Ministry Update - July 29, 2020

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John16:33~

What beautiful words! Jesus has overcome the world! Suffice to say that in this world we have troubles. Lately, it may seem that with every new day comes a new set of obstacles, challenges, hardships, and troubles. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Paul gives us these words, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." Paul wants us to know that any obstacles, challenges, hardships, or troubles that we may face here on earth is only a “light momentary affliction” when compared to the eternal glory given to us in Christ! Jesus has overcome the world for you so that we would live in the peace that flows from Christ’s death and resurrection; the once and for all defeat of Satan and eternal separation from God.

So, in the face of obstacles, challenges, hardships, and troubles, what do we do? We cling to Christ. The realities of this world are temporary, but Christ and His care for us is eternal! Clinging to Christ, and the eternal hope He gives us, keeps us from losing hope as we continue to live as His redeemed children and being the hands and feet of Jesus to the world. As our reality continues to shift, remember Jesus’ words spoken to you, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

With a new day has come a regulation that does affect our worship at Grace Chapel. As I have written numerous times before, the leadership of Grace Chapel has and continues to follow the guidelines set forth by St. Louis County in order that we, as a church, continue to care for the health and wellbeing of our church family while at the same time providing a safe worship environment. Per the St. Louis County Department of Public Health’s latest update, gathering limits have been set to 50 people or less. Due to this change, we are asking once again that individuals and family units please sign up for their desired worship service by following the link provided on the church website (www.gracechapelstl.org), emailing Pastor Nate directly (nruback@gracechapelstl.org), or by calling and/or leaving Pastor Nate a voicemail (314-868-3232 x213). Up-to-date availability will be available on the church website, via Pastor Nate, and the church office. In order for us to maintain capacity numbers, you must sign up for a service; please, no “walk-ins”. We are asking that you sign up each week; slots do not carry over from week to week. Worship time sigh-ups will continue through August 22/23, 2020. We will continue to stream Sunday morning worship at 8am and 9:30am.

Lastly, this weekend we are celebrating the installation of Rev. Eric Stacy. The original plan was to have one service on Sunday, August 2^nd at 9:30am in addition to the 4:00pm service on Saturday, August 1st. Because the current order restricts the number of those gathered for a single service, we will, now, also gather for worship at 8:00am on Sunday, August 2^nd. Rev. Stacy will be assisting at the 8:00am service so that those worshiping have the opportunity meet, greet, and welcome Rev. Stacy to Grace Chapel. It is with a heavy heart that the installation service will be limited in its capacity, but we celebrate God’s blessings that Rev. Stacy has joined the Grace Chapel Family!

In closing, I want to encourage you by saying that I am continuing to hold all of you in my prayers. Cling to Christ; He is our strength, our hope, our support, and our ever-present help in times of trouble.

In His Grip,

Pastor Nate Ruback

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7~