You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
--John 15:16
Alongside One Another On Life's Journey
This is a very important and exciting time in the life of Grace Presbyterian Church -- with the sale of the Sterne campus and the continuing construction work at our new home on Santa Fe Drive/Highlands Ranch Parkway.
We are in the final phase of a journey of Faith, which started over six years ago when a decision was made with 84% support of the congregation to find land and relocate Grace church. The Face of Grace has significantly changed in that time and we praise God for the many new families who have come to join us on this journey and we also give thanks for those who did not.
During the month of October, we have been holding a series of dinners and informational events with the Grace congregation in the homes of members and friends to reconnect as a church community and prepare for our new church home; provide information on the new facility, our plans for worship and ministry; and also give detailed ways how you can help complete the vision started six years ago.
At these events, we have been giving updates on the new church construction process (scheduled to complete by the end of February); we have been discussing the transition arrangements to use the Sterne facility after the sale; and we have been discussing the financial needs for our capital as well as our operational programs and ministries. I want to thank the almost 100 members and friends of Grace who have joined with us in these dinners -- enabling us to reconnect as a body in fellowship together.
At these gatherings, Dave Trefz (Budget & Finance Elder) has provided a detailed assessment of our financial needs and presented opportunities for giving to the work of Grace in three specific ways:
1. If you have a balance still due on your capital campaign 2 pledge, please consider completing this pledge as quickly as possible. This 3-year campaign is due to be completed by the end of March 2012.
2. For those who can make an additional capital gift, please consider the matching gift fund. John and Bobbe Harms have made a gift of $500,000 to help build the new church. A contribution to this fund will be matched up to $500,000. Please be sure to mark your check to go to the Matching Fund.
3. At the same time, we need to keep the church operating and our church budget for 2012 is being formulated. In the coming days, you will be receiving detailed information on our operational needs for the work of the church. Generosity Sunday will be November 13th and on that day, we will bring our tithes and pledges for the operational budget for 2012.
Whether or not you participated in the dinner gatherings, the message is the same - there is much for all of us to do -- as we prepare for the move, build the church and work together to reconnect as the people of God. Pray for our staff and especially for our Pastors in the time of transition -- and please prayerfully consider how you can help us complete the vision started almost six years ago.
Thanks you for all your support in this. It takes all of us to make it happen!
Alan Miller
Long Rage Planning Elder
New Church Development Update:
As construction on our new church began at the end of August, members of our congregation prepared Bible verses on pieces of foil which were laid under the concrete footings making our church "built on the word of God." The Prayer Partners Group are now currently working on a time capsule to be installed in the new church.
Construction Update: Photos are added weekly to Photo Gallery
In the meantime. . . .
We are excited that we have moved our worship from 251 East Sterne Blvd. to ThunderRidge Highschool, 1991 W. Wildcat Reserve Parkway, and began ministry in the Highlands Ranch area. As a mission of Jesus Christ, we feel compelled to expand the healing, caring, and connecting ministry of Christ in the world. See map to the school's location below.
ThunderRidge is at 1991 Wildcat Reserve Parkway, just south of the intersection of Highlands Ranch Parkway and Wildcat Reserve. We will be worshiping in the auditorium, with theater style seats and stage.
Worship time is 10:00 a.m. The reasons for 10:00 a.m. is it will take time for worship each Sunday, and we also hope this later time will allow members plenty of time to get to TRHS for worship. In addition, our research into churches worshiping in schools revealed that almost all churches in schools have a 10:00 a.m. worship schedule.
There is nursery care and children's church during worship.
A fall schedule for Adult classes will be coming out soon.
Junior and Senior High students will join the rest of the church in worship.,
