25 March 2008
Greetings from Pastor Scott
Dear Grace Family & Friends,
Thanks be to God who has kept us through fifteen years of ministry. For thirteen of those fifteen years, Grace Church was without land or a building to call our own. And yet, our identity as a church was strong and steadfast because of the power of the Gospel and our commitment “to continue in the things we have learned” in the Scriptures.
Four years ago, we were presented with the opportunity to purchase land and to build the building where you and I now worship. At that time, there were 300 people attending Grace. We had no idea what God would do through us. The Future Grace Giving Campaign was a 6-week process of praying, fasting, meeting together and studying the Word, which culminated in a Commitment Sunday to see what each person might give. The results were astounding: the initial offering and three-year pledges totaled $1.2 million. Praise God for increasing our faith and providing the means for us to be established on this property for His glory.
It is our joy to see people stirred by the word of God and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are seeking to stay true to our mission: to build spiritually healthy people for ministry in the world. Every pursuit in this church is with the mindset that “all Scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” (II Timothy 3:16)
More people are coming to Grace Community Church. They are coming to be immersed in the word of God. Practically speaking, our classrooms are full. In order to make the best use of existing space, we created two Sunday School sessions, purchased a modular building for adult classes, renovated existing space, and reassigned classes to provide for major growth in our children’s ministry. During each worship service, every space that can accommodate a class is being utilized.
It is time for the second phase of the Future Grace Giving Campaign. The goal is to fund a new building for teaching and discipleship. The elders and I are leading our congregation in the process of discerning how each of us can give financially to this end. Our goal is to fully fund the new construction by giving $2.5 million dollars through initial cash gifts and pledged money over a three-year period.
That may seem like a daunting challenge. The greater challenge is to faithfully pass on the word of God to future generations, that they will trust the Lord, remember His deeds, and keep His commandments (Psalm 78).
I pray that we rise to this biblical challenge and continue to love the Word of God, teaching and discipling with all diligence. Giving to this second phase of the Future Grace Giving Campaign is where God has us at this time. I am asking everyone at Grace to join us in this endeavor. Please read carefully through this brochure. Pray with us and fully participate in the events that are planned.
In eternity, it will be revealed how God impacted future generations in our city and the world through the faithfulness of our church.
Joining you in making disciples for the glory of God,
Scott Patty
Category: Words from the Pastor.
