Gracepoint Summer Rally 2013 - Rebuilding the Walls Together
Written by Lillian K.
This past weekend, we "rallied" together across all of our churches to get together with more than 1500 people to be strengthened by all the good work that God has done in our ministries! This rally was the first of its kind, where we got to meet the members of our other churches and be encouraged that we are all working towards the same goal of sharing the gospel alongside our fellow brothers and sisters. There were many moments of laughter, recounting stories of sacrifice done by many of the oldest members of our church, singing praise, and even symbolically laying down the "bricks of sacrifice" that many people have given in order for the church to be built up, just as Nehemiah had done in his days when he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. We also got to hold a commissioning serving for a new church plant at UCLA (the campus group will be called Acts 2 Fellowship). Many of us committed and recalibrated for ourselves what was important to give our lives for and were galvanized again to reach out to all the people right around us in the cities we're spread out in! Here's a snapshot of what happened over that time...
Pre-GSR SF trip! After driving down the crookedest street of Lombard, we stopped by Pier 39!
Chowin' down on Trish's mini donuts (so delicious!)
I don't even know what to say...
Endless options of some amazing seafood! (Of course, we had to get some clam chowder in a bread bowl!)
Ghirardelli Square (as in, yes, the chocolate)
The brothers looking very cultured in front of the Palace of Fine Arts in SF.
The secret picture spot of Battery Park!
Every trip to UC Berkeley must always include a stop at the Durant Food Court!
GSR took place in our newly renovated Auditorium in Building B at our Harbor Bay building!
Many members of our church shared stories of their peers, leaders, and how they first started to attend our church
Many of us had a chance to recount or commit to the sacrifices it will take to build up the church
A special celebration for our senior pastor's wife Kelly Kang on her 50th birthday! Happy Birthday!
Capping it off with a whirlwind tour of the beautiful sights of Northern California!
Bonfire at Sierra Lodge
Lookin' good at Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe on a rainy day
It was really cold at Omstead...
Minnesota and Austin students mingling at Yosemite House!
Halfway point up to Vernal Falls!
Beautiful... (the background, that is...)
Wow...
Look over there!~
When a picture can speak louder than words...
Overlooking the beautiful Monterey Bay!
Who knew seaweed could provide so much fun? =)
Vintage Koinonia Jump Pic!
So until next time... Have a great rest of the summer!