Ambassador
Newsletter - May 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
A Rock in the Religious Sandal
By Ken Miller
Have you ever been walking down the street and realize that you have a rock or a small pebble in your shoe? I have, and it’s no fun. When we were younger, Kathy and I went for walks in our neighborhood and would invariably pick up a rock or two. This was never a problem for my multi-talented wife. She’d simply stand on one foot and take off her shoe and shake the rock free. I, on the other hand, needed a chair to sit on.
The Pharisees and many Jews had a rock in their “sandals” that was irritating them very much. His name was Jesus-and this rock cannot be shaken. Not by anyone, or anything, still they tried. In Matthew 12:1 we find Jesus and His disciples in a grain field being spied on by a group of Pharisees. (Evidently this was the group assigned to watch Jesus on the Sabbath.)
After stilling their wagging tongues with a story about David “He left that place and entered their synagogue; a man was there with a withered hand, and they asked him, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?” so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Suppose one of you has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the sabbath; will you not lay hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a human being than a sheep! So, it is lawful to do good on the sabbath. Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand,” He stretched it out, and it was restored, as sound as the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.” (Matthew 12:9-14 also found in Mark 3: 1-6)
Check out the following scriptures to see how often the Pharisees and some Jews planned to kill the Rock. This list is not complete: John 5:16, John 7:1, John 8:40, John 7:19, John 7:25. In his book, The Narrow Path; How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls, Rich Villodas sums up what Jesus was all about quite nicely when he wrote, “He rejects a spirituality that doesn’t transform us.” Obeying the law will never transform any of us, but obeying Him will.
“Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.” (Matthew 26 :3- also found in Mark 14:1-2)
We know how the story ended. The status quo got its own way. They crucified that trouble maker. But that Rock didn’t stay dead! Hallelujah! He is Alive! Amen.
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.
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child's National Collection Week in 2025 will be from November 17 to 24, 2025.
During this week, over 4,500 drop-off locations across the country will be open to receive gift-filled shoeboxes.
You can also pack a shoebox online at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
National Collection Week: November 17-24, 2025.
Drop-off Locations: Over 4,500 locations will be open.
Online Packing: You can now pack a shoebox online at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.
Year-round Volunteering: Many participants are also involved in packing shoeboxes throughout the year.
Volunteering at Processing Centers: You can register to volunteer at occvolunteersignup.com.
Scope: Operation Christmas Child collects shoeboxes in Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Global Impact: In 2024, 11.9 million shoebox gifts were collected globally, with the goal of reaching 12 million children in 2025.
I just bought clothes for infants up to children’s sizes 14 at Wal-Mart for $2 each item. Target has sales also.
CHECK IT OUT …….….. SEASON ENDING ……………..
SALES STARTING …………
NO Children’s & Youth Sunday School Classes until fall
Children _____________ Location Teacher
Adult Classes
Chronological Trip - Bible Following Jews -Conf Rm. Eric M
Revelations Library Bernie W
Churches of Welcome Class rm by Kitchen Erik K
Global Refugee crisis – what is our responsibility to those who are displaced and have no home. What is a Biblically informed opinion concerning refugees and forced immigration.
Prime Timers Potluck Luncheon - after the church service. 1st Sun every month – everyone welcome. Good food & fellowship.
Come to the Table – Sun 6:30 – Fellowship, prayer & support!
Missions Report - Jim Marshall
Back in the early 2000s, Microsoft’s Zune and Apple’s iPod were both sleek devices that played music. But only one became a household name. Apple’s success is often attributed to the
decision to not just sell what the iPod did—they sold why it existed. Apple’s message wasn’t “we make MP3 players.” It was: “we challenge the status quo and think differently—want to come along?” That “why” inspired a generation. Leadership expert Simon Sinek describes this concept in his “Golden Circle” framework: Most people and organizations start by explaining what they do. Some go on to describe how they do it. But the most powerful communicators start with why—why they exist, why it matters, and why you should care.
Believe it or not, your church’s missions Sunday is no different. What Did You Hear? Think back to the last missionary presentation your church hosted. You probably heard a story, a country name, and a list of projects—what they’re doing. Maybe you even heard a compelling update on how they’re reaching people. But did you hear why? Why are we sending missionaries in the first place? Without the why, missions’ presentations become background noise. With it, each missionary’s speech is a holy moment—an invitation to rejoice in the Lord’s work in the world.
The “Why” Is Sending what makes a missions Sunday—or any missionary presentation—memorable and meaningful is when the church casts a vision not just for projects, but for sending. Jesus told his followers to plead for gospel servants to be sent out on God’s mission: “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38).
When the Spirit birthed the church at Pentecost, it wasn’t just for the benefit of Jerusalem. And in Acts 13, when the church in Antioch gathered in worship, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for
me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” In other words: send them. The question every local church should be asking isn’t just “How can we support missions?” but
“Who should we send?” And that’s the point of our weekly missions reports and our missions festivals each year. These events are your opportunity to reclaim your role in the Great Commission.
We are challenging YOU to take a bold step: ask God who you should be sending. We hope the end result is our church praying, preaching, and planning with purpose. The nations are waiting. Who should we send?
Church LIBRARY NEWS - Jessica Johnson
Hello from the LIBRARY!
WHEN was the last time you actually went into the library to look for a good book or to just search to see all the fascinating books that are here? FOR EVERYONE – there are books for Children, Teens, Young Adults, Middle-age Adults and well, elderly Adults. Jessica has books for all of us, so let’s go see her and let her know how much we appreciate her hard work.
Just me Vicki, overstepping my boundaries, but since Jessica didn’t say I couldn’t write something – WELL…….
I am doing some spring cleaning and inventory, so if you get a slip in your box regarding a missing library book, please look at home and see if you have it!
We have added several new books in the last few weeks including:
Guilty Until Innocent
by Robert Whitlow
As Sure as the Sea
by Jamie Ogle (from Deer River!)
Never Fall Again and Break My Fall, #1 and #2 in the new Gossamer Falls series
by Lynn H. Blackburn
The Paradigm
by Jonathan Cahn
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
Wed Activities
Women’s Prayer Group 9:30a - Library
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Bible Studies
Single Ladies Bible Study – Mon 10a-12p - conf rm. Pauline Wirtz
Women’s Bible Study - Tues 10a-12p – (Hill City – Barb Kempainen) 218-360-2061
Young Adult Bible Study – Mon 7p in Youth Room Sunday School Classes @ 9:00am
Global Refugee crisis – what is our responsibility to those who are displaced and have no home. What is a Biblically informed opinion concerning refugees and forced immigration.
Staying Connected
Mom’s Group. Join us for a bible study Mon 6-7:30p in the Fellowship Classroom. This study will be open to the community as we want to welcome new moms to our church community. Childcare will be provided if needed. Please sign up at the connection center contact Erika Menzel or Frances Kling.
2024 GRAC Directories are now available. Books are $20, insert pages $5. Sign up at the connection center.
Community Outreach Opportunities: Circle of Support & North Homes Children & Family Services - in need of deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, hand sanitizer & wipes, socks. Dollar Store is a good place to get them cheap. Drop off container is in GRAC foyer. Thank you!!
May 16th-17th Church garage sale Fundraiser to help our youth go to Youth Life Conference. Put your donations in Youth Rm
Sat May 17th noon. All are welcome to celebrate Olivia Martin’s graduation at the Martin home - 16360 County RD 455, GR.
Sun May 18th Baby Shower Erika Menzel after service in youth rm.
Sun Jun 1st Tammy Reed Birthday & Retirement Celebration after service of 45 yrs in the dental field & 64 yrs of birthdays.
June 2nd-6th. VBS Volunteers are always needed & appreciated. Sign up at Connection Center. ALSO, THERE ARE SIGNUP DONATION SHEETS FOR CRAFT ITEMS AND SNACKS FOR THE CHILDREN. YOUR HELP WITH IS SO APPRECIATED.
June 12-14th Women’s Breakaway Retreat – Oak Hills Christian College – information at Connection Center – sounds like a BLESSING. Only $175 if registered by May 31st. Scholarships available – call 218-751-8670. May register online.
Fri & Sat June 13th & 14th Smashburger Fundraiser support Youth going to Life Conference. GRAC parking lot. Bring your family & friends.
Coffee Servers needed - Sunday mornings. Don’t know how, no problem, Nancy Farris, Jody or Colleen Schussman will show you. Sign-up sheet at Connection Center.
Missions Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm – Tues,
Food Bank Second Harvest - Second Thurs each month - 9-11 am. Everyone invited to help in this ministry.
Diaconate Meeting - 3rd Thurs of every month
Kingdom Builders (MEN) - 1st Sat each month – BREAKFAST, Bible talk & prayer - 7:30am at Triumphant Life Church
Circle of Support – needs warm coats, hats, mittens and socks for homeless. Please ask friends and family to help! Drop off container in GRAC foyer. Thank you!
July 30th-Aug 3rd – Annual Church Campout – sign up at connection center and more information.