1580 N Claremont Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711  ·   (909) 625-4455  ·         Give

Granite Creek Community Church
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Faith Over Fear

It was nineteen ninety-something and I was in the fourth grade. I was doing the all-important stare at the clock, willing the bell to ring so I could go to recess. Every minute felt like an hour. As I was impatiently waiting, I noticed my teacher passing out the results of our spelling test. Of course, like most weeks I got a D. See, I was never a good speller. Catching a football yes, spelling no. After I saw my grade, I looked up at the clock. No time had passed at all!I also noticed that my teacher was staring at me. She had a strange look on her face, not happy, not upset, just strange. She then told me to stay after the bell. Now at that age, I am sure you remember that if you were asked to stay after the bell that your stomach went into twisty mode. I started to wonder what could I have done, was it the spelling score? Did she know about the rock war my friends and I were going to have? As my mind was racing, the bell rang. As my friends headed out to recess, one friend said “Hey dude - I think that your mom is here.”

Oh man, it was an ambush! My stomach got worse. I thought my teacher and Mom joined forces. Knowing that I am dead now, all I could do was accept my punishment. My mom came into the room with tears in her eyes. Oh man, I really have done it now I thought. She then wrapped her arms around me and as she kissed my face and head, I looked at my teacher and she too is crying. My friends thought it was weird. I was so confused. My mom continued to hug and kiss me and began to say “It's not cancerous, it's not cancerous.”

That was a strange time in my life. I remember telling my mom one night that my leg had been hurting. I spent most of that year in doctor offices, operating tables, and on crutches. I also missed a lot of school, probably why I was getting D’s in spelling. I was totally unaware that during most of that time my parents were told that their son has a tumor in his hip.

Being a parent now, I can look back at my own parents and know that they were living through a nightmare. They were heartbroken, mad, and scared. I remember a lot during that time. I remember my family members just looking at me differently and telling me that everything will be ok. I remember waking up one morning and seeing our mailbox destroyed. It was not until years later that I learned it was my dad who destroyed it. For a man who knew how to fix everything, he was helpless to fix his son. My mom, on the other hand, went into prayer mode. Sure there were times when I would catch her crying on the phone with friends or my grandma, but she was steadfast in her prayers. Years later she told me that despite her belief in Jesus and His ability to heal, she was still scared to death of losing me.

There is a story in the bible where Jesus met with such a parent. In Mark 9 a desperate father walks up to Jesus in search of a miracle for his son.

20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

This was a situation. Here was a father who is desperate for a miracle for his child. Two things stick out to me that I think parents can relate to:

  1. This father said that the boy has been dealing with this since childhood, or his whole life. These parents have been dealing with, adjusting to, and stressing for a long time. As far back as he can remember it's always been like this. I am sure parents can relate to this father. Being in a situation so long that living a “normal” life just seems impossible, and a miracle seemed so far out of reach.
  2. The second thing that sticks out to me is that the boy’s condition often threw him into the fire to burn him or the water to drown him. In the first century, so much of life was set around fire and water. Everything that was cooked, or cleaned was done with an open flame in their home. So to be at home, someone always had to have eyes on the kid because you never knew when harm could come to their child. The family was robbed of peace and safety in the home. Living in a fishing village meant living next to the sea. Work or trips to the market also meant danger because all the places were around water. There was no peace or safety outside the home. Every aspect of this family's life had been affected by this problem. The father seeing Jesus asked Him, “If you can, take pity on us.” Jesus answered with “Everything is possible for those who believe.” The father's response is the truest, most relatable, and heartfelt words are written in the Bible. “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Have you been there? This family has been hit with a situation that has been going on forever, affects all aspects of life, and it seems impossible that Jesus could change it. Jesus’s response to the father is that of compassion and grace. At no point did Jesus become upset or send him away because of a lack of faith. Jesus just wanted Eyes on Him. The problem is big, the problem is overwhelming, but take your eyes off of it and on to Me. We know how the story ends the boy is healed, and the family is free to live life.

Despite my mom going into prayer mode after my diagnosis, she was still terrified of losing me. Did she lack faith? No, she embraced the fear but focused on Jesus anyway. I know a lot of parents are going through or may go through a situation that affects their kids. It's hard not to feel like the world stops when it comes to our kids. Fear can be normal and unbelief can be present. Jesus knows us and knows that those feelings are there, but despite how we feel, Jesus has grace and compassion for us. Jesus will still carry us in the midst of our unbelief when we keep our eyes on Him. So next time you're in that moment of unbelief or doubt, remember that dad with a sick kid, who told Jesus that he didn’t believe. And remember how Jesus loved that family despite the unbelief. Jesus loves you and your family so much that He will do amazing things with our eyes on Him, in spite of our unbelief.

By Pastor Michael Jones


Pastor Michael Jones
Family Pastor
909 625-4455 

    Pastor Michael Jones

    Family Pastor
    909 625-4455 |

    Family Pastor Michael Jones

    Pastor Michael served as the Youth Pastor at Granite Creek for over twenty years, and is stepping into the new full-time role of Family Pastor! He has great vision for what God can do in and through our Granite Creek families and can't wait to see what God does next.

    Michael's interests includes movies, football, and comics. He has worked with Special Needs Children and families, and has coached sports. Pastor Michael holds a B.A. in Psychology and Human Development from Vanguard University.

    [email protected]

    Families

    Granite Creek Families seeks to help create strong marriages, confident parents, empowered kids, and healthy leaders.


    Sunday, 4/11 at 9:00 AM
    Sunday Patio & Drive-In Worship Service
    Sunday, 4/11 at 11:00 AM
    Granite Creek Online Church
    Sunday, 4/11 at 1:00 PM
    High School Growth Group
    Monday, 4/12 at 6:00 PM
    K-5th Grade Indescribable Devotional - online
    Tuesday, 4/13 at 6:30 AM
    Tuesday Morning Prayer
    Tuesday, 4/13 at 10:00 AM
    The 3x5 Growth Group on ZOOM
    Tuesday, 4/13 at 6:55 PM
    Women's Bible Study via ZOOM
    Wednesday, 4/14 at 6:30 PM
    101 Class on ZOOM - Intro to Granite Creek

    Sunday Patio & Drive-In Worship Service

    Sunday, April 11, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    Sit on our patio, socially distanced or in your car. Please RSVP at https://granitecreek.churchcenter.com/registrations

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    Granite Creek Online Church

    Sunday, April 11, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Go to www.granitecreek.org or Facebook for live feed.

    Add to My Calendar

    High School Growth Group

    Sunday, April 11, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

    Outside, in person at the playground benches at church.

    Masks required.

    $16 for your book (we have them on hand)

    Join us as we dive deeper into the word this year with a 15 week Bible study. We will read the entire New Testament together and we will do an overview of the Old Testament.

    Each week will have 6 days of scheduled reading and one day to sabbath. Each day of reading and reflection will take approximately 30 min-1 hour.

    Don't let the time intimidate you, if you miss a day or three, it's no big deal. This study is to help YOU get into the Word. You will get out of it what you put into it. Just think, in only 15 weeks you will have an understanding of the Bible as a whole!

    We will be using The Bible Study: Youth Edition that will be passed out to each student at our first meeting.

    This group is open to High School students only.



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    K-5th Grade Indescribable Devotional - online

    Monday, April 12, 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

    with Director Sara Frias online.

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    Tuesday Morning Prayer

    Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM

    Click here to view on Google Calendar.

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    The 3x5 Growth Group on ZOOM

    Tuesday, April 13, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Are you one who has struggled with memorizing Scripture? We have all been there! Each of us knows the importance of hiding the Word in our heart... but just need the nudge to make it happen. This 7-Week, “3 x 5 Group” meeting with Joyce Racine will be that nudge. ZOOM Meeting ID: 993 2033 4703

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    Women's Bible Study via ZOOM

    Tuesday, April 13, 6:55 PM - 8:45 PM

    He Speaks to Me: Preparing to Hear from God - Bible Study Book by Priscilla Shirer

    Tuesdays, 6:55-8:45 pm on ZOOM

    Priscilla relates six characteristics found in Samuel that are applicable to women today as they tune their hearts to hear God's voice. These characteristics are:  A Simple Relationship, A Set Apart Holiness, A Still Attentiveness, A Single-Minded Worship, A Sold Out Hunger, and A Servant's Spirit. By listening to God's voice and obeying Him, women will be drawn into a closer relationship with God that brings a deeper desire to serve Him faithfully.

    Order book on Lifeway.com or Amazon.com Zoom ID#: 915-6939-8913 PW: romans828 Contact Women’s Ministry Leader, Judi Power with Questions at [email protected]


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    101 Class on ZOOM - Intro to Granite Creek

    Wednesday, April 14, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    Get to know us! Discover what Granite Creek offers to help you get to where you’re going, who we are, and how you can get equipped and connected. 3 part class. Join Zoom Meeting
    https://granitecreek.zoom.us/j/96337197030


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    Granite Creek Community Church | 1580 N Claremont Blvd Claremont, CA 91711 | (909) 625-4455

    SUNDAY - 9AM - ONLINE 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM


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    Service Times

    Sundays

    • 9 AM - Drive-In Church in cars
    • 11 AM Online Facebook Only
    • 6:30 PM - Church on the Green outdoors

    Location

    Granite Creek Community Church
    1580 N Claremont Blvd
    Claremont, CA 91711

    Contact Us
    (909) 625-4455

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    Current Service Times | COVID-19 Response

    SUNDAY WORSHIP

    9:00 AM Patio & Drive-In Church (outdoor seating available)

    11:00 AM In-Person Indoor Seating AND online Livestream

    Click here to RSVP for Sunday Services

    Watch Livestream Here


    Welcome Children Youth College Family / Adult

    Granite Creek Community Church (GCCC) is a Spirit-filled church in the college town of Claremont, CA where it's all about relationship, not religion. Come celebrate with us Sunday mornings at 9:00 am & 11:00 am and at Sunday Night 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

    In addition to three Sunday Services, we offer classes, small groups, training, youth opportunities, college groups, and various seasonal events throughout the year.

    Get to Know Us

    At Granite Creek, kids are a priority. One of our values is to see kids grow up to become everything God created them to be as they develop a personal faith and relationship with Christ in a safe and loving environment. We partner with parents to provide experiences that will meet their child's mental, emotional and spiritual needs, so that their children will become fully devoted followers of Christ.

    More About Children's Programs

    GCY is a ministry designed for 7th through 12th graders, to help students engage in a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ, to experience God in a true and relevant way, while in a relational, safe, and relaxed environment. To show every student that God loves them and has an amazing plan for their lives. We know youth have real struggles, and it is our desire that each student know our team is genuinely there to listen, pray and care for them.

    Granite Creek Youth

    FIDELIS is the college and young adult group at Granite Creek Community Church! We're excited to encourage leadership for the next generation! Statistics show that we are losing a generation in the church (18-30 year olds) and at FIDELIS we aim to strengthen and support this generation as they define their faith walk and work through issues unique to them.

    We are people-driven church, not program driven. Ministries exist to meet the spiritual, emotional, physical, and psychological needs of people. But, they also provide opportunities for members to grow in maturity in Christ through giving to others. GCCC ministries provide opportunities for you to serve others and actively pursue fulfilling God's purposes for your life.

    Thank you for joining us in what God is doing at Granite Creek Community Church!

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