Ambassador
October 2025
“Pray also for me whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an AMBASSADOR…” Ephesians 6:19, 20
Redeeming Love
by Ken Miller
The custom at camp was to always have a communion service on Sunday morning led by Bob Plate or Onni Putika, the service would invariably include the hymn, “There Is A Fountain.” Good song, I thought as I filed it away in my memory. (We’ve sung it here at GRAC.)
Last week I was listening to Amazon Music and guess what song popped up? Ever listen to a song and all-of-a-sudden some of the lyrics seem to leap out and grab you? That’s what happened during the last part of the song. The words were; “…Redeeming love has been my theme and shall be ‘till I die.” Hey, that’s a theme we can adopt as our own. Better yet, it’s a theme we all need to experience - His redeeming love. Once we’re touched by that kind of love there is nothing to compare.
So, what kind of love are we talking about? Do you remember English class when we learned about modifiers? In this case the modifier is the word redeeming and the word it modifies is love. One definition SIRI gives us for redeem is, “gain or re-gain possession of something in exchange for payment.” In this definition, the something is you and me. (John 3:16)
Also in this definition the payment is His blood. “Without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22) To the modern mind this concept of blood sacrifice may sound archaic, yet it is the vehicle that was chosen by our perfect Got to open the door and re-gain His lost family.
One of our favorite songs in our college fellowship was based on Psalm 40:2. We sang, “He took my feet from the miry clay, yes He did, yes He did, and He placed them on the Rock to stay, yes He did, yes He did!” Hands clapping or lifted to heaven belonged to long-haired bearded bikers sitting next to short haired college kids and a former witch. All grateful for His redeeming love. Amen.Amen!
Church Secretary - Vicki A
Office Hours: Thursday and Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm.
Please leave all messages and updates on the church email or voicemail on church phone, 218-326-4929 and I will answer them as soon as possible
Thank you! Vicki
NEW MAILING ADDRESS
Grand Rapids Alliance Church
1705 SE 7th Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Prayer Chain – Grand Rapids Alliance Church
Melissa Monroe -------- 218-256-6498
Diane Major --------- 612-860-3806
Pastor Erik Kling-------- 218-256-5992
If you have a prayer request, please contact one of the above prayer team members and they will get the word out.
OCTOBER SERMON SCHEDULE
October 5th Revelation 2:12-17 To the church in Pergamum
October 12th Revelation 2:18-29 To the church in Thyatira
October 19th Revelation 3:1-6 To the Church in Sardis · Annual Meeting
October 26th Carletta Lane
November 2nd Revelation 3:7-13 To the Church in Philadelphia
Operation Christmas Child Report – OCT 2025
Subject: Operation Christmas Child – Drop-Off Schedule & Volunteer Help Needed
Dear Pastors,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to share the Operation Christmas Child drop-off schedule for GRAC, as well as a request for assistance during National Collection Week.
📦 Drop-Off Hours at GRAC:
· Monday, Nov. 17 – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
· Tuesday, Nov. 18 – 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
· Wednesday, Nov. 19 – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
· Thursday, Nov. 20 – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
· Friday, Nov. 21 – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
· Saturday, Nov. 22 – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
· Sunday, Nov. 23 – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
· Monday, Nov. 24 – 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
We are expecting the semi-trucks to arrive later in the week (likely Thursday or Friday), but I will confirm exact timing once I hear from Samaritan’s Purse and the trucking company.
To help lighten the load on Sunday, we plan to begin loading cartons from the Grand Rapids area throughout the week. Additional help is always appreciated during this time, especially on Monday afternoon. 🙋♂️ Volunteer Help Needed – Monday, Nov. 24 (Afternoon)
Out-of-area churches will begin dropping off their cartons at 1:00 PM on Monday. I’m looking for volunteers to assist in loading cartons from trucks into the semi-trailers.
If anyone is available for at least one-hour shift, it would be a tremendous help:
1:00 PM – 4–5 volunteers needed
2:00 PM – 4–5 volunteers needed
Please share this opportunity with anyone who might be available to help. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to call or text me at (651) 325-8492.Thank you for your continued support and partnership in this ministry! Warmly,
Jocelyn Schimpp
Missions Report - Jim Marshall
Oct 2025
ALLIANCE LIFE
by W. S. Barkat
All of Jesus for All the World. This powerful phrase is more than a slogan—it is a global invitation and a personal commission. As someone serving in a creative-access country in the Middle East/Central Asia region, these words have become both a challenge and a compass, shaping how I see the gospel, the world, and my role in God’s mission.
I live and work among people who, for the most part, have never even heard the name of Jesus in their heart language. Many don’t even know a follower of Christ. And yet I’ve seen signs of the Kingdom breaking through—in relationships, conversations, dreams, and simple acts of love. The gospel is moving forward, even in places where it’s never been preached before.
What Does “All of Jesus” Really Mean?
When we say, “All of Jesus,” we’re talking about the whole Christ—not a reduced or cultural version of Him. The Jesus we follow is not just the Savior who forgives sins, but also the Shepherd who walks with the broken, the Healer of deep wounds, the Teacher of truth, and the Lord of justice and mercy.
In many parts of this country, people are not just spiritually curious—they’re spiritually hungry. But they don’t want abstract religion. They want to know if this Jesus is real. Can He help their family? Can He bring peace to their hearts? Can He protect them from fear and evil?
One evening over tea, my friend Rustam looked at me after we had discussed Jesus and said, “I thought Christianity was only for Western people. I didn’t know someone like you could believe in Isa.” His surprise was genuine. To him, the gospel was a distant concept, wrapped in a foreign culture. But when he heard it through the life and words of someone he could relate to, it suddenly became personal and possible.
That moment reminded me that the gospel must come not only in words, but in relationships. When people encounter the whole Jesus—His compassion, His wisdom, His power, and His grace—they are drawn to Him.
The Whole Gospel in Word and Deed
To share “All of Jesus” also means embracing holistic ministry—addressing both spiritual and practical needs. In contexts where people face daily struggles—economic hardship, political instability, broken families—proclaiming Christ must be accompanied by tangible love.
ose around them.
Church LIBRARY NEWS - Jessica Johnson
Hello, church family. Things have been quiet in the library so far this summer as I've been on vacation the past three Sundays, but that is about to change. With the sad news that Inspirations bookstore is closing, I've already made 3 trips there, not only to help them clear out their inventory, but also to add new books to our shelves. Hopefully next month's update will be more exciting. For now, we have these new books:
Joel Rosenberg, "The Beijing Betrayal"
Gabrielle Meyer, "Every Hour Until Then"
Susan May Warren's 4-book Alaska Air One Rescue Series
Also, several very nice Bible studies (books with study guides) have been donated. If you're looking to do a book study, check out the shelf behind the library desk!
Several weeks ago, Pastor Erik did a series on hospitality. If this topic interests you, we have a recently donated book called “The Gospel Comes with a House Key” that you might want to check out in the inspirational/Christian living section.
Thanks, and happy reading!
Jessica Johnson, GRAC Librarian
Staying Connected
Wednesday
Women’s Prayer Group – 9:30a – Library
Bible Quiz – 3:30-5:30p
Soup Suppers – Join us for a free soup supper each AWANA night 5:30-6pm in the fellowship hall. Families are welcome to provide soup, bread or crackers occasionally.
AWANA 6-7:30pm - Registration is now open online (GRACC WEBSITE) OR registration forms are at CC.
Youth Group 5:30-7:30pm at New Song Church 15 SE 3rd St Grand Rapids (6th – 12th grades). Contact Frances or Angie with questions.
Bible Studies
Single Ladies Bible Study Mon 10a-12:30p - conference room. Contact Pauline Wirtz
Women’s Bible Study Thurs thru Dec 4th 10-noon conf rm. “Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby”. Contact Lynn Wilde 218-398-0764
Hill City Ladies Bible study Tues Sept 16th 10 to noon. Starting the book “Living in Jesus” by Marlyn Meberg. Contact Barbara Kemppainen 218-360-2061
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES 9:00am
Children’s Classes
PreK-K Mike W
1-4 Tiffany W & Cindy K
5-6 Frances K
Youth Classes Youth Leaders Youth Room
Adult Classes – 9am – 10:15am
Women of the Bible Bernie W Library
Community Outreach Frank/Pastor Erik Fellowship Hall
Soul Care Class 8:45am-10:15am (Sept 7th - Nov 10th) Conf Room
Prime Timers – 1st Sunday of every month after service in youth room. Fellowship and great food
Come to the Table – Sun 6:30 – Fellowship, prayer & support
Circles of Support – colder weather is approaching quickly, so please don’t forget our friends that need warmer socks, hats, gloves and hygiene items. Please remember them in your prayers.
Habitat for Humanities - Cohasset and Marble- first time in our history, we are building 4 homes in a single year. We need your help to accomplish this vital work. Visit itascahabitat.org to learn how you can get involved.
Mon Sept 29th Mom’s Night has been cancelled
Thurs Oct 2nd Annual Reports due to Vicki
Sat Oct 4th Fall ATV ride…. 9:30a-2:30p. Meet at Kemppainen’s 33792 680th Ln, Hill City. 218-259-6516. Lunch at pavilion – fire for hot dog/brat. Sign up at CC. See Doug K or Dave S for questions.
Sat Oct 11th 1:00p Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Party? Enjoy light lunch and celebrate what God is doing around the world. Special guest – Dioany from Venezuela who received a shoebox as a young girl & how it changed her life. Signup sheet at CC for lunch.
Sun Oct 19th Annual Meeting after service in Sanctuary.
Tues Oct 21st Dinner for 6. Sign up at CC.
Thurs Nov 6th 5:30p Bridge Builders @ CoHaus – potluck dinner followed by discussion “What effect does our own FAITH/World View (FAITH, Humanism, Indigenous /Spiritualism & Ba-Hai) effect how we approach our own mental health?”
Mon Nov 17- Mon Nov 24th Operation Christmas Child – collection and packing boxes – Youth Room. See Joceyln Schimpp for details..