Here are some photos from the reception we had for the Hensleighs on April 20.

Here’s a note from them:

A big “THANK YOU!” to all at Grace for a warm and loving send off last weekend. Your gifts, personal notes, your kind words were all deeply appreciated.
from Dave, Debbie, & Joel

Here’s a clip from this past Sunday’s message, which concluded The Warrior series.

One cool thing about this clip is that these are the campus pastors at LifeChurch.tv’s 12 campuses.

In what ways have you become a warrior in the past few weeks? Are you becoming that man?

This morning I stopped by the Grace building and noticed that our Grace ducks have returned and are hanging out around the flower bed in front of the building. I don’t know why they choose to hang out here, since we don’t have any water anywhere near our building, but these 2 ducks have been there in the spring for the past several years.

Anyway, ducks always amaze me. Have you seen how colorful some of their feathers are? Why are they so vibrant and detailed? I’ll tell you why… we have a creative God who creates beauty with a wild imagination.

I’d encourage you to make a point of enjoying this time of year when the trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and birds are singing. It gives us just a small glimpse of just how amazing God is.

Where are you noticing God this spring?

You see it every day. Bad people taking advantage of the weak. Good people down on their luck. Innocent people suffering. War. Injustice. Ever get the feeling God isn’t fair? Discover how an Old Testament prophet can inspire a modern day faith in God’s Promises.

Join us April 27, May 4, and May 11 at 10:00a to learn from this Old Testament prophet.

As you may already know, our founding pastor resigned this spring. His last Sunday working at Grace Community was March 27. We’ve been working with a consultant to help us find the right pastor to lead Grace forward in the years to come so that many more people in our community will be able to find and experience God. If you know of someone who might be a good candidate, or if you’re just curious, here’s a link to the position description and application process for this new pastor:

We appreciate your prayers and encouragement for Grace Community during this time of transition.

In every man’s life, there is a cause worth fighting for and a victory worth claiming. What is yours? Discover how to not only prepare for the battles ahead, but more importantly, how to emerge victoriously. It’s time to stop playing the role of the nice guy and instead live as The Warrior.

I encourage you to be at Grace this Sunday morning at 10a and invite a couple of friends to join you. If you want some tools to help you invite others to The Warrior, check out the following web site for some free videos, printable flyers, and computer wallpaper:
http://www.thewarriorlives.com/

Below is the 10 year review video that we showed at today’s Vision n Viddles. It was 10 years ago that we began planning to move to the Regent Ballroom and become a more open and relevant church focused at the Champaign-Urbana community.

The last 10 years have been incredible, but I expect God will use us in even more incredible ways in our next 10 years. I can’t wait.

Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday morning. Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour this Sunday morning, or you’ll show up an hour late.

Please join us after the service this Sunday at 11:15a. Sandwiches and drinks will be provided. If you want, you can bring a salty or sweet something to share.

There will be childcare for birth through preK age children. Children can remain in Grace Place after the service. They will be provided ‘uncrustable’ pb&j’s, pretzels, bananas, and juice. If your child needs different food due to allergies, feel free to bring something else for them to eat. For older kids, there will be some activity areas set up in the auditorium to help keep them occupied after lunch.

After lunch we’ll look back at the past 10 years of Grace, where we currently are, some of our values, and where we sense God leading us in the future. We’ll also be giving an update on our hiring process. All are welcome and urged to be here for this fun and interactive time.

Here’s a preview of the opening from this Sunday’s message.

Yikes!

What is your captor? Are you held hostage by bitterness, malice, or rage?