Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      Wow! Spring has come in like a lion around here! Joyce, Kristi and Jill have for years talked about having a swimming pool in the back yard. With all this rain in the last few days, they may just get their wish - although it will probably not last very long! Joyce took some time yesterday to take digital pictures of all the beautiful flowers around the house. She then downloaded the pictures to the computer and printed them. Finally, she made some Easter cards from all the pictures - pretty talented lady, I think.

      Except for all the allergies, spring has got to be one of the most beautiful times of the year. Everything is coming to life in the garden, even those pesky plants that we would like to eliminate for good: I think we call them weeds. Yet even a dandelion is beautiful...well, maybe that is pushing the point a little too far.

      Let’s talk "endurance" a little. We started the year with 40 Days of Prayer. We then overlapped the concluding days of 40 Days of Prayer with a twelve week series entitled Seeking Him. So, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time (although I confess that I do not have a clue as to what an elephant tastes like). Spiritual growth is the same way - it is a commitment to doing a few good things over the course of a long period of time. This will result in growth and strength and maturity - one bite at a time.

      Webster’s dictionary defines the verb endure as "the ability to continue in the same state, to last, to remain firm." So, how are you enduring? Maybe 40 Days of Prayer and Seeking Him were tools that you decided to use. We have just about four weeks left in the Seeking Him series. How are you doing?

      Maybe you decided to use different tools in your quest for spiritual growth. How are you doing? Remember, spiritual growth results from a commitment to doing a few good things over the course of a long period of time. How are you doing? Oh, and by the way, feel free to ask me how I am doing too. I like the accountability. I think you should know that those in positions of spiritual leadership here at Grace are growing, struggling and committed to doing a few good things over the course of a long period of time.

      It is a joy and privilege to be part of this local family of God. Your love, commitment, patience, support, and struggle are sensed and very much appreciated. Remember...spring is planting season. How are you doing?

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      People wear many "titles." By "title" I mean the words people use to describe themselves or words other people use to describe us. Some of mine are: Husband, Father, Pastor, Teacher, Teammate, Cubs Fan, and Star Wars Nut.

      While each of those carry either a special or silly significance, the one I’d like to focus on is "Dad." What an incredible privilege and awesome responsibility all wrapped up in one word. As a Children’s Pastor, I gladly partner with moms and dads in our church and school to help their children grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. But my first priority is my own kids, Joshua and Kala, and their spiritual development. My success as a "dad" is much more important than my success as a "children’s pastor."

      This month my father would have celebrated his 64th birthday. He was tragically killed by a drunk driver in an automobile accident in 1997. My mom and dad were divorced when I was young and, as a result, my relationship with my dad was not the best for several years. Thankfully, we were able to rebuild our relationship and he became a very important part of our family. My last words to him on this earth were, "I love you, Dad." I treasure that so much.

      Because my dad was not in our home as I was growing up, I often struggled with what it would be like to be a "dad." Well, part of what I have learned is that "LOVE" is spelled "T-I-M-E." My schedule is pretty full and hectic at times. But the way I communicate my care to my children is with my time. Few things would grieve me more than for my kids to grow up and say, "Dad was too busy to spend time with me." OUCH!

      Later this month I am going to be gone with Joshua for four days. Just me and my boy, flying out of state, sharing our meals, sleeping in a hotel, and participating in a fun event that he will never, ever forget. Is there a lot going on right now in our lives and in our ministry? Sure there is. Would there be a better time to slip away? Probably. But this "father-son" trip will be one for the ages, and the most important thing I want him to know is that he is more important than my schedule. We will most likely laugh, cry, and laugh some more. If, at the end of that four days, he can confidently say "Dad loves me," then the mission will be accomplished.

      How about you, dad? How is your love being communicated to your son or daughter? It doesn’t mean you have to take your child on a trip as I’m doing, but what about throwing the ball in the backyard? Helping with homework? Grabbing an ice cream cone after school? Love for our children is not measured in dollars and cents, but in hours and minutes.

      Psalm 127:3 says, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from Him" (NIV). I miss my dad and, while I cannot call him on his birthday, I can commit myself to being the best dad I can be. That’s what he would want. It’s what my Heavenly Father wants too.

      Pastor Greg

Shepherds with Dr. Ralph Poulson

Join us on Sunday, April 10,

as Dr. Ralph Poulson from Shepherds in Union Grove, Wisconsin, shares their ministry during the Sunday School hour at 9:15 AM and the 10:30 AM service.

Shepherds is a non-profit organization providing excellent care consistent with Biblical truth for individuals with mental disabilities.

Shepherds began their ministry in 1957 and continues to provide a home for individuals with mental disabilities aged 18 or older.

Their programs are geared to meet the various needs of each person to help them achieve their individual potential for spiritual growth as well as basic life skills.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about this special ministry.

Seeking Him

Experience the Joy of Personal Revival
Begins Sunday, February 6

Are you tired of trying to be a good Christian? Are you overloaded and worn out with church activities? Do you sometimes feel like you’re just going through the motions of the Christian life? Do you often find yourself running on empty spiritually? Do you experience heaviness or shame more than joy and freedom in your Christian life?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then perhaps God is calling you to something deeper. Maybe you’re ready to experience personal revival! Our 12-week study of “Seeking Him” will help you do just that. Each Sunday, beginning February 6, Pastor Paul will be focusing on a different topic that will help deepen your walk with God.

King's Daughters

"Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir." Psalm 45:9

King’s Daughters is a monthly Bible study fellowship dedicated to educating God’s women, demonstrating God’s love and communicating God’s message to the women of Grace Baptist Church.

Through these monthly Bible studies, King’s Daughters offers the opportunity to learn biblical principles and how we can apply them to the challenges facing us as women today. It is also our goal to allow us to develop honest and caring friendships.

We, the women of King’s Daughters, wish to invite you to come and be a part of our fellowship as we grow together. For more information contact Joyce Radobenko or Vicki Gasperoni.

"The Life You’ve Always Wanted"

7:00 AM in Gym Room #10
Saturday, April 2 - Lesson 1
Saturday, April 23 - Lesson 2
Saturday, May 28 - Lesson 3
Saturday, June 25 - Lesson 4
Saturday, July 23 - Lesson 5
Saturday, August 27 - Lesson 6

Grace in Action

Asparagus Festival

Saturday, April 23

Grace in Action’s April outing is to the Asparagus Festival in Stockton.

Cost of $25.00 includes bus transportation and festival admission.

The bus will leave the church at 8:00 AM and then leave Stockton around 2:30 PM. Hosts Dick & Georgine Page will be giving away prizes on the bus trip home.

Deadline to sign up is April 3

Calendar of Events

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