Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      "Gratitude is not just a nice addition to a generally good character. It is indispensable to Christian character." This quote was made by Mathew A. Thomas and published in a 1986 article of Discipleship Journal. I think November begins a season of gratitude and a very special time of the year where there is much for which to be grateful for. I recently sat in my office and simply reflected on God's rich blessings that He has presented to us. These include so much in the heavenly realm, but they also include great and abundant blessings living here in the United States.

      It was the fall of 1620 and the crossing of the Atlantic was very difficult for the Pilgrims. While traveling in the 'tween decks (the five foot high cargo hold of the ship), these believers sang Psalms to one another as they made their way to the New World. After sixty four days at sea, enduring isolation below deck, and storms that threatened the sea worthiness of the Mayflower, land was sighted off to what is now known as Cape Cod, Massachusetts. God would continue to provide for these New World travelers.

      During their first winter, only four families escaped without burying at least one family member. Yet, the pilgrims would remain focused on God's provision in the midst of their hardship. God did provide. The fear of Indian attacks did not materialize. Good farm land was available. An English speaking Indian named Squanto worked to translate for and help the Pilgrims.

      During the summer of 1621, when it appeared the year's corn harvest would not survive a severe drought, the Pilgrims called for a day of fasting and prayer. By the end of the day it was raining. It was this miraculous corn harvest that provided the grain for the Pilgrim's fist Thanksgiving meal with their Indian friends and helpers.

      Some years later, in 1789, Congress approved the Bill of Rights and the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. Congress then recommended a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to thank God for blessing America. President Washington declared November 26, 1789, as the "First National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving" to the Lord. 75 years later, President Abraham Lincoln established the last Thursday in November as a day to acknowledge the gracious gifts of the Most High God bestowed upon America. Every president thereafter did the same until 1941, when Congress officially made Thanksgiving a National Holiday.

      The word of God declares in 1 Thessalonians 5:18; "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (NKJV) Enjoy this upcoming holiday season, remember to give thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving to you from the Radobenko Family.

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      While being held in prison the Apostle Paul wrote the following words to his Philippian brothers and sisters in the Lord: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." (Philippians 1:3-5)

      Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year. As a family gathered for their dinner on Thanksgiving Day, the nine year-old asked if he could say the blessing. Pleased that he wanted to take the initiative, the parents quickly agreed. So they bowed their heads, closed their eyes, and the boy began his prayer. "Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the turkey, the rolls, the mashed potatoes, the red jiggly stuff, and the bread stuff, even though I don't like it. We ask that You not let us choke on this food." The prayer itself nearly caused them to choke (in laughter!). There is so much to be thankful for: the freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America (and those who protect those freedoms), good health that allows us to do many of the things we enjoy, families who love and support us in good times and bad, and friends who are available to listen and laugh with.

      But I would like to take a cue from the Apostle Paul this month and say how thankful I am for YOU, the family of believers at Grace Baptist Church. It's hard to believe that over 2 1/2 years have passed since we drove onto this property for the first time. You have been so loving and gracious to our family and we thank you.

      In the support you have shown to our ministry with the children, we are blessed. Sunday School, Children's Church, Midweek Club, God Squad, Celebrate Jesus Party, Vacation Bible School, Summer Camp, Harvest Festival, Operation Christmas Child - these are the efforts in which so many of you have participated. What a blessing you are to my heart! You make the Children's Ministry of our church such an exciting thing to be part of!

      In the support you have shown our family, we are overwhelmed. Since entering the ministry full-time in 1995, I have always remained aware of the faithful and sacrificial giving of God's people to provide for me and my family. From the clothes we wear, to the food we eat, to the home we live in - all the good things we enjoy - we never forget that it is God's provision to us though YOUR faithfulness. It is greatly appreciated.

      May God bless you richly for your kindness and generosity this past year. Please take the time to note how God has blessed you as you gather for your Thanksgiving. As our family does so this year, we will be thinking of you.

      Pastor Greg

The Month in Focus with Pastor Ben

      Praise the Lord! Or as the song says, "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!" As Gloria and I are wrapping up our fourth month here, it's been a great one. Normally (if I can have a "normally" after three months), I look back at the month's ministry chronologically. I'm skipping straight to the great stuff this month. Friday, October 21st, we had an outreach event called Mission Impossible. Kids went from room to room completing missions such as racing mini-RC cars, putting on a costume, or pushing each other across the gym on a skateboard. We consumed roughly 10 large pizzas, 50 cans of pop and mini candy bars. All this, however, was to set the stage to deliver the ultimate "Mission Impossible" - which was getting to heaven on your own. I was able to share the Gospel with 38 kids. We had six kids make decisions for the Lord, three of which went to another room to pray and talk with Gloria and Joyce Radobenko.

      PRAISE THE LORD!

      I would not have been able to put this all together without the help I got from some volunteers and I would like to thank them publicly: Bob Wisnewski, Shannon Maurer, the whole Radobenko Family, Andrew Hunter, Tim Pitter, and Jason Tamura.

      The rest of the month seems a little tame compared to the Mission Impossible night. However, every week is a great week and we've been ministering to an average of 27 kids every week through September and October. Because of the growing number of kids and activities like Mission Impossible, I would like to mention two things. First, I need more youth staff. If you have ever considered working with teens or are feeling the Lord pulling you that direction, don't put it off! The longer you push off the Holy Spirit, the harder He'll push and you will miss out on some great opportunities. Secondly, we are moving to Tuesday nights starting November 1st. This is a trial period through January 31st. As both children's and youth ministries are growing, we need more room. So spread the word and remember "Teens on Tuesdays."

      Thank you for all your prayers and support. Together we are making disciples of Christ.

      Pastor Ben

Thanksgiving and Praise

Sunday, November 20
6:00 PM Service

We will be having a time of thanksgiving and praise
in song and worship.

A pie fellowship will follow so
plan to bring your favorite pie (in a disposable tin) to share.

Operation Christmas Child

BROCHURES ARE AVAILBLE IN THE CHURCH FOYER!!

BOXES ARE DUE BY
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 13!

December Events

Donate Poinsettias

Once again this year, Grace Baptist Church would like to give you the opportunity to remember a loved one or special friend this Christmas season by purchasing a poinsettia in their memory or in their honor. These plants will be used as part of the church decorations. Because of the planned arrangement for these plants and the need that they all be the same size, the church will be purchasing the poinsettias.

A listing of those donating poinsettias and for whom they were donated will be published in the December 18 bulletin. You will also have the opportunity to take your poinsettias after the morning service on December 25.

If you would like to be a part of this special remembrance, please fill out the form below and return it, along with $7.00 for each poinsettia you would like to donate, to the church office by Sunday, December 11.

If you have any questions please contact Abby or Lori in the church office or send an email here.

Print the form (click here).

Office Staff Update

Changes are coming to the GBC Office Staff!

     On December 31, Rosie Denton will retire after 26 years of faithful ministry. Lori Rohleder will be moving into Rosie's position and Trish Sexauer will maintain her position with some added responsibilities.

     Joining our staff is Abby Lopez, who will be taking over Lori's position. Some responsibilities will be changing hands so watch future bulletins and newsletters for details as to whom you should contact for questions.

Calendar of Events

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