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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 his message titled "What Happened to Forever?" based on 2 Samuel 7:1–17. Looking at God’s covenant promise to establish David’s throne and kingdom forever, Pastor Joe addressed what happens when our lives feel uncertain or shaken by shifting circumstances, lost jobs, or unexpected diagnoses. While earthly kingdoms fall and human promises break, God fulfilled His unconditional promise through David’s greater Son, Jesus Christ—our eternal King whose throne can never be shaken or ended.

Through Christ's death and resurrection, we are brought into an unshakeable kingdom and secured in the Father's hands forever. No matter what trials, uncertainty, or personal mess you may be facing today, your place in His family is completely secure. If you missed this message or want to listen again, please visit the "Messages" tab on our website.

This Week at GraceLife (at Mt Beneva unless otherwise noted)

  • Tuesday, Nov 10 | 6:30 AM: Weekly Morning Prayer Time (Gil’s Office)
  • Tuesday, Nov 10 | 7:00 PM: Radical Forgiveness (Room 201B/C)
  • Wednesday, Nov 11 | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Coffee with Jesus (Meets at a member's home)
  • Wednesday, Nov 11 | 7:00 PM: Sisters in Prayer (SIP) (Fellowship Corner)
  • Wednesday, Nov 11 | 7:00 PM: The Well (Meets at a member's home)
  • Wednesday, Nov 11 | 7:00 PM: GriefShare Support Group (Room 201B/C)
  • Thursday, Nov 12 | 10:15 AM: Boundaries Women’s Bible Study (Room 201B/C)
  • Thursday, Nov 12 | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Coloring Club (Room 106)
  • Thursday, Nov 12 | 7:00 PM: Deep End Dinner & Bible Study (Mount Lockwood)
  • Friday, Nov 13 | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Biblical Foundations (Room 106)
  • Friday, Nov 13 | 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM: The Big Picture of the Bible (Room 201B/C)
  • Saturday, Nov 14 | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study (Room 201B/C)
  • Sunday, Nov 15:
    • Worship Services: 8:45 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:15 AM (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: Adult CE Class (Room 201B/C), new series “The Gospel of Luke”
    • 11:15 AM Service: Youth Discipleship Class (GL Students)
    • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: GL Students Evening Gathering (Gym Loft, Grades 6–12)
    • 6:30 PM: The Plunge (Room 201B/C)
  • Monday, Nov 16 | 6:30 PM: GraceLife Recovery (Auditorium — Pizza served at 6:30 PM, Meeting starts at 7:00 PM, Food Pantry available at 7:45 PM)

Upcoming Events & Looking Ahead

  • November 22nd: Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Shoebox collection deadline.
  • November 23rd: Church Decorating Event — Join us at 9am as we deck the halls and prepare our Mount Beneva campus for the Christmas season!
  • November 28th: Salvation Army Bell-Ringing — Join us as we serve our local community through bell-ringing! Sign up in the Lobby.
  • December 6th: Women's Tea — Save the date for a special time of fellowship, encouragement, and tea.
  • December 20th: GL Kids Christmas Trolley Tour — A festive holiday celebration hosted by our Children's Ministry!

Stewardship Thoughts

What an encouraging truth to remember that our security rests in a King who holds us in His hands and whose promises never fail! Because our future is anchored in Christ’s unshakeable kingdom, our giving and serving are joyful expressions of trust rather than anxiety or self-reliance. Here are uplifting ways God invites us to steward our resources and lives before Him:

  • Resting in Unshakable Grace: Living with confidence and peace, knowing that no trial, weakness, or circumstance can ever separate us from Christ's love or snatch us from His hand.
  • Partnering in Gospel Proclamation: Supportively investing so that others throughout Sarasota can hear the good news of Jesus—the King who established an eternal kingdom of peace.
  • Building Up God's Sanctuary: Generously giving our time and gifts to serve one another, knowing that we—the church family gathered together—are the living sanctuary of God.
  • Investing in the Next Generation: Generously equipping our children and youth as they learn to walk securely in God’s eternal promises.

Ministry Thoughts: Local & Global Service

Serving Locally: Stepping out to serve is a tangible way we participate in building up the body of Christ. When you greet newcomers, teach a Sunday school class, or brew coffee, you help construct a welcoming sanctuary where people encounter the abiding presence of Jesus.

  • Volunteers Needed:
    • Greeters & Connection Center: Welcome team members needed across all Sunday services. Sign up at the Center Post or fill out a Connect Card.
    • Hospitality Ministry: Assist with morning coffee, refreshments, or event setup.
    • GraceLife Kids & Youth: Sunday morning teachers and helpers needed for kids' classes and the 11:15 AM youth class.

Serving Globally:

  • Operation Christmas Child (OCC): Campaign in full swing! Stop by the OCC table in the lobby to pick up a box and learn how to get involved. Boxes will be collected through November 22nd.
  • 30 Days of Prayer for Global Missions (MTW): We invite you to devote the month of November to prayer for global missions. Mission to the World (MTW) has provided a webpage prayer calendar at mtw.org/30dop where you will find daily prayer requests. Your prayers are critical to the growth of the worldwide Church!

Sunday Mornings & Practical Details

  • Services & Leadership Prayer: Leadership Prayer in Room 106 (8:00 AM – 8:15 AM). Services at 8:45 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:15 AM.
  • Prayer Chain Requests: Submit requests via Prayer Request Form, email, text, or verbal request to leadership or the Admin Team.
  • Hospitality & Connection: Stop by the Connection Center for questions, nametags, or sign-ups. Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries throughout the morning.
  • Auditorium Care: Please help us care for our carpet by keeping food outside the auditorium and using spill-proof cups for drinks.
  • Ways to Give: In-person cash/check, Bank Bill Pay, or online via the Give Tab.