Grace Vineyard Update 10-31-2020
Hi Grace Vineyard and friends,
(some of you may have noticed the typo in my text with a link to this email…I originally named the link we10-21-2020 instead of we10-31-2020…sorry about that, but glad you landed here on the right email!)
HAPPY REFORMATION DAY! You may have thought today was just Halloween, but it’s actually the day we commemorate the beginning of the great Protestant Reformation on October 31, 1517. A revival was started that swept across the world and still benefits us today with the rediscovery of the doctrine of justification – salvation by grace alone (Galations 2:21) through faith alone in Christ alone. If you are unfamiliar with Reformation Day, you can find a little info here. Also, you might be curious to know about the connection between Halloween and Reformation day; click here if you’d like to read an article about that connection. Here’s some important information about life at Grace Vineyard:
We are Back Inside
Now that the weather is getting cooler and the health department is allowing indoor worship services we are back inside the building for Sunday morning worship. We actually went back inside last week because of a rain storm, and it was so good to see many of you in person. Of course there still is a virus out there and the health department is enforcing the restrictions we’ve become accustomed to — staying 6 feet away from others, wearing masks, etc. Our building is actually perfect for this situation: the theater was built for 1000 seats, so it’s easy to spread out, and we have big blowers that bring in air from the outside so we do not recirculate the air in the building, but constantly have an exchange of fresh outdoor air. Nevertheless, it is still prudent for at risk people to stay at home, so we are continuing to also broadcast our services on zoom and on Facebook live. The online zoom info is the same every week, but just in case you need it, here it is again:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/153112432?pwd=WlJjbWZNeHo0NXBKM0VvbDkrYXV2QT09
Meeting ID: 153 112 432
Password: 684814
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,153112432#
For Facebook live go to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gracevcf/
Partners in the Harvest
As we step into November, we are stepping into a month of focus on Missions, and we’ve chosen the theme “Partners in the Harvest”. So when you come into the building (or join us on zoom) and see the harvest decorations, you’ll know what’s up. Two key scriptures to keep at the forefront of our minds are:
John 4:34-37
34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest‘? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.
and
Romans 10:14-15
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent?
Next week will be announcing an exciting new partnership with Vineyard Honduras, so stay tuned! This is also a good time to remind us all that tomorrow is the first Sunday of the month, when those of us who have pledged to give to the Grace Vineyard Missions program give our Missions offerings. As a pastor with the responsibility of helping care for God’s flock, helping us all continually grow as disciples of Jesus, I encourage every believer to be involved in Missions – either as one who goes, or one who sends (or preferably both!). I began financially supporting missionaries in addition to tithing when I was 17 and got my first job, and went on my first international missions trip a few years later. And now almost 40 years later I wouldn’t change a thing (except maybe give more and go more). I believe every one of us can do something, even if it seems like very little; we can all give something! If you haven’t started financially supporting missions, please think about it and pray about. I’m confident you’ll experience the reality of Jesus’ words – “it is more blessed to give than to receive”.
Serving at Bread of Life on Friday, November 6, 5:30 PM
It’s time for “First Friday”. On the first Friday of every month, we serve our neighbors at Bread of Life Rescue Mission with a hot meal and lots of love. With covid-19 restrictions, we are not having a sit down dinner, but are providing a “to-go” meal in a box. We could use a little money to help buy the food (you can make a donation online with the donate button at the end of this email) , and an extra hand or two to give out the food boxes and greet the guests who will come. For info, contact Venita Ibarra at (760) 573-4429 or venitaibarra@gmail.com.
Family Service at Buddy Todd Park Saturday November 7, 3PM
Last month we had such a great time with our Family Service. This is a gathering designed for kids and their families, especially aged 2-10. We’ll have kids worship, a fun Bible Story, and craft, and games. We’ll meet at Buddy Todd Park next Saturday, November 7th, at 3 PM. For more info, contact “Miss Kim” at 760-519-4558, or kimohst@gmail.com.
Blanket Drive
We are also collecting blankets up until the week before Thanksgiving. Michael Aplikowsky will be leading us giving them directly to folks who need them — it’s a great way to show the love of Jesus in a practical way. You can expect some opportunities for “Holy Hello’s” as we give out the blankets. Please bring clean blankets, in a plastic bag, to the church on Sundays.
Operation Christmas Child
We are in the Operation Christmas Child Season! Normally we would be encouraging you to build your shoeboxes and drop them off at the church, but because of Covid-19, we are encouraging people to build a box on line. Click here to learn more: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/buildonline/
And that’s about it for this week’s update. I’ll see you tomorrow whether online or in person.
With lots of blessings and love,
Ron Ohst
Tithes and Offerings Online
Thank you for your generosity and faithfulness! We could not do what we do without you. We believe God has chosen to meet the material needs of His church through the tithes and offerings of His people. (Tithe means literally 1/10 or 10% of our income). We encourage everybody to be committed to a church family, and if Grace Vineyard is where you are committed, we’ve provided this online tool for you; click on the “donate” button below to get started. (Note: if you’re giving an offering for the building fund or the benevolence fund in addition to your tithe, please mention that in the notes section after you land on our paypal page). THANKS for taking ownership in the life and ministry of Grace Vineyard – it takes all of us!