Dear Grace Family,
These announcements and prayer requests are being sent out every Thursday to inform us of what is happening in and the needs of our church. Please send any announcements or prayer requests to office@gfccsf.org by Tuesday evening.
Announcements for the Week of 12/08/25
Join Us for Sunday Worship, December 14, at 10:00 AM
Pastor Al will be preaching from Isaiah 11: 1-10. “The Eco-Peace of the Lord Be With You: Jesus and the Coming Shalom”
Last Sunday, Pastor Paul Preached on “Where the Desert Blooms”
You can re-hear the sermon using this link.
Appreciation for Gloria Leung on Sunday, December 14
For the past 30+ years, Gloria, as our church’s main childcare worker, has lovingly taken care of our children. We are going to acknowledge and thank her for her decades of service during our church service this Sunday.
Afterwards, we will have a cake reception for her.
Our Christ in the Rubble Scene is Incomplete
Inspired by the book, Christ in the Rubble, by Munther Isacc, we are reminded of the destruction in Palestine taking place today. Christ was born in Bethlehem which is part of Palestine. If Jesus was born today, He would be under the rubble. The rubble represents death and destruction, but the Christ in the rubble represents hope, peace, joy and love.
During Advent, we invite you to leave at the manger, prayers, songs of joy, hopes, objects of peace and love, anything that comes from your heart.
Last Week was the Second Week in Advent
Here is a copy of the Candle Lighting Litany for Week 2: Peace
Daily Prayer at 12PM by the People of Grace Fellowship Community Church
This week’s daily prayer for December 12 to December 18 is from Caroline Kennedy.
Dear Jesus,
We pray for the peace talks that are taking place to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
We mourn these years of destruction and lost lives in both countries.
We pray that you would soften the most hardened hearts of the people around the negotiating table.
What seems like an impossible task to bring peace and security to this region is not impossible for you.
We call on you, the Prince of Peace, to bring this about.
Amen
Add Your Ornaments to our “For God So Loved the World” Christmas Tree
We invite you to contribute your Christmas ornament(s) to the tree. You can bring them in, with hooks, and hang them on the tree throughout Advent. Please put your name on the ornament or on a small tag. (Note that the church will be keeping these ornaments.)
Children’s Day School Sent Us This Plant for Christmas
It is sitting on the reception desk.
Gifts of New Socks for City Hope
In celebration of our Savior's birth, the youth with "Loops of Love" are collecting gifts for City Hope, a ministry that serves the Tenderloin Community in San Francisco, for Christmas. We are inviting the congregation to contribute men's and women's new socks. Crew socks and long socks are needed, but not ankle socks. We will also be collecting hats and scarves. A basket will be available next to the Offering Box on Sundays. Please bring your gifts in by Sunday, December 21.
If you have any questions, please contact Linda Kay or Jennifer Yee.
Christmas Offering for 2025
Each year, our church takes a special Christmas offering and directs it to an international ministry and a local ministry. This year, the international recipient will be ECWA Theological Seminary,Jos and the local ministry will be Restoration Initiatives — YWAM San Francisco (the ministry of Steve Binnquist).
If you wish to contribute to our Christmas offering, you can either write a check and note that it is for the Christmas offering or give it online.
2025 Alternative Gift Recipients
In lieu of giving gifts to each other or to our friends and family, please consider directing our funds to the following ministries.
Stott-Wallace Missionary Fund
Penuel School of Theology in the Philippines
Peace Catalyst - Bill & Julie Clark
San Fernando Alliance Church (in the Philippines): Assistance for Diana’s Family
NorCal Sabeel
Langham Partnership
The worksheets are available online or in the back of the sanctuary. After completion, place the worksheet and check in the offering box. Gift cards will be available on Sunday.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHRISTMAS OFFERING AND ALTERNATIVE GIFTS ARE ONLY SUGGESTIONS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GIVE TO YOUR OWN FAVORITE CHARITIES.
Christmas Eve Service at Church at 7:00PM
Let us celebrate the last day of Advent together by coming to our Christmas Eve Service. Afterwards, we will have a time of fellowship. We invite you to bring your favorite holiday dessert to share.
New Year’s Eve Dance Party at Church, 4PM - 7PM
Let’s close out our year with a dance party. We get to be together on the last day of the year, let loose, have fun and be filled with wonder and joy.
Wear your dancing shoes and bring your favorite snack to share.
Note that you are not required to dance. You can come for the fellowship and eats!
2025 Grace Fellowship Community Church Directory
The electronic version of the church directory is now available upon request. Please contact the church office if you wish to receive a copy.
Cana Retreat for Couples, February 6-8, 2026 at Mission Springs (January 15, 2026 is the last day for registration)
See Robert or Margie Chiang for more information.
Community Events
Mission Dolores Basilica Choir presents The 34th Annual Candlelight Christmas Concert featuring George Frideric Handel’s Messiah
Information on How to Purchase Tickets
Ministry Partners
Rise Prep Thank You Letter and Christmas Card
New College Berkeley Thank You Letter
New College Berkeley – Praying & Journal-keeping in Anxious Times – First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley
Jubilee Immigration Advocates Gift Cards
Jubilee’s alternative gift cards are available again this year. We know that many of you may have already given to us through the matching campaign that started at the anniversary event. You are welcome to use that contribution towards your alternate gift card contribution if you wish. New contributions are also welcome. Please contact or see Clare for cards on Sundays in December. (Clare will be here the first 3 Sundays in December and Christmas Eve.)