Candidate for Youth Pastor Position Vacation Bible School "Serving to Lead" Sunset Dinner Cruise Sign Dedication
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Recently, I was studying Romans 13. Verse one says, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." (NKJV) What struck me was the word "subject." It is the same word translated "submit" in Ephesians 5:21 and 22. Just as we are to submit to one another in the fear of the Lord (Ephesians 5:21) and just as the wife is to place herself under the authority of her husband (Ephesians 5:22), so we are to be "subject" (Romans 13:1) to "governing authorities."
We all live under authority. children are under the authority of parents. Parents are under the authority of Biblical principle. All of us live under the authority of government. We all have a responsibility to God's authority. And all of us are being watched by someone somewhere. I wonder what kind of example we are?
This month is Father's Day. Let's consider another aspect of authority. Exodus 20:12a says, "Honor your father and your mother." Ephesians 6:1,2 mimics this same command. It is interesting to me that this command appears to be timeless. I do not reach an age when I stop "honoring" my parents. There is scriptural example of mature adults who are both obeying and honoring parents.
I can see some of us beginning to squirm in our seats. Some may be thinking, "Pastor, you just don't know or understand my parents." And you are right, I may not. But God does and His command stands even though it may appear to us to be a risky command to obey. Let me take a moment to tell you what honoring parents is and what it isn't. Several of these thoughts come from a recent "Family Life" e-news at www.familylife.com.
Honoring your parents does not mean endorsing irresponsibility or sin. It is not a denial of what they have done wrong as parents. It does not mean you deny emotional or physical pain and cause. For an adult child, honoring your parents will not place you back under their authority. It does not mean you are back in the cradle and a dependent child again.
In a very practical light, just what does Exodus 20:12a mean?
So, as we look back on Mother's Day and look forward to Father's Day, let's be committed to "honoring our parents." Someone may be watching.
Pastor Paul
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A giraffe casually nibbles leaves from a lush acacia tree...
A lion crouches in the tall grass, watching a herd of zebras...
Suddenly an elephant thunders by in a cloud of dust...
And you? You're standing on the vast savanna, gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime on a Serengeti Trek - where kids are wild about God!
Serengeti Trek is teeming with fun for kids, teenagers, and adults. Everyone involved in this VBS will pounce into God's Word...and will never be the same again! As kids explore amazing Bible adventures, they'll take part in Daily Challenges that encourage them to apply Bible truths to everyday life.
Just what will be happening at this year's VBS? Well, kids start each day by forming small groups called "Safari Crews." All the Safari Crews gather at "Sing and Play Roar" to sing and do fun motions to upbeat Bible songs that introduce kids to the concepts they'll be learning that day. Then Safari Crews visit five different Serengeti Stations. They sample tasty treats at "Watering Hole Snacks," go on wild "Bible Expeditions," make delightful creations in "Critter Crafts," play "Wild Games," and meet "Chadder Chipmunk" on video! Then everyone comes together for the closing, "The Mane Event."
Things are heating up on the Serengeti Trek! We're getting ready to get wild about God! Vacation Bible School is not just a "one-week event." It is a catalyst for an entire year of ministry to children (by developing relationships and gaining contacts for Sunday School, Children's Church, Midweek Clubs, Bible Camp, special events, and more!)
I want to thank everyone who has stepped forward to help in this year's VBS! We have a great TEAM of volunteers. Be in prayer for them as we prepare for and participate in each day of VBS. If you would still like to be involved in some way, please let me know! We are in need of more adults and teens to help in our Safari Crews. This one week of ministry may change your life and change the eternity of a child! Please pray about it!
ROAR!
Pastor Greg
HELP!
While the summer months are great ones for individuals and families, they often prove challenging to a local church ministry.
When people are away for vacation or a weekend, we need some people to help us "Bridge the Gap."
Will you help us this summer?
If you are interested in any of these short-term ministry opportunities, please see Pastor Greg.
We need substitute Sunday School teachers and Wednesday night workers for July and August.
God bless you!
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Ben Lunsford will be candidating for the position of Youth Pastor of Grace Baptist Church Wednesday-Monday, June 1-6. He will be with the youth group on Wednesday evening and Sunday morning during Sunday School. Ben & Gloria will be giving their testimonies during the morning service on June 5.
Ben will preach in the evening service and there will be a time for questions and answers. Following this will be a special church meeting to consider calling Ben Lunsford as Youth Pastor of Grace Baptist Church.
Ben Lunsford Biography
Ben was born in Bellingham, Washington, and is the son of a GARBC pastor. His work with young people began in high school when he was able to fill in for Sunday School teachers on an occasional basis. After high school, he worked for three summers as a counselor at Camp Gilead in Carnation, WA. He also coordinated the chapel services during those summers.
Ben and Gloria were married in 2001 and, at that time, Ben was given the opportunity to lead the high school group at his home church. He led this group for one year before attending Western Baptist College in 2002. While at Western, Ben worked with the high school group at Bethany Baptist Church in Salem, OR, and participated in a six-month internship program with Bethany Baptist. Ben graduated from Western on May 8, 2005, with a Bachelor of Science in Ministry.
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Grace Baptist Church
Pre-Registration will be available
**Preschoolers must have been in Preschool this school year and sixth grade includes those who were in sixth grade this year.
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Men's Retreat
June 10-12, 2005 Truckee, California
Cost is: $35.00 per person
Sign up at the table in the foyer on Sunday or contact Terry Sloan
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Grace in Action presents...
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Aboard the Matthew McKinley out of Old Sacramento
Monday, June 27
Leave GBC at 3:30 PM
Cost: $33.75 per person
Boarding the boat at 5:00 PM, returning to the dock at 7:30 for a buffet dinner
Deadline to sign up in the foyer or contact Joyce Seibel is Sunday, June 5
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Scheduled
The new sign at the Bogue Road entrance to GBC has been given in loving memory of Gene & Donna Reid by their family.
A dedication service will be held following the 10:30 AM service on Sunday, June 12.
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Pastor Paul's Paragraphs
June 2005