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Greetings GraceLife!

This past Sunday, Pastor Joe delivered week 36 of our ongoing series on the life of David with a message titled "Poolside Bloodshed." Drawing from 2 Samuel 2:12–17, Pastor Joe unpacked the tragic conflict at the pool of Gibeon, where Abner (general of Saul's army) and Joab (general of David's army) agreed to a contest between 24 young warriors—resulting in all 24 men falling dead together.

This sobering passage highlights the danger of treating people as expendable resources or pawns for institutional success and ego. While Abner initiated the clash to preserve a rival kingdom, Joab—though serving the right king—operated using the wrong kingdom’s self-serving methods. Unlike worldly leaders who sacrifice others to protect their own position, our true King, Jesus, stepped into our place and gave His own life to save us. As GraceLife continues to grow, we are called to follow the Good Shepherd by valuing, protecting, and caring for people rather than viewing them as mere tools for a mission.

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

This Week at GraceLife

  • August 25th (Tuesday): Recovery Church at Mount Lockwood. Food served at 6:15 PM; meeting runs from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
  • August 25th (Tuesday): Adult Mid-Week Bible Study. Continuing our seven-week journey through 2 Peter! Join us at 7:00 PM in Mount Beneva Gym Classroom 201B/C.
  • August 26th (Wednesday): Sisters in Prayer. 7:00 PM at Mount Beneva Fellowship Corner.
  • August 26th (Wednesday): Captivating Women's Group meets at 7:00 PM.
  • August 27th (Thursday): Coloring Club. New group meeting from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM at the end of the children's wing in room 106 at Mount Beneva.
  • August 27th (Thursday): Ladies’ Bible Study ("Women of the Old Testament"). 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM, Mount Beneva Gym Classroom 201B/C.
  • August 27th (Thursday): Deep End Dinner & Bible Study. 7:00 PM at Mount Lockwood.
  • August 29th (Saturday): Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM in Mount Beneva Gym Classroom 201B/C.
  • August 30th (Sunday) at Mount Beneva:
    • 8:15 AM – 8:30 AM: Open Leadership Prayer Time (Room 106)
    • 9:00 AM & 10:30 AM: Worship Services (Auditorium/Sanctuary)
    • 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM: GL Students Discipleship Class (Gym Loft)
    • 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM: "Biblical Love" Adult CE Class (Room 201B/C)
    • 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM: GL Kids Classes (Infant–5th Grade, Children's Wing)
    • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: GL Students Evening Gathering (Gym Loft, Grades 6–12)
    • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Monthly Prayer Meeting (Auditorium/Sanctuary)
  • August 31st (Monday): GraceLife Recovery now at Mount Beneva! Meets every Monday! Pizza is served at 6:30 PM, and the meeting starts at 7:00 PM. A food pantry is available for meeting attendees starting at 7:45 PM.

Looking Ahead

  • September 6th (Sunday): First Sunday Luncheon, Gym at Mount Beneva, immediately after 10:30 AM worship service. Please bring a dish to share if you can!
  • September 13th (Sunday): Long-serving missionaries Robert and Deborah Hale, Mission to the World and Wycliffe Bible Translators, will be visiting us at Mount Beneva.  Please give them a warm GraceLife welcome!

Stewardship Thoughts

True Christian stewardship is rooted in the beautiful truth that we serve a King who does not use us, but cherishes us. Unlike the kingdoms of this world that view people as tools for an agenda, King Jesus gives Himself for His flock. When we offer our time, talents, and financial gifts, we are not fuel for an institutional machine—we are participating in the joyful work of caring for the very people Christ gave His life to save.

What a privilege it is to steward our resources to build a church family where people are protected, nourished, and loved:

  • Investing in People: Using our gifts to support and shepherd one another rather than seeking personal position or preference.
  • Nurturing the Next Generation: Joyfully sharing our time and resources so our children and students grow up knowing their infinite worth in Christ.
  • Generous Giving: Trusting God cheerfully with our treasure to ensure our church remains a safe haven of grace and healing for the weary.
  • Caring for Our Church Home: Preserving the facilities God has entrusted to us so we have a warm, welcoming space to gather and minister together.

Ministry Highlights & Ongoing Opportunities

God has gathered us together into one family so that we can encourage and serve one another. Consider where you can plug in and serve this week:

  • GL Students Ministry (Grades 6–12): Join us in the Loft (upstairs Mount Beneva Gym) Sundays from 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM for Discipleship class, and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM for our evening gathering!
  • Volunteers Needed:
    • Hospitality Ministry: Assist with coffee/donuts for morning services or event prep/clean-up. Reply to this email to sign up!
    • Children's Ministry: Caregivers and teachers needed on Sunday mornings. Stop by the Connection Center or contact Jackie.
    • Greeters & Connection Center: Welcome team members needed for both 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM services. Stop by the Connection Center to serve!

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: Held in the auditorium/sanctuary at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
  • Christian Education: 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM for Adults.

Group Prayer Opportunities

  • Leadership Prayer Time: Sundays from 8:15 AM – 8:30 AM in Room 106.
  • Sisters in Prayer: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM at Mount Beneva Fellowship Corner.
  • 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 "Give" (redirects to Tithely) to give online.