Dear Grace Community Family,

I know for many in our church, this week officially began the close of one season and the start of a new one. Students (and teachers) in our church are heading back to school, homeschool families are getting to ready to “start school” and our college students are settling into their dorms and/or getting ready for their classes to begin. My family and I just got back from vacation and we are making this new transition right along with you.

But regardless of whether you have kids in school, the start of another school year serves as a powerful reminder to us all. God is calling us as a church body to enter into a new season of gospel growth, love, service and mission. God has written us into His story and has a race for each of us to run. This Sunday is the perfect start for each of us to decide to “get back” into the race that God has marked out for us to run as a church.

I personally can't wait to be back with you this Sunday because we are going to be diving into a brand new sermon series called "Love Overboard" from the book of Jonah. One thing will become really clear; the story of Jonah is not ultimately about a guy named Jonah or a great fish. It's a story about a great and gracious God who is willing to pursue people who are far from Him and even trying to run away from Him.

Whether you feel far from God or are thriving in your relationship with Him, I believe God wants to bring all of us face to face with a love that really goes overboard.

See you this weekend!
-Pastor Matt

DON’T FORGET:

-Mom Swap is this Friday, August 26 from 5:00-8:00pm & Saturday, August 27 from 10:00-11:30am. For more info go to http://bit.ly/2blEoHT
-Member’s Family Meeting is this Sunday after the service.