Dear Church Family, In his excellent book, “The Art of Forgiveness,” Lewis Smede writes, “We Forgive when we feel God’s Spirit nudging us with an impulse to pull ourselves out of the sludge of our disabling resentment.” Forgiveness is crucial for individuals and for a local body of Christ. The spiritual, emotional, and perhaps physical aspects of our lives are dependent upon heart felt  forgiveness. On Sunday we will be looking at 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. The message title is “ The Nonnegotiable Virtue: Forgiveness.” Other helpful verses that will prepare you for our time in God’s Word are Matthew 18:15-18, John 20:22-23, and Genesis 50:15-21. May the Lord bless our time together as we study this important passage and theme of forgiveness. Have a wonderful day as you bask in the glory of having been forgiven by your Lord. God bless you and have a great day! Because of Him, Pastor...

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Dear Church Family, It is remarkable how much of a difference good leadership can make in a home, a church, an athletic team, or a business. It is fascinating to see how secular thinkers are coming around to conclude the same things that God’s Word has said for a few thousand years. On Sunday we will be looking at 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4. The sermon title is “ The Marks of a Godly Leader.” Other verses that will prepare you for our time in God’s word are Matthew 20:25-28, I Thessalonians 2:4-8, and Acts 20:17-24. I am looking forward to being with you and worshipping the King of Kings on Sunday morning. If you have the chance, stop in to visit the church rummage sale on Friday or Saturday anytime from 7:00 am -3:00 pm.  It is a first class operation! Thanks for being such a fine representation of Jesus! Have a great day. Because of Him, Pastor...

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Dear Church Family, It is common to preach a message on Mother’s Day that is an exhortation or an encouragement to mothers as they fulfill their holy calling as care givers. I know, I have preached such messages and they have their place. It is less common to preach a Mother’s Day message that is aimed more at those who are cared for by mothers and other care givers. Such a message is primarily encouraging to mothers and a healthy reminder to the rest of us to honor them for their sacrificial and honorable ways. This Sunday morning we will be looking at John 19:25-28. The message title is “Caring for Mothers.” Other verses that will prepare you for our time in God’s Word are I Timothy 5:3-4, Proverbs 18:21, and Proverbs 20:20. I am looking forward to lifting up motherhood and care giving on Sunday morning. On Saturday from 10:00am  to 1:00 pm the church family will be washing cars for mothers and others in the community as we seek to show the kindness of Jesus. Come help us serve or pray for us as we reach out to our community. Until Sunday, God bless you and have a great day! Because of Jesus, Pastor...

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Dear Church Family, Years ago we at The Canton Grace Church identified 5 core values that should drive everything that we do. Over the years I believe that we have come to reflect these core values to a great extent. Our 5 core values are worship, dependence, excellence, grace, and integrity. The leaders of the church have tried to model these values and of course we teach them as the Spirit leads. This Sunday morning we will have the privilege of looking at one of these core values, personal integrity. The title of Sunday’s message is “The Nature and Benefits of Integrity.”  Our passage is 2 Corinthians 1:12-14. Other verses that will prepare you for our time in God’s Word are Psalm 26:1-2, Acts 24:16, and I Thessalonians 2:4-10. I am looking forward to being with you and sharing truths from God’s Word about integrity. May the Lord honor you as you honor Him by walking before Him with integrity. God bless you and have a wonderful day! Because of Jesus, Pastor...

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Dear Church Family, John Newton said it well when he wrote, “Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come.” Trouble is part of living in a sin cursed world. How we navigate our troubles is an important aspect of living an effective Christian life. That raises the question, “Why does God allow His people go through deep trials?” This Sunday morning we will be looking at 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. The sermon title is “Why God Allows Difficult Trials.” Other verses that will prepare you for our time in God’s Word are James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5, and Philippians 1:19. I am very much looking forward to sharing truths from God’s Word on this important topic. Until Sunday, may the good Lord’s hand sustain you through the ups and downs of life. God bless you and have a wonderful day. In His Matchless Grace, Pastor...

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Dear Church Family, Everyone has challenges and life can at times be discouraging and downright painful. It is part of living in a world that is under the curse. Fortunately we also live in a world where the hardships of life are eased by people and a loving God who delights to comfort those in distress. This Sunday morning we will begin our journey through the book of II Corinthians. The title of the inaugural sermon is “All About the Comfort of God.” Our passage is II Corinthians 1:3-7. Other verses that will prepare you for our time in God’s Word are Isaiah 49:13, Genesis 24:64-67, and Acts 11:22-23. Comfort is a wonderful thing that takes the sting out of the hurts of life. May you experience God’s comfort as you navigate the rest of your week. God bless you and have a great day! Because of Him, Pastor...

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