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Not Equal Gifts, But Equal Sacrifice
Raise
the Roof is a 156 week effort, that began in November 2001,
for all of the Grace Church family to express spiritual and
financial commitment to our church's future. This faith-stretching
goal will be met by everyone having a part. We believe that
the blessings God has in store for us will far exceed what
we give back to Him. Not Equal Gifts, But Equal Sacrifice.
When
God gave Moses instructions for the building of the tabernacle,
He said, "Take from what you have, an offering for the
Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering…
All the Israelite men and women who were willing, brought
to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord...had
commanded them to do"
(see Exodus 35:21-29).
The method for accomplishing this kind of work is clear: "Take
from what you have…" The dollar amounts will then
vary from individual to individual. However, the commitment
to getting the job done should be equal. This commitment is
to God. Through prayer and with "everyone who is willing
and whose heart moves him" taking part, our goal will
be abundantly met. "For if the willingness is there,
the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according
to what he does not have" (2Cor.8:12; see also - 2 Cor.9:6-8
& James 4:2c-3).
Arise,
It
is time for Grace Church to Arise as one body, one church
and come together to accomplish God's greater purpose. As
we respond obediently to the call, He will not disappoint.
"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning
of the needy, I will now Arise," says the Lord (Psalm
12:5).
Our Lord has filled the house of Grace Church and calls us
to make more room so that he might, through us, draw the unchurched
unto Himself. God has placed within our grasp all that is
necessary to complete His plan. However, to accomplish His
goal we need to live out the mission of Grace Church and open
our hearts to God.
"Even now, declares the Lord, return
to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord
your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger
and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity"
(Joel 2:12-13).
Rescue,
Webster
defines rescue as freeing one from confinement, danger and
evil or saving and delivering, bringing out of captivity.
Jesus rescued our souls and has called us to the rescue of
our friends, family, and neighbors. The rescue of mankind
is not only on foreign lands, it is here.
"For
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought
us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have
redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13-14).
The resources exist, and have been granted by God, to Raise
the Roof and allow His will to be done.
Rejoice
Together
we will rejoice in what He has done, rejoice in what He
is doing, and rejoice in the great things He will do as
we sacrifice and obey His calling. "In
Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name"
(Psalm 33:21).
"Now
to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask
or imagine, according to His power that is at work within
us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, throughout
all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Through
Raise the Roof campaign, we will raise our hearts, our prayers,
our hopes and possessions to the glory of God, the expansion
of His church, and the redemption of ourselves and our neighbors.
It is our responsibility to reach out, share and sacrifice
to bring all to His church.
His
future Grace
The
plan includes construction of an 83,000 square foot complex
featuring:
- A Worship Center seating 1340
- More than double the classroom space
- A covered portico allowing "at the door" drop-offs
- A beautiful lobby with a 2-story atrium, creating an
inviting environment for guests
- An additional 175 parking spaces
- Additional office space to ease the current administration
squeeze
- A new adult education wing on the upper level
- Dedicated youth areas that will more than double the
current square footage
- And much needed storage space!
The cost for this project is expected to be about 9 million
dollars. We will be breaking ground in the Spring of 2003.
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