Word on the Street

As we approach the time of New Beginnings at Grace Avenue I have been asked frequently about both the schedule and the description of the various services. The staff has been working diligently to prepare for this exciting new time at our church. One of the great challenges, however has been to create a description that does not read like a book. I want descriptions that are simple and direct.
There is no way to describe these new experiences 100% so we are attempting to describe the essence of each worship service with room for growth, change and most importantly, the Holy Spirit.

As you read these descriptions I would love to be in dialogue with you. We are planning some Q & A times both in person and online. Be watching for these events or email me at billy@graceavenue.org. remember we move into the new sanctuary on Jan 5th & 6th with the existing schedule. On January 26th & 27th we will open the renovated Worship Center and begin the new six worship service schedule.

Here is a list and brief description of what you can expect beginning January 26th:

Contemporary Worship Expressions - In the Renovated Worship Center

Saturday 5:30 pm, Sabbath Service
A come-as you-are Sunday alternative experience
FOCUS: In a busy world we honor God by having sacred time for worship and reclaimed time for rest and family.

Sunday 9:30 am, Celebration Service
A joyful praise experience
FOCUS: Music and message that is uplifting, encouraging and relevant.

Sunday 11:00 am, Threshold Service
A postmodern community experience
FOCUS: Entering into worship that integrates gathering, growing, going and giving in the life of faith

Traditional Worship Expressions - In the New Sanctuary

Sunday 8:30 am, Communion Service
An early morning sacrament-centered experience
FOCUS: Built around the United Methodist service of Holy Communion every week.

Sunday 9:30 am, Foundation Service
A family oriented experience
FOCUS: Families engage and participate in worship together.

Sunday 11:00 am, Covenant Service
A time-honored experience
FOCUS: Wesleyan theology presented through liturgy, ritual, hymns and choral singing

Word on the Street

You have access to Grace Avenue in two new ways right at your fingertips and you may not even realize it. One of the great challenges for a church like ours is to make the great content of Grace Avenue accessible, mobile and able to keep up with people on the go. These new tools are no longer dreams. They are ready and available for download today.

The first is a wonderful new recording project just in time for the season. It is called "Christmas on Grace Avenue" and it features Laurie Hanson Roberts, The Grace Avenue Band and the Grace Avenue Adult Choir. They perform traditional Christmas songs as well as music that unique to Grace Avenue. One of the songs is a beautiful original piece entitled: "Speak" composed and arranged by Laurie and Doug Cuny.

When the project was in the production phase a decision was made to make it available in such a way that the largest number of people could enjoy it. "Christmas on Grace Avenue" is available on iTunes and Android Market. You can find it by searching for "Grace Avenue Band". Or you can CLICK HERE to purchase through our website. It is a great way to get in the spirit of the season.

Also now available is the Grace Avenue app. It is available for your smartphone or tablet device. It has the most recent sermons, information, and links to everything Grace Avenue. Traveling and want to see and hear a recent sermon? Go to your Grace Avenue app. Need to sign up for an upcoming Grace Avenue event? Go to your Grace Avenue app. Forget your offering last week and want to make a gift online? Go to your Grace Avenue app. The app is free and can be downloaded at the in the Apple App Store or Android Market. Simply search "Grace Avenue".

I want to thank Clint Allen and our Communications Department for the great way in which they are making Grace Avenue; "Not a location, but a way of life."