Golden Jubilee Youth and Children's Upcoming Events Prospective Volunteers Screening / Training Friend to Friend Attention Grace in Action. . .
On Sunday, September 26th, my wife and I conclude our ministry at Grace Baptist Church. Monday, the 27th, a new phase begins. It might be labeled "retirement" but I prefer thinking of it as a change in pace with new opportunities, in a new location, but with the same Leader.
I have loved diving headfirst in God’s Word week after week. I have loved standing with the saints, singing the great songs of faith and worship. I have loved preaching the Word. I have loved the transformation of lives, including my own, as we all understand God’s Word and apply it personally. I have loved working alongside godly men. I have loved overseeing the physical facilities that God has provided and trying to maintain them for the good of His people and for His glory. I have loved seeing couples fall in love, performing the wedding ceremony and a Christian home being established. I have loved to witness how God has been faithful in healing the sick, restoring damaged lives and making something beautiful of them. I have loved watching the saints love one another and be quick to help meet needs. I have loved sharing in lives and being counted as your friend. I thank God for all the above.
I have learned some valuable lessons since beginning my pastoral ministry as a twenty-three year old. Some of them I wish I had "caught onto" a little sooner, but...I have learned that:
...I should tell people how I feel about them now, not later
...things I’m not even aware of are noticed and remembered
...being real is a lot better and easier than looking pious
...when you "fit", most things flow; they don’t need to be forced
...it doesn’t pay to talk someone into or out of a big decision
...days of maintenance are far more in number than days of
"mountain top"
...some people aren’t going to change, no matter what
...time spent with family is a good investment
...perception overshadows reality
...God’s words are more powerful than man’s.
I have in my files a letter dated September 16, 1992, informing the church body of Paul and Joyce Radobenko coming to Grace Baptist church to be considered for the position of Associate Pastor in Youth and Christian Education. Two weeks later in a letter dated September 30, 1992, I wrote that the Radobenkos had accepted the position and they, along with their two young daughters, would be arriving shortly.
Through God’s divine orchestration, He brought Greg and Tracy Mansur, with their two young children, to fill the position of Associate Pastor in Children’s Ministry at Grace Baptist. The Mansurs began June, 2003, and provide leadership in many areas. As the "retiring" pastor, I am grateful that I can leave the leadership of Grace Baptist Church in the care of these two fine men. Along with the capable and faithful support of the Board of Deacons and membership of God-loving and fearing individuals, Grace Baptist Church will continue to be a place where the primary focus is the teaching and preaching of the Word of God, meeting the needs of people and training others to become involved in ministry.
Thanks, Russell and Judy, for your exemplary lives of hard work and leadership at Grace Christian Academy and Preschool. It is obvious that both of your have been called by God to this special, sometimes very difficult, ministry.
I am convinced God blessed me with an A+ office staff during my thirteen years. Rosie, thanks for your insight, your expertise in so many legal areas, your kindness toward people and difficult situations, your ability to "rebuke" when needed, and the statement you make with your life by faithfulness. Lori, which "hat" are you wearing today? God surely overdid it, but that’s okay because we are the recipients. Trish, for being willing to do "whatever" needs to be done and your pleasant attitude is a great asset to the ministry. The list could go on and on, but I’ll get fired if I take much more space!
I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge family members who have played a vital part in my life and ministry. My parents, Bill and Viola Kuns, for being role models of faithfulness to God’s house and upholding the principles of God’s Word. To my two brothers, Clarence and Gale, for their counsel and encouragement. To my daughter, Candi, who patiently endured being a PK and most of the time loving it. Also, to my son-in-law, Jim, for loving and providing for my daughter and allowing her to use her God-given gifts in the ministry. To my son, Emitte, for being the instrument God chose to use to teach me many lessons of life that often stretched and strengthened me. To my extended family, Henry & Carletta and Mike & Sherri, for your insight to offer help when you saw a need.
And most of all to my dear wife, Barbara - for nearly a half century of love and support. For your consistent drive to meet needs of people, your insight, your rebukes, your faithfulness in life, your gift of hospitality, your willingness to stand with me during the difficult times, your ability to recall names and faces when I drew a blank, your skills that enhanced the church office in Cottonwood for twenty-five years, your giftedness in conversation when I was speechless, your ability to listen and encourage on those "blue" Monday mornings and after difficult board meetings. Truly, God not only called me to the ministry but He gave you a special calling and you have fulfilled it well. Thank you for making coming home the highlight of my day.
For the joy and privilege to minister alongside you folks for the past thirteen years, I will be forever grateful.
Oh, yes. I failed to mention that my wife and I will be relocating to Phoenix, Oregon, in the near future.
Pastor Kuns
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Psalms 119:105 says, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Who would have ever guessed? It was twelve years and two months ago that I received a phone call from Pastor Kuns. At the time of my first long distance conversation with Pastor Kuns, the Radobenko family was living in the Midwest and working with the Bible Baptist Church in Terre Haute, Indiana. As we got to know the staff and people of Grace Baptist Church, a call was extended and we moved some 2200 miles to Northern California. My initial responsibilities here at Grace would focus on children and youth ministries. Over time, these responsibilities would shift to include adults, counseling and preaching on Sunday nights, and later to include youth ministry once again. It has been my privilege over these last 12 years to work along side of Pastor Kuns. He has treated me in such a way that has allowed me to both grow as a pastor and learn from his pastoral experience. I am the beneficiary of serving under the leadership of a Senior Pastor who has walked with God, preached the Word, shepherded the flock, and cared for his staff. And we as a church have the privilege of honoring both Pastor Kuns and Barbara as they move towards retirement and resettle in Oregon.
Life is not stationary; it is always in the process of change. I remember the images of the Radobenko family moving from the Midwest 12 years ago, and I see the Radobenko family today, and the change that has come to pass. I remember my first office here at Grace, and the toddler nursery that has occupied that office space for the past several years. I remember additional construction here at Grace that resulted in five additional classrooms to the north of our gym. I remember the construction of a large playground for our children and academy, and all the concrete that was mixed by hand…..life is not stationary; it is always in the process of change. I remember sprinkler projects, painting, remodeling, new carpet, new tables and chairs, storage containers, additional sidewalks, sound equipment, video projectors and computers in the auditorium, and much more….life is not stationary, it is always in the process of change. Most important, I remember the people here at Grace. Thank the Lord for those who have invested in a ministry that seeks to honor the Lord and share the gospel story. Thank the Lord for charter members, members, births, baby dedications, baptisms, weddings, funerals, salvation decisions, re-dedications, church wide prayer meetings, and so much more….life is not stationary, it is always in the process of change.
As we once again enter into a process of change here at Grace Baptist Church, I would covet your prayers. You have called me as a church to be your next Senior Pastor and I have accepted that call. Although humbled, anxious, fearful, excited, and confident at times, Grace Baptist Church is God’s work and we are His servants. Psalms 119:105 says, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." As we collectively seek the Lord and His word for us, I am confident that He will truly lead us one step at a time.
Pastor Paul
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What if...
It is those thoughts that led us to choose FAITHWEAVER as the primary curriculum resource for our Children’s Ministry.
Research shows the most powerful influences on faith development are the conversations that take place in the home. Faith grows best when the family and the church partner together.
From Group Publishing, the FaithWeaver family of Christian growth resources has everyone studying the same Bible story, on the same day, in age-appropriate ways. Sunday School, Children’s Church and now Midweek Club are all woven together with the home. In addition to the traditional "take-home paper", we provide you with a wonderful tool called "Driving Home the Point" which helps apply the weekly lessons in a fun and engaging way. We are seeking to "weave faith into everyday life" through our Children’s Ministry.
Beginning this fall, our new Midweek Club program will be "FW Friends". It is a small group approach to Children’s Ministry that we are very excited about. Plus it will tie together all three components of our church’s ministry to children. It is structured very similarly to our summer VBS program (Opening and Closing Celebrations, Circles of Friends, Discovery Centers, Journaling, Weekly Challenges, and more). Remember how great that was?! Imagine that kind of enthusiasm for God and His Word every week! We will be kicking off our Fall Programs on September 8. More information will be available to you that evening on what to expect with this new Wednesday night opportunity.
It is our prayer that the Lord would use our Children’s Ministry to help equip our young people for His honor and for His glory - to see this generation become mighty for our God - that is our heart’s desire.
Pastor Greg
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A Retirement Celebration for
Pastor Lyndell & Barbara Kuns
Sunday, September 26, 2004
A memory book will be created. Please bring
or mail your thoughts to be included.
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Wednesday, September 8
Fall Kick-Off Night for Youth and Children’s Wednesday Programs
The evening will include dinner and an introduction to the new fall program. More details will be in Sunday bulletins.
Wednesday, October 27
Harvest Festival
Mark this date now and contact Pastor Greg if you would like to help.
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Grace Baptist Church
Grace Christian Academy & Preschool
Screening Process
Training Meetings
For all current and prospective volunteers of Grace Baptist Church and Grace Christian Academy and Preschool
OR
Tuesday, September 21
7:00 PM in the Church Auditorium
Attendance at one of these meetings is mandatory for all volunteers of the church and school!!
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Wednesday, September 1 10:00 AM
We will meet at Janice Furtado’s and welcome everyone back to Friend to Friend. We will be discussing several plans for service to other ladies. We will also be bringing each other up to date on our summer activities! Verlene will have some extra craft pieces left from past craft projects she would like to share with the ladies. Bring a salad for a salad potluck.
Wednesday, September 8 10:00 AM
We will meet at Cathy Raper’s for a mosaic craft project. Sounds very interesting! Bring a sack lunch. Dessert will be furnished.
Wednesday, September 15 10:00 AM
Meet in front of Nordahl’s on Plumas Street for a Plumas Street Stroll. We will have lunch at 11:30 AM at the Downtown Grill.
Wednesday, September 22 10:00 AM
We will meet at Coral’s to put our recipe books together. Be sure to turn in your recipes on September 1. We will also be decorating aprons for the church kitchen. There will also be a sign-up for our planned potluck on September 29.
Wednesday, September 29 10:00 AM
We will meet at Sedonna’s for a planned potluck. Bring a baby picture in an envelope. we will try to match the baby with the adult.
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Lunch at the Lake
Saturday, September 25 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join us for lunch at Lake Francis in Oregon House. Take a walk, rent a canoe, play ping pong or horseshoes, or just enjoy the fellowship!
Cost is $10.50 and includes a hamburger or barbecue beef sandwich, side salads, iced tea or lemonade and cookies for dessert.
There will be a sign-up sheet in the church foyer.
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Click on the highlighted dates - the events are shown on the right.
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From the Pastor's Pen...
September 2004