Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      So...where do you belong? Where do you fit? Where do you minister? Today, I ask those questions as they relate to you and Grace Baptist Church. Do you feel at home? Do you fit? Have you found a place of ministry?

      We here at Grace are concerned with a lot more than just what happens on these eight acres. But for this article only, let’s focus our attention on what does happen here at Grace - on these eight acres of property.

      Our core values state in part that we want to see people connecting to each other and caring for those in this local church. So...where do you belong? Where do you fit? Where do you minister?

      There is an aspect of Grace Baptist Church that has been expanding in the opportunities that are offered. Today there is one more adult class available than a year ago. This September we plan to add another. This is a place where the Word of God is taught, application of the Scriptures is discussed, in-depth sharing occurs, and children are cared for and taught the Word of God in an ever expanding children and youth program.

      Smaller is always better when the goal is individual growth, fellowship and strength of relationship. I love our large group gatherings in the auditorium on Sunday mornings. I usually sit on the front row. Try it sometime - the singing sounds beautiful. I appreciate the way we greet, shake hands, slap a back, exchange a word here and there, and give a hug.

      Yet, none of that comes close to the sharing and caring that takes place in the smaller groups that meet just before our morning worship service. Let me invite you to our Sunday morning Bible Study hour. You may recognize it as our Sunday School. We meet at 9:15 AM for some coffee (once a month we have food, too!). The adult classes begin between 9:15 and 9:30, depending on how much coffee and food is consumed. By 9:30 all classes are in full swing.

      The Word of God is always taught, sometimes discussed and many times there is a time of sharing and prayer. I so appreciate the openness of my own class. We have been studying the subject of forgiveness for the past few months. It is quite common for someone to share their personal story. At times that personal story is a cry for help: what should I do now? Other times it is a testimony to the power of the application of a Biblical principle.

      Whatever you do here at Grace, please know that you are loved and appreciated. All of us have so much to offer as we present ourselves to the Lord for His work. Please accept my invitation to be part of a smaller group that meets here at Grace. Specifically, please accept my invitation to be part of one of the Sunday morning Bible Studies. We being at 9:15 almost every Sunday morning. There is even an occasional good joke!

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      West Coast Camp 2005...where do I even start? Let's see...

      Campers: We had a great group of kids this year. Each one was as excited as could be. We are praying that their week at camp will be one they will never, ever forget.

      Counselors: I am so grateful to Sean Haugan, Tracy Mansur, Jennifer Payne, Amber Smith (our most experienced veteran!), and Kristi Varricchio for a dedicated week of ministry. The impact you made with these kids will always be remembered.

      Accommodations: What can I say?! You haven’t lived until you’ve spent a week with a dozen junior campers in a teepee up in the mountains!

      Food: MMMM!!!!! The Lassen Pines staff put out a great spread for us each day and the Snack Shack provided that sugar rush we needed in the middle of the day! Some of the highlights were: Tacos and Nachos, Baked Potatoes and Biscuits and Gravy. Make sure you only take what you will eat and eat what you take! And don't forget to use Germ-X!

      Games: WooHoo! What fun! Pool Baseball (brr!), Space Shuttle Relay and Mission Impossible! We had a great time and had fun in the sun. Go Blue Team!

      Activities: There was so much to do - there was never any down time! Lake time (complete with swimming, "The Bullet" water slide, "The Blob" inflatable and more), Gutter Ball, Archery, BB Guns, Go-Karts, Fishing, Laser Tag, Craft Area, and more!

      Music: We sang many familiar songs and some new ones as well. Some favorites were: "Every Move I Make", "Hey, Jesus Loves Me," and "F-A-I-T-H." The Bible Institute ensemble taught us "Baby Shark" which everyone loved!

      Bible Hour: Ric Garland was our morning Bible hour speaker. We learned a great deal from the book of Daniel. "It's always WRONG to do WRONG and it’s always RIGHT to do RIGHT!"

      Evening Meetings: Uncle Harry Bolback was our evening Bible teacher. He taught from the book of Acts. "Acts chapter 1 - the Lord goes up! Acts chapter 2 - the Holy Spirit comes down! Acts chapters 3-28 - the believers go out!"

      Decisions: While camp is fun, exciting, adventurous, and yummy...the most important part is the preaching and practice of God’s Word. We rejoice in 5 children accepting Christ as their Savior, including my daughter, Kala. And many of our kids went forward on Thursday night to tie a ribbon onto a wooden cross, a symbol of their decision to dedicate their lives to Christ. Howe we praise the Lord for a great week of camp!

      Pastor Greg

The Month in Focus with Pastor Ben

      Hello, Church Family!

      We have now been here just over a month and are feeling at home. It's been great getting to know you and being able to minister to the students.

      We recently took 38 students to the teen Word of Life Camp West Coast. Two of our own students accepted Christ to be their Savior - praise the Lord! Many other kids made a decision to give up a crutch in their life - something that they are leaning on instead of God. I am excited to see the growth that has already begun to happen and anticipate the growth that will take place.

      I am currently in the process of planning for the school year. We have some retreats and many outreach events that will happen this year.

      The first major event is a Parent and Teen Barbeque here at the church. It will be held on Saturday, August 13, at Noon. Gloria and I are looking forward to meeting many of you parents and matching you up with your kids.

      The first major outreach event is "Recess" which is a back-to-school themed event to reach the unsaved friends of our students early in the school year. Other events and activities will be unveiled at our fall kick-off on Wednesday, August 31.

      There is much to be excited about and much to prepare for. Continue to pray for this youth ministry as we grow and reach out.

      Pastor Ben

FABULOUS 50’s CELEBRATION

August 5, 2005     Gym’s Diner
Everyone 15 years and older invited
$12.00 per person (Contact Joyce Seibel for tickets)

• Live entertainment, games, prizes, best 50’s costumes award, food, drink, ice cream sundaes.
• Gym’s Diner will be transformed with an authentic 1950’s atmosphere.
• Come and have a groovy time!!!

Sponsored by Grace in Action

Grace Christian Academy & Preschool

Upcoming Special Dates

Calendar of Events

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