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Connect Ignite Inspire Transform - Gracepoint Community Church

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<strong>Connect</strong><br />

␣ <strong>Ignite</strong> ␣␣␣␣␣␣<br />

␣ ␣ <strong>Inspire</strong> ␣␣␣␣␣<br />

␣ ␣ ␣ <strong>Transform</strong>␣<br />

THE ROAD AHEAD<br />

PG 5<br />

A GRACEPOINT TOP 5<br />

PG 6<br />

I KEEP HAVING THIS DREAM<br />

PG 7<br />

ULTIMATE TREASURE HUNT<br />

PG 9<br />

Page 1


INSIDE THIS ISSUE<br />

3-4 Our Staff<br />

5 The Road Ahead—by Bill Hogg<br />

6 A <strong>Gracepoint</strong> Top 5 - by Phil Wagler<br />

7 I Keep Having This Dream - by Gregg Baker<br />

7 <strong>Gracepoint</strong> Worship Arts Dessert Night<br />

8 <strong>Gracepoint</strong> Worship Arts training Camp—Music Edition?<br />

9 Ultimate Treasure Hunt - by Andrea York<br />

11-16 Kid’s Unlimited<br />

17 Student Ministries<br />

18 Ascent (Young Adults Ministries)<br />

19 Men’s Ministry/Adults Unlimited/Life Groups<br />

20 <strong>Community</strong> Dinner/Recipes by Marie<br />

21 FUEL/G610 Offering/Newcomers Dessert/Ladies Book Club/Strengths Finder<br />

23-24 Window on the World<br />

25 Services Times and Locations<br />

26 February Calendars<br />

Page 2


The <strong>Connect</strong>ion Point<br />

serves a purpose within the <strong>Gracepoint</strong> <strong>Community</strong>:<br />

To CONNECT \kə-ˈnekt\ 1 : to become joined ... 2 a : to meet for the<br />

transference of [fellow travellers] b : to transfer ... as a step in traveling to a final destination 3 : to make a successful hit, shot, or throw 4 : to have or establish a rapport 5 : to establish a communications connection <br />

To IGNITE \ig-ˈnīt\ 1 : to subject to fire or intense heat; especially : to render luminous by heat<br />

2 a : to set afire; also : KINDLE b : to cause (a [heart or passion]) to burn 3 a : to heat up : EXCITE b : to set in motion : SPARK <br />

To INSPIRE \in-ˈspī(-ə)r\ 1 a : to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration b : to exert an animating,<br />

enlivening, or exalting influence on c : to spur on : IMPEL, MOTIVATE<br />

d : AFFECT 2<br />

a archaic : to breathe or blow into or upon b archaic : to infuse (as life) by breathing 3 a : to communicate to an agent supernaturally b : to draw forth or bring out <br />

4 : INHALE 1 5 a : BRING ABOUT, OCCASION b :<br />

INCITE 6 : to spread ([good] rumours) by indirect means or through the agency of the <strong>Connect</strong>ion Point.<br />

To TRANSFORM \tran(t)s- fȯrm\ 1 a : to change in composition or structure b : to change the inner essence and<br />

therefore outward appearance of c : to radically change in character or condition as to what one cares deeply about :<br />

CONVERT 2 : to subject to mathematical transformation <br />

3 : to cause (a [person]) to undergo a total transformation [of the heart and mind].<br />

OUR<br />

STAFF<br />

W elcome to <strong>Gracepoint</strong> – a church for people who have given up on church but haven't given up<br />

on God. Or, to put it more simply, a church for people who don't like church.<br />

Don't get us wrong – personally, we love church. We are the <strong>Church</strong> – the body of Christ. But let's face<br />

it – sometimes "church," with all its religiosity, legalism and sheer irrelevance, can leave people with a<br />

bad taste in their mouths. We want to change that by introducing them to church as it was meant to<br />

be: Grace-filled. Authentic. <strong>Transform</strong>ing. Externally-focused. These are our core values and what we work toward becoming<br />

every day with the help of God and each other.<br />

BILL HOGG<br />

bill@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 208<br />

OUR LEAD PASTOR<br />

I was born in Scotland and enjoyed a<br />

transatlantic boyhood because of my Dad’s<br />

work. I have been a construction worker,<br />

movie extra, talk show host, evangelist and<br />

adjunct professor. I have picked up<br />

Bachelors degrees in Industrial Engineering<br />

and Theology, and a Masters in Evangelism<br />

Studies. I hope to finish my doctorate in<br />

2010. (So much packed into such a young<br />

life!) I am navigating my fourth culture and<br />

loving life in beautiful B.C.<br />

It is a great joy to be part of <strong>Gracepoint</strong><br />

and to lead the staff team. I am excited<br />

about what God has in store for us as we<br />

journey together with Jesus.<br />

I am passionate about us becoming and being a church for those who<br />

have given up on church and connecting with those farthest from<br />

Christ. I want to see those who are “found” experiencing Jesus in the<br />

fullness of His grace, power and healing and being equipped and<br />

released as agents of transformation. I love preaching the gospel and<br />

expounding the Scriptures.<br />

I enjoy strong Starbucks coffee, movies, browsing in bookstores,<br />

watching Manchester United, barbecues and dabbling in the kitchen on<br />

vacation.<br />

PHIL WAGLER<br />

phil@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 209<br />

OUR SENIOR<br />

ASSOCIATE PASTOR<br />

I am an only child born in Ontario and<br />

was rescued by Jesus in my late<br />

teens. Together with my wife Jen we<br />

have served God’s Kingdom in different<br />

parts of the world and in Alberta,<br />

Ontario, and of course beautiful British<br />

Columbia.<br />

I have been a youth pastor, solo pastor,<br />

lead pastor, college dean, para-church<br />

servant, as well as working on dairy<br />

farms, lawn maintenance, hardware,<br />

and even dabbled in radio (and not just<br />

turning the dial!). My family joined the<br />

<strong>Gracepoint</strong> family in 2010.<br />

Jen and I are the proud parents of Caleb, Benjamin, Jessie,<br />

Sadie, and Micah and we all enjoy our pooch, Molly. I love<br />

spending time with my wife and kids, hiking, and sports (pretty<br />

much everything, but mostly hockey, baseball, football and the<br />

other football - i.e. soccer). I’m an avid reader and student of<br />

culture and am passionate about inspiring the church to be on<br />

mission with God for the transformation of our cities, towns,<br />

and side roads. I am also an author of regular columns, a book,<br />

and a lot of scribble notes.<br />

Page 3


ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF<br />

OUR<br />

STAFF<br />

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION<br />

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT<br />

CHILDREN’S ADMINISTRATOR<br />

WORSHIP ARTS ADMINISTRATOR<br />

Lisa Carpenter<br />

lisa@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 204<br />

Maxine Urena<br />

maxine@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 200<br />

Loree Mitton<br />

loree@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex 203<br />

Connie Plett<br />

connie@gracepoint.ca<br />

604-727-2211<br />

WORSHIP ARTS<br />

WORSHIP ARTS<br />

& YOUNG ADULTS<br />

STUDENT MINISTRY<br />

KEVIN SNYDER<br />

kevin@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 202<br />

KIDS UNLIMITED STAFF<br />

LEAD CHILDREN’S PASTOR<br />

EARLY CHILDHOOD PASTOR<br />

SMALL GROUP COORDINATOR<br />

ELEMENTARY DIRECTOR<br />

PASTOR OF TECHNICAL ARTS<br />

CREATIVE PROGRAMMING<br />

DIRECTOR/MUSIC PASTOR<br />

(BELL CAMPUS)<br />

YOUNG ADULTS PASTOR/<br />

MUSIC PASTOR<br />

(SURREY SOUTH CAMPUS)<br />

STUDENT MINISTRIES PASTOR<br />

Randy Plett<br />

randy@gracepoint.ca<br />

604-809-4050<br />

Gregg Baker<br />

gregg@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 214<br />

JEREMY PUE<br />

jeremy@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 215<br />

Beth McGill<br />

beth@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex 206<br />

Michelle Rakotonaivo<br />

michelle@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex 207<br />

Naomi Hogg<br />

naomi@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 212<br />

Carrie Craddock<br />

carrie@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex 210<br />

Page 4


THE ROAD AHEAD<br />

T<br />

his new year of ministry at<br />

<strong>Gracepoint</strong> presents us with<br />

many wonderful opportunities. We<br />

have seen God at work already in<br />

different ways: amongst the 56 men<br />

who gathered at Timberline Ranch,<br />

amongst the 130 plus who<br />

participated in our Walk Thru’ The<br />

Bible Seminar. It has been deeply<br />

encouraging to see the hunger for God<br />

and His Word expressed in those<br />

venues. It has been marvellous to see<br />

people make first time faith<br />

commitments to Jesus and the<br />

response to the call to leave it all on<br />

the field for Jesus at the kick off of our<br />

“Get In The Game” sermon series.<br />

I believe 2011 is a pivotal and strategic<br />

year for us. We are making strategic<br />

changes at <strong>Gracepoint</strong>, with an eye to<br />

the future and cognisant of the need<br />

to serve the needs of our communities<br />

in the here and now.<br />

Jesus has given us his marching orders,<br />

he has called <strong>Gracepoint</strong> to “Mentor,<br />

multiply and move people to follow<br />

Jesus Christ for His mission”. As we<br />

follow Jesus and get on board his<br />

mission this involves grappling with<br />

our multi-site reality, strengthening<br />

<strong>Gracepoint</strong> and positioning the church<br />

for growth.<br />

We plan to add two new members to<br />

our staff team. Our search team has<br />

reconvened and is prayerfully pursuing<br />

the appointment of two Campus<br />

Pastors. We are working prayerfully<br />

and diligently to hire both a Bell<br />

Campus Pastor and a Surrey South<br />

Campus Pastor to bring shepherding<br />

oversight to those who gather, worship<br />

and serve at these respective locations.<br />

Please stand with us in prayer as we<br />

move towards these key appointments.<br />

Currently, ministries are being<br />

restructured to bring greater alignment<br />

with our multi-site reality and the mission<br />

God has given us. Worship Arts has led<br />

the way in campus specific ministry. Our<br />

Creative Programming Director, Gregg<br />

Baker serves as the Bell Campus Music<br />

pastor and Jeremy Pue brings campus<br />

specific music ministry leadership to the<br />

Surrey South Campus. We are prayerfully<br />

exploring how we can have distributed<br />

ministry and campus specific leadership<br />

for our ministry amongst students.<br />

At the same time, we are retooling our<br />

children’s ministry to be more effective<br />

and campus focussed. This means<br />

repositioning childrens’ staff around<br />

campus specific leadership and<br />

curriculum development.<br />

As we navigate change, retool and<br />

consolidate ministry in the days ahead<br />

we will keep you posted. We greatly<br />

value your prayers as we pursue Jesus on<br />

his mission in 2011.<br />

May God richly bless you and make you a<br />

blessing,<br />

Bill Hogg<br />

bill@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 208<br />

Page 5


A GRACEPOINT TOP 5<br />

M<br />

usic has its Top 40. David<br />

Letterman has his Top 10.<br />

And now, <strong>Gracepoint</strong> has its Top 5!<br />

As a relative newcomer – we only<br />

joined the <strong>Gracepoint</strong> family in<br />

September 2010 – I still look at our<br />

church with fresh eyes.<br />

Such<br />

perspective can catch glimpses of<br />

what we lose sight of when time<br />

breeds familiarity.<br />

So, before the<br />

beauty becomes too common, here<br />

are, in no particular order and with<br />

all sincerity, the Top 5 things I love<br />

about being part of the <strong>Gracepoint</strong><br />

family:<br />

1. Cinnamon Buns.<br />

I know it sounds a little cheeky<br />

and rather trite, but any body of<br />

believers that makes cinnamon<br />

buns an integral part of the<br />

communion of the saints is<br />

alright with me. I don’t mean to<br />

over-spiritualize baking, but they<br />

really are sweet nectar from<br />

heaven and I love the way people<br />

look for these sweet treats as<br />

part of their experience of the<br />

church gathered.<br />

They add an<br />

expectation to every Sunday<br />

morning that is a metaphor of<br />

what we look forward to in being<br />

together to praise God and grow<br />

in our walk with Christ. It is true<br />

that every good and perfect gift<br />

comes from the Father above –<br />

including sticky buns.<br />

2. Great Tunes. When we<br />

gather we are led by amazing<br />

musicians.<br />

Great music drills<br />

deep the poetry of the soul and<br />

causes us to sing the truths of<br />

Scripture. It’s easy to take for<br />

granted how well we are led<br />

when it is the “normal” we are<br />

used to, but we dare not do that.<br />

God has blessed us with amazing<br />

teams of people who are lead<br />

worshippers in song…throw your<br />

heart into praise with them!<br />

3. Multiple Campuses.<br />

I am struck by the beauty and<br />

diversity of our campuses and see<br />

it as God’s way of preparing and<br />

shaping us to be a people with the<br />

freedom and creativity to reach the<br />

diversity of Surrey and beyond.<br />

Our multiple campuses discipline<br />

us to think about our city with<br />

bigger vision; to see Surrey as God<br />

sees it and not just how we do.<br />

This has challenges, no doubt, and<br />

will continue to call us to<br />

adjustments, but our multi-site<br />

reality is a great gift.<br />

4. Come As You Are.<br />

This is a church that knows how to<br />

welcome and make space for<br />

people of all sorts, kinds, and<br />

histories. The power of this type of<br />

embrace cannot be overstated.<br />

Each week I see people welcomed<br />

without question. I have never<br />

heard one disparaging comment<br />

about anyone who comes among<br />

us. That’s not to say we’re perfect,<br />

but it does say a lot about how we<br />

understand the heart of God for<br />

people on a journey. This is an<br />

enormous strength and the<br />

embodiment of the love of God<br />

that welcomes prodigals – which<br />

we have all been in some way.<br />

5. Grace Is The Point.<br />

This band of Jesus-followers is aptly<br />

named. Grace is truly the point<br />

Page 6<br />

around here. All of us come to the<br />

table as sinners and eat the bread<br />

and drink the wine of a new<br />

covenant whereby sins are<br />

forgiven and a new hope for the<br />

future is born. I have heard the<br />

stories of how grace has<br />

transformed members of our staff<br />

– what a great place of wonder,<br />

humility and thanksgiving they<br />

lead from as a result. I also hear<br />

this same theme echoed over and<br />

over again as I come to know<br />

people’s stories: God’s grace has<br />

claimed us and amazed us and that<br />

is the point we long to share and<br />

demonstrate in our community<br />

and shout to the ends of the earth.<br />

What are the Top 5 things you love<br />

about <strong>Gracepoint</strong>? I’d love to hear<br />

them. In fact, I’d love to print of a few<br />

of your lists in a future <strong>Connect</strong>ion<br />

Point. So, jot down your Top 5, send<br />

it on (phil@gracepoint.ca), and look<br />

for more <strong>Gracepoint</strong> Top 5’s from me<br />

in the future.<br />

Phil Wagler<br />

phil@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 209


I KEEP HAVING THIS DREAM<br />

I<br />

t starts out where I am transported back to my old junior<br />

high school, Cloverdale Junior Secondary, and I am dressed<br />

in nothing but my Fruit of the Looms …<br />

No, I’m just kidding. It’s nothing like that at all—<br />

it’s a dream of an entirely different sort. It’s my God-inspired,<br />

agitating, soul-stirring BHAG for 2011.<br />

If you’ve never heard of a BHAG before that’s okay,<br />

I hadn’t either. It stands for<br />

“BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL”<br />

and I’ve got one.<br />

If you go to <strong>Gracepoint</strong>’s website, click the Plug In tab → and<br />

then click on Worship Arts, it says: “We want to provide an<br />

encouraging environment where artists can thrive and find<br />

plenty of opportunities to share the truth of Jesus through<br />

their creativity, whether at our worship gatherings or in their<br />

community.”<br />

So, in the past few years, the seeds of<br />

expanding <strong>Gracepoint</strong>’s Worship Arts department beyond<br />

simply musical worship have been well planted, we have even<br />

enjoyed the delicious fruit of a few precious interdisciplinary<br />

harvests and now—in in this season—I am standing firm in<br />

the belief that this year’s crop has the potential to bring glory<br />

to God and bless His people on a whole new level! That’s<br />

where you enter my dream. Weird hey?<br />

For a church of this size, I have to believe there are yet more<br />

than a few individuals who are hiding or burying their artistic<br />

talents. Also, I believe that we have not yet realised or<br />

communicated the full scope of what the “worship arts”<br />

could include and, as a result, there may be people in the<br />

church who don’t even realise that their skills and talent<br />

might be valuable in this creative and nebulous area.<br />

So here’s the plan: You’re all invited...everyone at <strong>Gracepoint</strong><br />

who has any interest in the arts whatsoever to attend an<br />

event on FEBRUAY 20TH from 7:00 to 9:00pm. There, we<br />

will enjoy irresistible desserts (as well as questionable church<br />

coffee), share some of the history of <strong>Gracepoint</strong> Worship Arts<br />

(GpWA), and our burgeoning vision for the advancement of<br />

the arts at <strong>Gracepoint</strong> as a powerful vehicle for expressing<br />

worship to our creative and worthy God, while at the same<br />

time carrying the potential to be an agent of transformational<br />

experience for seekers.<br />

Come and be informed, inspired and maybe even surprised to<br />

find out that you may possess the unexpected requisite skills<br />

to become part of this BHAG<br />

Gregg Baker<br />

gregg@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 214<br />

GRACEPOINT WORSHIP ARTS<br />

DESSERT NIGHT<br />

You’re all invited… everyone at <strong>Gracepoint</strong> who<br />

has any interest in the arts whatsoever to attend a<br />

special event on February 20 th from 7 to 9pm.<br />

Come enjoy some great dessert, learn some of the<br />

history of <strong>Gracepoint</strong> Worship Arts (GpWA), and<br />

share in our vision for the future advancement of<br />

the arts at <strong>Gracepoint</strong>. Please register for this<br />

event by emailing reception@gracepoint.ca<br />

Page 7


<strong>Gracepoint</strong> Worship Arts<br />

ARE YOU READY FOR GpWA<br />

TRAINING CAMP – MUSIC EDITION?<br />

Beginning on February 6, 2011 we will be<br />

opening the doors of the GpWA music rehearsal<br />

studio on the 1 st and 3 rd Sunday of every month to<br />

aspiring and developing musicians and vocalists<br />

who would like to have the space to train to<br />

become part of the <strong>Gracepoint</strong> team of musical<br />

worshippers. Training sessions will be from 2-4 pm<br />

and will be held in the rehearsal studio at the<br />

Surrey South Campus.<br />

The rehearsal space is located downstairs, directly across from the<br />

side entrance/exit to Studio A. If you feel like God is calling you<br />

into this area of ministry and you have been praying for the<br />

opportunity and support to explore and express yourself<br />

musically, this is your chance! To register for a training session<br />

date or multiple dates, or if you simply have questions about the<br />

Page 8


ULTIMATE TREASURE HUNT<br />

T<br />

reasure hunting. Children love it,<br />

pirates are romanticized because of<br />

it and A&E cable network has a television<br />

show about it.<br />

I admit that I love<br />

treasure hunting too. A few years ago, a<br />

friend introduced me to geocaching.<br />

Geocaching is a world-wide treasure<br />

hunt; with only a handheld GPS, some<br />

coordinates and a few clues anybody can<br />

participate. I used to take my son with<br />

me; we saw some amazing secret places<br />

together in search of our treasure and<br />

even now, he sometimes looks around<br />

the woods to find treasure that might be<br />

hidden.<br />

Recently I’ve discovered a different kind<br />

of treasure hunt: The Ultimate Treasure<br />

Hunt by Kevin Dedmon.<br />

In his book,<br />

Kevin describes the parable of the lost<br />

coin (Luke 15) in<br />

which a woman lost a<br />

coin and searches<br />

carefully until she<br />

finds it. Upon finding<br />

the lost coin she<br />

rejoices with her<br />

neighbours (community). The coin is her<br />

treasure and the story reminds us that<br />

God rejoices when lost treasure is found.<br />

The parable likens people to lost<br />

treasure.<br />

If people are lost and God wants to find<br />

them, how can he reach down to find<br />

them except to use those willing to<br />

participate in the Ultimate Treasure<br />

Hunt?<br />

In the last issue of <strong>Connect</strong>ion<br />

Point, I posed a question to myself and<br />

other <strong>Gracepoint</strong>ers, asking what it<br />

would look like to spread God’s love in<br />

Surrey. Since then, I’ve discovered that<br />

treasure hunting is a piece of the puzzle;<br />

and it’s fun, to boot.<br />

For a long time, I approached<br />

evangelism in the same old way – meet<br />

a pre-Christian, become friendly, wait<br />

for an opportunity to share the Gospel in<br />

a relevant but<br />

n o n -<br />

t h r e a t e n i n g<br />

way and then<br />

hope<br />

whomever<br />

that<br />

w a s<br />

“evangelizing”<br />

w o u l d<br />

u n d e r s t a n d<br />

their part and<br />

I<br />

pray the sinner’s prayer, be grateful that<br />

now they are saved, and I could move on<br />

to someone else. Treasure hunting is<br />

different; it’s exciting and relevant in a<br />

I will give you the treasures of the<br />

darkness, riches stored in secret<br />

places so that you may know that I<br />

am the LORD, the God of Israel, who<br />

summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3<br />

way that meets<br />

s o m e o n e ’ s<br />

need<br />

right<br />

there in the<br />

moment.<br />

I conducted my<br />

first<br />

treasure<br />

hunt a couple of months ago. I was with<br />

2 other women; some of our clues (over<br />

3 different maps) included Chocolate<br />

Shoppe, red hair, glasses, sinus infection,<br />

brown jacket, left side, foil-wrapped<br />

candy (we had other clues that didn’t<br />

lead to treasure also). My son refers to<br />

the toy store down the street as the<br />

candy store where he buys foil-wrapped<br />

candy, so I suggested we try there first.<br />

When we arrived in the store there was<br />

only one customer.<br />

And, guess what?<br />

She had red hair, glasses, wearing a<br />

brown jacket and was on the left side of<br />

the store.<br />

By Andrea York<br />

We couldn’t believe it! We found<br />

treasure. We were so excited. But<br />

then all of a sudden fear filled me. Now<br />

what? I was ready to call it quits and<br />

say, “Thanks God<br />

for the thrill, but I<br />

didn’t actually<br />

think we’d find<br />

treasure and now<br />

I’m scared and<br />

want to go<br />

h o m e . ”<br />

Thankfully, that<br />

wasn’t what we<br />

did. I was<br />

nominated to approach the woman. I<br />

started out by saying, “This is weird, but<br />

we’re on a treasure hunt and we think<br />

you are our treasure.” She was skeptical<br />

but intrigued and then we showed her<br />

our treasure maps. We asked if she had<br />

a sore right shoulder (it was one of our<br />

clues), but she replied no. I then asked<br />

her if she had a sinus infection. She said<br />

yes and that it was recurring. We asked<br />

if we could pray for her, which she<br />

allowed us to do. She wasn’t healed<br />

instantly but I’ve connected with her<br />

since and have confirmed that God did<br />

heal her of the sinus infection.<br />

This first hunt built faith in me and the<br />

women I was with. We couldn’t wait to<br />

do it again. We learned some things as<br />

well. We learned we edit God when he<br />

speaks. During the clue-gathering time,<br />

I heard, “left-side” but I didn’t write it<br />

down. Likewise, my friend heard,<br />

“brown jacket” and she didn’t write it<br />

down. Thankfully, the clues we had<br />

written down were enough to intrigue<br />

the treasure enough so that we could<br />

continue to engage her and ultimately<br />

minister to her.<br />

Page 9


We also fumbled the “closing”. It<br />

seemed and felt awkward because there<br />

was no offer for future contact. It would<br />

have been helpful to offer a business<br />

card with our contact information to<br />

give the “treasure” so they may connect<br />

if they desire to know more, be discipled<br />

or connected to a church. As it<br />

was our first attempt, we<br />

decided to live in the grace God<br />

offers. I’m certain he was<br />

delighted by our obedience and<br />

he loves perseverance.<br />

Intrigued yet?<br />

It’s simple. For best results, go<br />

with a group of 3 or 4 people. Christ<br />

promises that where two or three are<br />

gathered in his name, he is there also.<br />

It’s important that Jesus is present<br />

because when we find the treasure, we<br />

can tell them about Jesus, or we can<br />

introduce them to Jesus and give them a<br />

personal encounter with him. Guess<br />

which is more effective?<br />

Next, a treasure hunt needs clues. Since<br />

God knows where the treasure will be<br />

found, ask him for clues. To do this, we<br />

[silently] wait on God, ask him for clues,<br />

then listen and write down what we<br />

hear from him. Ask for clues involving<br />

location and description (names work<br />

well). It’s also helpful to ask God for<br />

specifics about the treasure that will<br />

grant favour while speaking with the<br />

treasure. These may be physical or<br />

emotional issues they are dealing with.<br />

Remember that the Lord is always kind.<br />

He will never give us a word of<br />

knowledge to be used to shame anyone;<br />

it is always to call out the gold in them.<br />

Finally, allow God to surprise you and to<br />

offer a clue you may not understand.<br />

Write it down anyway. When finished<br />

your clue-gathering, look at your paper<br />

– that is your map to the treasure.<br />

Discuss your findings with the others;<br />

often clues from other people will<br />

make up the “whole” clue – they might<br />

only make sense together.<br />

Once you have your map the<br />

next step is to start looking for<br />

treasure. Now, as a group,<br />

interpret the direction you are<br />

going and head off. Keep<br />

looking at the clues on your<br />

maps. When you find<br />

someone that might be your<br />

treasure take a chance and<br />

approach them. Start by<br />

saying something like, “This<br />

may seem weird to you, but my friends<br />

and I are on a treasure hunt and we<br />

think you might be our treasure.” Then<br />

show them the map with the clues.<br />

The more specific the clues, the more<br />

intrigued the treasure will be. As you<br />

gain acceptance ask them if anything<br />

else on the map applies to them.<br />

Perhaps they will highlight one of the<br />

unusual clues you didn’t understand.<br />

Once you’ve received favour to<br />

continue, tell them God has highlighted<br />

them and ask if you can pray for them.<br />

If they need healing for something in<br />

their life, ask God. Be confident that if<br />

God gave you the clues he will surely<br />

give you power in prayer.<br />

This might seem like a really hard to<br />

do, particularly if you’re an introvert.<br />

However, this is where faith is involved.<br />

What’s the worst-case scenario? The<br />

treasure you approach thinks you’re a<br />

little off your rocker, you pardon<br />

yourself, they walk away thinking “that<br />

was strange,” perhaps they tell their<br />

family about it over dinner and you<br />

never see them again. Big deal!<br />

Alternatively, the best-case scenario<br />

is the treasure experiences God’s<br />

presence and love! They allow you<br />

to pray, are surprised by joy, healed<br />

and go home to tell their family<br />

about their amazing experience.<br />

And, your faith increases because you<br />

stepped out in faith and God showed<br />

up. It’s a win-win. If you never try it,<br />

I guarantee you’ll never win.<br />

Not every treasure hunt is successful.<br />

In the parable of the lost coin, the<br />

woman looked many places before<br />

finding the treasure.<br />

Likewise, we<br />

may have to look long and hard<br />

without finding the treasure before<br />

we find what we’re looking for.<br />

Don’t give up; God is honored by the<br />

obedience.<br />

For more information about the<br />

Ultimate Treasure Hunt, consider<br />

reading Kevin Dedmon’s book. If you<br />

want to try it yourself and need a<br />

partner, I am willing to go treasure<br />

hunting with just about anyone.<br />

Contact me for more information or<br />

to plan a treasure hunt.<br />

Blessings,<br />

Andrea York<br />

a called servant<br />

Page 10


KIDS UNLIMITED MINISTRY (AGES 0<br />

FEBRUARY<br />

CURRICULUM<br />

EARLY CHILDHOOD (0-K)<br />

NURSERY (0-23 Months) is provided for babies & toddlers up to 2 years old.<br />

Children will be promoted automatically each month from Nursery to the Tadpool class when they turn 2 years old.<br />

Focus: My Family Loves Me<br />

“God gives us families.” (See Psalm 68:6)<br />

This month we will help your child:<br />

• To begin to associate God and Jesus with loving people at home and at church<br />

• Respond to demonstrations of affection<br />

For more activities to do with your child to continue the learning your child has<br />

experienced at church, check out the monthly Nursery Parent’s Home Page at<br />

the KU Info Table.<br />

TADPOOL—KERMIT (2-5 year olds):<br />

DiscipleLand Bible Curriculum: Disciples For Life<br />

The New Testament Series uses sequential Bible<br />

(AGES 0-GR 5)<br />

WE NEED EARLY CHILDHOOD<br />

volunteers for the 11:15am Service<br />

Nursery, 2-5yr. old teachers, helpers<br />

Please contact Beth McGill<br />

beth@gracpoint.ca<br />

stories to teach about Jesus’ life, message and purpose. Children will discover Jesus as a friend,<br />

experience His great love, His powerful messages, and amazing abilities. They will be introduced<br />

to many Bible stories and gain a basic understanding of the New Testament.<br />

Jesus Comes to Us<br />

In February, your preschoolers will continue to celebrate the time when God sent His special Son,<br />

to be with His people. They will rejoice that Jesus wants to be their very best Friend!<br />

Bible content: Luke 1-4<br />

Quarter Memory Verse: “God loves you so much that He gave His Son for you.” John 3:16<br />

ELEMENTARY (Gr.1-5)<br />

FROG SQUAD(Gr.1-3) & LEAP ZONE (Gr. 4-5)<br />

We are excited about our February curriculum for our Elementary kids. ‘TruStory’ is a new<br />

curriculum designed to reveal The Big God Story of God’s redemptive plan for elementary-age kids, allowing them to<br />

Anticipate, Celebrate, Respond, and be Blessed in an participatory environment. Best of all, TruStory begins in the<br />

home, equipping parents to be primary in spiritually nurturing their child through a pre-teaching resource called<br />

“Homefront Weekly.”<br />

February’s Memory Verse: “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His<br />

sight.” Ephesians 1:4<br />

Page 11


PARTNERING WITH PARENTS<br />

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES TO<br />

INSPIRE & EQUIP FAMILIES:<br />

FAMILY TIMES VIRTUE PACKS<br />

Family Times Virtue Packs are an<br />

effective monthly resource to help you &<br />

your kids rediscover family time. The<br />

packs also enhance the core virtues that<br />

the gr.1-5 learned about in Bible stories<br />

taught in KU. They include:<br />

• Morning Time note cards<br />

• Meal Time cards for family discussions<br />

• Drive Time CD loaded with fun for kids, music<br />

and practical parenting advice<br />

• Bed Time cards with Bible stories to share with<br />

your children<br />

Family Times is a simple plan designed to help<br />

parents transfer a spiritual legacy to their children.<br />

It is based on the Hebrew method of teaching<br />

children found in Deuteronomy:<br />

“These commandments that I give you today are to be<br />

upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk<br />

about them when you sit at home and when you walk<br />

along the road, when you lie down and when you get<br />

up.” Deuteronomy 6;6,7, NAS<br />

The virtue packs are available for purchase while supplies<br />

last at the KU Info Table in the lobby.<br />

$5 ea ~ Uniqueness ~ Joy<br />

BETH’S BOOK FAVOURITES<br />

The Divine Mentor<br />

by Wayne Codeiro<br />

This month’s practical ideas for nurturing children’s faith are available on the following pages.<br />

The Sabbath Rest of God: Restoring<br />

Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath,<br />

by Mark Buchanan<br />

Formational Children’s Ministry: Shepherding<br />

Children using: Story, Ritual and Relationship,<br />

My Life in France,<br />

by Julia Child<br />

The Tale of Three Kings,<br />

by Gene Edwards<br />

PARENT LINK MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: Children’s Edition<br />

As a Family, Mark Spiritual Milestones<br />

This month's topic is celebrating spiritual firsts, or faith milestones. These include occasions such as being baptized, receiving a<br />

first Bible, and transitioning to the preteen years. Such milestones help children know they're growing up as Christians. This<br />

month's newsletter describes how parents can use those special times to discuss and build their children's faith.<br />

Highlights of this new issue include:<br />

• Insights from Shift author Brian Haynes about having "faith talks".<br />

• Bible-based tips for pursuing spiritual training with your children.<br />

• Discussion questions to help children think about their own faith milestones.<br />

• Activities to help you celebrate your family's past and future.<br />

• Information and discussion questions about the new movie Gnomeo & Juliet and the new Christian album from worship leader<br />

Yancy Richmond.<br />

Thanks for your dedication to children and families-and for relying on The ParentLink for practical, faith-nurturing ideas.<br />

Stephanie Martin<br />

Editor, The ParentLink<br />

Page 12


FEBRUARY<br />

CELEBRATE SPIRITUAL<br />

MILESTONES<br />

Marking children’s physical “firsts,” such as first steps and first words, is an exciting<br />

and memorable part of parenting. Just as important, and just as worthy of<br />

celebration, are spiritual firsts, or faith milestones.<br />

These milestones, or rites, help children know they’re growing up as Christians and<br />

continually reconnecting to their faith family. Milestones also allow churches and<br />

parents to partner together to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus.<br />

Spiritual occasions that warrant family celebrations include:<br />

Baptism or Dedication—Because children are a gift from<br />

God, we “give” them back to God by committing their lives<br />

to him. By witnessing a baptism or dedication, fellow church<br />

members agree to partner with parents to help raise children<br />

in the Christian faith.<br />

Receiving a First Bible—When children receive God’s<br />

Word, it’s like their very own special love letter from God. He<br />

wants us to read the Bible and apply it to our lives. Making a<br />

“big deal” out of getting a Bible shows kids how important<br />

the book is to our faith and its growth.<br />

Transitioning to the Preteen Years—Leaving behind<br />

elementary school symbolizes that preteens are beginning to “own” their faith.<br />

Somewhere along their spiritual journey, they’ll decide whether to draw closer to<br />

God or reject him. The great thing is that God is always there, waiting for young<br />

people to find him. And he’s always there for parents, too, guiding us as we lead<br />

our children through faith milestones.<br />

GOOD INTENTIONS DON’T<br />

ALWAYS PAN OUT<br />

• In a Barna Group survey, 85% of parents said they believe they have the primary<br />

responsibility for teaching their children about religious beliefs and spiritual<br />

matters.<br />

• But in another Barna study, fewer than 10% of parents who regularly attend<br />

church have consistent family time with God.<br />

ASK GOD:<br />

1. To help your family focus on<br />

Jesus’ birth this Christmas.<br />

2. To reduce your emphasis on<br />

buying and receiving.<br />

3. To help your children treasure<br />

God, not earthly things.<br />

PARENTING INSIGHTS<br />

In Shift (Group), Brian Haynes<br />

discusses the value of at-home “Faith<br />

Talks” for leading kids spiritually:<br />

1. Faith Talks should occur regularly<br />

and be age-appropriate. Each<br />

week, set aside time to focus on<br />

biblical truth in a relational way.<br />

2. Faith Talks should focus on God’s<br />

Word. Read the Bible together,<br />

celebrate it, and adjust your lives<br />

accordingly.<br />

3. Faith Talks don’t have to be<br />

difficult or formal. Make them fun;<br />

for example, go outside on a hot<br />

day and compare standing in the<br />

sun and shade. Then read and<br />

discuss Psalm 121:5.<br />

4. Faith Talks are a priority. They<br />

shouldn’t depend on children’s<br />

choices or attitudes. God instructs<br />

parents to be intentional about<br />

leading their children spiritually.<br />

Page 13


OpenThe<br />

TheBook<br />

“Train yourself to be godly. For<br />

physical training is of some value, but<br />

godliness has value for all things,<br />

holding promise for both the present<br />

life and the life to come.”<br />

1 Timothy 4:7-8<br />

The apostle Paul reminds Timothy—<br />

and parents—that a strong<br />

relationship with God should be our<br />

ultimate goal.<br />

T EACHABLE<br />

MOMENTS<br />

1. Celebrate Baptisms—After seeing a<br />

baptism, talk to your children about<br />

their own baptisms—or their desire<br />

to be baptized. Tell them God<br />

washes away our sins. As a family,<br />

make handmade cards for newly<br />

baptized people.<br />

2. Make the Bible Relevant—Show<br />

children how God’s Word applies to<br />

their lives. Talk about biblical<br />

heroes and how they both stumbled<br />

and grew in faith. Tie Bible verses<br />

into kids’ interests, from music or<br />

poetry to travel or adventure.<br />

3. Model Lifelong Learning—Preteens<br />

often feel as if they’ve outgrown<br />

Sunday school. Provide ageappropriate<br />

Bibles and devotionals<br />

for preteens who are forming their<br />

identity in Christ. Also help them<br />

anticipate the future rather than be<br />

anxious about it.<br />

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to<br />

these words of mine. Tie them to your hands<br />

and wear them on your forehead as<br />

reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk<br />

about them when you are at home and when<br />

you are ON THE ROAD, when you are going to<br />

bed and when you are getting up.”<br />

Deuteronomy 11:18-19, NLT<br />

Get your children thinking about their own faith milestones by asking these<br />

discussion-starter questions:<br />

1. What times or events in your walk with God stand out the most to you,<br />

and why?<br />

2. As you grow up as a Christian, what occasions would you like to celebrate,<br />

and how?<br />

3. In what ways has your faith changed since you were younger?<br />

4. What can I do to help your faith grow even stronger?<br />

FAMILY EXPERIENCE:<br />

JOURNEYS WITH JESUS<br />

Use these activities to celebrate your family’s past and future.<br />

• Family Timelines—You’ll need a 6-foot piece of butcher paper, markers,<br />

masking tape, and a Bible. Tape the butcher paper to a wall. Together,<br />

create a timeline of your family’s journey with God using words, drawings,<br />

and Bible verses. Include marriages, birthdays, and milestones, such as<br />

when a child entered preschool or when you moved. Add fun memories<br />

and difficult times that affected everyone (illnesses or injuries, vacations,<br />

job or school changes, and so on).<br />

Afterward, discuss these questions: “What are our best memories? What<br />

difficult events have we overcome? How did those events make us closer?<br />

How have you seen God moving in our family through the years? How<br />

have we experienced God’s faithfulness? What are our future dreams for<br />

our family?”<br />

• God’s Path—You’ll need a map of your hometown, a highlighter, a Bible,<br />

and a red marker. Mark important spots on the map, such as your home,<br />

school, church, friends’ houses, and more. Highlight the roads your family<br />

uses most often. Read aloud Psalm 139:1-3. Say: “God always knows<br />

where we are, what we’re doing, and where we’re going. He has big plans<br />

for us as we grow and get to know<br />

him better. God loves us and will<br />

always be with us.” With a red<br />

marker, draw a large heart around all<br />

the map sites you’ve highlighted.<br />

Hang up the map as a reminder of<br />

God’s promises.<br />

Page 14


This page is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant to endorse any movie, music, or product.<br />

Our prayer is that you’ll make informed decisions about what your children watch, listen to, and wear.<br />

W HAT’S PLAYING AT THE MOVIES<br />

Movie: Gnomeo & Juliet (Feb. 11)<br />

Genre: 3D animated comedy<br />

Rating: G<br />

Cast: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine<br />

Synopsis: In this film, which features several songs from Elton John,<br />

two garden gnomes get caught up in a feud between neighbors.<br />

Despite their many obstacles, Gnomeo and Juliet try to find lasting<br />

happiness.<br />

Discussion Questions: How would you define “love”? Why does<br />

everyone seek love? What challenges stand in the way of having<br />

loving relationships? Read aloud 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Which of<br />

these traits of love is the most difficult, in your opinion? What are some ways we can<br />

love other people better—even when they don’t act lovingly in return?<br />

CULTURE & TRENDS<br />

What’s happening right now that<br />

may affect your children and family:<br />

• Parenting forecasts for 2011<br />

include more emphasis on<br />

“couple time,” child-rearing<br />

philosophies such as RIE and<br />

Free-Range Kids, and “flash sale<br />

sites” for buying kiddie gear.<br />

W HAT MUSIC IS RELEASING<br />

Artist: Yancy Richmond<br />

Album: Stars, Guitars & Megaphone Dreams<br />

Artist Info: Yancy, a Christian singer, songwriter, and worship<br />

leader, grew up in the church. She loves ministering to preteens<br />

through songs that empower them and praise God at the same<br />

time.<br />

Summary: Yancy’s new album contains energetic anthems and<br />

heartfelt ballads. The song “God Is for Me” is about “putting our confidence and future<br />

in God’s hands,” she says. “I’m really thankful for the promises in God’s Word [and]<br />

how we can hold fast to those things, whether we’re in the valley or the mountaintop,<br />

because God is on our side!”<br />

Discussion Questions: How comfortable are you with the thought of putting your<br />

entire future in God’s hands? Explain. In what ways do you feel like God is rooting for<br />

you? Read aloud Romans 8:26-28, 37-39. How can God’s promises help you be more<br />

confident in your faith?<br />

W HAT GAMES ARE OUT<br />

Title<br />

Herotopia.com<br />

Learn Science<br />

Content<br />

In this virtual world, players learn about global<br />

culture and defeat bullies. Some portions are free;<br />

others require paid membership.<br />

Mini-games teach players about anatomy,<br />

biology, physics, and more. Geared toward<br />

Rating<br />

& Platform<br />

Web; ages 6-12<br />

E; Nintendo DS<br />

first- through fourth-graders.<br />

RATINGS: EC=Early Childhood, E=Everyone (ages 6+), E10+ (ages 10+), T=Teen (ages 13+)<br />

In this fantasy-based game, the action takes place<br />

Lost in Shadow<br />

between shadows. Violence has a key<br />

E10+; Wii<br />

RATINGS: EC=Early Childhood, E=Everyone (ages 6+), E10+ (ages 10+), T=Teen (ages 13+)<br />

role but isn’t excessive or graphic.<br />

• Kid-trend predictions include<br />

1980s fashions, personalized<br />

party décor, more GPS-tracking<br />

technology, and iPad-hungry<br />

youngsters.<br />

(ivillage.com)<br />

QUICK STATS<br />

• 65% of parents say texting helps<br />

them communicate more often<br />

with their kids when they’re<br />

apart.<br />

(Parenting)<br />

• 65% of young children were<br />

spanked by a parent at least<br />

once during a four-week period.<br />

Parents who fight with one<br />

another are more likely to<br />

spank their kids, research<br />

shows. (medicalnewstoday.com)<br />

RATINGS: EC=Early Childhood, E=Everyone (ages 6+), E10+ (ages 10+), T=Teen (ages 13+)<br />

Page 15


HELLO FRIENDS, PARENTS & KU VOLUNTEERS<br />

Resignation Announcement and Thank you<br />

from Beth McGill<br />

I am sorry to let you know that I am resigning as Lead<br />

Children’s Pastor of <strong>Gracepoint</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Church</strong>.<br />

My last day will be Sunday, March 6, 2011.<br />

I have loved doing ministry with the kids, families,<br />

volunteers and staff at Peace Arch Fellowship and<br />

<strong>Gracepoint</strong> <strong>Community</strong> <strong>Church</strong> for the past seven years.<br />

Over that time I took on the Lead Children’s Pastor, full<br />

time position, almost five years ago (Oct. 2006).<br />

This has been a difficult decision to make. However, I<br />

feel the need to ‘step back’ and take time for rest,<br />

spiritual renewal and education. I have been enjoying<br />

taking courses at Acts Seminary/TWU in Children’s<br />

ministry so will continue on with that. Then I plan to look<br />

for a children’s ministry position later on, since I feel<br />

called and passionate about ministry to children.<br />

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve here at<br />

<strong>Gracepoint</strong> and have seen God at work here in so<br />

many ways. I will especially miss all the kids who bring<br />

me joy, energy and amusement just to see them on a<br />

Sunday. I appreciate you as amazing volunteers and<br />

friends who have come alongside our Kids Unlimited<br />

staff and partnered with us in ministering to children<br />

and families. I will miss working alongside a great staff<br />

team here that inspire me as they each bring their<br />

passions and gifting to minister the gospel in our<br />

church and community.<br />

My husband Brian and I feel at peace<br />

with this decision even though it will<br />

be difficult to say goodbye to all of<br />

you.<br />

Blessings on all of you and<br />

your families,<br />

Beth McGill<br />

MIDWEEK KIDS PROGRAMS<br />

GIRLS CLUB<br />

(Gr.1-5)<br />

Mondays @ 6:30-7:45pm,<br />

Surrey South Campus<br />

The purpose of GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting<br />

the Saviour Club) is to bring girls into a living,<br />

dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ.<br />

Leaders: Theresa Wiebe & Janet Loewen.<br />

For more info, contact Janet @<br />

jamesandjanet@telus.net or<br />

604-536-7668<br />

WONDERFAIRE 2011<br />

Monday-Friday mornings<br />

JULY 4-8<br />

Surrey South Campus. Wonderfaire is <strong>Gracepoint</strong>’s summer outreach program for kids going into<br />

Kindergarten-Gr.5. It’s a week long half-day fun-filled Bible camp focused on sharing God’s love with the<br />

children of the surrounding community. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.<br />

Page 16<br />

CHRISTIAN SERVICE<br />

BRIGADE BOYS CLUB<br />

(GR.1-6)<br />

Mondays @ 6:30-7:45pm,<br />

Surrey South Campus<br />

Tree Climbers (Gr.1-2): Dads (or significant male<br />

figures) participate with their sons and the<br />

leaders. They enjoy games, a simple learning<br />

activity and hear a story with a Biblical emphasis.<br />

Stockade (Gr.3-6):Leaders and boys participate<br />

in games, stories, projects and earn merit badges<br />

to learn more about God’s plan for their lives.<br />

For more info, contact Candice Tews for more<br />

info @ 604-542-9473 or ctews@telus.net


Kevin Snyder<br />

kevin@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 202<br />

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday<br />

1<br />

Sr. High<br />

7:00-9:00<br />

2 3<br />

Jr. High<br />

7:00-8:30<br />

4 5<br />

6 7 8<br />

Sr. High<br />

7:00-9:00<br />

13<br />

FOCUS<br />

20<br />

FOCUS<br />

Registration<br />

deadline<br />

Sr. High<br />

Retreat<br />

27<br />

FOCUS<br />

14<br />

Valentines<br />

Day<br />

15<br />

Sr. High<br />

7:00-9:00<br />

21 22<br />

Sr. High<br />

7:00-9:00<br />

28<br />

9 10<br />

Jr. High<br />

7:00-8:30<br />

16 17<br />

Jr. High<br />

7:00-8:30<br />

23 24<br />

Jr. High<br />

7:00-8:30<br />

11 12<br />

48<br />

18 19<br />

25 26<br />

FOCUS is a bible study time for Gr 6-12.<br />

On the first Sunday of the month students are<br />

asked to remain in the service.<br />

Surrey South Campus - the Youth Room<br />

The Bell Campus - Room B115<br />

SEE... with God's sees<br />

FEEL... with God's heart<br />

HEAR... with God's ears<br />

SURGE RETREAT Gr 9-129<br />

March 11-13th<br />

at Stillwood Camp<br />

Cost $135<br />

Registration deadline is Feb 20th<br />

SHINE RETREAT Gr 6<br />

SHINE RETREAT Gr 6-8<br />

April 15-17th<br />

at Stillwood Camp<br />

Cost $125<br />

Registration deadline is March 20th<br />

Mark your calendars<br />

Page 17


Jeremy Pue<br />

jeremy@gracepoint.ca<br />

Ex. 215<br />

This season our gathering for Young Adults – Ascent –<br />

continues to meet at Wired Monk Rodeo (152 nd street<br />

&Hwy 10) on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. (with the<br />

exception of the 2nd Wednesday of the month)<br />

To start off 2011 we will be studying the book of Hebrews<br />

as a group for 7 weeks and discussing the importance of<br />

knowing the greatness of our Savior, Jesus.<br />

Through the Fall, one of our regular attendees committed<br />

his life to Christ, and we set aside a portion of every<br />

gathering to pray with each other and for each other. It is<br />

so evident that God is moving in the hearts of some of<br />

these young people, and we hope to be a movement of<br />

people that grows and spreads the love of Christ to those<br />

around us.<br />

With delicious coffee in a comfortable setting and<br />

musicians typically singing to end off each gathering,<br />

Ascent is a growing community of young adults that<br />

are learning to care and pray for each other and dive<br />

deeper into God’s word together. We hope to see<br />

some new faces joining our community throughout<br />

2011, come and be a part of our movement.<br />

Email jeremy@gracepoint.ca if you would like to be<br />

added to the Ascent mailing list, and stay tuned for<br />

news about a day trip to Mars Hill <strong>Church</strong> in Seattle!”<br />

LIFEPOINTS<br />

We long for <strong>Connect</strong>ion Point to become one more way to celebrate God’s work<br />

throughout the <strong>Gracepoint</strong> family. If you have a story of life transformation,<br />

a short story, a poem, an insight, or a question to ask we’d love to hear from you.<br />

Our scrupulous editor will sift through submissions and choose a number to print each<br />

month in a new section called Lifepoints. To lend your voice send a submission to<br />

editor@gracepoint.ca.<br />

Page 18


MEN’S MINISTRY<br />

ALL IRONMEN!<br />

Choose between either<br />

TUESDAY, EVENINGS STARTING ON FEBRUARY 1ST at 8:00 pm OR<br />

THURSDAY, MORNINGS STARTING ON FEBRUAY 3RD at 6:15am<br />

at the South Campus to start or continue your journey into 2011.<br />

All men welcome to these weekly gatherings which will meet through May.<br />

For more information and to send your response please email ironmen@gracepoint.ca<br />

ADULTS UNLIMITED<br />

GET A LIFE...group!<br />

February is the month of love, so we will be having a<br />

"Shades of Red" pot luck dinner followed by Karaoke.<br />

You don't need a singing voice, just lots of enthusiasm.<br />

In March we are planning a morning of volunteering<br />

at the Fraser Valley Gleaners in Abbotsford.<br />

After our work we'll all go out for lunch together.<br />

In April we will again go down to Mount Vernon WA<br />

to see the fields of tulips followed by lunch.<br />

If you have ideas for activities please let us know.<br />

We would love to have your input.<br />

Jo-Ann Lyon 778 292 1229 or<br />

Pat Wiens 604 533 1496<br />

Yes, <strong>Gracepoint</strong> Life Groups are a great way to connect<br />

with others and grow as a follower of Jesus. A variety<br />

of groups are up and going this fall and we’d love to see<br />

many new ones begin.<br />

If you have questions or want to know about getting<br />

plugged in, connect with Senior Associate Pastor Phil<br />

Wagler at phil@gracepoint.ca and check out the website<br />

to see existing groups.<br />

Page 19


Marie Isaac<br />

‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of<br />

these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’<br />

Matthew 25:40<br />

SUNDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY DINNER<br />

Ministries Opportunity<br />

COBBS BREAD DONATIONS<br />

We need a team of two people with a van to pick up the bread on Saturday<br />

nights. If you are interested please call John Howat at 604-538-0411<br />

BURNABY LAKE GREENHOUSE (In the Fleetwood area)<br />

Someone to pick up weekly donation of flowers on Friday afternoon.<br />

If you are interested please email Marie at cater4umi@yahoo.ca<br />

COMMUNITY DINNER<br />

Arrive at 2:30 on any Sunday afternoon and be prepared to stay until approx<br />

6:30pm. (after all is cleaned up)<br />

If you are interested or have any questions please email cater4umi@yahoo.ca<br />

SCHEDULE OF TEAMS<br />

Feb 6 John & Dorothy Howat<br />

13 Dorothea Bergen<br />

20 Helen Jackson<br />

27 Marie Isaac<br />

March 6 Adrienne Alkema<br />

13 Brigette Bourassa<br />

20 Joe Milankovics<br />

27 Rob & Kandy Yakemchuck<br />

April 3 Dane and Trish Jones<br />

10 Lorraine Schroeder<br />

17 Fred &Pat Wiens<br />

24 John & Dorothy Howat<br />

May 1 Dorothea Bergen<br />

8 Helen Jackson<br />

15 Marie Isaac<br />

22 Adrienne Alkema<br />

FUJI APPLE SPICE CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING<br />

3 cups of all purpose flour<br />

1 ¾ tsp cinnamon<br />

1/2 tsp all spice<br />

1/2 tsp nutmeg<br />

1 ½ tsp Baking Powder<br />

1/4 tsp Baking Soda<br />

1/2 tsp salt<br />

1 cup soft unsalted butter<br />

1 ¼ cup sugar/3/4 cup Br. Sugar<br />

3 eggs<br />

2 tsp vanilla<br />

2 T. Bourbon, rum or apple brandy (optional)<br />

1 ½ cup unsweetened applesauce<br />

2 medium Fuji apples finely chopped<br />

1 ½ cup chopped pecans<br />

METHOD<br />

Whisk together dry ingredients in a bowl and<br />

set aside. Cream butter with sugar and add<br />

eggs and vanilla and liquor seasoning.<br />

Add the applesauce alternately with the dry<br />

ingredients, beginning and ending with dry.<br />

Stir in apples and pecans. Pour into two 9<br />

inch round cake pans that have been greased<br />

& floured. Bake in 350 degree oven for<br />

approx. 50 minutes, until tester comes clean. Invert on cake rack and cool<br />

gspn!uif!Ljudifo!!<br />

pg;!Nbsjf!Jtbbd!<br />

CREAM CHEESE ICING<br />

Got a favorite recipe that<br />

you would like to share?<br />

Beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and ½ cup Contact Marie at<br />

butter. Add a T. Vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. cater4umi @yahoo.ca<br />

Gradually add 3 cups of icing sugar and beat until<br />

smooth. Ice one layer of cake then top with second and finish the icing.<br />

Garnish with crushed pecans.<br />

Page 20


DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR<br />

G610 OFFFERING<br />

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH<br />

(second Wednesday of the month)<br />

WEDNESDAY<br />

FEBRUARY 9TH<br />

In Sudio A at our Surrey South Campus<br />

We will start dinner ($7) at 6:30pm and then as we clear<br />

away the plates form a great meal we will turn our hearts<br />

to God through music and guided prayer.<br />

There will also be opportunity to receive prayer.<br />

Come and enjoy the opportunity to linger in prayer.<br />

Come and be refreshed.<br />

To reserve your spot for dinner,<br />

please email maxine@gracepoint<br />

PIZZA PARTY<br />

The apostle Paul exhorts us,<br />

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,<br />

especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”<br />

(Galatians 6:10).<br />

We have an opportunity to encourage and assist people in need, in<br />

a concrete way. We have created a fund to help those in real need<br />

with real cash. On FEBRUARY 13TH, we will receive a second<br />

offering at the end of the service dedicated to assisting people<br />

facing financial challenges. We will be doing this four times a year.<br />

May God bless you as you<br />

express the love of God in this way.<br />

Ladies Book Club<br />

Hey <strong>Gracepoint</strong> Gals! Do you<br />

love to read? Do you enjoy<br />

connecting with others over<br />

coffee & a good book? Then . . .<br />

the <strong>Gracepoint</strong> Bookclub just<br />

might be for YOU! This is not a<br />

college english course - there<br />

are no essays to write or tests<br />

to take. Just other women to<br />

share your thoughts & reactions<br />

with about the books read. Give<br />

it a try - you just might like it!<br />

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13th, 7pm<br />

at Bill and Morag Hogg’s home<br />

If you are new here, or even if you have been attending<br />

for awhile, please accept our warmest invitation to attend<br />

the next Newcomers’ Pizza Party .<br />

Please RSVP to maxine@gracepoint.ca<br />

WHEN? TUES, FEBRUARY 22ND<br />

WHERE? Judy Marshall's home<br />

(13112 - 66B Avenue)<br />

WHAT'S THE BOOK?<br />

“The Forgotten Garden” –<br />

by Kate Morton<br />

For more info contact<br />

Lorna at 604-341-0526<br />

Page 21


THINGS TO REMEMBER<br />

FOOD<br />

SAFE<br />

COURSE<br />

SATURDAY, FEB 26TH, 2011<br />

at the South Surrey Campus<br />

<strong>Community</strong> Dinner volunteers - $25.00<br />

Others - $50.00<br />

RSVP to Marie at cater4umi@yahoo.ca<br />

EASTER␣IS␣<br />

BAPTISM␣SUNDAY␣␣<br />

APRIL 24TH␣<br />

BAPTISM CLASSES (4 WEEKS)<br />

TUESDAY’S STARTING ON APRIL 5TH<br />

7:00-8:30pm at the Surrey South Campus.<br />

If you would like to participate please register emailing<br />

maxine@gracepoint.ca<br />

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH<br />

LOCATION AND TIME:<br />

The Delta Lion Pub (11186 84th Ave, Delta)<br />

Starting at 6:30PM Register to attend the event and enjoy<br />

an evening of dinner and discussion.<br />

As always, the show will be available on the web just days<br />

after recording. If you cannot join us live, please check it out<br />

on the web at www.thekindlings.ca<br />

Email register@thekindlings.ca<br />

ARE YOU BEING CALLED?<br />

Do you have a heart for the<br />

women, youth and families<br />

in your community?<br />

Serving at pregnancy Options means<br />

that you will be able to realize your own talents,<br />

gifts and abilities to further God’s Kingdom and<br />

touch the lives of women, men, youth and the unborn.<br />

Training begins on Tuesday evening<br />

FEBRUAY 15TH<br />

Contact Laura Lansink at 604-584-4490 or email at<br />

laura@pregnancyoptionscentre.com to find out more<br />

and receive an application package.<br />

www.pregnancyoptionscentre.com<br />

3rd Annual "HOPE FOR PARENTING YOUTH"<br />

Fundraiser!<br />

SATURDAY, MARCH 5TH<br />

9:00 - 12:30pm at the Surrey South Campus<br />

Measuring talent themes.<br />

Cost $25 book fee. Register by Feb 21st so we can order the<br />

books. Come at 8:30am for registration.<br />

RSVP by emailing maxine@gracepoint.ca<br />

Please join us for a delicious buffet dinner and dance<br />

with live entertainment by "Nearly Neil"<br />

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH<br />

Location: Eaglequest Coyote Creek Golf Course<br />

(7778 - 152nd Street, Surrey)<br />

Reception: 6 pm - 7 pm / Dinner: 7 pm<br />

Tickets: $60 each<br />

For Tickets contact Karen at 604.531.8932 or karen@youthunlimited.com<br />

(tickets will not be sold at the door)<br />

You support is greatly appreciated!<br />

Stepping Stones is a Youth for Christ Ministry<br />

Page 22


Cecil Rast<br />

Jen Hubbard<br />

Serving with Youth for Christ in Surrey,<br />

www.gvyfc.org<br />

Brian Brown<br />

Sam Rowland<br />

Serving with Youth for Christ in Greater Vancouver,<br />

www.gvyfc.org<br />

Tim Ibbotson<br />

Serving with Young Life in Great Vancouver<br />

www.younglife.ca<br />

Carolyn Thiessen<br />

Serving with Child Evangelism Fellowship in Greater Vancouver<br />

crtcare@telus.net<br />

Our Missionaries & Sponsorships<br />

Garry and Kristen Corrigan<br />

Serving with the Canadian Conference of MB in Quebec<br />

John and Ev Wiens<br />

Serving with MBMSI in (Zaporozhve) Ukraine<br />

www.mbmsi.org<br />

Rob and Judy Griffioen<br />

Serving with MBMS International in (PHUKET) Southern Thailand<br />

www.mbmsi.org<br />

Cynthia Friesen<br />

Serving with MBMS International in (PHUKET) Southern Thailand<br />

www.mbmsi.org<br />

Page 23


John and Ev Wiens In the<br />

Ukraine with MBMSI<br />

www.mbmsi.org<br />

The Definition of Love<br />

Love is patient, love is kind. It<br />

does not envy, it does not boast,<br />

it is not proud. It is not rude, it is<br />

not self-seeking, it is not easily<br />

angered, it keeps no record of<br />

wrongs. Love does not delight in<br />

evil but rejoices with the truth.<br />

It always protects, always trusts,<br />

always hopes, always<br />

perseveres.<br />

– 1 Corinthians 13:4-7<br />

While teaching at a local school<br />

in Ukraine, TREK participant<br />

Orrin Lieuwen was given the<br />

opportunity to share about<br />

God’s love to a classroom of high<br />

school students. His team was<br />

helping out at this school during<br />

the seven months that they<br />

spent on TREK….<br />

One day the teacher was talking<br />

to her class about love. She<br />

turned to Orrin and asked,<br />

“Love…isn’t that what holds your<br />

team together?” Although he<br />

was unprepared for this<br />

question, Orrin quickly<br />

responded, “Yes, it is, but we<br />

need to define what love is.”<br />

The teacher urged him to go on.<br />

Orrin had previously memorized<br />

1 Corinthians 13 so he began to<br />

recite this chapter of the Bible<br />

to the students. As he spoke, it<br />

was as if time had stopped. All<br />

movement ceased and there<br />

was complete silence as the<br />

students focused on Orrin and<br />

were captivated by the words<br />

that he was speaking. Their eyes<br />

were full of wonder and<br />

amazement, as if they had<br />

caught on to something of great<br />

beauty.<br />

When Orrin finished speaking,<br />

the teacher asked him to bring<br />

her a copy of 1 Corinthians 13<br />

so that they could use it in class<br />

to discuss and memorize parts<br />

of it. Two of the students asked<br />

Orrin to write it out for them<br />

and one girl even had it<br />

completely memorized by the<br />

next time Orrin saw her.<br />

This girl’s name is Kate and she<br />

soon began to ask Orrin lots of<br />

questions about God. At first,<br />

Kate had a hard time<br />

understanding and accepting<br />

Jesus. But now she is a follower<br />

of Christ and is on a new<br />

journey!<br />

A number of the students from<br />

this class have started attending<br />

New Hope <strong>Church</strong>, a church that<br />

was planted by missionaries<br />

John & Evelyn Wiens. They are<br />

open to talking about God and<br />

are searching for the truth. Pray<br />

that God will reveal His love and<br />

grace to these students and that<br />

they will respond by entrusting<br />

their lives to Him.<br />

And now these three remain:<br />

faith, hope and love. But the<br />

greatest of these is love.<br />

– 1 Corinthians 13:13<br />

Page 24


SERVICE TIMES & LOCATIONS<br />

SURREY SOUTH CAMPUS<br />

3487 King George Boulevard<br />

SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES<br />

9:00am and 11:15am<br />

BELL CAMPUS<br />

6250 144th Street<br />

SUNDAY SERVICE TIME<br />

10:30am<br />

Visit our website<br />

www.gracepoint.ca<br />

OFFICE INFORMATION<br />

3487 King George Blvd<br />

Surrey, BC V4P 1B7<br />

(T) 604-538-1825<br />

(F) 604-538-6139<br />

Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30<br />

LEADERSHIP TEAM<br />

Bill Hogg<br />

Phil Wagler<br />

Ernie and Marie Isaac<br />

Ron Marshall<br />

Bryan Jakeman<br />

Doug Stuart<br />

Cecil Rast<br />

Sam Rowland<br />

Lisa Carpenter<br />

Page 25


FEBRUARY<br />

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat<br />

1<br />

Sr. High<br />

2<br />

ASCENT<br />

Men’s Floor<br />

Hockey<br />

3<br />

Jr. High<br />

4 5<br />

6<br />

Worship Arts<br />

Training Camp<br />

7<br />

Girls Club and<br />

Boys Club<br />

8<br />

Sr. High<br />

9<br />

FUEL<br />

10<br />

Jr. High<br />

11 12<br />

Men’s Floor<br />

Hockey<br />

48<br />

13<br />

G610<br />

Offering<br />

FOCUS<br />

Newcomer’s<br />

Dessert<br />

14<br />

Girls Club and<br />

Boys Club<br />

15<br />

Sr. High<br />

16<br />

ASCENT<br />

Men’s Floor<br />

Hockey<br />

17<br />

Jr. High<br />

18 19<br />

20<br />

FOCUS<br />

Worship Arts<br />

Training Camp<br />

Worship Arts<br />

Dessert Night<br />

27<br />

FOCUS<br />

21<br />

Girls Club and<br />

Boys Club<br />

28<br />

Girls Club and<br />

Boys Club<br />

The Kindlings<br />

Muse<br />

22<br />

Sr. High<br />

Ladies Book<br />

Club<br />

23<br />

ASCENT<br />

Men’s Floor<br />

Hockey<br />

5 Strengths Finders<br />

9 FUEL<br />

MARCH<br />

13 Daylight Savings begins<br />

24<br />

Jr. High<br />

11-13 Sr. High Spring Retreat (Gr 9-12)<br />

13 Newcomers Dessert<br />

21– April 1 Spring Break<br />

28 The Kindlings Muse<br />

DATES TO REMEMBER<br />

25 26<br />

Food Safe<br />

course<br />

5/12/19 Baptism Classes Begin<br />

13 FUEL<br />

APRIL<br />

10 Newcomers Dessert<br />

10 Parent Child Dedications<br />

15-17 Jr. High Spring Retreat (Gr 6-8)<br />

22 Good Friday<br />

24 Easter is Baptism Sunday<br />

25 The Kindlings Muse<br />

Page 26

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