by Pastor Patrick Cho

Summer has provided us a nice break from the routine at Lighthouse and hopefully everyone is rested and ready for the fall. One of the big changes that I am most looking forward to is the new format for Grace Life. In order to promote greater attendance, last year we had Grace Life meet during the Sunday School hour on Sunday mornings. Unfortunately, this also introduced several limiting factors that we felt needed to change. While it was nice to have the infrastructure of the children’s ministry in place, it was not conducive to encourage fellowship between affinity groups. Having Grace Life meet Sunday mornings also prevented people from receiving helpful instruction and equipping from other classes that were offered. For new members, since Fundamentals of the Faith is a required membership class, it meant that FOF and Grace Life would conflict for at least thirteen weeks.

Thus, the decision was made to move Grace Life midweek. This does several things for the ministry.

1. First, the infrastructure of children’s ministry is still in place because of midweek Kids’ Club.
2. Second, it opens up the opportunity for more people to be involved since it doesn’t conflict with other classes. This is particularly helpful for anyone who is teaching those Sunday School classes.
3. Third, it provides time midweek for the families of Lighthouse to come together for instruction and encouragement.

I hope everyone who is part of Grace Life is excited about the changes being made. Of course we know that this will not be convenient for everyone, but at this stage of the life of the church, I don’t think we’ll be able to come up with any format that suits everyone. I would just encourage those that are able to come out to do so. It is going to be a great year.

Many people were blessed with our first ever Grace Life Weekend Conference with Dr. Bob and Mary Somerville. Lord-willing, our desire is to plan another Weekend Conference this year focusing on the topic of parenting. All the audio from the weekend with Dr. Somerville is online, so if you were not able to make it out, I would encourage you to at least listen to the sessions.

The focus of Grace Life this year is going to be on the application of God’s Word. Our goal will be to help you think through various issues biblically. More specifically, we will be examining a biblical study of the mind. How are we to think? How does sin corrupt our thinking? Should we follow our hearts? How should we make decisions that honor God? These questions and more will be addressed in our times together. I know that it will be tremendously helpful for those who want to grow spiritually and who desire to walk more consistently in faith.

It is going to be an exciting year for Grace Life! If you are married or a parent at Lighthouse, I would encourage you to come out and be blessed by the instruction, fellowship, and worship together. There is great value in participation, as the author of Hebrews writes, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb. 10:24). The members of the church are called to make an investment in one another and this is not possible if we do not spend good quality time with each other. So, please come out and be involved!