Grace Church Life https://www.gracechurchmd.org Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:45:33 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Mother's Day Brunch https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/mothers-day-brunch https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/mothers-day-brunch#comments Sun, 20 May 2018 17:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/mothers-day-brunch  

On Saturday, May 12, the Women's Ministry of Grace Church invited guests to join them for a "Mom's Morning Out" brunch at Vintage, a beautifully renovated restaurant in historic New Market. The time alone as moms enjoying a delicious modern Southern brunch allowed everyone a bit of time to be refreshed and celebrate motherhood. 

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There were table games, gift basket raffles, laughter, and a time where a few moms shared advice and encouragement with the group.

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All food and beverage was covered by Grace Church for the guests in attendance. It was a sweet time and everyone left feeling blessed!

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On Saturday, May 12, the Women's Ministry of Grace Church invited guests to join them for a "Mom's Morning Out" brunch at Vintage, a beautifully renovated restaurant in historic New Market. The time alone as moms enjoying a delicious modern Southern brunch allowed everyone a bit of time to be refreshed and celebrate motherhood. 

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There were table games, gift basket raffles, laughter, and a time where a few moms shared advice and encouragement with the group.

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All food and beverage was covered by Grace Church for the guests in attendance. It was a sweet time and everyone left feeling blessed!

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Veterans Luncheon https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/veterans-luncheon https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/veterans-luncheon#comments Sun, 12 Nov 2017 17:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/veterans-luncheon Veterans Luncheon

In the spirit of Romans 13:7, which says to “render honor to whom honor is due”, our church hosted a luncheon today to honor Veterans in our area by offering them a free lunch at a local restaurant.  There were 41 people in attendance, 17 of whom were veterans including one World War II Vet. This is a picture of the Vets who attended.

We wanted to pay tribute to those who have served our country to protect our freedoms.  Their dedication and sacrifices are an example to us all.

We were blessed to have Captain Floyd Massey of the United States Marine Corp attend and share his story of how he was rescued by our own Larry Earles during the Viet Nam war.  Captain Massey's F-4 Phantom 2 jet fighter plane was shot down in combat, and he and the pilot had to eject. 

Larry Earles happened to be flying nearby in his helicopter, and was able to rescue both Floyd and the pilot behind enemy lines.   Larry shared his testimony of how the Lord drew him to Himself, and preserved his life through many other harrowing experiences. 

Thank you to all Veterans for your selfless commitment to defending the freedoms we treasure and enjoy.

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Veterans Luncheon

In the spirit of Romans 13:7, which says to “render honor to whom honor is due”, our church hosted a luncheon today to honor Veterans in our area by offering them a free lunch at a local restaurant.  There were 41 people in attendance, 17 of whom were veterans including one World War II Vet. This is a picture of the Vets who attended.

We wanted to pay tribute to those who have served our country to protect our freedoms.  Their dedication and sacrifices are an example to us all.

We were blessed to have Captain Floyd Massey of the United States Marine Corp attend and share his story of how he was rescued by our own Larry Earles during the Viet Nam war.  Captain Massey's F-4 Phantom 2 jet fighter plane was shot down in combat, and he and the pilot had to eject. 

Larry Earles happened to be flying nearby in his helicopter, and was able to rescue both Floyd and the pilot behind enemy lines.   Larry shared his testimony of how the Lord drew him to Himself, and preserved his life through many other harrowing experiences. 

Thank you to all Veterans for your selfless commitment to defending the freedoms we treasure and enjoy.

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Father/Son Camping Adventure https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/father https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/father#comments Mon, 19 Jun 2017 20:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/father A new tradition?

Over Father's Day weekend, some of the dads and sons of Grace Church embarked on an overnight camping trip at Greenbriar State Park. The trip included a grilled chicken and hot dog dinner, an epic Nerf gun battle, s'mores by the fire, a hearty breakfast at the campfire and a hike on the Appalachian Trail. The boys and dads had a chance to bond together not only as fathers and sons but as a group of friends. The smiles in the pictures say it all! We look forward to having even more friends for the next Father's Day adventure, members and guests alike.

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A new tradition?

Over Father's Day weekend, some of the dads and sons of Grace Church embarked on an overnight camping trip at Greenbriar State Park. The trip included a grilled chicken and hot dog dinner, an epic Nerf gun battle, s'mores by the fire, a hearty breakfast at the campfire and a hike on the Appalachian Trail. The boys and dads had a chance to bond together not only as fathers and sons but as a group of friends. The smiles in the pictures say it all! We look forward to having even more friends for the next Father's Day adventure, members and guests alike.

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March for Life https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/march-for-life https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/march-for-life#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2017 19:00:00 -0500 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/march-for-life "Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:3-4

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Some of us went downtown for the March for Life on Friday. What an amazing experience! The crowd was massive and we met people from several states. Everyone was friendly and respectful. None of us had been before, but we were all struck by the testimonies and speeches — especially Mia Love. She shared her story of parents who came to our country from Haiti, trying to have a better life. They left their two children behind with family and were unable to get them back for 5 long years. They both worked several jobs… and then Mia’s mom got pregnant. Some would have said an abortion would be the only solution, but they wouldn’t do it. And now 41 years later, that unplanned baby has been elected as the first Republican black Congresswoman. It was also great to hear from Vice President Mike Pence. It was very moving to be part of such a crowd that had one thing in common — our respect for life. We all agreed that we want to go again next year.

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"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82:3-4

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Some of us went downtown for the March for Life on Friday. What an amazing experience! The crowd was massive and we met people from several states. Everyone was friendly and respectful. None of us had been before, but we were all struck by the testimonies and speeches — especially Mia Love. She shared her story of parents who came to our country from Haiti, trying to have a better life. They left their two children behind with family and were unable to get them back for 5 long years. They both worked several jobs… and then Mia’s mom got pregnant. Some would have said an abortion would be the only solution, but they wouldn’t do it. And now 41 years later, that unplanned baby has been elected as the first Republican black Congresswoman. It was also great to hear from Vice President Mike Pence. It was very moving to be part of such a crowd that had one thing in common — our respect for life. We all agreed that we want to go again next year.

marchforlife2017

 

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Devon Kauflin's Ordination https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/devon-kauflins-ordination https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/devon-kauflins-ordination#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2016 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/devon-kauflins-ordination Ordination Sunday

Sunday, October 9th was a significant day in the life and history of Grace Church as Devon Kauflin was ordained as a pastor. We are now a church that has two elders/pastors and that is going to only increase our effectiveness as a church both now and in the years to come. Devon brings so much to the mix of our leadership team — with his intelligence, youth, gifting, and passion. He really has a heart to serve us all at Grace Church and we are so very thankful to God for bringing him here to be such an integral part of this particular body of Christ. 

We gathered together at the Mays' house in the afternoon for a celebratory BBQ picnic. The main dish was cooked by our very own barbecue master chefs Devon and Kristine! Here are a few pictures of the celebration....

 

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Ordination Sunday

Sunday, October 9th was a significant day in the life and history of Grace Church as Devon Kauflin was ordained as a pastor. We are now a church that has two elders/pastors and that is going to only increase our effectiveness as a church both now and in the years to come. Devon brings so much to the mix of our leadership team — with his intelligence, youth, gifting, and passion. He really has a heart to serve us all at Grace Church and we are so very thankful to God for bringing him here to be such an integral part of this particular body of Christ. 

We gathered together at the Mays' house in the afternoon for a celebratory BBQ picnic. The main dish was cooked by our very own barbecue master chefs Devon and Kristine! Here are a few pictures of the celebration....

 

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40 Days For Life https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/40-days-for-life https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/40-days-for-life#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2016 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/40-days-for-life  40 Days For Life

On Wednesday, Oct 5th, Grace Church had the opportunity to participate in the 40 Days For Life prayer campaign, a pro-life effort to unite the body of Christ domestically and internationally primarily to publicly and peacefully pray to the Lord for an end to abortion. Our involvement as a church is rooted in our biblical call to act as salt and light to our surrounding community (Matthew 5:13-16), and in this case to bring greater awareness of the sanctity of life of the unborn and the evil of abortion. As a church we adopted a day and the goal was to have 100% prayer coverage every hour from 7am-7pm. By God’s grace we were able to do so. Folks gathered each hour to pray along Wisteria Drive in Germantown in front of the Churchill Executive Office Park complex, where a late-term abortion clinic resides. According to 40 Days For Life, 101 lives have been saved thus far through this most recent domestic/international prayer campaign. Thank you, Lord! And thank you to all who were able to come out and pray. The 40 Days For Life prayer campaign continues through November 6th. If you are interested in volunteering to pray, click here 40 Days For Life

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 40 Days For Life

On Wednesday, Oct 5th, Grace Church had the opportunity to participate in the 40 Days For Life prayer campaign, a pro-life effort to unite the body of Christ domestically and internationally primarily to publicly and peacefully pray to the Lord for an end to abortion. Our involvement as a church is rooted in our biblical call to act as salt and light to our surrounding community (Matthew 5:13-16), and in this case to bring greater awareness of the sanctity of life of the unborn and the evil of abortion. As a church we adopted a day and the goal was to have 100% prayer coverage every hour from 7am-7pm. By God’s grace we were able to do so. Folks gathered each hour to pray along Wisteria Drive in Germantown in front of the Churchill Executive Office Park complex, where a late-term abortion clinic resides. According to 40 Days For Life, 101 lives have been saved thus far through this most recent domestic/international prayer campaign. Thank you, Lord! And thank you to all who were able to come out and pray. The 40 Days For Life prayer campaign continues through November 6th. If you are interested in volunteering to pray, click here 40 Days For Life

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Church picnic of Olympic proportion https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/church-picnic-of-olympic-proportion https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/church-picnic-of-olympic-proportion#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2016 19:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/church-picnic-of-olympic-proportion Grace Church gathered at Damascus Recreational Park on Sunday, August 7 for a picnic of Olympic proportion! It was a wonderful opportunity for an afternoon of great fun and a chance to welcome a number of guests. There were tables groaning under the weight of some of the tastiest food ever. And speaking of groaning tables, we experienced a watermelon eating contest to beat all others. Thanks to the many hours of hard work by Ben and Stephenie Tedesco, all of the care groups competed in "Olympic games" for the grand prize of a barbecue meal prepared by our very own Devon Kaulfin. While we were unable to complete all of the contests due to time, we did have two care groups finish in a tie! The Loftness and Mays care groups are currently planning on a joint barbecue dinner and perhaps a little friendly competition.

 

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Grace Church gathered at Damascus Recreational Park on Sunday, August 7 for a picnic of Olympic proportion! It was a wonderful opportunity for an afternoon of great fun and a chance to welcome a number of guests. There were tables groaning under the weight of some of the tastiest food ever. And speaking of groaning tables, we experienced a watermelon eating contest to beat all others. Thanks to the many hours of hard work by Ben and Stephenie Tedesco, all of the care groups competed in "Olympic games" for the grand prize of a barbecue meal prepared by our very own Devon Kaulfin. While we were unable to complete all of the contests due to time, we did have two care groups finish in a tie! The Loftness and Mays care groups are currently planning on a joint barbecue dinner and perhaps a little friendly competition.

 

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Brian Chesemore on Psalm 23 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/psalm-23--- https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/psalm-23---#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2016 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/psalm-23--- Brian Chesemore and his family joined us on Sunday morning and were warmly welcomed. Brian ministered to Grace Church as he preached a message entitled Restored by the Lord of Psalm 23. Listen to this message HERE.

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Brian Chesemore and his family joined us on Sunday morning and were warmly welcomed. Brian ministered to Grace Church as he preached a message entitled Restored by the Lord of Psalm 23. Listen to this message HERE.

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Morning at the Park https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/morning-at-the-park https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/morning-at-the-park#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2016 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/morning-at-the-park “Morning at the Park” is an opportunity for moms and kids to meet other women in the Clarksburg area and to get to know one another better. We meet every Wednesday during the summer at the Arora Hills Local Park, 23244 Arora Hills Drive 9:30-11:00 a.m. Recently we asked Sarah Del Castillo to share with us what Morning at the Park has meant to her. Here is her story:

Parks are a great place for kids. I take my kids to the park to run off energy, to get the craziness out, to take a breath of fresh air and press the reset button. My kids love Morning at the Park - what could be better than running in circles with all their friends?

The unique thing about Morning at the Park is that it is just as much (if not more!) for the ladies. Sometimes I'm the one who needs a reset. My soul might be weary. I have regularly returned from the park refreshed and encouraged. Sometimes it is from a specific conversation, and other times it is just from the reminder that we are all in this together, that everyone is faithfully working toward the common goal of glorifying the Lord in our homes.

The flip side to being encouraged at the park is to go with the goal of encouraging others. Who can I greet, include, encourage, pray for? Whose neighbor can I befriend? What can I remember to ask about that we talked about last week? The Lord can use the smallest thing to build up others in the body, and what a joy to be a part of His work in each others' lives. Romans 15:5-6 says, "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Come join us!

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“Morning at the Park” is an opportunity for moms and kids to meet other women in the Clarksburg area and to get to know one another better. We meet every Wednesday during the summer at the Arora Hills Local Park, 23244 Arora Hills Drive 9:30-11:00 a.m. Recently we asked Sarah Del Castillo to share with us what Morning at the Park has meant to her. Here is her story:

Parks are a great place for kids. I take my kids to the park to run off energy, to get the craziness out, to take a breath of fresh air and press the reset button. My kids love Morning at the Park - what could be better than running in circles with all their friends?

The unique thing about Morning at the Park is that it is just as much (if not more!) for the ladies. Sometimes I'm the one who needs a reset. My soul might be weary. I have regularly returned from the park refreshed and encouraged. Sometimes it is from a specific conversation, and other times it is just from the reminder that we are all in this together, that everyone is faithfully working toward the common goal of glorifying the Lord in our homes.

The flip side to being encouraged at the park is to go with the goal of encouraging others. Who can I greet, include, encourage, pray for? Whose neighbor can I befriend? What can I remember to ask about that we talked about last week? The Lord can use the smallest thing to build up others in the body, and what a joy to be a part of His work in each others' lives. Romans 15:5-6 says, "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Come join us!

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John Piper Quote https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/john-piper-quote https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/john-piper-quote#comments Mon, 13 Jun 2016 21:00:00 -0400 https://www.gracechurchmd.org/blog/post/john-piper-quote Yesterday, I shared an extended quote from John Piper on love being the fruit of our future hope. Here it is in its entirety. You can also listen to or read the sermon this quote comes from here.

"[The Bible] teaches and shows that a strong confidence in the promises of God and a passionate preference for the joy of heaven over the joy of the world frees a person from worldly self-centeredness, from paralyzing regret and self-pity, from fear and greed and bitterness and despair and laziness and impatience and envy. And in the place of all these sins, hope bears the fruit of love.

The problem with the church today is not that there are too many people who are passionately in love with heaven. Name three! The problem is not that professing Christians are retreating from the world, spending half their days reading Scripture and the other half singing about their pleasures in God all the while indifferent to the needs of the world. The problem is that professing Christians are spending ten minutes reading Scripture and then half their day making money and the other half enjoying and repairing what they spend it on.

It is not heavenly-mindedness that hinders love. It is worldly-mindedness that hinders love, even when it is disguised by a religious routine on the weekend. Where is the person whose heart is so passionately in love with the promised glory of heaven that he feels like an exile and a sojourner on the earth? Where is the person who has so tasted the beauty of the age to come that the diamonds of the world look like baubles, and the entertainment of the world is empty, and the moral causes of the world are too small because they have no view to eternity? Where is this person?

He is not in bondage to TV-watching or eating or sleeping or drinking or partying or fishing or sailing or putzing around. He is a free man in a foreign land. And his one question is this: How can I maximize my enjoyment of God for all eternity while I am an exile on this earth? And his answer is always the same: by doing the labors of love.

Only one thing satisfies the heart whose treasure is in heaven: doing the works of heaven. And heaven is a world of love! It is not the cords of heaven that bind the hands of love. It is the love of money and leisure and comfort and praise — these are the cords that bind the hands of love. And the power to sever these cords is Christian hope.

I say it again with all the conviction that lies within me: it is not heavenly-mindedness that hinders love on this earth. It is worldly-mindedness. And therefore the great fountain of love is the powerful, freeing confidence of Christian hope!"

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Yesterday, I shared an extended quote from John Piper on love being the fruit of our future hope. Here it is in its entirety. You can also listen to or read the sermon this quote comes from here.

"[The Bible] teaches and shows that a strong confidence in the promises of God and a passionate preference for the joy of heaven over the joy of the world frees a person from worldly self-centeredness, from paralyzing regret and self-pity, from fear and greed and bitterness and despair and laziness and impatience and envy. And in the place of all these sins, hope bears the fruit of love.

The problem with the church today is not that there are too many people who are passionately in love with heaven. Name three! The problem is not that professing Christians are retreating from the world, spending half their days reading Scripture and the other half singing about their pleasures in God all the while indifferent to the needs of the world. The problem is that professing Christians are spending ten minutes reading Scripture and then half their day making money and the other half enjoying and repairing what they spend it on.

It is not heavenly-mindedness that hinders love. It is worldly-mindedness that hinders love, even when it is disguised by a religious routine on the weekend. Where is the person whose heart is so passionately in love with the promised glory of heaven that he feels like an exile and a sojourner on the earth? Where is the person who has so tasted the beauty of the age to come that the diamonds of the world look like baubles, and the entertainment of the world is empty, and the moral causes of the world are too small because they have no view to eternity? Where is this person?

He is not in bondage to TV-watching or eating or sleeping or drinking or partying or fishing or sailing or putzing around. He is a free man in a foreign land. And his one question is this: How can I maximize my enjoyment of God for all eternity while I am an exile on this earth? And his answer is always the same: by doing the labors of love.

Only one thing satisfies the heart whose treasure is in heaven: doing the works of heaven. And heaven is a world of love! It is not the cords of heaven that bind the hands of love. It is the love of money and leisure and comfort and praise — these are the cords that bind the hands of love. And the power to sever these cords is Christian hope.

I say it again with all the conviction that lies within me: it is not heavenly-mindedness that hinders love on this earth. It is worldly-mindedness. And therefore the great fountain of love is the powerful, freeing confidence of Christian hope!"

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