Grace Evangelical Free Church Sept - Oct 2015

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News in ReviewHuge turnout for August Food Pantry

Fun and engaging VBS

Al and Edie Lewis from ReachGlobal visit

"Exploring Faith Communities" atSimpson College

Words of Grace

In this issue...

News in Review (pg. 1)

Upcoming Events (pg. 2)

Birthdays and Anniversaries (pg. 2)

Book Review (pg. 3)

Letter of Thanks (pg. 3)

Reflections from Pastor Mark (pg. 4)

Getting to Know... (pg. 5)

Grace Evangelical Free Church Sept - Oct 2015

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September & October Birthdays and Anniversaries

September 1 Jeanie Mowrer September 5 Beth Zimmerman Jim Stewart Jerry & Karen Cooley September 11 Collin Blanchard Kathy Kester September 15 John & Janet Miller September 19 Tom Thomas John & Susan Piffer September 20 Kirsten Edwards September 21 Carl Alexander September 26 Margaret Friesen September 28 Jeanette Campbell Joyce Abbott September 30 Dawn Gross

October 2 Kai Starr October 5 Connie Reed October 7 Kathie Hutcheson October 10 Donna Acheson October 11 John Piffer October 13 Larry & Alice Gaumer October 19 Jim & Gay Lynn Berry October 21 Bill & Jana Krempasky

Words of GraceUpcoming Events

Sunday Morning Worship Service at 9:00 am Sunday School at 10:30 am

First Prayer Sept. 8 at 7:00 pm Oct. 5 at 7:00 pm

Food Pantry Sept. 14 at 5:30 pm Oct. 12 at 5:30 pm

Food for the Soul Sept. 15 at 5:30 pm

Table of Plenty Oct. 22 at 5:30 pm

Missions Committee Sept. 15 at 6:30 pm Oct. 13 at 6:30 pm

Children's Ministry Sept. 21 at 6:30 pm Oct. 19 at 6:30 pm

Movie Nights-- TBA

Weekly Events Wednesdays

Bobcats (men’s group)- 10:00 am Worship Team Practice- 6:30 pm

1 Corinthians Bible Study- 6:15 pm Thursdays

Women's Bible Study- Breaking Free- 6:30 Men's Bible Study- Colossians- 6:30

Grace Evangelical Free Church Sept - Oct 2015

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Words of Grace

Eric's Heart - When a Mother Grieves

Lynn has written a masterpiece about a difficult topic. She takes the reader to areas of each parent's brightest joys and darkest fears in regards to their children. She shares honestly the ups and downs of her relationships with her friends, family, Eric and her Lord throughout Eric's too short life and beyond. Even though Lynn shares her acute grief, the whole story is infused with her love, hope and trust in God. I bookmarked many nuggets of wisdom as I read through Lynn and Eric's story.

This book would be a blessing to any parent working through the loss of a child. I found it even brings me comfort when I think back to the passing of loved ones in my family.

Several copies of Lynn's book are available in the Grace Church Library and can be purchased in bookstores and at Amazon.com.

Grace Church is blessed to have Lynn and her husband, Steve, as faithful members of our congregation.

Book review by Becky Clausen

An enormous thank you for every act of kindness involved with my brother's memorial service, from the office, nursery, kitchen, sound booth, Pastor, speakers, and vocalist, to all who could attend. The cards of encouragement and flowers were all beautiful. My brother was remembered, a message of hope and eternal life were proclaimed and our Awesome, Holy God was Glorified!

Janet Miller and Family

Letter of Thanks

From the Millers

Book Review

Grace Evangelical Free Church Sept - Oct 2015

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Words of GraceTo Know the Love of Christ

One of my favorite Bible prayers to pray, both for myself and for others, is the one in Ephesians chapter 3. There, Paul prays for God to “grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (3:16-19, ESV)

Essentially he’s asking for God to provide them with the ability to experience Christ’s immense love for them. And what’s fascinating is he’s praying this for Christians! They already know God’s love, yet Paul is convinced that there’s always more to discover and enjoy. Many of us sang the simple song “Jesus Loves Me” as children with delight. And the wonder of that awareness should only grow deeper and richer as we mature in Christ.

I appreciate the way Christ’s love is described in this passage. These few verses emphasize that His love for us is massive. It’s multi-dimensional. It even surpasses knowledge, meaning we’ll never fully wrap our minds around it. And yet we can more deeply comprehend this amazing love. We can more fully experience the love of God in Christ for us.

Let me encourage you to regularly pray this prayer for yourself and those whom you pray for. To the degree with which we comprehend the love of Christ, we will be filled with all the fullness of God.

Reflections from

Pastor Mark

🎶 Many of us sang the simple song “Jesus Loves Me” as children with delight. And the wonder of that

awareness should only grow deeper and richer as we mature

in Christ.

Pastor Mark

Grace Evangelical Free Church Sept - Oct 2015

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Words of Grace

Getting to Know...

Steve & Lynn Sargent

When Steve says he is a native of Indianola, he means it- literally. He was born in the Indianola Hospital that used to serve our fair town. Steve went to Indianola Schools from Irving Elementary through Indianola High School. Lynn hails from Adel and went to Adel Junior and Senior High Schools. Both are definitely Iowa kids at heart.

Lynn attended the Baptist Church in Steamboat Rock, Iowa, and then went to various churches in Adel. She trusted Christ at a Brady Wilson Crusade in Des Moines when she was ten.

Steve went to the Methodist Church in Indianola when he was young and didn’t get back into church until he and Lynn met while they were working at Pioneer. He then trusted Christ at a Family Life Conference in Minnesota. Steve and Lynn just celebrated another anniversary this summer on May 15th.

Steve and Lynn have three grown kids: Eric (who would have been 38), Jordan, Lindsie, and Brody. They are also grandparents of Gwen (4 years) and Lucy (2 years). Their grandbabies keep them busy along with boating and caring for their 125 year old home. Steve has just retired from his career and will now have more time for these favorite pursuits.

God has given Steve the heart to serve first within the church building and then by reaching out to Grace E-Free families. Lynn’s desire is for God to impact every facet of her life.

Steve’s favorite book is Lynn’s new book, Eric’s Heart…When a Mother Grieves. Lynn’s favorite books are the Bible and What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey. She also enjoys works by Beth Moore, Joel Rosenberg and Anne Graham Lotz.

Favorite Scripture I am the Way, and the

Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father

except through me. John 14:6

Most Admired “Anyone who’s come

through much adversity, overcome their

background and given God the glory!”

Grace Evangelical Free Church Sept - Oct 2015

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About Grace EFCGlorifying God. Loving People. Teaching God's Word

Our Mission: to glorify God through the power of the Holy Spirit by honoring Christ's name, teaching His Word, loving His people and expanding His Kingdom.

Who We Are: We are part of the Evangelical Free Church of America. We are people from diverse backgrounds united by our love for God, for each other, and for the world.

Our worship blends time-honored hymns in a modern style along with contemporary hymns and songs that honor and glorify Jesus Christ. Messages at Grace feature clear, systematic teaching of the Bible with timeless truths that apply to our lives.

Sunday Morning Worship 9:00 AM

Sunday School for all ages10:30 AM

108 N. Jefferson WayIndianola, Iowa 50125