Announcements for Sept. 29-Oct. 5

Life Groups - Our LIFE Group ministries have already started meeting. LIFE Groups are the small group ministry in our church. These groups are our way of living out Acts 2 as a church and for loving one another in all the ways Scripture describes. We are asking all people who would still like to be in a LIFE Group to fill out a card in the narthex. If you are not sure about our LIFE Groups or would like more information, you can grab a booklet in the narthex as well.

Special Sunday School - On October 19th, we will be sharing information and updating you about our current elder structure. Since this is a vital area of church ministry, we will also devote a time for questions and answers on Oct. 26. Please plan to join us for this informative and encouraging time.

Adult Sunday School - If you did not get the book, What Is A Healthy Church Member, please let the office know by filling out the tear-off portion of your bulletin.

Blood Drive - Would you like to be a part in helping save lives? Give blood tomorrow here at Grace from 2-6pm. If you have not scheduled an appointment online, you can still give. Also if you would like to donate items for the drive, please see the sign-up sheet in narthex.

Moms’ Group - Wednesday, 9:30am

SHAKE - Wednesday, 7-9pm

Women's Study -- Thursday, 9:30am & 7pm

Men’s Prayer Breakfast--Saturday, 7am

Voter Registration - If you have not registered to vote there are voter registration cards on the table in the narthex. Please go by and fill one out! Deadline is October 6th.

Youth Bonfire - October 18th, 5pm at Bill & Angie Sowers home. All teens are invited to enjoy a great time of fellowship, food & games.

Men’s Backpacking Trip- October 23-26th, Red River Gorge, KY There is a sign-up sheet in narthex. If you have any questions call Jon Knight @ 467-4963.

Coming this fall. The “Weekend to Remember” will be coming to Fort Wayne in October and Columbus in December. If you would like more information, there are brochures on the table in the narthex, or see Dan or Jeni Berger.

Announcements for Sept. 22-28-08

Life Groups- Our LIFE Group ministries have already started meeting. LIFE Groups are the small group ministry in our church. These groups are our way of living out Acts 2 as a church and for loving one another in all the ways Scripture describes. We are asking all people who would still like to be in a LIFE Group to fill out a card in the narthex. If you are not sure about our LIFE Groups or would like more information, you can grab a booklet in the narthex as well.

Sharing Grace Ministries - What a beautiful day Sept 13th turned out to be. The forecast had been calling for rain the whole week, but praise the Lord, our God is so much bigger than the weatherman. We prayed for God to give us a beautiful day so that the event wouldn’t be ruined, and did He ever bless us. We want to thank everyone that came out to support our benefit and to help us raise money for missionaries. The kids had a great time in the tractor pull, cornhole and the relays, winning trophies and gift bags full of prizes, plus when they weren’t playing games they were enjoying jumping in the bouncy house. The adults were enjoying themselves in the cornhole tournament and the trap shoot, taking home medals and winning door prizes. What a great time of fellowship we had that day, with it all ending with a Spaghetti dinner. We want to praise the Lord for helping us raise over $870 of support; without Him we would have nothing. Thank you again to all who came and supported us.

For His Glory,

Jeff and Tammy Dietrich
Sharing Grace Ministries

Elders’ Meeting - Monday, 7pm

SHAKE - Wednesday, 7-9pm

Women's Study-- Thursday, 9:30am & 7pm


Are You Wondering Who To Vote For? We’re not going to advise you, but if you have not registered, there are voter registration cards on the table in the narthex. Please go by and fill one out!

Children’s Church Registration-- You can assist us by pre-registering your child for Children’s Church. Please fill out the tear- off portion and place it in the offering plate.

SHAKE Parents Night-- All parents of teens are invited to observe what happens on a typical Wednesday night in our youth group.
Join us on Sept. 24th @ 7pm.

JOY Outing--If you are 55 and over, we would love for you to join us on Sept. 25th. We will be touring the Wicks Pie factory in Winchester, having lunch and then touring Silver Towne after lunch. We will meet at Shawnee Prairie Reserve at 8:45am to carpool. If you have any questions, please call Lois Jones, 548-6965.

Blood Drive - September 29th, 2-6pm (Grace)
You can register online @ www.Donortime.com or call Cheryl Wysong (547-0792). There will be homemade soup, cider & donut holes for all donors. Our goal is 40-60 units. There is a donation sign-up sheet on table in narthex. We would appreciate your help.

Coming this fall. The “Weekend to Remember” will be coming to Fort Wayne in October and Columbus in December. If you’d like more information, there are brochures on the table in the narthex, or see Dan or Jeni Berger.

Are Enemies of God Loved by God?

When we think through being Biblical as we speak to people, these kind of questions invariable come up.

Here's a great article to check out. (Though I can't vouch for the 68 comments...yikes!)

Not only is the answer solid, it's a great example of proper exegesis to come to a Biblical answer.

Announcements for September 15-21-08

SHAKE - Wednesday, 7-9pm

Women's Study-- Thursday, 9:30 am & 7pm

Are You Wondering Who To Vote For, we’re not going to tell you that but if you have not registered, there are voter registration cards on the table in the narthex. Please go by and fill one out!

Children’s Church Registration-- You can assist us by pre-registering your child for Children’s Church. Please fill out the tear off portion and place it in the offering plate.

SHAKE Parents Night-- All parents of teens are invited to observe what happens on a typical Wednesday night in our youth group.
Join us on Sept. 24th @ 7pm.

JOY Outing--If you are 55 and over, we would love for you to join us on Sept. 25th. We will be touring the Wicks Pie factory in Winchester, having lunch and then touring Silver Towne after lunch. We will meet at Shawnee Prairie Reserve at 8:45am to carpool. If you have any questions, please call Lois Jones, 548-6965.

Coming this fall. The “Weekend to Remember” will be coming to Fort Wayne in October and Columbus in December. If you’d like more information, there are brochures on the table in the narthex, or see Dan or Jeni Berger.

Our LIFE Group ministry is getting ready to start up. LIFE Groups are the small group ministry in our church. These groups are our way of living out Acts 2 as a church and for loving one another in all the ways Scripture describes. We are asking all people who would like to be in a LIFE Group (even if you plan to attend the same group as last year) to fill out a card in the narthex. If you are not sure about our LIFE Groups or would like more information, you can grab a booklet in the narthex as well.

If you were at our “vision night” this summer, we mentioned the possibility of a new discipleship resource. We are interested in offering a class this coming fall, provided there is enough interest from the Body. At this point, we are not committing to the accredited school program, but want to see how useful the classes are first. Would you take the class if it were offered? If so, will you contact Sonda (547-0065/ office@greenvillegrace.org) and let her know.

Blood Drive - September 29th, 2-6pm (Grace Grace)
You can register online @ www.Donortime.com or call Cheryl Wysong (547-0792). There will be homemade soup, cider & donut holes for all donors. Our goal is 40-60 units. Please give!

Announcements for September 8-14-08

Our LIFE Group ministry is getting ready to start up. LIFE Groups are the small group ministry in our church. These groups are our way of living out Acts 2 as a church and for loving one another in all the ways Scripture describes. We are asking all people who would like to be in a LIFE Group (even if you plan to attend the same group as last year) to fill out a card in the narthex. If you are not sure about our LIFE Groups or would like more information, you can grab a booklet in the narthex as well.

If you were at our “vision night” this summer, we mentioned the possibility of a new discipleship resource. We are interested in offering a class this coming fall, provided there is enough interest from the Body. At this point, we are not committing to the accredited school program, but want to see how useful the classes are first. Would you take the class if it were offered? If so, will you contact Sonda (547-0065/ office@greenvillegrace.org) and let her know.

Welcome to Grace--If you are fairly new to Greenville Grace and would like to learn more about our church, or want to consider becoming more committed to our church, our Welcome to Grace time is for you. We gather for three weeks (September 7,14 & 21) at 6pm. If interested, let Danny know this morning.

Elders Meeting - Tomorrow night at 7pm

Women's Study-- We will be starting this Thursday, September 11 at 9:30 (morning session) and 7pm (evening session).

Children’s Church Registration--You can assist us by pre-registering your child for Children’s Church. Please fill out the tear off portion and place it in the offering plate.

3rd Annual Sharing Grace Benefit
Great family outing that also supports missions! Sharing Grace (Jeff & Tammy Dietrich) is having their 3rd Annual Benefit this Saturday, September 13th starting at 11am. This is a fun filled day of activities (for children and adults) that helps raise funds for mission purposes. The event will be at 5693 Hogpath Rd. Door prize drawings throughout the day for everyone that is participating in the events. A Spaghetti Dinner will be served between 5:30 and 6:00. This year, the funds will go toward the St Clair family (Laredo Stepping Stone) and our own Megan Maurer (Campus Crusade). For details or to purchase your entry or Meal tickets, please contact Jeff or Tammy (548.6811). You won’t want to miss it!

SHAKE Parents Night-- All parents of teens are invited to observe what happens on a typical Wednesday night in our youth group. Join us on Sept. 24th @ 7pm.

JOY Outing--If you are 55 and over, we would love for you to join us on Sept. 25th. We will be touring the Wicks Pie factory in Winchester, having lunch and then touring Silver Towne after lunch. We will meet at Shawnee Prairie Reserve at 8:45am to carpool. If you have any questions, please call Lois Jones, 548-6965.

Coming this fall. The “Weekend to Remember” will be coming to Fort Wayne in October and Columbus in December. If you’d like more information, there are brochures on the table in the narthex, or see Dan or Jeni Berger.

Dominican Republic Medical Summary for 2008

Full-Time Missionaries: Bob and Anna Nilsen

Bob is coordinator of medical ministries, team director, clinic administrator, ministry development. Anna coordinates the pharmacy services at the clinic.

Tim and Evelyn Wolfe: Tim is over 'International Acquisitions', administrates food programs and storage at the Monte Cristi storage facility. Evelyn is assisting me and working in the pharmacy. Both are assisting with translating for the medical teams.

Part-Time Missionaries: Dr. Tolentino. Medical advisor for the medical ministries. He has secured the certification of the clinic with the governing authorities and is a vital part of administrating the clinic.

Facilities: The Mike Fourman Medical/Dental clinic located alongside the Score complex. This clinic is open two days a week to the public. The clinic is finishing its first year of service to the local area. Medical clinic in the village of Monte Cristi. This is owned by the local Baptist church, but we have been given use of it. We are currently using it for storage and to bring teams in 3 or 4 times a year. When medical missionary staffing increases we will open the clinic during the week on a regular basis.

Storage facility. This is located in the village of Monte Cristi and is owned by the local Baptist church, although we have exclusive use of it. This is used for the storage of food and medical supplies, as well as other Score supplies, in order to improve the quality of nutrition and medical care in the DR, as well as to open doors for the gospel.

Teams for 2008: (Numbers are approximate)
Medical/Dental Teams - 16
Surgical Teams - 2
Church/School Teams - 9
University Teams - 2
Villages Treated -61
Total number of team members involved in the medical ministry - 487
Number of patients treated - 9,072
Gospel movies shown - 3
Total professions of faith during village clinics - 2,602
Teaching and preaching in local churches and various classes with nationals
46 opportunities or 126 hours

The Mike Fourman Clinic (next to the Ministry Center)
Base of operations for the medical teams
Total patients seen at clinic - 3,120
Total prescriptions provided by the clinic - 12,480
Total missionaries, team members, and employees treated out of the clinic thru
(July 14) - 345

Food Program
Based out of Monte Cristi
Utilizes our storage facility
Administrated by Tim Wolfe
Distributed thru local pastors and churches every 2 weeks
The Gospel is preached when the food is delivered
Total villages involved - 7
Total families involved - 524
Total persons involved - 1,965
Total meals involved - 216,000
Duration of program 3-4 months. Start date 07/19/08

Future Development Plans
Village nurse program
Increase staffing at the Mike Fourman medical/dental clinic
Staff the clinic in Monte Cristi
Full service hospital
Well drilling program to provide potable water for villages

Needs:
Full-time US RN'S
Full-time US physician
15 passenger diesal van
Enclosed trailer
Pharmacist

Announcements for Sept. 1-7-08

Fall Schedule - Service times starting September 7th
1st Service: 8:30 am Nursery for infant - 3 years
Sunday School: 10 am for all ages
2nd Service: 11 am Nursery and Children’s Church
(4 yrs. - 4th grade)
Children’s Church will begin September 14th

Our LIFE Group ministry is getting ready to start up. LIFE Groups are the small group ministry in our church. These groups are our way of living out Acts 2 as a church and for loving one another in all the ways Scripture describes. We are asking all people who would like to be in a LIFE Group (even if you plan to attend the same group as last year) to fill out a card in the narthex. If you are not sure about our LIFE Groups or would like more information, you can grab a booklet in the narthex as well.

If you were at our “vision night” this summer, we mentioned the possibility of a new discipleship resource. We are interested in offering a class this coming fall, provided there is enough interest from the Body. At this point, we are not committing to the accredited school program, but want to see how useful the classes are first. Would you take the class if it were offered? If so, will you contact Sonda (547-0065/ office@greenvillegrace.org) and let her know.

SHAKE Upcoming Events
District Kickball Tournament - Sept. 6 @ 1pm
Brookville Grace Brethren Church
Parents Night - Sept. 24 @ 7pm

Men’s Prayer Breakfast - Saturday, September 6th, 7am

Women's Study--If you have signed up for the women's AM or PM
Bible study, they will start on Thursday September 11 at 9:30 & 7pm.

Grace Moms Group--If you are a Mom with children ages 0-6 or you are expecting, Grace Moms is for you. We meet the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30-11:30. For a list of the year’s dates and topics, pick up sheet on the table in Narthex

Welcome to Grace--If you are fairly new to Greenville Grace and would like to learn more about our church, or want to consider becoming more committed to our church, our Welcome to Grace time is for you. We gather for three weeks (September 7,14 & 21) at 6pm. If interested, fill out the tear off portion of your bulletin and place in the offering plate or turn into the office.

Children’s Church Registration--You can assist us by pre-registering your child for Children’s Church. The registration is on the tear off portion of the bulletin. Please fill this out and place it in the offering plate. Children’s Church will begin September 14th.

Question and Answer Sunday School--We’ll kick off our Sunday School for adults next Sunday with a Question and Answer session. Simply write your question on the tear off portion of the bulletin and place it in the offering or turn into the office.

Pictorial Directory--September 3-6 Lifetouch Studios will be photographing our church family for our upcoming directory. We would love for everyone who considers Greenville Grace home to schedule an appointment (plus you get a free 8x10 and directory). You can schedule your appointment on line by following the link from our website (greenvillegrace.org). Someone is even in the narthex to help you schedule your appointment today! If you have been scheduled, you will be receiving a reminder card with the time to arrive.

AWANA begins on September 3, 2008 at Bible Fellowship Church (937.547.1952). It meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:45—8:15 and is for ages 3 (by Sept. 1) through 12th grade.

This year we are offering the opportunity to serve Christ as a worker in BFC’s AWANA program. If you are interested in helping out this Fall please see Pastor Danny Wright as soon as possible for more information.

All volunteers will go through BFC’s Safe and Secure screening.

3rd Annual Sharing Grace Benefit
Great family outing that also supports missions! Wouldn’t it be great if your entire family could hang out with others while helping further the gospel? Sharing Grace (Jeff & Tammy Dietrich) is having their 3rd Annual Sharing Grace Benefit September 13th. This is a fun filled day of activites (for children and adults) that helps raise funds for mission purposes. The event will be at 5693 Hogpath Rd. Door prize drawings throughout the day for everyone that is participating in the events. A Spaghetti Dinner will be served between 5:30 and 6:00. This year, the funds will go toward the St Clair family (Laredo Stepping Stone) and our own Megan Maurer (Campus Crusade). For details or to purchase your entry or Meal tickets, please contact Jeff or Tammy (548.6811). You won’t want to miss it!

Coming this fall. The “Weekend to Remember” will be coming to Fort Wayne in October and Columbus in December. If you’d like more information, there are brochures on the table in the narthex, or see Dan or Jeni Berger.

More on the "Seven Churches"

Justin Taylor offered this article on his blog.

Do You Care What Christ Thinks of the Church?

Sam Storms's latest book is To the One Who Conquers: 50 Daily Meditations on the Seven Letters of Revelation 2-3. I'm halfway through the book, reading it devotionally, and have appreciated it very much--especially because Storms models for me the way to meditate on God's instruction day and night.

Here was one section in particular I found helpful (pp. 30-31), commenting on Jesus walking among the seven lampstands (Rev. 2:1):

He is present in and among his people. He guards and protects and preserves the church. He is never, ever absent! No service is conducted at which he fails to show up. No meal is served for which he does not sit down. No sermon is preached that he does not evaluate. No sin is committed of which is he unaware. No individual enters an auditorium of whom he fails to take notice. No tear is shed that escapes his eye. No pain is felt that his heart does not share. No decision is made that he does not judge. No song is sung that he does not hear.

How dare we build our programs and prepare our messages and hire our staffs and discipline our members as if he were distant or unaware of every thought, impulse, word, or decision! How dare we cast a vision or write a doctrinal statement or organize a worship service as if the Lord whose church it is were indifferent to it all!

Do you care “What Christ thinks of the Church”? Or are you more attuned to the latest trend in worship, the most innovative strategy for growth, the most “relevant” way in which to engage the surrounding culture? Yes, Jesus cares deeply about worship. Of course he wants the church to grow. And he longs to see the culture redeemed for his own glory. All the more reason to pray that God might quicken us to read and heed the “words” of Christ to the church in Ephesus, then, and to the church now, whatever its name, denomination, or size. It obviously matters to him. Ought it not to us as well?"

Announcements for Aug. 25-31

3rd Annual Sharing Grace Benefit
Great family outing that also supports missions! Wouldn’t it be great if your entire family could hang out with others while helping further the gospel? Sharing Grace (Jeff & Tammy Dietrich) is having their 3rd Annual Sharing Grace Benefit September 13th. This is a fun filled day of activites (for children and adults) that helps raise funds for mission purposes. The event will be at 5693 Hogpath Rd. Door prize drawings throughout the day for everyone that is participating in the events. A Spaghetti Dinner will be served between 5:30 and 6:00. This year, the funds will go toward the St Clair family (Laredo Stepping Stone) and our own Megan Maurer (Campus Crusade). For details or to purchase your entry or Meal tickets, please contact Jeff or Tammy (548.6811). You won’t want to miss it!

Women's Study--The women's ministry will be offering "Jesus, the One and Only," Thursday mornings starting September 11. Check the sign up sheet in the narthex for more information.

GRACE MOMS GROUP--If you are a Mom with children ages 0-6 or you are expecting, Grace Moms is for you. We meet the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30-11:30. For a list of the year’s dates and topics, pick up sheet on the table in Narthex.

Welcome to Grace--If you are fairly new to Greenville Grace and would like to learn more about our church, or want to consider becoming more committed to our church, our Welcome to Grace time is for you. We gather for three weeks (September 7,14 & 21) at 6pm. If interested, fill out the tear off portion of your bulletin and place in the offering plate or turn into the office.

Children’s Church Registration--You can assist us by pre-registering your child for Children’s Church. The registration is on the tear off portion of the bulletin. Please fill this out and place it in the offering plate. Children’s Church will begin September 14th.

Question and Answer Sunday School--We’ll kick off our Sunday School for adults (September 7) with a Question and Answer session. Simply write your question on the tear off portion of the bulletin and place it in the offering plate.

Coming this fall. The “Weekend to Remember” will be coming to Fort Wayne in October and Columbus in December. If you’d like more information, there are brochures on the table in the narthex, or see Dan or Jeni Berger.

Our LIFE Group ministry is getting ready to start up. LIFE Groups are the small group ministry in our church. These groups are our way of living out Acts 2 as a church and for loving one another in all the ways Scripture describes. We are asking all people who would like to be in a LIFE Group (even if you plan to attend the same group as last year) to fill out a card in the narthex. If you are not sure about our LIFE Groups or would like more information, you can grab a booklet in the narthex as well.

If you were at our “vision night” this summer, we mentioned the possibility of a new discipleship resource. We are interested in offering a class this coming fall, provided there is enough interest from the Body. Woould you take the class if it were offered? If so, will you contact Sonda (547-0065/office@greenvillegrace.org) and let her know?ffering or turn into the office.

Men's Prayer Breakfast will resume on Saturday, September 6th.

SHAKE Upcoming Events
District Kickball Tournament - Sept. 6 @ 1pm
Brookville Grace Brethren Church
Parents Night - Sept. 24 @ 7pmn Saturday, September 6th.

Pictorial Directory--September 3-6 Lifetouch Studios will be photographing our church family for our upcoming directory. We would love for everyone who considers Greenville Grace home to schedule an appointment (plus you get a free 8x10 and directory). You can schedule your appointment on line by following the link from our website (greenvillegrace.org). Someone is even in the narthex to help you schedule your appointment today!

AWANA begins on September 3, 2008 at Bible Fellowship Church (937.547.1952). It meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:45—8:15 and is for ages 3 (by Sept. 1) through 12th grade.

This year we are offering the opportunity to serve Christ as a worker in BFC’s AWANA program. If you are interested in helping out this Fall please see Pastor Danny Wright as soon as possible for more information.

All volunteers will go through BFC’s Safe and Secure screening.

Sarah Royer Baptism

The following was Sarah Royer's testimony which she gave during her baptism:

I am so thankful to have this opportunity to stand before you today and confess my love for the Lord. My excitement for the Lord has been bubbling up inside and is now able to be exposed for all to see, and I am so thrilled to express that to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Lord patiently waited for me through many troubled and lost years, but experiencing those years has made me so grateful to be a witness to Gods grace. He forgave me long before I was able to forgive myself for not only the pain I must have caused him but for the pain I caused my family and myself. God sending Jesus here to die on the cross is truly the only way I am able to stand here today with forgiven sin.

Everyday I strive to be more like Christ, and although as long as I live on earth I, nor anyone else, could ever be as amazing as him, my heart has grown to love the Lord more every minute.
Paul writes in Philippians 3:12, I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. Christ wants me to do that,which is the reason he made me his.

My walk has only begun and it is my prayer that all of you who know Christ will hold me accountable, will teach me all they know, and that we encourage one another in this amazing journey with our wonderful Savior.

Colossians 3 :2-3 reads, Think only about the things in Heaven, not the things on earth. Your old sinful self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God.

Abbie Holsinger Baptism

The following is Abbie's testimony, which was read at her baptism Sunday:

I was raised in a loving Christian home and was taught that Jesus paid for my sin by dying on the cross, but I've had a lot of doubt and never fully excepted it. After years of searching and trying to live for myself. Thanks to my friends and family through their love and prayer I have come to realize that without Jesus my life is nothing. That it is the least we can do to live our life for him. That by his Grace alone we are forgiven. And the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. So this spring I gave my life to Christ. And I am here today to be baptized because I have taken up my cross and I am following him. So that I may have eternal life with my savior Jesus Christ. Psalm 100:3-4: Know that the Lord himself is God; It is he who made us and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.

Colin Yost Baptism

The following is Colin's testimony he gave during his baptism this Sunday:

I have been raised in a Christian home with parents who loved me and taught me about God and His love all of my life. I have known about Jesus for all of my 16 years.

About two years ago I realized that just knowing who Christ is wasn’t enough; I needed a personal relationship with Christ. I needed to really know Him. I confessed that I was a sinner; I needed Christ and His redemptive power of the Cross to wash and make me clean.

Titus 3:4-7 says “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

I have submitted to Christ and His finished work on the cross. I believe that I will never be good enough or be able to do enough for salvation, that it is my faith in Christ and nothing else that saves me. It is this same faith that makes me part of His body.

I want to be baptized to show the world that my belief in an awesome and powerful God is real, that He will love me even through the process of growing in His grace. Baptism, for me, makes me accountable to other believers because it is an outward confession of what is in my heart.

Announcements for Aug. 18-24

LIFE Groups--Our LIFE Group ministry is getting ready to start up. LIFE Groups are the small group ministry in our church. These groups are our way of living out Acts 2 as a church and for loving one another in all the ways Scripture describes. We are asking all people who would like to be in a LIFE Group (even if you plan to attend the same group as last year) to fill out a card in the narthex. If you are not sure about our LIFE Groups or would like more information, you can grab a booklet in the narthex as well.

Family Life Marriage Retreat--Coming this fall. The “Weekend to Remember” will be coming to Fort Wayne in October and Columbus in December. If you’d like more information, there are brochures on the table in the narthex, or see Dan or Jeni Berger.

Welcome to Grace--If you are fairly new to Greenville Grace and would like to learn more about our church, or want to consider becoming more committed to our church, our Welcome to Grace time is for you. We gather for three weeks (September 7,14 & 21) at 6pm. If interested, fill out the tear off portion of your bulletin and place in the offering plate or turn into the office.

Children’s Church Registration--You can assist us by pre-registering your child for Children’s Church. The registration is on the tear off portion of the bulletin. Please fill this out and place it in the offering plate. Children’s Church will begin September 14th.

Pictorial Directory--This fall (September 3-6) Lifetouch Studios will be photographing our church family for our upcoming directory. We would love for everyone who considers Greenville Grace home to schedule an appointment (plus you get a free 8x10 and directory). You can schedule your appointment on line by following the link from our website (greenvillegrace.org). Someone is even in the narthex to help you schedule your appointment today!

Men’s Prayer Breakfast--Just a reminder that Men’s Prayer Breakfast is postponed for the month of August and will resume September 6th.

Labor Day Weekend--On August 31, we will have a combined service at 10am.

Question and Answer Sunday School--We’ll kick off our Sunday School for adults (September 7) with a Question and Answer session. Simply write your question on the tear off portion of the bulletin and place it in the offering or turn into the office.

Women's Study--The women's ministry will be offering "Jesus, the One and Only," Thursday mornings starting September 11. Check the sign up sheet in the narthex for more information.

GRACE MOM”S GROUP--If you are a Mom with children ages 0-6 or you are expecting, Grace Mom’s is for you. We meet the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30-11:30. For a list of the year’s dates and topics, pick up sheet on the table in Narthex.

Haitian Art

Art, Mindy and Ryan Pavelski attended Greenville Grace while Art was between pulpits. Today, he sent out the following email, asking for prayer:

Hello friends,

Some of you may not have heard from me for quite awhile. I would fill you in all the details of life since we last met, but that will have to wait. Let me answer a couple of questions that this email may spark. I am the Senior Pastor of the Evangelical Free Church of Vestal. I have been here for two years. It is a wonderful experience. Our church has a partnership, albeit a fairly new one, with a church in Berard, Haiti. It is one of three EFCA churches that have been planted by Henoc Lucian as a part of Vision of Hope Ministries.

I have a request for a prayer team for me next week. I write this to you because I covet your prayers.

As many of you may already know I am leaving after church this Sunday and going to the Newark airport to leave on a plane on Monday morning to Santiago, Dominican Republic to get a ride from there to Cap Haitian, Haiti. I will be with a team of teachers (Gene Wilson, a missionary with the EFCA, Henoc Lucian, Rollo Casiple Pastor of La Viña EFC in Miami, Florida and myself) to teach church leaders from the three churches planted by Henoc on teaching and preaching techniques. I praise God for the opportunity to do this. I would definitely like you to help me on this trip by joining a prayer team. I have attached a tentative teaching schedule so that you know what is going on. Here are some specific prayer requests:

--That I go well prepared (mentally, physically and spiritually)
--Safe travel (I will be crossing an international border between Dominican Republic and Haiti) there and back
--Safety while there for the teaching team
--That I am able to teach well
--That the students learn well what we are trying to teach
--Good communication between the teachers and the students (I think Gene, Rollo and I will have an interpreter, I also want to be available after class to answer questions and I’ll need an interpreter)
--Stamina for the week
--Good relationship between all the teachers (we are all strangers to each other at this moment, except for Henoc)

That’s a lot of stuff to begin with and I hope that God adds more to your mind and spirit if you wish to join the prayer team. All you need to join the team is to respond to this email and say, “Sure, Pastor Art, I’ll commit to pray for you next week.” If you would like to choose a specific day and tell me what day that will be I’d appreciate it, but it’s not necessary. Thank you in advance for being part of my prayer team! (And parents, let your kids know about this request, maybe one of your children would like to pray for me, thanks!)

In Him and for His glory,
Pastor Art Pavelski, Senior Pastor
Evangelical Free Church of Vestal
efcvestal.org

If you want Art to know you are praying for him, you can email him here.



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Announcements for Aug. 10-16

Fall Schedule - Service times starting September 7th

1st Service: 8:30 am Nursery for infant - 3 years
Sunday School: 10 am for all ages
2nd Service: 11 am Nursery and Children’s Church
(4 yrs. - 4th grade)
Children’s Church will begin September 14th

BABY DEDICATION--It is our joy to witness the dedication of Malachi Joel Wright. In many ways, this is a dedication of Danny and Charity and a commitment from the family of Grace to help equip them to bring Malachi up in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

If you are also having a baby dedication, there are information brochures near the coffee bar.

Family Life Marriage Retreat--Coming this fall. The “Weekend to Remember” will be coming to Fort Wayne in October and Columbus in December. If you’d like more information, there are brochures on the table in the narthex, or see Dan or Jeni Berger.

Welcome to Grace--If you are fairly new to Greenville Grace and would like to learn more about our church, or want to consider becoming more committed to our church, our Welcome to Grace time is for you. We gather for three weeks (September 7,14 & 21) at 6pm. If interested, fill out the tear off portion of your bulletin and place in the offering plate or turn into the office.

Pictorial Directory--This fall (September 3-6) Lifetouch Studios will be photographing our church family for our upcoming directory. We would love for everyone who considers Greenville Grace home to schedule an appointment (plus you get a free 8x10 and directory). You can schedule your appointment on line by following the link from our website (greenvillegrace.org).


Baptism--We will be having a baptism celebration on August 17th. Please plan to join us to celebrate the work of Christ in the lives of people here at Grace!

Men’s Prayer Breakfast--Just a reminder that Men’s Prayer Breakfast is postponed for the month of August and will resume September 6th.

Labor Day Weekend--On August 31, we will have a combined service at 10am.

Women's Study--The women's ministry will be offering "Jesus, the One and Only," Thursday mornings starting September 11. Check the sign up sheet in the narthex for more information.


Fantasy Football League--If you enjoy NFL football, friendly competition, and teasing Matt Strader, you’re invited to join our Fantasy Football League. Draft will be held August 31, shortly after second service. If you’re interested in joining, see Matt Strader.

Question and Answer Sunday School--We’ll kick off our Sunday School for adults (September 7) with a Question and Answer session. Simply write your question on the tear off portion of the bulletin and place it in the offering or turn into the office.

From Tim and Evelyn Wolfe

Click the link below to see a note of encouragement from Tim and Evelyn:

Encouragement Note

Announcements for Aug. 3-9

Pictorial Directory--This fall (September 3-6) Lifetouch Studios will be photographing our church family for our upcoming directory. We would love for everyone who considers Greenville Grace home to schedule an appointment (plus you get a free 8x10 and directory). You can schedule your appointment on line by following the link from our website (greenvillegrace.org).

Communion. We’ve added a communion service to our annual schedule! On August 10th @ 6:30pm, we’ll be celebrating the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection on behalf of our sins! If you know Christ as your Savior, we hope that you will join us for this beautiful service.

Baptism--We will be having a baptism celebration on August 17th. Please plan to join us to celebrate the work of Christ in the lives of people here at Grace!

Greeter’s Needed--If you call Greenville Grace your home and would be interested in serving as a Greeter, please see Todd Finch or contact the office.

Life Groups--Summer is almost over and we’re getting geared up for LIFE Groups to start. Our LIFE Groups (Living In Faith Everyday) are more than just a Bible study. These groups are our attempt to fulfill Acts 2, supporting, encouraging, challenging, praying and caring for one another. Even if you were in a LIFE Group last year, please fill out another card. If you’ve never been in a LIFE Group, this is the perfect time to sign up. And, if you’d like a little more information about our LIFE Group ministry, there is some information on the back table. Please fill out the LIFE Group card and place in the offering plate today!

Questions on BILD

Here are 7 Basic Questions (that is the number of completion, after all) about BILD, the discipleship materials we are looking at. Hopefully, these questions can help clarify how BILD can help our Body grow. BILD also has an accredited branch, called the Antioch School of Church Planting and Leadership Development.

1. Are there any limitations on who can participate?

No. BILD is not for men only. It's not for teachers only or for people who are interested in formal leadership. It's available for anyone who would like to grow deeper in their knowledge of the Word and love for Christ.

2. Do I have to enroll in the school?

Not at all. If we move forward with several of the classes, people can sign up on a class by class schedule. In many ways, it would be no different than signing up for a Beth Moore study or the Elder Leadership Class. You would simply sign up for the class and cover the cost of the book. The real need is for discipleship and spiritual development, and the accredited school portion only comes up for two reasons:

To show its quality. The materials are organized, high quality and detailed (three adjectives your probably don't typically associate with Danny). This is not just a few random studies that could be available, but really have been thought out (by working through the accreditation process) and time tested (BILD has existed for about 30 years). Mentioning the school feature only shows that I don't think you'd be disappointed or feel like you didn't learn, when going through a class.

Some may want it. If we are offering the classes they do for the school, and since we have a couple people (at least) who would be interested in working toward a degree, it only made sense to let them know this option was available. Quite frankly, in a class of 12, I could imagine that one or maybe two are actually enrolled in the formal schooling process.

3. Is this only for potential full-time ministry people.

We hope not. Do we want to raise up missionaries and pastors from within our church that we would send throughout the globe? Sure we do! (Why wouldn't we?) Are those people any more valuable to the body of Christ? Not at all. We want to be very clear that we do not want to form a spiritual caste system. If God grants up people within our church who want to serve in a full-time capacity, we want to be faithful to do what we can to prepare them. However, we do not want to treat them as if they are "super Christians." Knowing the Word better and glowing closer to Christ is what's best for everyone, not just the full time shepherd. Not only will growing deeper enhance your walk, it will enhance the life of Greenville Grace too. This world needs more faithful full-time workers, but it needs many more "non full-time" Christians servants!

4. Why not just point people to other resources? Why do something specific here at the church?

There are a lot of good materials available to people. Many schools offer on line classes. Cedarville isn't that far away. Lots of people in our church have benefited from ministries like BSF. Why not just point people to these ministries instead of Grace looking to start something?

That's an excellent question, and we wouldn't discourage anyone from considering any of those options. BILD won't be the right fit for everyone, and those may be better alternatives to some. However, BILD has an extra element that excites us. God has ordained that the focal point of personal growth is to happen in the context of the local church. He has promised to build His church. By being tied into the local church, BILD is able to be more than just classroom training. It also incorporates character development and hands on real life application. BILD is designed to not just teach you things, but help you apply it, and then show you how to use that information in ministry settings. You not only learn things in your church, but you also get the chance to use those things to help others grow in the church.

5. It sounds intense. Are all the classes so involved?

Not at all. BILD is simply the discipleship program that was born out of Oakwood Road Baptist Church in Ames, Iowa. Their church developed a specific, structured discipleship strategy and then things grew out of it. Their materials range from Doctoral level stuff (don't see anyone around here probably touching that stuff) down to "New Believer's Basic Training" materials. But by being unified, if a new believer took the "Basics" classes and grew, we have a natural place to turn them if they want more and want to grow deeper.

6. Does it fit here?

Will our doctrine have to change to fit the curriculum? Will LIFE Groups still be a central element of Grace, or will BILD dominate? Does it mean we'll have to reconfigure who we are as a church to make it fit?

The way BILD is designed, it fits into your church, not the other way around. We wouldn't require a BILD participant be in a LIFE Group, but man would we encourage it. We still want LIFE Groups to be our primary focus for studying the Word of God together. As for doctrine, several trusted Grace Brethren pastors are using BILD already, and an overview of their curriculum shows we are committed to all the same essentials, and they allow liberty in nonessentials. Therefore, it would fit in easily with our faith and practice.

7. Sounds like a lot of work. Can we really afford to do this right now?

As elders, this was the question we dealt with the longest. To do it right, someone has to organize the classes, teach the classes, follow up from the classes and coordinate details. We don't want other ministries to suffer or die because we've thrown all our eggs in one basket. So as we looked, we realized two things:

We can't afford not to. We are not currently an "80/20 Church" (80% of the work done by 20% of the people), but we're not a "100/100 Church" (100% of the work being done by 100% of the true body of Christ) either. Every ministry in our church can be enhanced as people grow closer to Jesus. Elders don't grow on trees, they must be developed. LIFE Group leaders aren't brought in by the stork, Jesus desires that we develop them here. This is true in every area of ministry. Worship is enhanced as members of the music team know their Savior better. Greeters serve with more joy and purpose when they know Christ and His hospitality better. Coffee will taste better as....well, it already tastes good (I am told). But even ministries like the coffee bar and nursery get transformed from simply activities to opportunities to serve Christ as we know Him more deeply. We can't afford to be a church with just a select group of leadership, we've got to be a place where everyone is serving Christ through supporting ministries at Greenville Grace. That kind of mindset isn't going to "just happen," we have to strive to develop it. BILD could be a tool to help us get there.

So, get organized. We're taking strides to get our ducks more in a row (do I hear an "Amen!"). Frankly, I feel like I've just recently come to understand what it means to administrate a church, and the Lord is providing people to help assist in that way. (Consequently, if you enjoy organizing and administrating things, don't hide that under a bushel...let us know.) Just the conversation to consider BILD (which began last fall) has forced us as elders to begin reorganizing some things. God has blessed us with growth, and that growth has given us opportunities to adjust and rearrange some things. In some ways, we think BILD could actually streamline some areas.

This was just me (Danny) taking a stab at a few questions I thought you might be asking, and some which have been asked to me. If you've got other questions, feel free to call the office, stop by, email me or even leave it in the comment section. (As always, when leaving a comment its great if you provide some way to identify you. That way we can always follow up in person.)

As we've said before, our "vision" is to proclaim Christ so that every man (and woman) may be found mature and complete in Christ. That mean you. That means people in Greenville who don't know Christ yet! That means people in the Dominican, Brazil and the Indianapolis area. That means people in places we haven't even begun to consider!

May God grant us the grace to accomplish that which He has called us!

Announcements for July 27-Aug. 3

Praise in the Park--Next Sunday @ 10am. Please join us at the Greenville City Park Bandshell for our Praise in the Park service.

Men’s Prayer Breakfast--There will be no prayer breakfast for the month of August. We will start back in September.

Communion. We’ve added a communion service to our annual schedule! On August 10th @ 6:30pm, we’ll be celebrating the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection on behalf of our sins! If you know Christ as your Savior, we hope that you will join us for this beautiful service.

Baptism--We will be having a baptism celebration on August 17th. Please plan to join us to celebrate the work of Christ in the lives of people here at Grace!


Greeter’s Needed--If you call Greenville Grace your home and would be interested in serving as a Greeter, please see Todd Finch or contact the office.

Life Groups--Summer is almost over and we’re getting geared up for LIFE Groups to start. Our LIFE Groups (Living In Faith Everyday) are more than just a Bible study. These groups are our attempt to fulfill Acts 2, supporting, encouraging, challenging, praying and caring for one another. Even if you were in a LIFE Group last year, please fill out another card. If you’ve never been in a LIFE Group, this is the perfect time to sign up. And, if you’d like a little more information about our LIFE Group ministry, there is some information on the back table.

Momentum-- Our students conclude their youth conference today. Please pray, not only for their safe travel home, but also that decisions and commitments made will be rooted and grounded deeply in passion for Jesus Christ.

Pictorial Directory--This fall (September 3-6) Lifetouch Studios will be photographing our church family for our upcoming directory. We would love for everyone who considers Greenville Grace home to schedule an appointment (plus you get a free 8x10 and directory). You can schedule your appointment on line by following the link from our website (greenvillegrace.org).

Women’s Retreat--Does a conference with speakers like John Piper, Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Joni Eareckson Tada (among others) sound good? Well, it probably sounds good to a lot of other women too. Therefore, even though the conference isn't until October 9-11, we are encouraging women to register now. (Plus, you beat the higher cost if you register before August 1.) See Charity Wright or Janie Reifsnider for more details.

Here Are Some New Addresses:

Nico, Erika & Monique Delagey,
4284 Plantation Ridge Lane
Greensboro, NC 27409

Daniel & Teressa Pierce
P.O. Box 71
Murphy, NC 28906

More From VIsion Night

At our "Vision Night," I shared my perspective on mission/vision statements. They can be useful tools, but sometimes they are too specific. We also want to approach them with a humble attitude, learning from James 4:13-16:

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.

Clearly, anything we would plan or look to, is completely under the sovereign rule of the King of Kings.

Therefore, I shared my preference to think of our Mission Statement as:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."--Matthew 28:19-20

And my preference to think of our Vision Statement as:

We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.--Colossians 1:28-29

I think these two passages provide all of the foundation for what this church has said since her birth:

Greenville Grace: Bringing Love, Life and Light to Darke County and the World.

Clearly, God accomplishes His will, and so we practice humility when considering the future. We also know He wants us to study, do the work of an evangelist, pray for workers, practice hospitality, exercise our spiritual gifts, give an answer for the hope that lies within, grow in grace and wisdom...just to name a few gracious callings.

To pursue Greenville Grace becoming a place where people grow closer to Christ and people around the globe (including, not neglecting Darke County) are introduced to Christ and then truly discipled, a focused, committed strategy is needed.

Perhaps BILD is a tool to reach that goal.

Perhaps Antioch School is a specific tool.

We invite you to cruise around their websites to understand their ministry a little more. Tomorrow, I plan to answer a few obvious questions that come out of this discussion.

And please, join us in praying that God would see to allow us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded!

New Pictorial Directory Coming Soon!

This fall (September 3-6) Lifetouch Studios will be photographing our church family for our upcoming directory. We would love for everyone who considers Greenville Grace home to schedule an appointment Appointments can be made here. Also, there is another link on the opening page of our website. Or, if all of this talk of links and online scheduling scares you, simply call the church office and we'll set up a time for you.

Those participating will be given a free 8x10 and complimentary directory, so... don't forget to mark your calendar!

Filbrun's Testimonies

We had a great time at the baptism yesterday. The following is what Rob and Alicia shared:





From Rob:
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed; In Your righteousness deliver me. Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be to me a rock of strength, a stronghold to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; For You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of Truth. Psalm 31

I come from a very loving home where we were always taught God's word. I have been very blessed to have a loving family that have been praying for me to take this very step for so many years. All that support and love paved the road to this day. The day that I make my public confession of faith. My choice to follow the Lord, to be with him, and to let his light shine bright in my life. I know that I have made many mistakes in my lifetime and I acknowledge my sins and ask that they may all be thrown in to the sea of forgetfulness.

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess or sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.--1 John 1:8-1 0

I come before you today to not only get baptized, but to shout to the Lord and everyone who can hear me, Here I am Lord, use me to glorify you.

From Alicia

I was baptized when I was 14 into the Old German Baptist Church. I knew that Christ was crucified for our sins and that we are to have faith in Him. But I didn't know him as my savior. As I went through my last teenage years I went through some major trials and hard times. I was to the point where I didn't know where to turn, that was when I heard God's calling. I turned to God to carry me through. I put my faith and trust in him, and learned to know him as my savior. I want to get baptized again to make an outward confession of my growth in the Lord.

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal live through Jesus Christ our Lord. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death so that as Christ is was raised from the death through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of live. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of his death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection. Knowing this, that or old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin for he who died is freed from sin. Now it we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.--Romans 5:20-6:10.

Announcements for July 13-20-08

VBS--a huge thank you to all who were involved in making VBS a success this year! Please pray with us that the seeds planted will bear much fruit and that children will truly treasure Christ above all!



Baptism--There will be a baptism celebration at Deeter’s Nursery (8150 Hoke Rd., Clayton Ohio) next Sunday. Please plan to join us there to celebrate the work of Christ in the lives of people here at Grace!

WOMEN'S RETREAT--Does a conference with speakers like John Piper, Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Joni Eareckson Tada (among others) sound good? Well, it probably sounds good to a lot of other women too. Therefore, even though the conference isn't until October 9-11, we are encouraging women to register now. (Plus, you beat the higher cost if you register before August 1.) See Charity Wright or Janie Reifsnider for more details.

Youth Conference Meeting Today: Momentum Meeting immediately following 2nd service for those going to Youth Conference. Parents please attend this meeting.

Summer Studies tonight - 6:30 pm

Elders Meeting - Monday night, 7pm

Women’s Bible Study - Tuesday morning, 9:30 am

Athletes In Action--Basketball camp at the Greenville YMCA, July 14-18, ages 4-13. See flyer on table in narthex for details. If you would like to help, see Matt.

Men’s Prayer Breakfast - Saturday, July 19, 7am

JOY Fellowship - July 20, 1:30 pm at Oakley House, 1275 Northview Dr., Greenville Bring a dessert or snack to share. Drinks will be provided.

Creation Conference--Centerville Grace Brethren Church is hosting John Witcomb on July 26-27. If you'd like more information, there are flyers on the table in the narthex or you can check their website: http://www.centervillegbc.com/.

Communion - We will be having a communion service on August 10th @ 6:30pm. We encourage all who know Christ as their Savior and have made Greenville Grace their home to join us.

More on Pain

In God's gracious providence, this article came out this morning. Part of it reads:

The problem is, we would have to be God to grasp all that God is doing in our problems. In fact, pushing too hard for more detailed explanations from God is a kind of demand that we be God.

Again, you can read the whole article here.

Understanding the NIV-NASB Thingy

Recently, I was informed that I offended some people with NIV-NASB comments made during the June 1, "Praise in the Park." While navigating through some grammatical issues in 1 John, I made the following statement:

How many of you have finally drunk the kool-aid and have a New American Standard Bible?

Silent pause while people--whom I can't even remember the amount--raised their hands.

Man, I've got work to do. I prefer the New American Standard to the NIV.

I truly meant no offense, but realized a few items may have kept my intentions clouded:

1. It was "tongue-in-cheek." The "kool-aid" comment was made in a joking way to suggest a "blind allegiance" from our church listeners, which thankfully does not exist. We do not have a church of lemmings, so I doubt anyone would buy an NASB Bible simply because a pastor told them to.

2. My jokes die. I really do love to joke. Much of the NIV-NASB debate comes from my youth pastor days when I would mercilessly tease the students about using NIV Bibles. It was all meant in fun, and with teens I felt much more freedom to tease and joke than I do typically with the whole church. This means my "humor" (used quite loosely, probably best said "attempted humor") is usually lost on people. Quite honestly, when evaluating my "fleshly" elements of a sermon, they are typically attempts at humor. I need to do better when communicating that I am joking. Also, this is not the first time I have made NIV-NASB comments (which were also intended to be light hearted), and so it is understandable that there may be confusion.

3. I do prefer the NASB over NIV, but have never given much explanation why. Perhaps this blog can help you understand I prefer the NASB to the NIV but do not consider anyone sinful for using an NIV.
1. If you read the NIV, I'm first of all glad you read your Bible. Seriously, I do not think you are fraternizing with the devil by reading an NIV. The Bible I preach from is actually a "parallel Bible," showing the NASB in the left column and NIV on the right. This is because I often consider the NIV a good translation to reference while studying. Certainly you can learn and grow while reading an NIV.
2. But I do think you should have more than just an NIV Bible available for study. I think you should have more than an NASB, for that matter. Since none of us are Greek and Hebrew scholars, we are dependent upon translators. When looking carefully at the Word, I recommend you sit down with multiple translations as you study.
3. Preaching will primarily be from the NASB. While I preach from the NASB and have encouraged Matt and Jason to do likewise, I do not require visiting preachers to use the NASB. (When Daniel preaches in two weeks, it will more than likely be from the NIV.) I am not trying to create an "NASB-only" church. However, when a new disciple is looking for a Bible, it seems less confusing if they get one that matches the Bible used during sermons. Also, as our church looks toward getting some "pew Bibles" (or Bibles we can give to visitors who don't have one) it seems to make sense that this would be the same translation they are going to hear from the pulpit. Therefore, we have tried to move toward consistency with translations, for the sake of clarity and ease. If you find it confusing or distracting when the Scripture reading doesn't match the words in the Bible in your hand, then we recommend you consider getting an NASB Bible. By our church being consistent, you won't have to wonder which Bible should I bring this week?

But the next question becomes, "So why is it you prefer the NASB?" Here are some features that make the NASB attractive:

1. It is a word-for-word translation. Imagine being a translator when someone says, "It's raining cats and dogs!" Your options would be:
A. Literally translate. Just use the words in your language that say the exact same thing. Though the idiom may be lost on the listener, you still spell it out, word for word, trusting that the listener will know they need to do some interpretation work.
B. Use a replacement figure of speech. Perhaps the culture says, "the rain is chubby" to express a hard rain. You may decide to use the figure of speech they are familiar with to convey the same thought.
C. Simply define the statement. "Raining cats and dogs," may be completely lost on the audience, and so it may be easier to just say, "it was raining really hard."
You can see that the assignment can be a little difficult. You have to know two cultures, not only knowing the meaning of the original words said, but also how to translate them in such a way to get the same meaning across to the audience. This obviously becomes more difficult when you consider the diversity between a first century middle eastern farmer and a twentieth century westerner. Add to that the miraculous nature of the events in the Bible (God could have made literal "dog-cat precipitation" one of the curses against Egypt) and it can be difficult to know for certain how to translate words. The NASB (along with others like ESV and NKJV, KJV, HCSB) seek to translate word for word. The NIV seeks to translate "thought for thought." There is nothing wrong with this (sometimes it does clear things up for us) but it does mean they are often making interpretation decisions and not just translation decisions.

2. NAS seeks to preserve word order. Greek and Hebrew are not tied to specific word order rules like typical English. Therefore, the writers could be much more intentional about the words they put next to each other. Though rare, sometimes the order of words can place a strong influence on how a verse is understood. NAS seeks to keep the word order as close to the original as possible (without sounding like Yoda wrote the Bible.)

3. I love the italics. This was the issue during Praise in the Park. Sometimes verbs, nouns or other parts of speech are assumed from surrounding verses in the Greek. But when we read it in the English and a noun is missing (for instance), the verse seems confusing and choppy. Usually, translators will decide to insert parts of speech not in the original that will help the verse flow better in our language. However, with the NAS, they will italicize the word so that you know the editors decided to add it, it's not in the original. This is helpful because anytime they add a word they are making an interpretation decision, not a translation decision. Occasionally, this may effect the way you understand a verse, while studying.

4. But they do capitalize pronouns. Just to show my inconsistency with things, I do like the fact that NAS editors make the interpretive (and not just translating) decision to capitalize divine pronouns. This is an interpretive decision because Greek manuscripts do not use capitalization like we do. Actually, the Greek texts were written in all caps with no spaces or punctuation. (ie. ACTUALLYTHEGREEKTEXTWEREWRITTENINALLCAPSWITHNOSPACESORPUCTUATION ). Thankfully, the editors did not need to remain consistent in that area. Like nails on a chalkboard, it drives me nuts to see "he" referring to Christ. (I almost always take my pen and scratch "He" over the pronoun on the NIV side of my Bible.)

5. It's become a "friend." Not to be ignored, a very subjective reason for me is that I have grown to love and become comfortable with the NASB. While there are other reliable word for word translations, NASB has been my primary study/preaching translation for over a decade. Like a properly "broken in" baseball cap, the NASB just feels right now.

These are only a few of my thoughts, but perhaps it lays out a bit of an explanation. While I believe the NIV is a good Bible, I believe the NAS is a better choice. I do not say that with a desire to be pretentious or throw scholarship in anyone's face. I just find it easier to study and preach from a word for word translation.

If the NIV is your primary translation you use and you want to keep it that way, go for it! Again, I am thrilled you are reading the Word of God and don't want to get in your way there. But just like I would encourage anyone (regardless of translation), use other tools available (Strong's Concordance, Grammer Aids, Translations on the internet, etc.) to really study what words are being used and how they are being used. Because of their philosophy of translation, you will naturally find more times where the NIV strays some from the literal translation, but using these tools (which are quite easy to use) can help you navigate through those situations without much difficulty.

And to one who may feel this entire article is splitting hairs, asking, "Can't I just read my Bible as is and get enough out of it? Do I really need to worry about original words and tenses and such?", I would simply offer the following illustration. Yes, the Bible is crystal clear on issues of salvation. You can simply read the text and see it right there in the English. In many ways, this is like crystal blue water surrounding an exotic island. You can look down into the water (without any aides) and see all kinds of glorious things, deep down into the water. But if you've ever stood on a beach (or a boat) and looked down and seen bright fish or beautiful coral, you know you don't want to stand there for long. Pretty soon, you want to find scuba gear or a snorkel and dive right into that water. It doesn't mean the view from above was not beautiful, it just means you desire to see and experience that much more.

If you read the Bible right now, and you're afraid that disciplined study would ruin or diminish the beautiful simplicity of God's Word, may is gently suggest that is like the man who stands on the shore and refuses to dive into the water because he is afraid it will ruin his appreciation. It will not ruin it, it will only increase it! We would love to come along side you and help you be able to enjoy the glorious riches of God's Word. If you would like help in learning how to use tools yourself, please contact the office, we'd love to show you.

And lastly, to anyone who was offended by my statements about the NIV, please accept my apology. In my haste, I did not state that the NIV is a good translation, I did not state why I prefer the NAS, and I did not commend those who study with the NIV for studying. My hearts desire for all at Greenville Grace is truly to taste and see that the Lord is good...whatever translation they use.

Dominican Update

Tim sent the following email this morning:

The food and medical equipment were delivered yesterday afternoon.
We had plenty of help unloading. I don't know how we got the X-Ray machine off without someone being hurt; I believe it weighs close to 1600 pounds. God knows our needs.
We will have a meeting with the pastors Saturday morning to start the distribution process. We anticipate a 4 month distribution to over 2,000 people in the porrest villages (550 families). This food will be a nutritional supplement to what they now eat.
The government sent an inspector out with the truck to check and make sure our operation was legitimate and that we weren't going to sell the food. All is clear.
Our next big problem is to keep the rats under control for 4 months. There has not been and food in the warehouse so there has not been a problem to this point.
Thank God for all that He does for the Dominicans.
The next project is to construct a small house at Monte Cristie to house new water treatment equipment and tanks. It will cost around $1,500 but visiting groups have already contributed $1,000 toward the construction. When complete, the entire village will have access to clean water for drinking. The foundation was started this week for the new water building which is next to the village clinic.


Please praise God with us and continue to pray that this Lord would use our brothers and sisters to continue to feed people physically, but also point them to the Bread of Life!

Announcements for July 6-13-08

Summer Studies tonight - 6:30 pm

VBS: Starts tomorrow night 7 pm (Volunteers please try to be here at 6:30 pm.)

Women’s Bible Study - Tuesday morning, 9:30 am

Youth Conference: Momentum Meeting Sunday, July 13th following 2nd service for those going to Youth Conference. Parents please attend this meeting.

Athletes In Action--Basketball camp at the Greenville YMCA, July 14-18, ages 4-13. See flyer on table in narthex for details. If you would like to help, see Matt.

Communion - We will be having a communion service on August 10th @ 6:30pm. We encourage all who know Christ as their Savior and have made Greenville Grace their home to join us.

WOMEN'S RETREAT--Does a conference with speakers like John Piper, Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Joni Eareckson Tada (among others) sound good? Well, it probably sounds good to a lot of other women too. Therefore, even though the conference isn't until October 9-11, we are encouraging women to register now. (Plus, you beat the higher cost if you register before August 1.)

Announcements for June 29-July 6-08

Summer Studies tonight - 6:30 pm

Elder’s Meeting - Monday night, 7pm

Women’s Bible Study - Tuesday morning, 9:30 am

Men’s Prayer Breakfast - Saturday, July 5, 7am

Praise In The Park - Come join us at the Band Shell next Sunday, 10:00 am for our Praise Service. Carry-in following at: Garber farm, 8802 Hartle Rd., Greenville
A-K main dish and a side
L-Z main dish and a dessert
Bring your own place setting, Church will provide the drinks.

VBS: It’s now time to start registering for V.B.S. Please see table in Narthex for more details. The dates are July 7th-11th. The theme is “Things Hidden” which is a study on the kingdom parables found in the Gospels.

Youth Conference: Momentum Meeting Sunday, July 13th immediately following 2nd service for those going to Youth Conference. Parents please attend this meeting.

WOMEN'S RETREAT--Does a conference with speakers like John Piper, Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Joni Eareckson Tada (among others) sound good? Well, it probably sounds good to a lot of other women too. Therefore, even though the conference isn't until October 9-11, we're encouraging women to register now. (Plus, you beat the higher cost if you register before August 1.)

Interested in Seeing the Biblical Landscape--If you would enjoy touring the middle east, traveling and learning about Biblical lands, Pastor Brian Delk (Castine COB) is leading another tour next spring. For more information, contact the office.

Communion - We will be having a communion service on August 10th @ 6:30pm. We encourage all who know Christ as their Savior and have made Greenville Grace their home to join us for this privilege.

Looking to Grow in Your Knowledge and Faithfulness to God's Word? - Just as we're going to talk about this morning, acquiring knowledge without it impacting your soul is not God's design. We are not to be hearers of the Word only, but doers as well. And our actions are not to be motivated by obligation, but by love. What if there was a discipleship process that not only taught you more about Christ, but steered you toward loving Him more deeply and looking more like Him daily? We believe their is such a thing. Keep your eyes open for more information.

Sermon Application

The following are some links, as follow up, to Sunday's message:

Cat & Dog Theology--This is the book I referenced that can help you reevaluate how you approach God and His Word. The authors use a playful approach to make you think about some rather deep truths. Their title comes from the joke they share, "A dog says, 'You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, you must be God.' A cat says, 'You pet me, you feed me, you shelter me, you love me, I must be God.'"





The Jesus Storybook Bible--a wonderful children's resource. If you want to ignite a passion in your children to look for Jesus every time they open their Bible, this book helps begin the process. The subtitle, "Every Story Whispers His Name." Like "Cat & Dog," Sally Lloyd-Jones has a fun, clever writing style writing style, and she purposefully builds anticipation toward Christ. (In our home, we have just worked up to the New Testament and the kids are loving it!) Highly recommended for every family. (Mom and Dad, you'll find yourself worshipping as you read too!)

By the way, if you are interested, you can go to Sally Lloyd-Jones' website and can even check out her blog.

Coincidentally (actually, if you believe in coincidence, repent...then repeat after me, "Providentially") Sally Lloyd-Jones attends Tim Keller's church, the pastor I quoted during my sermon. His list on "Jesus is the true and perfect..." can be found here and the audio of his message can be found here.

And lastly, if you are interested in the references I quoted from Deuteronomy, the easiest way is to click this link and look at all the passages that speak of our love toward God.

And if you are looking for the audio (and if you attended "first service," I have to admit, I think it went much better in second service (which was recorded), it probably won't be on the website (grace:resources) until early July (due to webman being out of town and everyone else being completely clueless!).

Announcements for June 22-29, 08

JOY Meeting - Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social today, at the Dearing’s place (Wayne Lakes). Meet at entrance gate at 2:30 pm. Bring a fishing pole and snacks!

BIKE RUN (In Memory of Deb Brown) - Today at 2pm from North Park, Greenville. They plan to ride around Grand Lake and stop in St. Mary’s for a time of fellowship and challenge from the Word. If you would like to join them, meet at the park at 2pm.

Summer Studies tonight - 6:30 pm.

Elder’s Study - Monday night, 7pm

Women’s Bible Study - Tuesday morning, 9:30 am

Praise in the Park Date
July 6 - carry in, Garber farm, 8802 Hartle Rd., Grn.
A-K main dish and a side
L-Z main dish and a dessert
Bring your own place setting, Church will provide the drinks.

VBS: It’s now time to start registering for V.B.S. Please see table in Narthex for more details. The dates are July 7th-11th. The theme is “Things Hidden” which is a study on the kingdom parables found in the Gospels.


WOMEN'S RETREAT--Does a conference with speakers like John Piper, Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Joni Eareckson Tada (among others) sound good? Well, it probably sounds good to a lot of other women too. Therefore, even though the conference isn't until October 9-11, we're encouraging women to register now. (Plus, you beat the higher cost if you register before August 1.)

Interested in Seeing the Biblical Landscape--If you would enjoy touring the middle east, traveling and learning about Biblical lands, Pastor Brian Delk (Castine COB) is leading another tour next spring. For more information, contact the office.

Communion - We will be having a communion service on August 10th @ 6:30pm. We encourage all who know Christ as their Savior and have made Greenville Grace their home to join us for this privilege.

Looking to Grow in Your Knowledge and Faithfulness to God's Word? - Just as we're going to talk about this morning, acquiring knowledge without it impacting your soul is not God's design. We are not to be hearers of the Word only, but doers as well. And our actions are not to be motivated by obligation, but by love. What if there was a discipleship process that not only taught you more about Christ, but steered you toward loving Him more deeply and looking more like Him daily? We believe their is such a thing. Keep your eyes open for more information.

Announcements for June 16-22-08

Dad Math

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?--Luke 11:13

Your Dad=Sinner. No human father is perfect. Our fathers desire to give good gifts to us, however, due to their sin, they did not always succeed. If you harbor any difficult feelings from your father, we encourage you to remember that he is a sinner and Christ’s death and resurrection are capable of paying for those sins.

You’re A Dad=Sinner. NO human father is perfect. If you are a did, we encourage you to acknowledge your sins. A godly father does not have to be perfect, he simply needs to acknowledge his sin and point his kids toward Christ.

Our Heavenly Father=Perfect. However, our greatest celebration is that we do have a Father who is perfect, God the Father! How wonderful that He too loves us and offers us the Holy Spirit. We encourage you to celebrate God the Father and His perfect, pure love displayed through Jesus Christ dying on behalf of our sins.

Summer Studies Begin tonight! 6:30pm.

Blood Drive Tomorrow! (see insert for more details.) There is still time to schedule an appointment (www.givebloodnow.org), or walk in tomorrow between 2-6pm.

Women’s Bible Study - Tuesday morning, 9:30am

JOY Meeting - Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social June 22 (change from June 15), at the Dearing’s place (Wayne Lakes). Meet at entrance gate at 2:30 pm. Bring a fishing pole and snacks!

Elder’s Meeting - Monday, June 16, 7pm

Men’s Prayer Breakfast - Saturday, June 21, 7am

VBS: It’s that time of year to start planning for VBS. The dates are July 7th-11th. The theme is “Things Hidden” which is a study on the kingdom parables found in the Gospels.

Interested in Seeing the Biblical Landscape--If you would enjoy touring the middle east, traveling and learning about Biblical lands, Pastor Brian Delk (Castine COB) is leading another tour next spring. For more information, contact the office.

I’ve prayed for workers, now what? Grace has always had a vision to plant churches (locally and globally) and multiply disciples. The Lord has blessed us with many who are interested in helping us reach that vision (both at Grace and beyond). But what if they don’t quite feel prepared? We’ll be sharing what the next step may be some time soon. Keep your eyes open for more information!