Resources to Find Healing from Abuse

To find out more about the ministry of Transformed By Grace, visit their website at: www.transformedbygrace.org

You can also follow on their FaceBook page at Transformed By Grace, Inc.

Sylane Mack’s books are all available on Amazon and Kindle:

Convinced! – Sylane Mack’s autobiography, or as she calls it, “God’s transforming love story written in my life.”

This is also available in Spanish: ¡Convencida!

Grace Moments – a daily journey with God – is a daily devotional with reflective journaling pages.

Grace Moments – travel version – the same daily devotional, but without the journaling pages to make it easier to pack.

Other related books:

Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Cry of the Soul by Dr. Dan B. Allender & Dr. Tremper Longman III

Healing for Damaged Emotions by David A. Seamands

The Healing Path by Dan. B. Allender, Ph.D.

When Life Isn’t Fair by Dwight Carlson, M.D. and Susan Carlson Wood

When God Doesn’t Make Sense by Dr. James Dobson

To explore other counseling options, please contact our Pastor of Congregational Care, Chuck Arnold.

Hope is available for you in Christ! Please let us help you.

 

ReVision Survey Results!

Since September 2017, our elders and staff have been working on a major project: updating our church vision statement. Vision statements have been very powerful in the journey Grace Point, as evidenced by our most recent vision which led to the establishment of a partnership with Unidos en Cristo Church in Bolivia and the planting of Restoration Church in Levittown.

On January 14, we conducted a survey at the end of our worship service, collecting demographic data and seeking the input of our church family regarding what you perceive to be our strengths, areas for improvement, and ideas for the future. Our response rate was over 75%, which is fantastic – thanks to all who participated!

Below you will find some of the most significant findings from the survey. This data, as well as much more, has been reviewed by our ReVision Team and is being considered as we begin the formation of our new vision statement.

Next steps:

• Elders and staff will review and refine the draft statement at our retreat April 6/7.
• We will seek feedback on the statement from focus groups in the weeks to come.
• We anticipate a finalized vision statement and resulting staff goals/objectives to be formulated by July 1.

Integral to this process has been the work of three Grace Point attendees who are skilled in data collection and tabulation: Paul Benchener, Dan Hughes, and Tom Nolte. We also wish to thank two individuals who are “on loan” from Crossing Community Church who have also volunteered their expertise: Larry and Cindy Newman – thank you for your heart to build the Kingdom!

And a reminder of who comprises the ReVision Team – feel free to talk with them at any time if you have comments or questions: Glenn Ely, Scott Leuz, Rich Speeney (elders), Steve Weir, Joan Zeberlein, and Dave Wolf (staff).

Your prayers for this ReVision process continue to be appreciated and impactful!

And now, some key findings:

 

Strengths Preaching/Sermons Church Culture Worship/Music Leadership Christ-centered	Opportunities Millennials Unaffiliated Surrounding townships Families Religious Identity
Weaknesses (Areas to Improve) Assimilation/Getting to know one another Greater outreach Music ministry Preaching Parenting	Threats Millennials hard to serve Church membership dropping rapidly “Competition” Doubt

Tenacious Love Resources: Drug Addiction

Resources for those battling drug addition:

Drug & Alcohol Council of Bucks County

Christian Life Prison & Recovery

Addictions Victorious at Grace Point

Update: Video Interview with Cheryl Lewis, as shown in the Worship Service

Tenacious Love Resources

Below is a sampling of many resources available to help us learn how to balance truth and grace.

Responding to a gay family member or friend:

Compassion without Compromise (How the Gospel Frees Us to Love Our Gay Friends Without Losing the Truth) by Adam Barr and Ron Citlau

Messy Grace (How a Pastor with Gay Parents Learned to Love Others without Sacrificing Conviction) by Caleb Kaltenbach

Someone I Love is Gay (How Family & Friends Can Respond) by Anita Worthen & Bob Davies

When Homosexuality Hits Home (What to Do When a Loved One Says They’re Gay) by Joe Dallas

 

Understanding homosexuality, for teens:

Living in a Gray World (A Christian Teen’s Guide to Understanding Homosexuality) by Preston Sprinkle

 

Biblical understanding of homosexuality (written by individuals who experience same-sex attraction):

Is God Anti-Gay? (Questions Christians Ask) book by Sam Allberry

Is God Anti-Gay? Sam Allberry message delivered at the Village Church in Texas

Navigating Sexual Sin to Find Your Identity in Christ, Rosaria Champagne Butterfield Focus on the Family broadcast 1/2017

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert (And English Professor’s Journey into Christian Faith) by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield

Marriage Matters: Experiencing Trauma, Loss, and Grief

During our journey through life we will experience losses, and in some cases, a traumatic event; some predictable and expected, but others a total surprise.

Being alive means we constantly have to resolve problems. Every new situation we encounter provides us the opportunity to develop new ways of using our resources in order to gain control. When a problem or situation seems beyond our capacity to cope, we are thrown off balance. This is known as a traumatic experience often leading to a crisis. A traumatic event brings about an acute response. An individual’s psychological homeostasis (balance) is disrupted both horizontally (with others) and vertically (with God).

The losses and traumatic events of life can be overwhelming. The question then becomes; How do we cope with the powerful emotions, chaos and confusion that follows a loss or traumatic event? What do we do to ease the pain and grief we feel? How can we carry on and eventually return to a normal daily routine?

During the classes of February 11, 18, and 25 we will explore the world of Trauma, Loss and Grief. This will be an opportunity to, perhaps, share your story and find a sense of healing as you interact with others.

Come join the class at 9:00am in rooms A-1 and 2.

Please contact Pastor Chuck with questions or comments.

January Business Meeting Recap

Below is a summary and recap of the Semi-Annual Business Meeting, held on Sunday, January 14 after the 10:30am service. The summary is written by Scott Leuz, Elder Vice-Chair.
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Hello church family,

We wanted to provide a brief summary of the business meeting held on January 14th for those who were not able to attend. We tried a new more efficient format for the meeting that was held immediately following the second service. We were happy to see strong attendance as about 100 members came.

During the meeting, Dave Wolf was able to provide an update to the ReVision process. A survey was taken during the morning services and the ReVision team will be working with a volunteer consulting group to evaluate the data and continue to seek God’s leading for the future.

If you were not able to participate in the survey on Sunday morning, you may take it online by going to http://gpsurvey.com. Please complete the survey by January 18, 2018.

Holly Ames, Jay Button, Cassandra DeWitt, and Joan Zeberlein were recognized for their years of service on staff.

Greg Shelton provided an update on the Youth Ministry with good attendance and upcoming winter retreats.

Bill Wright reported that the finances are healthy after a strong giving month of December.

We had one item for congregational vote. With an overwhelming majority vote, the congregation approved to ordain Steve Weir pending the approval of an Ordination Council – who will determine/confirm his calling and fitness for Pastoral ministry.

God bless,

Scott Leuz
Elder Vice Chair

Marriage Matters: Building a Marriage That Lasts

Happy New Year!

On January 21 at 9:00am the Marriage and Family classes will begin again. On the 21st and 28th we will start off the year by looking at the topic: “Building a Marriage that Lasts.”

Over the last 30 years or so divorce has become the fashionable way to deal with marital conflict. Books such as “Creative Divorce” have described it as the start of a brand-new life that was in the best interest of the entire family.

Even in the moments of conflict and discouragement the answer for couples is to work on their marriage and if necessary get assistance in doing so.

Guard your relationship against erosion as though you were defending your very lives.

Guard your relationship against erosion as though you were defending your very lives. You can make it together; not only survive, but you can keep your love alive if you give it priority in your system of values.

On January 21 we will be looking at the “Marriage Killers.” On January 28th we will be looking at the “Fundamentals of a Christian Marriage.”

Join the class at 9:00am January 21 in Rooms A-1 & 2. We’d love to have you!

Please contact Pastor Chuck (carnold@gracepointpa.org) with questions or comments. Hope to see you there!

Through the Bible in 2018!

Your car won’t run if you don’t give it the right fuel. Neither will your spirit.

For decades now, I’ve made it a habit to read through the entire Bible in a year. While it’s great to spend time in the Bible looking at passages that address my immediate needs, it’s also important to get the “Big Picture” and read ALL the parts that I might never choose left to myself. God has something important to say to me there, too.

This year I’m choosing a new plan I haven’t done before, thanks to the many plans available on YouVersion – if you don’t have the free app yet on your device, check it out here.

Here are quite a few options to read through the Bible in 365 days.

If you need help narrowing the choices, here are my top picks:

• This is the plan I’ve used for many years, which takes a portion from the Old Testament, a portion from the New Testament, a Psalm, and a Proverb.
• Here is the plan I’m going with this year – still some variety each day, but through the entire Bible in 15 minutes a day.
• And another option that I think looks really good.

Whatever plan you choose, and whether you go through the entire Bible in 2018, or even a portion, it’s a great practice to start your day spending time with Jesus, listening to Him speak into your life.

One further note – this Wednesday I will begin weekly posts to my personal blog, to provide a mid-week spiritual check-in, as well as an opportunity for interaction for others in our church family. It’s easy to come on Sunday, worship, and leave not having really connected with others. I want the blog to be an online opportunity for mutual encouragement and conversation. Find it here.

Happy New Year – and may you enjoy many meaningful moments with God in 2018!

Women’s Outreach & Fellowship

At Grace Point we have a stellar group of ladies that work tirelessly to advance the gospel in very tangible ways. Our Women’s Outreach & Fellowship group has been working over the last 12-18 months creating, quilting, collecting and assembling thousands of items that are given out and used by local, regional, and global ministries.

We give God the praise for what He will do through the ministry of our Women’s Outreach & Fellowship!

Here’s a snapshot of their work for 2016 and 2017:

8 meetings & 5 quilting meetings

Total Meeting Hours:

• 32 Women’s Fellowship
  22 Quilting

Total Items: 6,857 Made or collected

OUTREACH PROJECTS

• Child Home Community
  • 5 Baby blankets, knitted/crocheted
• C.E.F.
  • 2000 “wordless” zipper pulls
• Esperanza Medical Center
  • 460 Christmas – Stars; Happy B-day cupcakes
  • 685 Easter crosses
  • 576 Spanish stickers: Jesus Loves Me
  • 300 English stickers: Smile God Loves You
  • 535 Back-To-School bookmarks – Fruit of the Spirit
  • 62 Children’s books donated to their library
  • 88 Travel hygiene kits assembled
  • 200 Memory Verse Packets (in envelopes)
  • 34 Fall favors: Give Thanks
  • 6 Children’s wooden puzzles
• Good Shepherd Ministry
  • 50 Cans filled with cookies
  • 100 Candy favors
  • 28 Walker bags
  • 25 Lap Robes
  • 21 Knitted slippers
  • 9 Knitted shoulder wraps
  • 206 Assorted Sunshine Bag items (2 boxes)
  • 166 Christmas cards/envelopes
  • 18 Toys
  • 5 Stuffed Animals
• Philadelphia Bible Clubs
  • 270 Tree Christmas party favors
  • 43 Jewelry and jewelry boxes
  • 77 Misc. household gifts/ornaments/etc.
  • 31 Baskets filled with travel/cosmetics/gifts
  • 60 Christmas bracelets for mothers
  • 16 Hats/scarves, knitted
  • 13 Towels/sheets/blankets
  • 47 Small toys for prizes
  • 7 Christmas wrapping paper rolls
  • 2 Christmas ribbon
  • 1 Box assorted treats for volunteers
• Pickering Manor (Bible Study)
  • 10 Fall Favors (Give Thanks)
  • 10 Christmas Favors (Happy B-day Jesus cupcakes)

Grace Point Ministry Projects

• On Eagles’ Wings
  • 60 Christmas favors (foam nativity)
  • 60 Valentine’s favors (anchor for my soul)
  • 65 Easter favors (crosses)
  • 64 Summer favors (Patriotic)
  • 64 Summer favors (C.O.F.F.E.E. – ladies)
• Quilting
  • 97 Quilts for kids
  • 2 Flannel quilts for Kyrgyzstan
  • 43 Handmade stuffed animals
  • 6 Knitted/crocheted Preemie Hat & Bootie sets
  • 30 Knitted/crocheted hats
• Sunday School – Rising 7th Graders
  • 10 Wordless bracelets w/explanation cards
  • 10 Wordless key chains
• Vacation Bible School
  • 180 Prayer Journals assembled

Welcome again to Christmas!

Welcome again to the Christmas season! With Thanksgiving so early this year, I’ve been catching myself this past week thinking it’s already December, but in fact November has lingered. Now that the Advent season has truly arrived, I hope you’ll engage in these exciting opportunities this month:

Sunday Mornings in December – We will continue our series “The Heart of Christmas,” looking at four different types of hearts God came to visit that first Advent, and still visits today. This is a great time of year to invite friends who normally don’t attend Grace Point!

Christmas Eve – On Sunday, December 24 we’ll offer three identical family services at 10:30am, 3:30pm, and 5:00pm. There will be NO 9:00am service. Christmas Eve Services will include carols, special music, and candle lighting. Nursery will be available for infants and toddlers at all services.

Christmas Offering – This year’s Christmas Offering will be used in two key ways. The first is to bless our missionaries by sending each missionary family a Christmas/year-end gift. Each of our missionaries has expressed a decrease in their overall financial support, and we hope this special financial blessing will be an encouragement to them. By supporting our missionaries, we are giving to those planting new churches, mobilizing new missionaries to serve overseas, assisting troubled youth in Bucks County, spreading the gospel in local schools, reaching Muslims in remote parts of Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Central America.

The second half of our offering will be given to support our General Fund, the primary means by which we fund our ministries and offer outreach events like One Winter Night.

Contribute throughout December marking your check and/or envelope as “Christmas Offering.” All offerings collected on Christmas Eve will go toward our Christmas Offering unless otherwise designated. You may also give online: http://giving.gracepointpa.org

I also want to take a moment here to say thank you for your generosity as we collected $9,630 for our Thanksgiving offering to help with Hurricane Harvey relief.

Sunday, December 31 – There will be ONE SERVICE ONLY at 10:30am, an opportunity to look to the Lord as we begin a New Year. Children’s classes will meet as usual through sixth grade; there will be no Adult Bible Study.

Jesus set aside His glory to enter our world 2,000 years ago so He could love on hearts like yours and mine. Our leadership team at Grace Point is praying that your heart is drawn ever closer to Him during this very special season!

In Christ,

Dave Wolf
Senior Pastor