Grace Point Community Church

Grace Point Community Church Newsletter
SPECIAL EDITION

THE GREATEST TREASURE

In seasons of change, our hearts can hold more than one feeling at a time—gratitude, sadness, uncertainty, and even hope. As we prepare to donate our church building to Village Church, we do so with tender hearts and open hands, asking the Lord to steady us and to remind us what cannot be taken away. One short verse from Jesus should be especially comforting: Matthew 13:44 -- God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field. One day a man found the treasure. He hid it again and was so happy that he went and sold everything he owned and bought the field.

Just imagine for a moment: you are walking across a field and stumble upon an ancient treasure—forgotten by the whole world. You realize the plot of land is for sale. What would you do? How quickly would you sell everything you have to buy the field with the treasure? Of course you would move quickly. You’ve found something of great value—worth so much more than what you had before.

There is a true story from Northern California helps this picture feel even more real. A couple walking on their own property noticed an old, rusted can protruding from the ground. When they pulled it out and opened it, they discovered gold coins inside—and, over time, several more buried cans filled with coins dating back to the 1800s. What looked like an ordinary hillside held an unexpected treasure, the so-called “Saddle Ridge Hoard”.

Jesus says God’s Kingdom can be like that: hidden in plain sight, worth more than we imagined, and able to reshape what we’re willing to hold onto. The man’s joy is not in the field itself, but in the treasure hidden within it. In the same way, church buildings matter—they carry memories, prayers, and years of worship—but they were never the treasure. The treasure is Jesus Himself, His gospel, and His living people. And that treasure goes with us.

Here is a brief timeline of the events that led us to where we are. Starting at the very end of February, Grace Point leadership receive three unsolicited inquiries concerning our property. One offer was for selling the property, another included swapping buildings with another church, and the third involved us merging with another congregation and donating our building. One offer came to me, the other two to members of the Leadership Team.

The first time our Leadership talked to the church was following our service on March 29. By that time, the offer to sell had been dismissed. To sell the property allows for the possibility of it not being used to the glory of God by a so-called “like-minded” church or ministry, which our bylaws require.

The offer of a swap had been withdrawn by then as well, before we had the opportunity to poll the congregation about how many of our current attendees were of a mind to stay with the church, even if it meant a move to a surrounding community.

And we did not even have our first meeting with the third church until after our March 29 church meeting and potluck. We had determined not to make any permanent decisions until after Easter. But that week following Easter, things began to move pretty quickly.

By that time, the decision was not a matter of “who”, but “if”. Did we want to consolidate with another congregation or continue as things were? Our Leadership Team made the decision that to donate our building was the best course of action.

What is very evident in this process is that at least three organizations saw the value of our “treasure” and made plans to acquire the “field”. So, as we donate our building, we should see it as an act of generosity, making room for worship to continue, for ministry to grow, and for God’s work to carry on within these walls.

When we say “yes” to Jesus, the value of everything else is put in its proper place. Matthew 13:44 does not pretend that letting go is easy—but it does show us where lasting joy is found. The man sold what he had not because the sacrifice felt small, but because the treasure was greater.

So, we walk forward with open hands—grateful for what God has done in this place. And trusting Him for what He will do next. May the Lord comfort every heart, strengthen our unity, and fill us with quiet courage. And may the congregation receiving this building be blessed with worship, discipleship, and fruit that remains. The treasure is Christ, and He is with His church.

And that is what we will celebrate THIS SUNDAY, April 19. We will celebrate the treasure Grace Point has been. And the treasure our building will be for Village Church. Come at 9a for BREAKFAST to honor our High School graduates Sarah Selvage and Jathyn Reynolds. Then join us at 10a as we hear testimonies of what Grace Point has meant to so many of us.

If you want to provide a testimony by video, please text it to us. Or come prepared to speak for a minute or 2 about your experience here.

Please keep one more thing in mind, Grace Point still has bills to pay. So, consider bringing your best offering this Sunday. Or, if you would rather, scan the QR Code to give online or click this link: gracepoint.info/give.

Much Thanks and Many Blessings,

Pastor Tim and Mrs Karen

KEEP THE FAITH, tonight. Turkey sandwiches, too. Starts in an hour.