Voices of Grace

Testimonies

2012-01-17T08:18:00.002-05:00

We want to hear from you! Please give us a testimony of how you've seen God transforming you during this current series on Worship. You can leave a comment here, on our Facebook page or send us an email at gcc@gccfred.org.

Children & Worship

2011-12-20T19:58:00.001-05:00

Why are there children in the service? Is there a reason the children are in the service during worship and then get dismissed instead of going straight to their classrooms? How come at times children remain in the whole service – isn’t there a place for them?

These are questions I get asked and sometimes ask myself! (Especially in Sunday service when my own son desires to run to the bathroom 3 times in 10 minutes or doesn’t use his “whispering” voice!) In transitioning to my new role as Director Children’s Ministries, I have begun to seek out the answers to these questions for myself – even checking out what other churches do for their children. I can say that I’m thankful and excited that our families get the opportunity to worship TOGETHER! We are blessed to be able to model our worship, to share in praise together, to show our children how to be engaged and at times talk them through the service and talk with them after the service.

This is the first year that Isaac (in Kindergarten) gets the chance to worship with us and sit with us. While it can be challenging, distracting, and at times loud (“Mom, when can I go to Pastor R’s house??”), it is also a beautiful opportunity to disciple Isaac and share the benefits of corporate worship. I have observed children focused on their parents and others as they sing and raise their hands to the Savior. I have seen parents lean down and explain the different aspects of the service or allow their children to put the offering in the plate. I watch moms and dads and grandparents, love on their children by putting an affirming arm around them or enjoying having them close. I have also observed parents doing the hard thing and reinforcing to their children how to be quiet and respectful. For our children to see our passion to worship, our desire to be respectful, reverent and engaged and also to know the importance of being part of a church is a way to biblically disciple your children.

Your excitement or lack thereof translates to your children. If you take each opportunity as the chance to teach, model or just reaffirm your love for them, God will bless your efforts!

Some ideas:

- Make sure your child can “see” what is going on. If you have to, sit closer to the front or allow them to stand in the aisle or on a chair to help them to participate in the singing.

- Encourage your children to worship by giving – remind them to bring their own allowance tithe or give them money to put in the offering.

- Listen for key words or points in the sermon that you can reinforce on your way home or talk with your child about. Ask them to listen for one thing they can tell you about after the service.

For those of you who are not in the specific season of having an active youngster in service, pray for those parents who do and who are investing in their children - it is not the easiest part of the job! Take a fidgety baby to hold or smile at a young child and talk to them after the service. You can be part of raising our children in the Lord and in His church.

Deuteronomy 4:9

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Worship Quotes

2011-12-19T15:09:00.004-05:00

Here are the worship quotes from the December 18th service during the offering moment at the 2nd & 3rd services.

To hear the sermon from this week or any other week be sure to check out the sermon page on the church website or find us on iTunes.

"It behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshiping we are becoming."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell."

~C.S. Lewis

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

~Luke 2:13-13 (NIV)

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

~Colossians 3:17

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks."

~John 4:23 (NIV)

"If you do not know how to worship God in spirit and in truth, even God will disappoint you, because you will end up using him. You will end up not coming on his terms. That is why God said, 'You have sniffed at [worship] and what a weariness it is." (Mal. 1:3)

~Ravi Zacharias

"So long as men worship the Caesars and Napoleons, Caesars and Napoleons will duly arise and make them miserable."

~Aldous Huxley

"Now we can understand how worship counters the sense of loneliness, because loneliness cannot be dispelled by love alone. Only worship can bind all our passions. Something love alone cannot do. This is the reason that worship is the supreme expression in life, the root from which life's branches grow and its expressions flower."

~Ravi Zacharias

"We usually define sacrilege as taking something that belongs to God and using it profanely. Sacrilege is at its worst not when it takes something that belongs to God and uses it profanely, but when you take something and give it to God and it means nothing to you."

~G. Campbell Morgan

"But King David replied to Araunah, 'No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing."

~1 Chronicles 21:24

Answered Prayer

2011-12-06T15:58:00.003-05:00

By Jim Peterson

For a year or so, we have been building what we call our “wish list”. This is a list of wants that have not yet become needs for the church. One of the things on that list was a new video projector for the Family Life Center. The current projector is outdated and displaying vertical lines on the left side of the screen that can be distracting.

I am pleased to report that our prayer has been answered. A member of the church has provided us with a gift that will allow us to replace the existing projector. He told us that God had greatly blessed him and his business this year and he wanted to give back to support the church. The new projector should be in place in the next week or two.

We are so grateful for the ways that God continues to bless us. Knowing that some people like to give to meet specific needs, I have included the rest of our wish list to this blog. If you would want to address any of these items, please feel free to give me a call at the church.

1. ***Retractable Basketball Hoops - $14,000

2. ***~~Replacement projector in FLC - $7869 (includes installation~~)

3. ***Portable Stage Lighting (LED) - $5,850

4. ***Painting the walls and ceiling of the FLC [walls-paint only approx $3000 ceiling would have to be professionally done - approx. $10,000)

5. ***Landscape lighting to clear up all the dark spots around the church building and parking lots – approx. $8,000

6. ***~~AED (defibrillator) – approx. $1,000 purchased~~

7. ***New Carpet for chapel and lobby – approx. $10,000

8. ***Painting of the North Lobby and some carpet – approx. $3,000

9. ***Bookshelves for the Mezzanine Lobby

10.***Completed Youth Space – approx. $900,000

11.***Completed Kitchen and Classrooms on first floor – approx. $300,000

12.***Secondary parking lot – approx. $90,000

13.***Portable Baptistry - $2000-4000

How have you seen God at work and answering prayer in your life lately?? It's never a bad thing to pray specific prayers! That way we get to see how God specifically answers them.

He is Worthy of our Thanks and to be Praised!

2011-11-22T17:37:00.004-05:00

Submissions from the Grace Family for Thanksgiving

I am thankful that I have my health, and I am employed. I am thankful that I have my house and the bank doesn’t own me. I am thankful that I have a wonderful husband.

I'm thankful for His growth in my life and for the work He does through me for His glory. He knows all of the work, and I have only finite knowledge of what He does through me. The things I go through, or receive, or circumstances that "work out" mean nothing compared to the relationship I have with Him, so even though I'm thankful for those things, those things aren't the importance of my life or the reason for my thanksgiving and praise. This world will pass away, and I'm thankful that He created me, loves me enough to not let me stay sinful, provided a way through Jesus Christ to wipe those sins away so that I can come back to Him (God) where I belong. That's what I'm thankful for every day, He allows me to wake up and live for Him, and Him through me.

I am very grateful to God and to my family at Celebrate Recovery here at Grace . I have been growing in a lot of different ways through the step studies and share groups at Celebrate Recovery in the past four years. I also got the opportunity to go to California for leadership training, which was very exciting . I have had serious problems with intimacy and trust issues because of my background. Growing up in a alcoholic home and being married to an alcoholic took a real toll on my character. I struggled with low self-esteem and lack of confidence and I isolated myself for fear of letting people really know who I am. I became lonely and non-productive. I could not share God's word with anyone. I wasn't sure I even knew what being a Christian was. I saw Christians as perfect people, and I just did not fit the profile. Through the Step studies and the share groups, I learned to share my heart with other people and through this I also learned that many people had problems just like me. This experience helped me to stop isolating myself and I felt this was a place of belonging and a place I could be real and share my pain and my thoughts without any judgements. I have made friends and I have gotten married again to a wonderful man (I did not say perfect). I know I need the teachings in Matthew on the B-attitudes. I need to be reinforced with the lessons that speak truth to my heart every week, and I need the fellowship of Christian people to succeed in my walk with God and follow his will for my life, and I find all this here at Celebrate Recovery on Thursdays at 7pm. I am Thankful at Thanksgiving and throughout the year.

For two weeks last month I had experienced lower back pain. Pastor Mike prayed for me, as did the church. I no longer have this pain and I believe that God took it away. I am very thankful that I belong to a praying church!

Wow. Where do we start? I am thankful for our kids' health and their relationship with the Lord. I am also thankful for the financial provisions that God has provided over the last year. One year ago things did not look very good for us, but by His grace, he has provided.

God never stops His work in the believer's life. He perfects His children. I am thankful that day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here, for in my Father's wise bestowment I have no need to worry or to fear.

Moments of peace when the whispers of God seem clearer.

I am thankful for a full van.... Both of my teens are in youth group, so every Wednesday night I find myself driving to and from church. I kept thinking something is missing. At the end of this summer, as I looked at my two kids in the van, I asked God to fill my van with others. God answered. At first we had a wise-cracking, fun teen boy join in, then about two weeks later a shy neighbor teenage girl joined in, and then in mid-October, a loud, fun-loving teen girl joined in. All are seekers. Every Wednesday, my van is now filled with joy, jokes, loud music and laughter as this group of teens and I trek to and from youth group. I have one seat left in my van, and I know God will fill it. I am thankful for my loud van full of teens!

I am thankful to God for his orchestration of relationships in my life. He has shown Himself and introduced to me new ideas and insights and understanding through family and friends that I never would have received on my own.

This past year I have been blessed by the gift of a family:

1) my daughter living closer and being a reminder of the "awesomeness" of God

2) my awesome new son-in-law and daughter depending on God for everything and making me laugh

3) the love of a great, Christian husband

I have so much to be thankful for this year, but above all I am thankful that God has healed my husband. I know that God uses him in my life to speak the truths of His Holy Spirit and to surround my children and me in love. We are truly blessed for everyday that God gives.

I am a teen and I am thankful for the club volleyball team that I have been accepted on. It is a team that was created by coaches, parents, and players that didn't want to have to choose between church and sports. So they only play at Saturday tournaments and no practices on Wednesday night. I am so thankful that I can continue on the youth leadership team at church, be at youth group, attend Epicenter, go to TBF and still play competitive volleyball!

I am grateful for my diagnosis of diabetes this year. It was a wake-up call for me to attend to health issues I was ignoring. With God's grace, I have changed my attitude and lifestyle, so that now I am off the medication for diabetes. Praise God and his infinite wisdom.

I am so thankful for God's faithfulness and provision this year, and for the ways that he has shown his love to me and my family through other believers.

I am thankful that such an awesome and powerful God would care about me and my kids. I am thankful for my two amazing children. And, after much prayer, he sent me the perfect job! I am thankful that we have a beautiful home to live in and that we are all healthy. I am truly thankful for my wonderful small group family and all that they mean to me.

My wife and I are both thankful for continued good health even at our advancing age and for a long lasting sweet marriage of 51 years. Finally, we’re thankful for our kids, in-laws, and grandchildren, and how the Lord has been active in their lives, even when they don’t know it.

We are thankful to God for guiding us in raising our children and teaching us that they will always hear us and learn from us! Parenting is a role that we both have been praying we do right and without God's grace we never would have made it! We will always be thankful knowing He works through us in ways we still don't know!

I am thankful for a fresh understanding of God’s unconditional love for me that is eternal. I am grateful for the renewed sense of closeness between my wife and me in our relationship. I am thankful for increased times of prayer and scriptural discussions and closeness with my wife helped by a devotional book for couples. I am humbled by how God is convicting me of how much I talk about prayer and how inconsistently I practice prayer.

I have seen God demonstrate His love for me through countless unseen realities . . . the things we cannot touch . . . hope, encouragement, music, solitude, reflection, beauty, understanding from those close to me. I am so very thankful.

I am thankful for the Women of Grace who serve so selflessly. In particular, I am thankful for the ministry of the MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers. The leaders of this program have blessed so many of us who struggle with parenting. I thank the Lord for this ministry and how it has touched me and so many others.

A renewed faith in our Creator through difficult times. He is faithful and I’m truly blessed as a single father to raise my teens with Godly wisdom and see them grow in faith. Side note – finding a special woman to share this joy with and soon to become my wife. God is more than Good; He is awesome.

I am very thankful that the Lord led our family to Grace Community Church. We had been looking for a church home for a long time!

The Lord has been so very real to me as my heavenly Husband in this year that my earthly husband was taken home. He, the Lord, has asked me if I would go with Him to the end of the journey on earth….to the edge of the sea. He has shown up with joy and filled me unspeakable on a lonely road. He has sent a friend or a phone call at the needed time. When no one was there, he was there. He accepts me where I am and what I am feeling. He carries me thru the good and the bad. He is changing me and I am grateful beyond words.

I am grateful for a husband who takes his health seriously. Just over a year ago he had a heart attack. Since that time he has lost over 20 pounds, reduced his stress, and stayed committed to an exercise routine. Some people don't take these wake up calls seriously. I am thankful my husband did!

Grace Christian Learning Center

2011-11-18T10:32:00.000-05:00

By Nicole Gibson

Fall is in the air and at Grace Christian Learning Center the classrooms have been filled with festivities that remind us all of the beautiful seasons God has created in this world. I am really enjoying getting to know all of the wonderful women who are truly centered in doing God’s work for these children. It’s been obvious by all the smiles, hugs, squeals and giggles that the children can feel the love of Christ these teachers are sharing.

This week was lots of fun. We started off with Sharon Madonna sharing Chapel time with the kids on Monday and Thursday. This year we’ve had the privilege of the MOPs group joining us at Chapel too. We are so happy to add even more little ones to listen as Sharon shares stories of God’s great love. We are so thankful that by God’s grace Sharon is on the mend and able to make it back to GCLC to share such a special time.

The classes have been having lots of fall fun and Grace Christian Learning Center even had the chance to share the message of Christ with some new families at the Frederick Preschool Fair this week. What a wonderful opportunity to tell other families about all that God is doing through this preschool. We also got class pictures back (boy are they cute!) and just in time for Thanksgiving Break!

Before our week off all the classes are celebrating with a Fall Party. The kids love the opportunity to cook and share with each other just the way the Pilgrims and Indians did many years ago.

As teachers we are all looking forward to time spent with family and friends over Thanksgiving but we thank God for the blessing of sharing His love and wisdom with the children through scripture like 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Discipleship and Sacrifice

2011-11-08T15:27:00.002-05:00

By Pastor Dan Haffey

Our Fall spiritual journey in the Book of Acts is recounting God’s plan for the unleashing of the Gospel under the power of the Holy Spirit. It also lays out the call to be a disciple, that is, a follower of Jesus Christ. The principal actors in Acts, having encountered God, were 100% sold out to the Mission. They gave up everything to follow Christ by telling the great story of redemption. They sacrificed all to be a follower of Christ. Luke 14:33 says that “any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple”. What have you (or would you) give up to follow Christ? Have you given up anything? If your relationship with Christ was measured by your sacrifice, how strong would that relationship be?

So what are the other qualities needed to be a disciple? First, a personal and vital relationship with Christ. The power to overcome all the natural and unnatural obstacles to bold in Christian living comes from the Spirit of God within the believer. Next, a love for others. John 13:35 tells us that it is our LOVE that will be the proof of our discipleship. Since that kind of love is not natural we need the power of the Spirit to supernaturally love others, even the most unlovable! Third, an obedient heart toward God’s teaching. Jesus says clearly in John 8:31 “if you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples”. Last, a fruitfilled life. Just as we are to known by our love of others, our lives as disciples are to bear good fruit, the fruit of the Spirit in our own lives and good fruit in the lives of those we encounter.

The first century church was unique in some ways BUT their commitment to Christ is the pattern we are to follow in our own path of discipleship. Are YOU a true disciple of Christ? Do you evidence the qualities of a disciple?

Ask God to show you where you need to grow as a disciple…..He will bring the truth about yourself to you if you ask with a sincere heart.

Fall Festival!

2011-11-04T14:32:00.005-04:00

By Brenda Rota

If you were on campus the evening of October 30, 2011 then you got to experience how GCC celebrates Fall Festival.

Erin O’Hara served as ministry leader over this event. This does not fall under her staff responsibilities. Rather, this event is something she is passionate about, and her passion is evident in all aspects of her planning.

Fall Festival is not only for our church families to enjoy, but it is another opportunity for us to invite our friends, neighbors, and family members onto our campus. We welcomed 19 visiting families to our campus that night. Candy and costumes were definitely part of the evening. But there was so much more!

Our small groups were joined by ministry teams from MOPS and Drama to provide 15 activities for the families to participate in. Face painting, balloon art, moon bounce, bracelet

making, donut eating race, and the basketball shoot out were only some of the games offered. Family portraits were taken in the Atrium and hotdogs were served in the North Lobby.

Before the night was finished, our drama team and high school students made sure that everyone heard the Gospel presentation. They did a great job!

So, how do you measure success? Pictures are a great way to tell a story. A few snapshots are included here and on the Community Bulletin Board. We are asking all who took pictures to send them our way!

If you are a numbers person, here are some stats for you: we counted 216 children; over 220 adults; 136 family units; 288 hot dogs served; and over 200 bags of candy distributed. We even came in under budget and collected $140 in donations for our Thanksgiving Baskets!

We measured success at the end of the night by the two young families who thanked us for making them feel welcome in our church. And, watching the way our small groups bonded over their service in the booths. And hearing the four year old boy who said his favorite part was playing the donut eating contest with his grandfather. What was your favorite part of the evening? Leave your comment below.

Thanksgiving ... A Favorite Time of Year!

2011-11-03T18:30:00.001-04:00

By Pastor Mike

What a great time of year! Thanksgiving! I love the cool, crisp weather…the anticipation of deer hunting with my brothers and nephews the week after Thanksgiving…and the Thanksgiving Dinner with family.

However, the eternal dimension is very significant! Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His loving kindness is everlasting,” He is worthy of our thanks and praise!

It is important to note…that Thanksgiving Day is a cultural holiday. Yet we need to be reminded that the practice of giving thanks is part of our daily spiritual disciplines. So may we ask God to use the cultural holiday for His glory to give us opportunities to praise Him!

Speaking of opportunities…Wednesday, November 23 at 7:00pm is our Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service. It is a powerful time of worship to God through testimonies, Scripture reading, special music, congregational singing, offering for needy people and video clips. Hope you can make it!

Help & Hope for Parents

2011-11-02T12:22:00.001-04:00

By Pastor Mike Brubaker

Often Moms and Dads have asked me for suggestions and for help in parenting their children. They have asked for workshops or classes on parenting with a biblical and Christian perspective. Wow… here it is! On Saturday, November 12 and Monday, November 14 there are Parenting Conference Workshops here at Grace Community Church. Catherine Hickem, nationally known Christian author & speaker is our guest to lead these Workshops.

On Saturday, November 12 from 8:30am to 1:00pm Catherine will address the issue of “Parenting Adult Children.” And on Monday, November 14 from 9:00am to 11:30am she will address the issue: “Regret Free Parenting.” Please register through our website…www.gracetoday.org or call the church office… 301-473-4337 and speak with Brenda (x124) or Verlyn (x100). I love how the sovereign and providential plan of God brings Catherine Hickem to Grace at just the right time to offer hope & help in parenting!

Fall Festival…it’s BACK!

2011-10-25T15:28:00.005-04:00

By Erin O'Hara

After a Sabbath rest last year, the Fall Festival at GCC is returning, complete with moon bounce, carnival games, food and fun for the whole family! Sunday, October 30^th, 5-7pm - the Family Life Center will be transformed into a colorful world of people, games, candy and costumes. This ministry event brings joy to my heart!

Joy is a gift we receive from the Lord! In reviewing the context for joy in the Old Testament, it is often surrounded by times of celebration, thanksgiving and offerings to the Lord for the blessing that He imparted to His people. Many times, food and feasts were part of the joyful festivities.

In the fall season, we are reminded of the harvest, the blessing of the Lord’s provision, the richness of His creation and imagery as the leaves turn beautiful colors and the air becomes crisp. As we gather, we have the opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness, His imparted blessing to us. I feel so blessed by my church family and the chance to gather, feast, celebrate and laugh with one another. The relationships that have formed at Grace are a beautiful connection and impartation of God’s blessing to me.

In addition to the celebration of our family, the Fall Festival allows us the chance to multiply God’s joy to us and bless others with it who may not have ever experienced an eternal connection like the family of God. We want to CHALLENGE you to pray for and then invite friends, family, neighbors who would not otherwise step onto a church campus. What an amazing opportunity for them to see and experience the joy of the Lord!

* face painting * scavenger hunt * toss away * moon bounce * portraits * balloon art * cookie decorating * costumes * skits * donut eating * bracelet making * sporting competition * songs *

Evangelism Training Class

2011-10-21T16:08:00.002-04:00

By Eric Miller

I'm excited for our upcoming Evangelism Training Class (This Sunday, October 23 at 9:30 AM in the Chapel) for several reasons ... allow me to explain:

1. We're all called to share our faith. While we can often come up with reasons why we don't want to share our faith, we know that it's still a commandment and it's still very important. So I'm excited to help us wrestle with those thoughts and feelings to come to a point where we're willing to take a step of faith in hope that the person we're sharing our faith with will also take a step of faith ... one that has WAY more significance than us risking embarrassment or being uncomfortable!

2. All we have to do is plant the seed. We're called to present the gospel to any and everyone, no matter where we are or who we're talking to. This can be very scary to us. But I love thinking about the reality of Scripture, where we can rest in knowing that our job is just to scatter the seed, it's the Holy Spirit's job to make it grow. If you think about it, we get the easy part!

3. I love hearing and sharing stories of how we've been able to share our faith and plant seeds of the gospel in people's lives. It's a great time to pick up some new ideas and methods of how we can do that and take a risk to get out of our comfort zones.

I hope that you'll join us this Sunday! I promise it will be a rewarding experience to be a part of!

A Journey Through Acts

2011-10-19T21:57:00.002-04:00

By Pastor R Dallas Greene

The Acts of the Apostles could easily be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit working through the apostles. It has been my prayer that each of us would become increasingly aware of the Holy Spirit’s activity in our lives and that we would all experience greater intimacy with God. As I open this book to you on Sundays and many of you are studying through Acts on your own and in your small groups, I am hearing how the Holy Spirit has been empowering your witness and giving you divine appointments. We have asked you to pray about your one, to write their name in black on the cross in the lobby atrium, and when you present the gospel to them to underline their name in green and if (or when) they come into the kingdom to circle it in red.

About a month ago, a woman felt burdened for her son-in-law and placed his name on the cross writing his name in black. She prayed for an opportunity to talk with him. That very afternoon her son-in-law came to her house. She told him that she had placed his name on the cross and she would like to tell him the good news of the gospel. As she began testifying to the goodness of God, the sky outside was cloudy and then a shaft of light broke through the clouds. Then there was a glorious rainbow reaching from one side of the horizon to the other. She felt God was confirming her witness with special effects. When he had to go, he asked if there was more, she said yes and he said she could talk to him anytime. So she underlined his name in green and someday soon, I hope she will circle his name in red.

This past Sunday a staff member’s son saw the cross and put his name on it. That afternoon the mother wisely asked him if he knew the gospel. He asked her to tell him the story about Jesus. He listened carefully to what his Mother said to him. He had some questions. When she finished, she asked him if he would like to receive God’s free gift and believe that Jesus took his place on the cross. He said yes. He will be circling his own name in red. We know there is a celebration in heaven and we will be flying a balloon this Sunday to celebrate on earth.

God is moving! The Holy Spirit is prompting us to pray, to be intentional and to be bold. He is drawing people to Jesus and opening their hearts to believe. I give thanks to God for the ones we know have come in and look forward to hearing your stories about the ones yet to come in.

Would you be willing to share your story of how you've spread the gospel to your one? We'd love to hear and pray and rejoice with you!

Celebrate Recovery

2011-10-18T15:40:00.000-04:00

By Verlyn Mahaffey

It’s Thursday night and there is a gathering of leaders in a small office and they begin to pray for the night for God’s presence, for the Holy Spirit to work in hearts, for their hearts to be right before Him!

As they leave the office full of hope, joy and strength for the evening they see the people coming. They greet and talk for a while until the Praise Team begins to sing praises to God. This night is explosive with praise and singing to the Lord.

God is moving, one knows and feels His presence. We sit down as a leader takes us into a time of testimony to what the Lord is doing in our lives. Person after person gives glory to the “I Am” in their life and the changes and healing that He is doing; relationships restored, marriages restored, lives changed, victories through His name!

Cannot get much better! But it does in the small groups that take place where intimacy of sharing, praying, listening, hoping, crying, laughing all bringing an opening for God to work. This happens here at Grace every Thursday evening at 7pm here in Celebrate Recovery. It is an amazing spiritual journey!

Heritage Days

2011-10-13T16:57:00.004-04:00

By Brenda Rota

We were very excited to go back to Heritage Days in Middletown this year. Last year was the church’s first year to participate in this well attended event. With more than 30% of our church family from Middletown, it makes sense to have a presence there.

This year we tried something new. Our youth got involved by entering a float in the parade. They brought great energy to the parade! The youth praise team rode on the float with their instruments and many from our youth group and church body walked alongside to hand out candy. Hearing the lyrics, “Jesus is alive”, sung down Main Street in Middletown surely brought God glory. It also gave all those on the parade route a clear message of who we are at Grace Community Church.

GCC ran our tie dye booth for the second year in a row. We did not choose tie dye because we have a resident expert. I can confess to you I did not tie dye my first shirt until last year at Heritage Days. Rather, we chose an activity to bring people into our booth who we could engage in a spiritual conversation. I was asked several times if this booth was a ‘money maker’ for the church. I loved their response when I told them it was not our goal to make money. It was our goal, though, to meet our neighbors and talk to them about Jesus.

When was the last time you set aside an entire day to be in community? All four of our pastors, the staff and many from our church body spent the better part of September 25, 2011 getting to know the people who pass our campus every day. At the end of the day, the vendor next to our booth came over to hug me good bye. She said, “I’ve watched your booth all day. Your church is like a big family.”

Midweek Moment - May 9, 2011

2011-05-11T15:02:00.000-04:00

Midweek Moment

May 8, 2011

Faith: Generation to Generation

Pastor R. Greene

Faith: Generation to Generation (Ephesians 3:20, 21)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (NIV)

· God wants us to pass on our faith to our children and grandchildren

· His power works in us to transform us into faithful followers.

Timothy: Three Generations of Faith ( I Timothy 1:5-7)

⁷That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich (sincere) faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (The Message)

· Paul believed in Timothy and thanked God for him

· Paul affirmed Timothy’s faith and his heritage of faith.

· Timothy was raised in the faith by his mother and grandmother.

· Timothy’s father was probably unbelieving as a Greek.

· God wants to fan the Flame of Faith in our lives!

· God has given us a spirit of power, love and of self-discipline.

Holding Fast to the Foundation of Faith (II Timothy 3:14-17)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[^a^] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)

· Paul urges Timothy to hold onto what he was taught about the scriptures.

· Spiritual growth comes ONLY from meditation, memorization and reflection on His Word……..we are transformed by the Word!

· Some people are “auditing” their faith…listening but not taking responsibility for their own spiritual growth.

· The key to spiritual growth is discipleship…..(Christina and Rachel Rapp)

· Discipleship is about pouring into others, fanning their flames of faith.

Pass on the faith to the next generation, be the oxygen to their faith flames…..!

Spring is HERE!

2011-05-10T19:34:00.000-04:00

By Lisa Catania

Spring is here at last!

Spring is finally here! After a very long, cold winter, the warm air has arrived! I love how God paints His world this time of year! The flowers are in bloom in an array of colors. The trees are budding in bright greens. The sky glows in beautiful blues. Then I watch the birds that are nesting in the bushes in my front yard and there is hope, joy and new life. The winter doldrums and worries seem to wash away as I admire God’s handiwork. Then I meditate on Matthew 6:25 – 27, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Enjoy the beauty of God’s world, all that is in it, relax, and give thanks to God for a new season!

Midweek Moment - May 9, 2011

2011-05-10T19:33:00.000-04:00

Midweek Moment
Living the Christian Life: Our New Identity
Colossians 3:10-14
The Well -Dressed Christian Woman
May 9, 2010
Pastor R. Greene

We have a new identity when we become believers in Jesus Christ, everything is different and new. We have a new self.

Our New Identity: (Colossians 3:10-12)
· Therefore as God's chosen people.we are chosen.
§ Chosen: He chose you before you were born.
§ Holy: You are set apart for God's use.
§ Dearly Loved: He loves you unconditionally.
Our New Clothes (Colossians 3:12-14) Virtues that Flow from our new identity.
· Compassion: bowels of mercy, deep empathy, we are called to extend compassion
that takes action.
· Kindness: loving care of others and their feelings; extends itself for the benefit
of others.
· Humility: thinking of ourselves less; the opposite of pride.
· Gentleness: strength under God's control; soothing; not weakness.
· Patience: an eternal perspective; faith that God is at work; longsuffering in the
face of suffering.

Will you clothe yourself with these qualities? God will help you to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient.
Col. 3:13-14 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
· We are called to forgive from the heart as God forgave us.
· What are holding against someone else?
· Will you forgive them?
Put on Love: binds the clothes together; they all stem from Love which comes only from God.

Midweek Moment - April 3, 2011

2011-04-12T13:49:00.000-04:00

Contemplations of the Cross: Love, Obedience and Abiding

Pastor R. Greene

Text: John 15: 1-15

¹ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[^a^] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater Love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

God’s will is that we bear “much fruit” , the fruit of sincere love of others.

What is love? Agape love (not Eros) is the highest level of love; (I Cor. 13: 4-8)

ü Unconditional

ü Genuine

ü Unending

ü Sacrificial

Am I bearing the fruit if love? (John 15:8)

· Love is the evidence of being His disciple (v 8)

· Love abides, perseveres, persists

How does the Father love? (John 15:9)

· Perfectly

· Patiently

· Consistently, deeply

· Warmly w/ deep affection

· Not like human fathers

Love and Obedience: (John 15:10)

· Loves leads to obedience

· Jesus obeyed His Father out of love

· Fruit: comes from the combination of Love and Obedience

Love + Obedience = Joy (John 15:11)

· Love and obedience completes our Joy

· We are commanded to love others as He has loved us (v. 11).

· God showed His love by sending Christ to die (John 3:16)

· “If you hang around Christ you will smell like love”. (R.)

Love Multiplied (John 15: 12, 13)

· Love like you have been loved

· Love those you don’t like or don’t like you.

· Love sacrificially….

How is God’s love flowing in and out of me? (2 Corinthians5:14, 15)

· Are you loving others with agape love?

· Are you loving out of God’s love for you?

· Do you live like God’s servant or God’s friend?

Midweek Moment - March 30, 2011

2011-03-30T16:40:00.001-04:00

Midweek Moment

March 27, 2011

Contemplations of the Cross: Seed, Soil, Fruit

Pastor R. Greene

What season of Life am I in? (Eccl. 3:1-2)

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

· Seasons of life change

· When need to be planting seeds in others lives…..

What kind of soil am I? (Luke 8:4-8)

· Hard soil: hostile, mocking, unbelieving heart living in a relativistic world. A hardened heart usually takes a severe trial to soften it. Don’t lose hope for those you are praying for who’s hearts are hardened.

· Rocky soil: Shallow roots that when exposed to adversity (sun) withers the roots. Adversity is intended to strengthen and deepen roots.

· Weeds: choke out the seed: worries, material distractions fueled by desire or love of money, pleasures.

· Good soil: When God sows growth, comfort, wisdom into you, you then sow that into someone’s else’s life.

What kind of fruit am I bearing?

John 12:23-26

²³ Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴ Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. ²⁵ Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

· “Glorification” refers to the Cross and the Resurrection.

· From Death comes Life: Only when the kernel of wheat dies does it produce much fruit.

The only way to get to Life is through Death. The only way to gain eternal life if for Christ to die. It was necessary for Christ to die and resurrect in order for us to live. When He died He became our sin for us. When we accept the gift of God’s work on the cross He grants us His righteousness as a covering and grants us eternal life.

The Gospel: God really loves you but you sinned and are separated from Him because He is holy and can’t be around sin. Accepting Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross gives His Holiness to you so he doesn’t see your sinful state.

· Dying is the requirement for spiritual vitality. If your life is static there is something God is asking you to die to – selfishness, hatred, unforgiveness, addictions, gluttony.

· What sin in your life is God asking you to die to?

· Being crucified in Christ means to die to sin and be raised to spiritual life, to die to the old self so that the new self can be raised anew in Christ.

Encouragement

2011-03-28T16:42:00.000-04:00

By Lisa Catania

Have you ever received that word of encouragement at just that “perfect” moment? My wonderful Children’s Ministry mentor meets with me a few times a year for prayer, teaching, counsel, and encouragement. Below is “The Calling” which she gave to me in a frame, as a piece of encouragement. May it bless and encourage all of those who “minister” to children.

“The Calling” Author – Unknown

"I am a minister. I minister to the largest mission field in the world. I minister to children.

My calling is sure: my challenge is big: my vision is real: my desire is strong: my influence is eternal: my impact is critical: my values are solid: my faith is tough: my mission is urgent: my purpose is unmistakable: my direction is forward: my heart is genuine: my strength is supernatural: my reward is promised: and my God is real!

In a world of cynicism, I offer hope. In a world of confusion, I offer attention. In a world of abuse, I offer safety. In a world of ridicule, I offer affirmation. In a world of division, I offer reconciliation. In a world of bitterness, I offer forgiveness. In a world of sin, I offer salvation. In a world of hate, I offer God’s Love.

I refuse to be dismayed, disengaged, disgruntled, discouraged, or distracted. Neither will I look back, stand back, fall back, go back or sit back. I do not need applause, flattery, adulation, prestige, stature or veneration. I do not have time for business as usual, mediocre standards, small thinking, outdated methods, normal expectations, average results, ordinary ideas, petty disputes, or low vision. I will not give up, give in, bail out, lie down, turn over, quit or surrender.

I will pray when things look bad. I will pray when things look good. I will move forward when others stand still. I will trust God when obstacles arise. I will work when the task is overwhelming. I will get up when I fall down.

My calling is to reach boys and girls for God. It is too serious to be taken lightly, too urgent to be postponed, too vital to be ignored, too relevant to be overlooked, too significant to be trivialized too eternal to be fleeting, and too passionate to be quenched.

I know my mission. I know my challenge. I also know my limitations, my weaknesses, my fears, and my problems. And I know my God. Let others get the praise. Let the church get the blessing. Let God get the glory.

I am a minister. I minister to children. This is who I am. This is what I do."

Midweek Moment - March 23, 2011

2011-03-23T16:05:00.003-04:00

Wednesday, March 23 - From Sunday, March 20 Sermon by Pastor R

Contemplations of the Cross - Our new sermon series!

Can you find your Joy no matter what happens?

How bad do the circumstances of life have to be for you to turn your back on God?

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights.

Entering into Christ’s Joy: (Hebrews 12:1, 2) (NIV)

Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning the shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

· Throwing off hindrances and sin

o A hindrance is anything that weighs you down and slows you down.

o Sin slows us down and distracts us from the race….

o What is the sin that “so easily entangles” YOU?

· Run with Perseverance

o He wants us to run with a commitment to finish through His power and receive the prize.

o Like Christ endured the Cross we need to endure our “cross”.

o God loves us and went to the Cross willingly for us!

o “You won’t understand the Cross until you see it against the backdrop of man’s sin.”

· Fix Your Eyes of Jesus

o Don’t look at the world, CNN, politics……lock your eyes on Him!

o Watch Him….contemplate Him……feel His amazing Love for you!

o Tune out everything else and focus on His face til the end of the Race.

Offering Moment Testimony

2011-03-15T13:35:00.000-04:00

By Shannon Hicks

I believe that God has an invitation for his people today and I think that he would say to us what he said to Peter in John 21. The invitation is “follow me.” Peter had heard these words before, at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, and had responded in the best way that he knew how. But a lot had happened between then and now. Peter had messed up, big time. In Jesus’ darkest days, Peter had first followed at a distance, and then denied his Savior outright. But here is Jesus, walking along the shore, reaching out again.

This “follow me” doesn’t mean “come check out my claims, maybe you should give this faith thing a try.” Peter had already done that. And most of us have too. Instead, Jesus’ words are an invitation to intense obedience. It’s as if Jesus is saying “I know you. I’ve seen who you are when it really matters. But I am Grace. I am Redemption. I love you—deeply, passionately and I want all of you. I want your best.”

Today, I believe that Jesus is inviting us too. He wants all of us. He wants our best. Not just our good intentions. Not just our good theology. He wants us to trust him with our time, our passion, our money. I don’t know what your response to the invitation to follow Christ needs to look like. I don’t know what he is calling you to give. But I do know that if we take his invitation to intense obedience seriously, it will change our lives, and our church.

I know that one of the obstacles that I have to confront when Jesus challenges me to give more generously is fear. Somehow, even though I have experienced his provision again and again, my memory is short.

Allow me to jog our memories this morning. The God who asks for our best is the God described in the Old Testament as El Shaddai… the Almighty and All-Sufficient One.

The God who asks for our best is the God who provided a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire to lead Moses and his people through the Red Sea.

The God who asks for our best is the God who provided the Ark of the Covenant to lead Joshua and his people through the Jordan River.

The God who asks for our best is the God who provided a son to Abraham, and then provided a ram in the bushes so that son could live.

The God who asks for our best is the God who provided manna from heaven, water from a rock and food for five thousand.

The God who asks for our best is the God who provided a perfect, sinless sacrifice so that you and I could walk in abundant, eternal life.

The God who asks for our best has a proven track record. He has the resources to provide for us infinitely more capably than our own frantic striving can.

And so the invitation stands. Jesus is reaching out to us. He knows us. He’s seen who we are when it really matters.

He is Grace.

He is Redemption.

He loves us—deeply, passionately and he wants all of us.

Not a casual nod of assent. Not an hour on Sunday morning. Not whatever money we can rustle up after we’ve spent what we please.

He wants our best. He calls us to intense obedience. Hear his word to us today. “Follow me.”

February Fasting

2011-03-02T13:55:00.002-05:00

By Eric Miller

For the month of February I decided that I would fast from different things so that I could grow and be stretched in my relationship with the Lord.

Now, please understand, no one challenged me to do this ... there was no hidden agenda ... I simply wanted to see if I could do it and see how the spiritual discipline of fasting affected my spiritual walk. So after spending a few days at the end of January praying about the things I would give up, I put together a schedule that looked like this.

February 1-7 - Fast from Facebook

February 8-14 - Fast from Sugar/sweets

February 15-21 - Fast from Caffeine

February 22-28 - Fast from TV/movies

Just to give a little bit of insight, I purposely scheduled them from the things I thought would be easiest to give up to the hardest as each week passed. For me being a youth pastor, I thought Facebook could be fairly difficult as it's a huge means of communication for me, but it actually was rather easy to give up. I realized how much time I waste on there, even when I'm just getting on to do something that should only take 5 minutes. That time easily turns into 25 or 45 minutes. I also realized in that first week how much I really needed to spend that time with the Lord and so it was an easy switch to make in some senses.

The second week, giving up sweets was trickier than I had first expected. I realized that meant changing some of my habits. I also become more aware of the things that I eat and drink throughout the week. It was also a good week in the sense of prayer as I found myself talking to the Lord more and more each day and asking Him to help me see things differently.

The third and fourth weeks I was dreading. For those that know me best, you know that I LOVE my weekly and sometimes daily visits to Starbucks and in my free time I enjoy catching up on many TV shows. So giving up caffeine was a bit nerve racking, especially after hearing some of the horror stories of people who had tried to give it up. So I was expecting the worst; headaches, grumpy moods, severe drowsiness among other things. And yet, it was probably the best week of the month. I wasn't craving coffee or soda like I had expected. I felt that I truly had to depend on the joy of the Lord rather than perks of caffeine to get me through my days. More importantly, I realized that I wasn't nearly as addicted to caffeine as I had wondered.

The fourth week was probably the most challenging as half way through the week, I got sick. And one of my favorite things to do when I'm sick is lay on the couch and watch movies. So I was torn. Could I justify breaking my fast because I was sick? I decided no. I figured that I wanted to stretch myself and this was a great way to really rest in the Lord and spend even more time focusing on Him. So that's what I did for this past weekend ... I slept, prayed and read more than I think I ever have in one weekend before. And in a very unexpected and unusual way, I grew in ways I was not expecting and I can honestly say that I'm closer to God in some ways because of it.

So what are you willing to give up in order to grow in your relationship with the Lord in new ways??

What is Sabbath for a Mom?

2011-03-01T13:27:00.000-05:00

By Lisa Catania

As a busy mom, I wonder how to really have Sabbath. With all of the cooking, cleaning, child chasing, carpooling, sports cheering, bill paying, on and on…..can I really stop? I honestly have a hard time sitting still through a tv show without putting dinner in the oven, helping kids with homework and folding clothes at the same time. I struggle with sitting still. My “to do” list is a mile long. Honestly, I have been very challenged by our sermon series on “Rest”. However, I know the God who loves me and created me says, “rest”.

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When I read this passage in Matthew 11:28-30, I hear God’s voice gently speaking to me to take time to really rest. I am now spending my Sunday afternoons hiding my “to do” list from myself. I will find it tomorrow. I am now really focusing on relaxing with the kids, taking walks by the creek outside, reading by the fire, chatting with friends, and getting nothing done on my “to do” list. I have even decided that Sunday dinner is leftovers or a crock pot, so I am not burdened cooking. In fact, I finding that by resting, I am giving God my “to do” list and finding peace with Him. By Mondays, I am truly feeling refreshed and ready for my week. Hmmm….this rest called Sabbath has been a blessing for my soul and my family!

Sabbath Rest

2011-02-25T13:24:00.001-05:00

By Pastor R

I hope you are finding that the Sabbath is meant to be delightful. I heard about the beach balls bouncing and the cameras flashing last Sunday. You are allowed to have fun on the Sabbath. If you don’t believe me, come this Saturday February 26^th to our western rodeo from 2 to 6 p.m. and you will see what I mean. It is good for the soul to laugh. It is good for the soul to form community and friendships.

While you were learning about play last weekend, I was down in southwest Florida with my daughter Betsy visiting my mother, her grandmother, Ruth. It had been a long time since Betsy and I had taken a trip together and it had been since her wedding nineteen months ago that we had seen Ruth.

Ruth was very active in our church in the early days. She would travel up from the Washington D.C. area with us and often stay in our home. She knew most of the founding mothers and fathers of the church and she loved to worship with us. On Sunday morning, she asked me if I would like to go to church with her, I said yes. She said “Let’s go to Charles Stanley’s church.”

This last Sunday Charles Stanley asked his son Andy to preach. So we sat there listening to the choir, the soloist and the sermon. It was a powerful one hour presentation. As we talked about what we had just heard, I had an epiphany.

I knew my mom was raised in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. She still makes great biscuits and chipped beef gravy. I knew my mom attended a Cranberry Baptist Church when she was living there and loved her Sunday School teacher. I knew my Mom went once a year to the revival held at the church. But I did not know much at all about her faith growing up.

Since my dad was in the navy, they had been stationed at bases all over the world. We grew up going once in a while to the base chapel. I never heard my parents speak of their faith. But the one thing my Mom did was to watch Billy Graham whenever there was a televised crusade. She would always invite me to watch Billy preach and to listen to the choir and soloist sing.

So here is my epiphany. Charles Stanley and Billy Graham are two preachers who take my Mom back to the roots of her faith. She said, when the program was over, “you know Jesus is my best friend, I can talk to him anytime.” I was deeply blessed to hear my mother’s confession of her faith at an hour when there are plenty of things not good with her health. I delighted in my mother on my Sabbath, persevering in the midst of adversity, holding onto her faith when the end may not be far away.

Betsy, Grandma Ruth and I would have several adventures including having coffee downtown, venturing out to the community pool, seeing the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico and making chipped beef gravy and biscuits. My favorite moment, however, was hearing from her lips her hope.

Resting Isn't Easy!

2011-02-22T15:29:00.002-05:00

By Matt Johnson

Since the sermon series on rest started, I've had a difficult time trying to figure out how to "rest." I find that I don't rest easy - just ask my wife, Betsy. I always want to be doing something. I can't rest when there is something that needs to be done. My mind and body become tense and I can't relax. My philosophy has been that I can rest when I'm done with everything that I need to do.

Resting is hard for me, but I know that it is so important to my relationship with our Heavenly Father. In my normal routine I've always been able to find time to read my Bible most everyday. However I don't always have great prayer times and it never seems to be enough to allow God to speak to me. As a result I feel like I understand God, but my heart isn't always in the right place. I'm not able to fully rest in God.

This past week I was on a bike ride with my father in-law. As I was struggling to go up one of the many hills on our bike path I had a revelation. I think I find my rest doing activities like biking, running, or hiking. While I'm physically staining myself, my soul feels at rest. I've been able to feel and hear God speaking to me and my mind is so much more clear during these times. Also I've realized that once I'm done exercising, my body rests so much better!

So my question for you is, where do you find rest?

Midweek Moment - January 16, 2011

2011-01-19T14:58:00.003-05:00

Midweek Moment for January 16, 2011

Sabbath Rest: Stop and Rest

Pastor R Greene

Spiritual Disciplines: Slowing and Unplugging

· We suffer as a culture from “hurry sickness”

· We must relentlessly eliminate hurry from our lives

· Unplugging: no technology (cell phones, computers)

· We need face to face contact with real people.

Stop and Rest (John 5:1-18)

· In this chapter Jesus performs a healing miracle on the Sabbath.

· He heals a paralytic man at the Pool of Bethesda.

· The man is broken as we all are. We are all broken!

· Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed.

· Do you want to be healed? Well, do you? Really?

· God will heal you but you must want to be healed.

· Jesus said “Get up” (faith needed) “Pick up your mat” (trust needed) and “walk” (obedience needed).

· The Pharisees condemned Jesus for healing on the Sabbath.

· Jesus says that His Father was at work at all times and Jesus was also working like the Father. (John 5:17).

Colossians 2:16, 17

· Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. ¹⁷ These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

· Do what is restful to you and don’t judge how someone else spends their Sabbath.

Burning Questions:

· You are broken……

· Do you want to be healed?

· Ask God to heal you of your brokenness NOW!

Please give us your thoughts, feedback and comments if you're willing.

· What is God doing in your life?

· What is God speaking to you about our new series on "Sabbath Rest: Stop..Rest..Delight..Contemplate!"?

· What new insight or concept have you learned and how have you been applying it to your life this week?

Sneak Peek

2011-01-18T16:16:00.002-05:00

Here's a little sneak peek at the next two weeks of our series on "Sabbath Rest."

We're guessing that this whole concept of "resting" has been far easier to talk about than to actually DO. We here's one practical way that you can prepare for the upcoming two weeks. Start by taking some "baby steps." How about trying one of the following things right now ...

*Turn off the computer, turn off the cell phone, turn off the TV, whatever distractions might be for the next 20 minutes and just sit in silence. Don't think about anything. Just be still.

*Read Revelation 4 (the Throne Room of God passage) and as you picture the imagery depicted in this powerful passage ... why don't you imagine going into His Throne Room and taking whatever burdens you have, carry them past the elders and the 4 living creatures and take them to God. Imagine sitting on the throne with Him, putting those burdens in His hands.

*Spend 5 minutes meditating ... really thinking hard about each of the following verses and how it applies to your life. Think about how it should apply to your life. What truths do you need to learn from these verses. How would your life look more peaceful if you were able to fully apply these verses. Make sure to take the full 5 minutes, don't cheat yourself of this time.

- Psalm 37:1-7

- Isaiah 58:13-14

- Romans 15:13

These are just some simple suggestions that hopefully will help you in this process of slowing down and resting in Him. We'd love to hear your feedback on what's been working for you in the process of "resting." Please share with us in the comment section below!

Resting

2011-01-13T09:38:00.002-05:00

By Pastor R

I asked Debbie to give me a picture of herself about thirty years ago. She was a school teacher then and the picture was a standard 2x3 size. Looking at that picture day after day was probably the closest I have ever come to idolatry. I would look at that picture in the morning and in the evening and think about her. I looked at the picture because I wasn’t with the real person.

The day came when Debbie became my wife. Since then I haven’t spent that much time with the picture. When I am away, I may glance at the picture. She hasn’t changed very much at all. She is still beautiful to me. I find that picture incomplete and unsatisfying. Why? Because when the reality came, I had no more use for the picture.

When Jesus Christ came, our Sabbath Rest, we believed and entered into Sabbath Rest. God, from the very beginning, showed us how to finish His work and then rest. When we believe, we rest from our works, just as God rested from His works, and enter into His rest. The Sabbath is merely a picture that looks back to the beginning and forward to the future. We rest in the finished work of Christ.

Colossians 2:16,17 says …Do not let anybody judge you by… a Sabbath. These are a mere shadow of the things that were to come: the reality, however, is found in Christ.

With that being said, we need as individuals, couples, families, a community, to Sabbath. I have been trying over the last two months to stop doing what I normally do, to rest, to delight and contemplate on the Sabbath. My Sabbath begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday and lasts until 6 p.m. on Monday. Since I am normally with people, on the Sabbath, that is Monday morning, I will normally ride my bike in the Middletown countryside for about two hours. I think I feel closest to God when I am outside enjoying a gentle stream, riding underneath a tree canopy or seeing a great blue heron stirred.

Midweek Moment - January 12, 2011

2011-01-12T09:47:00.003-05:00

Midweek Moment from January 9, 2011
Sabbath Rest: Stop and Rest
Pastor R. Greene

Stop, Rest, Delight, Contemplate

Text: Genesis 2:1-3
· God rested on the 7th day after creating the heavens and the earth.
· He took pleasure and delight in His work.
· He gave us a pattern to follow in resting from our labors: The Sabbath.

1. Rest from being "productive". (Take a break from what you normally do)
2. Rest from whatever causes you exhaustion (physically or emotionally)
3. Rest from technology and other distractions.

Jesus Offer of His Rest
28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30.
· The Pharisees put a burden on the people's shoulders
· Jesus offers to give us His yoke (that we share with Him).
· We can choose to join Him in His yoke.

Jeremiah 6:16
· Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

Hebrews 4:1-11
· God's offer of rest still stands (v. 1)
· Salvation is entering His rest: you rest from your attempts to earn God's favor, you rest from your attempts to reform yourself and rest on His finished work on the Cross.

Questions - Please give us your thoughts, feedback and comments if you're willing.

· What is God doing in your life?

· What is God speaking to you about our new series on "Sabbath Rest: Stop..Rest..Delight..Contemplate!"?

· What new insight or concept have you learned and how have you been applying it to your life this week?

Did You Ever Think of Your Marriage as “Musical”?

2011-01-12T09:19:00.001-05:00

By Jim Peterson:

On the last week of January, the church will once again sponsor the Married Couples Retreat at Rocky Gap Resort. According to current registrations, it would appear that almost 100 people will be in attendance. Because so many will be going, we will only have one service that Sunday at 9:30 am. After 45 years of marriage, Lois and I will be attending our first marriage retreat and are looking forward to it with great anticipation.

Sometimes we are asked why we place such heavy emphasis on healthy marriages –even to the point of sponsoring a Married Couples Retreat that takes so many people away from our Sunday Services. I could answer the question a number of ways, but I particularly like the way the question is answered in the book “Life-Style Evangelism” by Joseph C. Aldrich.

He says it this way: “The music of the gospel must precede the words of the gospel and prepare the context in which there will be a hunger for those words. What is the “music” of the gospel? The “music” of the gospel is the beauty of the indwelling Christ as lived out in the everyday relationships of life. The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ has solved the problem of man’s sin and offers him the potential of an exchanged life, a life in which the resources of God Himself are available for his transformation. And as the gospel is translated into music, it makes redemptive relationships possible. When the world observes husbands loving their wives, and wives supporting and caring for their husbands and families, they have seen a miracle; they have heard the music. It is miraculous music for which many of them are longing.

The two greatest forces in evangelism are a healthy church and a healthy marriage. The two are interdependent. You can’t have one without the other. It is the healthy marriage, however, which is the “front lines weapon.” The Christian family in a community is the ultimate evangelistic tool, assuming the hoe circle is an open one win which the beauty of the gospel is readily available. It’s the old story: When love is seen, the message is heard.”

There is still time to register for the retreat if you wish to attend. You can go all three days (Fri-Sat-Sun) or for just two (Sat. Sun.). Registration forms can be found at the Connection Center or the church office. Based upon feedback from couples who have gone before us, it can be a life changing experience. Hope to see you there and let the “music” begin!

Anonymous Laments

2010-12-09T14:27:00.004-05:00

These were recently sent in from some people in our church. Please continue to send in your laments and praises as it is clear that God has been doing a great work in the lives of many people within our church.

Creator God, Lord of the Universe,

My God, My God,

Hear me when I cry.

Where are you? Do not hide your presence from me. Come quickly!

The winter storms have come in all their fury,

The bone chilling cold and biting winds,

The arctic how silences all other noise,

Snows deep, wet and heavy continue to fall around me.

All that is familiar lies buried beneath them.

Not a sign of where to go or where I am or where you are.

Do no leave me alone. Hasten to my side.

Come quickly!

Assist me.

Show me the way.

Comfort me in my loneliness and fear.

Silence the dark voices that say, “Spring will never come again. The days of warmth and sun are long gone. Buds, birds, flowers and fields. Images of only the past. You are forgotten. You will die.”

There is silence.

A long silence.

But this my soul will recall. You are a God of mercy.

Your faithfulness is from long ago. You cannot forget Your children.

More silence.

Darkness.

My body shivers.

Though winds still blow and snow still falls.

My heart will rejoice in you, my God.

Yes, my heart will sing a song to my God, my Shield and my Deliverer.

O Lord, please do not forget me.

I cry out day and night but I cannot find you.

I am overwhelmed by my thoughts and my place of rest is bare and desolate.

My enemies surround me and consume me on every side.

How long O Lord, how long will your favor be hidden from me.

My sins are many and not one of them are hidden from you O Lord.

I cry out to you in the morning but at night I feel distant and alone.

In my own strength I can reach out to you but you are not there.

All that I have known is overtaken by the sins of this world.

Sorrow fills my heart and my enemy is exalted over me.

Without you O Lord, I am hopeless.

Without you I cannot climb the mountain that is before me and feel the warmth of the sun.

Raise me up O Lord.

Set me on the rock that cannot fail.

Fill me with your joy and peace, day and night and I will praise your Holy name.

Without you Lord, I will descend into the deepest pit, never to be restored.

But I will continue to put my trust in you o Lord.

From the depths of my depravity and depression I know I will be raised up by your promise of deliverance.
You are the rock of my salvation.

You are the Great One.

It is you who created the night sky with the stars and planets.

You tell the moon and the sun when to rise and fall.

It is you who send the clouds and the rain.

It is you who paint the leaves in the fall with colors of red, yellow and orange.

It is you who sent your son so that I may know the fullness of your mercy and grace.

Abba Father, you have dealt greatly with me.

All praise and glory and honor and blessing be yours O Lord, now and forevermore.

Where's the Line to See Jesus?

2010-12-08T13:56:00.001-05:00

By Verlyn Mahaffey

On Monday I was going through a myriad of emails and came to one that was sent to me from a friend. I did not have time to really listen to it as I had a million things to catch up on ….but I clicked and opened it. And I am glad that I did. As I listened to the song and watched the video I was so encouraged and my soul was restored with the real meaning and focus of Christmas. I hope you will take the time to listen and enjoy the message and then get in line!!!!!

What Are You Seeking?

2010-11-19T13:54:00.005-05:00

By Eric Miller

What is it that you're seeking?

I find myself constantly fighting this battle where I'm so easily distracted by all of these "things" in life. Whether it's entertainment or relationships or even just rest ... I'm seeking them even when I don't realize that I am. I find myself trying to control my life based on and around the things that I want. So I asked myself a simple question ... "why?"

Why do I do this?

The only conclusion that I could come up with is that I'm not seeking God and allowing Him to satisfy me. I'm seeking other things or people to try to meet my needs. And I'm quickly realizing how very backwards that is.

Maybe you're like me and you can relate all of this. If so, then I encourage you to watch this challenging video below and allow God to speak to you through it. I pray that by the end of this 3 minute video, you'll know exactly what it is that you've been seeking instead of Him. And I will pray that before you leave this blog that you'll come up with a plan of action to start seeking God rather than the thing you've identified.

Thanksgiving Rest

2010-11-12T10:17:00.003-05:00

By Lisa Catania

I want to encourage all the mothers out there who are like me and are starting to get frantic about the Thanksgiving feast. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time to rest with our family, be thankful, and sing praises to our Heavenly Father, who loves us so much! However, many times I find I am busy fussing over the meal and missing an opportunity to love, laugh and fellowship with the family. So, join me as I am determined this year to leave my stress at the cross and fully enjoy Thanksgiving. So start with me by kicking back, read one of my favorite little stories below and laugh…..(yes….I can totally relate to this story…….)

"Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving – Author Unknown

I'm telling you in advance, so don't act surprised. Since Ms. Stewart won't be coming, I've made a few small changes:

Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run, it was decided that no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect. Once inside, our guests will note that the entry hall is not decorated with the swags of Indian corn and fall foliage I had planned to make. Instead, I've gotten the kids involved in the decorating by having them track in colorful autumn leaves from the front yard. The mud was their idea.

The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china, or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this IS Thanksgiving, we will refrain from using the plastic Peter Rabbit plate and the Santa napkins from last Christmas. Our centerpiece will not be the tower of fresh fruit and flowers that I promised. Instead we will be displaying a hedgehog-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper. The artist assures me it is a turkey.

We will be dining fashionably late. The children will entertain you while you wait. I'm sure they will be happy to share every choice comment I have made regarding Thanksgiving, pilgrims and the turkey hotline. Please remember that most of these comments were made at 5:00 a.m. upon discovering that the turkey was still hard enough to cut diamonds. As accompaniment to the children's recital, I will play a recording of tribal drumming. If the children should mention that I don't own a recording of tribal drumming, or that tribal drumming sounds suspiciously like a frozen turkey in a clothes dryer, ignore them. They are lying.

We toyed with the idea of ringing a dainty silver bell to announce the start of our feast. In the end, we chose to keep our traditional method. We've also decided against a formal seating arrangement. When the smoke alarm sounds, please gather around the table and sit where you like.

Now, I know you have all seen pictures of one person carving a turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. This will not be happening at our dinner. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in a private ceremony. I stress "private" meaning: do not, under any circumstances, enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children to check on my progress. I have an electric knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win. When I do, we will eat.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind my young diners that "passing the rolls" is not a football play. Nor is it a request to beam your sister in the head with warm, tasty bread. Oh, and one reminder for the adults: For the duration of the meal, and especially while in the presence of young diners, we will refer to the giblet gravy by its lesser-known name: Cheese Sauce. If a young diner questions you regarding the origins or type of Cheese Sauce, plead ignorance.

Before I forget, there is one last change. Instead of offering a choice among 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and small fingerprints. You will still have a choice, though: take it or leave it. Thought you might all enjoy.

Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Thanksgiving. She probably won't come next year either.

I am thankful."

Date Added: 10/01/08
Thanksgiving Christian Stories and Poems
http://www.christianstories.com

Staff Devotional - Our Psalms Part Three

2010-11-12T10:10:00.002-05:00

Here's another look into our Staff Devotionals led by Erin O'Hara.

Last week at staff devotions, we read and studied Psalm 34. We learned it was an “acrostic psalm” – each line starting with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Together we worked on our own acrostic psalm:

Above all things, we exalt You, oh God

Behold Your majesty and sovereignty in our lives

Continue to guide and direct us with Your wisdom and love

Deliver me from the deceit of the flesh

End well my heart and life with your wisdom

Find in me a true heart of worship and praise for Your amazing love and grace

God is in charge and all-powerful

He hears our laments and delivers us from our enemies

I will praise Him forever

Just as you are Lord, help me to be the same

Knowing my weaknesses, God gives me opportunity to be strengthened and grow

Leading me and standing beside me, He is my strength when I have none.

My soul is heavy with other’s burdens, may I trust in You, O Lord

Now when I lay down to sleep, may I never doubt you’ll watch these other’s souls

Only when I seek your peace and rest in You will I know that You care for these others.

I will Pray to my God to give us wisdom as we serve the Lord our God together.

Our Quest is to honor you in all we do and say for You alone are our refuge and strength.

We will Rest in your unfailing love and share this with those who come.

Stillness is the result of resting in God’s sovereignty

Tithing is the result of obeying God’s command

Unbelief is what keeps us from taking new ground

Very important; do not try to please the complainers

We cannot get away from You God, we need your Spirit to guide us.

EXamine our motives, our thoughts and actions – may they be pleasing to you

You alone are our Redeemer and Savior, we surrender our lives to You.

Zeal for your Name is on our lips. May the Lord God, Jehovah be praised forever.

Some good truths in a silly way!

2010-11-03T13:55:00.003-04:00

By Eric Miller

If you're like me, it's easy to get lost, frustrated and discouraged about the truth in the midst of elections. It makes me so glad that God is unchanging and no matter what happens in life He's always good. Sometimes the circumstances in life can change our view of God and His character and who He really is ... so here's a video by a Christian band called "Gungor" that gives us some simple truths on who God is.

The Favor of God ... During Elections!

2010-11-03T13:51:00.003-04:00

By Emerson Work

With heated campaigns fueled by billions of dollars and election results fresh in our minds, I am reminded that the real answers to what we truly need are found elsewhere:

Psalm 85

For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1 Lord, you poured out blessings on your land!
You restored the fortunes of Israel.
2 You forgave the guilt of your people—
yes, you covered all their sins.
3 You held back your fury.
You kept back your blazing anger.

4 Now restore us again, O God of our salvation.
Put aside your anger against us once more.
5 Will you be angry with us always?
Will you prolong your wrath to all generations?
6 Won’t you revive us again,
so your people can rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.

8 I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
for he speaks peace to his faithful people.
But let them not return to their foolish ways.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
so our land will be filled with his glory.

“The favour of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons. When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers the sin of his people, he covers it all. When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expect the comfort of his being reconciled to us.” (IVP New Testament Commentaries)

Two more laments!

2010-11-02T15:36:00.004-04:00

These were submitted anonymously and the second is written from the perspective of one of the Chilean miners. Great laments! Please keep them coming! Don't forget that you can send them to Eric Miller at eric@gccfred.org to be posted. Thanks!

"I am hurting.

I am weak.

I am not useful.

I don’t act like Your child.

Lord Almighty, only You can help me.

Only You have the power to change my heart, my mind, my tongue, my trust.

You alone know how I struggle with money, relationships, words, my tone of voice, & my sincere trust in You.

Dearest Father, I sit at your feet asking You to change me, even more than You already have. May others see You in my life & give me a servant attitude. Let me die to self.

But, Abba, Father, You have never failed me. I look for Your hand to touch me.

I praise Your holy name! You are my everything!"

From the perspective of the Chilean miners ...

"God, I’m in a real pit this time.
No one knows where I am. I am so alone.
Will I starve to death?
Will I kill myself?
Will I lose my mind?
What am I to do?
I am not only entrapped in my body but also in my mind, my soul, & my spirit.
Who can I turn to but you?
Where can I go but to you, my Salvation?

My eyes burn, my heart throbs, my chest is heavy from lack of air, my stomach moans.

You alone can save me.
You alone will tell them where I am, how to find me & how to save me.
I wait for you, O Lord.

But, I know You love me with an everlasting love Father.
I look for Your saving hand.

I will worship You forever.
I will remember Your kindness to me.
I will tell others of Your miracle when You save me from this forlorn place & many will come to know you."

Laments of Grace

2010-10-26T13:48:00.004-04:00

This past Sunday, Pastor Eric challenged us to start writing our laments to God and encouraged us to share them with others. Don't forget that if you missed out on this sermon or any other, you can listen to them on the church website or download them to your iPod through iTunes.

Here is the first lament that was sent in by Gary Madonna.

Help me, O God! I don’t turn to others; I turn to you.

I am weary by not practicing and playing my sax in church. I have pulled away from your presence and blessing.

Let “Your Passion for Music” be expressed in and through me. I want You to enter into the resolution of this request.

I know I can’t do this on my own; You know the passion (song) is not there.

I will praise You as I lament knowing that only in You will the song return.

You are the Song.

You can email your laments to Pastor Eric to post (eric@gccfred.org) and if you would like your lament to be anonymous please feel free to let him know that as well. So who's next?

GOD'S HANDIWORK

2010-10-15T11:56:00.004-04:00

By David O'Hara - Care Deacon

I love to work with my hands. I love to see something, create a vision, plan and follow through to a finished project. This usually leads me to woodworking, small engines or home improvement projects as they feed that desire to create.

My latest project is a small toy box for our family room. To match with our décor, I started plans for a rough, older-looking toy box with weathered wood. As I searched through my collection of scraps from prior projects, I found 6 mixed pieces of wood. I remembered back to when I picked up that lumber at the estate auction of Erin’s late Aunt Helen some seven or eight years ago. They had some paint on them, weren’t planed, sanded, square, or even the same length or width. In fact, I got them because they were left behind by their buyer. Someone had gauged his “find” in a pile of treasures and cast off this mixture of oak, poplar and cedar wood as trash. Here, some eight years later that wood was exactly what I was looking for.

That wood was about to be planed square, arranged and assembled with a purpose. It would be cut, glued, screwed, sanded and accessorized. This process got me thinking about how we are just like that wood. We are rough. We have paint on us and blemishes from our sins and poor decisions. We have knots and dents, holes and scars. In fact, many of us feel the rejection of those scars and hurts, being cast off as by the auction buyer: unwanted, broken, useless. But our Creator is the master woodworker. We are His handiwork. He takes us as we are and gives strength to the meek, blessings to the humble. He re-purposes us from a pile of trash for a real, true purpose. His design is far more elaborate than a toy box. He is building a kingdom that stretches to every tribe, tongue and nation. And in the midst of His master plan are each of us. Broken, but useful in spreading the good news of our Lord and Savior.

God, thank you for making me with a purpose. Thank you for making me as Your handiwork.

Staff Devotional - Our Psalms Part Two

2010-10-13T12:02:00.004-04:00

These are some of the staff's writings from our devotional time together. Lisa Catania challenged us to reflect on an attribute of God and to write down some key ways that we see Him at work in our lives through that attribute. Here are our thoughts:

The LORD [Jehovah God] is gracious and merciful …

*when I deserve judgment – He saved me.

*when I deserve His wrath – He died for me.

*when I am disobedient – He is not less gracious & merciful to me.

*when I have opportunity I will tell about Him & His grace & mercy … to family, neighbors, strangers and friends.

The LORD is merciful at all times. He withholds His hand of judgment and His compassion flows freely. He does not repay our failures with anger but extends great mercy & loving kindness and my heart returns to Him in response.

God is good. The LORD cannot be anything but good. His creation was perfectly made, in the perfect time and for the good of his creation/us! His plans are for our good. His motives behind His plans are good. Humans, even the good ones, cannot be good without God. Even when life is hard, God is good.

The LORD is my provider … He has given me life. Each and every breath is a gift from Him. He has given me everything I need. I will trust Him in the coming days, weeks, months and years to provide for me a car [praise Him – He has TODAY!] a wife and a family and everything He knows I need … all in His perfect timing!

The LORD’s faithfulness endures. His faithfulness is clearly evident. You do not leave me hanging even when I turn from You. Your presence does not forsake me. I find You in my contentment and my in my pain. Your hand upholds me and gives me what I need when I need it. I praise You for Your faithfulness. My soul is overwhelmed O my God.

The LORD is faithful and keeps His promises. He knows my need before I do and meets those needs in His perfect timing. I will thank Him and praise Him all the days of my life. I will speak this truth to the generations that follow me.

The LORD is sovereign.
*He knit me in my mother’s womb.
*He hears & knows my every cry.
*He is the beginning and the end; the alpha and omega.
*He is the LORD over all.

Thank you from the Catania Family

2010-09-30T11:04:00.000-04:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you so much for your support of our mission’s trip to South Africa from Sept. 1-13!! You blessed us with finances, material donations, and prayer support! We were a part of a 16 member team from Grace Community Church, Maryland and partnered with a 6 member team from Georgia to work with Build the Nations ministries in a village called Shayandima. We encourage you to go to http://www.buildthenations.org/ to see the work that is going on in that region of South Africa.

With your help we were able to fill over 30 suitcases at 50 pounds each of clothing, school supplies, medicines, shoes, bed sheets, hats, towels and other necessities. These supplies will be used for the children who attend the Shayandima School of Tomorrow on the base where we stayed, the 5 orphans who live on base, and the surrounding village.

We spent most of our time at the walled base which contained the Shayandima School of Tomorrow, cottages and dorms for the teachers and compound workers, large playing fields, and the foundation for the future orphanage. Our time there was filled with building, repairing, and painting the facilities on the base. We also conducted 10 Vacation Bible to over 450 students at the school and afterschool programs in the village outside of the base. The children were thrilled to be with us and were so open to hearing God’s Word. We provided food for the children at the afterschool program which for many of them that was their only meal of the day. We also funded, organized, and then provided large baskets of food for 20 widows who come to the base on a regular basis for food for their families. We did enjoy 2 days at the end of our time on a safari in Kruger National Park. It was amazing!

We felt God’s presence the entire time on the trip. We believe God really worked in our lives and the lives we touched. We will forever be changed by this amazing experience. Glory to God! Thank you again for your support!! Psalm 100:5 “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Tom, Lisa, Ashley and Austin Catania

Staff Devotional - Our Psalms

2010-09-24T16:04:00.002-04:00

By Eric Miller

Every Tuesday morning we have a church staff meeting and at the conclusion of that meeting we spend time together doing a devotional. Recently we've been reading through the Psalms. We spent many weeks studying Psalm 139 and allowing God to give us a hunger for His Word. Since then and in connection to our Spiritual Journey - "From Lament to Praise: Encountering God in the Psalms" - we've been studying different psalms and truly taking time to slow down and savor the richness of God's truth.

This past week, we studied Psalm 1 and I (Eric) challenged us to use the wording and concepts from Psalm 1 to either write our own prayer, lament psalm or something to make the Psalm personal to us. And we loved the experience so much that we wanted to share a few of these with you! We certainly aren't trying to add anything to God's Word, nor do we support that. But we do want to slow down enough when studying God's Word to be able to apply it to our lives in various ways, and we'd encourage you to do the same. In October, you'll have the chance on a Sunday morning to start writing your own lament Psalm, so why not start now and start thinking of how Psalm 1 applies to your life!

Psalm 1 - NIV

1 Blessed is the man

who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,  

and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,  

which yields its fruit in season  

and whose leaf does not wither.  

Whatever he does prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!  

They are like chaff  

that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,  

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,  

but the way of the wicked will perish.

"So if I don't follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners or join in with mockers; then I will have joy (NLT). The NIV says I will be blessed. And if I meditate day and night on the law of the Lord, then I will be delighted and I will be like a tree planted along the river, bearing much fruit, my leaves will not wither and I will be prosperous in everything I do. The final piece is that in all this the Lord will watch over me, He will guide me on the path of Godliness and righteousness. God, would you allow this to be said of me!" ~Eric

"Lord, I consider myself blessed when I don't follow the ways of people who walk in darkness ... even though I see temporary fulfillment come in their ways. Lord, I revel in your Word, but I realize any experience doesn't always match my knowledge of reveling in your Word. Lord, I need to remember the flourishing and strong results of the growing tree. Lord, you remember my way (the righteous one) and the temporary, fulfilling path of people in darkness is a perishing way." ~Pastor Mike

"Blessed am I when I seek the counsel of God's Word and His people. Blessed am I when I delight in His Word and meditate on it day and night. Like a fruited tree planted by streams of water I am blessed and I prosper. Blessed am I not to blow away like chaff or stand in judgement. For God watches over me and I am blessed!" ~Lisa Catania

"I don't meditate on the counsel of the wicked. I do meditate on God's counsel. I don't watch TV day and night. I'm listening to God 24/7. In learning to be faithful, God is making me fruitful with ripe juicy fruit. The wicked aren't rooted, they are blown away. God will deal with the wicked. God knows my path. The wicked path lead to destruction." ~Pastor R

Where do you find God?

2010-09-21T08:51:00.000-04:00

By Erin O'Hara

Psalm 42:1,2, 7-8

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?...
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.

My family and I have been enjoying a restful vacation at the beach. Over the last week I have so enjoyed watching the ocean – the waves especially soothe my soul and minister so many aspects of my God to me. As we have been dwelling on the beautiful attributes of God I have been so reminded of Him in His magnificent creation.

I see His all-powerful creativeness as I look out over the beach. The sparkles glistening on the water are unlike any manmade creation. The sun reflects on the moving sea and captures millions of diamonds that God put there for me to enjoy. Even at night the moon’s reflection sparkles in the deep and shows me a Father who has given all things for my enjoyment. No jewel can compare to the natural brilliance of His creation.

I feel His omnipotence and omnipresence as I wade out into the ocean - I love to jump the waves! Last week the waves were serene, like a lake – bobbing into shore, relaxing and calm. This week with the swirling hurricane out in the gulf, the waves are potent, threatening and rough. The Spirit has ministered His power to me. I see the ocean as a reflection of Him - multi-faceted, powerful yet in control, beautiful but not safe, at times soothing and calm and at times stripping and all-consuming. I was meditating on the verse above – Psalm 42:7 – “all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” In the threat of the waves breaking, I have had to dive headfirst into many and allow that power to sweep over my body. It is invigorating, cleansing and sometimes very rough. Sea water invades my eyes, ears and mouth and at times I tumble, searching for sure footing. My heart has filled with fear looking at a particular large wave breaking just inches before me, but I am reminded that there is nowhere my God is not. He is beside me, before me and within in. His power is unlike any other – He has shown many times in Scripture and in my life that He controls the literal waves and that He controls the waves in our lives.

My soul thirsts for Him…in His waves is where I have met Him today.

Where do you find God? Seek Him out today and meet Him – He is not hiding!

Ordinary

2010-09-09T09:07:00.001-04:00

By Verlyn Mahaffey

Webster defines it this way: “usually commonplace.” Ever feel this way about yourself? Leaves you feeling a little let down, not so special, asking a million questions …what is this life all about? Does anyone care?

God defines it this way: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. “ I am not ordinary (no comments please) ….God knit me together, just right, just the way He wanted, with an eternal purpose. Now that is not commonplace. But it gets better!

God did not just stop there! He knows me! He wants to spend time with ME! His words are powerful: “You have searched me and you KNOW ME! You KNOW when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down, you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you KNOW it completely.” God knows me completely, and He loves me.

Now this is not commonplace!

These verses from Psalm 139 say that God is involved in my life. He cares about every aspect of my life and He is present. I don’t have to wait, I don’t have to send an email and hope He answers and I don’t have to wait in line. This reminds me of this past weekend as we took our grandson to Hershey Park (I know what were we thinking…it was Labor Day Weekend!) As we walked the park and saw the lines it became somewhat discouraging especially with a three year old. At one point we were waiting in line and he just cuts loose in his booming voice and in his way said something like, “Hey, people get out of this line”. Well, I am so glad that I don’t have to do this with God, He is ever present and available, desiring my presence, ready to greet me!

Ordinary? I don’t think so! I just love God’s definition! One that wiIl not change. I only pray that I can live there!

A New School Year ...

2010-08-31T15:30:00.001-04:00

By Susan Greeves

So here it is school time. Kids going back to private school, public school, charter school, and home school (or for some of us home schoolers it's just getting into a structured routine). I've been impressed upon that people tend to stereotype every avenue of choice there is. I've heard several times that people will say, 'oh your children are so well behaved, they must be home schooled' It boils down to this; it isn't the choice of education that makes the children the way they are; it's being raised in a Christ centered home that makes the difference. I'm going to use this as a springboard for some thing that has been on my mind lately. It's not the actions of the choices you make but what's in your heart of why you made those choices. No matter what area in life you are talking about; nursing-bottle feeding; eating organic-eating the best food your finances can buy; 'regular' birthing opposed to planned c-sections; homeschooling, private schooling, public schooling; EVERYthing has at least two sides to it, and it's only the heart that God is concerned with in the choices that aren't sinful either way(is this glorifying to Him and His kingdom--is Christ's reputation at the center of this thing we are choosing and He is allowing?). He is grieved if we "don't care" and just live life like we don't read the bible and don't measure our choices by what He says. It says in James 1:22" 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says". And He is grieved when we don't show our faith by our actions in matters of choice concerning sin.James 2: 24 "24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." But a lot of things we do in this life, are choices He allows us to do different from one another, and are not sin issues. Choice and His allowance of the follow through or outcome of that choice will glorify and honor God on His terms, not ours. Romans 8:28"28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" and Ephesians 1:11b "according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will".

This brings me to being a good steward of what He gave us, children, earth, resources, schools of all types, etc etc. Wikipedia defines the biblical world view of stewardship as: "'Utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.' The central essence of biblical world view stewardship is managing everything God brings into the believers life in a manner that Honors God and impacts eternity." We need to use this definition as something to measure our choices up against, even the ones that have so many sides to choose from, and none of which are sins. And we aren't all going to choose or be able to choose the same things. We may want to, or not want to, but if God wants us to or doesn't want us to, then it will or won't work out-His outcome, after a heart that wants to glorify Him. We need to be edifying each other, building each other up, encouraging each other to keep Christ at the center, not whatever the choice is (as if it's a better choice than someone else's).

History repeating itself!

2010-08-27T14:44:00.000-04:00

By Steve Ranney

Genesis 47:13-26 "Joseph and the Famine"

In olden times when Egypt had a serious famine, everyone ran out of food, so Pharaoh bought up all of the grain and sold it back to the people. When everyone ran out of money, Pharaoh took over their livestock for grain. And when they ran out of livestock, Pharaoh took over their land for food. Eventually the people were fully beholden to Pharaoh.

2010. We are broke. Homes have been forth closed. Health plan has been taken over by the government. Banks, real estate typhoons, the auto industry and others have been taken over by the government. Almost half of the entire population in the USA are being supported by the government by either subsidies of some sort or paying no taxes. Who can retire without the government and social security? Everyone is in bondage to the government, just like Pharaoh.

We only have one God, and that is not the government. Moses lead the Israelites out of bondage from Egypt. Our country was built out of tyranny in England and with Christian values. We cannot allow our county to return to the bad ways of the past.

A Response to a Call to Disciple

2010-08-22T11:09:00.003-04:00

By Susan Greeves

Wow, Pastor Dan's sermon was excellent and hit the nail on the head in every way that God has been speaking to me! Challenging me to continue with discipling, not only discipling my children, but having a humble-a teachable spirit to BE discipled continually too.

Wikipedia defines the word disciple as this: "The word disciple is used today as a way of self-identification for those who seek to learn from the teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount." Wikipedia also says that while Jesus had a large number of followers, it was not clear if they were actually disciples (my own paraphrasing). I would agree, just because someone knows about Jesus, doesn't not mean they are actively seeking to learn His ways--the difference in "head" knowledge and "heart" knowledge.

I find that I say that I want my life to be submitted to God to allow Him to transform me, but I find myself taking back that submission over and over again (not necessarily in all areas of my life at once, but different ones at different times). I need to continually become humble-to allow my spirit to be teachable. Praise God that it's my heart that he looks and not my outward actions--it's my continual renewing of seeking His knowledge that He is able to glorify Himself through His transforming power in my life. What a wonderful power His transformation is, without me changing myself on my own power, I look back and see how He has changed me in so few years since accepting His son as my Savior and Lord of my life.

Let me switch gears here for a minute to what I've discovered discipling is not: I've realized that discipling is not telling someone else HOW God should be working in their life or that He will "come through" for them the same way as He did in my life. He works completely different in one life to another. When we disciple another we help them seek Him and His way for their responses to their circumstances in life (allowing Him to glorify Himself through us). We may use our similar experiences to prove God's faithful, but not to say that's how He will work in their life. We have to becareful not to tell someone else how God will work, but to encourage that He IS faithful and will work, if we seek Him wholly. Praise God!

A week in Haiti

2010-08-17T22:59:00.003-04:00

By Eric Miller

(to see more pictures check out his blog - www.ericmillerblog.com)

I had the awesome opportunity to spend a week in Haiti from July 29 to August 5th and I can honestly say that it was one of the best weeks I’ve had in a long time. I’m also convinced that for the past 6-8 months, God had been preparing me BIG time for this opportunity. I’d like to tell you a little bit about the story of how I got to Haiti and let the video and the pictures tell the story of the week. I know that’s not usually how these things go, but if you’d like to hear more specifics about the week ... then you’ll have to take me out for coffee :) because I’m convinced that the coolest part of the story is what God did leading up to this week!

(I know this is long, but trust me ... you won’t regret reading it!)

In December of 2009, I had some hard decisions to make. The short version of the story is that I was about to take a significant pay cut at the church due to the economy and I was questioning whether God wanted me in Frederick as the Youth Pastor still. I spent several weeks praying about it and seeking the Lord’s Will the best that I could and by the beginning of the new year I was sure that this is where God wanted me to be ... right here in Frederick. The funny part is that I knew this would be the place where I would have to depend on Him the most and depend on myself the least. Little did I know what he had in store.

In January of 2010, with the pay cut now in effect I knew that I would need to start looking for a part-time job. And I found one working at a local middle school with an after school program. Truth be told, I really wasn’t all that excited about having to do this job just to supplement some of my lost income and was bummed that I was losing hours that I felt I needed to fulfill my role as Youth Pastor at the church. At the beginning my attitude probably wasn’t where it needed to be and I was pretty much just focused on myself. But I knew that this job had some potential because not only would it help me make the money I had lost in my pay cut, but I knew that it could open some doors and give me an opportunity to get to know some more students in the community. So I tried to make the most of it and gave it my best. What I quickly found out was that God was truly at work here. I ended up making $5 a month more than I had before my pay cut (see God does have a sense of humor - now I was “making money.”) But more importantly it was in the relationships that I built where I saw Him working the most. The director of our program was also in full-time ministry as her husband is also a Youth Pastor and I got to work along side Adam Forsberg as well, who was a part of my Youth Staff at the church and would later become my summer intern. Also on our staff at the school was another area Youth Pastor and a guy who lead a college aged Bible Study! If it hadn’t been for this part-time job, I might not have ever met these wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ and partners in the ministry.

In February, God started breaking my heart for some of the students at the school. Adam & I decided that we were going to start praying for them specifically by name and that we would were going to look for opportunities to encourage them if we could in any way. One of the students came on our Winter Retreat with our youth group and one other has since come to our Youth Group and many of the students from the program have started going to the Youth Group of the other Youth Pastor! It was amazing to see God use us as we built relationships with these students. But more than that, it was a wonderful partnership with those who I worked with. SO much so that my director’s husband got in contact with me and presented me with another opportunity. His name is Justin and he told me that he had recently co-authored a book with a good friend of his, Jeremy, and that he was in a band and they would be going on a book tour soon to promote their book. Well they asked if I’d be interested in having them come to our Youth Group to close out their tour. After learning that the band was WILLET and realizing that I had met them a year or so before at a Youth For Christ event that I spoke at (and they lead worship for) I was very excited to have them come. It was awesome getting to know Justin & Jeremy better as we prepared for that night and I learned that they are as passionate as it gets for the Lord and that God was doing amazing things in their lives.

The night that they came to our Youth Group, they presented our students with an opportunity to sponsor orphans in Haiti. We quickly learned that Jeremy’s wife, who is a full-time missionary in Haiti, works directly with many of these orphans and that she was in Haiti when the earthquake hit. I felt strongly that night that God was calling me to do more than just sponsor a child, but at the time I wasn’t quite sure what that meant. Our students ended up sponsoring 25-30 orphans for a year and we invited WILLET to come back to our church again a few weeks later to lead worship on a Sunday morning. That Sunday, they gave the same invitation for our church to sponsor some children and another 45-50 were sponsored. It thrilled me to see this partnership with WILLET and our church and to see how God was moving in these two times that they were leading us in worship. So I talked to my former roommate (Matt Johnson) who had heard about WILLET’s matching grant for their book and we decided that we needed to do something else to help them raise some money for Haiti relief efforts. And thus our Dodgeball for Haiti Tournament was born. We were able to raise over $12,000 for disaster relief funds through WILLET and Food for the Hungry and this matching grant. This also gave us another opportunity to present the gospel to students in the community that we wouldn’t normally be able to reach.

Finally, this past spring, my college roommate sends me an email and says that he recently signed up for this one week trip to Haiti and that there’s only a few spots left and I should sign up to go. I truly wanted to go, but my mind quickly went to all the reasons why I wouldn’t be able to ... I had already been gone a lot from work over the summer, where would I come up with the money on such short notice, my passport had expired the summer before and on and on! Well I decided I’d at least ask our Senior Pastor to see what he’d say and he was really excited for me to have the opportunity and said I should go. So in less than 2 months time, I was then able to renew my passport, raise all the money that I needed, got my airfare booked 3 days before I left town and had a summer intern to cover for me at the church!

And while I was in Haiti, God truly renewed my heart for his Word, for His people and for the work that He’s doing in Haiti on a whole new level. It truly was a wonderful week and I cannot wait to help lead a team from Grace Community Church with Matt Johnson back to Haiti sometime in the next year or so (assuming God allows it!)

WOW! And seriously ALL of that happened because I made a hard decision to put my faith and trust in God when humanly speaking it made no sense at all. Praise God for my pay cut and for having to get a part-time job!

Serving for Him

2010-08-16T22:33:00.002-04:00

By Angie Fogle

When I heard the questions asked last Sunday, “What can you do to serve God?” I immediately started to ask myself these questions. When would I fit “serving” into my already hectic schedule? What if I don’t know exactly what to say or do? What if I am not as effective as someone who might have more experience or be more knowledgeable in God’s word? Satan was truly working to make me believe that I am not good enough to serve.

I turned my thoughts to a time when others blessed me by serving my family and I. We had just brought a newborn home from the hospital and our small group and family organized meals to be served to us. The last thing on my mind after coming home from the hospital was what I would be making for dinner. I just wanted a little sleep! What a blessing it was to eat a hot meal that I did not have to prepare.

In last Sunday’s message, Pastor Mike reminded me that God will equip us to serve. “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” ~Ephesians 4:11-13. God never intended for us to serve out of perfection. I don’t need to be perfect; I just need to be willing and available. My prayer is simply this, “Lord, show me where I can use my gifts, talents and even brokenness to serve others and bring glory to you”.

A Life Submissive

2010-08-10T09:07:00.000-04:00

By Susan Greeves

There is a difference between someone who just simply chooses to do things for Christ and one who submits their life to Christ - dies to self - so that He can live through them --doing what He would have them do --and that "doing" comes naturally. Corrie Ten Boom says "If you want to be used, we needn't rely on ourselves, because it is the Holy Spirit who does it". Oswald Chambers states: "The one marvelous secret of a holy life is not in imitating Jesus, but in letting the perfections of Jesus manifest themselves in my mortal flesh. Sanctification is "Christ in you". In fact Oswald Chambers in his book My Utmost for His Highest has a lot to say about letting Him live through us. He says this too: "How often we forget that our lives are not our own-but God's gift to us. We muddle our lives with OUR intentions--we need to remember to leave it to God. We are His servants. Isaiah 49:5 "And now saith the Lord, that formed me from the womb to be His servant."

Everywhere I look, it points me back to surrendering MY will to God, allowing Jesus to live through me--not me choosing to do things FOR HIM; separately from Him, but to let Him LIVE through me so He's the one doing things. It's the work God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. "Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Psalm 5:8"Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Tell me clearly what to do, and show me which way to turn". Isaiah 61:3 says "They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting OF the Lord FOR the display of his splendor" it says that we are planted here BY Him to show His splendor through us, not to plant us then say 'ok, glorify me', He does the glorifying too, THROUGH us- His way, not ours. How awesome is that? All I need to do is to continually abide in Him and Him in me, to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."2 Corinthians 10:5b.

Look at 2 Corinthians 5:15 "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again". How much clearer can it get! I'm so excited by this, it took a huge weight off my shoulders. I just have to let Him and He will glorify Himself through me--the way He intends. Wow!!! How freeing.

When we wake up in the morning, and breath, we've missed the mark-so how can any of my efforts on my own be pleasing or righteous to Him? Plus I don't have to earn my salvation, He did it for me because He made me (just like everything in creation- to glorify Him), and wants me to come back to Him, to live eternally with Him-and to tell others how much He loves them before I do come home. Why would I be so arrogant to think that what I want to do for Him is what He wants from me?

What He wants is for us to obey Him; to show love to Him for His mercy and grace He gives us; to surrender our will; to choose to be submissive to Jesus is the only answer. Everything else will follow. Praise God!

(Just a side note, I do realize how sinful I still am and always will be in this world, and I do pull back my submissiveness, sometimes taking the reigns myself, and thankfully God will still work it for the good-- Romans 8:28. I am so grateful for His mercy and grace. "What a pang will go through us when we suddenly realize that we might have produced downright joy in the heart of Jesus by remaining absolutely confident in Him, no matter what was ahead." another quote from Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest.)

Preparing for South Africa

2010-08-09T12:52:00.001-04:00

By Lisa Catania

My family and I are now officially leaving in less than a month on a mission’s trip to South Africa. We have never done a missions trip before. However, when we heard about this opportunity both my husband and I looked at each other and said, ” We need to do this!” Matthew 28:19 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

This past year we have been planning, organizing, praying, and raising support. What a journey! I must admit we have wrestled with questions of….what were we thinking?...this is crazy!....we are endangering our kids….are we going to be eaten by a lion?.... I am taking a live virus to keep me from getting it? Am I nuts? Honestly, those thoughts crossed my mind. However, God has carefully calmed our spirits with peace through the Psalms. Psalms 37:23 “The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.” Ok….God is guiding us. Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Ok…God will protect us.

This journey has really taught our whole family to surrender. We can’t plan for everything. We won’t fully know what we will face. We just know God is in control and we need to surrender our lives to whatever He has planned for us. Philipppians 4:6 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.”

So we ask for your prayers for our family and the entire team heading to South Africa. Please pray for peace, safety, and that we may glorify God in all that we do. (…and not get eaten by a lion!)

Letter to GCC from the Disciples Of Christ Outreach Church

2010-08-06T15:20:00.000-04:00

Praise the Lord, this is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!

It’s an honor to give a testimony of thanksgiving about a church such as Grace Community of Frederick. As the Pastor of Disciples of Christ Outreach Ministry it has been my joy and burden to serve the inner city communities of Washington D.C. and Suitland Md. Thanks to your support we are able to work with and reach out to our community with the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The Bible says “Let everything that hath Breath Praise the Lord.” Today we praise and thank God for your friendship and support.

Over the years Grace Community Church has placed its arms around our ministry and has aided us in our spiritual acts of service such as; our annual food drive and basket giveaways, our annual coat drive and give away, our back to school community outreach and our, We care community mission focus.

I also thank God for the leaders and members of Grace Community, because of their kindness we have been able to develop wonderful relationships and engage in awesome times of fellowship. I especially recall the time Pastor R Greene and other leaders came to D.C. to support one of our many outreaches throughout the year. They aided us by going door to door inviting people to come out to our ministry and share in a special service we were planning the next day. The group came in with such an awesome energy and they had gifts for everyone they would come in contact with that day. They brought beautiful flowers with them and on the flower pots was a scripture verse and message which stated “We Care.”

This really blessed our hearts and the hearts of many throughout our community. Days later it was such an encouragement to walk the community and see many homes blessed by the gift of flowers and scripture reminding us all that God cares. This is just one of the many acts of kindness we’ve experienced from our wonderful church family in Fredrick.

In our absence this year we pray that the Lord will continue to bless and keep you as a ministry, full of light. We pray that you will continue to walk in the power of His might knowing that all things work together for good for them that love the Lord and are called to His purpose.

Disciples Of Christ Outreach Church or as Pastor R calls us “DOCOC” pray that you will continue to support our wonderful work. That our ministries will unite as one to continue the work of the Great Commission. Your sacrifice of giving has enabled this ministry full of struggle to not walk alone. Your generosity has placed hope into many men women and children as we’ve shared the gospel message of salvation together.

Special thanks and blessings to Pastor Greene, Pastor Brubaker, Pastor Miller, Pastor Kyle and all those who make Grace Community a special church.

Last, special thanks to the one who planted the seed for our ministry to blossom the late Pastor Dr. James Dixon and family. A true inspiration of faithfulness, whose legacy lives on throughout the many churches and missions throughout our fellowship.

In His Service,

Pastor Kevin and the D.O.C. Church Family

Update on the life and thoughts of Jimmy Greene

2010-08-05T08:34:00.000-04:00

Hello my friends, Jimmy Greene writing to let you know some of the things that have been on my heart and mind these past few weeks. I recently returned from a much needed vacation with the family and sabbaticaling (if thats a word) father. The combination of the waves, sun and sporadic 10-12 mile runs on winding canal roads culminated in quite a relaxing atmosphere. My heart is filled with joy to be back in Frederick and to continue my work here with the adult and youth praise teams.

Some exciting things are coming your way to a Grace Community Church (of Frederick) near you...Saturday the 14th will feature another Toast and Jam opportunity for musicians in the church. See the bulletin for more info. In addition, August 14th will also feature a worship night from 7-9. The praise team will be worshipping in the FLC, come and join us! This will not be a structured "by the book" service. Our only agenda will be to praise and worship the living God. Amen!

To my shame, I recently watched Iron Man 2. I cant honestly say the film was worthy of the $3.25 ticket price at the Holiday Cinema theatre (one of the best kept secrets of Fredrick). As I frantically searched to take something away from this action packed, melodramatic film, my efforts were continually thwarted by Robert Downey Jr.'s over-inflated ego.

Then, redemption...One line in the movie caught my unwavering attention (and ensuing scrutiny). The Russian antagonist exclaimed after a "thwarted" attempt at taking Iron Man's life that, "If we can make God bleed, people will stop believing in him." This struck me as odd because our God DID bleed and that is why we believe in Him. One of the many mysteries of the gospel involves what has been often called the God-Man. How could God, a fully perfect, omnipotent, omnipresent being inhabit and dwell inside man who is temporal and finite. Although some questions require faith, as the answers may not be readily accessible, I am reminded of God's tremendous love, compassion and humility to undertake such a feat. Why didn't God summoned a great host of angels to protect Him while the Romans proceeded to torture and crucify submit to death?

This question of a fully competent/powerful and equally submissive, compassionate, loving God has eluded philosophers like Nietzsche and Marx who argued that passivity in this regard would be a sign of weakness. In the world of Nietzsche and Marx, the "real" men are completely self-referential and only concerned with their personal gain. On their account, the mere thought of a God who would humble Himself to the cross, to die for sinners and enemies is not only baffling, it is lunacy.

However, Jesus' actions were not for the benefit of the Son. What these thinkers fail to see is that Christ was operating out of His tremendous love and compassion for us. The chasm that man had created between himself and God was only rectified by the sacrifice of a truly perfect Lamb...Jesus. My friends, although God was completely powerful on the cross, He was perfectly submissive to the will of the Father. He did this for us.

Stay strong in the faith my friends.

Who Are You Investing Your Life In?

2010-08-04T09:03:00.000-04:00

By Adam Forsberg

Luke 12:48b: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Usually when we read this verse our mind jumps right to money and the financial aspect of our Christian life. While this verse does pertain to our finances, I also believe that it applies to our knowledge of God, and the growth in our relationship with Him. The more that we know about God, the more that we need to be passing on to others. This is a biblical concept know as discipleship.

A discipleship relationship is when a Christian who has been growing in their relationship with Christ comes alongside of a younger believer to help them grow in their faith. The main goals of discipleship are for the younger believer to develop Christ-like character, and for Spiritual maturity in Christ to be taking place. This is more than just sitting down and having a Bible study, it’s being a part of their life. There are two ways that the discipler impacts the person he’s discipling- transmission of information, and transmission of example. Paul is a great example of this. In 2 Timothy 2:1-16 we see him doing this with Timothy. Paul talks about the experiences that they shared together in ministry (vs. 2 “and the things you heard me say in the presence of many witnesses…”), and then goes on to give Timothy information about God and how to apply it. Paul teaches Timothy by example and by passing on information. It is also crucial to remember that God’s promise, working, Spirit, grace, and Word are ultimately what is changing people’s lives.

My challenge to the church is to find somebody to invest your life in. This past year I had the privilege to disciple two guys in the youth group, and it has been an amazing experience. It’s been awesome to see them grow in their faith throughout this past year. I get so excited when I think about how much spiritual grow can take place in our church if discipleship became a part of everybody’s life. I’m in still in college and am very new at discipleship, and I still saw God work in big ways, so I get so pumped to think about people who are way more spiritually mature than me discipling others.

It can be hard to start discipling another person, but it is definitely a worthwhile experience that helps you grow in your faith as well. In the fall the Grace Community Church will be having a discipleship class that teaches people how to be involved in a discipleship relationship. Please consider taking this class, and then start pouring your life into others, helping them grow closer to Christ.

My Journey Continues

2010-07-22T14:55:00.000-04:00

By Susan Greeves

So now, I've been wondering and praying about what this submissive life really looks like in a practical way. Does it mean that I have to wait to be told what to do-and there's only certain things I'm allowed to do? Or does it mean that I let Him live through me and He (through me) will respond to the circumstances that He engineers for me from my free will choices. I think this later one! When I make choices I should consider these questions: is it loving to God? Am I showing that I love him with all my heart, strength, and mind? And next, is it loving to others? And if it isn't what He wants me to do, it won't happen, or if He does allow it, no matter the outcome , the outcome is to serve his PURPOSE of His will. (Eph 1:11 according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will). And for those times that we are selfish and/or make mistakes Romans 8:28 is a wonderful verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. So my thinking is that 'a life submissive' simply summed up is; we are to love Him, and out of our love we will make choices that are honoring to Him (some or hopefully most of the time), and will bless those around us, no matter what our circumstances are.

I came across this excerpt (yes, it's from O. Chambers from My Utmost for His Highest-it seems the Holy Spirit really uses this book to touch me!): "Ministering as opportunity surrounds us does not mean selecting our surroundings, it means being very selectly God's in ANY haphazard surroundings He engineers for us. We do not need to care what our circumstances are, Jesus is amply sufficient."

And another from O. Chambers..."The sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on Jesus Christ's errands, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus, says, in effect, Do not be bothered with whether you are being justly dealt with or not. To look for justice is a sign of deflection from devotion to Him. Never look for justice in the world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will begin to grouse and to indulge in the discontent of self pity- Why should I be treated like this? If we are devoted to Jesus Christ we have nothing to do with what we meet, whether it is just or unjust. Jesus says- Go steadily on with what I have told you to do and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance. The most devout among us become atheistic in this connection; we do not believe God, we enthrone common sense and tack the name of God on to it. We do lean to our own understanding, in stead of trusting God with all our hearts."

If Jesus is allowing us to do whatever it is that we've chosen at that moment, the outcome is all for His glory, we need to just submit to Him and once we've made the choice, the circumstances are an opportunity to show Jesus in our every day life. No matter how you look at it, no matter how our choices turn out (and again, the above mentioned questions should be considered every time we make a decision) it's all for the glory of our Great God!

...and all God's children singing glory glory, He reigns, He reigns....

Momentum 2010

2010-07-21T08:48:00.000-04:00

By Pam Work

We have a saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. I think these pictures will generate more than a thousand words! Our Lighthouse Youth Group had a powerful week together with other youth groups from across the country as we gathered to worship God, pray for each other and listened to great speakers who spoke from the Bible to teach us valuable lessons from God. This event took place at Cedarville University in Ohio and there was as estimated 1,600 teens and adults gathered there.

The focus was “pursuit”…to pursue after God…to be a God chaser. Everyone was given the opportunity to look at themselves as either someone who wanted to be a servant for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, or someone who wanted to remain in their present state of heart. Teens and adults had opportunities to learn about ways to serve and then to actually serve the community around the university campus.

Our group chose to volunteer our time to work with an organization called Feed My Starving Children. We packed food to send to the orphaned children in Haiti. We packed enough nutrition to feed approximately 300 plus children one meal a day for an entire year!

As in the past years, we all came back to Frederick exhausted, re-focused, and energized to serve. God was present; the Holy Spirit was present and I believe not one person left Momentum 2010 unchanged.

Thank you to the GCC family for your continued support and love that you shower on the teens of our Lighthouse Youth Ministry.

“DETAILING” FOR ETERNITY

2010-07-20T08:55:00.000-04:00

By Geoff Seidel

When I was in high school, I worked at a Chevrolet dealer in Ephrata. My job was to pump gas, change tires, change oil and lube chassis, and detail cars. Detailing was my favorite job because it made the car LOOK good. The car was washed, polished, waxed (there is a difference), the wheels washed and the tires dressed, the interior vacuumed, the dashboard and upholstery wiped with Armor All, and the windows cleaned inside and out. I’ve carried my detailing skills into adulthood…it makes my ride LOOK good. I’ve taught these detailing skills to our kids. Lauren can detail a car well and will point out if a car has not been detailed well.

As we prepared for Momentum, I did my annual detailing of our van. The van has been to every Momentum (except California and Wisconsin) since we purchased it in 2000. I washed the car with my Ice Car Wash. I pulled out my Turtle Wax Liquid Clay Polish to take off the surface imperfections, the stains, the oxidation, and the dullness that had accumulated over the past year. Then I got my buffer and laid on a coat of Meguire’s Nano Liquid Wax. WAX ON, WAX OFF…my buffing with my detailing cloth was perfect. I took my touch-up paint and touched up the little nicks, scratches, and minor rust spots that had accumulated over the past year. I applied Rain-Ex to the exterior windows. I cleaned the interior windows and took Armor All over the upholstery and the dashboard. I touched-up the woodwork. I cleaned the door jams. I applied wheel polish to the wheels and dressed the tires. I even hung a new Pine Tree air freshener on the dashboard. IT LOOKED (and smelled) GOOD !!!

BUT, there was something I was neglecting. I knew I had to do it but really didn’t want to bother. It would mean getting under the hood and looking into the GUTS of the vehicle. It was dirty and greasy; it was hot and smelly; it was something simple that I had to do, but it meant going under the hood. So what was it I had to do? I had to check the oil, check the transmission fluid, check the brake fluid and power steering fluid, and check the windshield washer fluid. These are essential parts of the inside of the van that must be checked/changed in order for the van to run well. BUT no one would SEE that my fluids were all topped off, my oil changed, and my front end lubed. I need to keep the engine lubricated so it runs well; my transmission fluid topped off so there is movement when I put the van into gear; my power steering fluid level topped off so I can keep the vehicle on the road; my brake fluid topped off so I can slow down and stop if necessary; and my windshield washer topped off, so I can see through the dirt on the OUTSIDE of the windshield. But no one can SEE this part. It is essential, but can’t be seen.

I realized that I cared more about the OUTSIDE of the van, missing the priority of maintaining the internal workings of the van…the parts that keep the vehicle on the road, safe to operate, and dependable. In almost an audible voice, God reminded me that that is how I sometimes operate my life…it looks good, it smells good, it is shiny, it can sparkle. But on the inside, my life is not ‘topped off’ with the love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This lack of internal maintenance manifests itself in my thinking, my responses, my interactions, my motives, my love for others, my sin, and my ministry.

Father forgive me for focusing on the outside of my life rather than my heart. This week at Momentum, I’ve had the opportunity to focus on ‘topping off my fluids’ with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We have been reminded of the need to daily manifest HIM in our lives. This involves responding to the Holy Spirit as we read and study His word and interact with others. It is the INTERNAL condition of my heart that drives my life. It’s about what’s on the inside that brings the “shine” to the outside. Lord forgive me for getting this backwards. Thank you for your patience with me and the grace you extend to me daily. Teach me daily to ‘top off’ my fluids in You. I need the detailing of Your love on the INSIDE. I love you Father.

Time-Out

2010-07-19T13:26:00.000-04:00

By Erin O'Hara

“I’m going to eat you, Jonah!”

Those words start a game that Isaac and I have played in the pool this summer. Of course, the theme song to “Jaws” is hummed as well. He shrieks and tries to swim away but with one huge “gulp” the whale (me) says, “Oh Jonah, you taste goooood!”

My little guy calls this “Jonah’s time-out” in the belly of the whale. As his water-wings hold him steady, he lifts his face toward heaven and prays, “Dear God, I’m sorry for disobeying, please let me out! I’ll listen and go to Ninevah!”

After a time, I spit him out with a big, “bllaahhh,” and he responds, “Eww, whale spit-up!” But his determination and obedience come next and he’s off to Ninevah to tell the people about God’s love!

I love to view the Bible through my child’s eyes. Some of the stories in there seem like fairy-tales and can be scary. (Ask me about Isaac’s version of the Tooth Fairy and the Angel of Death!) Reading the Bible stories, acting them out and reassuring our children about the nature of God can be effective and rewarding as they start to understand and apply Biblical truths.

Last month, we were able to take Isaac to the Aquarium. One of the very first things that we saw was the mammoth jaws of the largest fish/whale in the ocean. As you can see from the picture below, a man could very well have been swallowed whole through that mouth! It was neat for Isaac to be able to see that and again be reminded of God’s great power, protection and His grace. It’s the same grace that extends to us all periods of “time-outs” for a second chance.

It’s easy to see the times when our children need a time-out to rethink their attitudes and actions, but what about for me and you? Do we recognize and appreciate “time-outs”? Do we take the opportunity to confess our sins, our selfishness, need for control, temper-tantrums and rebellion? I wonder if Jonah ever “got” it… He had a few time-outs that we read about but after the last one recorded, we don’t know if his heart changed…

Lord, help me not to miss Your ways of discipline and redirection!

Proverbs 3:11-12
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in.

What won’t you do for God?

2010-07-08T12:15:00.000-04:00

By Brenda Rota

One month ago we started a sermon series on Jonah: God’s Heart for the World. Our elder over Global Outreach, Shawn Wolf, challenged us to read through Jonah on our own. It is only four chapters and takes less than 10 minutes to read: that is my kind of challenge!

I have read and reread Jonah several times in the past month, and every time God shows me something new about Himself, His Creation, and of course, my own heart attitude.

1) God – there is an easy principle to remember about God. God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. Nineveh, one of the most important cities in Assyria, was full of evil. Nahum 1:9 says they plotted against God Himself. And yet, God in His goodness, mercy and grace sends His prophet, Jonah, to preach there.

2) Creation – another easy principle to remember about God and His Creation. God has created all things; therefore, all things are under His authority. Jonah did not believe the people of Nineveh were worthy to receive God’s compassion. He probably hoped they wouldn’t believe his message of repentance (Jonah 3:4). But only God knows the heart condition of His own creation.

3) My own heart attitude – I have to confess: I can so relate to Jonah. I, too, have heard from the Lord and walked the other way. I’ve come up with some good excuses too: “I’m not qualified”; “I don’t believe it is in my gifting, Lord”; and “I truly just don’t think you mean me”. Thankfully, like Jonah, I received a second chance to be obedient to a holy God.

Several years ago I received this challenge from God: “Write down everything/anything you are not willing to do for me.” I quickly got to my feet, and I told Him then “I’ll do anything you ask.” I will admit, this has not always been easy! It requires my eyes to stay focused on Him and a heart surrendered to His will.

How about you? What are you not willing to do for God?

the Mind Filter

2010-07-01T06:45:00.002-04:00

By Dan Haffey

Have you ever been around someone who it seems says whatever comes into
their mind? Like the filter is missing? These people say what is on
their minds and its pretty revealing….but not good stuff. Some of us
have been really wounded by careless and thoughtless words. The good news is that
most of us don’t say everything we think……we have a filter. But what
filter do we use? Philippians 4:8 gives us a Mind Filter for testing our
thoughts before they roll off our tongue and hit the air. It says:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is
right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything
is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." So truth, nobility, rightness, purity, loveliness, admirability,
excellence and praiseworthiness are the criteria for screening our
thoughts. It’s a pretty high bar. How do you “filter” your thoughts? What would you
allow to go from your mind to your mouth if you used these criteria? I’m
guessing a lot less……..and that would be a good thing.

Calling

2010-06-30T08:36:00.000-04:00

By Susan Greeves

Something that has been on my mind lately is the word "calling". We, as Christians, use it loosely I think. We use it to say that we have been chosen to do something specific for the Lord.

I did a little research from a concordance. And what I found is that we are called to do EVERYTHING we do for Jesus. We have free will to make choices, it's the faith in Christ; the submission to our great God to make the impossible happen. If we make a choice, God will either allow the door to shut, or to allow us to go on with this choice.

No matter what, it seems to me that God is working on us. If we have a will that is totally given up for the One Who died for us, the one who made us, then all that happens in our life is for His glory. No matter what we chose to do.

Now please understand that I DO understand that we will want to make choices that are God honoring if we are submissive to Him. We won't want to make bad choices, although we still will; but He will work it for our good. Rom 8:28.

I think when we say we can't do something, we are shutting the door on faith. If that is the only reason we aren't doing something, then shouldn't we be finding ways to strengthen our faith; spending time with God, time in His word, talking to others that are doing the same thing--living by faith? I think so!! What a world for the Lord our community would be, if we all just found the avenues that strengthened our faith and did things we think we can't do, for Him. It's ALL for Him, in a life submissive.

I do think we have gifts that are ours; given to us by the Holy Spirit, and to use those helps build the Kingdom; but again it's choice. God orchestrates our very own circumstances, out of what we chose. So it will be worked for our good, no matter what, but wouldn't it be something to step out into faith and do things with a God that nothing is impossible.

Never, Never, Never Hopeless….

2010-06-29T08:48:00.000-04:00

By Verlyn Mahaffey

Do you remember the two bands mentioned in Sunday’s testimony by Jen Goss? I don’t! She said this is what we would probably remember. But what I do remember is the word HOPE! Within her testimony she shared how the people in a certain country for 20 years told the story through art of how people were killed when a bomb was dropped and many, many died. And this is what was passed on from generation to generation! Then she shared a wonderful truth with these artists that they should begin to pass on a story of HOPE! I said yes, the story of HOPE! We have this Lord, a wonderful, powerful, life changing HOPE, a LIVING HOPE in Jesus to live in and pass on:

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you.” (I Peter 1:3-4 NIV)

Life has pain, hurts, disappointments, disruptions, but my HOPE is in God, not my circumstances, not in this world, not in other people! We are promised that there is an inheritance that will never perish and is kept in heaven for us. The Psalms are rich in expressing man’s feelings and thoughts and the thoughts of God in showing us Himself. Look at Psalm 33:18-22:

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”

Now this is true HOPE to be passed on, a HOPE that is based on the true nature and character of God. You can with all confidence say that you are never hopeless. Think about it! There is no circumstance, no time in your life that you could possibly be hopeless if you are trusting in God. Now if I can only live like I truly believe this!

A prayer from the Psalms for this week: “Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.” Psalm 94:19 (Living Bible)

(A plug for our spiritual journey starting August 29: Psalms: Lament to Praise….Encounters with God!)

Promises...

2010-06-25T16:17:00.000-04:00

By Adam Forsberg

This past week my family and I went to California on vacation. We headed out to the airport Saturday morning for our 11:30 flight, only to find that our flight was delayed by about two hours. We were promised that we would take off at 1:30 PM, and that we would still make our connecting flight. As expected, we didn’t take off until almost 4 PM, causing us to miss our connection. Luckily there was another flight later on that evening, but we were stuck in Minnesota for a few more hours. Going to California was amazing, seeing the beaches in LA, to huge redwood trees, to the mountains at Yosemite. But all throughout the trip, promises were made to my family that were either were not fully kept, or were just flat out lies. Some of these things were information about hotels and their amenities, departure times, ticket prices, food quality, and lots of other little things. After a while, you start to become disappointed, and start to loose faith in any promise that is made to you.

This really got me thinking about how great it is that all of God’s promises are true. We can put our full hope in what God says, without ever having to worry about Him lying, not keeping His promises, or coming up short. What a relief it is to know that the things that God promises us in His Word are completely, one hundred percent true. God gives us multiple examples of this throughout the Bible. A few are to Abraham and Sara (Genesis 21:1 “…and the LORD did for Sara what he had promised.”), to Paul (Acts 9:15 “…This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.), and to us, our resurrection from the dead to live with Him forever (1 Corinthians 15).

We can trust what God tells us, so there is no need for us to worry about our lives, what will happen to us or others. Because we know that all His promises are guaranteed, we can have peace through every part of life, and have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Listen to this song that reminds us of God’s promises. Afterwards, look up different promises that God has made to us (Romans 15:13 for example), and dwell on the fact that they are completely true and trustworthy.

Doing the Little Things

2010-06-25T10:10:00.000-04:00

By Eric Miller

This past week I had the opportunity and privilege to speak at a High School camp in Pennsylvania. It was a humbling experience. I realized that being a passionate follower of Christ is hard work. I realized that I take so many things in my daily life for granted. But most of all, I realized that it’s easy to pray and read my Bible
because I’m “supposed to” or because its expected of me … but if I really want to see God work in my life; then I cannot survive without prayer and Bible reading. You see for a long time now, I’ve had this burning desire to truly see God do something amazing, something HUGE, in my life. I’ve wanted to witness Him do something I can’t explain or justify. Don’t get me wrong; I know He’s at work in my life and all around me. I
don’t doubt that at all. I also love seeing Him do the little things and can praise Him just the same because of those. But for some reason, I don’t want to be content with that. I want to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. And that’s where it hit me.

… God cannot use me for something big IF I’m not doing the little things right. If I pray before meals because that’s what I’ve always done. If I read my Bible when I’m preparing for a lesson at Youth Group or if I have time and feel like it. No! I should be praying constantly, about everything that passes through my mind. Every decision I have to make should be rooted in prayer. If I want God to move in the lives of the students of our church, then I need to talk to them less and talk to God on their behalf more. Rather than trying to problem solve and ask other people for advice, I should be asking God and reading His word. For every hour I spend in worry, I should spend two hours in His throne room pouring out my heart. It must start with doing the little things and doing them well. I will not mindlessly pray over something just because I’m supposed to. I want to start fervently praying for things, big and small, because of my need for God and knowing that I can’t do it on my own. I want to start reading my Bible with a hunger and thirst for the wisdom that only God can give. I want to stop singing worship songs to Him while allowing my mind to be somewhere else.

High School!

2010-06-24T08:37:00.000-04:00

By Camille Coston

My name is Camille Coston and I will be going into ninth grade next year. A couple of my fears about going into high school are how big it is, the people, the teachers, the grades, and also the peer pressure! I am excited about going into ninth grade because I want to be in the Olympics when I get older and I’m hoping that by doing track next year the start of my dream will be fulfilled. This is something I would really want to do and I believe that God has a plan for my life! Jeremiah 29:11 says “I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I know that God has a plan for my life if I want to believe it or not, whatever that plan might be.

The biggest fear I have of high school is definitely the peer pressure! Pressure to get involved with drugs, boys, sexual immorality and all the stuff that people might be tempted to do in high school! I am well aware that high school will be very different from middle school and I will be going T.J high school! To me, T.J. is a rough school to go to because there are so many people there that won’t be living for God and wanting to be obedient to Him! I am just scared that the devil will tempt me to do things I know is wrong.

I pray that God will help me through every weakness and help me find my strengths. God is not only a solid rock but He is also alive in me! During my freshman year at T.J I hope to grow in my faith and become on fire for God!

Get Passionate about your Finances

2010-06-21T13:58:00.000-04:00

By Jim Peterson

We have just completed the second session of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University and I am here to report that it is having PROFOUND impacts on the lives of many of our families. Many of our graduates have accomplished that wonderful goal of becoming totally debt free (except for their homes). Others are still working on what we call the “Baby Steps” building an emergency fund and working on the “Debt Snowball” to get rid of all their consumer debt.

One of our favorite things to do as the class progresses is what we call “plastectomies” which is the cutting up of all of our credit cards. In our last class, we had over 60 credit cards destroyed and celebrated a number of families getting their budgets arranged on a cash basis.

In all cases, couples are reporting that they are “on the same page” regarding finances for the first time in their marriage and it is having a major impact on their relationship. In one case, a couple stated unequivocally that the things they have learned in this class have saved their marriage.

Over the years, I have heard from many families that they wanted to give more and tithe regularly but they just couldn’t because of so much debt. This class will teach you how to take control of your money rather than the other way around. It will show you a simple (but hard to do) system of moving from being a “slave to the lender”, to total Financial Peace. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

If you want to get passionate about your finances, then I challenge you to enroll in our next Financial Peace University. Classes will begin on September 13th here at the Grace Chapel from 7pm-9pm for 13 consecutive weeks. I guarantee that it will change your lives if you apply the principles taught in the class. Look for more details in the days and weeks ahead.

Where the GodWind Blows

2010-06-20T17:41:00.002-04:00

By Dr. Dan Haffey

Scott Brown’s message last Sunday on God’s love and plan for the Israeli people left me with a couple of burning thoughts. First, I felt the immense love of God that he would allow me, a Gentile, to be adopted into the family of his Chosen People, the Israelites. In his sovereignty, he could’ve only chosen Israel and rejected the rest of us but He didn’t. Now I, and all other Gentile believers, have been grafted into the Tree of Salvation. Thank you Father God!

The second thought that I had was how God’s Spirit blows where He wants to go without limitation. John 3:8 says “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” The Spirit of God leads us where he wants us to go, where he is working. For Scott Brown, God called him to New Zealand (Where is that?) because God is at work in New Zealand. God’s love for His people, the Jews, sent Scott Brown to New Zealand to give them the Good News their Messiah.

Where is the Spirit of God blowing around you? Where and what is He calling you to? Are you willing to respond? Will you pray for Scott Brown and his work with Israeli tourists in New Zealand?

Discipling our children, some call it homeschooling…

2010-06-15T14:01:00.000-04:00

By Susan Greeves

God has given us parents the awesome responsibility of raising His children that He gave to us to take care of and raise up for His purposes. I believe that we; as their parents, are primarily accountable for raising them, shaping them and preparing them for a life of service to Him. For my family that’s done by homeschooling (at least for this year and the previous years…God may have a totally different plan in the future, and if I’m truly in His will, then any avenue of education is still open to where He wants my children and us).

Deut 6: 6, 7 “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

This verse is one of the first verses the Holy Spirit led me to, to see God’s plan for our family to homeschool. I don’t think homeschooling is the answer, I know Jesus Christ is the answer! It’s not something I do for my kids to get a superior education, it’s a tool in which God works on all of us in the family, refining us, shaping us, and at the same time fulfilling what He has laid on my heart; to disciple my children for Him. I believe that Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” means in EVERYTHING we do we should seek his righteousness.

I trust that God will bring the academics if I follow Him wholeheartedly. There WILL be holes in their education, but even in public or private education there is (I can attest that there are still holes in my education and I did go to public school). Jesus WILL fill those holes, and fill them in His timing, if we seek first His kingdom and righteousness.

Isaiah 61:1-4 resonated with me when I first read it. We are chosen to preach the good news to our children, they are the brokenhearted, they are the poor in spirit, they are captives to sin, with Jesus they are released from darkness.

Then Isaiah 61:3 states “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” That’s what my children are, God’s gift to us for the display of God’s splendor, not for their own purposes or even mine, but God’s and they should be rooted deeply in Jesus. The whole point of our existence is to love Him more than anything else, and to love others more than ourselves. Out of that is born the great commission; which is to make disciples. I look at what we do as missionary work, just right here in our very own home.

Do You Believe in Angels?

2010-06-12T08:52:00.000-04:00

By Steve Ranney

If you never even think about something, why would you even consider its existence? It is like God. Many people don't believe in Him because they haven't spent the time.
Have you ever just about fallen asleep driving a car - and you didn't end up in an accident? Or driven on slick pavement or in icy snow when you lost control, but you avoided an accident? How do these things happen? Are we just lucky?
Think again about the existence of angels - spread all around the world by God to protect us among other things. Here is my proof:
1. My ladder got loose and I fell off the second floor -- about 15 feet to the ground. I was extremely sore, but no broken bones. What I can't explain is how I hit the ground. I passed out on the way down. One minute I was on the ladder, then I was on top of the ladder on my back.
2. I got almost mortally wounded in battle in Vietnam. Our company got over run with 18 dead, 50 wounded. With my type of head injuries, I should have been left at the battle field, but I was brought in and I survived.
3. With my injuries, my face was paralyzed for months, and the doctors said it may revive in about six months. I was in a plane on the way to a hospital and all of a sudden I felt some sensation in my face. The date was exactly 6 months from my injury.
4. Do you ski? Have you ever tried a 360? Well I haven't either. As a result of my head injury, I had a hole in my head about the size of a tennis ball. In a year the hole would be filled up with plastic. Should I have been skiing that day when I totally lost control and I would normally have ended up on my head? Some how I ended up on my feet - 360 degrees. I am still around!
I wasn't a believer at any of these times, but I am sure now. I am sure you have similar circumstances if you seriously think about it. God really does do a lot of things for us in mysterious ways!

The Golden Boy & The Prodigal

2010-06-10T09:18:00.000-04:00

By Matt Johnson

On my way into work this morning I heard this song by Jason Gray. It really hit me hard.

Do you have two personalities? One that you hate and the one you want to be? I know I do.

Listen to the video or read the words.

In particular listen to the last verse of the song. Jesus didn't come to earth to die for your made up self or fake self. He came to die for the broken. He came to die for the person you hate - the one we wish we weren't. He came to die so we no longer had to pretend to be something we aren't.

The Golden Boy & The Prodigal
By Jason Gray

There are two sides to every person
Like the two sides of a dime
Heads or tails it depends upon
Who's watching at the time
Though I hate to say it
Mine is no exception
One part is the prodigal
The other part: deception

Like the prince and the pauper
Like Jacob and his brother
Each hide a different heart
Each a shadow of the other
Me and my doppelganger
Both share the same blood
One I have hated
The other have I loved

One of them's the Golden Boy
The man I'd like to be I show him off in the parades
For all the world to see
The other is much weaker
He stumbles all the time
The source of my embarrassment
He's the one I try to hide

The Golden boy is made of straw
His finest suit will surely burn
His vice is the virtue
That he never had to earn
The prodigal's been broken
And emptied at the wishing well
But he's stronger for the breaking
With a story to tell

I'm not easy with confessions
It's hard to tell the truth
But I have favored the golden boy
While the other I've abused
And he takes it like a man
Though he's longing like a child
To be loved and forgiven
And share the burden for awhile

So take a good look in the mirror
Tell me who you see
The one who Jesus died for
Or the one you'd rather be
Can you find it in your heart
To show mercy to the one
The Father loved so much
That he gave his only son...

Colossians 3:17

2010-05-28T19:48:00.000-04:00

By Pastor Eric

We’ve been studying Colossians chapter 3 for well over a month now and every time I read this chapter I keep getting caught up in verse 17. It says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” I can’t stop thinking about this verse. I can’t stop thinking about the implications of it; IF I truly lived this out like I know that I should. What if, every single day, the very first thing on my mind was this verse and I made it my personal mantra that day – every single thing I do and say will be for Jesus. And if it doesn’t qualify as something that I should say, then I don’t say it. If I have a choice of something to do and I ask myself, “can this be done in the name of Christ?” then I go for it. And what if every single one of us lived this out every day. Wouldn’t that absolutely allow us to live up to the statement that Jesus makes to his disciples in John 13:35 where he says, “by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

I would love nothing more than for the body of Christ to be know as people who are “loving, kind, sincere, authentic, passionate, gentle, joyful, patient, faithful and honest” (to name a few) rather than so commonly spoken of as “no different than anyone else, prideful, fake, discouraged, selfish, lying and exclusive.”

How has your day been filled with words and deeds in the name of Christ? Have your actions reflected Christ’s love to everyone around you? If so then let’s give thanks to God the Father. And if not, then what changes need to be made so that “all men will know we are his disciples”?