Well, back in the saddle again after a week-long getaway to Hilton Head Island. With the pace of life still slowed by COVID, it was easy enough to pick up again, a little more refreshed. Thanks to all of you who prayed for our time away, and for those who stepped up and stepped in to assume some of my usual duties. Chiefly I want to thank Kathy Buhl, who always carries a yeomans weight of the work around here; and special thanks to Mark Begly and Kelly Moore for filling the pulpit these past few weeks.
While this week was in many ways mercifully slow, allowing me to resume ministry, and catch up on things I missed, it also brought it’s sadness. This week Grace Covenant lost a beloved church member, Janette Barr, who has gone home to be with our Lord. While this is wonderful for Jannette, it is a great loss to all who knew Janette. Her wit, her wisdom, and her encouraging words will all be missed. Please pray for Gene Barr, as he grieves the loss of his wife. May he be comforted by the promises and the presence of our Lord. A very small graveside service will be held early in the coming week. A future memorial service is being planned. When details of that service are finalized we will make them known to all.
While we mourn the loss of one whom we love, we also get to celebrate with others. Our lives go on. In particular this week we get to celebrate with the VanWingerden family, as tomorrow, during our 11am service, we will be baptizing their young twins, Thomas & Ruthie. Baptism is such a wonderful celebration, reminding us of God’s Covenant promises, and his presence with his people.
On Sunday we will also resume our series Questions Jesus Asked, considering what is perhaps the most personal and most pivotal of questions Jesus ever asked: “Who Do You Say I Am?”. For the order of worship for Sunday, click GCPC July 19 Worship. This link will take you to the digital worship outline. A link to the .pdf worship bulletin is found at the top of the digital page; just click the date beneath the GCPC logo.
Keeping this note short, I want to again thank everyone in the Grace Covenant family for your faithfulness and your generosity. As always, your gifts, tithes, and offerings are tremendously appreciated. This is perhaps especially so during the Summer months, when most churches, Grace Covenant included, tend to experience a bit of a lull in in giving. So I want to thank you for your continued support of this church and the ministries of this church. Ministry continues, even if socially distanced. Bible studies are taking place, times of prayer, counseling, and even some Youth gatherings. And in the coming weeks we’ll be providing some details about an opportunity to serve our neighbors through partnering with Habitat for Humanity. Check out Grace Notes, or contact the church office, if you would like information about getting involved.
Grace & Peace,
W. Dennis Griffith, Lead Pastor
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 