Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

     Wow, summer is in full swing, our Vacation Bible School for 2010 is history, some of you have already completed your family vacation time, and we are already gearing up for the fall. July 4 falls on a Sunday this year and we are trying something new, serving breakfast here at the church. Camp is always a highlight in the month of July and we have over 20 involved. By the end of July, Joyce and my home group on parenting will have finished and we will be looking for another group to do a repeat study. The end of July includes our annual work day. Within a few days of our annual work day our academy teaching staff will be gearing up for another school year and summer 2010 will be history.

      In the midst of all this activity, there is enormous focus and purpose in why we do all we do. The goal is always to communicate the Word of God and the love of God. Lives are impacted with the saving message of Jesus Christ. People are accepting Christ and being discipled. God is at work and we are cooperating with His eternal plan. It is a humbling thought that God is at work in and through each of us as we yield ourselves to Him.

      This summer, I have been preaching a series on Sunday mornings which expands on the idea of living in a community of believers. This series is focused on the various passages in the New Testament that include the phrase "one another." We are to be at peace with one another, to love one another, to be joined to one another, devoted, accept, instruct, greet, agree, be kind, and forgive. My list of verses includes 29 different actions that define how we interact in the local community called the church. As I stop my busy schedule and take time to reflect on the people that surround me here at Grace, I find myself giving thanks for a fantastic group of people who love the Lord and act loving towards one another. Ephesians 5:1 and 2 say that we are to be "imitators of God as dear children" and we are to "walk in love as Christ also has loved us."

     Thanks for making Grace the great place that it is.

     Love in Christ,

      Pastor Paul

Summer Camp 2010

There is still time to register for summer camp. Registration packets are available in the church foyer. Drivers are needed. See Abby in the church office for more information.

• Junior Camp provides an action-packed week filled with games, activities and tons of excitement for those of you ages 7-12. Developing your relationship with Christ is our number one goal!
• Teen Camp is designed especially to challenge you as a teenager to have an encounter with Jesus Christ through an exciting and awesome program that is second to none.
• Easy and fun way to raise funds for our school
• Volunteers are needed to staff the booth for two-hour shifts during the hours of operation
• Call the school office at 674-7210 for more information

July Events

Church & School Announcements

• New Sunday School Class. Do you know what you believe? Do you know why you believe it? Join our small group in tackling “Basic Bible Truths” starting Sunday, July 4, at 9:15 AM in Gym Room 9. Teachers are Bob and Sharon Schultz.
  
  
• Church Work Day - Please join us bright and early on Saturday, July 31 at 7 AM. Help us get the church and school ready for the new school year. We will have a list of job duties available in the church bulletin. Watch for more details to come.

GCA/Preschool Upcoming Dates

Calling All Bargain Shoppers!

As many of you parents start the daunting task of back to school shopping, keep an eye open for special offers that can also help you fill your Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. Pencils, pens, notepads are all great gift ideas.

Vacation Bible School 2010 Rap Up

Thank you, Grace Baptist Church, for all your hard work and support. Thank you to everyone who donated items for our crafts and snack stations. Thank you to all our volunteers and prayer warriors. We had approximately 120 kids in attendance. 8 kids came to know Christ as their personal Savior! The penny march brought in $551.53. We donated that money to further the work of Laura McLain in Portugal.

E.A.T.S. Program

Join the fun on August 15, as church families host a meal for eight in their home. No evening service, so the meal may be lunch or dinner. The format is up to you: provide a meal, bring a dish or potluck. This would be a great opportunity to meet new families in our church or get reacquainted with old friends!