October 14, 2023
Happy Saturday, Grace Vineyard and Friends of Grace Vineyard.
I hope you’re all doing well. I personally am getting very near the end of a long journey of seemingly endless activity. In a few hours we’ll be having my dad’s memorial service in a friend’s back yard in Vista. I think close to 80 people are coming, so I’ve been quite busy getting the details worked out, the seating, the food, the sound system, creating the program, writing the eulogy, picking family up from the airport, and more. You know how it is. There is a flurry of activity, with so many people coming and going, the energy is high, all leading up to a big event, and then you know what happens next – the event is over, the clean up is finished, people go home, and it gets quiet again. It’s the rhythm of life. For the present situation, I have one more big task: move Mom to Pueblo, Colorado to live with her daughter. We’ll drive out on Monday and I’ll fly back on Thursday so I can be here for the Breath of Heaven Banquet (I’ll mention that later in this email). After that will come the quiet. I’ll take some time to sit with the Lord and reflect on the last 2 months. I’ll experience His profound Love, and I’ll experience His profound Peace. He’s always present, in the busy times, and in the quiet times. I know all of you have these same dynamics in your lives, and I do hope you’ll find a rhythm of resting with the Lord through it all.
Steve Rogers speaking on the Discipline of Thankfulness
Pastor Steve’s back with another inspirational message for tomorrow. What a blessing to have so many gifted teachers in our own congregation! His topic for tomorrow is “Shema – the Discipline of Thankfulness”. It sounds like he’s going to take us with him on an exploratory journey through the scriptures and discover the power behind the practice of cultivating a grateful heart. I know in my own journey, and in my observation of other people’s lives over the years, one of the most powerful things we can do for a fruitful, joyful, peace-filled life, is to cultivate a grateful heart. Join us tomorrow at 9:30 for worship, Word, and Spirit-filled fellowship. It’s going to be great. If for some reason you can’t join us in person, you can join us online via zoom with this info: Zoom Meeting ID 153 112 432, Passcode 684814. You may also join us on Facebook Live at facebook.com/gracevcf.
Night of Worship with CJ Orndorff
CJ Orndorff is going to be in town as he finishes another prison tour on October 21st, so we’re going to host him for a night of worship at 6:30 PM. CJ has given his life to ministering in prisons across the United States for over 20 years, and he’s been a good friend of mine for over 30 years! He’s joined us in many contexts over the decades – speaking at men’s retreats, joining us for our Christmas Eve gatherings, preaching on Sunday Mornings, leading nights of worship…whatever he does, it is always a MAJOR blessing. You don’t want to miss this special evening. He’s full of the Spirit, and he’s and incredible vocalist, and most importantly, a dear brother and friend of Grace Vineyard. Join us at 6:30 on Saturday, October 21st, at Grace Vineyard.
Operation Christmas Child
It’s time to stuff shoe boxes with gifts for the children around the world. From children to seniors, people pack shoebox gifts each year to bless children in need around the world. Parents often use the project to teach their kids about giving. Year-round volunteers support these efforts across the country. Check out the Operation Christmas Child table in the lobby for more info. Also, you can go directly to https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ to learn all about this amazing ministry. It’s a joy to be part of such a life changing ministry.
Breath of Heaven Banquet This Thursday
It’s time for this year’s Breath of Heaven annual fundraising dinner. If you’ve been around Grace Vineyard on Sundays for very long, you’re bound to have heard about Breath of Heaven, the orphan care ministry in Zambia, Africa that Grace Vineyard Missions ministry supports. As you know, a team from of us just returned from our most recent visit. What’s been accomplished already is just amazing, but there’s still more in the vision. Please join us this Thursday, October 19th, at the Monserate Winery in Fallbrook for our fundraising dinner. You’ll hear about all that we’re doing to care for orphans and widows, and you’ll be invited to join us in this incredible ministry. Just go to https://bohzambia.reachapp.co/donations/new to register for the dinner (under the “Purpose” drop-down menu, select “Fundraising Dinner”) and then join us on October 19th. You’ll be so glad you did (this ministry has changed my whole family’s life!).
And that’s it for this week’s update email. I hope to see you all tomorrow morning. Have a great rest of your Saturday!
With love and blessings 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.