Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      I don't know how many times I have read the Genesis 6-9 account of Noah and the flood. I thought I was pretty aware of all the details involved. Yet, as I read this passage of Scripture this last week in my personal devotions, I was struck with a new story to which I had never given much thought. Genesis 7:2 says: "You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female." (NKJV)

      God instructed Noah concerning the ark and the animals. In the midst of this instruction, God referred to the animals as clean and unclean. Some time in the future God would use Moses to write the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 7:46-47 says: "This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth. To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten."

      Yet, here in Genesis 7, before the giving of the Law, Noah has some knowledge of both clean and unclean animals. How did he know this? This knowledge predates Moses and the writing of the first five books of our Bible commonly referred to as the Books of Moses. Moses and the Books of Moses would not come on the scene for at least several hundred years. How did Noah know about clean and unclean animals?

      The answer is quite simple. Noah had knowledge from God because God chose to speak to him. The Bible records, "And the Lord said..." in Genesis 6:2. That phrase is found over 200 times in our English Bible. Other passages refer to dreams, visions and face to face. The point to all this is that God spoke in times past. And God still speaks today.

      I believe that, of all generations past, we are most blessed to have God's Word. We have the very Words of God available to each of us in printed form today. As I sit at my desk and type on my computer, God's Word is open and in front of me. Hebrews 1 tells us that God has used various people and methods to speak to us. Today, God uses His Word. Oh, God uses other methods too, but today God has blessed us with our Bibles, His Word in printed form. Hebrews 4 records that the Word of God is living and powerful and capable of changing our lives (Hebrews 4:12).

      Our Bible is a wonderful gift to us. God uses His Word to speak to us, to speak to me. Let's be careful: careful that dust does not collect on the very Word of God; careful that I spend time reading and studying the very Word of God; careful that I heed the words and instruction found in the very Word of God; careful that I do not neglect or ignore the very Word of God. God spoke in times past and God still speaks today. Am I taking the time to listen to God's Word?

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      It's easy to only think about our church's Children's Ministry in the following areas: Nursery, Sunday School, Children's Church, Midweek Club, and God Squad. We are extremely grateful for the Lord's blessing on our new G.R.A.C.E. QUEST ministry to kids and their families! Praise the Lord!

      But to think that Children's Ministry only takes places on Sundays and Wednesdays would be far from the truth. Children's Ministry takes place on this campus Monday through Friday as faithful men and women touch the lives of the students of Grace Christian Academy & Preschool.

      It's Thursday morning and we have just finished another chapel service at GCA. Nearly 150 students sang praises to our God, quoted Scripture verses as a class and were then challenged by the Word of God. Pastor Paul brought the Word today and it was tremendous. He spoke of what it means to be a "Friend of God" as Abraham was - what an encouragement! I'm blessed to have a small part in chapel each week.

      I wish I could properly put into words what Christian education means to me and my family. My wife and I were both brought up in Christian schools just like this one. And as we considered where God might send us to minister, we earnestly prayed that wherever it might be, there would be a Christian school. We wanted our children to have the same reinforcement of Biblical principles that we had growing up. What a joy to discover in the spring of 2003 that part of the ministry of Grace Baptist Church was Grace Christian Academy & Preschool!

      We have made great efforts in the past two years to bring the school and church ministries closer together. With the help of Mr. Rohleder, we have made some of those strides and we look forward to the continuing endeavor to draw them together. Nearly half of the children involved in our Wednesday night FW Friends ministry, for instance, are GCA & PS students. And the memory work in our school's elementary classes is now the same as what we do in our church's programs, further reinforcing the Bible truths we seek to drive home. I am so thankful for the heart of our principal, Mr. Rohleder, and for his partnership in impacting these young lives.

      So, as you pray for our Children's Ministry (and I know you do!), please don't forget Miss Judy, Miss Melody, Miss Karen, Miss Suzy, Miss Donna, Miss Vicki, Miss Laura, Miss Joanie, Miss Suzanne, Miss "Cooker", Miss Kristi, Mr. Rohleder, Mrs. Bentley, Mr. Craig, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Mansur, Mrs. McElwain, Mrs. Miranda, Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Peterson, Mr. Pitter, Mrs. Pitter, Mrs. Reier, Mr. Schwepker, Mrs. Shintaku, Mrs. Sloan, Mrs. Stevenson, Mrs. Thrash, Miss Tompkins, Mrs. Varricchio, and Mrs. Zieske. They are a vital part of the Children's Ministry Team here at Grace Baptist Church. May God bless the staff of Grace Christian Academy and Preschool! We are so thankful for all you do!

      Pastor Greg

The Month in Focus with Pastor Ben

      Well, it's been another month of ministry and we're starting to settle into a groove. It always feels good when you can get into a routine and be moving forward. It reminds me of the moving walkways at the airport: I love those things because you walk on them and move twice as fast...

      Okay, back on topic now. September saw our first outreach event. Recess was on September 2 and we had a great time. There were about 20 kids - three of them were there for the first time, which is great. We played some glow in the dark kickball, we ate nachos, did some drama and even a little choir (some birthdays were being celebrated). No decisions were made publicly but the Gospel was presented and an invitation was given. Hopefully we will soon see the fruits of the night's labor.

      We are continuing to grow and build our core group. We've been averaging 25-30 kids on Wednesdays the past few weeks and about 20 on Sunday mornings in Sunday School. We'd love to see that number grow, but with that growth comes some more need. We are already low on youth staff with about six workers who are here every week. We really need some more help, so if you are looking for a ministry and think you might be able to hang out with some teenagers, come talk to me.

      Speaking of growth, there are two big events coming up. Friday, October 21 is Mission Impossible, which is another outreach event. It will be from 8 - 11 PM. So parents, send your kids and pick up all their friends on the way! Kids, invite your friends and have your parents stop to pick them up!

      Secondly, November 10-12 is the High School Leadership Retreat. We will be leaving Thursday evening and come back Saturday afternoon. More details on both of these events will be coming shortly.

      Thanks a lot for your prayers and for taking the time to read about what's happening with Grace Student Ministries.

      Pastor Ben

Eight Ate Together Sunday

New Member's Class

Sunday, October 2, 9, 16
4:30 PM
Pastor Paul's office

If you are interested in becoming a member of GBC, please let Pastor Paul know and then attend the classes!

Harvest Fellowship

Wednesday, October 26
6:30 - 8:30 PM

• What: Annual Halloween Alternative for Children up to 6th grade
• Where: GBC Gymnasium
• Admission: bring one canned good and admission is free
• Featuring: Inflatable maze, bounce house, cake walk, face painting, food & prizes, game booth
• Food tickets available at the door: 4 for $1.00
• Costumes are encouraged but please refrain from anything scary or grotesque.

Remember To Set Your Clocks

Set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night, October 29.

Calendar of Events

Click on the highlighted dates - the events are shown on the right.