Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

     As I look around town this year, I am amazed, yet not surprised, at the amount of Christmas red and green that is already on display. As I write, we have not even sat down to reflect with gratitude around the Thanksgiving dinner table and yet there is this rush to Christmas. As I gaze upon our culture, I see financial downswing, fear, frustration, and frantic schedules that put extreme pressures on our time. In this frenzied lifestyle we must find the time to spend in God's Word and with the God of the Word. It is this simple focus that helps me keep in perspective the everyday occurrences that surround my life. Just a few moments ago the phone has once again brought news that seems to take its toll on my focus on God. I must be careful or the temptation of my thoughts tail spinning becomes a reality. Is God really in control, does He care? Listen to the Word of God and then reflect for a few moments on God's care for me and my own challenge to "walk by faith."

•      Zephaniah 3:17: "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing."

•      Isaiah 40:28-31: "Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

      The Psalms have become such a point of meditation for me. As Joyce and I have been dealing with life as it comes at us, just like you do, Psalm 100 through Psalm 108 have become especially meaningful. God has a plan and His plan will prevail. God has a purpose and His purpose will reign. God cares for me and He cares for me with limitless resource, grace and love.

      This Christmas, let's encourage one another to lift up the name of Jesus with our thoughts, words, actions, and expectations. Every day we live should be focused on Christ and this Christmas let's make an extra effort to help others focus on Christ. For that is what Christmas is really all about, the Word became flesh and walked amongst mankind. This month of December, I pray that we can be the vessel or channel of God's love to a love starved and lost neighbor, workmate, friend or family member.

     From Joyce and I this season, our wish for you is that your Christmas be one that is truly blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ in a very personal way.

      Pastor Paul

Spread Christmas Cheer!

Christmas Caroling with our Youth Group

     Please join our youth group for a time of fellowship and caroling. Spread Christmas cheer to those in nursing homes, our shut-ins and the elderly. This activity is open to everyone! Meet at the church on Saturday, December 12th at 9:30 AM. Bring money for lunch.

What's In Your Stocking?

Saturday, December 5, 2009

     Join the Ladies of Grace for their Christmas gathering. Wear your Christmas attire and bring a snack to share. We will have a Christmas sock exchange, so bring a new pair of socks in a gift bag. We will also be colleting gift items for a military gift box. Meet in the Youth Room at 9:30 AM.

For more information, please see Joyce Radobenko.

Salvation Army Angel Kids

     Once again Grace Baptist Church would like to participate in the collection of Christmas gifts for the less fortunate children in our community. Angel tags will be hung on the Christmas tree in the church foyer beginning Sunday, November 29. Pull the tag and return the tag with the gift by December 9. All gifts may be placed under the Christmas tree in the church foyer.

Support Our Students This Christmas Season!

Grace Christian Academy Christmas Program
"The First Leon"
Thursday, December 5
at 7:00 PM


Preschool Christmas Program
"Christmas Step-by-Step"
Friday, December 11
at 7:00 PM

Donate Poinsettias

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 13 bulletin. You will also have the opportunity to take your poinsettias after the morning service on December 20.

If you would like to be a part of this special remembrance, please fill out the form below and return it, along with $10.00 for each poinsettia you would like to donate, to the church office by Sunday, December 6.

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

Print the form (click here).

Missionary News From Matt & Barb Douglas

A note from Barb Douglas, dated November 3, 2009.

Just wanted to update you all. We are together again as a family in Sydney. Matt flew down on Thursday night. Thanks for all who prayed as it was a standby ticket and had no guarantees. Our good God even put through a free upgrade to business class. The chair that changes to a flat bed, better food, and more room were so appreciated.

Now we are focusing on family, unpacking everything that has been stored for a year, reconnecting internet, phone and the like, and reestablishing friendships. Monday morning is our ABWE Australia Team meeting. We also need to start building a team for the next church plant and finishing the research already started.

Pray with us that the things we are trying to get shipped down here would arrive in a timely manner. Pray with us that God would bring all the right people into our lives to reconnect with and build a team that will make the next church plant thrive. Lastly, pray with us as we enjoy the family that God has given us. We thank you all. We will give more updates soon.

In His Service,
Matt, Barb, Amy & Luke Douglas, ABWE Australia

eGiving Now Available

     Would you find it helpful to have your offerings debited directly from your bank account as you do other monthly drafts? Grace Baptist Church now offers Electronic Giving for those of you who wish to have your contributions transferred electronically to the church’s account.

     If you travel, this is particularly helpful in keeping up with your intended offerings. It allows you to avoid having to make up the difference later.

     Contact Lori in the church office for more details or visit our web site page here:  "Give Donation".