) continues with an invitation: we can bring every request, every anxiety, to the Lord. He is fully able, never gets anxious in storms, and cares for us more than we could comprehend (1 Peter 5:7). You could say that Jesus is the greatest non-anxious presence; think of how he responded in a horrific storm on a wind-swept lake. He speaks to the storm, and brings calm. His presence was enough. You can affirm today:  He is with me right now, and he is in control…worthy to be trusted.

Below is a list of people who have lost loved ones recently. Thanks for your prayers for these friends, that the Lord will fill them with his perfect peace.

It’s been a big week at Grace. If you stopped by Grace Middleburg earlier this week, you saw tons of household goods, appliances, clothing, and more…filling the Activity Center. These were distributed to over 500 people–refugees from Ukraine and people dealing with housing insecurity. A meal was served as well. Jesus was honored, seeds were sown. Also, our Thanksgiving offering–to provide a home for a family in need–is now at $93,000 (+ the match up to 100k) and climbing!

And, hundreds of shoeboxes are being collected for Operation Christmas Child (through Nov. 13). These gifts are sent to children around the world who may receive no other gift. In fact, one of our facility team members who grew up in West Africa talked about the impact this had on his life…how it was a highlight of the Christmas season. This year, gifts will also be given to 53 children in our area who have an incarcerated parent. I’m grateful to be part of a church that is making an impact in these ways!

Finally, just a reminder about our baptism service next Sunday, November 13. If you’ve decided to follow Jesus but haven’t yet made that decision public through baptism, we’d love to celebrate with you!  To sign up or get more information, click HERE.

Trusting the non-anxious Presence in my life, who promises to never leave me,

Jonathan