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Greetings GraceLife!

This past Sunday, Pastor Joe continued our ongoing series, A Sinner in Love with God: The Life of David, with a message titled "David's Joab Problem." Drawing from 2 Samuel 3:22–39, Pastor Joe unpacked the tragedy of Joab—David’s army commander who murdered Abner out of personal bitterness, revenge, and a thirst for retribution. Joab’s violent act revealed a troubling paradox: David was the anointed king, yet his most prominent general refused to submit to his righteous rule, leaving David to mourn the murder and confess that Joab’s rebellion was too severe for him to restrain. This story brings us face-to-face with a sobering reality: human power can condemn evil, but it cannot transform human hearts. As followers of King Jesus, we are called to examine our own lives, surrender our desire for personal vengeance, and trust the only King who can truly cleanse us, redeem us from lawlessness, and give us new hearts.

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

This Week at GraceLife

  • September 15th (Tuesday): Recovery Church at Mount Lockwood. Food served at 6:15 PM; meeting runs from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
  • September 15th (Tuesday): Mid-Week Study for adults. Continuing our journey through 2 Peter! Join us at 7:00 PM in Mount Beneva Gym Classroom 201B/C.
  • September 16th (Wednesday): Sisters in Prayer. 7:00 PM at Mount Beneva Fellowship Corner.
  • (Note: Captivating will be taking a break for the time being. We will keep you updated on its return!)
  • September 17th (Thursday): Women of the Old Testament Ladies’ Bible Study reconvenes at 10:15 AM for the final lesson in the series in Mount Beneva Gym Classroom 201B/C.
  • September 17th (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 17th (Thursday): Deep End Dinner & Bible Study. 7:00 PM at Mount Lockwood.
  • September 19th (Saturday): Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM in Mount Beneva Gym Classroom 201B/C.
  • September 20th (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)
    • 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)
  • September 21st (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 23rd (Wednesday): A new GriefShare support group will begin meeting in Room 201B/C, Mount Beneva.
  • September 24th (Thursday): Women’s Bible Study launches a new series entitled "Boundaries" at 10:15 AM, Mount Beneva, Room 201B/C.
  • September 27th (Sunday): A new meeting called The Plunge, hosted by Kathy and Fred Packwood, will begin at 6:30 PM. 
  • September 27th (Sunday): Monthly Prayer Meeting at Mount Beneva Auditorium, 4-5 PM.
  • First Sunday Luncheon (October 4th):  Luncheon will be held in the Gym at Mount Beneva following the 10:30 AM service.  Please plan to bring a dish to share if you can.  
  • First Wednesday in October (October 7th): New Grace Group The Well begins! Meeting Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM and rotating between the Jones and O'Bryant homes. The discussion topic will focus on joy, centered on Psalm 51:12 as the key verse.

Stewardship Thoughts

Generous stewardship is rooted in the joyful recognition that King Jesus has redeemed us, transformed our hearts, and holds our future safely in His hands. Human effort alone cannot produce true righteousness or generous hearts, but when we experience the Gospel's power, giving becomes an encouraging, joyful act of worship rather than an obligation. Giving back to God is a privilege that allows us to participate in His eternal work, trusting in His faithful provision for His church.

What an encouraging privilege it is to steward our resources to build up the body of Christ and advance His kingdom:

  • Investing in Unity & Relationships: Using our time and influence to encourage one another, speak truth in love, and build up the church in Christlike grace.
  • Nurturing the Next Generation: Joyfully giving our time and resources so our children and students grow up understanding servant leadership, forgiveness, and complete trust in God.
  • 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

Our ministries for God’s Kingdom are both local and global!  We were blessed last Sunday to welcome Robert and Debbie Hale, long-time church-supported missionaries in Bible translation, serving French-speaking Africa.  After 36 years of faithful service, they are now retiring.  We were privileged to honor their service to His Kingdom and thank them for their part in making His gospel available to more people groups.  Our prayers remain with the Hales as they begin the next phase of their spiritual journey. 

Then, back to local ministries… 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 (check the sign-up links available throughout this newsletter):

  • 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. Use the sign-up link in this newsletter or stop by the Center Post!
    • Children's Ministry: Caregivers and teachers needed on Sunday mornings. Use the sign-up link in this newsletter or stop by the Center Post!
    • Greeters & Connection Center: Welcome team members needed for both 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM services. Use the sign-up link in this newsletter 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 (or use the sign-up links in this newsletter), 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, Room 201B/C.

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 4:00 PM – 5:00 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.