Monday, November 30, 2009

The Ginsu God - Part 1


One of my favorite passages in all the Bible is Ephesians 3:20-21:

Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask of think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

I like to call this the “Ginsu” passage of the Bible. Those of you who are my age or older will remember that old television commercial for the Ginsu knife. It was really the father of today’s infomercial. Remember that? I loved that commercial, didn’t you? It started with the words, “In Japan, the hand can be used like a knife.” You then saw a hand break through a piece of wood. “But that doesn’t work on a tomato.” Now we are introduced to the ginsu knife. It slices, it dices, and it chops. Remember? And the thing about that Ginsu knife commercial was that just when the deal that was being offered you seemed like it couldn’t get any better, it did. Right? They would tell you about this incredible deal and then they would say, “But wait, there’s more!” Then the commercial would add another amazing aspect to the deal. Then you would hear those words again, “But wait, there’s more!”

That’s what I think of when I read these two verses. Paul makes a statement about God that is amazing but then he adds something additional. And just when you think it can’t get any better, “Wait! There’s more!” Look at the first part of verse 20.

Paul begins with the simple but astounding statement, “He, speaking of God, is able.” It is a word that means “capable.” God is capable. And this is written in the present tense so it is saying that God is continually capable. There is never a time that God is not able. He is always able. Isn’t that great? Isn’t that amazing? But wait, there’s more!

Paul goes on and says that God is able “to do.” It is a word that means “to perform.” God is continually capable of performing. He never has an off day. He’s never off of His game. God is able to do. That’s wonderful! But wait, there’s more!

God is able to do “beyond.” His isn’t just continually capable of performing. He is continually capable of performing beyond. But again, there’s still more.

He is able to do “exceeding abundantly beyond.” This is the idea of having superabundance in quantity. This same word was used to describe the food left over after Jesus fed the 5,000 men plus women and children with the little boy’s lunch. He wasn’t able simply to feed some 25,000 people with a few fish and chips, He did far more abundantly beyond this. When it was all said and done, everyone had eaten until they were fill and there were 12 baskets full of food left over. This description of God just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it? What a God! But wait! There’s still more! Be sure to read my posting tomorrow for the rest.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Grace Meets and Moves in Philly





Imagine if our gym flooded here at Grace Church every time we got lots of rain! That's what was happening at Urban Hope, a Grace Brethren outreach in Philadelphia. Last Friday a team of 5 men from Grace Church travelled to Urban Hope put a sump pump in the gym. Thanks guys, for helping Grace Church meet people where they are at (in Philly) and help move them to where God wants them to be!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Christmas at Grace

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. Now it is full-throttle toward Christmas. I love this time of year. Below are just some of the highlights we are looking at here at Grace Ministries for the month of December.

Avoiding the Christmas Crash! This will be our message series for the month of December. In the weeks leading up to Christmas everyone has grand visions in their mind of the perfect Christmas. But all too many times these holiday hopes come crashing down around us. Join us during the month of December on Sunday mornings here at Grace Church as we look at the Bible to see how we can "Avoid the Christmas Crash" this Holiday Season.

Lititz Community "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas! On Saturday, December 5th, our Children's Ministry here at Grace Church will be conducting a live nativity scene as part of the Lititz Community celebration.

LCS "Christmas Tour of Homes"! On Sunday, December 6th, from 1-6pm, there will be a special Christmas Home Tour of multiple homes in the Lititz area including the Swiss Woods Bed and Breakfast, some homes that are for sale, and our own newly renovated lobby here at Grace Church. Each stop will also include tastes from selected local restaurants including Tutti Pani; Klassic Kakes and Katering; Colebrook Wholesale Bakery; Cafe Chocolate; Bakery at the Cupboard; and Lily's on Main. At each home there will also be opportunity at each house to bid through a silent auction on uniquely themed baskets. Advance tickets for this event are just $15 per person and all proceeds go to benefit Lititz Christian School; MorningStar Childcare and Academic Center; and one of our Christian Schools for orphans in Le Doumie, Central African Republic.

Christmas Eve at Grace! On December 24th we will have three identical Christmas Eve services (5pm; 6:30pm, and 8pm). Each service will last approximately 50 minutes. The theme this year is "family" and all members of every family are welcomed to participate. Goodie bags will be distributed to children 12 and under (there will be no nursery or separate children's programs).

Thursday, November 26, 2009

A Psalm of Thanksgiving


Psalm 100

(New American Standard Bible)
A Psalm for Thanksgiving.

SHOUTING:

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.

SERVING:

Serve the LORD with gladness;

SINGING:

Come before Him with joyful singing.

STUDYING:

Know that the LORD Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

SUPPLICATION:

Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise
SUBMISSION:

Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

MCCRACKEN REPORT FROM CAMBODIA

Mike and Joan in Camodia!


Svay Kang well!


Symean teaching children!


Kompong Preah group!


Recently, Mike McCracken (who is the leader of our mission team) and his wife Joan represented Grace Church at a summit in Cambodia. Below is Mike's report to me after they returned:

Scott, Here is an overview of our trip after the summit.

Joan and I were able to attend the monthly meeting with the Cambodian Ministry Partners (CMP’s). Ten of them, including Symean, Samoeun, and Heng, were in attendance and shared about their ministry over the last month and prayed for each other. The meeting was held at the Battambang Ministry Training Center which is a three story building used for multiple ministries throughout the week.

Saran, a CMP, took Joan and I to Svay Kang to see the well project first hand. This is a development project we have been involved with. The well is providing water to many people in the village and surrounding areas. The village leadership is responsible for maintenance and making sure it stays accessible to everyone. Saran leads worship in Svay Kang every week and is encourage by the benefits this well is providing to the community and he is thankful for the opportunities it has created for him to share Christ.

Sunday was one of Joan and my busiest days. I wasn’t sure we would get it all in but we did. After breakfast at a noodle shop we rode to Kampong Preah to visit a church that Symean is planting. At this location Symean leads the children’s ministry and his partner Seng leads the worship with the adults. Joan and I were impressed with the leadership of these men. Symean has also encouraged and assisted several families to start small businesses; mushroom raising, frog raising, and a fish pond. “Nothing significant happens outside of prayer”. Scott, how many time have I heard you say those words? I truly believe that prayer for small groups like the one in Kampong Preah is the only way they will grow into a self sustaining church that will reproduce. The challenges and obstacles are large. I believe Lititz can make a difference by praying for these people and their maturity in Christ (Colossians 1:9-14).

After a quick bite to eat at Kent and Becky Good’s, Joan and I jumped on a dirt bike and rode to Phnom Sampeau. Several years ago Joan and I co-lead a team that helped build a chapel in this area. We were warmly greeted and attended their worship service.

I could go on and on with details form this trip. We had many opportunities to build deeper relationships with the missionaries serving in Battambang and Phnom Penh. We were also able to visit and encourage the Cambodian Ministry Partners and some of their families. Joan and I were blessed by this trip.

Mike, for Mike and Joan

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Executive Pastor and Managers at Grace Church

Last week and this week I have introduced you to the amazing staff we have here at Grace Church. This Thanksgiving I am very thankful to be able to partner with them day in and day out in serving Jesus here at Grace along with the many who also are on staff in our Educational Ministries of Lititz Christian School and MorningStar Childcare and Academic Center. Below is my final staff introduction posting featuring our Executive Pastor and Managers (top down):
Tim Auld, Executive Pastor
Megan Wilkerson, Office Manager
Craig Peters, Facility Manager
Dennis Jordan, Finance/H.R. Manager





Monday, November 23, 2009

Ministry and Maintenance Staff of Grace Church

Last week I introduced you to our office ladies; worship arts staff; and childrens and youth ministry staff here at Grace Church. Today let me introduce you to our other pastors and maintenance staff (top to bottom):
Whitie Willard, Care Pastor
Steve Burghart, Pastor of Connections
Marlin Weaver, Maintenance
Jay Hall, Maintenance








Tomorrow I will conclude these introductions with our Executive Pastor and Managers!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Superman at Lititz Christian School (4)

Superman spent a day at Lititz Christian School this past week. Below are some pics. See more pics by going to:

Superman with his very own and lovely Lois "Laura" Lane!



Superman loves being at Lititz Christian!


Superman in the Senior Administrator's office!


Superman sharing a laugh with the Science Teacher!


Superman with Eric Lewis, Spiritual Life Director and High School Bible teacher!

Superman at Lititz Christian School (3)

Last week I spent a Day at Lititz Christian School as SUPERMAN. Below are some pics from that day. To see all the pics go to:

Superman sitting in Bible Class!


Superman skipping class with Drew!


Superman and Superteen!


Superman flying into the school play rehearsal!


Superman on the practice set of "The Miracle Worker"!

Superman at Lititz Christian School (2)

Superman spent a day at Lititz Christian School this past week. Below are some pics. See more pics by going to:

Superman protecting these youngsters!



Superman ain't a half bad story teller!


Superman hanging out with his new friends!


Superman enjoying playing this game!


Superman having a deep conversation with these students!



Superman at Lititz Christian School (1)

Superman spent a day at Lititz Christian School this past week. Below are some pics. See more pics by going to:

Superman is looked up to by these young boys!


Superman was impressed by this young girl's notebook!


Superman struts his stuff!


Superman observes this excellent work!


Superman can withstand quite the punch!

Friday, November 20, 2009

TODAY IS THE DAY

This is it! Today is the day we unveil our new website for Grace Ministries. Go to it now and check it out by using the link below:


When you get to the new website, be sure to watch the video of SUPERMAN as today is the day that I, dressed in my full SUPERMAN outfit, participate in the Race for Education to raise funds for Lititz Christian School and MorningStar Childcare and Academic Center which are both ministries of Grace Church. Above is just one picture of me as SUPERMAN. See many more candid shots of SUPERMAN in a day in the life of Lititz Christian School by going to our new website (http://www.meetgrace.org/).

It's still not too late to join my support team for this event by making a donation to Lititz Christian School. My goal was to raise $20,000. I praise the Lord that I have been able to raise $11,800 so far. But that does leave me $8,200 short of my goal. I have had 73 individuals or couples join my support team so far. Today and through the weekend I am looking for 30 more couples or individuals who will partner with me for our Educational Ministries. It you would like to be one of these 30 additional members of my support team, simply e-mail me (skdistler@lgbc.org) with the amount of your donation to Lititz Christian School and I will reply to you with all of the information that you need to know.

UP, UP AND AWAY!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Tomorrow is going to be a SUPER day!


Tomorrow is Friday, November 20th! This is a very special day for our ministry that has been long-awaited. Here is why:

At midnight (12am, Friday morning) our new website will be unveiled. Our Office Manager, Megan Wilkerson, has worked feverishly with a company out of Texas called Faith Highway to design this new website that we believe you are going to love and which will better equip us in this world of technology to meet as many people as possible right where they are and help move them to where God wants them to be.

As a result, be sure that sometime this Friday you take the time to check out our new website. It will not go on-line before midnight so you may just want to watch a little late night TV tonight and stay up until then so you can be one of the first to see it.

This new website will have a new address. Beginning at midnight tonight our new web address for Grace Ministries will be www.meetgrace.org. However, if anyone uses our old web address (www.lgbc.org) it will automatically take them to the new site.

BUT WAIT!! THERE'S MORE!!

Tomorrow, Friday, November 20th, is also the day that I, in my full SUPERMAN costume, will participate in the Race for Education fund-raiser for Lititz Christian School, which is a ministry of Grace Church along with MorningStar Childcare and Academic Center. I have received pledges from 71 individuals or couples totaling $11,700 in donations to Lititz Christian School for my SUPERMAN participation. My goal was to raise $20,000. It's not too late for you to help me get there. Simply e-mail me (skdistler@lgbc.org) with the amount of your pledge toward Lititz Christian School and I will reply back to you with all of the details. Every pledge, no matter what the amount, is appreciated and makes a big difference.

BUT WAIT!! THERE'S STILL MORE!!

Anyone and everyone can see video footage of me as SUPERMAN this Friday by going to our new website (www.meetgrace.org). There will also be a link to many pictures of me as SUPERMAN spending a day in the life of Lititz Christian School. You don't want to miss these pics! Gee, I sure hope the 20 pounds I have lost on my "learn to live hungry" diet over the past ten weeks makes a difference in how the SUPERMAN suit actually fits!

Friday, November 20th is going to be a SUPER day here at Grace! Be sure to log on to our new website after midnight to see it all at

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Construction at Grace - #29

Above the work is taking shape on what will be the entrance into the new cafe from the church lobby!


The three pictures above all show part of the new floor being installed in the lobby!

Childrens and Youth Ministry Staff of Grace Church

Over the last two days I have introuced you to the office ladies and worship arts staff of Grace Church. Today let me introduce you to the childrens and youth ministry staff of our church (top to bottom):

Doug Kegarise, Director of Student Ministries
(the real Doug!!)
Doug Kegarise, Director of Student Ministries
(the staff pic!!)
Jeremiah Kleylein, Jr High Coordinator
Jill Lutz, Childrens Director

Brenda Miller, Early Childhood Coordinator





Next week I will introduce to you our other Ministry Staff; Maintenance Staff; Managers; and Executive Pastor!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Worship Arts Staff of Grace Church

Yesterday I introduced you to the office ladies here at Grace Church. Today let me introduce you to the Worship Arts Staff (top down):
David Felty, Worship Arts Director
Tim Reedy, Media Producer
Nancy Martin, Audio Producer
Laura Distler, Worship Arts Assistant





Tomorrow I will introduce you to our Children's and Youth Staff!