Each month, we're excited to introduce a special challenge crafted to foster spiritual development through personal devotion. This isn't intended to substitute your worship service, small group discipleship, or Bible studies, but rather aims to provide a fresh and enriching challenge during your time with God. Dive into activities like delving into different books of the Bible, prayer, worship, and more, as we lead you on a journey toward spiritual growth. What is Challenge 2024? Check back each month for a new challenge. December Goal: Reflect on this year’s 11 challenges and design a personal goal for December. Overview: As we close out the year, take time to reflect on the journey so far: What challenge grew you the most? What stretched you or pushed you out of your comfort zone? Why was it so hard, and what did you learn? Using your reflections, create a goal for December that builds on what God has already started in your life this year. Make it something meaningful, achievable, and uniquely tailored to your own growth. Examples of Personal Goals: Commit to praying daily for someone in your life. Dedicate time each week to serve your community or someone in need. Focus on deepening your understanding of a specific Scripture passage or theme. Revisit a past challenge and try it again with renewed energy. Write your goal down and pray over it. Consider sharing it with a friend or family member who can encourage and support you as you finish the year strong, keeping your eyes on Jesus. "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 NOVEMBER Goal: To pray for our missionaries. Overview: For the month of November, let's come together as a church family to dedicate daily prayer to our missionaries! This challenge invites each of us to intentionally pray for our missionaries, covering their needs and their ministries. Each day, focus on praying for one or more of our missionaries. You can find a list with their names, locations, and ministries [HERE] Prayer Focus: Location : Pray for the unique needs and challenges of the country or region they are serving in. Family : Lift up the personal and family needs of each missionary, that they may find strength, support, and peace in their calling. Mission Focus : Pray for the impact of their ministry, asking for God’s guidance and blessings on their work to spread His love. OUR MISSIONARIES As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" Romans 10:15 OCTOBER Goal: Read the book of Proverbs. Track your favorites. Overview: Proverbs is a treasure trove of wisdom, but it can also feel like a slow read at times, as consecutive verses often touch on unrelated topics. As you read, take time to reflect on each piece of wisdom. Find a journal or a place where you can write down your favorite verses and what they mean to you in that moment. Remember, you might revisit the same verse later and find a new insight. Your reflections will capture what resonated with you before and help you see how God’s wisdom speaks to you in different seasons. Daily Reflection Questions: What does this verse mean to me right now? How can I apply this wisdom today? Has this verse changed in meaning since the last time I read it? The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Proverbs 4:7 SEPTEMBER Challenge: 31 Day Devotional Goal: This month, we invite you to embark on a 31-day devotional challenge using our new guide, "But I Say: 31 Days with Jesus in Deuteronomy," authored by our Director of Outreach, Daniel Maasen. Overview: We often find the Old Testament, especially the Torah, challenging to apply in our daily lives. We wonder how to discern which parts of the Law still speak to us today. Our hope is that through this devotional, you will begin to develop the "spiritual muscles" needed to navigate and apply these ancient texts with confidence. Details: Prepare Your Heart: Before you begin Day 1, take some time to read Romans 7 . This chapter will provide you with valuable insight into how the Old Testament Law interacts with the New Covenant. Engage Daily: Dedicate time each day to walk through one of the devotionals in "But I Say." As you read, consider how Jesus is revealed in the book of Deuteronomy and how these teachings apply to your life today. Reflect and Apply: Each day, reflect on what you've read and seek to apply the insights to your daily life. How can the truths of Deuteronomy shape your thoughts, actions, and faith? Get Your Copy of But I Say: "Printed copies are no longer available. We apologize for any inconvenience." DOWNLOAD A DIGITAL COPY That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17 August Challenge: Practice confession and repentance Goal: Confession of sin is often easy to ignore, yet it is a vital aspect of our spiritual growth and relationship with God. This month, we challenge you to practice the confession of your sins and embrace true repentance. Details: Confession: With God: Set aside dedicated time daily to come before God in prayer, confessing your sins. Speak them out loud, acknowledging each sin specifically, and ask for His forgiveness. With an Accountability Partner: Find a trusted friend or mentor within the church community to whom you can confess your struggles. Having someone to confide in can provide support and encouragement. Repentance: Turn Away from Sin: Confession is the first step, but true repentance involves turning away from sin. Reflect on each sin you confess and think of practical steps to avoid repeating it. Mental Sins: Acknowledge that some sins are not physical but mental. Plan and prepare strategies to combat these mental battles. This might include scripture meditation, prayer, or seeking advice from a spiritual mentor. Encouragement: Each step you take towards confession and repentance draws you closer to God and strengthens your spiritual walk . Embrace the challenge with a heart open to transformation and renewal. Let’s support one another as a church family, lifting each other up in prayer and encouragement as we strive to live lives of genuine repentance. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19 July Challenge: Read Psalm 119 as many times as you can Goal: Psalm 119 is rich with wisdom and guidance. It’s divided into 22 sections, each with 8 verses . Throughout July, let's explore it together. You can approach it in a way that best fits your spiritual journey: Approach: Complete the entire Psalm in one sitting - for a comprehensive understanding. Read an 8-verse section each day - to absorb and reflect on its teachings. Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Psalm 119:1 June Challenge: Embracing Stillness and Silence Goal: To cultivate moments of stillness and silence to connect with God in a deeper way. In the busyness of life, it's easy to drown out the voice of God. Let's intentionally create space for quietude, allowing room for divine inspiration and reflection. Example: Set aside 20-30 minutes . You can do this daily, but try to aim for at least four times this month. Find a comfortable and peaceful space where you won't be disturbed. Finding a quiet place in nature is highly recommended, though it could be around your house. Let go of any agendas or distractions. Simply be present in the moment. No grocery list, chore chart or sorting of work. Be open to the presence of God. Allow yourself to listen attentively to his voice and be receptive to any guidance or insights that may be offered. Practice any of your prayer habits, whether praying through Scripture, prayer journaling, praying through the prayer chain, etc. Enjoy time with God, your Creator, and His great creation! Feel free to customize the example to better fit you! May Challenge: Worship as a family Join us for the Family Worship Challenge, an opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey as a family beyond Sunday services! Throughout this month, we invite each family to engage in their own worship sessions at least four times. Worship is more than a weekly event; it's a daily rhythm that nourishes our souls. Here's a suggested example to inspire your family worship sessions: Here's what you do... 1. Start with Music: Gather around and sing a song together, or listen to a praise song from YouTube. 2. Scripture Reflection: Read a passage from the Bible or a devotional book. Take turns sharing insights and reflections. 3. Share God's Work: Discuss how you've each seen God at work in your lives recently. Celebrate His presence and blessings. 4. Prayer and Support: Share any concerns or prayer requests as a family. Lift each other up in prayer, offering support and encouragement. 5. Closing: Conclude your family worship time by either singing another song together, or listening to another praise song, and consider one of two options: Option 1: Choose another uplifting song to sing or listen to. Option 2: Select a verse from Scripture to memorize together. Write this verse in a common area for the family to see over the next week, allowing it to guide and inspire your daily lives. GCC PRAYER CHAIN Feel free to adjust the example to better fit your family's preferences and dynamics! Resources tailored to support families like yours! Weekly Parent Connect Newsletter: Every week, we send out our Parent Connect Newsletter directly to your inbox, packed with valuable resources to enhance your family worship experience. I WANT IN Gospel Project @Home Content: Access exclusive content from the Gospel Project @Home series, designed to bring the Bible to life in engaging and meaningful ways for families. This resource is included in the weekly Parent Connect Newsletter. May Gospel Project @Home Content May 5: Lesson 32.5 May 12: Lesson 33.1 May 19: Lesson 33.2 May 26: Lesson 33.3 Beginning: Family Worship in Genesis: Teaching our children the Scriptures in a compelling, relevant, and holistic manner during daily family worship is one of the chief means we can achieve this. If you need help to do that – this is the series for you! It’s a comprehensive guide for the entire family and particularly children between the ages of 5–12. PURCHASE THE BOOK Let's make worship a vibrant part of our family life, nurturing our spiritual growth and strengthening our bonds with each other and with God. April Challenge: Read the book of James as many times as possible this month. The book of James is known for its practical guidance on living a life of faith and good works, emphasizing the importance of acting upon one's beliefs. Reading it multiple times can indeed help deepen your understanding and retention of its teachings. Strategies Here are a few strategies you might consider to achieve your goal: 1. Daily Reading of the Entire Book Plan: Dedicate a specific time each day to read it through. Early morning or before bedtime can be good choices, helping you start or end your day with reflection Duration: James is relatively short and can be read in about 15 to 20 minutes , depending on your reading speed. 2. Study with Commentary or Study Guide Plan: As you read, incorporate a reputable commentary or a study guide. Allocate more time for each reading session to include study notes or commentary insights. This will enrich your understanding. Duration: This could mean setting aside 30 minutes to an hour each day. 3. Journaling Your Insights and Applications Plan: Consider keeping a journal to record your prayers and any insights or reflections that arise during this time. It can be a powerful way to track your journey and witness the impact of prayer in your life and the lives of those you're praying for. 4. Discuss Your Readings Plan: Weekly discussions can provide new insights and keep you motivated. Sharing what you’ve learned or struggled with can be incredibly enriching. 5. Memorization Plan: Select key verses to memorize. This practice can deeply embed the teachings in your heart and mind. Application and Reflection: Application: After each reading, ask yourself how you can apply James's teachings to your daily life. Identify specific actions or changes you can make. Reflection: At the end of the month, reflect on how this practice has impacted your spiritual life and everyday actions. March Challenge: This month, we encourage you to set aside time to pray for others. While you may feel you've engaged in this practice before or currently do so, we urge you to delve deeper. It's not just about praying for someone; it's about letting them know you've prayed for them. Here's what you do... 1. Commit to Prayer : Set aside time each day to pray for specific individuals in your personal circles. Whether it's a family member, a friend, a colleague, or someone you've recently encountered, your prayers can make a meaningful difference in their lives. 2. Pray with Purpose: As you pray, focus on the ne eds, joys, and challenges of those you're lifting up. Ask for God's guidance, comfort, healing, and blessings to be upon them. If you're not sure how to pray for someone, take the time to ask them. This can provide you with specific intentions for your prayers and show them that you truly care. Let your heart be open to the prompting of the Spirit as you intercede on behalf of others. 3. Communicate With The Ones You Pray For: After you've prayed for someone, take the extra step to communicate with them directly. Let them know that you've prayed for them and that they are on your heart. C onsider sending a simple text message, a handwritten card, or even reaching out in person . If you feel comfortable, you can even share a portion of the prayer you said for them. Your gesture of kindness and connection can have a profound impact, reminding others that they are loved and supported. Example Text Message to John Doe: "Dear John, I've been praying for you, asking the Lord to provide you with strength as you navigate the decisions regarding your parents' care. I also pray that your job proceeds without any hurdles and that you're presented with opportunities to share your faith at work. Your dedication and love for your family are truly admirable, and I pray that God continues to bless you abundantly. Amen." February Challenge: Choose a portion of Scripture that challenges you, and over the course of the month, attempt to memorize that section of scripture. Gauge your ability to reproduce the passage from memory as the month unfolds. Ensure that it is sizable enough to remain a meaningful exercise throughout the month. If you find yourself mastering it too quickly, select a larger chunk to enhance the challenge. Examples: Psalm 23 ; James 1 ; John 3:16-21 ; Philippians 2:1-18 Memorization Technique: 1. Read Aloud: Begin by reading your section of scriptures in its context, carefully and slowly. Repeat this process seven times, each time emphasizing different words. 2. Write and Recall: Write out the section of scriptures, creating a new line for each phrase. Then, erase one line at a time and challenge yourself to fill in the blanks from memory. 3. Recite from Memory: As you begin to memorize the sections recite them seven times from memory. 4. Daily Review: Establish a routine of daily review, prioritizing the revisiting of old verses before introducing new ones. 5. Share with Others: Recite your memorized verses to someone else at a scheduled time each week. source: scripturememory.com Additional Techniques: 1. Musical Recall: Set your verses to a familiar tune and incorporate singing them into your daily routine. Explore Scripture song CD's for additional support. 2. Visualize It: Close your eyes and vividly picture the unfolding scenes to enhance your connection with the story. Create a visual aid by sketching an image related to the verse. 3. Physical Engagement: Act out the verse using hand motions and gestures, which can be particularly effective with children. Some adults find it beneficial to memorize while engaging in physical activity or exercise. source: scripturememory.com Additional Resources The Bible Memory App - a complete Bible memory system that makes it easy for you to Memorize, Organize, and Review verses. Click Here for more information. Objective: Gauge your ability to reproduce the passage from memory as the month unfolds. January: Challenge: Explore the Gospel of John. Date: January 1 January 2 January 3 January 4 January 5 January 6 January 7 January 8 January 9 January 10 January 11 January 12 January 13 Chapter/Verse John 1 John 2 John 3 John 4 John 5 Catch-up John 6 John 7 John 8 John 9 John 10 John 11 John 12 Date: January 14 January 15 January 16 January 17 January 18 January 19 January 20 January 21 January 22 January 23 January 24 January 25 January 26-31 Chapter/Verse Catch-up John 13 John 14 John 15 John 16 John 17 John 18 Catch-up John 19 John 20 John 21 Catch-up Reread sections or catch up Objective: Immerse yourself in the entirety of John's Gospel to grasp the flow of John's teachings and gain insight into our ongoing sermon series.

Casas Por Cristo Short-Term Opportunity Who: Families and individuals interested in construction and outreach activities with the local church. What: Develop a relationship with a local family while building them a home. Also we hope to engage in outreach with our church partner in Mexico. When: June 6th 2026 - June 10th 2026 Where: Acuna, Mexico (border town across from Del Rio, TX) Why: To provide a home for a family in need. To continue building relationships with our Casas por Cristo missionary partner and our host church and help them with spreading the gospel in Acuna. How much: TBD SIGN UP

Jabe and Elena Barker Serving with schools in the Philippines For more information about the Barkers and their work in the Philippines, pick up a copy of their bio in the red folder near the church office. Previous Anna & Elliott Cafe 1040 Next Scott & Jayne Cuidon Serving with The Navigators

Tithes & Offerings THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY Give Online This safe and flexible option is the easiest way to give at Grace Community Chapel! This method allows you to schedule a recurring or one-time gift charged to either your debit or credit card or bank account. Here you can easily manage your giving amount and specify where the funds should be applied. GIVE NOW Worried about the fees? Don't be! Our giving platform has some of the lowest processing fees and if you are giving by ACH your total donation is only subject to a $0.25 processing fee. 0% + $0.25 per ACH bank transfer donation 2.15% + $0.30/donation for credit and debit card donations Other Ways to Give By Mail Grace Community Chapel 7661 Mexico Rd. St. Peters, MO 63376 In Person Look for our donation boxes through out the concourse and the worship center. Text Text your donation amount to 84321 to initiate an online donation. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do I need to have an account for online giving? A: No. You may give online with credit, debit or ACH transfer . Q: Can I designate my giving when I give online? A: Yes. Use the "Add Donation" button to designate to the following funds: General Fund (Tithes and Offerings – for ongoing church ministries, utilities, mortgage, furnishings, operating expenses and salaries) Missions Fund – for support of Missionaries and Missions Projects throughout the world Benevolence Fund – for helping members and friends who may be in need, and benevolence Change for Change - for a specified missions need collected through the month (changes monthly) All funds received are given with the understanding that our church leadership has full discretion and responsibility for distribution. Q: Can I set up an automatic recurring donation? A: Yes, select "Regularly" under the "Frequency" drop down menu. Q: What fees are associated with online giving? A: There are no fees charged to you, the giver. 100% of the amount you donate is tax deductible. Grace Community Chapel pays: 2.15% + $0.30/donation for credit and debit card donations 0% + $0.25 per ACH bank transfer donation Q: Is online giving secure? A: Yes. Stripe is PCI compliant . To be PCI compliant, they must follow set standards for securing payment information throughout a transaction. These requirements are designed to ensure that they process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment. Grace Community Chapel does not receive any personal credit card or bank account information. Q: What if I need additional help with online giving? A: Please call the church office at 636-970-1311 . GIVE NOW

Collectives Midweek Adult Discipleship Opportunities Collectives: Midweek Adult Discipleship Opportunities Men of Grace Bible Study: This Bible study is an opportunity for men of all ages to study God's Word together and share how God is working in their lives. They meet on Monday evenings during the school year and take a break during the summer. There is no cost or registration. Snacks and drinks will be provided. 'Tough Questions from the Bible' (led by Rod Toro) Starts January 19 Mondays, 6:00-7:30 pm, Adult Central Women of Grace Bible Study: The Women of Grace ministry offers weekly Bible and topical studies for women who want to advance in their love for Jesus and their relationships with one another. Leaders: Kimberly Klein, Barb Farrell, Jean Carroll, Kristi Grimes "The Way of Wisdom" (a study from Proverbs taught by various Lifeway teachers). Starts January 27 Schedule: Tuesdays : 6:30-8:30 pm, Adult Central Wednesdays : 9:00-11:15 am, Adult Central Thursdays : 6:30-8:30 pm, Grace Commons Childcare will be provided for infant - Kindergarten on Wednesdays (by reservation). Click here for details and registration Precept Bible Study: Precept involves a weekly Bible study that is based on the Precept Bible study method, which encourages participants “to discover God’s Word for yourself, but not by yourself”. These studies are open to men and women of all ages. Registration is required; Please register as soon as possible so we can order workbooks in time to do the first lesson prior to the first class. . Study Description: Psalms 23-41 Discover the meaning of Psalms 23-41 in the context of Scripture and apply what you're learning as you discover the truth for yourself. Please register as soon as possible so we can order workbooks in time to do the first lesson prior to the first class. (Men and women are welcome to join this study.) Dates: January 6 - February 24 Schedule: Tuesdays: 2:00-3:15 pm, Adult Central Room 108 Tuesdays: 7:00-8:15 pm, Adult Central Room 108 Registration has closed for this study.

Church Center App A digital tool to make connecting at Grace even easier The Church Center App is completely FREE and puts all the functionality of Grace on your device! Download the Church Center app from the the App Store or Google Play Find Grace Community Chapel within the app. Give | Watch | Sign-In | Sign-Up Review your contact info and upload your picture: Open the Church Center app once you’ve registered. Tap the 'Me' icon in the lower left corner (top of page on PC). Tap your name to view your profile information. Tap your name again to review or change email, phone number, mailing address, and photo. Here's what you can do using the Church Center app: Simplified Giving Make giving easy for both spontaneous and recurring donations. Give instantly using your debit or credit card, via ACH bank transfer. Manage your recurring donations and payment methods, as well as view your donation history. Easy Event Signups Browse and sign up for any upcoming events. Explore events by scrolling through our events page or sorting by category. Found the event you want to attend? You can register and pay right then and there! Personal Profile Management Keep your profile up-to-date. Make changes and manage contact information yourself. You can see all your existing profile information including event registrations, giving history, group membership, and contact information. Online Directory Easily look up people and families in our community. Manage what information you'd like to share about you or your family. Online directory is available for regular attenders only! Mobile Check-in Your Kids Speed up the check-in process by starting before you even arrive . You can check-in anyone connected to your household right from your device. Select all the kids in your household that you want to check in. When you arrive, scan your phone at a check-in station to receive your labels. If you have questions, please call the church office or email us and we'll be glad to help you get set up. REQUEST DIRECTORY ACCESS

Short-Term Missions Short-Term Missions Every year, we sponsor a number of short-term missions in which many members of our congregation engage. In addition to GCC-sponsored trips, our members are involved in a variety of missions efforts, both near and far. The Missions Committee offers a tiered system specifically for youth as they progress through missions opportunities at GCC: Tier 1 - Local Church ministry with a training requirement. Tier 2 - U.S.-based overnight trip, serving outside the St. Louis but not outside the continental U.S. Tier 3 - Foreign Missions - anything outside of the U.S. 2026 Short-Term Opportunities Click an image below for more information. Camp Barnabas Camp Barnabas is a ministry in Southwest Missouri dedicated to providing a unique Christian summer camp experience to individuals with special needs, their siblings, and youth from across the United States. Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 3, 2026 Casas Por Cristo To provide a home for a family in need. To continue building relationships with our Casas por Cristo missionary partner and our host church and help them with spreading the gospel in Acuna. Jun 6, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026 Kentucky Mountain Mission Our church is excited to offer a missions opportunity to serve at Sunshine Camp, a Christ-centered camp dedicated to providing a safe, joyful, and meaningful camp experience for children and adults with disabilities. July 19. 2026 - July 24th, 2026 Thailand This missions trip supports our global workers in Thailand as we come alongside ministry efforts in Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya, offering encouragement, service, and partnership in the work of the gospel. January 2027

Anna and Elliott Cafe 1040 Phone: 678-745-3662 Mission Website cafe1040.com Address (DONATIONS): Cafe' 1040 P.O. Box 110 Alpharetta, GA 30009 Address (PHYSICAL): Cafe' 1040 1431 Capital Avenue Suite 117 Watkinsville, GA 30677 Birthday: Anna: April 6 Mission Focus My ministry focus is to empower and equip students and young adults in pursuing God's guidance in global missions by coaching them through next steps and providing them with resources to pursue international opportunities in unreached areas of the world (through my organization or one of our partner organizations). I am blessed to have a strong community in St. Louis to support me. A challenge in my work will be to build a network in the Midwest, because I am the only mobilizer within my organization in this area, but I am excited for the challenge and opportunity to serve God in this capacity. Testimony I grew up going to Grace Community Chapel and was involved in children's ministry and youth group through high school. Grace helped to build a foundation for my faith. However, it wasn't until college that I fully began to take my faith as my own and explore God's global purpose for us. I pursued international ministry opportunities in Honduras, Peru, Dominican Republic, and South Asia. These experiences showed me the true heart of God for His people. He truly desires relationship and love with all peoples. Seeing an area of the world with little to no access to the story of Jesus broke my heart and stirred a desire to play a role in that. I pursued a job as a mobilizer in order to help others pursue these passions and share my experiences with them. I also hope to pursue living overseas in an unreached area in the future, but am following God's leading. Next Jabe & Elena Barker Philippine Schools

Clusters Clusters Sunday and Midweek Adult Discipleship Opportunities What is a Cluster? This opportunity will feature a new approach to adult discipleship engagement under the broader title of clusters. By basic definition, clusters involve smaller collections of people (approximately 12) that gather in the interests of advancing personal growth and reproductive discipleship influence. Weekly cluster gatherings generally feature homework assignments, and they prioritize interactive engagement during scheduled meetings. The weekly homework assignments will require a completion time of approximately one hour. Feel free to contact Chris Lentz if you have questions. Advancing the Kingdom A Collaborative Journey of Knowing, Growing, and Going The Advancing the Kingdom clusters will include three distinct participation opportunities, with two of these options occurring on Sunday morning during the second or third hour, and the other option occurring on Tuesday evening (women only). Specific times are identified below. All of these clusters will utilize the Rose Guide to Discipleship as the core curriculum. A key structural goal within the Advancing the Kingdom clusters includes mixing individuals who are less seasoned in their faith with those who are further along in their faith journey. In both cases, the idea of learning with the intention to reproduce will include a primary point of emphasis. Those interested in participating in one of the Advancing the Kingdom clusters will incur a $20 expense* (scholarships available as needed) to cover costs associated with full color copies, a binder, and a book that will be utilized to address issues of Christian identity. *Payment can be made electronically at the time of registration or via cash/personal check at the first cluster session. Two copies of the Rose Guide to Discipleship are available at Grace Central and can be reviewed as desired before making a decision about registering for this cluster. SUNDAY (September 7-May 31): Facilitators: James and Missy Jolliff Time: 9:45 – 11:00 AM Location: Room 109 Facilitators: Chris Lentz and Ken Johnson Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Location: Room 109 MIDWEEK: Facilitators: Kristi Grimes and Jennifer Hill Tuesdays: 6:30 - 7:45 PM Dates: September 16-May 5 Location: Room 102 Women Only! Classes Ongoing Opportuniites Classes Sunday Morning Adult Discipleship Opportunities The following Sunday Adult Class will encompass the full ministry year. Formal registration for this class has closed; feel free to contact Chris Lentz if you have questions. Exploring the Old Testament A Journey of Information and Inspiration September 7, 2025 – May 31, 2026 This class will include three unique parts. In Part One, we gain an understanding of how the 66 books of the Bible came to be. In Part Two, we turn our attention to the Old Testament and begin by constructing a free-hand map of Israel and answer the questions: 1) Where did important events occur? 2) Why did various empires desire to gain control of this area? and 3) Why did God choose this tiny land bridge of geography to bring glory to Himself? In Part Three, we engage in a synopsis of each Old Testament book through exploring key elements such as characters, themes, and important historical details. Through it all, we will discover that God is not full of anger, wrath, and judgment, but rather faithfulness, patience, and love. *A book by the title of Introducing the Old Testament is highly recommended as a supplement to classroom instruction. This book can be purchased on Amazon at a cost of $10.92. Teachers: Dan Cheek, Stephen Smith, and Josh Turner Time: 9:50 – 10:50 AM Location: Adult Central The following Sunday discipleship opportunities are offered continuously and require no registration. You are welcome to join them at any time. 8:30 am Young and Growing Families The Young & Growing Families class offers an adult discussion-based arrangement that is designed to mirror the Gospel Project curriculum being taught on Sunday mornings within GraceKids Sunday School. The common demographic includes young parents (20's-40's). Parents accompanying infants are welcome to attend with their children. Style: Study/Discussion Leader: Tim and Margie Brown Location: Room 110 9:50 am Bereans (all adults) The Bereans class is centered around Bible studies, through guided discussion. The common age demographic for this class is middle age to older adults; however, participation is open to those across all age categories. Style: Group Discussion Leader: Charles Saff Location: Room 106 Growing Families (primarily young families) The Growing Families class is structured around Bible and topical studies that occur through guided discussion. The common age demographic for this class includes younger couples (20’s–40’s) with or without children. Style: Study/Discussion Leaders: Darren and Leslie Moe Location: Room 110 Koinonia (all adults) Koinonia attracts mature believers as well as younger seekers. Sessions are primarily lecture style with heavy emphasis on applying biblical study to the issues of real life, with the ultimate goal of personally knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. The weekly presentation of various topics usually follows an eight-week series format. The group offers fellowship, sharing of testimonies, praise, and prayer requests, as well as outstanding weekly snacks. Style: Lecture/Discussion Leader: George Velius Location: Hope Hall Sojourners (all adults) The Sojourners class is primarily committed to engaging in Bible studies through a lecture and discussion setting and is designed to accommodate adults across all age categories. Style: Lecture/Discussion Leader: John Krug Location: Room 102 11:15 am Beacons of Light (single adults 45 and older) This class is designed to bring together single adults who are age 45+ for the purpose of engaging in fellowship and Bible study. This ministry also offers planned social gatherings monthly. Style: Teaching/Discussion Leader: Pat Turner Location: Hope Hall College-Age Adults (ages 18-25) This class will provide biblical studies, both book-based and topical, that are relevant to this important transition period in an adult's life. Style: Study/Discussion Leader: Randy and Tricia Barton Location: Room 110 Prayer Group Meet for an informal time of conversational prayer for the ministries and staff of Grace Community Chapel. Time: 8:30, 9:50 and 11:15 am Location: Conference Room in the Main Office (CLICK HERE to submit a prayer request.) Prayer Group