Word on the Street

Happy Birthday Grace Avenue! Next Wednesday August 15 our church turns 13. We've hit our teen years and like any adolescent we are just beginning to move into our most important growing years. Certainly we know 13 can be a confusing time but it is also a time to develop and mature. In the next few weeks we will celebrate the opportunities and the challenges of being 13.

1. At 13 we like to party. That is why this year we are celebrating Grace Avenue's birthday for three weekends instead of just one; August 11 &12, August 18 & 19 and August 25 & 26. Part of the fun begins this Sunday night with Grace Avenue's first ever Talent Show and Spaghetti Dinner. It is still not too late to sign up.
2. At 13 we often have an identity crisis. It is no different with churches. I have people tell me all the time they don't recognize many of the people at our church now, so for the next three weeks we are going to place an emphasis on getting to know one another a little better. In addition I will be preaching a message series about some people in the Bible you may not recognize. The series is called: "Someone I'd Like You to Meet" based on stories from Acts 10, 11 & 12.
3. At 13 we like gifts. Grace Avenue has had a great start with the "From the Heart" furnishings campaign and now would be a great time to give the church a birthday present. If you have not made a "From the Heart" gift, now is the perfect time. If you have purchased an item, I want to thank you. Big gifts, little gifts all count in this important effort and it is a great way to remember or honor someone you love.
4. At 13 we know how important it is to get ready for school. That important transition time is almost here, for everyone. We know the kids will be in class; will you? We have a great Autumn line up of Grace Avenue GROW classes beginning with Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University that starts Wednesday August 29. The rest of the lineup will begin the two weeks following Labor Day. Also on August 25 & 26 we will be celebrating "Blessing of the Backpacks" and Education Personnel commissioning in all our worship services.

We're turning 13. Now is the time to live fully into the dreams God has for us. See you at church.