Oct 21, 2008

Operation Christmas Child, Pt. 1

Each Christmas we take part in Operation Christmas Child, a ministry supported by Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love."

This year our goal is to minister to 50 children. On Sunday, Nov. 2, following our morning Worship Service, volunteers will enjoy a Multiple Choice Lunch and then gather to fill those 50 boxes.

What can you do? Contact Camilla McKee to see what items are needed to put in the boxes. Pray that God will touch the heart of every child who receives a shoe box gift and that He will bring many children and families to faith in Christ.

Help pack a gift on Nov. 2. Simply be here for our Worship Service & then meet with other folks in the lower level of the church.

Give. It will cost $7.00 per box to mail these boxes. If you can help in any area, please contact Camilla or Pastor Bill.
"So many books, so little time"



In answer to an informal survey sent to the congregation of Grace Bible Church, the folks listed below are letting us know what books they're currently reading.

Sandy Horning:
A series of 5 books by Joel Rosenberg. They are:
"The Last Jihad", "The Last Days", "The Ezekial Option", "The Copper Scroll" and the best one of them all is the last one, "Dead Heat". I also read every book that Karen Kingsbury writes.



“He that loves a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, as in all fortunes.”
- Barrow

Sandy McGlassion: The book I am reading is "The Sacred Romance" by John Eldredge & Brent Curtis. GREAT BOOK!!

Sam Plaza:
Here are a couple that I am working on at the moment:
1. "The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression" (Amity Schlaes)
2. "Fleeced" (Dick Morris)

The smallest bookstore still contains more ideas of worth than have been presented in the entire history of television. ~Andrew Ross

Pastor Bill: "Anchored in Christ" by Norm Wakefield -- recommended for good theology. "The Spirit, the Church, and the World" by John Stott -- my favorite of the 10 or so books I am reading on Acts.

Nancy: "Fireproof" by Alex & Stephen Kendrick -- novel to accompany the movie, great for supporting marriage. "Sons of Encouragement" novellas by Francine Rivers: "The Priest" (Aaron) , "The Warrior" (Caleb), "The Prince" (Jonathan), "The Prophet "(Amos), "The Scribe: (Silas) -- historical novellas on men who lived in the shadows of great biblical leaders. All of Nancy's books are available to borrow. I still need mine.

Rob Roelofs: I am reading "The Science of God" by Gerald L.Schroeder. Lots of Physics, very interesting approach to reconciling Biblical creation with apparent scientific evidence. And Karen is reading "Christy" by Catherine Marshal. 19 year old school teacher in Smokey Mtns in 1912.

The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it. ~James Bryce




Louise Moore: I just finished reading "Bold Purpose" (Dan Allender & Tremper Longman II) and began reading "Sacred Romance" (thanks to Sandy McGlassion); I'm also re-reading "Don't Waste Your Life" (John Piper)

Camilla McKee: Two books I have read within the last six months that I would recommend:
"Miracles" by Terri Blackstock and "90 Minutes in Heaven" by Don Piper.


Betty James: I am presently reading "The Journey" by Billy Graham. I believe it is a book that would be especially helpful for new Christians because of its simplicity and how it covers all aspects of Christian living that we all should strive for.

For those interested in recent political history, David P. Schippers' book "Sell Out" is a recommended "must read" on my list.

I would highly recommend "Life at the Bottom" written by British psychiatrist, Dr. Theodore Dalrymple. This book has true-life vignettes revealing that long-term poverty is caused not by economics but by a dysfunctional set of values. All of the events take place in England.

Four of my favorite books this past year were........ "Gifted Hands" - "Think Big" - "The Big Picture" and "Take the Risk." These books were written by Dr. Ben Carson about his life. He is a Christian and world renowned brain surgeon. Incidentally, he is a graduate of Southwestern High School (Huston's old school) located in southwest Detroit. Very inspirational reading.

Evelyn Farris has just read and recommends the book "Can Martha Have A Mary Christmas? Untangling Expectations and Truly Experiencing Jesus" Author: Brenda Poinsett, Publisher: New Hope. The author doesn't take us on a guilt trip about buying gifts and/or continuing family traditions, but helps us find new ways to connect with the true meaning of Christmas. The Holiday rush needs not squeeze out Christ.

Let us know what you're reading and we'll add it to our blog.

Oct 12, 2008

Pastor Appreciation Day, Oct. 12, 2008

October is Pastor Appreciation Month
and we appreciate Pastor Bill & Nancy


James, Nancy & Donny

"We appreciate the dedication to Grace that Pastor Bill, Nancy and the boys show in so many ways. It is our prayer that there will come a day when we will be able to have him as a full time pastor so he can live up to the full potential that God has given him. But until that time we pray God will allow him to continue to be a mighty witness to others in his workplace, neighborhood and everywhere he goes. Thank you Pastor Bill, we love you."
Bob and Camilla

"He is not just a pastor , he is also a friend." Bobby Riddle

"Words alone are often not adequate to express the deep appreciation we have for our Pastor and his family. Unknowingly perhaps, they have helped to heal wounded hearts and mend torn places in the souls of some hurting people. They always welcome you with a smile and a warm hug that lets you know they truly care about you. Pastor's laughter brightens any day and Nancy's smile warms the heart. Donny & James are two of the finest young men we've ever met and regardless of where we see them, they always make time to say Hello and ask us how we're doing. When we think of the word "Pastor" ... Bill Connell always comes to mind. He has fulfilled that role in so many ways and we are thankful our Lord has placed him with us. We look forward to all our heavenly Father has in store for Grace Bible Church under the leadership of Pastor Bill and our Elders."
Clyde & Louise

Oct 1, 2008

October Calendar ... What's Happening at Grace Bible Church this month

Wednesdays beginning at 6:15
Dessert, Fellowship & Kevin Godin's continued study on the Christian World View and a time of prayer will follow this Bible study

Communion Service, Sunday, Oct. 5
&
Life Chain, 2:30 - 3:30 pm that afternoon
Life Chain is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of our belief in the sanctity of life. We will spend time praying for our nation and for an end to abortion. This visual statement reaffirms the fact that abortion kills children and that we support human life from the moment of conception.
This event is non-political, non-denominational and non-confrontational. We stand about 25 feet apart, hold a sign and pray for 60 minutes. We will meet at the west side of Fort Street, just south of Eureka, in the same location as last year.

These photos were taken at last year's Life Chain.
Won't you consider joining us this year?


Sunday, Oct. 12 - Bring a Friend to Church Day

at 5:00pm that afternoon, Arnold Fruchtenbaum will be speaking at New Hope Church in Haslett, MI. For more information about attending this event, please see Sam Plaza.

at 6:00pm, Oct. 12 - Our Discipleship Flock meets
Please see Tom Gabbert for additional information about this Flock


Sunday, Oct. 19 - Fall Membership Class begins
If you're interesting in becoming a member of Grace Bible Church, please contact one of our Elders or Pastor Bill for information

6:00 pm, Oct. 19 - The Book "Sacred Romance" by John Eldridge will be discussed in our second Flock meeting this month.

October - November Nursery Schedules:

Oct. 5 - Kelly McKee
Oct. 12 - Harmony King
Oct. 19 - Karen Roelof & Carol Farkas
Oct. 26 - Beth Godin & Rachel Norman

Nov. 2 - Nancy Connell
Nov. 9 - Kelly McKee
Nov. 16 - Harmony King
Nov. 23 - Karen Roelof
Nov. 30 - Beth Godin & Carol Farkas

A very Happy October Birthday to:

Diana Carpenter - Oct. 4
Beth Godin - Oct. 9
Kevin Godin - Oct. 11
Reba Nieman - Oct. 19
Kelly McKee - Oct. 27