Greg Ryerson sermon

If you happened to miss Greg Ryerson's sermon yesterday, it is now available here .

The Golden Compass

Obviously, it is not our intent to set this blog up as a movie review...and since none of us in the office have seen the movie, it wouldn't be right to review it anyway.

But since Philip Pullman has been pretty clear about his beliefs--and has made no bones about placing them in the movie--it creates interesting decisions for Christian families about watching it and interacting with others. By all accounts, this should be a blockbuster movie. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who has seen the movie and read the novels twice, comments:

The movie is very well done and will be very attractive to audiences of all ages. The special effects are superior to any previous movie of the type, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy (also released by New Line Cinema). Everything is in place for this to be a blockbuster at the box office.

The decision for your family is yours, but Mohler provides an excellent article about the movie here.

He also spent two days discussing the movie (and the books) on his radio program. (Monday's program, Tuesday's program)

Weekend To Remember - Our church has regularly participated in the Weekend to Remember marriage retreat. The Dayton retreat is scheduled for February 29-March 2, making it a perfect Christmas gift for your spouse! If you're interested, contact Jeni Berger for information about group discounts.
Children's Christmas Musical dates Is your child participating in this year's Christmas musical? If so, mark the following dates on your calendar; Wednesday, December 5- practice from 4:30-6pm - Wednesday, December 12- practice from 4:30-6pm - Saturday December 15- practice from 9:30-11:30am. If you have any questions, please contact Shelly Warner or call the church office for more information.

Clothes Drive - This is an opportunity for you to serve kids in this community by donating some basic necessities (coat, shoes, underwear, etc.) to underprivileged kids who may not receive any Christmas presents. There is a sign up sheet with a list of items on the table in Narthex.
Community Unity Christmas Fund Drive - NEEDED BELL RINGERS - for 1 or 2 hr. shifts, inside at Krogers on the 14th, 21st, & 22nd of December. Starting at 10 am ending at 8 pm, sign up in narthex. If you have any questions, see Randy Kress. "All donations stay in Darke County."

SHAKE Postal Service - It's that time of year, when you're sending out all your Christmas cards. Why not use this as an opportunity to support the Youth Group at the same time? How it works, you donate $5 to the youth group, and we'll deliver all your Christmas cards for you. The cards must be for people in our body. Delivery day will be Saturday, Dec. 15th. The deadline for turning in cards is Wednesday, Dec. 12th.

HELP FOR HONDURAS - A family from our church is heading to Honduras over Christmas break to work with a church plant and help with VBS. As a church, we would like to send sweaters/sweatshirts to the church by December 23rd. A few guidelines for the shirts: 1) No American symbols printed on them. 2) Not a lot of printed words (branding like "Nike" or "Adidas" is okay). 3) No camouflage.

Divorce Care-Monday nights from 7-9 pm

Preacher's Workshop-Monday night @ 7pm

SHAKE- Wednesday night, 7-9 pm

Saturday - Men's Prayer Breakfast - 7am

JOY Christmas Luncheon - Dec. 8, 11am at the Pearson House Restaurant, 28 N Miami St., West Milton, carpool from church at 10:30am.

BAPTISM COMING- Lord willing, we will be having baptisms on December 9th. If you are interested in being baptized, please contact the office immediately to set up an appointment.

LIFE GROUPS- If you thought the beginning of the fall would mean the end of our nagging you about LIFE Groups, you were wrong. Seriously, we can’t encourage you enough to experience all the “one anothers” that Scripture describes through this ministry. LIFE Groups are just starting up, and it is not too late to join. Just fill out a green card on the table and return it to the office. We’ll take care of the rest.

Children's Christmas Musical dates

Is your child participating in this year's Christmas musical? If so, mark the following dates on your calendar;

Wednesday, December 5- practice from 4:30-6pm
Wednesday, December 12- practice from 4:30-6pm
Saturday December 15- practice from from 9:30-11:30am

If you have any questions please contact Shelly Warner or call the church office for more information

Car Winterizing Outreach-Everyone worries about getting their car ready for Winter. We as a church would like to serve the community by providing an oppurtunity for them to have their car checked by car-savvy people and also give them advice for what they need to do. This is a great chance for us to show our love for the community, but also a great way for us to share the gospel with the people that show up. Here is a short list of what we need;
1. car savvy people
2. Volunteers to show up and serve refreshments
3. Anyone looking for oppurtunities to share their faith with others.

please email Matt (matt@greenvillegrace.org) if you are interested in helping.

Operation Christmas ChildThis ministry allows us to send Christmas gifts to kids around the world who may never get a Christmas present otherwise. With every gift presented, the gospel message will be preached so we are thrilled to participate.

We need people to bring in shoe boxes filled with:
-Hygiene products (soap, tooth paste, tooth brush, No liquids)
-Art Supplies (crayons, paper, pencils)
-small toys (cars, dolls)
-Hard candy (mints, lollipops, gum)
-clothes (t-shirts, socks, ball caps, jewelry)
-a $7 donation for shipping

Do Not include:
-used or damaged items
-war-related items (knives, guns, military figures)
-chocolate or food
-liquids or lotions
-medications or vitamins
-breakable items

Clothes DriveThis is an oppurtunity for you to serve kids in this community by donating some basic necessities (coat, shoes, underwear) to underpriveleged children who may not receive any Christmas presents. There will be more information on this next week.

DIVORCE CARE-Monday nights from 7-9 pm

Preacher's Workshop-Monday night @ 7 pm

Ladies Bible Study-Tuesday, 9:30 am and 6:30 pm

SHAKE- Wednesday night, 7-9 pm

LIFE GROUPS-If you thought the beginning of the fall would mean the end of our nagging you about LIFE Groups, you were wrong. Seriously, we can’t encourage you enough to experience all the “one anothers” that Scripture describes through this ministry. LIFE Groups are just starting up, and it is not too late to join. Just fill out a green card on the table and return it to the office. We’ll take care of the rest.

FINANCIAL REPORT-
Weekly Budget: $6458
Average Weekly Giving: $6091

Announcements

Car Winterizing Outreach-Everyone worries about getting their car ready for Winter. We as a church would like to serve the community by providing an oppurtunity for them to have their car checked by car-savvy people and also give them advice for what they need to do. This is a great chance for us to show our love for the community, but also a great way for us to share the gospel with the people that show up. Here is a short list of what we need;
1. car savvy people
2. Volunteers to show up and serve refreshments
3. Anyone looking for oppurtunities to share their faith with others.

please email Matt (matt@greenvillegrace.org) if you are interested in helping.

Operation Christmas ChildThis ministry allows us to send Christmas gifts to kids around the world who may never get a Christmas present otherwise. With every gift presented, the gospel message will be preached so we are thrilled to participate.

We need people to bring in shoe boxes filled with:
-Hygiene products (soap, tooth paste, tooth brush, No liquids)
-Art Supplies (crayons, paper, pencils)
-small toys (cars, dolls)
-Hard candy (mints, lollipops, gum)
-clothes (t-shirts, socks, ball caps, jewelry)
-a $7 donation for shipping

Do Not include:
-used or damaged items
-war-related items (knives, guns, military figures)
-chocolate or food
-liquids or lotions
-medications or vitamins
-breakable items

Clothes DriveThis is an oppurtunity for you to serve kids in this community by donating some basic necessities (coat, shoes, underwear) to underpriveleged children who may not receive any Christmas presents. There will be more information on this next week.

DIVORCE CARE-Monday nights from 7-9 pm

Elder's meeting-Monday night @ 7 pm

Ladies Bible Study-Tuesday, 9:30 am and 6:30 pm

SHAKE- Wednesday night, 7-9 pm

LIFE GROUPS-If you thought the beginning of the fall would mean the end of our nagging you about LIFE Groups, you were wrong. Seriously, we can’t encourage you enough to experience all the “one anothers” that Scripture describes through this ministry. LIFE Groups are just starting up, and it is not too late to join. Just fill out a green card on the table and return it to the office. We’ll take care of the rest.

SUNSHINE BAG-We encourage you to continue to shower Chris and Stacy Mortensen with love and prayers. There is a bag on the table in the narthex that provides ideas for ways to encourage them. Simply grab a copy of the list attached to the bag, purchase the items and attach an encouragement card, and return to the bag.

FINANCIAL REPORT-
Weekly Budget: $6458
Average Weekly Giving: $6100

Announcments

RETURN OF THE WOLFES—Tim and Evelyn Wolfe are missionaries throu SCORE International, in the Dominican Republic. The Wolfe's were sent out from our church, and it is a privilege to have them back home. They will be joioning us October 14th. Here are ways you can encourage them:

card shower- Please see the "cornucopia" on the Outreach board (in the narthex). Grab an item and return the gift card (with an encouragement card!)to the office by October 7th.

October 14th, AM- Tim and Evelyn will be sharing with us during the morning service. Tim will also be sharing from God's Word during Sunday School.

October 14th, PM- the Wolfe's will return at 6:30 that evening to share what has been happening on the mission field.

Men's Backpacking Trip- An informational meeting will be held Sunday, October 14th after second service for those interested in going on this year's backpacking trip to Red River Gorge, KY. The trip will be held October 25-28 and will involve a small fee to cover meals and gas.

DIVORCE CARE-Monday nights from 7-9 pm

Elder's meeting-Monday night @ 7 pm

Ladies Bible Study-Tuesday, 9:30 am and 6:30 pm

SHAKE- Wednesday night, 7-9 pm

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY-We are currently seeking to develop a ministry team in the area of Children's Music. If you enjoy working with children and are musically, dramatically, artistically, or technically inclined, please prayfully consider the following opportunities for service:

Children's Church Weekly Worship--song leadedrs and sound/powerpoint technicians in weekly times of worship during the Children's Church portion of 2nd service (~11:30-11:45). The goal would be to have a rotation of teams once a month.
Special Programs--an as-needed team of various helpers working on seasonal and other special music. Would include working with drama, choir, costuming, set design, hand bell directing, and choreography. There will be an informational meeting on September 30th, from 10:45-11:15 in the Children's Church room. Any questions, contact Shelly Warner at 692.6577 or swarner87@core.com.

JOY OUTING (Senior Adult Ministry)-will be having lunch at Farmer Brown's on October 6th at 11am and then will go to the Bear's Mill Fall Festival.

LIFE GROUPS-If you thought the beginning of the fall would mean the end of our nagging you about LIFE Groups, you were wrong. Seriously, we can’t encourage you enough to experience all the “one anothers” that Scripture describes through this ministry. LIFE Groups are just starting up, and it is not too late to join. Just fill out a green card on the table and return it to the office. We’ll take care of the rest.

SUNSHINE BAG-We encourage you to continue to shower Chris and Stacy Mortensen with love and prayers. There is a bag on the table in the narthex that provides ideas for ways to encourage them. Simply grab a copy of the list attached to the bag, purchase the items and attach an encouragement card, and return to the bag.

FINANCIAL REPORT-
Weekly Budget: $6458
Average Weekly Giving: $6023

Announcements

RETURN OF THE WOLFES—Tim and Evelyn Wolfe are missionaries throu SCORE International, in the Dominican Republic. The Wolfe's were sent out from our church, and it is a privilege to have them back home. They will be joioning us October 14th. Here are ways you can encourage them:

card shower- Please see the "cornucopia" on the Outreach board (in the narthex). Grab an item and return the gift card (with an encouragement card!)to the office by October 7th.

October 14th, AM- Tim and Evelyn will be sharing with us during the morning service. Tim will also be sharing from God's Word during Sunday School.

October 14th, PM- the Wolfe's will return at 6:30 that evening to share what has been happening on the mission field.

PIERCES-Daniel asked us to pass on the following message:
Dear Family of Grace,
You will never know how much last weekend meant to Teressa and me! What a wonderful time we had seeing and talking with you. It was a reminder of just how precious you all are to us. We love you beyond measure and hold you all so dear to our hearts. We know that the Lord has much blessing and joy for you as you encourage one another and share our Lord Jesus with Darke County and the world. May He continue to receive glory and praise through your devotion to Him. Our prayers are with you all and eagerly wait to see you again.

Once again thank your for you prayers for Elizabeth and our family.

Daniel and Teressa

Daniel and Teressa's new contact information is as follows;

Daniel & Teressa Pierce
PO Box 71
Murphy, NC 28906
danpierce@mac.com
828.361.7153 (Daniel's cell)
828.361.5381 (Teressa's cell)

Also, be sure to check in on Elizabeth's blog for further updates on her health.

DIVORCE CARE-Monday nights from 7-9PM

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY-We are currently seeking to develop a ministry team in the area of Children's Music. If you enjoy working with children and are musically, dramatically, artistically, or technically inclined, please prayfully consider the following opportunities for service:

Children's Church Weekly Worship--song leadedrs and sound/powerpoint technicians in weekly times of worship during the Children's Church portion of 2nd service (~11:30-11:45). The goal would be to have a rotation of teams once a month.
Special Programs--an as-needed team of various helpers working on seasonal and other special music. Would include working with drama, choir, costuming, set design, hand bell directing, and choreography. There will be an informational meeting on September 30th, from 10:45-11:15 in the Children's Church room. Any questions, contact Shelly Warner at 692.6577 or swarner87@core.com.

JOY OUTING (Senior Adult Ministry)-will be having lunch at Farmer Brown's on October 6th at 11am and then will go to the Bear's Mill Fall Festival.

LIFE GROUPS-If you thought the beginning of the fall would mean the end of our nagging you about LIFE Groups, you were wrong. Seriously, we can’t encourage you enough to experience all the “one anothers” that Scripture describes through this ministry. LIFE Groups are just starting up, and it is not too late to join. Just fill out a green card on the table and return it to the office. We’ll take care of the rest.

SUNSHINE BAG-We encourage you to continue to shower Chris and Stacy Mortensen with love and prayers. There is a bag on the table in the narthex that provides ideas for ways to encourage them. Simply grab a copy of the list attached to the bag, purchase the items and attach an encouragement card, and return to the bag.

HELP NEEDED-If you have "carpenter skills," we are looking for someone to help build risers (nesting boxes made out of plywood) for our haoliday decorations. If you think you could be of assistance, please contact Kay Sloat (548.3714) or the office.

FINANCIAL REPORT-
Weekly Budget: $6458
Average Weekly Giving: $6009

Web updates

The Lifegroup questions for the next three weeks are now available on the website. We will continue to keep you posted (pun intended) via the blog when updates come in. Children's ministry resources are on their way. Thanks for your patience.

Also, the adult sunday school audio and notes have been posted here. If you haven't had a chance to sit in on Oscar's class yet, don't miss out. Download the audio, look at the outlines and then come next week. You won't regret it.

Looking forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.

Announcements!

The following announcements came through our bulletin, powerpoint and announcements during the Sunday, September 23rd service:

PIERCES--Thank you to all of you who attended, gave cards, prepared our reception and greeted Daniel and Teressa this past weekend. It was such a blessing to have them among us and we believe they were blessed as well. Daniel and Teressa wanted us to provide their contact information to the church:

Daniel & Teressa Pierce
PO Box 71
Murphy, NC 28906
danpierce@mac.com
828.361.7153 (Daniel's cell)
828.361.5381 (Teressa's cell)

You can also keep up to date about Elizabeth here.

RETURN OF THE WOLFES—Tim and Evelyn Wolfe (Missionaries of ours in the Dominican Republic) will be returning to us in October. We want to shower them with support. Please see the “cornucopia” out on the Outreach Board. Grab and item and return the gift card (along with an encouragement card) to the office by October 7th.

Tim and Evelyn plan to share briefly with us during the service on October 14. Tim will also be teaching our Sunday School that day. Also, at 6:30PM, Tim and Evelyn will give a longer update about the Dominican Republic.

DIVORCE CARE--Monday nights from 7-9PM

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY--We are currently seeking to develop a ministry team in the area of Children's Music. If you enjoy working with children and are musically, dramatically, artistically, or technically inclined, please prayfully consider the following opportunities for service:

Children's Church Weekly Worship--song leadedrs and sound/powerpoint technicians in weekly times of worship during the Children's Church portion of 2nd service (~11:30-11:45). The goal would be to have a rotation of teams once a month.

Special Programs--an as-needed team of various helpers working on seasonal and other special music. Would include working with drama, choir, costuming, set design, hand bell directing, and choreography. There will be an informational meeting on September 30th, from 10:45-11:15 in the Children's Church room. Any questions, contact Shelly Warner at 692.6577 or swarner87@core.com.

JOY OUTING (Senior Adult Ministry)--will be having lunch at Farmer Brown's on October 6th at 11am and then will go to the Bear's Mill Fall Festival.

LIFE GROUPS—If you thought the beginning of the fall would mean the end of our nagging you about LIFE Groups, you were wrong. Seriously, we can’t encourage you enough to experience all the “one anothers” that Scripture describes through this ministry. LIFE Groups are just starting up, and it is not too late to join. Just fill out a green card on the table and return it to the office. We’ll take care of the rest.

SUNSHINE BAG—We encourage you to continue to shower Chris and Stacy Mortensen with love and prayers. There is a bag on the table in the narthex that provides ideas for ways to encourage them. Simply grab a copy of the list attached to the bag, purchase the items and attach an encouragement card, and return to the bag.

HELP NEEDED--If you have "carpenter skills," we are looking for someone to help build risers (nesting boxes made out of plywood) for our haoliday decorations. If you think you could be of assistance, please contact Kay Sloat (548.3714) or the office.

DISHES--If you sent in food for the funeral of Lindsay Donadio, dishes can be picked up after the service in the kitchen.

FINANCIAL REPORT--

Weekly Budget: $6458

Average Weekly Giving: $6021

Highlights in Hebrews

Just an update about our website...

The notes and audio from last weeks Adult Sunday School are up. If you missed Oscar Stroede's first week of "Highlights in Hebrews" you can download all the resources here .

Additionally, all of our current 1 John questions, lesson plans, table talks, and audio are currently up as well. Be sure to check it out as well.

Thanks for your patience as we continue to try and get more resources for you. I will be sure to post here at the blog as soon as we get more Lifegroup questions and children's ministry resources available.

Announcements!

The following are the announcements, bulletin information and powerpoint slides from September 16th:

LINDSAY DONADIO ARRANGEMENTS--Please continue in prayer for the Claudy/Donadio families as they mourn the tragic loss of Lindsay. Calling Hours are Monday, 4-8pm @ Zechar-Bailey and the Funeral will be Tuesday, 10am @ Castine C.O.B.. If you are helping provide food for the funeral meal, all food is to be at Greenville Grace by 9am Tuesday.

ENCOURAGE THE PIERCES—Daniel and Teressa will be visiting Greenville in just a few weeks. A couple ways you can encourage them:

Scrap Book Page—We would love to provide Daniel and Teressa with a scrapbook from Grace.
-Please grab a scrapbook sheet from the black table and decorate it with pictures, letters, and thoughts from your family.
-If you would like someone else to design your page, please contact the office. (We have willing women who have volunteered)
-If you have participated in 4-H at the Fair, there is a page to sign in the back of the auditorium.
-If you have completed your page, there is a box in the kitchen to place completed pictures. All scrapbook pages need to be turned into the church by Wednesday evening so they can be included in the book!

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures—We would also like to show a “picture history” of Daniel and Teressa’s time here in Greenville. If you have pictures from the last 8 years of ministry (whether Daniel and Teressa are in them or not), would you be wiling to allow us to borrow them (just to scan, then they’d be returned to you)? If so, please contact the office.

RETURN OF THE WOLFES—Tim and Evelyn Wolfe (Missionaries of ours in the Dominican Republic) will be returning to us in October. We want to shower them with support. Please see the “cornucopia” out on the Outreach Board. Grab and item and return the gift card (along with an encouragement card) to the office by October 7th.



ROD & SARA DEATON--It was a joy to welcome Rod and Sara Deaton into our fellowship "officially." Rod and Sara have attended Grace for a while now, and certainly considered it home, but were just recently received into membership by the elders. Welcome!



WELCOME TO GRACE—Are you new to our church and would like to understand Grace better? Perhaps you’ve been coming for a while but are thinking of officially making Grace your home? Then the “Welcome to Grace” class is for you. Please sign up in the narthex or contact the office. Class begins September 16th @ 6:30pm (childcare provided). You can still join if you are interested!

DIVORCE CARE—If you know a loved one who has suffered the pain of divorce or separation, we encourage you to tell them about Divorce Care. God has been gracious to many in our church (and community) to allow them healing through this time and to draw them closer to His Son through this support group. See the table in the narthex for a flier you could give a loved one. Begins Monday night @7pm.

LIFE GROUPS—If you thought the beginning of the fall would mean the end of our nagging you about LIFE Groups, you were wrong. Seriously, we can’t encourage you enough to experience all the “one anothers” that Scripture describes through this ministry. LIFE Groups are just starting up, and it is not too late to join. Just fill out a green card on the table and return it to the office. We’ll take care of the rest.

SUNSHINE BAG—We encourage you to continue to shower Chris and Stacy Mortensen with love and prayers. There is a bag on the table in the narthex that provides ideas for ways to encourage them. Simply grab a copy of the list attached to the bag, purchase the items and attach an encouragement card, and return to the bag.

TENTS—Did you let us borrow a tent for VBS? If so, thank you. Are you allowing us to store your tent since then? If so, we are fully blessed and prepared to return it to you. Please check the tents in the corner of the Narthex to see if we still have yours.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY--We are currently seeking to develop a ministry team in the area of Children's Music. If you enjoy working with children and are musically, dramatically, artistically, or technically inclined, please prayfully consider the following opportunities for service:

Children's Church Weekly Worship--song leadedrs and sound/powerpoint technicians in weekly times of worship during the Children's Church portion of 2nd service (~11:30-11:45). The goal would be to have a rotation of teams once a month.

Special Programs--an as-needed team of various helpers working on seasonal and other special music. Would include working with drama, choir, costuming, set design, hand bell directing, and choreography. There will be an informational meeting on September 30th, from 10:45-11:15 in the Children's Church room. Any questions, contact Shelly Warner at 692.6577 or swarner87@core.com.

JOY Club Outing (Senior Adult Ministry)--will be having lunch at Farmer Brown's on October 6th @ 11am and then will go to the Bear's Mill Fall Festival.

FINANCIAL REPORT--

Weekly Budget: $6458

Average Weekly Giving: $6069

Table Talk

Have your "Table Talk" times been a success?

I'd say ours have, but probably not in the way you'd expect. (Click link to read about it.)

Table Talk

If you didn't get a copy of the Table Talk (family guide for I John intro), you can find it below:

[If the image is too large to print. You can right-click "save picture as" and save it on your hard drive. Then insert the image into a Word or publishing document.]

Announcements!

The following are the announcements from the September 9 bulletin and powerpoint.

CHILDCARE—If you are here with your family, we are delighted to have you all. Children are a tremendous blessing from the Lord and we want you to know we care about them too. During first service, we offer nursery care for children 3 and under. We have Sunday School classes for ages 2 and up (and nursery care for those under two). During second service, we offer Children’s Church during the sermon for ages 3rd grace and below. Your child will be dismissed just before the message.

REEDS—It is our joy and privilege to welcome Dave and Roxane Reed into our membership this morning. Dave and Roxane have been attending Grace for over a year. During this time, they have come to see the beauty of Jesus Christ as their Savoir and Treasure. They were baptized in August at our “Praise in the Park.” Obviously, Grace has been their home, and we’ve enjoyed them as family for some time, but we’re delighted to “make it official.” Welcome!

ENCOURAGE THE PIERCES—Daniel and Teressa will be visiting Greenville in just a few weeks. A couple ways you can encourage them:

Grounds Crew—Come help freshen up their property (5196 Hogpath) on September 14th @ 5:30pm. This will help keep their visit from being consumed with caring for the house.

Reception—The next week, September 22 (2-4pm) [correction from bulleting] we’ll have a reception here at the church. We know Daniel and Teressa would be encouraged by your attendance.

Scrap Book Page—We would love to provide Daniel and Teressa with a scrapbook from Grace.
-Please grab a scrapbook sheet from the black table and decorate it with pictures, letters, and thoughts from your family.
-If you would like someone else to design your page, please contact the office. (We have willing women who have volunteered)
-If you have participated in 4-H at the Fair, there is a page to sign in the back of the auditorium.
-If you have completed your page, there is a box in the kitchen to place completed pictures.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures—We would also like to show a “picture history” of Daniel and Teressa’s time here in Greenville. If you have pictures from the last 8 years of ministry (whether Daniel and Teressa are in them or not), would you be wiling to allow us to borrow them (just to scan, then they’d be returned to you)? If so, please contact the office.

RETURN OF THE WOLFES—Tim and Evelyn Wolfe (Missionaries of ours in the Dominican Republic) will be returning to us in October. We want to shower them with support. Please see the “cornucopia” out on the Outreach Board. Grab and item and return the gift card (along with an encouragement card) to the office by October 7th.

WELCOME TO GRACE—Are you new to our church and would like to understand Grace better? Perhaps you’ve been coming for a while but are thinking of officially making Grace your home? Then the “Welcome to Grace” class is for you. Please sign up in the narthex or contact the office. Class begins September 16th @ 6:30pm (childcare provided).

MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST--Join us four our first men's prayer breakfast this Saturday at 7am. All men are invited!

DIVORCE CARE—If you know a loved one who has suffered the pain of divorce or separation, we encourage you to tell them about Divorce Care. God has been gracious to many in our church (and community) to allow them healing through this time and to draw them closer to His Son through this support group. See the table in the narthex for a flier you could give a loved one.

LIFE GROUPS—If you thought the beginning of the fall would mean the end of our nagging you about LIFE Groups, you were wrong. Seriously, we can’t encourage you enough to experience all the “one anothers” that Scripture describes through this ministry. LIFE Groups are just starting up, and it is not too late to join. Just fill out a green card on the table and return it to the office. We’ll take care of the rest.

SUNSHINE BAG—We encourage you to continue to shower Chris and Stacy Mortensen with love and prayers. There is a bag on the table in the narthex that provides ideas for ways to encourage them. Simply grab a copy of the list attached to the bag, purchase the items and attach an encouragement card, and return to the bag.

TENTS—Did you let us borrow a tent for VBS? If so, thank you. Are you allowing us to store your tent since then? If so, we are fully blessed and prepared to return it to you. Please check the tents in the corner of the Narthex to see if we still have yours.

HELP NEEDED--If you have "carpenter skills," we are looking for someone to help build risers for our holiday decorations. If you think you could be of assistance, please contact Kay Sloat (548.3714) or the office.

FINANCIAL REPORT--

Weekly Budget: $6458

Ave. Weekly Giving: $6089

General Fund: $59,403 (+$33,686)

Who Prayed for Patience?

Well, you get to practice it. (As do we.) Right now, Jason's computer is on the blink, and he's our technology guy...so we may be a little behind until then.

[PS. No Apple jokes right now...we're all a little sensitive. :-) ]

What is a blog?

"Why in the world would I come to a church blog?" you may be asking?

You may even be asking, "What in the world is a blog?"

Simply put, this is electronic, interactive church bulletin

We hope to:

Inform you of things that are coming.

Recap things that have happened. [with pictures, even]

and take cheap shots at Matt. [see below]

Plus, you'll be able to give feedback [through the "Comments"].

Just another way we hope to keep the channels of communication open.

We Love You, Matt

so we want to help keep you humble:


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LGQ--I John 1:1-4, September 16

LGQ--I John 1:5-10, September 23

LGQ--I John 2:1-2, September 30