Leaning into Grace

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, 

that it should leave me. But he said to me, 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, 

so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 

Week One

  Week one of our worship experiment went well! We had about 20 people - adults included. 

Our theme was Grace, which - lets be honest - is a hard concept even for adults! 

God's great and unmerited love towards us. 

Covering us, claiming us, holding us. 

So we sang this song - 

Hold Me by Jamie Grace -

which happens to be on repeat in my personal playlist. 

While some of the lyrics talk about adult issues of work and relationships, 

the refrain is powerful. 

I love the way you hold me. 

AMEN!

(We also sang Every Move I Make- and that is this photo-

as we are doing the hand motions!)

And one of our young people, Cale, led the message on Grace. 

It was interactive. 

Each person got a foam heart. 

We purchased the foam sheets from the local craft store and 

cut them into hand-sized hearts. 

Using light colored washable-markers, he invited each child

to write their sins - their mistakes - on the hearts. 

Once we covered the hearts, Cale invited the children to come

and wash their hearts. 

We used bins with soapy water, we placed at the foot of the cross.

Their sins washed away. 

And then we wrote in permanent marker "God's Grace"
on each of their hearts.

Cale then told the kids that God's grace washes our sins away.
All of our mistakes. 
Every last one. 
(AMEN!)

And then he tried to wash off the words
"God's Grace."

And they wouldn't come off. 
Ever. 

Because God's grace is forever. 
Regardless of our sins. 
(AMEN!)

Then we broke into small groups, by age, 
and the children shared their understanding of the message. 

We asked these questions:

What is grace? 

When have you experienced grace this week? 

When did someone unexpectedly treat you nicely?

Why do we talk about God’s love as grace in our life?

What has God done for you?

How can you share God’s grace with others?

And each group closed in prayer. 


It was beautiful. 
Beautiful to see the youth lead. 
Beautiful to see the children follow. 
Beautiful to see the future and current church.

And the next day, a grandma came by the church office to tell us 
that her three-year old grandson told her not to worry - 
God's grace washes away our sins. 

And, this preacher says, 
AMEN!