December 20, 2024
THIS WEEK: A SAVIOR WE DIDN'T KNOW WE NEEDED
Have you ever been in danger and didn’t even realize it until much later?
Sometimes, the greatest threats are the ones we’re oblivious to, and the same is true for the most extraordinary gifts. This Sunday, we’ll explore what it means to receive a Savior we didn’t even know we needed. Join us as we unpack the joy, hope, and love of Christmas—and discover how it changes everything.
CHRISTMAS SUNDAY, 12/22
9am Service
Children's Ministry, Nursery
10:30am Service
Children's Ministry, Nursery
CHRISTMAS EVE, 12/24
4:30pm Service
CHRISTMAS DAY, 12/25
SUNDAY, 12/29
Church Online, no in-person service.
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURES:
Matthew 7:7-8, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:26, Ephesians 2:1-3,
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV), Ephesians 2:4-5, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9
CHRISTMAS at SALEM GRACE
.png)
WHO WILL YOU INVITE THIS CHRISTMAS?
Christmas is a season of hope, joy, and salvation—a time when hearts are especially open to the message of Jesus. Did you know 82% of unchurched people would likely attend if invited by a friend, but only 2% of Christians extend an invitation?
The first Christmas began with an invitation. The shepherds were invited to see the newborn King, and they couldn’t keep the news to themselves. This year, we have the same opportunity to invite someone to experience the joy of salvation.
It’s easier than you think. A simple, heartfelt invitation can change a life:
-
Call or Text: Reach out and share why Christmas at Grace Church is special.
-
Social Media: Share our Christmas event posts with a personal note.
-
Bring Them: Offer to pick them up or meet them at the door.
God is still writing redemption stories, and your invitation could be the start of someone’s. Let’s make this a Christmas of welcome, joy, and celebration.
Who will you invite to experience the miracle of Christmas this year?
COMPASSION AT CHRISTMAS: A SEASON FOR BEING
Christmas is a season of joy, filled with traditions, gatherings, and giving. Yet, for many, it can also be an emotionally charged time. The holidays stir memories of loved ones lost, financial struggles, or the weight of life's challenges. Amid the busyness of the season, we may forget that true compassion often looks less like doing and more like being.
Compassion invites us to pause. Instead of rushing to complete our to-do lists, let’s take time to sit with someone who feels alone, listen to a friend’s unspoken burdens, or simply be present with our families. These quiet moments of connection remind us of the heart of Christmas: Emmanuel, "God with us."
This season, may our acts of compassion reflect Christ’s love—not just in gifts or deeds but in the gift of our time and presence. Let’s slow down and share the peace that Christmas brings.
FOR THE FAMILY: RIGHTNOW MEDIA & PARENT CUE
🎄 Two Resources to Enjoy This Holiday Season! 🎄
As we celebrate the holidays, here are two fantastic resources for you and your family to enjoy
1️⃣ RightNow Media
Think of this as the “Netflix of Christian programs”! Salem Grace provides free access to this amazing library of videos, Bible studies, and more. It's packed with resources to encourage and inspire you. Just click the link below to get started and start browsing today!
2️⃣ Parent Cue
Parent Cue is all about helping parents raise kids with faith and character—smarter, not harder! With a Facebook page, website, and app full of activities and tools, it’s a great way to connect with your kids meaningfully. If you have any questions about these resources or how to get started, feel free to reach out!
Grief Recovery Group starts in January
Grief is emotional, not logical.
Did a death, divorce, or the end of a romantic relationship cause it? Or was it caused by any of the forty other losses that a person might experience such as moving, pet loss, or a change in finances? Regardless of the cause, you know how you feel and it probably isn’t good.
Thursdays from 6:00-7:30pm, 1/9 - 2/20
Cost: $100 for Salem Grace attenders,
$125 for the general public
Max attendance: 12 people
We aren’t going to tell you, “We know how you feel,” because we don’t. Neither does anyone else. What we will do is provide a safe environment where you will be given specific tools to help you recover from loss and ultimately lead a happier life.
Led by Pastor Jim Chapman,
Grief Recovery Method Specialist.
Heal from heartbreak with the only evidence-based Grief Recovery program in the world.
Don’t wait—your safety and preparedness start here!
Join Our 10-Week Survival & Self-Defense Program!
Are you ready to take control of your personal safety and well-being?
Our 10-week Survival & Self-Defense program is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to protect yourself, your loved ones, and stay safe in any situation.
Topics will range from personal safety and securing your living space, to staying safe while on vacation, understanding your self-defense options, surviving natural disasters, and training your mind to be resilient, so you can survive anything!
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this program will equip you with critical knowledge to face any challenge with confidence.
SERVING WITH US: SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRIES
LAST WEEK'S MESSAGE: WISHED FOR AN EXPERIENCE...
Last week, we explored how God often transforms our desire for extraordinary experiences into something even greater: a life filled with purpose. While we may wish for specific moments to change our lives, God calls us to live with intention and trust His greater plan.
Key Takeaways:
-
God’s plans are always for our good: Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
-
Purpose often comes through the ordinary: We might seek excitement or clarity, but God shapes our purpose in our daily lives through obedience, faith, and serving others.
-
God uses our desires to draw us closer to Him: What we wish for can guide us to a deeper connection with God’s purpose for our lives.
Let this message encourage you to see every moment as an opportunity for God to work through you and lead you toward His purpose!
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
Watch full service here: