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 12/15/25
Join Us for Sunday Worship, December 21, at 10:00 AM
Pastor Al will be preaching from Isaiah 7:10-14 and Matthew 1:18-23. “The Immanuel Jesus: The Presence of God in Christ Saves Us”
After the Service, you are invited to join us for a cup of coffee or tea.
Last Sunday, Pastor Al Preached on “The Eco-Peace of the Lord Be With You: Jesus and the Coming Shalom”
You can re-hear the sermon using this link.
Last Week was the Third Week in Advent
Here is a copy of the Candle Lighting Litany for Week 3: Joy
Sharing of the Magnificat by Joel Balzer and Randy Chang
The Way of the Holy by Joel Balzer
Annunciation Haiku by Randy Chang
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, pictures, drawings, poems, anything that comes from your heart.
Daily Prayer at 12PM by the People of Grace Fellowship Community Church
This week’s daily prayer for December 19 to December 25 is from Caroline Kennedy.
God of peace, the shootings at Brown University and Bondi Beach must grieve you.
We grieve with you, O Lord, for the loss of innocent lives and shattered communities that are now forever changed.
We feel helpless in the face of all this senseless violence.
During this time of Advent, we look to you for Hope.
For we know You show up in the middle of suffering.
Amen.
Last Sunday, We Gave our Thanks To Gloria Leung
NEW ADDITIONS TO THE CHURCH LIBRARY
Four new titles have been added to the library collection. Look for these on the book cart this Sunday after worship. These will be available to borrow.
Christ in the Rubble by Munther Isaac
Justice and Only Justice by Naim Stifan Ateek
Being Christian After the Desolation of Gaza, Edited by Bruce N Fisk & J. Ross Wagner
Light In the Valley of the Shadow of Death, Stories of Ukrainian Christians During the War
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.)
Gifts of New Socks for City Hope, Sunday, December 21 is the last day to receive gifts
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.
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
American Indian Cultural Center Fog City Mini Pow and Indigenous Holiday Market December 18 at Grace Fellowship Community Church, 4:30 - 8:30PM
We are invited to AICC’s Holiday Festivities.
More Information Here
Ministry Partners
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.)
Rise University Prep Gift Cards
Rise prep alternative gift cards are available this year. Please contact or see Brian Chinn for cards. (Brian will be here on Sunday and Christmas Eve.)