Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      I love when a plan comes together. For the past several months we have been talking about a major need around here at Grace: our rapidly deteriorating parking lot. After much investigation, many meetings, dozens of appointments, enormous learning and sacrificial giving, that project is now behind us. As relates to parking lots, I now know the meaning of alligator cracks, joints and grinding, different aggregates, slurry mixes and skim coats. I suspect that I still have much to lean from the many experts who were willing to share their knowledge in this area. A plan was presented and approved, dozens of people participated in this process and the major need was taken care of to the glory of God. As your pastor, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you who prayed, gave and participated in making our renewed parking lot a reality.

      Another reality of life that constantly surrounds us is change. As many of you are aware, Pastor Ben and Gloria have accepted a call from a church in Washington State that returns them to their "roots" and locates them geographically closer to both Ben's and Gloria's parents. Oh, the joy of the holidays with family! This change in our staff once again creates another major need around here at Grace. We are without pastoral leadership in the area of ministry to our junior high and senior high students. As a former youth pastor, this need is very close to my heart. We live in a world of great instability. I believe that our junior high and high school students have opportunities available to them

     today that are unparalleled in all of history. I further believe that they are tomorrow's leaders, tomorrow's business men and women, tomorrow's pastors and missionaries. And I believe that these same students face difficult realities and choices that are unparalleled in history. Because of the world we live in, our history as a church, our heart for the junior high and senior high students, an opportunity for ministry to this specific age group, and a shared responsibility to reach and train children from birth through the age of 18, we are collectively called to rise to the challenge before us. Let me say, ahead of time, thank you to each and every one of you who will sense the need of today, commit to pray today, commit to give your time and talent today, and participate in making yet another need a vivacious reality. This is an area of ministry that cannot be placed on hold, it must move forward, flourish and grow in the immediate future. If past experience is any indicator of future events, we will once again rise to the challenge of ministry for the glory of God.

      It is my continuing privilege to serve the Lord along side of so many of you here at Grace. As we move into our next holiday season together, I pray that this year's celebrations are filled with deep meaning and significance as we once again share in this special time.

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      Before I dive into some thoughts for November, some quick reflections on this year's Harvest Festival . . . . what a tremendous time we had this year! There were well over 300 children who attended and we had over 75 volunteers helping us. Add all the parents and relatives who were in attendance and we may have had 500-600 people here! Wow! How we praise the Lord for such a night!

      Ministry at that scale does not and can not happen without a willing church body. Thank you so much for your prayers and support for this evening. We had plenty of candy, cakes, workers, straw bales, pumpkins, and more. God provided marvelously and we are truly grateful. Special thanks to Vicki Gasperoni, our Children's Ministry "Special Events Coordinator." Vicki is my "right hand" for both VBS and the Harvest Festival. I couldn't imagine doing it without her! Bob & Sharon Schultz led a very successful "Gospel Station" throughout the evening. May God use His Word to plant a seed in a child's heart that will one day be harvested for His glory! And Patty Leland was instrumental in providing so much help and expertise with our advertising again this year. Thank you for using your gifts for the Lord!

      It's difficult to write a Grace Notes article for the month of November and not have it center on "Thanksgiving." It is such a special time of year, not because it is the only time we should be thankful, but because of the reminder it gives us to be thankful always. As I contemplate God's blessings on me, I consider the following:

     - To my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who took my place on the cross of Calvary. Because of His shed blood for me, I am now a part of His family forever. I have abundant life today and Heaven to look forward to. Thank you, Jesus.

     - To my family, who continue to love and support me in the calling God has placed upon my life. "Pastor's wife" and "Pastor's kids" are not easy labels to wear at times, yet my dear wife and children walk this road with me for God's glory. Thank you, Tracy, Joshua, Kala, and Gracy (with whom we will spend our first Thanksgiving)! What a blessing!

     - To my church family, who have shown us kindness after kindness since our arrival in 2003. The way you have embraced us and our ministry to children and their families continues to motivate us to serve with distinction and passion. It is a blessing to serve here in this place. Thank you, Grace.

     - To our team of volunteers, who humble me with their dedication to the children in our care. Sunday School, Children's Church, Midweek Club, God Squad, Nursery - what a joy it is to be on this "G.R.A.C.E. QUEST" with you! Thank you, team.

     - To the children we minister to, who remind us each week of the wonder and beauty of God. Your smiles, your questions, your growth, your participation in worship - all these and more reinvigorate me to be the best Children's Pastor you could possibly have. Thank you, kids.

      "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (2 Thessalonians 5:18)

      Pastor Greg

The Month in Focus with Pastor Ben

      "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" This was Mordecai's encouragement to Esther as she feared going to the king. God brought Esther into a position where she could save His people. We are not told much about her after this one act. We don't know much about her before this time. There are many people like this in the Old Testament – especially in Judges. Samson judged Israel for 20 years but we are only told about a few years of his life. Elijah seemingly jumps on the scene out of nowhere for a couple of years and then God takes him away.

      For most of you, it's fairly obvious why I bring up these people of Biblical history. God uses people in certain places for a certain time. Sometimes it's a long time, like David ruling Israel for 40 years; other times it's not so long. I know God brought me to Grace Baptist Church for a reason. He brought me here at a time when He had things to accomplish using my gifts and abilities as well as my weaknesses and rookie mind. I've grown and changed as I'm sure many of you have. God has shown Gloria and me that there is a new place for us to minister. As much as we'll miss the people of Grace, we know that we'll see you all later (thanks to Pastor Greg enlightening us on Heaven and the New Earth). It may be sooner than that, but it may not be until then as well. I'd like to leave one other thought with you that I shared last month and I've also shared with the youth group.

     In the greenhouse analogy of the church, God causes the growth. The climate is controlled and maintained for optimal growth. The gardeners can change and may do things differently, but you (the plant) can still grow. It is your choice to either stand strong and continue to grow into the person God desires or to wilt away because of change and adversity. If you let Him, God can and will do great things.

      "Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving, according to His working which works in me mightily." Colossians 1:28-29

      Pastor Ben

Operation Christmas Child

This is a hands-on missions project in which everyone in the church can participate. Pick up a shoe box from the church and fill it with items such as: safe toys, toiletries, Bibles, coloring books, small clothing, etc. Bind the box with two rubber bands and place the girl/boy label on the top. No money or food type items are accepted. Boxes are due by Sunday, November 19. These boxes will reach less fortunate children around the world. Spread the gospel one box at a time. You can pick up a shoe box in the church foyer on Sunday, October 8.

Salvation Army Angel Kids

It’s hard to believe that the Holiday Season is just around the corner! Thanks to thousands of donations, the Salvation Army is able to bring Christmas to many needy families. Would you prayerfully consider donating a new, unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army Angel Kids Program. Toys should be for children under the age of 12. A collection barrel will be in the church foyer November 14 thru December 13.

Eight Ate Together Sunday

Our next E.A.T.S. Program will be on Sunday, November 5. Church families host a meal for eight in their home. No evening service so meal may be lunch or dinner. The format is up to you: provide the meal, bring a dish, or potluck. The E.A.T.S. ministry is a way for the church family to get to know one another. It is a wonderful opportunity to make some new friends and renew acquaintances!

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 17 bulletin. You will also have the opportunity to take your poinsettias after the morning service on December 24.

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 10.

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

Print the form (click here).

Ten Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues

1. Be Realistic. The reality of many people's holidays includes too much to do and not enough time, too much to purchase and not enough money, and too much to eat and not enough willpower. On the other hand, some people experience not enough family, fun, and friendship. Fighting against the reality of your life at this moment will only make you bluer. Instead, be kind to yourself, seek support, and laugh at yourself and the world every now and then.
2. Create Your Own Traditions. As families change and grow, traditions change as well. For example, if you are a working woman who had a stay-at-home mother, instead of trying to reproduce the exact old-fashioned holiday of your childhood, do what you can do. As long as you do them with a joyful heart, the meals or decorations or celebrations you create will become your family's cherished rituals.
3. Help Others. Not because you should, but because it is the best antidote to self-pity and seasonal sadness. Find someone who is struggling more than you are, lend them a helping hand, and remember the real meaning of the holidays.
4. Seek Sacred Space. Sometimes just sitting in sacred space can remind you of the true meaning of the holidays. Instead of hurrying by the church you passed on the way to work, take a moment to enter its doors and sit quietly.
5. Take Care of Your Own Temple: your body. Eat well, drink a lot of water, exercise, and then be merry. Instead of making one more feeble New Year's resolution to join a gym or take a yoga class, do it right now. You will be amazed at how just the littlest bit of movement will lift your spirits, and how reducing the amount of junk food, sugar, and alcohol you consume will reduce your blues. And sleep - for goodness' sake, do whatever it takes to get enough of it.

Watch for the remaining 5 tips in the December issue.

Holiday Worship Schedule

Thanksgiving Praise & Pie

Evening Service Sunday, November 19

Join us for a time of thanksgiving and praise in song and worship. A pie fellowship will follow the evening service so plan to bring your favorite pie (in a disposable tin) to share.

Calendar of Events

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