And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips,
and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.  And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”
(Isaiah 6.5-7)
February 19, 2021
 
Dear Grace of Christ Family,
 
The journey has begun. We are official in the Season of Lent. It began on Ash Wednesday with a time spent contemplating our need for repentance and forgiveness. If you were unable to attend in person, or watch on one of our streaming platforms, you can still experience that evening on our website: (Link to Ash Wednesday service)
 
In the days and weeks to come, we will be drawing closer to Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday. During Lent, consider taking time to read the experience of Jesus and the Disciples as the journey of Christ took Him to the cross:
 
  • Matthew: chapters 21-27
  • Mark: chapters 11-15
  • Luke: chapters 19-23
  • John: chapters 12-19

This Sunday is the 1st Sunday of Lent. We are still focusing on the Gathered Church. It’s not just our church at Grace of Christ. It’s God’s Church around the world, where Christ is high and lifted up. So, this Sunday we have two special moments: 
 
  • We have invited Monsignor Ecker from St. Paul’s to share the Gospel with us this week. On the 28th, Pastor Curt will then do the same at St. Paul’s.
  • This Sunday we will also have a Moment for Mission from the Philippines. 
 
As you make plans to join us during this Season of Lent, either in person, or through our website, Facebook or YouTube, may we, the Gathered Church, allow this time to draw closer to the Cross of Jesus, as we also draw closer to the Resurrection of Christ with great anticipation and expectation.
 
Because of Christ, and by His Grace,
Pastor Bill
February 21, 2021
Our Hope In Christ

As the Gathered Church we desire to live out God’s call for unity within our walls (Gracia de Cristo and Grace of Christ no longer co-tenets but one church), and also beyond our walls. As we work toward unity we will not agree with other Christians on all points theologically, but we will agree on what is most important: Jesus Christ, Lord, Savior, Immanuel: God with us. We affirm that we are called and saved by God’s Grace through Christ alone. That is our foundation, God’s promise, our hope. We are His Gathered Church.

This Sunday, we welcome our dear friend Monsignor John Ecker, priest at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Yakima. Monsignor is a title of honor granted by the Pope.

Monsignor Ecker served in the US Navy 1967-1975 (stateside and in Vietnam, often attached to the Marines), and continued as a reservist until 1989. He retired as a Navy Captain. He first served in Yakima in 1958. After his service as a Navy Chaplain he returned to Yakima. He then spent 8 years in Kennewick, and then back to Yakima, serving at St. Paul’s since 1988. 

Monsignor Ecker has been with us before and we are grateful for his return. He is one of the most beloved Christian leaders in Yakima. He is respected and honored throughout our community. He is also a personal friend to many of us.  
We are cleaning up our email list for this weekly Friday email which will now be called the Friday Church Letter.

If you would like to continue receiving this Friday email from Grace, please click this link, call the church at (509)248-7940, or email: jennifer@yakimagrace.com
Encouragement Cards
Interested in handwriting a few cards a month to Church Family members? Call the church 509-248-7940, or email: ericka.clark@yakimagrace.com
LIFE TOGETHER IS BETTER

Community Life at Grace
We are committed to authentic relationships here at Grace. First, in our relationship with the One who created us, loves us, forgives us. Second, in our relationships with each other. Learning about God, about ourselves, and even our God-given place in our community and world happens best together.
Our community groups meet for 10 weeks at a time. Some have been meeting for years. Friendship, support, and service is a by-product of connecting with a Community Life Group.
You can test drive Community Life each Sunday following church (in-person or by Zoom). Contact through the church website or app, or call the church office for more information, or if you’re ready now to get connected.
Family At Grace
February Family Faith Kit
This I Know is designed for families and children to learn more about the love Jesus has for them. We know that Jesus loves us because the Bible tells us so. This month we will be focusing on four stories from the New Testament that show us how we know that Jesus loves us. 
There's still time to register!
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.  
Download The Yakima Grace App
On Your Tablet or Smart Phone - It's Free!
Be sure to allow notifications & location services!