Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

     As I write today, we are about 65 days away from our next major election. I am one who does not like to mix political opinion and Biblical discussion. Yet, when the decisions of either our elected or appointed officers directly affronts Biblical principle, it is time to stand and speak. If we choose to remain silent during these challenging times, then we run the risk of truly being silenced. This year we have the privilege of voting for individual candidates and ballot initiatives. Let me encourage you to pray about your vote, consider the seriousness of an informed vote, and to vote with Biblical principles in mind. Sometimes we are somewhat frustrated with the choices we have when it is time to cast our vote. Consider marking your ballot with the principle of best protecting the Biblical values that you hold dear.

      I recently had the joy of visiting the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. I stood within the monument overlooking the Potomac River. In the distance was the White House, with our nation's flag flying high. I was still feeling the emotion of our visit to Arlington Cemetery. It was easy to get caught up in the wonder of it all. I leave you with a few words of our third president as they are etched in the marble stones that surround the larger than life statue of President Thomas Jefferson.

      "God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can these liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever."

      Pastor Paul

Annual Volunteer Training

Annual Volunteer Training Saturday, September 13 - 8:30 AM

MANDATORY attendance for all current and prospective volunteers of GBC, GCA and PS. Make-up training is on Tuesday, September 16, at 7 PM in the Auditorium.

Round-Up Sunday

Round-up Sunday & Right Hand of Fellowship

• Casual Dress
• 9:15 AM Sunday School
• 10:30 AM Morning Service
• BBQ Tri-tip Lunch in the Gym
  A-L bring a dessert to share and M-Z bring a salad to share
• No Evening Service

Men's Retreat

Grace Baptist Church
2008 Men’s retreat at Dunsmuir, CA

Friday, September 19
(evening meal) through
Sunday, September 21
(brunch)

Cost:
$35 Per Person
(includes housing, meals and Bible Studies)

Bring:
• Personal items
• Sleeping bag/bed roll
• Air mattress
• Bible

Schedule:
• Bible study & discussion
• Good fellowship
• Good food
• Free time: hiking, fishing, golf and much more!

See Terry Sloan for more information.

Teens Mission Impossible

When: 9-5-08
Time: 7:30 - 11:00 PM
Where: GBC Gym

This event will include games and challenges with prizes, videos, intense music and MI games.

We still need a few more donations. Please visit the MI board in the church foyer to see what items are needed. Remove the tag and write your name in it’s place.

All donations should be turned in to the church office by Wednesday, September 3.

If you are unable to get to a store but would like to help, please contact Abby or Trish in the church office.

Missionary News

Olympic Persecution: Inspiration for Olympic Prayer Band Arrested
Article provided by Voice of the Martyrs

     Ma Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan, known for traveling across China on a bicycle to evangelize, was arrested by Chinese police just two days before the Olympics began. Pastor Bike was the inspiration for the recent partnership between The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association to create the Olympic Prayer Band.

     Earlier this year, Pastor Bike pleaded with VOM staff to ask Christians to pray for persecuted Christians in China during the Olympics. The pastor voluntarily preaches the gospel openly in China despite being persecuted. He has asked for his identity to be revealed to bring continued attention to the persecution of Christians in Communist China. Thanks to Pastor Bike’s inspiration and the commitment of concerned Christians across the United States, more than 800,000 prayer bands have been circulated. On August 6, Pastor Bike was arrested while trying to deliver medicine to his ailing wife. His wife and another pastor were also arrested. We have also learned that Chinese officials are opening a full investigation of the Olympic Prayer Bands that were distributed to house church members within China. Despite this increased pressure from Chinese authorities, Chinese Christians continue to ask for prayer and to make their plight known.

Membership

Our next New Member Class is scheduled for the month of September and we would love to have you be a part of the that class! The class will culminate with the Right Hand of Fellowship given to all new members during Round Up Sunday on September 28.

The process of becoming a member of GBC is easy:

1. Present yourself for membership by profession of faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
2. Baptism by immersion.
3. Attendance at our New Member Class.