Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

     Today, let's consider the church, not just our church, but the church in general. In Acts 2 and verse 42 the Bible says, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." Although the actual event or beginning of the New Testament church is debated, we have here in the Book of Acts a vibrant and exciting group of believers who are just beginning to hang out and get things done together. That is a great way to describe a church: together. This is not all that the church should be, but pulling together for the same purpose is a fantastic thing to be part with. The Greek term "ekklasia" or "ecclasia," which is translated "church" in our NKJV, literally means gathering or assembly. I like getting together with my brothers and sisters who are "in Christ."

      So, let's get a little more specific. Why do we exist as a church here on the corner of Bogue and Walton? I understand that property and buildings are just tools which help us hang together and work together. The Westminster Confession helps us answer the question. It says that "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever." Our church constitution also helps us answer the question. It includes words such as "….to glorify God….worship ….prayer and praise ….edification ….fellowship ….evangelize ….educate."

     The church constitution even goes as far as to detail many "duties" of the membership, and these are very clear and Biblical. So, how about a modern version of Acts 2:42, the Westminster Confession, and our church constitution all rolled up into one short statement. Why does this church exist today? Here goes: "We seek to glorify God individually and collectively at all times. This is accomplished in part as we spend time together loving, learning, growing, praising, praying, and working towards the goal of lives that presents authentic Christianity. We seek to be both Biblical and culturally practical with the timeless truths of the Word of God."

     As we gather together as part of this local church and the Church of Jesus Christ, I pray that we will keep our purpose in mind as we seek to influence our world for God.

      Pastor Paul

Italian Feast With Your Deacon

Italian Feast with Your Deacon
Sunday, March 22, following the AM Service

Menu includes: Lasagna/Garlic Bread/Salad/Dessert

As you enter the church foyer, pick up your colored name tag. Following the morning service everyone is invited to have lunch in the gym. As you enter the gym, look for the colored table cloth that matches your name tag. The church will provide a wonderful lasagna meal and refreshments. If your last name begins with A-M please bring a green salad, N-Z please bring a dessert.

Special Announcements

• A special love offering will be taken on Sunday, March 8, for a short-term missions trip to Mexico. This missions trip is sponsored by the Yuba/Sutter Missions. We have a few teens and adults from Grace Baptist Church that are in need of support. Would you prayerfully consider helping?
• A church meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, following the AM Service. All members of Grace Baptist Church are asked to be in attendance.
• If you would like to add someone to our Military Prayer Board, please see Abby in the church office. The Military Prayer Board are for all service men and women in our military: deployed, serving locally or currently at home.
• A Baby Dedication Service is scheduled for Sunday, March 22. If you would like to participate, please see Pastor Paul or call the church office.
• The Ladies of Grace will not be meeting in March.
• If you are able to help set up tables for our Deacon Introduction Dinner on March 22, please see Thom Keffer.

West Coast Camp 2009

ONE WEEK - July 13 - 18

Sponsored by: Vertical LIFE

Vertical Life Ministries, in cooperation with Word of Life West Coast Churches, presents WEST COAST CAMP 2009. Everything your child loves about camp packed into one week of life change.

For more information, see Trish Sexauer in the church office or visit www.westcoastcamp.org.

Missionary News From Brazil

Mr. & Mrs. Silva (Letter Dated 1/3/09)      This past year the Lord brought someone special into my life. His name is Pastor Evandro Silva. He is a pastor in the town of Maracanâ. I mentioned about his installation service in my last prayer letter. Incidentally, he was saved through the ministry of Pastor Roberto CoeIho, a son-in-the-faith of our late colleague, Stan Best. Though Evandro is currently a pastor he feels his call is to plant churches in the interior towns of Parâ, where there are no Bible preaching churches.

     Both of us had made a commitment to God to wait for the person He had for us and to be faithful in ministry. Evandro also participated in the single’s group I started. After a while he finally asked me to date him. What impressed me was the way he asked, saying that he believed God called him into missions and that God had the right person to serve with him. He then asked if I would be his partner in ministry. I said yes. It is amazing to see God’s hand in all of this. As we have grown closer we see how much our goals, philosophy in ministry, and burden match. Our families, local pastors, and church people are overjoyed, and several have told us that they had been praying specifically that we would get together.

     As to our plans... as you can imagine we have considered our future with much prayer, taking into account schedules (including furlough times, both my parents and mine), standing commitments with our churches and ministries, and commitment to you. I am due for furlough in 2009, but because of my parent’s furlough, I am committed to staying here, keeping the work going. In consideration of our ministries and testimony, we (and our families) feel that we should not have a long engagement. Because my parents are leaving for furlough in early March, we are planning to get married February 17 at Berea Baptist in Belém. My dad will be officiating.

Erica McLain