grace talk july 2012

8
Newsletter for the Grace Church Family Over the next few months, I am going to provide a few comparisons of Historic Christianity versus other false religions in order to equip us to be effective defenders of the Christian faith. Here I present eight points of comparison between Mormonism and Christianity. 1. Is There More Than One True God? The Bible teaches there is only one true and living God and apart from Him there are no other Gods. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; 44:6,8; 45:21,22; 46:9; Mark 12:29-34). By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that there are many gods (Book of Abraham 4:3ff), and that we can become gods and goddesses in the celestial kingdom (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19- 20; Gospel Principles, p. 245; Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 130). It also teaches that those who achieve godhood will have spirit children who will worship and pray to them, just as we worship and pray to God the Father (Gospel Principles, p. 302). 2. Was God Once a Man Like Us? The Bible teaches that God is Spirit (John 4:24; 1 Timothy 6:15,16), He is not a man (Numbers 23:19; Hosea 11:9; Romans 1:22,23), and has always (eternally) existed as God — all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere present (Psalm 90:2; 139:7-10; Isaiah 40:28; Luke 1:37). By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that God the Father was once a man like us who progressed to become a God and has a body of flesh and bone (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22; “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” from Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-347; Gospel Principles, p. 9; Articles of Faith, p. 430; Mormon Doctrine, p. 321). Indeed, the Mormon Church teaches that God himself has a father, and a grandfather, ad infinitum (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 373; Mormon Doctrine, p. 577). 3. Are Jesus and Satan Spirit Brothers? The Bible teaches that Jesus is the unique Son of God; he has always existed as God, and is co-eternal and co-equal with the Father (John 1:1,14; 10:30; 14:9; Colossians 2:9). While never less than God, at the appointed time He laid aside the glory He shared with the Father (John 17:4,5; Philippians 2:6-11) and was made flesh for our salvation; His incarnation was accomplished through being conceived supernaturally by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:34-35). By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Jesus Christ is our elder brother who progressed to godhood, having first been procreated as a spirit child by Heavenly Father and a heavenly mother; He was later conceived physically through intercourse between Heavenly Father and the virgin Mary (D&C 93:21; Journal of Discourses, 1:50-51; Gospel Principles, p. 11-13; Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 129; Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 546-547; 742; Ezra Taft Benson, Come unto Christ, p. 4; Robert L. Millet, The Mormon Faith: Understanding Restored Christianity, p. 31). Mormon doctrine affirms that Jesus, all angels, Lucifer, all demons, and all human beings are originally spirit brothers and sisters (Abraham 3:22-27; Moses 4:1-2; Gospel Principles, pp. 17-18; Mormon Doctrine, p. 192). 4. Is God a Trinity? The Bible teaches that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not separate Gods or separate beings, but are distinct Persons within the one Triune Godhead. Throughout the New Testament the Son and the Holy Spirit, as well as the Father, are separately identified as and act as God (Son: Mark 2:5-12; John 20:28; Philippians 2:10,11; Holy Spirit: Acts 5:3,4; 2 Corinthians 3:17,18; 13:14); yet at the same time the Bible teaches that these three are only one God (see point 1). See MORMONISM, page 2 A Comparison of Mormonism and Christianity By Troy Dobbs, Senior Pastor GraceTalk Newsletter is also available Online Read past GraceTalk newsletters online at www.atgrace.com/ newsletter-archive. Have future copies of GraceTalk delivered to your e-mail. Enter your address under Subscribe to Our Mailing List at www.atgrace.com/gracetalk.

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The purpose of GraceTalk is to chronicle the work of the Lord in the lives of the Grace family, and to communicate how He is using Grace people and ministries to make a difference in our community and the world.

TRANSCRIPT

Newsletter for the Grace Church Family

Over the next few months, I am going to provide a few comparisons of Historic Christianity versus other false religions in order to equip us to be effective defenders of the Christian faith. Here I present eight points of comparison between Mormonism and Christianity.

1. Is There More Than One True God?

The Bible teaches there is only one true and living God and apart from Him there are no other Gods. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; 44:6,8; 45:21,22; 46:9; Mark 12:29-34).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that there are many gods (Book of Abraham 4:3ff), and that we can become gods and goddesses in the celestial kingdom (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-20; Gospel Principles, p. 245; Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 130). It also teaches that those who achieve godhood will have spirit children who will worship and pray to them, just as we worship and pray to God the Father (Gospel Principles, p. 302).

2. Was God Once a Man Like Us?

The Bible teaches that God is Spirit (John 4:24; 1 Timothy 6:15,16), He is not a man (Numbers 23:19; Hosea 11:9; Romans 1:22,23), and has always (eternally) existed as God — all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere present (Psalm 90:2; 139:7-10; Isaiah 40:28; Luke 1:37).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that God the Father was once a man like us who progressed to become a God and has a body of flesh and bone (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22; “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” from Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-347; Gospel Principles, p. 9; Articles of Faith, p. 430; Mormon Doctrine, p. 321). Indeed, the Mormon Church teaches that God himself has a father, and a grandfather, ad infinitum (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 373; Mormon Doctrine, p. 577).

3. Are Jesus and Satan Spirit Brothers?

The Bible teaches that Jesus is the unique Son of God; he has always existed as God, and is co-eternal and co-equal with the Father (John 1:1,14; 10:30; 14:9; Colossians 2:9). While never less than God, at the appointed time He laid aside the glory He shared with the Father (John 17:4,5; Philippians 2:6-11) and was made flesh for our salvation; His incarnation was accomplished through being conceived supernaturally by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:34-35).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Jesus Christ is our elder brother who progressed to godhood, having first been procreated as a spirit child by Heavenly Father and a heavenly mother; He was later conceived

physically through intercourse between Heavenly Father and the virgin Mary (D&C 93:21; Journal of Discourses, 1:50-51; Gospel Principles, p. 11-13; Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 129; Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 546-547; 742; Ezra Taft Benson, Come unto Christ, p. 4; Robert L. Millet, The Mormon Faith: Understanding Restored Christianity, p. 31). Mormon doctrine affirms that Jesus, all angels, Lucifer, all demons, and all human beings are originally spirit brothers and sisters (Abraham 3:22-27; Moses 4:1-2; Gospel Principles, pp. 17-18; Mormon Doctrine, p. 192).

4. Is God a Trinity?The Bible teaches that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not separate Gods or separate beings, but are distinct Persons within the one Triune Godhead. Throughout the New Testament the Son and the Holy Spirit, as well as the Father, are separately identified as and act as God (Son: Mark 2:5-12; John 20:28; Philippians 2:10,11; Holy Spirit: Acts 5:3,4; 2 Corinthians 3:17,18; 13:14); yet at the same time the Bible teaches that these three are only one God (see point 1).

See MORMONISM, page 2

A Comparison of Mormonism and ChristianityBy Troy Dobbs, Senior Pastor

GraceTalk Newsletter

is also available OnlineRead past GraceTalk newsletters online at www.atgrace.com/ newsletter-archive.

Have future copies of GraceTalk delivered to your e-mail. Enter your address under Subscribe

to Our Mailing List at www.atgrace.com/gracetalk.

GRACETalk | JULY 20122

The purpose of GraceTalk is to chronicle the work of the Lord in the lives of the Grace family, and to communicate how He is using Grace people and ministries to make a difference in our community and the world.

Director of Communications: Jon Sorenson Communications Editor: Barb Howe Graphic Designer: Steven Hansen

Comments: [email protected]

Copyright ©2012 Grace Church

For a complete list of all Grace events

and ministries, go to www.atgrace.com.

For a complete list of all Grace events

and ministries, go to www.atgrace.com.

MORMONISM... Continued from cover

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate Gods (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 370; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 576-577), and that the Son and Holy Ghost are the literal offspring of Heavenly Father and a celestial wife (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 2, p. 649).

5. Was the Sin of Adam and Eve a Great Evil or a Great Blessing?

The Bible teaches that the disobedience of our first parents Adam and Eve was a great evil. Through their fall, sin entered the world, bringing all human beings under condemnation and death. Thus we are born with a sinful nature, and will be judged for the sins we commit as individuals. (Ezekiel 18:1-20; Romans 5:12-21).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Adam’s sin was “a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us” (Gospel Principles, p. 33; Book of Mormon — 2 Nephi 2:25; Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, pp. 114-115).

6. Can We Make Ourselves Worthy Before God?

The Bible teaches that apart from the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross we are spiritually “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1,5) and are powerless to save ourselves. By grace alone, apart from self-righteous works, God forgives our sins and makes us worthy to live in His presence (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6). However, it is certainly true that without the evidence of a changed life, a person’s testimony of faith in Christ must be questioned; salvation by grace alone through faith does not mean we can live as we please, (Romans 6:1-4).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that eternal life in the presence of God (which it terms “exaltation in the celestial kingdom”) must be earned through obedience to all the commands of the Mormon Church, including exclusive Mormon temple rituals. Works are a requirement for salvation (entrance into the “celestial kingdom”) — Gospel Principles, p. 303-304; Pearl of Great Price — Third Article of Faith; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 339, 671; Book of Mormon — 2 Nephi 25:23).

7. Is the Bible the Unique and Final Word of God?

The Bible teaches that the Bible is the inerrant, unique, final and infallible Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1,2; 2 Peter 1:21) and that it will stand forever (1 Peter 1:23-25). God’s providential preservation of the text of the Bible was marvelously illustrated in the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that the Bible has been corrupted, is missing many “plain and precious parts” and does not contain the fullness of the Gospel (Book of Mormon — 1 Nephi 13:26-29; Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, pp. 190-191).

8. Did the Early Church Fall Into Total Apostasy?

The Bible teaches, and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed, that the true Church was divinely established by Jesus and could never and will never disappear from the earth (Matthew 16:18; John 15:16; 17:11). Christians acknowledge that there have been times of corruption and apostasy within the Church, but believe there has always been a remnant that held fast to the biblical essentials.

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that there was a great and total apostasy of the Church as established by Jesus Christ; this state of apostasy “still prevails except among those who have come to a knowledge of the restored gospel” of the Mormon Church (Gospel Principles, pp. 105-106; Mormon Doctrine, p. 44).

Don’t miss that Mormons share with orthodox Christians some important moral precepts from the Bible. However, the above points are examples of the many fundamental and irreconcilable differences between historic, biblical Christianity and Mormonism. While these differences do not keep us from being friendly with Mormons, we cannot consider them brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible specifically warns of false prophets who will teach “another gospel” centered around “another Jesus,” and witnessed to by “another spirit” (2 Corinthians 11:4,13-15; Galatians 1:6-9).

Additionally, if the Mormon Church believes it is the only true Christian Church, then it should not attempt to publicly present itself as a part of a broader Christian community. Instead it should tell the world openly that those who claim to be orthodox Christians are not really Christians at all and that the Mormon Church is the only true Christian Church. This in fact is what it teaches privately, but not publicly.

So, let’s be ready to articulate the contours of the Gospel!

GRACETalk | JULY 2012 3

I’ve never been one to enjoy surprises, except where God is concerned. He is in the business of bringing about the unexpected. Over the

years I’ve found that His thoughts and His ways are different from—and far superior to—my own. His most recent directing of my journey to the Latino ministry is no less surprising that any of the others I have experienced.

Students Are StrugglingThe latest available statistics show the Latino dropout rate among schoolchildren in Minnesota is the highest of any ethnic group at 19.5 percent. By comparison, that’s more than five times the dropout rate of white Caucasians. Even today, high school graduation rates among Latinos remain at only 41.3 percent. Latino students lack both the motivation and support necessary to succeed. They struggle spiritually as they lack many of the opportunities of other students. But, God has placed an “across-the-street” opportunity right in our hands.

With a list of 35 students from our own Latino ministry, and the potential to help many more struggling Latino students who the local school system is eager to refer, the Missions Department at Grace Church is actively recruiting people to become tutors. Together, we are preparing to offer a new ministry called ARRIBA (“rise up” in Spanish) every Thursday evening beginning in September.

A SolutionHere’s Life Inner City ministry of Campus Crusade provides excellent training and support for those who want to help. Training begins with a threefold foundation: educational, homework help and tutoring; spiritual, Scripture focused activities; and social, beginning the evening with dinner and ending with recreation and family time.

It is clear that God will be in charge of this work, since tutors are not required to speak Spanish or have teaching experience. The only requirements are: knowing you have been called to this ministry by God, willingness to be trained, and a weekly commitment to tutor so volunteers can develop relationships with the children they tutor.

The only requirements are: knowing you have been called

to this ministry by God, willingness to be trained, and

a weekly commitment to tutor…

We’ve heard stories of lives changed through other tutoring ministries, and eagerly await all the surprises He has for us at Grace. My own story attests to the way God uses people for His good purposes in the most unexpected ways.

My JourneyAfter graduating from college and embarking on my career, the “providential” meeting in Houston Texas of my future husband Sam Raia caused a change in my plans. At the time, I sadly doubted if I’d ever live in Minnesota again, but after a few more moves and the birth of our first child, Sam was willing to “compromise” and accept a position that brought our young family back to Minnesota.

Fast forwarding to the summer of 2005, I accepted the position of Associate in Women’s Ministries at Grace Church. Nine months later, I assumed the role of Director, which I held for the next 5 1/2 years. It seemed as if each day God astounded me with the work He was doing and the way He guided the ministry. I loved those surprises! Since my retirement in December 2011, life has been as busy as ever, only more focused.

God amazed me yet again by redirecting what we anticipated to be a tutoring ministry for Somali children to one that focuses on the needs of our own Latino community. ARRIBA was birthed in spring 2012 with the help of a wonderful leadership team, and I am confident this is the direction God is leading.

Rise Up! – Take the First StepThe Latino Ministry at Grace Church needs tutors. Each tutor will be placed with one or two students to help with homework and to provide discipleship. Tutoring and mentoring begins in

September; training for tutors begins this summer. God may be calling you to make a difference in a young person’s life.

More info: contact me at [email protected]. Volunteer applications are available at: www.atgrace.com/missions.

ARRIBA! Transforming the Lives of Latino Students at Grace By Sue Raia

GRACETalk | JULY 20124

Serving the orphan and the widow is what James 1:27 calls pure religion. Maggie Bettcher obeyed God’s call to serve on the Kenya Missions Team in 2010. There she discovered that obeying the call to go around the world can not only deepen your faith, but could quite possibly turn your world upside down.

Maggie Bettcher grew up with an alcoholic father. He committed suicide when Maggie was 20 years old. As shocking and difficult as it was for her, Maggie was strong in her faith, which helped her get through that period of her life. But as time went on, she jerked her faith away from God and ended up falling into a major depression. She was blaming Him for her father’s death.

Maggie talks about her experience in Kenya:“After suffering with depression for four years, I became completely exhausted. I didn’t want to live, and woke up each morning with no feeling of purpose for getting out of bed. It could be the most beautiful summer day, and I didn’t want to go outside. I stopped attending church, even for Christmas and Easter services. Finally, my condition became so exhausting that I had no other choice but to call on God. I knew He was there the whole time, almost as if He was waiting for me to turn around – with His arms held wide open. I ran back, collapsed into His arms, and called out to His name.

“In my mind, God would

send fully equipped people, not someone like me.”

“Soon after that the Lord led me back to church. On the first Sunday of my return, I looked up at the jumbo screen, saw Kenya 2010 and said, ‘I get it.’ I had always wanted to serve God in Africa. It felt weird that God would call me while I was just on the verge of healing from my brokenness. In my mind, God would send fully equipped people, not someone like me who was obviously not fully equipped.

“I went to Kenya and what happened there was absolutely incredible. Through the course of training at Grace, I learned how to share my testimony, which was healing in itself. I learned how to talk about my past, how God always loved me, and how He was always there for me. Of all the places God could have me share my testimony,

He chose a Muslim school in Nairobi, Kenya. The team from Grace Church was allowed into the Muslim school. It was amazing how God opened the gates for a group of Christians to share the Gospel with children in a Muslim school!

God’s Preparation“On that day, God’s voice prompted me from the time I woke up to share my testimony. Over lunch, Bonnie, a friend who was also on the mission trip, asked me to share my testimony. It seemed almost as if God had prepared a dress rehearsal for me to practice one more time before it was time to share with the children at the Muslim school.

Obeying God’s Call to AfricaParaphrased by Barb Howe; Photos Courtesy of Adam Bettcher

GRACETalk | JULY 2012 5

“At the school, the children started out with singing, and then the Grace team was invited to share. When the time came for me to give my testimony, I stood before a group of Muslim girls with covered heads and stone-cold faces. The nervous, shaky voice that I typically experienced while speaking before a group was gone. When I grabbed the microphone and spoke to these girls, my voice didn’t shake. I was completely calm. All the verses I had memorized for my testimony came flowing forth. I cannot even remember what words I spoke, because the Holy Spirit took over and spoke through me.

God’s Reward“While I was sharing my testimony, I saw girls crying. Afterwards, I cried too, and many girls came forward to hug me. When the girls told me, ‘I love you, I love you,’ I knew it was the words of God speaking to me through them, rewarding me for my obedience. I told the girls, ‘God loves you, and that’s why I’m here.’ On that day, God healed my depression, and I have never suffered from it since.

“Going to Kenya was an act of obedience to show the love of God and share the life-changed message of the Gospel. In the process, God, who can do immeasurably more than we think or imagine, healed me from depression. I never expected that. I never thought that following God’s call would turn my world upside down, but it did and I am so thankful.”

“Just Go!” God tells us that without faith it is impossible to please Him. Pastor Troy says our obedience level needs to catch up with our knowledge level. We already know God wants us to go, so just go. What Maggie has to say about going on a mission trip is easy: “Go.”

Nairobi, Kenya is the destination for an All-Church Mission Trip January 18-28, 2013 led by Pastors Dave Gibson and Jeff Anderson. If you are interested in joining them, plan to attend the Trip Informational Meeting on Saturday, July 14 at 12:15 p.m. in Room M154.

Visit www.atgrace.com/missions for more information about this and other mission trips. View Maggie’s video at www.atgrace.com/stories.

If you attended one of the 8:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Services during the month of June, you are already familiar with the traditional style of worship that our new Associate Worship Pastor Rick Melson leads. “I couldn’t be happier to have Rick on our team. It is a privilege to serve with this dear brother, who comes to the team with a wealth of experience and passion. God has blessed Grace Church with one of His choice servants,” said Pastor Brian Vaughan.

Melson and our Senior Pastor Troy Dobbs both graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Melson holds a Master of Church Music (MCM) degree and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. He has been married for 24 years to Tammy. The couple has three children: Jon, 16; Hannah, 14; and Matt, 5.

Construction of the new Grace Chapel is nearing completion and Worship Services are anticipated to begin in this new location starting in September. When you have an opportunity, welcome Rick to Grace Church. Send him an email at: [email protected].

Welcome Rick Melson

Chapel Construction Progresses

Current plans are to begin holding Sunday services in the Chapel sometime during September.

GRACETalk | JULY 20126

The CrossIt was clear from the start that the cross was to be a prominent feature. The cross within the circle carries a strong iconic identity with Christ.

The CircleThe circle and its placement signify centering Christ in our lives. It also shows three entrances to the cross, at the left right, and bottom, which represent the Trinity.

The arching circular movement implies multiple elements: spiritual growth, continual growth, lives focused on the cross, and our impact on people across the street and around the world.

The WordsThe word placement represents our Church family relationship to the cross.

The word “grace” is larger because God’s grace is greater than anything else. The word “church” is tucked closely beneath to visually signify His amazing grace over Grace Church. Small caps are less formal and more welcoming.

The Color Green is the color of nature, symbolizing growth, harmony, and freshness. The grey complements it.

The MottoNothing came as close to representing us as “Bringing Faith to Life,” which has been the Grace Church motto since shortly before we moved to the Eden Prairie campus.

A Fresh New SymbolBy Barb Howe

During the next few months, you may start to notice a new Grace Church logo appearing around the campus. It is already being used on our website, banners, and some printed materials. It will eventually replace all instances where the old logo is used as supplies, such as stationery, are depleted.

The church has become contemporary, relaxed, and casual. These days it’s pretty rare to see people dressed up like they used to back in Edina. Now most people look for less formality in terms of dress and style of worship. Our new logo reflects this trend.

The logo is not for people who are already here;

it is for people who are walking through the door

for the first time.

Steve Siewert is a partner and design director for DW Creative in Deephaven MN. He is a 20-year member of Grace Church who lives in Waconia with his wife and two children. Steve felt passionate about the project and volunteered his time to design the logo; he had a lot of fun doing it.

A group of friends prayed for him throughout the project, and Steve felt the power of the Holy Spirit over his work. “Sometimes as a creative person, you struggle with concepts and have to step away from a project for a time. This one was different; God was in it,” said Siewert.

“Every element of the new Grace Church logo has been carefully considered to portray the warm, energetic personality of our congregation. We wanted the appearance to be simple, smart, and impactful.” Here are the reasons for choosing specific design elements:

1,000 students rally in the Worship Center

J Crew praise team leads worship

Buccaneer Bob, aka Pastor Mac Threinen, speaks to the crowd

A Look Back at VBS

GRACETalk | JULY 2012 7

Grace Family NewsUpdated June 14, 2012

New Members

Robb & Jessica Christensen

Lauren Critzer

Kuda Deve

Michael Dickerson

Jeffrey Engelking

Jared & Leanna Hanson

Daniel & Edite Izumi

Dallas & Karla Janes

Matthew & Deborah Koivisto

Russell & Lauren Kozak

Anita Lee

Boyd Lee

Luke Mattson

Leanna Murphrey

Steve Miller

Linda Moran

Shane & Tucha Orndorff

Tony Rice

Angie Ryazanov

Steven & Deborah Schmidt

Donald Smith

Dylan & Nastassia Smith

Coler Snelleman

John & Robin Steger

Jennifer & Lou Stephens

Richard Wall

Deaths

Jason Koppelman ..............................March 19

Sophie Weisert ...................................March 26

James “Jim” Jones ...............................April 16

Gladys Steege .........................................May 20

Jan McGuire ............................................May 29

All Church Lake Baptism Sunday, Aug 5 @ 5pm Riley Lake Park in Eden Prairie For Christ followers who want to be baptized by immersion in obedience to God’s Word. Baptism candidates must register by July 15 at www.atgrace.com/lakebaptism.

Small Group Leader Info Meetings (Attend one)

• Wednesday, July 18 6:30pm • Room M212

• Sunday, July 22 9:30 or 11am • Room M270

• Wednesday, Aug 1 6:30pm • Room M212

More info: www.atgrace.com/groups

Crossroads Job Search WorkshopSaturday, July 21Registration: 7:45am – 8amWorkshop: 8am – 3:30pm Career Coaching: 3:30pm – 5pmRoom M211If you are unemployed or misemployed, this workshop will sharpen the focus of your job search. Cost: $10 (box lunch included) Register at www.atgrace.com/jobsearch. For questions, contact Jeff at [email protected].

Mancamp! For Fathers & Sons Aug. 26-27, Sunday 6pm – Monday 4pmFor dads with sons ages 5 to 18. Spend a summer evening and full day of fun at the Grace Retreat Center. You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime! More info: www.atgrace.com/mancamp or contact Michael at [email protected] or 952-224-3075.

Child Dedications

Beck Joseph son of Erik and Erin Anderson

Kipton Douglas son of Chris and Bethany Croucher

Grace Vera daughter of Jonathan and Lindsay Hill

Allyson Grace daughter of Darren and Kimberly Hoehne

Elijah Samuel son of Darren and Kimberly Hoehne

Rose Melanie daughter of Chad and Sally Miller

Sana Lin Waga daughter of Andrew and Jill Moss

Kate Elizabeth daughter of Josh and Jennifer Mulvihill

Emme Jade daughter of Jeff and Diana Rouse

Charlie Joel son of Patrick and Mary Walker

Ava Krystine daughter of Brian and Leslie Lewandowski

Anna Grace daughter of David and Lori Melby

Eliza Lillian daughter of Ray and Nina Stultz

9301 Eden Prairie Road Eden Prairie, MN 55347 Phone: 952-926-1884 Fax: 952-926-1885 Web: atgrace.com

Grace Calendar

Our Mission: We exist to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus across the street and around the world.

Our Strategic Priorities: • Increase the impact of the Gospel

locally and globally.

• Make outrageous efforts to reach and disciple those 0 to 18.

• Maintain commitment to biblical teaching and spiritual depth.

Since the 1940s, Grace Church has boldly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ through dynamic and life-changing ministries to the Twin Cities area, the nation, and the world. We are committed to being a caring and nurturing fellowship…a place where visitors are welcomed as friends and cared for as family.

We offer a full range of ministries staffed by highly trained professionals, who support and equip the Grace family to help them in “bringing faith to life” in their local communities and around the world.

Join us in “bringing faith to life”!

Please check the Grace Church website to confirm the time and location of these events, programs, and services.

Sundays (ongoing) ................................................................................ Worship Services, starting at 8, 9:30, and 11am

Sundays (ongoing) ............................................................................ Servicio en Español, Spanish Service, 1:30-3:30pm

Tuesdays, (ongoing) ......................................................................................................Kairos Tuesdays, starting at 7pm

Thursdays, (ongoing) .....................................................................................Action Sports Thursday Gatherings, 5-9pm

Mon, Jul 2 ...................................................................................................... Barnabas Dad’s Bible Study, 6:30-8:30pm

Tue-Wed, Jul 10-11 ...................................................... Safe Sitter Babysitting Training, 8:45am-4pm Tue, 9am-4pm Wed

Wed, Jul 11 ............................................................................................................... Billy Graham TVTM, 5:15-7:30pm

Thu, Jul 12 ......................................................................................... Moms of Kids With Special Needs, 9:30-11:30am

Thu, Jul 12 .................................................................... Torchbearers, The Commodores (special music), at Grace Church

Wed, Jul 18 ............................................................................Small Group Leader Information Meeting, starting 6:30pm

Thu, Jul 19 .................................................................................................................. Torchbearers field trip, Lanesboro

Thu, Jul 19 .......................................................................................................... Community Dinner and Clothing Closet

Sat, Jul 21 ....................................................................................... Job Search Workshop (and Coaching), 7:45am-5pm

Sun, Jul 22 ....................................................................Small Group Leader Information Meeting, starting 9:30 or 11am

Wed, Aug 1 ............................................................................Small Group Leader Information Meeting, starting 6:30pm

Thu, Aug 2 .................................................................. Torchbearers, Great Adventure Gospel Band at Friendship Village

Sun, Aug 5 .....................................................................................................................Baptisms, Riley Lake Park, 5pm

Mon, Aug 6 .................................................................................................... Barnabas Dad’s Bible Study, 6:30-8:30pm

Wed, Aug 8 ............................................................................................................... Billy Graham TVTM, 5:15-7:30pm

Thu, Aug 9 ......................................................................................... Moms of Kids With Special Needs, 9:30-11:30am

Thu, Aug 9 ................................................................................................ Torchbearers field trip, Lock and Lunch Cruise

Sun-Mon, Aug 26-27 ...................................................................................................... Mancamp! (Father-Son Retreat)

Grace Church...Bringing Faith to Life