Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

      Wow! Where did this summer go? I know that life can present itself in the "fast lane" at times and I remember preaching a couple of messages concerning "slowing down" (I did, in fact, slow down at times), but where did the last three months go? Gone...and yet those three months were full of ministry.

      June included the end of another school, our youth pastor and wife joining the team and a church-wide effort called Vacation Bible School.

      July found us involved with a July 4 (on July 3) celebration, missions emphasis, work day projects completed, and another children/youth emphasis called Summer Camp.

      August presented us with the opportunities for some good old fun. There was the Fabulous 50's Night, a River Cats baseball game, water activities with our children's and teen programs, and a time of rejoicing with the Farley family as they reported to us what the Lord had been doing on the missions field of Peru.

      September is soon to arrive, hopefully bringing with it some cooler temperatures. Our children's and youth programs kick off their fall programs with a 6:30 dinner on Wednesday night, August 31. Our Sunday morning Bible Study time (Sunday School) gets some fine turning. We will be encouraging everyone to participate in these small groups that meet every Sunday morning at 9:15. The beauty of this time together is that adults can meet with the expectation that their children are being cared for and ministered to at the very same time.

      We will be adding yet another adult class as, on September 11, Pastor Greg begins teaching adults during this time. With the price of gas these days, you can make one trip to church and be involved in both a small group during Sunday School and the larger worship service in the auditorium at 10:30. So, check the details in the related article below and consider this a great big invitation to be part of our Bible Study time on Sunday mornings at 9:15.

      Several home groups will be either continuing or starting up again soon. These meet during the week and, if you would like more information concerning these Bible Studies, please contact me at the church.

      Two more items of information: First, our Round Up Sunday, "Blue Grass, Blue Jeans and BBQ", will be coming September 18. See the article below for more details.

      Second, on Sunday, September 25, I will begin a series of morning messages entitled "Love Stories". This series is on relationships - specifically focused on building stronger marriages. I think you would agree that the family is under attack in the world in which we live. How do we respond Biblically to this attack and how can we be better prepared and equipped? This series will conclude on the last Sunday in October.

      Looking forward to what the Lord has for us as we sail through life together.

      Pastor Paul

Kids Korner - Pastor Greg

      So, Pastor Greg...what is all this talk about G.R.A.C.E. QUEST? Hey, I’m glad you asked!!!! Let me give you some of the details of the brand new way we will be describing our Children's Ministry here at Grace. First, some background...

      Ever since arriving at Grace just over two years ago, I've been asking the Lord what He would have us do with our Children's Ministry. After all, it's not MY ministry, it's HIS. The first six months or so was simply time to get acclimated to the kids, the area, the school, etc. It was not a time for big, proactive change. Rather, it was time to understand and evaluate.

      Enter Fall 2003 and our church's participation in the national campaign, "40 Days of Purpose." I was totally unfamiliar with that type of approach to ministry but quickly fell in love with the concept. Questions like "What is our purpose?", "Why do we do what we do?" and "Are we just going through the motions of ministry or are we going somewhere?" began to stab at my heart and penetrate my mind.

      We began making some changes shortly thereafter. After having used the FaithWeaver Children's Church material since before I came, we made a change in our Sunday School to Faith Weaver as well. It was received well by both the kids and the teachers. And then last year we made FW Friends our primary ministry to kids on Wednesday night, bringing the entire FaithWeaver family of resources into our Children's Ministry.

      Since those early days, my vision has been to bring the Children’s Ministry of Grace under one banner - to unite it and define it. Rather than three different programs with three different staffs with three different agendas, we take those areas - Sunday School, Children's Church and Midweek Club - and we bring them together and we give them purpose. That's what G.R.A.C.E. QUEST is all about and that’s why we're so excited as we look forward to the fall.

      Our Purpose Statement reads: "G.R.A.C.E. QUEST Children’s Ministry exists to partner with families to produce children who, through the clear teaching and consistent application of God's Word, are Growing, Reaching, Adoring, Connecting, and Encouraging."

      A full explanation of this model was given at our Fall Kick-Off Night on August 31. We also have a packet of material available to all parents that outlines the specifics of G.R.A.C.E. QUEST. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.

      G.R.A.C.E. QUEST began as an idea, a vision, before it even had a name. Its mission is made possible because of our church’s commitment to ministering to children and to the faithful team of volunteers that God has raised up to labor with these young people. Your prayerful support of this new endeavor is greatly appreciated. And if you would like to join our team, please let me know. May God bless you all.

      Pastor Greg

The Month in Focus with Pastor Ben

      Hello again, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! It's almost hard to believe that camp has been over for a month and school has started. It's also hard to believe that I'm not starting another semester! This will be my first year not attending school in the fall since Kindergarten (with one exception). It's great to know that I can put my full focus on the youth and their development.

      We had a pretty decent turnout at the Parent/Teen BBQ last month. I was glad to be able to meet some of you and get to know others just a bit better. I hope to continue those relationships and communicate with you. I know we'll work better together than on our own.

      I know my first school year as the youth pastor will be enlightening. I'm going to try to jump in with both feet and have a great time. Part of that jump is the first annual return to "Recess." Recess was great fun for most of us and so what better time to return to - we all need to relive some of that elementary school fun. As much fun as we'll have, this is primarily an evangelistic endeavor. By the time you read this, it will be over, your kids will be tired, and they will have had their old school fun. More importantly we hope that we have seen some kids start their relationship with Christ.

      At the Fall Kickoff on August 31, I shared some of the other retreats and activities we are planning. Don't forget to mark your calendars and plan ahead because you won't want to miss them.

      Thanks again for your support and prayer as we move this ministry forward to evangelize the lost, edify the body and equip those who are ready for ministry.

      Pastor Ben

Bluegrass, Blue Jeans & BBQ

Sunday, September 18 9:15 AM Bible Study (Sunday School) 10:30 AM Morning Service Lunch in the gym following the Morning Service No Evening Service

Sunday Morning Bible Studies & Sunday School Classes

Classes for all ages meet at 9:15 AM on Sunday mornings

• NEW THIS FALL: Pastor Greg teaching the FaithWeaver material that the kids are learning, but for adults. If you are a parent and would like to learn what your kids are learning then this is the class for you! If you are a Midweek Club volunteer, this would be a prime time to get ready for Wednesday night. Class meets in Gym Room #4.
• Bob Runge in the Auditorium: "A Close Look at Romans 12-15"
• Daniel Maurer in Gym Room #2: "Improving Communication in Your Marriage"
• Pastor Paul in Gym Room #3: "The Will of God: Finding, Following, Fulfilling"
• Brenda Wolcott (Ladies class) in the Choir Room: "Life in Christ"

Children/Youth: (all classes meet in the gym)

Calendar of Events

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