Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      What a joy it is to be able to pray. Dr. David Jeremiah says, "Prayer - it's not meant to be a chore or mindless rote. It can be your greatest adventure." As I look at our current prayer list for just today, I see ten different individuals and families impacted by serious circumstances that are surrounding them. I am reminded that one of the few times that the disciples gave direction to what Jesus was trying to teach was when they asked Christ to "teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1) It was habit of Jesus to rise early in the day and spend time in prayer. I do believe these early times spent in prayer included names and lists and very personal needs. In John 17, just before the cross, Christ spent time in prayer. He prayed for Himself, He prayed for the disciples, and He prayed for us. As I read through the book of Psalm, I discover some very intimate and emotional words that are expressed in prayer, praise and worship. Throughout the scriptures, I notice a pattern of time spent with the Lord. It is our great privilege, our greatest need, to spend time in prayer.

     An anonymous poet wrote...

      I got up early one morning and rushed on into the day;

      I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray.

      Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task.

      "Why doesn't God help me:" I

      I wondered?

      He answered, "You didn't ask."

      I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the morning toiled on, gray and bleak;

      I wondered why God didn't show me. He said, "But you didn't seek."

      I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys at the lock.

      God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, all you need do is knock."

      I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day;

      I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

     Have you ever noticed the "bookends" that surround the great promises of Romans 8:26-39? These include the Holy Spirit making intercession on our behalf in verse 26 and Christ seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us in verse 33. Think about that............and take time to pray.

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      Every once in awhile a cultural event comes along that demands the church's attention. Such an event happens this month with the theatrical release of The Da Vinci Code. The novel upon which it is based has already captivated millions of readers around the world. But it is in movie theaters on May 19th that this story will now be told. And not from just any filmmaker. Academy Award winners Ron Howard and Tom Hanks will be the messengers of this tale and that sort of filmmaking credibility has captured the attention of many.

      Howard and Hanks teamed up before to make one of my favorite movies, Apollo 13. Now THERE is a great story! And best of all, it was based on FACT! What a compelling account of heroism, steadfastness and courage! Unfortunately, the "dynamic duo" will not be promoting facts this time around, but FICTION.

      In order to better understand this subject and to see how we might respond to the questions that this film will raise, my Sunday School class will embark on a 4-week study called "Discussing The Da Vinci Code." This is a DVD-driven/discussion study that is hosted by Lee Strobel, author of such great works as The Case For Christ and The Case for Easter.

      We will seek to answer questions such as: Has the historical record been suppressed? Were eighty different gospels contending for the New Testament?

     Was Mary Magdalene really directed to lead the church? Does a secret society keep Jesus' bloodline hidden? Is the divinity of Jesus a fabrication of a fourth-century church council? How accurate is the research behind these and other assertions presented in The Da Vinci Code?

      This is not a call to ban the book or even to ban the film. You must make that choice. But my prayer is that we will seize upon the opportunity to better understand WHY we believe WHAT we say we believe. That's what this series will be about. Would you be ready to answer the questions your co-workers, friends, classmates, and family members may ask you after they've seen the film? If you would like to join us, we will be meeting in Gym Room #4 on May 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th from 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM. It is an hour session so we will begin PROMPTLY at 9:15. Make plans to join us!

      Pastor Greg

The Month in Focus with Pastor Ben

      Wow, already May. It seems like all of a sudden the weather changed and ...BOOM

     ...it's summer. There is a lot of stuff going on this month - as usual. I think I'm ready for some shorts weather, but I'm sure I'll be ready for the sweatshirt weather in no time at all. But enough talk about the weather, let's move on to bigger and better things.

      Gloria and I, along with Pastor Paul, Joyce, Tim and Virgie Farley, went to the West Coast meeting of GARBC. This included the Northwest group (Washington, Oregon, Idaho) and the California group. Ken Sande, author of Peacemakers, was the key speaker. Both he and the other speakers who were there had a lot of great things to say not only about the church's current situation but also how to move forward. One of the biggest things he talked about that needs addressing in the church today is conflict. When we have conflict with each other, how do we resolve it? The Bible gives us guidelines of how to resolve conflict but often we try to sidestep the Bible and instead waste gads of money on lawyers and go through the courts because "we have the right to sue them for all they're worth". He gave some ungodly figures of how much we American Christians spend on lawsuits every year. If we would have put that money in the local church and missions, some missionaries like the Farleys wouldn't have to worry about raising support. It was very disheartening to see what Christians feel they should spend money on. That's what his book is about - making peace in the church amongst our brethren in a biblical, Godly way.

      Although some of the information and statistics I was hearing was amazing in a bad way, as I listened to the different speakers I was encouraged. I was encouraged to continue preaching the Word because, as 2 Timothy 3:16 says, all Scripture is from God and is profitable in all areas of life. 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. The Bible is where we need to turn in times of conflict. God's Word is what will guide us to answers. It's when we choose to ignore the truth that we find more conflict and less peace.

      Pastor Ben

Legacy in the Garden

Grace Baptist Womens's Ministry

Saturday, May 13, 2006 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Lunch provided by Jean's Catering Cost $13.00

"The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

May 7th Last day to buy tickets!

Vacation Bible School

June 19-23, 2006

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

We Need Volunteers!
See Pastor Greg if you are interested in helping with this fun-filled and rewarding outreach.

Memorial Day Picnic

Sunday, May 28

Following the AM Service at
Sam Brannon Park
More information to come!

June Events

Short-Term Missions Opportunity

For Men and Women

In preparation for Summer Camp at Lassen Pines, Word of Life has put together an "MVP Weekend" to get the campground ready!

• We are organizing a group from our church to go and participate the weekend of May 19-21.
• Painting, raking, cleaning, plumbing, electrical, carpentry and repairs are just some of the items on the list to be done.
• Would you be willing to donate your time and talents?
• There is NO COST to be involved!
• Food and lodging is provided!

If you are interested or would like more information, please see Pastor Greg!

Grace in Action

Join Grace In Action on May 20th
as they visit the Civil War Reenactment
at Gibson Ranch in Sacramento.

Food and craft vendors will be available.
Admission & Parking Pass just $8.00.
More information to come!

All adults 50 years of age and over are welcome.

Calendar of Events

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