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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 "Don't Touch the Ark" based on 2 Samuel 6:1–11. Looking at David’s attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, Pastor Joe challenged us to consider how we approach a holy God. When Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark on a new cart, it was a striking reminder that human intentions—no matter how reasonable or pragmatic they seem—cannot replace God’s clear Word. We cannot alter or "steady" God's gospel to fit our own expectations or cultural standards.

Yet, alongside the warning of judgment, we also see God's incredible grace: the very same presence that brought fear to David brought immense blessing to the house of Obed-edom. Through Jesus Christ—our great High Priest who gave His own life on the cross—we are given direct, confident access to the Father. Jesus declared in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Rather than trying to design our own ways to God or adjust His truth, we are invited to stop striving, rely fully on Christ's finished work, and draw near with joyful, humble faith.

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

This Week at GraceLife (Mt Beneva unless otherwise noted)

  • October 20th (Tuesday): Weekly Morning Prayer Time. 6:30 AM in Gil’s Office.
  • October 20th (Tuesday): Adult Mid-Week Study at 7:00 PM in Room 201B/C studying Radical Forgiveness.
  • October 21st (Wednesday): Coffee with Jesus meets from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at a member's home.
  • October 21st (Wednesday): Sisters in Prayer (SIP) meets at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Corner.
  • October 21st (Wednesday): The Well meets at 7:00 PM, rotating between the Jones and O'Bryant homes.
  • October 21st (Wednesday): GriefShare support group meets at 7:00 PM in Room 201B/C.
  • October 22nd (Thursday): Boundaries (Women’s Bible Study) at 10:15 AM in Room 201B/C.
  • October 22nd (Thursday): Coloring Club meets from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM in Room 106.
  • October 22nd (Thursday): Deep End Dinner & Bible Study. 7:00 PM at Mount Lockwood.
  • October 23rd (Friday): The Big Picture of the Bible launches! Meeting every Friday from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM in Room 201B/C.
  • October 24th (Saturday): Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM in Room 201B/C.
  • October 25th (Sunday):
    • 3-SERVICE SCHEDULE: Worship services at 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).
    • 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM: GL Kids Classes (Infant–5th Grade, Children's Wing).
    • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Biblical Love Adult CE Class (Room 201B/C).
    • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM:  Monthly Prayer Meeting (Auditorium).
    • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: GL Students Evening Gathering (Gym Loft, Grades 6–12).
    • 6:30 PM: The Plunge (Room 201B/C).
    • The Lord's Table: Observed during all three morning worship services.
    • Immanuel’s Child Collection: Final day to turn in donations!  See display in Lobby.
    • Operation Christmas Child: Campaign kicks off this Sunday! Keep reading for more information.
  • October 26th (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

  • November 8th:  Our GraceLife Sarasota Anniversary, Installation of Pastors, and Fellowship Luncheon all wrapped up in one Celebratory Sunday morning at Mt Beneva!!  Watch for more details coming soon, but mark your calendars now!

Stewardship Thoughts

What a joyful truth it is that we do not have to earn God's favor, fix our past, or construct our own path to His presence! Because Jesus has given His own life on the cross and secured our total acceptance with the Father, stewardship is never a burden of obligation—it is our heartfelt, joyful response to His endless grace. When we realize that Christ has freely provided everything we need, we are freed to give, serve, and live with open, generous hands!

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

  • Resting in His Sufficiency: Celebrating that Jesus alone is our salvation, giving us peace and freedom as we steward our lives in daily gratitude.
  • Investing in Gospel Truth: Supporting ministries that faithfully preach the uncompromised Good News, helping our church remain a beacon of hope, truth, and grace in Sarasota.
  • Nurturing the Next Generation: Generously giving our time and care so our children and youth grow up anchored in the unwavering love and sufficiency of Jesus.
  • 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 family.

Ministry Thoughts: Returning to Serve Together (Locally)

As Pastor Joe shared on Sunday, God doesn't call us to rely on human self-sufficiency or reinvent how we follow Him; He calls us to draw near through Jesus and love one another well. Serving isn't an extra burden on your schedule; it is a joyful opportunity to be used by God as He refreshes hearts and builds up our church family.

When you step into a serving role, you extend the very grace and welcome of Christ to someone walking through our doors. Every warm greeting, every cup of coffee, and every lesson taught to our children proclaims that King Jesus is on the throne and His grace is sufficient!

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

  • Volunteers Needed:
  • Special Call for Greeters & Connection Center: Welcome team members are sorely needed throughout our Sunday 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.

As you heard in last week’s announcements, the Slavic Gospel Association's "Immanuel's Child" program provides small gifts and 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.  This Sunday, October 25th, is the last day you will have the opportunity to give in this way.  Please visit the display by the Center Post before or after your worship service. 

NEW!!!  This Sunday also kicks off our Operation Christmas Child (OCC) campaign for the Christmas season!!  Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse sends gift-filled Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children in need around the world together with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We invite you to stop by the OCC table in our Lobby to find out more about the opportunity to stuff shoe boxes with children’s toys and bring the gospel message to children globally.  Donations will be accepted through November 22nd.  

Question:  So, what is the difference between Operation Christmas Child and Immanuel’s Child?  They both are global gospel and gift outreach programs for children during the Christmas season, but the countries they serve are different.  

During this pre-Christmas season, you will see more 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 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM.
  • Worship Services: Sunday Worship Services meet at 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.
  • Monthly Prayer Meeting:  Sunday, October 25th, 4:00 - 5:00 PM, Auditorium. 
  • 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.