We entered this year thinking that we were unshakable. Then 2020 knocked us off our feet. Throughout the month of January, we will train our minds and our hearts to live an unshakable life no matter what happens in 2021. But it all starts with one foundational idea this Sunday. This one idea will enable us to face 2021 with greater strength and resilience. Find out more on Sunday at 9:45 AM on Facebook LIVE: www.facebook.com/graceottumwa/live

In this year of ‘distancing’, we need the God who doesn’t distance. We need Christmas. We need Immanuel. We need ‘God with Us'. Today's message from Pastor Chris Childs is based upon Matthew 1:18-23.

“I’ve always disliked “Mary’s Song” at Christmas.” That’s what Pastor Chris first thought, when he considered preaching from this passage in 2020. Mary starts out, “My soul magnifies the Lord” and Pastor Chris says, “Oh boy. Another generic song about praising God.” But this year, he slowed down enough to read Mary’s words. Mary’s song was not generic at all. With pointed words, Mary surprised Pastor Chris with the true meaning of Christmas, a meaning we all need to hear this year. Prepare your heart for worship  by reading the words of Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55.

Why do we need Christmas in 2020? If Christmas is about shopping sprees and family gatherings, and those just aren’t the same this year, why don’t we just skip the holiday? Of course, Christmas is about so much more than that. If there has ever been a year that we needed Christmas, this is it. So why Christmas? Why do we need it this year? Pastor Chris Childs will explore this, in today’s episode, based upon Isaiah 11:1-10. 

“But what does serving on a team have to do with following Jesus?" For the past two weeks, we’ve heard about the importance of serving on a team. But what does that mean practically, and is it really necessary? Prepare for the final sermon in this series by reading Matthew 4:17-20 and Romans 12:4-8.

“Who do they think they are?! Do they really think they have what it takes?” Such things might have been said about the ‘nobodies’ we’ll meet in today's message from 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Why are we talking about them? Because God uses the nobodies of this world to change this world.

In a dived world, what is needed most? And what part do YOU get to play? Today's message from Pastor Chris Childs, is based upon 2 Corinthians 5:13-18. 

For more information on the ministries of Grace, go to www.graceottumwa.org.