DR Update

19 May 2009. Statesville, NC is here again this year and Doctor Sam is back. There are 31 in the group, all senior class teenagers; they graduate next week. We also have two new male interns, Kevin and Brendt. We went to an unnamed village on the North side of Santo Domingo. It started out raining all morning and we traversed some pretty bad roads up and down hills. It was so bad that we had to unload the medical supplies from the trailer, haul them up the hill on foot, then disconnect the trailer from the bus, drive the bus up the slippery hill and then drag and push the trailer by rope to the top of the hill on the muddy road.
The village was rather remote; most of the villagers have no work and Jackie comes every night from her orphanage to feed them a meal. It took us 3 hours to arrive. The group set up and gave a puppet show and gospel presentation and then we started the clinic around. 11:30. The teens played with the kids and we saw around 90 people in clinic as well as run an eye glass station. It turned out that it did not rain the rest of the afternoon and I got sunburned through the clouds. The drive home was through rush hour traffic when we reached town.

20 May 2009. The team went to Los Llanos, which is over an hour north of SCORE. We had been here in February with the Fourman group for the first time; this time the pastor was prepared. He had a list of those to be seen in the morning clinic and a big blue tarp erected in front of the church for protection from the sun; in the afternoon it was cloudy with a little shower. The grounds were wet from previous days rains and a little muddy.
The group gave the gospel message both morning and afternoon along with a puppet show. They conducted a carnival and we had a big crowd at the church all day. They played recorded music, played games, did face painting, gave out candy, had a clown, made balloon figures, made yarn bracelets, painted finger nails, passed out gospel materials, had all kinds of balls to play with and handed out home-made back packs with everyone wanted.
In clinic the group saw over 100 people. It was hot, stifling and humid inside the tin roofed church; we ran some fans off the generator to help a little. It was a good tiring day. The kids did a great job.




The following came from Tim Wolfe this morning:

Announcements for May 18-24

Summer Schedule starts next week
1st service 9:00am - 10:15am
2nd service 10:45am - noon
No Sunday School

GRADUATE RECOGNITION--Next Sunday, May 24

ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

SUMMER STUDIES--If you are interested in the Summer Studies, they will be on Sunday nights starting June 28-August 9 at 6:30pm. Sign-up sheets are on the table in narthex.

WOMEN’S SUMMER STUDY--Ladies, we will be starting a eight week study of Ruth the month of June . For more information or to sign up, go by the table in narthex.

MEN’S TRAINING--Please be sure to join us Monday evening, May 18. Study will begin promptly at 7:00 pm and will be followed by additional training on men's issues.

SUMMER PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE--Ladies, are you aware you can serve your brothers in Christ simply by the way you dress during summer months? We encourage you to consider this at all times, but especially as we gather together to worship. What a gift to men if they do not have to fight the battle of the eyes and mind when they gather with their sisters in Christ! We praise God for your desire to see Jesus magnified!

BAPTISM--Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to make a outward, visible confession of an inward reality of your faith in Christ. If you know Christ as your Savior and have not participated in baptism, you (and our church) are missing out on a tremendous blessing. If you are interested in being baptized, we encourage you to call the office and arrange an appointment to discuss this issue. We are planning a baptism service soon!

PRAISE IN THE PARK CARRY-IN on June 7 immediately following the service at: The Steve Garber farm, 8802 Hartle Rd., Greenville

A-K vegetable and a dessert
L-Z salad and a dessert

Church will provide the meat and drinks. Bring your own place settings.

VBS--WE NEED YOUR HELP June 14-18. Stop by the table in narthex or contact Tammy Dietrich at 548-6811 or email jeffntammy1@gmail.com.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we recommend either one!), stop by the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

Announcements for May 11-17

MEN’S MINISTRY--This Saturday morning, May 16, Men's ministries will be hosting a workday for any men interested. The day will start at 7:00 am and run to 11:00 where a grilled lunch will be provided. Participants may want to bring gloves, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc. Come and enjoy a time of fellowship as we care for the building God has provided for us.

SUMMER PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE--Ladies, are you aware you can serve your brothers in Christ simply by the way you dress during summer months? We encourage you to consider this at all times, but especially as we gather together to worship. What a gift to men if they do not have to fight the battle of the eyes and mind when they gather with their sisters in Christ! We praise God for your desire to see Jesus magnified!

BAPTISM--Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to make a outward, visible confession of an inward reality of your faith in Christ. If you know Christ as your Savior and have not participated in baptism, you (and our church) are missing out on a tremendous blessing. If you are interested in being baptized, we encourage you to call the office and arrange an appointment to discuss this issue. We are planning a baptism service soon!

DISHES--If you have brought in food for any event, please go by the kitchen and check the basket to see if any dishes belong to you. Unclaimed items will be donated to goodwill.

PRAISE IN THE PARK CARRY-IN on June 7 immediately following the service at: The Steve Garber farm, 8802 Hartle Rd., Greenville
A-K vegetable and a dessert
L-Z salad and a dessert
Church will provide the meat and drinks. Bring your own place settings.

VBS--This year’s dates for Vacation Bible School are June 14-19. The theme is: God Always Wins. For more information, stop by the table in the narthex.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we recommend either one!), stop by the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

GRADUATION--Do you have a son/daughter graduating from school this coming year? We would love to recognize them during our May 24th service. If you would like their “open house” and graduation announced, we need to receive a picture, graduation information, and open house schedule as soon as possible. Deadline is May 17th.

ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

Announcements for May 4-10

SUMMER PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE--Ladies, are you aware you can serve your brothers in Christ simply by the way you dress during summer months? We encourage you to consider this at all times, but especially as we gather together to worship. What a gift to men if they do not have to fight the battle of the eyes and mind when they gather with their sisters in Christ! We praise God for your desire to see Jesus magnified!

BAPTISM--Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to make a outward, visible confession of an inward reality of your faith in Christ. If you know Christ as your Savior and have not participated in baptism, you (and our church) are missing out on a tremendous blessing. If you are interested in being baptized, we encourage you to call the office and arrange an appointment to discuss this issue. We are planning a baptism service soon!

DISHES--If you have brought in food for any event, please go by the kitchen and check the basket to see if any dishes belong to you. Unclaimed items will be donated to goodwill.

MEN’S TRAINING--Please be sure to join us as we continue our study in Romans Monday evening, May 4. Study will begin promptly at 7:00 pm and will be followed by additional training on men's issues.

PRAISE IN THE PARK CARRY-IN on June 7 immediately following the service at: The Steve Garber farm, 8802 Hartle Rd., Greenville

A-K vegetable and a dessert
L-Z salad and a dessert
Church will provide the meat and drinks. Bring your own place settings.

VBS--This year’s dates for Vacation Bible School are June 14-19. The theme is: God Always Wins. For more information, stop by the table in the narthex.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we recommend either one!), stop by the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

GRADUATION--Do you have a son/daughter graduating from school this coming year? We would love to recognize them during our May 24th service. If you would like their “open house” and graduation announced, we need to receive a picture, graduation information, and open house schedule as soon as possible. Deadline is May 17th.

ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

Announcements for April 27-May 3

BAPTISM--Baptism is a wonderful opportunity to make a outward, visible confession of an inward reality of your faith in Christ. If you know Christ as your Savior and have not participated in baptism, you (and our church) are missing out on a tremendous blessing. If you are interested in being baptized, we encourage you to call the office and arrange an appointment to discuss this issue. We are planning a baptism service soon!

TERESSA PIERCE’S email address-- teressabp@gmail.com

DISHES--If you have brought in food for any event, you may have left your dish here. Please go by the kitchen and check the basket. Unclaimed items will be donated to goodwill.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP--Men come join us this Saturday morning at 7am for our Men's Fellowship breakfast.

PRAISE IN THE PARK--Make plans to join us this summer at the Greenville City Park Band Shell on June 7, July 5 and August 2 at 10am.

VBS--June 14th – 19th
Mark your calendars now to attend this year’s V.B.S.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we'd recommend either one!), you can check in the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

Summer Schedule starts May 24
1st service 9:00am - 10:15am
2nd service 10:45am - noon
No Sunday School

GRADUATION--Do you have a son/daughter graduating from school this coming year? We would love to recognize them during our May 24th service. If you would like their “open house” and graduation announced, we need to receive a picture, graduation information, and open house schedule as soon as possible. Deadline is May 17th.

ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

More Baptisms in the D.R.

Tim Wolfe sent this pictures, along with a note that 5 people were baptized through the new church at the SCORE Facility!

Announcements for April 20-26

GRADUATION--Do you have a son/daughter graduating from school this coming year? We would love to recognize them during our May 24th service. If you would like their “open house” and graduation announced, we need to receive a picture, graduation information, and open house schedule as soon as possible. Deadline is May 17th.

ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

THANK YOU--I would like to express my thanks to all who took part in the recent blood drive. Thanks to your generous donations we were able to collect 37 whole blood units and 8 platelet donations. If you brought a food donation in a returnable container it can be picked up in the kitchen. Our next drive will be Monday, October 19. Once again thank you for helping serve our community. Cheryl Wysong

GRACE MOMS BRUNCH/CLOTHING EXCHANGE--April 25, 9:30-11am. Bring your favorite breakfast item. For more information, see Charity Wright or Rachel Wooten.

JOY CLUB--HOBO Saturday, April 25. Meet at the church at 12:30pm. Dress like a HOBO if you dare. Bring a can of SOMETHING EDIBLE to add to the HOBO STEW. A fun time is planned, so we’ll see you there. For information call Dale or Lois Jones @ 548-6965.

VBS--June 14th – 19th
Mark your calendars now to attend this year’s V.B.S.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we'd recommend either one!), you can check in the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

GRACE BLOG--To keep informed about happenings here at Grace, check out our church blog (ggbcnews.blogspot.com) for special announcements, missionary updates, baptism testimonies and much more.

Teressa Pierce's email address: teressabp@gmail.com

Announcements for April 13-19

CASTINE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN is planning a trip September 18-20, 2009 to Explorations in Antiquity in LaGrange, Ga.

The Explorations in Antiquity Center opened in June, 2006, with the goal to help people understand the Bible and the ancient world in its historical and cultural context. They do this by providing exact replicas of ancient life settings coupled with cutting-edge teaching based on the most up-to-date evidence and information in the fields of archaeology and biblical scholarship.

The trip to the center will include a scripture garden walk, biblical meal, time tunnel tour, and shabath meal. The return trip home on Sunday will include a stop at First Baptist Church in Atlanta, where Dr. Charles Stanley is senior pastor.

Brochures for pricing and additional information are available on the table in our narthex. Visit the Center’s website at www.explorationsinantiquity.com.

ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

BLOOD DRIVE--April 13, 3:00-6:30pm. We need DONORS. We have only 18 out of 53 slots filled. You can go online to www.DonorTime.com to register an appointment or call Cheryl Wysong @ 547-0792 if you need help registering. Appointments aren't necessary but are encouraged to reduce wait time.

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE AGE CONFERENCE--Basore Grace Brethren is offering "Committed to Christ: Walking the Talk" Conference April 18th. Cost is only $25 (lunch and dinner included). This conference offers main sessions as well as 16 different mini-sessions to choose from. Looks like a great opportunity! See the table in the narthex for more information.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP--Join us this Saturday morning for our Men's Fellowship breakfast. Food will be served at 7 am and discussion will be centered around peace as we continue our series on the fruit of the Spirit.

GRACE MOMS BRUNCH/CLOTHING EXCHANGE--April 25, 9:30-11am. Bring your favorite breakfast item. For more information, see Charity Wright or Rachel Wooten.

JOY CLUB--HOBO Saturday, April 25. Meet at the church at 12:30pm. Dress like a HOBO if you dare. Bring a can of SOMETHING EDIBLE to add to the HOBO STEW. A fun time is planned, so we’ll see you there. For information call Dale or Lois Jones @ 548-6965.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we'd recommend either one!), you can check in the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

Matt's Outline

Matt provided the outline to his sermon. If you click them, they should open up bigger and be able to print:

Announcements for April 6-12

MEN’S TRAINING- Please be sure to join us as we continue our study in Romans Monday evening, April 6 as we will be in Romans 2:1-16. Study will begin promptly at 7:00 pm and will be followed by additional training on men's issues. If you have not been able to join us yet, please don't let that keep you from coming! We would love to see you there.

UPCOMING JOY CLUB EVENTS:
Communion Service, April 10 @ 6:30pm. Please come out around 4pm to help prepare for the meal.
HOBO Saturday, April 25. Meet at the church at 12:30pm. Dress like a HOBO if you dare. Bring a can of SOMETHING EDIBLE to add to the HOBO STEW. A fun time is planned, so we’ll see you there. For information call Dale or Lois Jones @ 548-6965.

BLOOD DRIVE--April 13, 3:00-6:30pm. We need DONORS. We have 18 slots out of 53 filled. You can go online to www.DonorTime.com to register an appointment or call Cheryl Wysong @ 547-0792 if you need help registering. Appointments aren't necessary but are encouraged to reduce wait time. Guidelines for donating sometimes change so even if you have not been eligible to give in the past, please go online and see if giving is a possibility now. It's free, simple and you could save up to 3 lives with a single donation. There is a sign-up sheet for snacks and juice on table in narthex.

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE AGE CONFERENCE--Basore Grace Brethren is offering "Committed to Christ: Walking the Talk" Conference April 18th. Cost is only $25 (lunch and dinner included). This conference offers main sessions as well as 16 different mini-sessions to choose from. Looks like a great opportunity! See the table in the narthex for more information.

GRACE MOMS BRUNCH/CLOTHING EXCHANGE--April 25, 9:30-11am. Bring your favorite breakfast item. For more details, see Charity Wright or Rachel Wooten.

VBS--June 14th – 19th
Mark your calendars now. The dates for this year’s VBS have been set.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we'd recommend either one!), you can check in the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

COMMUNION--We will be celebrating our salvation (past, present and future!) in Jesus Christ during our Communion Service Friday, April 10 at 6:30pm. Please plan to join us.

CHILDREN'S BELL-CHOIR, NEXT WEEK--Our children will be performing a couple of songs in the second service next week. Their songs will be near the beginning of the service. If you normally come to first service, we invite you to still attend first service, stay for Sunday School and then simply join us for the songs at the beginning. (Also, the children will be practicing for next week during today's sermon.)

ATTENTION LIFEGROUPS--We are moving our Leviticus studies around slightly to better fit with Resurrection Sunday. We will be looking at Leviticus 16:1-17:16 on April 12th and Leviticus 13:1-15:33 on April 19th. Please take note of this switch to better facilitate your LIFEGroup discussions.

ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

Announcements for March 30 - April 5

CHRIS & COURTNEY HARSHBARGER--It is our privilege to announce that Chris and Courtney Harshbarger have been received into membership at Greenville Grace. It is our joy to have the Harshbargers committed to growing at Grace and committed to serving our Body. Please take the opportunity to welcome the Harshbargers and celebrate with us!

>ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

>BLOOD DRIVE--April 13, 3:00-6:30pm There is a sign-up sheet for snacks and juice on table in narthex. You can go online to http://www.donortime.com/ to register an appointment or call Cheryl Wysong @ 547-0792 if you need help registering. Appointments aren't necessary but are encouraged to reduce wait time. Guidelines for donating sometimes change so even if you have not been eligible to give in the past, please go online and see if giving is a possibility now. It's free, simple and you could save up to 3 lives with a single donation.

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE AGE CONFERENCE--Basore Grace Brethren is offering "Committed to Christ: Walking the Talk" Conference April 18th. Cost is only $25 (lunch and dinner included). This conference offers main sessions as well as 16 different mini-sessions to choose from. Looks like a great opportunity! See the table in the narthex for more information.

VBS--June 14th – 19th
Mark your calendars now. The dates for this year’s VBS have been set.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we'd recommend either one!), you can check in the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

ATTENTION LIFEGROUPS--We are moving our Leviticus studies around slightly to better fit with Resurrection Sunday. We will be looking at Leviticus 16:1-17:16 on April 12th and Leviticus 13:1-15:33 on April 19th. Please take note of this switch to better facilitate your LIFEGroup discussions.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP--Join us this Saturday morning for our Men's Fellowship breakfast. Food will be served at 7 am and discussion will be centered around peace as we continue our series on the fruit of the Spirit.

Announcements for Mar. 23-29

LADIES NIGHT OUT--March 27, 6:30-9:30pm

QUIET TIME SEMINAR--If you are interested taking the Quiet Time Seminar (March 28, 8:30-12:30) at Bible Fellowship, Pastor Chris Cobb has graciously offered that all people from our church can pay the group rate. See the table in the narthex for more information.

DOWN SYNDROME FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP--Down Syndrome touches many families. If yours is one of them, come join us in starting a local Greenville Area Support Group on Saturday, March 28, 10am at Greenville Grace. For more information, or to R.S.V.P. call Heather at 937-968-3669 or email at ocelot210@yahoo.com.

DATE CORRECTION--Communion, April 10 at 6:30pm

BLOOD DRIVE--April 13, 3:00-6:30pm There is a sign-up sheet for snacks and juice on table in narthex. You can go online to www.DonorTime.com to register an appointment or call Cheryl Wysong @ 547-0792 if you need help registering. Appointments aren't necessary but are encouraged to reduce wait time. Guidelines for donating sometimes change so even if you have not been eligible to give in the past, please go online and see if giving is a possibility now. It's free, simple and you could save up to 3 lives with a single donation.

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE AGE CONFERENCE--Basore Grace Brethren is offering "Committed to Christ: Walking the Talk" Conference April 18th. Cost is only $25 (lunch and dinner included). This conference offers main sessions as well as 16 different mini-sessions to choose from. Looks like a great opportunity! See the table in the narthex for more information.

VBS--June 14th – 19th
Mark your calendars now. The dates for this year’s VBS have been set.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we'd recommend either one!), you can check in the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

ATTENTION LIFEGROUPS--We are moving our Leviticus studies around slightly to better fit with Resurrection Sunday. We will be looking at Leviticus 16:1-17:16 on April 12th and Leviticus 13:1-15:33 on April 19th. Please take note of this switch to better facilitate your LIFEGroup discussions.

ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

GRACE BLOG--To keep informed about happenings here at Grace, check out our church blog (ggbcnews.blogspot.com) for special announcements, missionary updates, baptism testimonies and much more.

Blessed Beyond Measure...

I shared the following over at my blog, but wanted to make sure as many in our church as possible knew the encouragement they are to me (and to all our pastors/elders):

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.--2 Corinthians 5:18-21

I don't deserve to be a child of God. I do not deserve to be entrusted with the gospel message. I do not deserve the privilege of being an undershepherd. And I do not deserve to be born and live to see this time.

John MacArthur recently shared why he is encouraged:

[Rick Holland] What encourages you most about the future of exposition, and what discourages you the most as you look at the up and coming generation?

[John MacArthur] Well...I have to tell you that I am greatly encouraged. You know, we opened "the vault" at Grace to You [all mp3's are now free]. That was ridiculous.

[RH] What were the statistics of the first weekend or month...

[JM] Listen, just to put it into perspective, my thought was...we had a $3 deal where you could download a sermon on mp3...$3. We did four thousand a month. So that's $12,000 a month, $144,000 a year. We kind of thought, if people want it, they'll pay for it, and it will have value to them. And then we finally realized, people are getting stuff for free, they're getting bad stuff free. They're getting almost everything free. Why don't we just make it all free? It went from 4,000 a month [downloads], so far, we're in about the fourth month, to a million a month.

So, the great conclusion is, people preach what's free! That's scary. So if that's what they are going to preach, we got to get it to them free. [on the audio, these sentences are clearly tongue in cheek]

No, but it has removed the barriers. So my response: I literally, in one month went from wondering if anybody cared about Bible exposition, to being absolutely thrilled about how many people must be doing biblical exposition...because there is no other reason to be downloading that stuff. It's stunning! Al Mohler and I were talking about it yesterday, the young generation is coming up literally owning reformed theology and Bible exposition. I promise you, that is what is happening to the young generation. These older ministers and pastors who aren't into Bible exposition and aren't into sound reformed theology are not capturing the young generation. They are not capturing them.

MacArthur then went on to explain that the older he gets, the younger his congregation gets.

I see what MacArthur is saying, but I also see more. I must say that this is one other reason why I believe I am blessed beyond measure to pastor at Greenville Grace. I love our people. It has been a thrill to see younger generations respond to the church's ministry [we recently added a third nursery, and it really isn't enough!], but God has given us this opportunity without sacrificing the "older generations" (wince...who really wants to be labeled like that?).

I preached a heavy, hard sermon this week (you really have no other choice when God is killing people), but did not have to fear whether the congregation would listen and receive it. I do not face pressure that the church does not want to hear the Word. I told someone this week, "It's so nice to know I am at a church that would get rid of me if I chose NOT to preach the Word."

I love you all, and don't want any of us to take it lightly. He is the One who causes us to "hunger and thirst for righteousness." We have not done that work on our own. He's really doing an amazing thing here at Grace. But not just at Grace, but around the globe as well!

I truly do not deserve to shepherd at a church where people of all generations crave the Word of God.

Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You.--Psalm 119:38

Announcements for March 16-22

SHAUN & JENNIFER SACHS--It is our joy to welcome Shaun and Jennifer Sachs as members of Greenville Grace. Shaun and Jennifer recently publicly testified to their faith in Christ through water baptism. They have taken the "Welcome to Grace" class, understanding the nature of the commitment of church membership, and want the family at Grace to know their commitment. We're excited to make it official!

DANIEL/TERESSA PIERCE--As pastors/elders of Grace, we want to thank the body for their overwhelming support for Daniel and Teressa last week through a love offering. God was glorified and the Pierces were blessed. Please join with us in praying for wisdom for the Pierces as they seek God's next step for them in ministry.

SERMONEUTICS--"Sermoneutics" is two things: 1) a made up word. 2) an upcoming men's study exploring the "why, how and what" of preaching. If you would like to refine your gifts in preaching/teaching, would like to explore whether God has called you to preach/teach, would like to know how to evaluate preaching/teaching, or would simply like to dive into some Scriptures with other men in order to grow closer to God...then this class if for you. We will meet every other Monday night starting this Monday night.

Men's Ministries March Madness Mayhem- Come watch Friday night's March Madness action at the church this Friday night at 7 pm. A sign up sheet is available in the narthex for those interested. Also, be sure to fill out your bracket in our Yahoo league (league ID- 26119, password- grace). For more details/instructions, see the table in the narthex.

Men's Fellowship- Join us this Saturday for our Men's Fellowship as we continue in our "Fruitful" series. This week will focus on the first of the listed fruits, love. Breakfast will be served at 7:00 and discussion should conclude at 8:15 am.

LADIES NIGHT OUT--March 27, 6:30-9:30pm

QUIET TIME SEMINAR--If you are like many other believers, establishing and keeping a disciplined, effective quiet-time is a real struggle. Bible Fellowship Church is offering a four-hour seminar on Saturday morning, March 28 from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Pastor Chris Cobb will be teaching how to have an effective, personal quiet time. Bring your Bible, a pen and a heart ready to hear the Word. For more information, contact Pastor Cobb at pastorchris@biblefellowship.com or the church office, 937-547-1952.

DOWN SYNDROME FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP--Down Syndrome touches many families. If yours is one of them, come join us in starting a local Greenville Area Support Group on Saturday, March 28, 10am at Greenville Grace. For more information, or to R.S.V.P. call Heather at 937-968-3669 or email at ocelot210@yahoo.com.

DATE CORRECTION: We will be having our Communion Service on Friday, April 10 at 6:30pm.

BLOOD DRIVE--April 13, 3:00-6:30pm There is a sign-up sheet for snacks and juice on table in narthex. You can go online to http://www.donortime.com/ to register an appointment or call Cheryl Wysong @ 547-0792 if you need help registering. Appointments aren't necessary but are encouraged to reduce wait time. Guidelines for donating sometimes change so even if you have not been eligible to give in the past, please go online and see if giving is a possibility now. It's free, simple and you could save up to 3 lives with a single donation.

HAPPY CAMPERS--Are you looking for a summer camp experience where your child can have fun and grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus? We've got two options for you. Our Tristate District of Grace Brethren Churches is offering "Creation Adventure" July 12th-17th. Skyview Ranch is also offering camps five different weeks in the summer. If interested in either camp (we'd recommend either one!), you can check in the church office for information or check out their websites. (tristatecamp.com or skyviewranch.org)

Announcements for Mar. 9-15

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC--Praise God for the recent trip to the Dominican by several within our church body. Tim Wolfe provided a brief update on their trip (which is found on our blog) and the team will be sharing with us next week, during the services. Be sure to join us next week to hear how your prayer and support have been used to further the gospel and how God used these brothers and sisters to help you fulfill your calling to proclaim His name to all nations!

LADIES NIGHT OUT--March 27, 6:30-9:30pm

QUIET TIME SEMINAR--If you are like many other believers, establishing and keeping a disciplined, effective quiet-time is a real struggle. Bible Fellowship Church is offering a four-hour seminar on Saturday morning, March 28 from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Pastor Chris Cobb will be teaching how to have an effective, personal quiet time. Bring your Bible, a pen and a heart ready to hear the Word. For more information, contact Pastor Cobb at pastorchris@biblefellowship.com or the church office, 937-547-1952.

DOWN SYNDROME FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP--Down Syndrome touches many families. If yours is one of them, come join us in starting a local Greenville Area Support Group on Saturday, March 28, 10am at Greenville Grace. For more information, or to R.S.V.P. call Heather at 937-968-3669 or email at ocelot210@yahoo.com.

BLOOD DRIVE--APRIL 13, 3:00-6:30pm There is a sign-up sheet for snacks and juice on table in narthex. You can go online to www.DonorTime.com to register an appointment or call Cheryl Wysong @ 547-0792 if you need help registering. Appointments aren't necessary but are encouraged to reduce wait time. Guidelines for donating sometimes change so even if you have not been eligible to give in the past, please go online and see if giving is a possibility now. It's free, simple and you could save up to 3 lives with a single donation.

Thank You Jesus!

As many of you have probably seen through the prayer chain, I lost my last living grandfather yesterday.

About 16 hours later, I finally had a good cry.

Then God blessed me by causing me to see this:


It Happened To Me from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.

We truly serve a good God!

Greenville SCORE Team

Dominican Update

Tim Wolfe sent the following information about our team from Grace, this week:

3/01/2009. We all attended the SCORE church this morning and had a great time in fellowship and worship. Yesterday we were at the almecen in Mt. Cristie cleaning it and rearranging the supplies. In the afternoon the group got all ready for ministry next week.

3/02/2009. We went to a new village called Los Llamos. It is to the north over an hour. It has a small Baptist church with pastor Raul. Everything went well with two doctors and one dentist. The gospel was given in the morning and in the afternoon. We had people in line all day and saw around 90 patients.

03/03/2009. (Dad's birthday) Today was a clinic held at the village called Palo Viejo just Northeast of Mt. Cristie. Although it is only a short distance off the main road, it is like stepping back in time. It is a small, remote village with access down a muddy truck path through the sugarcane field. The housing is from the early 20th century; a row of single room concrete homes, side-by-side with no windows and broken down front doors. The people are dirty and smell as well as the surrounding area. They have a hog in a wallow, donkeys, horses and many mangy dogs running around all over the place. The kids are barefoot and scarcely clothed. We didn't see anyone eating anything but sugar cane while we were there.

The morning looked threatening so we prayed for no rain and within a half hour we had sunshine and partly cloudy the remainder of the day. The gospel was preached in English, Spanish and Creole morning and noon. The people are mainly Haitian old men and young women. There were no middle-aged men to be seen. We suspect that there is much abuse here in a village of less than 100 people. The clinic was successful; much good professional treatment was given. We set up under a metal roof held up by rusted steel poles on a concrete slab.

3/04/09. Today was similar to yesterday. We went to a small, old, poor village just East of yesterday. I don't even know the name of it. It was close to San Pedro, close to the main highway, but about 70 years back in time. There were rows of single room concrete houses. The village is Haitian and dirty with trash everywhere. Primitive is a good choice of words. We set up in a sparse church building. They had basic musical instruments all hand made including the banjo a guy played. Chickens were running everywhere and the kids all eating raw sugarcane. There were many old people as well as middle aged men which indicates they had no work. Like yesterday, the people were dirty and shoe less; some of the young children naked.
The gospel was preached. We saw over 100 patients. Dental had many patients and on one guy, they pulled 7 teeth as they were all bad. Dr. Studebaker did a minor surgery removing a large cyst from a guys chest. It did not rain all day but was threatening. When we left and drove South a mile the roads were wet. It all went very well.

Praise God for the good report and continue to lift our brothers and sisters up in prayer!

Daniel Series

For those of you who have been following Oscar Stroede's series on the book of Daniel, the study questions are up for the next section (chapter 3). Also, if you've missed out on any of the series thus far, be sure to download the audio from the sections you may have missed here.

Additionally, if you missed any of Marshall GIpe's series on Ruth, it would be well worth your time to go back and review. You can download those messages here as well.

Announcements for Mar. 2-8

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC--More of our family at Grace are joining the Nilsen’s and Wolfe’s this week in the Dominican. Please pray for their time in the Dominican. May the Lord watch over them and use this ministry opportunity to encourage our missionaries there, grow each participants faith in Christ and see His kingdom expanded through the message of the gospel!

ELDER LEADERSHIP--The elder team would like to present Marshall Gipe to the church body as one who desires to be an elder. While Scripture says it is an honorable thing to desire the office of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1), the chapter goes on to lay out very specific guidelines for elder leadership (3:1-7). We would encourage you to examine this passage (along with Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5, among others) and also Marshall’s testimony. As elders, we desire to know if you can affirm Marshall’s qualifications for elder leadership. Would you please consider these texts, examine Marshall’s life and then share your confirmations or concerns with a current elder?

SERMONEUTICS--"Sermoneutics" is two things: 1) a made up word. 2) an upcoming men's study exploring the "why, how and what" of preaching. If you would like to refine your gifts in preaching/teaching, would like to explore whether God has called you to preach/teach, would like to know how to evaluate preaching/teaching, or would simply like to dive into some Scriptures with other men in order to grow closer to God...then this class if for you. We will meet every other Monday night starting March 16th. For more information, see Danny or the table in the narthex (sign up is also on the table).

FIREPROOF--As Greenville Fellowship wraps up their Love & Respect series here at our church, they have extended us an invitation to join them tomorrow night at 7:00 pm as they watch the recent movie, "Fireproof."

SPORTSMEN'S DINNER & OUTDOOR EXPO--Tuesday, March 3, 6pm at Community Grace Brethren Church, West Milton. Cost $10, kids 12 & under $4.00 If you interested in going, meet here at Grace at 5:30pm.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP--This Saturday, March 7, all men are invited to our Men's Fellowship time. Breakfast will be served at 7 am and the meeting should conclude around 8:15. Hope to see you there!

MOM’S GROUP DATE CHANGE--Mom’s please join us March 11 at 9:30am here at Grace for a time of fellowship. Diana Manges and Tammy Garber will be speaking about “The Art of Hospitality”.

WEEKEND TO REMEMBER--Another Family Life Conference is coming to Cincinnati this March 6-8. Many people in our church can vouch for the benefit of these conferences. Every marriage, regardless of its condition, can benefit from some intentional focus. We'd highly recommend you check out the table in the narthex to receive more information. Also, see Dan or Jeni Berger for information about a church discount.

QUIET TIME SEMINAR--If you are like many other believers, establishing and keeping a disciplined, effective quiet-time is a real struggle. Bible Fellowship Church is offering a four-hour seminar on Saturday morning, March 28 from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Pastor Chris Cobb will be teaching how to have an effective, personal quiet time. Bring your Bible, a pen and a heart ready to hear the Word. For more information, contact Pastor Cobb at pastorchris@biblefellowship.com or the church office, 937-547-1952.

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVE--April 13, 2009 (more details to come)

LADIES RETREAT--Unbreakable Bonds Retreat, April 17-18 at The Golden Eagle Retreat Center, Palestine, OH. See fliers on table in narthex for more details.