Grace Community Church General

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It all started with…

December 12th, 2007 by Dave Hensleigh
Back when we got a vision to start Grace Community, we were in the last days of a campus ministry. So the campus ministry rebirthed and goes on today as Illini Life. A bunch of us gathered together in rented offices on 6th Street and asked what will the culture of this new church be? We knew what the beliefs and basic mission would be- the same as every other evangelical church out there. The question for us as leads was, what will the culture of this new outfit be?
We knew if we did not address this crucial issue, the result would be the least common denominator- what we had experienced before, our comfort, what people expected of us, etc.
So we came up with the beginnings of “cultural values” for lack of a better term, and they are evolving to this day.
They have never been listed in one place, but we talk of them and use them all the time. I have spoken on them so many times over these ten years. Our ministries have used them in charting the course. They are what “make Grace Grace”.
On a recent trip, Bill Glick and I talked them over and reflected on their value.
So…I want to serve you by enunciating them as clearly as possible over the next few days.
The first one is “OPEN” and I will write about it soon. Interesting thing happened when we discussed this value…it kind of shook us, but it was just what we needed. More later.

Good job Leadership Community!!!

December 11th, 2007 by Dave Hensleigh
A decision was made at the end of last summer by our Leadership Community to join the LifeChurch.tv network. While some questions remain about how this works and how Grace can make the most of this partnership, some outstanding positive aspects of this relationship need to be mentioned:
-Week by week now miracles happen in that slant-walled box we call Grace Community.  More than ever lives are being changed.
-This is what the group of us who were in on the beginnings of this 10 years ago dreamed of doing- creative, authentic, relational ministry that impacts people for eternity.
-The group of us acted on the value of collaboration that we embrace, even though it was not our personal preference and even though we had gotten burned a bit on our initial collaborative move with Grace Mahomet.

 

So I want to say “good job leads!” You all participated in a decision that has had huge results and has the potential to help us reach many for Christ.
Periodically I look at that document that we signed together and it fires me up. Do we see all the results yet? No. But are we partnered with a solid group committed to us and to me? Yes. Are we well positioned to impact many lives? Yes. And that is what this church deal is all about.

No one stands alone

December 10th, 2007 by Dave Hensleigh
This banner hangs 24-7 in our wonderful clubhouse here on Watterson Court. So in this season when we are busy and frazzled…lets not forget to watch out for each other.
-Is there someone God has put on your mind today?
-What about your friend that could not get to Grace last weekend?
-Are you that person who could not? Call me right now…I want to be here for you- 369.9897

Two Christmas Giving Targets

December 4th, 2007 by Dave Hensleigh

The real joy of this season is when we give. This year we have two very worthy giving opportunities at Grace Community. Why not consider one of these as a way to boost along the work of the kingdom? Another idea is asking someone who might normally buy you a gift to contribute to one of these funds in your name. (That way you avoid getting fruit cake or soap-on-a-rope.)

Compact Fluorescent Bulb
1) A Green Gift
An energy saving initiative at Restoration Urban Ministry needs $800 and 250 13 watt compact fluorescent bulbs.
This project will be carried out by Grace volunteers in early 2008. The estimated savings in utility and bulb replacement costs is at least $45,000 over the next 7 years! The $800 will go towards replacing existing, low-efficiency fixtures. To get involved with this project, contribute toward the $800 or bring six-packs of the bulbs back here to Grace. (Bulbs are a good price at Menards).

Aviom Monitoring System
2) A Rockin’ Gift
An Aviom ear monitor system for the Grace stage.
The Grace band is doing cool new things leading us here on Sundays. This system will help this team deliver a more clean and open sound and will replace aging equipment. We have already sold some old or unneeded stuff and the remaining amount for the system is $3,000.

Would you pray about these opportunities and contribute toward them by December 16th?
Checks can be made to Grace Community and marked “R.U.M.” or “Aviom.” Bulbs can be brought here to Grace the next two Sundays. Thank You!

Child Dedications this Sunday

December 3rd, 2007 by Dave Hensleigh

Contact Dave if you have an interest in being a part. If you need motivation to stick with your commitments to your kids, check out this video from LC.

Its like “Vuja De” all again over!

December 3rd, 2007 by Dave Hensleigh
This week Grace will have two representatives at the annual LifeChurch.tv “December Event”- their annual gathering for staff. The theme this year is “Vuja De” (based on the vision that Elisha’s servant was allowed to see in 2 Kings 6:17). This year Network churches like us have been included in on this two day mini-conference. The focus is celebration, encouragement, and vision-casting.
I am going with several questions. Perhaps you are curious about something related to LifeChurch.tv and would like me to get an answer. Just blog back your question or call me, 369.9897.

Family Ministry Meeting - December 9th @ 11:15a

November 29th, 2007 by Bill Glick

The Grace Board would like to invite you to an open meeting on Sunday, December 9th. Teresa King has resigned effective December 23. As a result of this, the board is taking a fresh look at family ministry to equip it to be as effective as possible. Our purpose is to listen to your ideas, comments, and desires for our Family Ministry, and to share our vision to continue the mission of serving children and parents by providing them an excellent experience each weekend.

Mike Frogley will facilitate the discussion, and childcare will be provided.

Update: This meeting will be from 11:15a-12:45p on December 9. Childcare for children through 5th grade will be available.

Mission is right here right now.

November 28th, 2007 by Dave Hensleigh

A team from Grace has just returned from serving and taking needed clothing to Appalachia. A Christmas opportunity will be unveiled this weekend for each of us to make a huge difference in a local ministry serving the needy. Mission- caring for people in Jesus’ name- is happening right here right now through Grace Community.

Write them on the walls of your heart.

November 26th, 2007 by Dave Hensleigh
These words from Prov 7 came alive yesterday as Chris scrawled those wonderful words on that white wall yesterday. I came away from yesterday (and this whole txt series) wanting to write the word on the walls of my heart, the walls of my home, the walls of my computer, the walls of all of my life.
Anyone pushing forward with mastering the word and being mastered by it?

Enthusiasm at Grace this weekend

November 20th, 2007 by Dave Hensleigh
I asked people to give open comments about their experience at Grace lately. Also on Sunday, the Leadership Community met and I asked them to make a comment about something happening in their lives now. The comments were amazing:
Results from when Dave asked people at Sunday Morning Grace to make comment on what’s going on at Grace, e.g. in your life, in your small group… 

·      Wow! Loved last week and this week. So informative and moving and awakening. Stirs me to renew my time with the word of GOD and make it a priority.

·      Convicting- Fantastic

·      (Prayer request) To give me the desire to read and know God’s word.

·      Wow!

·      I am finding the series very interesting and learn something every week.

·      Love the music before service.  Love the history lesson on the bible.

·      We run out of small group (study) sheets almost every week, can we increase the number we print each Sunday?

·      Good Stuff!

·      It has made me realize just how privileged I am to be able to read my Bible whenever, wherever I want to.  I also realize how much I neglect it.

·      Amazing

·      The band rocked!

·      Don’t be discouraged by the lack of response at the end.  You are leading people to God!!

·      We love you Dave!  Continue on!

·      The message was very good.

·      Good!  Good! Good!

·      I trust fully that God will take care of me.  He has broken down my walls after years of building.

·      Great series- good reminders for me

Comments from the Leadership Community on their experience at Grace now:

·      I have felt extremely inspired and challenged over the past several weeks

·      A man in our small group has totally transformed his attitude toward money and tithing

·      Our small group has been neat.  We have grown closer to each other and to Christ.

·      Our small group has really enjoyed using the small group sheets to dive deep into the message from the week

·      God is working in my life to overcome my addictions, heal the wounds in my life and begin to follow Him more completely

·      .     

·      I’m growing.  And several people in small group and on the Tech team are excited about LifeChurch.tv.

·      It was neat to see how God brought the talents of our small group together to bring us closer to Christ and to use us in his plan.

·      My neighborhood prayer group has watched messages of LC and it’s been such a great tool for our prayer life.  Too many prayers to list have been heard and answered.

·      God has shown me a new direction and I am excited about what He has in store.

·      Mission of Hope- One of the organizers shared a story about how God led her to a different truck provider after their original truck provider was no longer available.  Not only did they get a truck, but the provider gave money for gas, unlimited miles, etc.   God is the great provider.  What a wonderful answer to prayer.