Weekly Update 08-30-2025

, 2025

August 30, 2025

Hello Grace Vineyard Family and Friends of Grace,

Happy Labor Day to each of you!  I thought of 2 scripture blessings fitting for this holiday weekend:

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

These are both encouraging words from the apostle Paul to congregations he served.  I especially like how he included those 3 favorite phrases – hope, faith, and love – in his greeting to the Thessalonians.

In the same spirit, let me just say how much I appreciate my brothers and sisters of Grace Vineyard for your continual labor of love in serving the Lord, each other, and the world around us.  You are a blessing!

It’s time for our weekly update.  Let’s dive in:

Guarding the Message of Grace Part 2

Last week I shared with you a message I called “Guarding the Message of Grace”.  The Christian Life is empowered by Grace – God doing in us what we could never accomplish by ourselves – all because of His love and kindness given freely to everyone, without regard to their “worthiness” to receive such an amazing gift from God.  In the earliest days of the church, this message was attacked by certain people that have been called “Judaizers” or “the circumcision group”, who tried to convince the new Gentile followers of Jesus that to be really saved, they needed to put their trust in Jesus AND follow Jewish religious laws, like eating kosher food, male circumcision, and 7th day Sabbath observations.  Paul opposed them vigorously.  Some 2,000 years later we still need to guard the message of Grace from attempts to add to the simplicity of salvation by Grace through faith in Jesus.  We had a lot of material to cover so we decided to continue with a part 2 this coming Sunday.  Here’s the sermon video from last Sunday on our YouTube channel:

You can also listen to it on our Gracetalks.org podcast channel here:

We hope to be with you in person on Sunday morning starting at 9:30, but if you’re not able to be with us in person,  you can join us online on Zoom with this link: Zoom Meeting ID  153 112 432, Passcode 684814.  You can also find our livestream on Facebook Live at facebook.com/gracevcf.

Practicing The Way Men’s and Women’s Groups

Beginning Monday, September 8th, there will be a Women’s  group meeting at Jeannie Isbell’s home (3305 Belle Lane, Carlsbad) 6:30-8:30 pm to go through the Practicing the Way study by John Mark Comer.  Workbooks are $20.  Sign ups available in the lobby after service.  Please call/text Kim Ohst for more information 760-519-4558.
Matt Evans will be leading a Men’s group at the same time at a location to be determined.  Please see Matt (760-802-9121) or Steve Rogers (760-500-4324) for info on the Men’s group.
This will be an 8 week study with video teaching by the author, John Mark Comer,  group discussion, and spiritual exercises designed to lay a foundation for lifelong apprenticeship to  Jesus.  Here’s a quick video introduction to what the groups are about from John Mark Comer:

Next Mom 2 Mom Gathering is September 26

Are you a mom in need of support from other moms? Or are you a mom who has been there and wants to lend your support to others?  Then you are welcome to Mom 2 Mom, a peer to peer and mentoring group designed to uplift, enrich, share and connect moms.  We’ll gather Friday September 26th at 6pm at Grace Vineyard on the terrace for a program that will include sharing a meal, connecting, inspiration and resources.  Childcare will be provided- please let Sheri know how many kids/what ages.  Our September speaker is Treina Nash!  To find out more, call Sheri Winter at 760-208-8403.

I also want to mention two upcoming fundraisers for a couple of ministries that are so important to Grace Vineyard – Breath of Heaven Children’s Ministries, and Convicted For Christ (C4C).  Both events are a little bit in the future, but I hope you’ll get them on your calendars and register for the events right away:

Breath of Heaven Banquet September 29

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Breath of Heaven Annual Fundraiser Dinner—a special night dedicated to supporting orphaned and vulnerable children in Lusaka, Zambia:

Date & Time: Monday, September 29, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

📍 Venue: Monserate Winery, 2757 Gird Rd, Fallbrook, CA — set against a picturesque vineyard backdrop

🎟️ Tickets:

🙏 Why Attend:
Your presence helps provide nurturing homes, essential care, education, and spiritual support for Zambian children who need it most. Plus, you’ll enjoy a vibrant, community-focused evening at a stunning venue.

Reserve now and be part of something truly meaningful—together, we can give hope a home.

Questions? (951) 640-8032, https://www.bofheaven.org/contact

 

C4C 3rd Annual Golf Tournament Fund Raiser

Join us for C4C’s 3rd Annual fundraiser to change lives after incarceration. Your round funds housing, mentorship, and second chances.

Saturday, October 25, 2025
Dos Osos Golf Club
2492 Old Ranch Rd, Escondido, CA 92027

Go to https://www.convicted4christ.org/ to register and find out all the information.  You can also talk with Michael or Snake on Sunday morning if you have any questions.

Ladies Retreat November 14-16th at Pine Valley

Ladies, you can begin to pay for our fall retreat.  Private bath lodges are $270, shared bathroom lodges are $250 and dorm rooms are $215.  There are a limited number of Private Bath Lodges available.  You can pay online or place money/checks in the offering.  Please note that the payment is for the retreat.  In order to reserve the appropriate room, please email and let me know what kind of room you are reserving when you make a payment.  I will confirm if that type of room is available.  $50 deposit will hold the room. You can call/text Kim Ohst for more information 760-519-4558.

And that’s it for this week’s update.  See you on Sunday morning!

blessings and love to each of you,

Ron Ohst

Tithes and Offerings Online

THANKS for taking ownership in the life and ministry of Grace Vineyard!  And thanks to all of you who are stepping into a lifestyle of generosity with your tithes and offerings.  It really does take all of us doing our part with the income God has entrusted to us for His church. If you’d like to give your tithe or offering online, click the donate button below.