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 11/24/25
Join Us for Sunday Worship, November 30 at 10:00 AM
Pastor Al will be preaching from Isaiah 2:1-5 and John 4:20-26. “Mt. Hope: The Hour is Coming and is Now Here”
Sunday, November 30 is the First Day in Advent
At the front of our sanctuary is a manger in the middle of rubble. This is inspired by the book, Christ in the Rubble, by Munther Isacc.
Last Sunday, Elder Joel Balzer Preached on “Shaped By Heaven”
You can re-hear the sermon using this link.
Joel wrote a follow up to his sermon, “Judge Johnson Got Fired”
You can read it here.
Daily Prayer at 12PM by the People of Grace Fellowship Community Church
This week’s daily prayer for November 28 to December 4 is from Pastor Al:
We are Your children, O Lord.
Based on this awesome truth, we are so thankful for our own children.
Have mercy on them.
Keep them close when they run away.
Guide them when they stray.
Protect them even when they feel they don’t need protecting.
Believe in them even when they say they don’t believe.
Assure them of your love, we pray and draw them to Your chest.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen
Add Your Ornaments to our “For God So Loved the World” Christmas Tree
Written on the “garland” around our tree are the words “For God So Loved the World” in 17 languages. We invite you to contribute your Christmas ornament(s) to the tree. You can bring in (with hook) and hang your ornaments beginning on the first Sunday of Advent (November 30) and throughout Advent. Please put your name on the ornament or on a small tag. (Note that the church will be keeping these ornaments.)
If you have questions, please contact Linda Kay or Lisa Balzer.
2025 Advent Retreat at Vallombrosa Retreat Center - Deadline to sign up and pay is Friday, November 28!
The Retreat is from Friday, December 12 to Saturday, December 13 - “A Fairy Tale of Hope”
If you have any food allergies or preferences, please note on the sign up sheet.
Please sign up here
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. In September of this year, she quietly announced that she was retiring and left. We are going to acknowledge and thank her for her decades of service during our church service on December 14.
We have a card for you to sign. It is on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Afterwards, we will have a cake reception for her.
What Child is This? Advent Reflections by Langham Scholars
We received copies of this Advent devotional from Langham Partners for us to reflect on during the Advent season. They are available in the back of the sanctuary. Feel free to take a copy (one per household). If you prefer a pdf copy, please let the church office know.
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
This year, the recipients of our Christmas offering will be an overseas ministry ECWA Theological Seminary,Jos and a local ministry 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. More information will be shared during announcement time on Sunday.
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
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.
Bring your favorite snack to share.
Freedom Stories
We have been blessed hearing Freedom Stories from our brothers and sisters in our congregation. Let this be an open invitation to anyone who wants to share his/her freedom story with the congregation; please contact Pastors Al or Paul.
Ministry Partners
INFEMIT
A few weeks ago, Kevin Flora shared about his experience at the “Church at the Crossroads” conference. Here are some related podcasts from INFEMIT, featuring Palestinian Christian theologians. It may not be front page news at the moment, but there is still conflict and turmoil in Gaza.
INFEMIT Podcasts Featuring Palestinian Christian Theologians
Advent with New College Berkeley