4.10.26

Dear Grace Family,

Wow. This week I’m truly resonating with the Apostle Paul when he says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” We prayed, we expected, and we invited, but then God did even more than we anticipated. 

Throughout the course of the weekend nearly 1,000 people across our campuses made decisions to follow Jesus. While not every one of them was for the very first time, there were hundreds who were welcomed into the Kingdom of God because of the love of Jesus and His power to redeem. I’ve heard some of the stories already. Will you join me in giving generous thanks to God for His kindness to us and what He’s doing in our midst? 

I briefly talked with someone who was invited while working at Dunkin’ Donuts, one who came at an invitation of a co-worker and came to faith and was baptized, one elderly person who hadn’t been in church in decades and a couple of teenagers who finally decided to say “yes” to Jesus. And those are just brief snaphosts of what God did and is doing. 

Tuesday night we had over 100 in the room at Alpha exploring this beginning of the journey of following Jesus. Thank you for inviting and encouraging and mobilizing for the sake of your friends and family and neighbors. You aligned with the heart of Christ and it showed. Thank you. 

While we rejoice at all of these amazing stories, I know that many are facing serious trials. We’re praying for many who are sick, dealing with loved ones who are in difficult circumstances, and some who are wondering why God doesn’t intervene more quickly. We’re a family who celebrates the “wins” but also bears one another’s burdens when it feels like a “loss.” So, if things are challenging for you right now, remember those disciples who went to the tomb in a state of hopelessness—it’s not the end of the story. 

I’m excited to see you on Sunday to kick off our new series “How To Be Human”. We’re going to begin with rhythms of rest and sabbath. So if you’re feeling stressed, busy or overwhelmed, I hope you come and find some encouragement in God’s provision of rest for his people. 

So grateful to be on this journey with you,

Pastor Tim