Hope For The Holidays
Matthew 1. 18-21 & 24-25
November 29

Dear Grace of Christ Family,

For many this is the time of year they’ve been looking forward to for 11 long (and this year troubling) months. For others it’s a mixed season that brings both joy and tears.  It’s that time of year when we finish off another leftover turkey sandwich and then drag out the Christmas decorations. Even in this unusual year the miracle of Christmas remains wonderful, mysterious, life-changing. Something unexpected happen in a little town not far from Jerusalem. One child was born and everything changed. The birth of Jesus still captivates our world today. It was more than we could have hoped for. 
 
Here at Grace we invite you “home for the holidays.” Masks, social distancing, community restrictions cannot keep us apart. Whether in person, by livestream or FM broadcast, our family connection remains strong. WE have HOPE because of the unshakable, unstoppable, unchanging power of God.  

The four Sundays before Christmas are called Advent Sundays. Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation. The theme this first Sunday of Advent is HOPE.

Because of the miracle of Christmas we are on an adventure that stretches into eternity.

Pastor Curt
Advent Devotional
by Grace of Christ Staff & Families
Week 1: Hope - Nov 29-Dec 5
Dear Grace of Christ Family,

Believe it or not, this Sunday, November 29th, is the 1st Sunday of Advent. The focus for Sunday morning will be on the Hope that is ours in Christ. It is especially appropriate to look for the sure hope that is ours during these unsure times. So, throughout Advent, as we look at Hope, Peace, Love and Joy, we want you provide a sense of “Home for the Holidays.” 

You will see this Sunday that the front of the sanctuary looks a little different. Plus, you will get to hear from some of our Missionaries from their own homes as they prepare for Christmas. Then, on Christmas Eve we are making plans to celebrate the birth of our Savior with two different types of worship services. There will be what we are calling a “Homestyle Christmas” at 4:30pm, and a modified version of Carols and Candles at 7:30pm. Look for registration announcements...
“These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival.” Psalm 42.4
Help us share the Light of Christ with the students at Adams Elementary School. You can buy some gifts, give financially and/or help pass out the presents....
How do you want to share?

Family At Grace
Help Leaders Connect With Our Youth
GIFT CARDS NEEDED
$5-$10 cards needed for coffee, food or local activities
Family at Grace is partnering with Creative Yakima to help bring some Christmas Cheer to those in our congregation who are homebound. Your family will be connected with a homebound member of our congregation for you to bless with a beautiful hand painted ornament. Your family will have the opportunity to paint an ornament for a friend at Grace as well as a special ornament for your own family.
For every ornament you buy, Creative Yakima will donate one for you to paint and give away. So if you order one ornament, you will get 2, if you order 2, you will get 4.
December Family Faith Kit
Christmas Karaoke is designed for families to incorporate faith into their Advent and Christmas celebrations. This month we will be focusing on four Christmas hymns and paying attention to the lyrics of each song. 
RSVP for The Family Lounge on your Sunday reservation form, a place for families to stay engaged in the service while letting their little ones play. One table per family and please bring toys from home for health and safety.  
Book Donations Needed For Adams Kids At Home!
Download The Yakima Grace App
On Your Tablet or Smart Phone - It's Free!
Be sure to allow notifications & location services!