Ministry Updates - March 31, 2022

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ~James 1:12~

Perseverance is defined as a continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. Over the last two years we have faced numerous difficulties, failures, and opposition; it doesn’t need to be stated, as each of us has experienced how life drastically changed in a blink of an eye. Even now, as glimpses of “normal” begin to return, we continue to persevere through our post-COVID reality. It is hard for me to fathom 2 years have now passed since the first restrictions were put in place. And yet, I am constantly reminded that we have a real, living God that has and will continue to tend to all of our needs. During these past 2 years many of us have felt alone, isolated from anyone or anything, but the words of Deuteronomy 31:6 speak so loudly, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” Our God has never left us or forsook us. We need not be afraid, but can continue to live our life for Jesus with His strength and courage! In future, whatever the world can throw at us, we stand strong and courageous with our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus! 

In light of the many changes happening around us, I want to take a minute to update everyone on some changes at Grace Chapel as we move forward to “normalize” our time together. First, it was announced to our Grace Chapel school families that, “Based on current CDC guidelines the Grace Chapel School Board has approved the wearing of masks to be optional while in the building for all students, staff and visitors beginning Monday, April 4. This date is based on current COVID infection trends and will be re-visited by the Board if necessary.” The Board of Elders, along with the pastors, have decided that the church will follow the same timeline and direction. So, beginning April 2, masks will also be optional while in the building. Second, on April 9 and 10 we will be returning to the altar to celebrate Holy Communion. Distribution will take place in the same fashion it was prior to COVID with one exception, we will not use the Common Cup at this time. The Common Cup will return at a later date. For those who are not yet comfortable returning to the altar to celebrate Holy Communion, it will be distributed by the pastors in the current fashion that we adopted during COVID after those who have communed at the altar. 

Please know that if circumstances change, the leadership of Grace Chapel will continue to communicate those changes.

Lastly, we have spent 2 years in world that has changed dramatically, but God has not. I want to encourage you to be part of God’s church; you need the church and the church needs you. Be encouraged with the words from Acts 2 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…And all who believed were together and had all things in common…And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Please know that Pastor Stacy and I continue to pray for each and every one of you each day. God’s continued strength and courage be with you all.

+ In His Grip +

Pastor Nate