Weekly Update – November 20th, 2025
First Corinthians 1:4 says, “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.” Paul in a similar way opens up his letter to the Colossians by saying, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.” Likewise, Paul in Ephesians 1:15 says, “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints…” What I think Paul is doing in these verses, and in other areas of the New Testament, is offering what might be called “evidences of grace” to the believers in the various churches that he writes.
Now the apostle Paul wasn’t a man who shied away from conflict. In Galatians 2, he confronts Peter for wrong thinking, then in Galatians 3, he confronts the Galatians for wrong thinking. All throughout 1st and 2nd Corinthians he confronts these church members for their actions, even at one point, threatening to bring a whip with him the next time he visits (1 Cor. 4:21). Even so, Paul was not looking for criticism. He simply dealt with problems out of his faithfulness to Christ. I think it is safe to say that Paul would have much rather offered encouragement for the way that Christ had been at work in the lives of his listeners.
By nature, our tendency is not to offer encouragement. We don’t naturally look for “evidences of grace.” In a classic Peanuts cartoon there is a picture of Linus curled up in a chair, reading a book to himself while Lucy stands behind him with a funny look on her face. “It’s very strange,” Lucy tells him, “It happens just by looking at you.” What happens?” Linus asks. Lucy answers, “I can feel a criticism coming on.” That is how we view people by nature. Why? Because we are proud. It takes an act of humility brought about by God in our hearts to want to look for the positives and identify evidences of grace in others.
Therefore, this Thanksgiving, consider something about those you are with that you might be thankful for. Then, take the opportunity to tell them! Consider areas where God is at work in their lives, gifts or talents that God has given to them, or specific ways in which that person has blessed or encouraged you. Let us be counter cultural this year and move conversation beyond food and football, to ways in which you can acknowledge the Lord’s work and how you can build up those around you.
Imagine the encouragement you could bring to someone by pointing out evidences of God’s grace that you have seen at work in their lives. Furthermore, imagine an open door to the gospel you might have with an unbeliever around the Thanksgiving meal because you started off with a word of thanks towards them. May Thanksgiving be about more than what we are generally thankful for, but perhaps how we are thankful for others and how God is at work in their lives. Then, lets use these evidences for conversations that might point us more towards Christ around the Thanksgiving meal.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"[For] a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. [O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!]"
- Psalm 84:10-12
Announcements:
Congratulations!: Walker Roy Wood was born to Ryan and Lucia on Monday, November 24th. Walker was 7lbs and 7oz.
Advent Devotionals: There are three options for Advent devotions available in our Welcome Center. The first one is free and it is titled, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. The second one is $10 and it is titled, Gifts of Grace. The last one is also $10 and it is titled, Come, Let us Adore Him. For an online resource, you can check out Advent is for Adoring Jesus by John Piper. Also, if you are looking for a family Advent devotional, check out The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent calendar and reading plan.
Advent Music: Check out this Advent playlist from the Gettys: Spotify. Here is an Advent playlist from The Gospel Coalition: Spotify or Apple Music.
Prepare Him Room: On Saturday, December 13 from 10:00am-1:00pm, there will be a ladies’ Christmas event with Kelly Minter. Ladies, plan to join this event at the church for food, fellowship and worship, as we celebrate the Christmas season. There is a sign up sheet and more information in the hallway.
Members’ Meeting: Our regular potluck lunch and members’ meeting will be held following the morning service on Sunday, December 14th.
Christmas Eve Service: Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held on December 24th at 6:00pm. On this evening, we will read the Christmas story, sing Christmas Songs together and hear a short Christmas message. Make plans to join us and invite your family and friends.
Building Remodel: We have officially kicked off our fundraiser! There are commitment cards available in the sanctuary as well as in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.
Men’s Study: On the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 8:00-9:15pm, the church hosts a men’s study through the book, The Measure of a Man. See Clint Blankenship for more information.
Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.
Awana Bible Club
Awana Clubs are held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Isaiah in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-2 and 3–k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1-3rd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 4th-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.