Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      It is a beautiful thing to be part of a family. I myself am blessed to be part of a large family. As a young teenager, there were nine of us seated around the dinner table. As I revisit those memories, I often wonder how we all fit around that little bitty kitchen table. I suspect very close quarters. Food was always in plentiful supply and it did not last very long. Mom's time was invested in the kitchen and we were the recipients of a multitude of great meals.

      I love my family. It is great to get together. There is a bond that exists between us that goes very deep. I cannot explain the attachment that goes with family. I just know that it exists. There are traditions that are special, memories that are ever present, and expressions of affection every time we see one another. Even though I am now 51, I still think of my "big brothers" and the role that family plays in my life.

      In a very similar way, it is a beautiful thing to be part of the family of God. I often think of

     the way the Scriptures use family terms. God is my Heavenly Father. I am referred to as a child of God. Galatians 4:6 uses a very special term, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father!" The term "Abba" has no equivalent in the English language but conveys a term of enormous compassion and care. Words like adoption, heir, joint-heir, and son all paint a vivid picture of a heavenly family into which I am welcomed. I don't know if the eternal kitchen will be crowded but I do know that there is room enough for all who are invited. I love Revelation 19:9 which says in part, "Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!" Somehow I just cannot picture family without food.

      It is into the earthly family of Bill and Mary Radobenko that I was born. And it is into the heavenly family of God the Father, Jesus the Son and God the Holy Spirit that I am going to spend my eternity. Thank God for His gift of life that is made available to all through the person of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Thank God that He calls me into His eternal family. And thank God for a local family of believers here at Grace Baptist Church in Yuba City, California.

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      As the Children's Pastor here at Grace, I almost always use this space each month to share what is happening in our Children's Ministry. Whether it's regular programming like Sunday School or Midweek Club or a special event like VBS - this is a great way to communicate with our church family.

      But I wanted to do something different this month. The past few weeks have seen a change in some of my responsibilities at the church and I am now helping with Music Ministry. And while I have done my share of "song-leading" through the years, I have never been involved in Music Ministry to the level I am today. I have found it to be a great blessing as well as a great responsibility.

      Psalm 100 reads: "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves, we are his people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations."

      I have always believed very strongly in the importance of music. I grew up in a home where Christian music was constantly being played (Tracy and I continue that practice in our home today). I would go to sleep each night listening to the "Haven of Rest" radio broadcast, featuring the Haven Quartet. Music has such a profound effect upon the soul.

      It is no different when we worship corporately each Sunday. As we lift our voices in song, we are reminded of God's goodness - His faithfulness and blessings. We speak of Christ's death, resurrection, and power for living. Contemporary songs and choruses you may hear on the radio are blended with the traditional hymns of the past to offer a unique style that can bless and minister to believers of every generation.

      Christian music and varying musical styles are seldom without controversy. Our desire here is not to divide, but to involve and edify. I would welcome your thoughts, concerns, comments, suggestions, or questions about the Music Ministry at Grace Baptist Church. And I want to say a special thanks to our newly formed Worship Team (Vocal): Judy Arnold, Jan Campbell, Laurie Craig, Steve Ettles, Gloria Lunsford, Tracy Mansur, Gregg Patterson, Judy Runge, Kevin Schell, Steve Schwepker, Esther Stratton and Charlotte Yates; our instrumentalists: Dawn Duckett, Lori Rohleder, Jill Radobenko, and Verlene Wilkerson; and those who participate in special music and offertories. May God bless you all! It is a privilege to serve along side you each week.

      I would ask for your prayers as I begin this new venture of faith. My desire is to keep my various responsibilities in balance, so that God might use me to be an effective servant. "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

      Pastor Greg

The Month in Focus with Pastor Ben

      I want to begin my article by sharing about a few current events. On March 10th we had a Hawaiian-themed outreach for the teens. Even though there were not any decisions publicly made for Jesus, we did have four teens visit for the first time. We had a pretty good time eating ham and pineapple and we saw some great surfing action.

      Gloria and I had a little vacation time. Vacation is always a good thing. It's a great time to relax and chill. We all need that "Sabbath" rest every once in a while. I'm convinced that vacation is mandated by God but I'll save that discussion for another day.

      On April 29th there will be another Parent/Teen BBQ like we had last August. The location is to be determined (based on weather) and there will be a letter going to parents real soon (if you haven't gotten it already).

      Lastly, camp is on it's way. For those who don't know, this year I'll be taking the teen's to Pilot Lake for summer camp. It's a great place for kids to get reacquainted with friends, make new friends, grow in character, grow closer to the Lord and, for those who don't already have one to establish their relationship with the Lord. I am looking forward to being a part of the programming team for summer camp as well as leading some of the sessions. Flyers and registrations for camp will be out soon if they're not already (you never quite know when you're preparing an article a week or two in advance).

      Now on to some food for thought. This month is a great month because we celebrate a great day....my birthday! Okay, maybe not that, but we do celebrate the all important resurrection of Jesus. As you prepare for Easter and start thinking about all the family that's coming and the cooking you'll do, don't forget to thank God for His power over death. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." That whole chapter is a great chapter. I suggest you read it all and see the victory we have in Jesus because of both his death AND His resurrection. No other religious leader of any faith claimed he had risen from the dead or claimed that he would. Jesus claimed it and did it. Praise Him for it. Tell others about it. Invite them to come to church and understand how they too can have victory.

      Pastor Ben

Easter Sunday

Join us for our Easter Service on April 16 at 10:30 AM. Following Sunday School, at 9:15 AM adults and children will come together in the auditorium for an Easter Celebration featuring our Children’s Church, congregational singing, special music, drama and a special message from Pastor Paul.

Celebrate Jesus Party

April 8, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

All kids Pre-School through 6th Grade are welcome to come share in the fun. There will be music, games, snacks and a special showing of the film, "The Story of Jesus for Children". For more information or if you can help, see Pastor Greg.

Come Join The Fun!
Come Celebrate Jesus!

May Events

King's Daughters

Come join King’s Daughters as we study the book:
"The Measure of a Woman"
The first session will be held on April 22, at 9:00 AM, in Gym Room #10.

"The world tells you one thing about beauty - but God’s Word reveals that beauty is much deeper. When you learn how to be beautiful from the inside out, you gain respect and serve as an example to other women." -The Measure of a Woman by Gene & Elaine Getz

M.I.T. Your Life Mission For God - 401

Ministry Involvement Training

"For the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry"

What it takes to be on "Mission For God". What are you going to
live for - for the rest of your life?

Join Pastor Paul for this practical introduction to a "focused life" that results in purpose, direction, fulfillment, reward, joy and sorrow.

April 2 - 4:30 PM
Gym Room #3

Calendar of Events

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