From the Pastor's Pen..."You Are Blessed" Pastor Paul's Paragraphs Kid's Korner with Pastor Greg
40 Days of Purpose November Events Our Family Children's Bike Parade Youth/Children's Ministries - Final Make-up Meeting Mandatory Teacher Training Seminar
November 2003
In a few short days we, along with hundreds of others, will gather around a bountiful feast to share a Thanksgiving dinner. In keeping with this special holiday, I would like for us to focus on God's goodness and how blessed we are. Consider this...
1. If you own a Bible, you are abundantly blessed.
2. If you wake up each morning with more health than illness, you are blessed.
3. If you have just one person that loves you and listens to you, you are blessed.
4. If you can freely attend a church meeting without fear, then you are blessed.
5. If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, all at the same time, you are blessed.
6. If you have a friend in Christ that will pray for you and with you, you are blessed.
7. If you pray today or any day, you are blessed because you believe in God's willingness to hear your prayer.
8. If you have any earthly family that loves you and supports you, you are blessed.
9. If you attend a church with a church family that offers you one word of encouragement, you are blessed.
10. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or some spare change in a dish someplace, you are blessed.
11. If you can go to bed each night realizing that God loves you, you are blessed.
12. If you try each day to imitate our Lord for even a minute, you are blessed because you show a willingness to grow up in Him.
13. If you have a voice to sing His praises, a voice to witness of God's love, you are blessed.
14. If you can hold someone's hand, hug another person, touch someone on the shoulder, you are blessed.
15. If you have the conviction to stand fast upon His Word and His promises, no matter what, you are blessed.
16. If you have been able to read and comprehend all of the above, you are blessed.
Ken Vaughan, one of our missionaries, made this impressionable statement a few years ago: "God is good all the time. All the time God is good." Have a great day of praise and thanksgiving on Thursday, the 27th.
Pastor Kuns
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"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15)
I once heard it said that there are no truly poor people in the United States. I'm not sure that I agree with the statement, but it does help me put into perspective all that we have as a country. I read about the world and how much severe poverty there is. I see the pictures of living conditions and refugee camps and I heard the stories and the struggles. If I allow this information to have impact on me, I begin to realize how blessed I am.
I live in these United States where the gospel can be freely preached and freely received. I live in these United States where the grocery store shelves are full, many times to overflowing (ever picked up a piece of fruit and gotten more than you wished?). I live in these United States where I can depend upon electricity (most of the time in California), telephone, cable, water, sewer, and so many basic needs. I may not like the price of gasoline, but I don't have to wait in line for a fill up or use ration coupons. If I wasn't blessed with an automobile, I wouldn't even need gasoline. I live in these United States where I can choose what to cook for supper rather than stand in a food line and receive whatever is available.
I get up in the morning from a comfortable bed, step into a warm shower, choose an outfit for the day from a closet that is overflowing with clothes, pick a pair of shoes or sandals from a large selection, and travel in style to work or school. I fulfill my responsibilities for the day, return to my comfortable home or apartment, enjoy another healthy meal of my choosing, and relax the evening away and return to my comfortable bed for the night.
The previous paragraphs may not describe my life and all its fullness, but it does reflect that I live in a part of the world that is very bountifully blessed by God. And during the month of November and the very special day of Thanksgiving, I trust that you too will reflect on God's blessing and express yourself in thanksgiving to Him. I do believe that an attitude of gratitude and the expression of thanks is pleasing to our Heavenly Father.
Pastor Paul
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NEEDED:
If you have a heart for children and can dedicate an hour each week (SS) or each month (CC), then we are looking for you!
See Pastor Greg
This is a month when we stop in a special way to reflect upon God's goodness to us. While we should demonstrate an “attitude of gratitude” 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, there is always something special about the Thanksgiving month of November. As our family looks back upon the previous year, we have much to be thankful for.
A NEW HOME: After several weeks of prayer seeking the Lord's direction for our lives, God led us to Yuba City, California. I can still remember the first phone conversation with Pastor Kuns. There are still days it seems unbelievable, but we have no doubt that this is exactly where the Lord wants us. We are thankful for His clear direction in our lives.
A NEW MINISTRY: While I began my ministry in children's work, I have served as a senior pastor the last 8 years. God provided me with many opportunities in those years, but never have I sensed His leading as I did when He began working in my heart regarding children's ministry. It is a HIGH calling. Think of the many decisions that are made as a child - think of the direction that is taken - I am energized and humbled at the prospect of leading these young people.
A NEW HOUSE: What an answer to prayer! God has blessed us with a wonderful place to live! How we praise Him for this provision. We are grateful for the opportunity to live in a house that enables us to have Bible studies, meetings and the like. We dedicate it to Him and His purposes.
A NEW FAMILY: We cannot begin to express our appreciation for our church family here at Grace. You have welcomed us with open arms and open hearts. Your kindnesses, generosity, love, and appreciation are such an encouragement to me and my family. From the food (and candy!) shower to the washer & dryer gift, we are so thankful for all you have done. Be encouraged in knowing that God has used you to strengthen us in ways you will never know.
Thanksgiving - what an awesome time! May we all be mindful of the blessings God has bestowed. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
Pastor Greg
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Sunday, November 2:
Discipleship: "You Were Created to Become Like Christ"
Sunday, November 9:
Ministry: "You Were Shaped for Serving God"
A Ministry Fair will be held in the gym following
the morning service. This fair will feature all of
the ministries available at Grace Baptist Church
and give you an opportunity to find a spot for God to use you.
Sunday, November 16:
Evangelism: "You Were Made for a Mission"
A Missions Fair will be held in the gym
following the morning service. This fair will
give you an opportunity to see the various
mission outreaches in our community.
Sunday, November 23:
Celebration Sunday
No Sunday School
10:00 AM Morning Service
Lunch in the Gymnasium
Sign up in the church foyer to either donate or provide funds for the
following: canned corn, instant potatoes, salad, dinner rolls, or cake.
The church will provide fried chicken and gravy.
Donated items need to be brought to the church by Friday, November 21.
"Wall of Celebration" - written testimonies posted in the gymnasium
No Evening Service
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Rebekah Ray had some medical tests done.
Orval Morris suffered a mini-stroke but is now doing well.
Elta Belle Durnford was briefly hospitalized but is home and feeling better.
Debra Kay, Jacob Severson's mother, was hospitalized because of a severe choking incident. She was very ill for quite some time but is doing much better.
Vivian Free suffered a mini-stroke following back surgery but seems to be doing better.
Steve Rodriguez's grandmother passed away.
Lloyd & Joann Zans' daughter, Marsha passed away following a long battle with cancer.
Marion Kaetor, grandmother of Linda Barnecut & Nancy Crumrine, passed away.
Alta McCortney's mother passed away.
Tracy Foss has some medical tests done.
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Tuesday, November 18
7:00PM Church Auditorium
For all volunteers of
Grace Baptist Church and Grace Christian Academy & Preschool
If you missed the Training Meeting on September 13, you must attend this meeting.
Also please note: If you did not attend annual training in 2002 you must attend this
meeting or you will be in danger of being dropped from the screening system.
Questions? Contact Pastor Greg
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