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Grace Church
Christmas Preparations #2 - Finding Peace with our Family and Friends
Each week we'll explore one of the four themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
This month we are looking at the four main themes of the Advent season and relating them to different areas of our life. The word Advent is defined as "The arrival or coming of a notable person, thing, or event."
As Christians, we celebrate Advent during the month of December remembering the first coming of Jesus. We also look forward to His second coming when the Lord returns for His Church and brings about the end of this age.
As Christians, we celebrate Advent during the month of December remembering the first coming of Jesus. We also look forward to His second coming when the Lord returns for His Church and brings about the end of this age.
Last week we focused on the first Advent theme: Finding HOPE in our Frustrations and Fatigue. So many people struggle during the holiday season because the values of our secular culture have seeped into our lives. Advent is a time of preparing our heart and mind to honor God and to reprioritize our lives and homes around spiritual, rather than secular values.
Our text today is Isaiah 9:6 and speaks about the theme of Peace.
Isaiah, an Old Testament prophet, spoke these words during his ministry in the 8th century BC as he foretold the Advent (Coming) of Jesus, the Messiah.
Isaiah, an Old Testament prophet, spoke these words during his ministry in the 8th century BC as he foretold the Advent (Coming) of Jesus, the Messiah.
It's hard for us to think about the world being at peace when humanity has been at war for well over 90% of its documented existence. But that would be reading our usage of the word peace into the Scripture.
In the Bible, peace is not merely the absence of conflict, it is much more inclusive and deeper in meaning.
In the Bible, peace is not merely the absence of conflict, it is much more inclusive and deeper in meaning.
The Hebrew word for this, SHALOM, signifies a state of harmony, well-being, flourishing, and reconciliation with God.
- Shalom signifies a wholeness in our relationships with God, oneself, and others
- Shalom recognizes man's need for a right relationship with God, as He is the source of life and goodness.
- Shalom is often used for a greeting or a goodbye that recognizes God's authority and our responsibility to live in a way that reflects the nature of the Lord to others.
The title Prince of Peace, given to Jesus, signifies His role as the divine ruler who alone is the ultimate source of spiritual harmony, inner contentment, and reconciliation with God and mankind.
- Shalom signifies a wholeness in our relationships with God, oneself, and others
- Shalom recognizes man's need for a right relationship with God, as He is the source of life and goodness.
- Shalom is often used for a greeting or a goodbye that recognizes God's authority and our responsibility to live in a way that reflects the nature of the Lord to others.
The title Prince of Peace, given to Jesus, signifies His role as the divine ruler who alone is the ultimate source of spiritual harmony, inner contentment, and reconciliation with God and mankind.
So if Jesus offers peace to the world, what's gone wrong?
Why are there so many wars, conflicts, squabbles, and damaged relationships?
Because humanity must submit to God, entrust their lives to Jesus, and then treat one another the way Jesus lived His life.
We can't experience the Shalom we talked about with others, until we can actually live it out with those closest to us on a regular basis.
Why are there so many wars, conflicts, squabbles, and damaged relationships?
Because humanity must submit to God, entrust their lives to Jesus, and then treat one another the way Jesus lived His life.
We can't experience the Shalom we talked about with others, until we can actually live it out with those closest to us on a regular basis.
Today's message deals with finding peace with our family and friends.
It's likely that all of us would like to live in a state of peace or Shalom with those we care about, but in reality, it's a bit of a struggle.
The book of James provides insight into why there is often conflict within our relationships. James 4:1 [The Message Version].
It's likely that all of us would like to live in a state of peace or Shalom with those we care about, but in reality, it's a bit of a struggle.
The book of James provides insight into why there is often conflict within our relationships. James 4:1 [The Message Version].
This morning we'll look at some practical ways to cultivate Shalom in your life and relationships. If we do that, we will honor God and potentially make a huge difference in the lives of those closest to us.
1. SEEK a relationship with God.
Acts 20:21
Recognition of sin
Repent
Believe
Acts 20:21
Recognition of sin
Repent
Believe
2. SUBMIT yourself to live more like Jesus.
Ephesians 4:1b; 1 John 2:6
Jesus is our role model. In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul describes how living like Jesus resolves virtually all of our relational conflict.
Ephesians 4:1b; 1 John 2:6
Jesus is our role model. In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul describes how living like Jesus resolves virtually all of our relational conflict.
3. SET aside time to pray for others.
1 Thessalonians 1:2
Pray for the well-being of others and that God gets ahold of their lives.
1 Thessalonians 1:2
Pray for the well-being of others and that God gets ahold of their lives.
4. SHARE life with those whom we wish to influence.
Hebrews 10:24-25a
The Bible calls the church a "body", "family" and a "called-out assembly" of people who are united by their faith in Christ and indwelt by His Spirit.
We can't begin to understand people if we only give casual effort to a relationship.
Three actions:
1. Work to reduce distractions and to increase awareness
2. Ask thought-provoking questions to discover and go deeper/reveal yourself
3. Look for opportunities to help others and share tasks
Hebrews 10:24-25a
The Bible calls the church a "body", "family" and a "called-out assembly" of people who are united by their faith in Christ and indwelt by His Spirit.
We can't begin to understand people if we only give casual effort to a relationship.
Three actions:
1. Work to reduce distractions and to increase awareness
2. Ask thought-provoking questions to discover and go deeper/reveal yourself
3. Look for opportunities to help others and share tasks
5. SPEAK with the intent to encourage.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Actions we can take:
1. Dare to move from here to there
2. Acknowledge the good you see (character over conduct)
3. Listen actively
4. Instill hope
5. Affirm strengths
6. Express gratitude
7. Verbalize Shalom
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Actions we can take:
1. Dare to move from here to there
2. Acknowledge the good you see (character over conduct)
3. Listen actively
4. Instill hope
5. Affirm strengths
6. Express gratitude
7. Verbalize Shalom
Grace Church Website
https://gc3.org/Giving at Grace
https://gc3.org/pages/giveFind us on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@GraceChurchMIBreeze Directory
At Grace we use a secure directory/giving service called Breeze Church Management. Creating your personal account allows you to contact others in the church family, keep your contact information updated, and keep track of your giving if that is important to you, and/or create an online giving account. Use the link below to get started or to login if you already have an account.
https://gc3.breezechms.com/r/dashboardCJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order
Skip the line and order your latte ahead of time!
https://gc3.org/pages/cjs-orderGrace Church has an App!
Access messages, prayer posts, news & events, Breeze login, and more! Use the link below to download the Grace Church app through Tithely. This is an easy way to access all of the most important things found on our website or even get to the website itself. Once you download the app it will ask what topics you would like notifications for so that you won't miss out on any information that is shared. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org) or Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org).
https://tithely.app.link/gc3Join a H.O.M.E. Group
Life is better lived in community with one another. As Christ followers, we know that being in community helps us tremendously as we learn and grow in our faith. Grace Church offers H.O.M.E. Groups that help us do just that! These groups meet from September to May in homes throughout our 4 county region. H.O.M.E. Groups guide us in four key areas: Hospitality, Obedience, Ministry, and Evangelism. It is our hope that everyone be able to experience life lived in community through a H.O.M.E. Group! If you have questions or want help finding a group that is right for you, contact the church office (grace@gc3.org). You can learn more and sign-up using the link below.
https://gc3.org/pages/h-o-m-e-groupsMeet and Greet
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
Grace Wear 2025
You Can Order from Courtside Today!
We have a whole new line of shirts available to order from Courtside Screen-Printing and Embroidery. You can see all of the t-shirts, long sleeve tee's, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, and more when you visit the online store at the link below. All questions should be directed to Courtside; their contact information can be found at the bottom of their page.
https://gracechurch-2025.itemorder.com/shop/home/Bible Reading Plan 2026
Pick up a Harmony Study booklet on Sunday after church!
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2026 is a study of the life and ministry of Christ using the harmony of the gospels. The printed booklet, ready for pick up on Sunday, lists all the passages to be studied for the week along with 4 questions you can answer in your personal study or with your H.O.M.E. Group.
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org).
Our Bible Reading Plan for 2026 is a study of the life and ministry of Christ using the harmony of the gospels. The printed booklet, ready for pick up on Sunday, lists all the passages to be studied for the week along with 4 questions you can answer in your personal study or with your H.O.M.E. Group.
Because this is a harmony of the gospels plan, you may want to use a harmony book (for example: The NIV Harmony of the Gospels by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry) but this is not essential to participate in the study.
We are very excited to dig deeply into the Word, to take our time to apply it to our lives and share the life-changing lessons and insights God has revealed to us during our time with Him. If you have any questions, contact Lisa Sterkenburg (lisa@gc3.org).
Sign-Up for a Grace U Class
Living by the Book will meet on Monday evenings at 6:00 pm beginning January 5th Four Seasons of Marriage will meet on Sunday mornings at 8:45 am beginning January 11th *Child care is available for this class if you sign up by December 31st. 7 Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible will meet on Sunday mornings at 8:45 am beginning January 11th *Child care is available for this class if you sign up by December 31st. Here's Grace will meet either Sunday or Monday evenings at 6:30 pm.
https://gc3.breezechms.com/form/grace_uChristmas Card Exchange
If you have interest in sharing Christmas Card greetings with your Grace Church family, you can drop your cards at the Welcome Kiosk now through December 21st. The Welcome Team will be sorting the cards and distributing them to families on Sunday mornings. Contact Leslie Booher (leslie@gc3.org) if you have any questions.
The Mindful Marriage Conference
A BIBLICALLY-BASED MARRIAGE EVENT FOR COUPLES
Hosted by Rockford Reformed Church, 4890 11 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI
Everything you need to know can be found at the link below. Don't wait to move on this as early registration (a $20 discount) ends January 4th!
See Jeff & Mary Burpee if you have questions (jburp24@gmail.com).
https://rockfordreformedchurch.org/mindful-marriageBirthdays and Anniversaries we're celebrating this week:
Sunday, December 14th - Trish Miller
Tuesday, December 16th - Matt Firman, Theodore Orton, Linkin Petrie
Wednesday, December 17th - Gary Neff, Clarissa Joppie, Aaron & Karen Smith
Friday, December 19th - Nevaeh Fisher
Tuesday, December 16th - Matt Firman, Theodore Orton, Linkin Petrie
Wednesday, December 17th - Gary Neff, Clarissa Joppie, Aaron & Karen Smith
Friday, December 19th - Nevaeh Fisher