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Greetings GraceLife!

This past Sunday, Pastor Joe delivered week 37 of our ongoing series on the life of David with a message titled "Little Kingdoms." Drawing from 2 Samuel 2:18–32, Pastor Joe unpacked the fatal pursuit of Asahel as he relentlessly chased Abner following the clash at the pool of Gibeon. Refusing multiple warnings to turn aside, Asahel’s insistence on pursuing personal victory ended in his own tragic death, reigniting deeper division, grief, and conflict among brothers.

This sobering passage challenges us to examine our own motives and ask: Are we truly serving Christ’s kingdom, or are we secretly trying to build our own little kingdoms within it? While the world and our own fallen nature push us to pursue self-exaltation, personal ambition, recognition, or control, our true King—Jesus—humbled Himself, laid down His life, and united us as one family. As GraceLife continues to grow, we are called to follow our humble King by laying down our personal agendas, guarding the unity of the peace He bought, and cherishing people rather than using opportunities within the church for self-serving ends.

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

This Week at GraceLife

  • September 1st (Tuesday): Recovery Church at Mount Lockwood. Food served at 6:15 PM; meeting runs from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
  • September 1st (Tuesday): Mid-Week Study for adults. Continuing our seven-week journey through 2 Peter! Join us at 7:00 PM in Mount Beneva Gym Classroom 201B/C.
  • September 2nd (Wednesday): Sisters in Prayer. 7:00 PM at Mount Beneva Fellowship Corner.
  • (Note: Captivating Women's Group will not be meeting this week.)
  • September 3rd (Thursday): Women of the Old Testament Ladies’ Bible Study. 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM, Mount Beneva Gym Classroom 201B/C.
  • September 3rd (Thursday): Coloring Club. Group meeting from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM at the end of the children's wing in room 106 at Mount Beneva.
  • September 3rd (Thursday): Deep End Dinner & Bible Study. 7:00 PM at Mount Lockwood.
  • September 5th (Saturday): Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM in Mount Beneva Gym Classroom 201B/C.
  • September 6th (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)
    • 11:45 AM: First Sunday Luncheon immediately following the 10:30 AM service in the Gym at Mount Beneva! Please bring a dish to share if you can.
    • 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)
  • September 7th (Monday): GraceLife Recovery at Mount Beneva. Pizza is served at 6:30 PM, and the meeting starts at 7:00 PM. Food pantry available at 7:45 PM.

Looking Ahead

  • 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!
  • September 23rd (Wednesday): A new GriefShare support group will begin meeting in Room 201B/C.

Stewardship Thoughts

True Christian stewardship springs from a heart surrendered to King Jesus rather than a desire to construct personal shadow kingdoms. When we treat ministry, position, or resources as personal territory to control or leverage for our own recognition, we bring division rather than Christ’s peace. By contrast, faithful stewards hold all things with open hands, recognizing that every gift, talent, and dollar belongs entirely to God to advance His kingdom and build up His body.

What a privilege it is to steward our resources to foster a church environment where Christ alone is exalted and His people are genuinely loved and unified:

  • Investing in Unity & Relationships: Using our time and influence to promote peace, reconciliation, and mutual encouragement rather than pushing personal preferences or building factions.
  • Nurturing the Next Generation: Joyfully giving our time and resources so our children and students grow up understanding servant leadership through the example of Jesus.
  • Generous Kingdom Giving: Trusting God cheerfully with our finances to advance the Gospel and protect our church as a haven of grace, healing, and truth.
  • Caring for Our Church Home: Preserving and maintaining the facilities God has entrusted to us so our congregation and surrounding community have a welcoming place 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. Click the link above or stop by the Center Post!
    • Children's Ministry: Caregivers and teachers needed on Sunday mornings. Click the link above or stop by the Center Post!
    • Greeters & Connection Center: Welcome team members needed for both 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM services. Click the link above or stop by the Center Post!

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 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.
  • Monthly Prayer Meeting: Last Sunday of the month (next is September 27th) from 4-5 PM in MB’s Auditorium.

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.