Amazing Grace: Churches and houses of worship offer unity
By Christa Martin

A young woman in a bind recently stopped by Santa Cruz Bible Church. Shehelped stuff bulletins and shared her story with Christine Beitsch. Theevening service, Graceland, was just about to begin, and Beitsch was filledwith compassion for her new acquaintance. "When I thought of her sleeping inher car, I saw her as Christ sees her," said Beitsch, the Director Of Community for Graceland.

So, she invited the stranger into her home and provided food, shelter andfriendship for a few days. Others in the congregation opened their homes, too, and the young woman experienced the depth of an unexpected extendedfamily before she left town a week later. "I knew that was what Jesus woulddo," Beitsch said. "I felt it in my heart."

It's not an obligation for Beitsch, but a privilege. She thrives at beingable to promote community at Graceland and serve others in a family-like way.

"People are longing for community, and the church has good answers for it," said Joe Schimmels, Graceland's associate pastor. "Jesus saw a humanity that was divided and He paid a huge price, canceling what was divided - our sins.Now we can relate to one another. God designed humanity to be in community".

Faith is what propels Graceland and other houses of worship to offercommunity and family-like experiences to congregations and visitors. Somefeed the sick, others offer prayers and friendship and still others traveloutside of Santa Cruz, bringing love to a world that aches of loneliness andpain.