5.1.26

Dear Grace Family,

I’ve been so encouraged as I hear from many of you how God has been speaking to you through this “How To Be Human” series. From a guy saying, “yeah, I probably need to hide my cell phone too,” to a person engaging in worship more freely, to someone thinking more intentionally about the rhythms of life. God is always forming us into His image…if we let Him.

This week we’ll continue the series by thinking about what it looks like to live a life of faith in community with others. I hope you can join us at one of our campuses to engage this theme. And, I’m grateful that I’m not speaking about something that is not already happening here at Grace. 

What a blessing to see folks gathering together in such a variety of ways. This weekend we have men attending a retreat at Beulah Beach, our Disability ministry will welcome folks to Take a Break, and in the next few days, hundreds and hundreds of folks will gather in homes, classes, youth groups, children’s ministries, recovery groups and more. 

Loneliness is one of the key epidemics in our society today. So while we have a lot competing for our attention, deep and meaningful community feels elusive. I’m grateful that Jesus doesn’t just save us as individuals but to join a family of believers to share the ups, downs, challenges, and growth that life brings. 

Here are a couple of ways we’re seeing community take shape this week:

Celebrate Every Ability Workshop: We’re partnering with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for an evening of learning and practical insight. It's designed to help us better support and walk alongside individuals with developmental disabilities as part of our church community. Whether you serve or just want to grow in understanding, you’re invited. Find out more.

And, God has blessed us with new babies. Take a moment to celebrate with these families and pray for them as they step into this new season.

We’ll talk this weekend about the complications of relationships and that community doesn’t always feel “easy” but, I want to encourage you that it’s worth it. Here’s what we’re reminded of in 1 Peter 2:5: “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.” 

What a joy to be built into his temple…together. See you Sunday! 

Pastor Tim