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Greetings GraceLife!

This past Sunday, Pastor Joe continued our series, A Sinner in Love with God: The Life of David, with a message titled "When the Enemy Returns" based on 2 Samuel 5:17–25. Few things are more discouraging for believers than having to face a battle again that felt already fought and won. Yet when the Philistines returned to spread out in the Valley of Rephaim shortly after David’s victory at Baal-perazim, David didn't despair or rely on past success. He inquired of the Lord once more, learning that yesterday’s breakthrough doesn't replace today’s need for daily dependence.

Pastor Joe reminded us that returning battles, whether against familiar temptations, grief, fear, or resentment, do not mean God's grace has failed or that past victories weren't real. In this life, defeated enemies can still be active, but King Jesus has already gone before us through His cross and resurrection. Rather than retreating into isolation or relying on self-sufficiency, we are called to bring our struggles directly to Him, praying like the father in Mark 9:24, "I believe; help my unbelief!" When recurring battles arise, they are an invitation to keep returning to our King, trusting in His ultimate victory and leaning on the church family He has placed around us.

If you missed this message or want to listen again, please visit the "Messages" tab on our website.

This Week at GraceLife – (gatherings at Mount Beneva unless indicated otherwise)
  • October 13th (Tuesday): Weekly Morning Prayer Time. 6:30 AM in Gil’s Office.
  • October 13th (Tuesday): Adult Mid-Week Study relaunches at 7:00 PM in Room 201B/C  with a new study entitled Radical Forgiveness.
  • October 14th (Wednesday): Coffee with Jesus meets from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at a member's home.
  • October 14th (Wednesday): Sisters in Prayer (SIP) meets at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Corner.
  • October 14th (Wednesday): The Well meets at 7:00 PM, rotating between the Jones and O'Bryant homes.
  • October 14th (Wednesday): GriefShare support group meets at 7:00 PM in Room 201B/C.
  • October 15th (Thursday): Boundaries (Women’s Bible Study) launches its new series at 10:15 AM in Room 201B/C.
  • October 15th (Thursday): Coloring Club meets from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM in Room 106.
  • October 15th (Thursday): Deep End Dinner & Bible Study. 7:00 PM at Mount Lockwood.
  • October 17th (Saturday): Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM in Room 201B/C.
  • October 18th (Sunday):
    • NEW 3-SERVICE SCHEDULE LAUNCHES! Services move to three service times: 8:45 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:15 AM in the Auditorium.
    • 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: Open Leadership Prayer Time (Room 106) (Adjusted for new service times!)
    • 10:00 AM – 12:15 AM: GL Kids Classes (Infant–5th Grade, Children's Wing)
    • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Biblical Love Adult CE Class (Room 201B/C) (Adjusted for new service times!)
    • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: GL Students Evening Gathering (Gym Loft, Grades 6–12)
    • 6:30 PM: The Plunge (Room 201B/C)
    • Immanuel’s Child Collection: Collection begins today (October 18–25)!
  • October 19th (Monday): GraceLife Recovery at Mount Beneva. Pizza is served at 6:30 PM, meeting starts at 7:00 PM. Food pantry available at 7:45 PM.
Looking Ahead
  • October 25th (Sunday): The Lord's Table – Join us as we come together to observe the Lord's Table during all three worship services (8:45 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:15 AM). This is a special time of remembrance, reflection, and thanksgiving as we remember Christ's sacrifice and celebrate the grace and hope we have through Him.
  • October 25th (Sunday): Final day for the Immanuel’s Child collection (October 18–25).
  • October 30th (Friday): The Big Picture of the Bible launches! Meeting every Friday from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Mount Beneva in Room 201B/C.
Stewardship Thoughts

What an encouraging reminder it is that our God never grows weary of supplying the grace we need for every season! When familiar battles or unexpected challenges return, we don't steward our lives or resources out of fear or anxiety. Because King Jesus has already gone before us and secured our ultimate victory, every act of giving, serving, and opening our hearts is a joyful response to His faithful care. God freely gives us His strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, inviting us to hold all things with open, grateful hands as we build up His church together!

Here are wonderful ways God invites us to participate in His joyful work:

  • Investing in Unity & Relationships: Using our gifts and time to carry one another's burdens, speak truth in love, and encourage each other when battles feel long.
  • Nurturing the Next Generation: Generously giving our time and care so our children and youth grow up knowing the unshakable love, forgiveness, and victory found in King Jesus.
  • Generous Kingdom Giving: Partnering together financially to ensure the Gospel goes forth brightly and our church remains a safe sanctuary of hope, healing, and truth.
  • Caring for Our Church Home: Stewarding our physical facility and resources so everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and embraced by God's grace.
Ministry Thoughts: Returning to Serve Together (Locally)

As Pastor Joe shared on Sunday, when recurring battles return to our lives, God never intended for us to face them alone. Spiritual maturity isn't fighting in isolation—it’s locking arms in daily dependence on Christ and carrying one another’s burdens. Serving isn't an extra burden on your schedule; it is one of the primary ways God refreshes our hearts and surrounds us with a church family that stands beside us when the enemy attacks.

When you step into a serving role, you become the hands and feet of Jesus to someone else who might be walking into our church facing their own valley. Every smile at the door, every cup of coffee poured, and every lesson taught to our youth is an act of kingdom warfare that proclaims King Jesus is on the throne!

Where is God inviting you to step in and serve our family this week?

    • Special Call for Greeters & Connection Center: Welcome team members are sorely needed throughout our Sunday morning services. Stop by the Center Post to sign-up or volunteer through a Connect Card OR reach out to a current Greeter or someone at the Connection Center!  
    • Hospitality Ministry: Assist with coffee/donuts for morning services or event prep/clean-up. Stop by the Center Post to sign-up!
    • GraceLife Kids: Caregivers and teachers needed on Sunday mornings. Use the sign-up link in this newsletter or stop by the Center Post!
Ministry Thoughts: Expanding our Scope of Service (Globally)

Our call to global ministry (the Great Commission) is found in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus tells us:  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”   Thus, we are called to bring the gospel to those around us as well as to those who are not.

You’ve seen references in this Newsletter to “Immanuel’s Child”.  What is this all about and how does it relate to global ministries?  The Slavic Gospel Association's "Immanuel's Child" program provides small gifts along with the gospel to children in the former Soviet Union countries as an outreach program during the Christmas season.  You can bring these children the life-changing gospel and teach them the real meaning of Christmas with your donation between now and October 25th.  A display this Sunday in the Lobby provides more information and an opportunity to make a donation.  

During this pre-Christmas season, you will see other opportunities for giving (both for global and local ministries) and we invite you to participate at whatever level you are able.  

Sunday Mornings at Mount Beneva
  • Parking: Please let us know of any parking issues you may have.
  • Lobby & Greeters: Greeters are available to welcome and assist you. Visit the Connection Center for questions, sign-ups, books, t-shirts, and nametags.
  • Hospitality: Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries refreshed throughout the morning.
  • Auditorium Care: We are so grateful for our beautiful facility! To help us preserve our new carpet for years to come, please refrain from bringing food into the auditorium and ensure all drinks are in spill-proof cups.
  • Leadership Prayer: Open prayer time in Room 106 from 8:15 AM – 8:30 AM.
  • Worship Services: Starting October 18, our Sunday Worship Services move to three service times: 8:45 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:15 AM in the Auditorium.
Group Prayer Opportunities
  • Leadership Prayer Time: Sundays from 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM in Room 106.
  • Weekly Morning Prayer Time: Tuesdays at 6:30 AM in Gil’s Office.
  • Prayer Chain Requests: Submit requests via Prayer Request Form, email, text, or verbal request to leadership or the Admin Team.
Ways to Give
  • In-Person: Cash or check during Sunday worship services.
  • Bank Bill Pay: Set up recurring or one-time giving through your bank.
  • GraceLife App / Website: Click the Give tab to give online.