Young Adults Who Are We Our ministry is comprised of single and married young adults whose desire is to love God, love others, and grow in our walk with the Lord. We strive to build a community through Bible study and fellowship to bring others closer to God. We meet on Sunday mornings at 11:15 in Room 110. Find us on social media or use the contact form below if you need more information. Follow Us Have Questions? Name Phone Email Message Submit

Greece Short-Term Opportunity Where: Athens, Greece What: We will be supporting our missionary Bruce McAtee with a number of service projects (clearing brush, painting, cleaning) at the Cosmos Vision Center. When: May 5, 2025 - June 8, 2025 Thank you for your interest in our Greece missions trip! We have reached full capacity, and applications are now closed. Please keep the team in your prayers as they prepare to serve. DONATE

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.

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

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 5-10, 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. Opportunity Closed Trip Details: Our 2026 Casas team will be heading to Acuna, Mexico June 5-10 to build a home for the multigenerational Cibrian Family. This is the fifth home that GCC has built with Casas por Cristo, and it is a blessing to be a part of the impact that this ministry is making for Christ in Acuna! The team will be building the home in three short days. On the fourth day they will add finishing touches, provide some basic home goods, and most importantly, dedicate the home to the Lord and present the keys to the new homeowners. During these four days the team will have opportunities to share God's love with the family and neighbors and for community outreach near the host church. Pray for health, safety, and changed hearts! DONATE

Our Global Workers Ryan and Pe Symens SIM —Thailand Mission Focus I have the joy of getting to serve in two distinct ministries here in Thailand- the SIM Thailand Personnel Director and Local Thai Church Leader. As the Personnel Director, I have the privilege of walking with and supporting our over 90 missionaries serving with SIM in Thailand. Each week this may look a bit different. For one family, this could look like Zoom calls or in-person visits to discuss physical, mental, or spiritual health. For another, it may be talking about ministry strategy, vision, and planning. However, for another this could look like in person visits for encouragement, assisting with a visa renewal, or simply participating in their ministry! The benchmark for success is “Personnel is succeeding when our missionaries are able to thrive on the field and in the ministries they feel called to serve in.” It’s a joy and honor to serve our team in this way. An additional responsibility, outside of caring for our missionaries in Thailand, is getting to journey alongside those who have an interest in serving in Thailand. Part of my ministry is interviewing prospective missionaries interested in joining our team, coaching them through their onboarding, and preparation process, and then orienting and onboarding them as they arrive. Each of these “steps” are quite different, but it has been such an encouragement to me to see how God works through His children in each of these things. And I have learned so much from those He has brought! Outside of my Personnel Director ministry, I’m also privileged to be on the leadership team at a local Thai church located just across the street from Chiang Mai University. I am the only..foreigner in my small church which usually averages about 15 members on a Sunday, a majority of whom are University students. I am at the church most evenings building relationships through things like playing board games, spending time with the two other leaders and their families to encourage them, prayer walking with the Pastor or preparing/practicing for the worship music on Sunday mornings. It’s been incredible to see how the Lord has used both my experiences and age to connect with the church leaders and students to build deep relationships quite quickly." LEARN MORE Back to Global Workers

What is Missions at GCC? GLOBAL WORKERS SHORT-TERM CHANGE FOR CHANGE GIVE NEWSLETTER More | | | | GCC Global exists to proclaim Jesus to unreached people groups around the world. We do this through regular financial support of our global workers, as well as monthly giving events we call “Change For Change.” Our goal is to equip indigenous people within unreached people groups to spread the gospel, plant churches, and enable ongoing ministry in areas who have little-to-no access to the Word of God. MEET OUR GLOBAL WORKERS How Can I Get Involved? GIVE Ongoing Financial Support: When you give online you can designate a portion to the missions program. GIVE ONLINE Change for Change: Specified missions need collected through the month (changes monthly) Check out this Month's Change for Change Campaign! GO Short Term Missions GCC - 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. Find out more and see upcoming events at the link below! SHORT-TERM MISSIONS PRAY Jesus said "therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matt 9:38) Pray for our Global Workers listed on our website. Use the Operation World website to pray for specific countries. Join our Missions Newsletter Missions Newsletter Do you have a heart for missions? If you are a member or regular attender of Grace Community Chapel, you can receive regular reports from global workers we support SIGNUP FOR THE MISSIONS REPORT Missions Newsletter

Connect With Us FILL OUT A CONNECT CARD Service Times What to Expect: You’ll experience verse-by-verse, exegetical preaching that takes Scripture seriously and explains it clearly. Our pastor works through the Bible passage by passage, helping us understand what the text meant in its original context and how God’s Word speaks to our lives today. Each message is centered on Christ and grounded in the authority of Scripture. Our music, whether you attend the early or later services, you’ll encounter the same heart and direction in worship—bringing together timeless hymns and current worship songs . Each service includes vocals, keyboards, guitars, and percussion. The 8:30 AM early service features a softer sound with a cajón, while the later services include a full drum set. Our aim is to grow together into a shared worship life that reflects the whole church family, united in song and purpose. Join us on Sundays: Three Opportunities! Early Service: 8:30 AM Later Services: 9:50 AM ( Student Ministry meets this hour only!) 11:15 AM Can’t attend in person? Missed a Sunday? Watch live or on demand at YouTube or the Church Center app . Find out More: Click here for Adult Discipleship Opportunities. Click here for details about Kids Ministries. Click here for details about Student Ministries. Contact Us Next Steps Get to know us better by attending these classes, which are required for membership at GCC. LUNCH AT GRACE Meet the pastors and hear about the heart of our church. Children are welcome to join us. Sunday, June 7 12:15 pm | Hope Hall RSVP RSVP by the Wednesday before DISCOVERING GRACE Dig deeper and ask specific questions about our Statement of Faith, doctrines, and priorities. (high school and up) Sunday, August 30 11:15 am | Grace Commons RSVP RSVP by the Friday before SHARING GRACE Understand the culture of our church and our passion to walk an authentic Christian life. (high school and up) Sunday, June 7 11:15 am | Grace Commons RSVP RSVP by the Friday before Volunteer at GCC We would love for you to be a part of what God is doing at GCC, and there are many opportunities for you to get involved through serving. Whether you enjoy working with adults, students, or children, have interest in music or tech support, want to serve as an usher or greeter, or would like to help with a community outreach event, Grace has a place for you! DISCOVER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Membership at GCC If you would like to become a member at GCC, we require that you first go through the "Next Steps" process listed above . Through this process, you will meet the staff, get to know the heart of our church, and learn about the core values that guide the ministry here at GCC. Although membership is not required to serve in the ministry, you can vote on the yearly budget and officers of the Missions, Deaconess, Deacons, and Elder board. MEMBERSHIP At GRACE Volunteer Prayer Prayer at Grace At GCC we believe in the power of prayer. Submit a prayer request or ask to join our Prayer Chain email list REQUEST PRAYER JOIN THE PRAYER CHAIN

Biblical Counseling Who is it For? Biblical counseling* is available for people of all ages and walks of life. Youth counseling will be done with another person in the room (who will be held to confidentiality standards) for accountability purposes, and counseling with women will be handled in a manner consistent with wisdom and best practice. What to Expect Biblical Counseling is counseling that is directly centered and focused on the Bible to deal with the issues of life, leaning on the promise of 2 Peter 1:3 which says, "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness." Its focus is discipleship and heart change as developed through obedience to and understanding better God’s word. Ultimately, the goal is to help you respond to your life circumstances in a way that will please God. The underlying assumption is that God’s Word truly is sufficient for life and godliness. Biblical counseling is meant to teach you to live a godly life in response to any life circumstances you may be going through, while also often providing genuine relief from various whole-self afflictions. Everything will be held in strict confidence, except where, in the counselor’s judgment, there is a biblical and/or legal requirement to involve others (e.g. criminal activity). Biblical Counseling is a free service of GCC and can be for grief, sexual sin, addictions, marital problems, depression, etc. Our Biblical Counselors Email one of our certified biblical counselors to let him know of your interest in receiving biblical counseling. Please indicate a time preference and they will contact you to schedule. Anthony Ochoa Biblical Counseling EMAIL ANTHONY BCC-PDI Daniel Maasen Biblical Counseling EMAIL DANIEL BCC-PDI You are required to submit two additional forms to obtain counseling from Anthony or Daniel. Use the appropriate links access the forms. You will need to 1) complete and submit the associated PDI, then 2) include the completed Consent Form as an attachment when you email your counselor to schedule your appointment. CONSENT FORM *Counselor is certified via the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Counselor is not licensed or certified as a psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, mental health professional, marriage and family therapist, or social worker, and is not acting in such capacities. Professional Counseling Professional Counseling Mark Stevens, LPC Grace Community Chapel offers confidential professional counseling to its regular attendees. Mark Stevens (LPC) is available by appointment and is proficient in the areas of marriage, depressed moods, anxiety, anger, parenting, stress, and addictions. Referrals can also be made through this ministry for emotional issues beyond the scope of Mark's expertise. If you have questions or would like to schedule a counseling session, use the form below. Subsidized fee arrangements are offered to regular attendees of GCC. If you would like to make an online payment for counseling services, use this button. MAKE A PAYMENT Request an Appointment or ask a question. Name Email Phone Message Submit

Lent Fasting Anthony Ochoa Want to know what the bible says? Download the guide LENT DESCRIPTION Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter. It is a time to turn our hearts to God through (1) prayer, (2) repentance, and (3) spiritual renewal. We fast not to earn God's favor, but to remind ourselves that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. It is an intentional submitting our bodies and souls to God, who alone can satisfy us. START Ash Wednesday (2.18.26) END The Saturday before Easter, Holy Saturday (4.4.26) LENGTH OF LENT 40 total days of fasting 46 calendar days (because Sundays are not fast days) HOW TO FAST (TRADITIONAL PRACTICE) For centuries, Christians have fasted during Lent by limiting their food intake. The most common method today follows this structure: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are special days of fasting. On only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Eat only one full meal for the day. You may also eat two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. No snacking between meals. No meat (fish is allowed). All Fridays during Lent are typically days of abstinence from meat, though full meals are allowed. Other weekdays (Mon–Sat): No required fasting, but many choose to limit or sacrifice something else as an act of devotion (caffeine/sugar/soda/processed snacks, social media, screen time, etc.) . Sundays are feast days and are never fast days. If at any point you start to ask, “What if I’m doing it wrong?!” Stop and remember this is about mercy and faith, not legalistic law keeping. For example: if you want to eat meat on Fridays still, that’s okay! Enjoy and pursue hunger for God in accordance with your faith, not what you think you “have to” do. CAN I FAST FROM SOMETHING OTHER THAN FOOD? While food is the traditional fast, some people may need to adjust due to health concerns or may choose to add other disciplines. Again, the call is to discipline ourselves to hunger for God, not to meticulously keep every possible rule. The goal is not to make ourselves miserable but to set ourselves toward crying out to God in an intentional way. HOW CAN I MAKE LENT MORE SIGNIFICANT Lent is not just about fasting—it is about turning to God. Consider adding activities to your routine during this season: Pray (consider using our prayer book Two of More ) Read Scripture (with others at times you usually do not) Write in a Journal (what God is teaching you) Worship (as a family or individually) Serve someone else (look for needs in the community or church)