Pastor Paul's Paragraphs

     The following story comes from an article that recently appeared in the Association of Christian Schools International administrator's magazine. Both the story and the summary are a little lengthy please read all the way to the end.

     The Tale of Two Furniture Stores

     Public Furniture Store has been in business in our town for over 100 years. Everyone knows them. They have several attractive, convenient locations in the community. The stores have the usual array of furniture and appliances—living room and dining room sets, televisions, and refrigerators. However, there is one distinction that sets Public Furniture Stores apart from all others. All their furniture is free. There are no price tags. Many years ago, someone had an idea. Let's charge everyone in the community a fee. After a while, residents won't miss the fee that they pay. The benefit they will receive will be "free" furniture whenever they need it. All they do is visit one of the Public Furniture Stores and choose their furniture. If they don't have a way to pick it up, the store will send their big yellow delivery truck to deliver the new furniture right to their door.

     After a century or so, everyone in town grew accustomed to Public Furniture. Mom and Dad got their furniture there. So did Grandma and Grandpa. Few people could even remember shopping anywhere else. Why would they? Then, one day, a sign went up in the community. Christian Brothers Furniture Store was opening soon. It also had an attractive storefront in a convenient location. It had a friendly sales staff. Evidently, the Christian Brothers had invested heavily in their new store. They advertised on the radio and in the newspaper. The whole town was excited and wanted to see what this new store had to offer. The very idea of a new place to buy furniture was intriguing. The prospect of choice, where there had been none, was appealing. A few weeks later, Christian Brothers Furniture held its grand opening. The event offered free food, and a Christian band performed. The new store was clean and polished to a shine. New furniture and appliances gleamed and invited guests all over the sales floor.

     There was just one problem. It was a shocking revelation. While the furniture in the new store was attractive, it wasn't free. Every single item had a price tag. Many visitors found the prices astonishing! Here was a television set priced at over $1,000 and a bedroom group priced at over $2,000. Unheard of. When they saw price tags, most people simply left quietly, whispering to each other. A few remained to look into this new venture a little more. Questions were asked. "Do you offer free delivery? Do you also have a big yellow delivery truck to bring furniture to my door?" Imagine the dismay when the honest answer was, "No, you'll not only have to buy your furniture from us, but you'll have to arrange your own delivery, because we don't have a truck."

     The obvious question is, "How can Christian Brothers Furniture ever hope to compete with the Public Furniture Store chain?" It seems like a hopeless task. "How can Christian Brothers Furniture hope to stay in business?" The answer to this question is foundational….WE MUST BE DIFFERENT AND WE MUST BE BETTER.

     In Christian education, there are many unique distinctions. Here are a few:

     Bible Based Christian values. Many parents are keenly aware of the anti-Christian, anti-family values present in public schools. Some take the attitude that spiritual danger lurks in most public schools, but not in our public schools. I would challenge parents to find out what their children are learning. What is your school environment really like?

     Academic excellence. Even though the playing field of "test scores" is not created equal, Christian schools deliver on test scores that are literally several grades ahead of the standard.

     Christian in fact, not just in name. Christian schools are real in Christian distinctive. These include practical Bible classes presented where the Word of God is top priority, chapel programs that reach to the hearts and lives, a faculty and staff that loves the Lord and models Christ likeness, and a curriculum that supports a truly biblical worldview. Success is defined as finding the will of God and doing it.

     School Environment. One of the greatest distinctives of the Christian school is the positive, wholesome, caring environment where God is introduced into every aspect of a child's life. There is enormous hope in Jesus Christ.

     We live in a technological and information age. It is nice to know that what is taught and modeled in our Christian school is consistent with the desires of the home and church. The education of our children is a responsibility that God gives to the parents. Christian schools are designed to come along side of all parents and assist in giving a child a truly Christian education.

     It is part of our mission here at Grace Baptist Church to offer parents this educational choice. Thank you for praying for Grace Christian Academy and Preschool. It is our privilege to bring objective hope to a world living in so much confusion. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ.

      Pastor Paul

Meet Your Deacon

Deacon Dedication & Dinner
"Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus." I Timothy 3:8-13

Join us for Dinner

As you enter the church foyer, pick up your colored name tag. Following the morning service everyone is invited to have dinner in the gym. Sit at the table that matches your colored named tag. The church will provide BBQ chicken and tri-tip. If your last name begins with A-M please bring a side dish or salad, N-Z please bring a dessert. To ensure that we have enough food, please bring a dish that serves up to eight people. To help us better plan for this meal, please fill out the card in your Sunday bulletin.

March Activities

Saturday, March 6 - GCA & Preschool Auction
Come out and support our students! Enjoy great fellowship and do a little shopping too. Silent Auction begins at 9:00 AM and live auction begins at 10:00 AM. Breakfast and lunch will be available.

Saturday, March 13 - "Soaring to Great Heights"
Join the Ladies of Grace for a great time of fun, food and fellowship. Meet in the Youth Room at 9:30 AM. Bring a snack to share. We will be focusing on Isaiah 55:9: "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."

Friday, March 19 - Youth Group Game Night
Meet in the Youth Room. Bring a snack and a 2 liter soda to share. Invite a friend! Watch for more details about times and theme. See Terry Sloan or Jason Tamura for more information.

Vacation Bible School 2010 is Coming!
VBS is just around the corner and we need everyone to participate to make this outreach a success. This year’s VBS will take place
June 14-18. Watch for more details to come.
July 19 - 24 - VerticalLife and West Coast Camp 2010
It’s never too early to start saving for summer camp. This year’s theme is “SUMMER SAFARI, In Search of the Abundant Life!” Total cost per child is $285. Register by May 8th, and receive a $20 discount and a free T-shirt. Register by June 5th, and receive a $10 discount and a free T-shirt.

March Events

Church and School Anncouncements

• Registration for returning GCA students begins on Monday, March 1.
• New Series Sunday School Class for Adults “Trusting God, Even When Life Hurts”. Plan to meet Sundays at 9:15 AM in Gym Room 5. Brian Currier and Dan Turner will be team-teaching this series.
• We are in need of volunteers to help in the church nursery. If you are interested in helping with this very important ministry, please see Pastor Paul.
• Our Faith Promise goal is $56,000.00. We currently have commitments that total $30,120.00. Please pray and ask the Lord to lead our church as we discuss the possibility of cutting back on our missions giving.

April Activities

April 16-18 - Teen Purity Week-end
All teens in Jr. High and High School are encouraged to attend this fun filled week-end in Oroville. Teens will meet at the church on Friday at 5 PM and return Sunday around Noon. Enjoy a great time of fellowship, outdoor activities and lots of junk food. Teens will be focusing on what the Word says about keeping your body and mind pure. The cost for this event is $25 Per student. See Jason Tamura for more information.

Friday, April 16 - GCA Drive Thru Tri-Tip Fundraiser
what is a drive-thru dinner? It’s just like going to your favorite fast food restaurant except much better! You drive up, present your advance purchase tickets and we will give you a complete meal. Drive thru open Friday, April 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Call the school office at 674-7210 for tickets and more information.

April Events

Church and School Announcements

• GCA and the Preschool will be closed April 2 thru April 9 for Easter Break.
• The Church office will be closed on Friday, April 2, in observance of Good Friday.
• PM Quarterly Church Administrative Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 25.
• If your child is planning to attend this year’s summer camp, please stop by the church office to pick-up a registration form.
• Friday, April 2 - The Rock & Worship Road Show at ARCO Arena Artists include Mercy Me, Fancesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets and more! Doors open at 5:30 PM. Cost is $10 Per person. Watch for more details to come.