10am Worship - Monsignor Ecker

Grace of Christ

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10am Worship - Monsignor Ecker

August 25, 2024 • Monsignor Ecker • Ephesians 4:1–6, Matthew 8:5–13

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This morning we welcome Monsignor John Ecker to Grace of Christ. He has served as a Catholic priest for 66 years, the majority of those here in Yakima. He’s also led parishes in Kennewick and Warden. In 1967 he began eight years as a military chaplain to servicemen and women in Vietnam. He then returned to the Yakima valley where he has been, with one exception, ever since.

Monsignor Ecker has been, and remains, one of the strongest, and brightest, voices for ecumenical relationships across the Christian community. He cares deeply for the churches in our city, and for people and pastors across our valley. He is viewed by many, myself included, as Yakima’s pastor. He is a friend of Grace of Christ, and my friend too.

Last week I (Curt) had the opportunity to preach at St Paul’s. Yes, there are differences, Presbyterians and Catholics, in how we understand certain aspects of the church, and of the Christian faith, but what brings us together is more important. We share a common love for, and belief in, Jesus.

Both of our churches were built, in their present locations, in 1927. The first service at St. Paul’s was Easter Sunday April 17th, 1927. The first service at First Presbyterian was Sunday October 9th, that same year.

Both church communities have had a significant impact on the development of, and the heart of, our city and valley. Both church communities serve the needy and speak clearly about the need all have to know, love, and follow, Jesus.

Our friendship with those at St Paul’s grows stronger as we welcome our good and dear friend Monsignor Ecker to Grace this morning.

More from ACTS: The Holy Spirit Working Through Us

11A Worship

November 10, 2024 • Curt McFarland • Acts 21:37, Acts 22:29, Acts 22:2–22

My freshman year at Whitworth I made friends easily. But there was one person, Greg, who did not like me. I couldn’t figure out why. How could he not like me? No matter how hard I tried to win him over it seemed to have the opposite effect. I finally stopped trying. 46 years later I still remember Greg. And, I still wonder why? There are times when others just don’t get us. They assume things about us that are not true. They believe the worst about us. They attack us. Dislike us. Maybe it’s just me … nope! Paul, the first century Christian leader, was the focal point for irrational anger. Not from one, or a few, but from a mob. They wanted him dead. His approach to such hatred … he told the story of how he met Jesus. The mob listened … for a while. And then they shouted, “he should not be allowed to live!” Tough crowd. Real life. Real faith.

9A Worship

November 10, 2024 • Curt McFarland • Acts 21:37, Acts 22:29, Acts 22:2–22

11A Worship: Jerusalem - Paul & Mob Justice

November 3, 2024 • Curt McFarland • Acts 21:1–36

In conversations, and in what I’m reading online and in print, there is a growing sense of anxiety about our lives, our community, our nation and world. Technology is advancing faster than we can process it (thank goodness for AI). Global conflicts seem poised to expand (thank goodness for the UN). It is a year of national and local elections (thank goodness for our political parties). Cultural divisions seem to be widening (thank goodness for our common values). What can and should a Christian do in such times? Pray, yes. Re-connect with the truths and promises of God, yes. Live in this troubled world with both Grace and Truth, yes. Remember who we belong to, yes. And … we live each day knowing that God knows, God cares, God remains sovereign, and He is with us.