Sunday Bulletin, Oct. 25, 2009

Sermon this morning by Pastor Bill Connell

"The Sanctity of Marriage"

Genesis 1:24-31; 2:18-25; Matthew 19:3-15

I Corinthians 7:10-16, Ephesians 5:21-33

Prayer Opportunities
Family of the Week
Craig & Wendy James & Family

Missionary of the Month
Jody & Linda Dillow
Biblical Education through Extension


Last Chance...
Final preparations are now in process for the completion of our Church Directory. The deadline is next Sunday, Nov. 1 if you want your information included. Please fill out the blue form (located on the Information Table in the foyer). If you need to have your picture taken please see Clyde or Louise Moore to have pictures taken after this morning's worship service or schedule it for next Sunday, Nov. 1. We'd like to have all those who attend Grace Church in this year's Directory. It's a great way to keep in touch and get to know others in our congregation. Thank you.


Regular Services at Grace Bible Church
*Every Sunday, 9:45 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages in the Fellowship Hall and classrooms
Infant Nursery Upstairs

*Every Sunday, 10:45 a.m.
Kids for the Lord Children's Church, Grades 1-6, Downstairs
Adult Worship Service in the Sanctuary
Infant Nursery Upstairs
Toddler-Preschool Nursery Downstairs

*Tuesday, Oct. 27
Ladies Bible Study will not be held this week

*Every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
TeamKID for Grades 1-6 in the Fellowship Hall
Adult Bible Study & Prayer Time in the Sanctuary
Infant Nursery Upstairs


Special Activities at Grace
*Tonight at 6:00 p.m.
Discipleship Flock will meet at the home of Bill & Artie Wilkins, facilitated by Tom Gabbert. If you've thought about joining one of our Flock Groups, please consider this evening's meeting as we'll begin a new study in the Gospel of John.

*Saturday, October 31
Halloween is a great opportunity to hand out Christian literature when unsaved children come to our doors. Tracts for this occasion, designed for both younger children and older teens, are available on the table in the foyer. Please take some home and use them as ministry tools to reach people for Christ.

*Sunday, Nov. 1
Communion Service with Elder Rob Roelofs
Last chance to have photos taken for the Church Directory

*Sunday, Nov. 8, 6:00 p.m.
Please plan on joining us as we build Operation Christmas Shoeboxes in the Fellowship Hall. Additional information is given in last Sunday's post on this blog.

*Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7:00 p.m.
Elders Meeting

*Sunday, Nov. 15, 12:15-3:00 p.m.
A Pasta Dinner Fundraiser will be held to support an upcoming presentation by Pam Stenzel. Pam is founder of ENLIGHTEN COMMUNICATIONS, Inc., and she tackles today's tough issues of sex with candor, insight, humor, and the challenge for young people to grasp and live out the abstinence advantage. Pam has traveled worldwide, speaking in person to over 500,000 young people each year.

The cost for this meal is a minimum donation of $5.00 per person. For additional information, please see Lynn Bolton or contact her at 734-722-9776.


*Sunday, Nov. 22, Thanksgiving Service
You're invited to join us after this service as we deliver the Christmas Shoeboxes to Dearborn and then go on to have lunch together.

*Wed., Nov. 25 ... No Services

Thoughts to Ponder
Forgive those who have sinned against you. Forgive as God forgave you. This is, in the manner God forgave you. Imitate God in forgiving others. There is no peace, no reconciliation, apart from forgiveness.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 5:1,2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Operation Christmas Child, 2009

It's that time again....Operation Christmas Child

It's time to begin building our shoe boxes for Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child. Shoe boxes must be packed and ready to take to the main collection center by Nov. 16-23. That's just 4 1/2 weeks away! We will need to meet at some point during the week of Nov. 8-13 to fill the boxes. Below is a list of items suggested to fill the boxes.

Note: We already have plastic shoe boxes with lids; crayons; pencils & note pads.

If you want to build your own boxes you will need to get your own boxes. There will be labels to put on them, and envelopes to put the money in to to send each box at church. The cost per box remains at $7.00 each.

It is our goal to again build 50 boxes and if you wish to contribute to the cost of sending them, please see Camilla McKee

Please let Camilla know what items you are purchasing so we don't have duplicates. Since we're building 50 boxes, you will need to purchase 50 of the item you choose. Dollar stores are a good suggested place to shop for this.

GIFT IDEAS
*Toys ... Small cars (such as Match Box or Hot Wheels), small balls, small stuffed animals (such as Beanie Babies), kazoos, small harmonicas, yo-yos, small jump ropes, small Etch-A-Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc.

*School Supplies ... Pens, pencil sharpeners, stamps and ink pad sets, solar calculators, small coloring and small picture books, small packs of makers, etc.

*Hygiene Items ... Toothbrush (travel size suggested), small tubes of toothpaste, individual mild bar soap (place in a plastic baggie), comb, washcloth, etc.

*Other ... Hard candy & lollipops (please double bag all candy in plastic baggies), mints, gum. Socks, sunglasses, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries).

A Personal Note ... In a separate envelope you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name & address the child may write back.

DO NOT INCLUDE
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; no aerosol cans of any kind.

Thanks for your help,
Camilla McKee

Sunday Bulletin, Oct. 18, 2009

Exercise daily .... walk with the Lord!

Sermon by Pastor Bill
"Trusting in the Arm of Flesh"
2 Chronicles 14-16


Prayer Opportunities
Family of the Week
Bill & Artie Wilkins

Missionary of the Month
Jody & Linda Dillow
Biblical Education through Extension


Prayer
Let us be a church that does not just make plans, which we then ask god to bless. Let us be a community of believers in Jesus Christ, who present ourselves to God first, asking Him to give us His burdens and desires, in line with what the scriptures teach us. Let us find out what God is doing, and prayerfully join Him in that endeavor. Biblical success is assured if we are doing what He asks us to do.


Still Looking ...
Volunteers are still needed to help with snacks for our TeamKID program on Wednesday evenings. You will volunteer on a 2-week rotation and will provide snacks to the children in TeamKID. Please contact Linda Sourbeck if you can help. Thank you.


Transcriptionist Needed
If you have a few hours to volunteer to transcribe an audio CD
into a Word document, please contact Pastor Bill.



Regular Services at Grace Bible Church
Each Sunday at 9:45 am
*Sunday School for all ages in the Fellowship Hall & Classrooms
*Infant Nursery Upstairs

Each Sunday at 10:45 am
*Kids for the Lord Children's Church, Grades 1-6, Downstairs
*Adult Worship Service in the Sanctuary
*Infant Nursery Upstairs
*Toddlers & Preschoolers Downstairs

Each Tuesday at 9:30 am
*Ladies Bible Study in Fellowship Hall

Each Wednesday at 6:30 pm
*TeamKID for children in grades 1-6 in the Fellowship Hall
*Adult Bible Study and Prayer Time in the Sanctuary
*Infant Nursery Upstairs


Special Activities at G.B.C.
*Tuesday, Oct. 20, Elders Meeting, 7:00 pm

*Sunday, Oct. 25 Discipleship Flock
Meeting at the home of Bill & Artie Wilkins, facilitated by Tom Gabbert. If you've thought about joining us for Flock meetings, now is the time as we'll begin a new study in the book of John.

*Saturday, Oct. 31
Halloween, a great evening to hand out Christian literature as unsaved children come to our front doors. Tracts for this occasion are available on the table in the foyer.

*Sunday, Nov. 1
Communion Service with Elder Rob Roelofs


"Somehow, not only for Christmas
But all the long year through,
The joy that you give to others
Is the joy that comes back to you.
And the more you spend in blessing
The poor and the lonely and sad,
The more of your heart's possessions
Return to make you glad"
-John Greenleaf Whittier-

Sunday Bulletin, Oct. 11, 2009

Wisdom has two parts...

Having a lot to say

Not saying it

Sermon by Pastor Bill
"Heart Trouble" 2 Samuel 24 & 1 Chronicles 21


Prayer Opportunities
Family of the Week
Linda Gosline


Missionary of the Month
Jody & Linda Dillow
Biblical Education through Extension


Looking for a few good hands...
We're still needing 1 or 2 more people to help in the kitchen on a 2-week rotation to provide snacks during our TeamKID program. If you can help, please contact Linda Sourbeck at 313-383-2438. Thank you.

LIFE CHAIN REPORT
Despite inclement weather for much of the hour, a group of us joined about 175 other people, standing along Fort Street in Southgate last Sunday afternoon, testifying to the simple truth that "Abortion Kills Children". It is sad that such a basic understanding of abortion is not so obvious in our culture that signage should be required. Pray for America.

Transcriptionist Needed
If you have a few hours to volunteer to transcribe an audio CD into a Word document, please contact Pastor Bill.

Regular Services at Grace Bible Church
Each Sunday at 9:45 am
*Sunday School for all ages in the Fellowship Hall & Classrooms
*Infant Nursery Upstairs

Each Sunday at 10:45 am
*Kids for the Lord Children's Church, Grades 1-6, Downstairs
*Adult Worship Service in the Sanctuary
*Infant Nursery Upstairs
*Toddlers & Preschoolers Downstairs

Each Tuesday at 9:30 am
*Ladies Bible Study in Fellowship Hall

Each Wednesday at 6:30 pm
*TeamKID for children in grades 1-6 in the Fellowship Hall
*Adult Bible Study and Prayer Time in the Sanctuary
*Infant Nursery Upstairs

Special Activities at G.B.C.
Today at 6:00 pm
Fellowship Flock meets to discuss The Sacred Romance book
by John Eldridge, with Pastor Bill facilitating, here in the Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, Oct. 20
Elders Meeting, 7:00 pm

Sunday, Oct. 25
Discipleship Flock meets at Bill &Artie Wilkin's
home to discuss the book of John, facilitated by Tom Gabbert


...What do we do with new believers? We need to take them to church with us, because the greatest danger a new believer faces after making a commitment to Christ is falling through the cracks and going back to their old friends and their old ways. They need a brother or sister in Christ, an Ananias or a Barnabas who will take them and say, "You are coming with me to church."
excerpt from Greg Laurie Daily Devotion, Willing To Be A Barnabas?

Sunday Bulletin, Oct. 4, 2009

Man's way leads to a hopeless end -

God's way leads to endless hope

.........................................

Sermon today by Pastor Bill Connell

"Second Class Christians?"

I Kings 17 - 2 Kings 13

Also ... The Lord's Table

..............................

TeamKID is looking for a few good hands...
If you'd like to volunteer some time to help with snacks for our TeamKID program on Wednesday evenings, please see Linda Sourbeck, or call her at 313-383-2438. You'll be blessed!

Regular Services at Grace Bible Church
Every Sunday at 9:45 a.m.
*Sunday School for all ages in the Fellowship Hall & Classrooms downstairs
*Nursery upstairs

Every Sunday at 10:45 a.m.
*Kids for the Lord Children's Church, grades 1-6, downstairs
*Adult Worship Service in the Sanctuary
*Infant Nursery Upstairs & Toddler Nursery downstairs

Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
*Ladies Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall

Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
*TeamKID for grades 1-6 in the Fellowship Hall
*Adult Bible Study and Prayer time in the Sanctuary
*Nursery upstairs

Special Activities At G.B.C.
*Today, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Southgate Life Chain - join us as we stand along Fort Street, just south of Eureka Road. We'll be holding signs, praying and worshipping quietly as we protest the slaughter of innocent babies through the tragedy of legal abortion.

*Sunday, Oct. 11, 6:00 p.m.
Fellowship Flock meets to discuss The Sacred Romance book by John Eldridge. Pastor Bill will be facilitating.

*Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7:00 p.m.
Elders Meeting

*Sunday, Oct. 25
Discipleship Flock meets to discuss the Gospel of John, facilitated by Tom Gabbert


"So, what's all the commotion about the church? Well, ... I can think of only one other reason worth consideration. It is the church over which Jesus Christ says He rules as Head. He's in charge ...

See you Sunday. That's when the Body and the Head meet to celebrate this mysterious union ... when ordinary, garden-variety folks like us gather around the preeminent One. For worship. For encouragement. For instruction. For expression. For support. For the carrying out of a God-given role that will never be matched or surpassed on earth ... even though it's the stuff the world around us considers weird and weak ...

No matter how it may appear to others, if the church is something God has chosen and God is pleased to use, it's a big deal."

--Charles Swindoll, The Church--

Diana Carpenter - Oct. 4

Beth Godin - Oct. 9

Kevin Godin - Oct. 11

Kelly McKee - Oct. 27

Toddler Nursery Schedule

Oct. 4 - Rachel Norman

Oct. 11 - Harmony King

Oct. 18 - Karen Roelofs

Oct. 25 - Beth Godin

Nov. 1 - Nancy Connell
Nov. 8 - Kelly McKee
Nov. 15 - Rachel Norman
Nov. 22 - Harmony King
Nov. 29 - Karen Roelofs

Sept. 27, 2009 Bulletin

Man's way leads to a hopeless end ...

God's way leads to endless hope.

Sermon this morning by

David Bettinger of the Gideons

"Surprising Results" from Luke 10:25-37

LADIES BIBLE STUDY
If you forgot to sign up, it's not too late. There's time to catch up. Please join us in this study by Beth Moore. Tuesday mornings right here at Grace, beginning at 9:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you!

TeamKID is looking for a few good hands....
Would you be willing to help in the kitchen on a 2-week rotation basis? We need volunteers to help provide snacks for the children during our TeamKID program on Wednesday nights. If you'd like to help, please contact Linda Sourbeck for more information. Her number is 313-383-2438. Thank you!


Prayer Opportunities:
Family of the Week
Mr. Ken Kvasys

Missionary of the Month
Crisis Pregnancy Center of Lincoln Park

Regular Services at Grace Bible Church

Every Sunday at 9:45 a.m.
*Sunday School for all ages, Lower Level of the church
*Nursery Upstairs

Every Sunday at 10:45 a.m.
*Kids for the Lord Children's Church, grades 1-6, downstairs
*Adult Worship Service in the Sanctuary
*Infant Nursery Upstairs
*Toddlers, Lower Level

Every Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
*Ladies Bible Study in Fellowship Hall downstairs

Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
*TeamKID Children's Program for grades 1-6
held in the Fellowship Hall downstairs

*Adult Bible Study, followed by prayer time, in the Sanctuary
*Nursery Upstairs


Sunday, Oct. 4 at Grace...
*10:45 a.m. - Communion Service with Pastor Bill
*2:30-3:30 p.m. - Fort Street Life Chain

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7:00 p.m.
Elders Meeting


"Father, I want to know Thee, but my coward heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from Thee the terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come. Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that Thou mayest enter and dwell there without a rival. Then shalt Thou make the place of Thy feet glorious. Then shall my heart have no need of the sun to shine in it, for Thyself wilt be the light of it, and there shall be no night there. In Jesus' name, Amen."
A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

"In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma - but never let him be the period"

Sermon this morning by Pastor Bill Connell
"Ministering As A Team" from Exodus 18

Do you need help focusing on the essential things in life? Would you like to know how to discern what's secondary and whether there's time to do those things? Today's sermon covered these areas and more and you're invited to listen or re-listen to this morning's message. Go to

http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/ and click on Recent Sermons so this message may minister to you or someone you know.

Right-To-Life LIFESPAN

Taxpayer Dollars for Abortion?

Did you know? The Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 2007-2008 Annual Report shows that the abortion giant has increased the number of abortions from 289,750 to 305,310. Total revenue amounted to over one billion dollars, with the organization's profit margin of $85 million. Taxpayer dollars played a major role in that profit, with the report acknowledging the organization received $350 million of government grants and contracts.

Taken from American Life League Letter, July 17, 2009 - For more information, contact Right to Life-LIFESPAN, 734-422-6230

Ladies Bible Study
If you've not yet signed up, it's not too late. You can still catch up.
Join us this Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. for this study and fellowship.

Looking for a few good hands...

Would you be willing to help in the kitchen on a rotating basis to provide snacks for the children during the TeamKID program on Wednesday nights? If so, please contact Linda Sourbeck for more information. Her number is 313-383-2438. Thank you!

Each Tuesday Morning, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Ladies Bible Study

Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
TeamKID Children's Program for children in grades 1-6, Fellowship Hall
Adult Bible Study, followed by Prayer Time held in Sanctuary
Nursery Upstairs

Every Sunday, 9:45 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages

Each Sunday, 10:45 a.m.
KIDS for the LORD Children's Church, Grades 1-6
Adult Worship Service in Sanctuary
Nursery Upstairs


Coming Activities at Grace
Sunday, Sept. 27, 10:45 a.m.
Gideons Special Presentation by Dave Bettinger

Sunday, October 4
10:45 Communion Service with Pastor Bill
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Life Chain on Fort Street

Prayer Opportunities:
Family of the Week
Bob & Camilla McKee & Family

Missionary of the Month
Crisis Pregnancy Center of Lincoln Park

-Thoughts to Ponder-
Avoid judging one another in disputable matters
Romans 14:1-23
Romans 14:1
"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters"
Romans 14:19
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification"

What is Truth?

"Godly living centers not on what we avoid, but on whom we embrace. Anytime we talk more about dos and don'ts than about Jesus, something's wrong.

The Christian life is far more than sin management. Behavior modification that's not empowered by God's heart-changing grace is self-righteous, as repugnant to God as the worst sins people gossip about. Children who grow up with graceless truth are repelled by self-righteousness and attracted to the world's slickly marketed grace-substitutes.

The world's low standards, its disregard for truth, are not grace. The illusory freedom, however, feels like grace to someone who's been pounded by graceless truth - beaten over the head with a piece of guardrail...

But properly understood, biblical truths are guardrails that protect us from plunging off the cliff. A smart traveler doesn't curse the guardrails ... He looks over the cliff, sees demolished autos below, and is grateful for guardrails.

The guardrails of truth are there not to punish, but to protect us.

Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17).

Truth is more than mere facts. It's not just something we act upon. It acts upon us. We cannot change the truth, but the truth can change us. It sanctifies (sets us apart) from the falsehoods woven into our sin nature and championed by the world.

God has written His truth on human hearts (Romans 2:15). Shame and twinges of conscience come from recognizing that truth has been violated. When people hear truth spoken graciously, many are drawn to it because of the moral vacuum they feel. Hearts long for truth - even hearts that reject it.

We are to walk in the truth (3 John 1:2), love the truth, and believe the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10,12). All truth has a center of gravity: Jesus Christ, who declared, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). He didn't say He would show the truth or teach the truth or model the truth. He is the truth.
Truth personified. He's the source of truth, and the reference point for evaluating all truth-claims...

All of us have a theology. The only question is whether it's true or false. Much teaching today is popularity-driven, not truth-driven. "The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their ears want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:3).

Some pastors and television preachers are well paid to play fast and loose with truth. But Charles Spurgeon said, "Christ's people must have bold, unflinching lion-like hearts, loving Christ first, and His truth next, and Christ and His truth beyond all the world."

We should take our cues from the Berean Christians, who "received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day" to determine whether what they were being taught was true (Acts 17:11)."

Taken from The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn

Sunday, Sept. 13

"God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called"

Today's Sermon by Elder Kevin Godin

"The Calling and Power of Holiness" from Phil. 2:12-16

Is the saying 'Once saved, always saved' a truth to live by? Or are there conditions that we must meet? How do you know you truly believe the claims of Christ? To answer these questions and many others, please listen, or re-listen to today's sermon.

Go to http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/; then click on Recent Sermons to hear today's

vital, life-changing message by Kevin.

TeamKID

Wednesdays won't be the same at Grace Bible Church once elementary-aged children begin flocking to the church each Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:00p.m. The kids will have a time of worship, Bible teaching and activities, all geared to help them grow in their relationship with Christ.

Volunteers are still needed ... please contact Lynn Bolton

Registration will be held this Wed., Sept. 16 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
TeamKID begins Wednesday, Sept. 21

Right to Love - Lifespan Invites you to breakfast!

Did you know that Lifespan's Annual Pro-life Breakfast with Legislative Updates is planned with you in mind?

Our guest speaker is Marjorie Dennenfelser, President and Chairman of the Board of Susan B. Anthony List. Her topic will be: Pro-Life Attitudes Can Translate into Election Success.

The date is Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m., with registration beginning at 8:15a.m. Place: Burton Manor, 27777 Schoolcraft, Livonia. Cost: $20.00 per person, $10.00 for students aged 21 and younger. There are limited free seats for students who request them on a first-served, first-come basis.

Marjorie is a regular contributor on pro-life political issues to nation radio news services such as Focus on the Family, American Family Radio and Salem Radio News. There will be a Legislative Update and Health Care Reform Bill HR 3200 will be addressed. For reservations or more information, please call LIFESPAN at 248-478-8878 or 734-422-6230.

Ladies Bible Study Begins Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 9:30 a.m.
Cost is $10.00 for the workbook. We'd love to see you there!

Our Discipleship Flock meets tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Bob & Camilla McKee.
Our facilitator is Tom Gabbert. We'd love to have you join us.


Wednesday, Sept. 16 ... 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Bible Study of Ephesians with Kevin Godin meeting in the Fellowship Hall
Please note: There will not be prayer time this Wednesday only!

6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration for TeamKID

7:30 p.m. - TeamKID Organizational Meeting in the Fellowship Hall


Sunday, Sept. 20
Christian Worker Dedication Service

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Lincoln Park Crisis Pregnancy Center Life Walk fundraiser at Champaign Park in Allen Park. For details please call 313-386-4005.


Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
TeamKID begins for Children in grades 1 - 6
Adult Bible Study & Prayer Time will meet in the sanctuary


Sunday, Oct. 4 - Communion Service
2:30- 4:30 p.m. Life Chain


Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week:
Tom Colwell

Missionary of the Month
Crisis Pregnancy Center of Lincoln Park


Thoughts to Ponder...
Peacefully accept God-ordained diversity within basic unity.
Ephesians 4:1-16 & Ephesians 4:2-6
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called."

What is Grace?

The cost of redemption cannot be overemphasized. Christ took the hell He didn't deserve so we could have the heaven we don't deserve.

If you're not stunned by the thought of grace, then you aren't grasping what grace offers you, or what it cost Jesus...

Before I spoke at a conference, a soloist sang one of my favorite songs, "Amazing Grace."

It was beautiful. Until she got to the tenth word. "Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a soul like me!"

My heart sank. The word wretch had been edited out! I thought about John Newton, the songwriter. This former slave trader, guilty of the vilest sins, knew he was a wretch. And that's what made God's grace so 'amazing.' Mind-boggling. Knock-down awesome.

If we're nothing more than morally neutral "souls," do you see what this does? It guts grace. The better we are, the less we need it. The less amazing it becomes...

The Bible makes an astounding proclamation: "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

When you cut wretch out of the song, you shrink grace. You reduce it to something more sensible, less surprising. If we weren't so bad without Christ, why did He have to endure the cross? Paul said if men were good enough then "Christ died for nothing" (Galatians 2:21).

Grace never ignores the awful truth of our depravity. In fact, it emphasizes it. The worse we realize we are, the greater we realize God's grace is.

Grace isn't about God lowering His standards. It's about God fulfilling those standards through the substitutionary suffering of the standard-setter. Christ went to the cross because He would not ignore the truths of His holiness and our sin. Grace never ignores or violates truth. Grace gave what truth demanded: the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

For some, human depravity may be an insulting doctrine, but grasping it is liberating. Why? Because when I realize that the best I can do without Him is like "filthy rags" in His sight (Isaiah 64:6), it finally sinks in that I have nothing to offer. Salvation therefore hinges on His work, not mine...

What relief to realize that my salvation cannot be earned by good works - and therefore can't be lost by bad ones.

If we see God as He really is, and ourselves as we really are, there's only one appropriate response: to worship Him.

Taken from The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn

Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009

Communion Service with Elder Craig McGlassion

Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell

"Oh, No! Manna Again!"

Are you a complainer? Odds are, if we're honest with ourselves, the answer is indeed "Yes". Would you like to change that and learn from Scripture how God sees complaining? Then please take the time to listen, or perhaps, listen again, to Pastor Bill's teaching on this important aspect of our lives. Go to our web site: http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/ and then click on "Listen to Recent Sermons" to hear today's message. Why not invite others to listen to it also?

TeamKID
Wednesdays won't be the same at Grace Bible Church once elementary-aged children begin coming to TeamKID! There will be worship time, Bible teaching and activities geared just for children in grades 1-6. The program has a taste of the well-received VBS program from July; only on a smaller scale, and will be held on a weekly basis.

Volunteers are still needed ... please see Lynn Bolton. Registration will be held Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Adult Bible Study will be held in the sanctuary beginning Wed., Sept. 23


Note: The new church directory will soon be printed! If you haven't already done so, please fill out an information form and turn in to the office; and see Clyde or Louise Moore to have your picture taken. We'd like to see all our church family included in this new directory. Thank you!

Right-to-Life Lifespan
Abortion is NOT Health Care!

Did you know that the U.S. Senate and House committees are presently working on health care reform packages including various amendments that will directly affect both abortion and rationing of health care. National pro-abortion groups see this legislation as an opportunity to mandate abortion and abortion funding.

Please contact your two U.S. Senators, (in MI they are) Carl Levin at 202-224-6221 or email him at senator@levin.senate.gov and Debbie Stabenow at 202-224-4822, email senator@stabenow.senate.gov ; also, please contact your U.S. Representative. (You may call the Lifespan office if you need more information about your U.S. Representative)

The message to be conveyed is that abortion and abortion funding must be 'explicitly excluded' from any health care insurance reform legislation. Contact Right-to-Life Lifespan at 734-422-6230.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Elder Meeting


Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m. (and every Wednesday)
Bible Study of Ephesians with teacher Kevin Godin, followed by prayer time
Dessert: Lynn Bolton


Sunday, Sept. 13
A.M. - Sermon by Elder Kevin Godin
P.M. - Discipleship Flock will meet at Bob & Camilla McKee's home in Brownstown,
facilitated by Tom Gabbert


Wednesday, Sept. 16
Registration for TeamKID in Fellowship Hall


Sunday, Sept. 20
Christian Worker Dedication Service


Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.
TeamKID program begins for children in grades 1-6
Adult Bible Study & Prayer Time will be held upstairs


Sunday, Oct. 4
Communion Service & Life Chain


Prayer Opportunities

Family of the Week:
Lisa Blevins & Family

Missionary of the Month
Crisis Pregnancy Center of Lincoln Park


Thoughts to Ponder...
Put on other Christ-like virtues which promote peace

Colossians 3:12 & 13 "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones".

Ladies Bible Study

Attention Ladies ....

You're all invited to join us for our next Ladies Bible Study that begins Tuesday, Sept. 15. We'll be doing another study by Beth Moore entitled "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place"

Wanda Gabbert is our teacher once again and she'll help us discover the parallels of the Tabernacle's building and your life as a chosen vessel of God as taught by Beth Moore.

The cost of the class workbook is $10.00 and is payable to either Wanda or Sandy McGlassion. To register please fill out a form that's included with the church bulletin; email Wanda at wfgabbert@wowway.com or call the church office at 734-282-0115.

Remember: Class begins Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and we'll meet

each Tuesday morning thereafter till the class is finished.

Sept. Birthdays & Anniversaries

Joey Carubba - Sept. 1

Elizabeth James - Sept. 3

Zachary Roelofs - Sept. 5

Opal McGhee - Sept. 8

Sarah Plaza - Sept. 10

Huston James - Sept. 15

Lisa Blevins - Sept. 18

Edna Milburn - Sept. 19

Karen Roelofs - Sept. 23

Artie Wilkins - Sept. 23

Tom & Wanda Gabbert - Sept. 10

Rob & Karen Roelofs - Sept. 18

Toddler Nursery

Toddler Nursery Schedule

Sept. 6 - Karen Roelofs

Sept. 13 - Beth Godin

Sept. 20 - Nancy Connell

Sept. 27 - Kelly McKee

Oct. 4 - Rachel Norman

Oct. 11 - Harmony King

Oct. 18 - Karen Roelofs

Oct. 25 - Beth Godin

Sunday Bulletin, August 30, 2009

Welcome

"Sin started not because of the apple on the tree, but the pair underneath"

Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell
"God Is In Control" - Psalm 139


Special Call to Prayer
From time to time we stress the importance of gathering for prayer as a group to present the needs of our congregation and our nation to the Lord God. We are meeting this evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for this purpose. We hope to see you then.

We're Still Missing You ...
If you've not yet turned in your information for the church directory, please do so ASAP. Forms are located on the literature table in the foyer. Also, if you've not yet had your picture taken, please see Clyde or Louise Moore.

"One of the highest of human duties is the duty of encouragement ... It is easy to laugh at men's ideals; it is easy to pour cold water on their enthusiasm; it is easy to discourage others. The world is full of discouragers. We have a Christian duty to encourage one another. Many times a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. BLESSED is the man who speaks such a word."
William Barclay, The Letter to the Hebrews

Wed., Sept. 2, 6:30 p.m. (and each Wednesday)
Bible study of Ephesians with teacher Kevin Godin, followed by prayer time

Sunday, Sept. 6
Communion Service

Sunday, Sept. 13
A.M. - Sermon by Elder Kevin Godin
P.M. - Discipleship Flock will meet

Wed., Sept. 16
Registration for Team KID in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, Sept. 20
Christian Worker Dedication Service

Wed., Sept. 23 6:30 p.m.
Team KID program begins - Grades 1-1
Adult Bible Study & Prayer time will be held upstairs

Sunday, Oct. 4
Communion Service & Life Chain


Prayer Opportunities:

Family of the Week
Don & Lynn Bolton & Family

Missionary of the Month
New Beginnings Prison Ministry
Larry Hubbard


Thoughts to Ponder...
Stirring up another person's anger also produces strife

Proverbs 30:33 'For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife'

Sunday Bulletin, August 23, 2009

Welcome - The Lord's Day, August 23, 2009

Have no fear for tomorrow - Jesus is already there

Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell
"God Has No Grandchildren" - Genesis 15:6


More Children's Ministry News....
Registration for Team KID, our new children's ministry, begins Wed., Sept. 16. Team KID will be held Wed. evenings from 6:45 - 8:15 p.m. Children in grades 1-6 will have additional opportunity to grow in the Lord through exciting learning adventures, games, crafts and worship. Please be praying for this ministry and if you'd like to be involved, let Lynn Bolton or the church office know. Thank you!


We're still missing a few folks ...
If you've not turned in your directory information or had your photo taken, please do so ASAP. Please see Joel Ashby today to have your picture taken.

Special Call to Prayer
Next Sunday, August 30, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Won't you join us as we pray for our church and our nation?

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6:40 p.m.
Bible Study of Ephesians with teacher Kevin Godin, followed by prayer time

Sunday, Aug. 30, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Special Time of Prayer

Sunday, Sept. 6
Communion Service

Sunday, Sept. 13
Sermon by Elder Kevin Godin

Wed., Sept. 16
Registration for Team KID

Sunday, Sept. 20
Christian Worker Dedication Service

Wed., Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.
Team KID program begins for children in grades 1-6
Adult Bible Study and Prayer Time will be held upstairs


Prayer Opportunities:

Family of the Week
Bob & Rachel Norman & Family

Missionary of the Month
New Beginnings Prison Ministry
Larry Hubbard

Thoughts to Ponder...
An angry person causes dissension
Proverbs 29:22 'An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins'

Sunday Bulletin, August 16, 2009

Welcome - The Lord's Day
August 16, 2009

Sermon by Pastor Bill Connell
"Preach the Word!"

More Children's Ministry News
Have we got exciting news for you! Registration for our new children's program, "Team KID" will begin Wednesday, Sept. 16. This program will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., and children in grades 1-6 will have additional opportunity to grow in the Lord. Team KID offers exciting learning adventures, games, crafts, snacks and worship. KID stands for Kids in Discipleship

Would you please be in prayer for the preparations for this new ministry? And would you also be praying about being one of our volunteers?


We're still missing YOU
We're still missing a few Very Important People ... those who haven't turned in their directory information sheet (located on the literature table in the foyer) or those who haven't had their picture taken. Please do so ASAP so the printing of our new directory can begin soon. To schedule a photo shot for today or next week, please see Joel Ashby. Thank you.

Special Call to Prayer
From time to time we stress the importance of gathering together for prayer as a group to present the needs of our congregation and our nation to the Lord God. We would like to meet together on Sunday evening, August 30, from 5 - 7 p.m. to pray. Please put this time on your calendar.

Elder Meeting Report
The Elders have now published (and placed in a binder in the church office) two policy statements: Benevolence Policy and Building Use Policy.


Today and every Sunday:
9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Studies in the book of Genesis with teacher Danny Toma, and children's Sunday School Classes
10:45 a.m. Adult Worship Service in the main auditorium, Nursery Upstairs, and Kids for the Lord, our Children's Church Program, downstairs

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m. (and every Wednesday)
Bible study of Ephesians with teacher Kevin Godin, followed by prayer time
Dessert: Betty James

Sunday, August 30, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Special Prayer Meeting

Sunday, Sept. 30
Sermon by Elder Kevin Godin

Wednesday, Sept. 16
Registration for Team KID in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, Sept. 20
Christian Worker Dedication Service

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.
Team KID program begins for children in grades 1-6
Adult Bible Study and Prayer time will move upstairs

Sunday, Oct. 4
Communion & Life Chain

Prayer Opportunities:

Family of the Week
Joel & Marianne Ashby

Missionary of the Month
New Beginnings Prison Ministry
Larry Hubbard


Thoughts to Ponder
Be patient. Bear with one another.
Proverbs 15:18
'A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension but a patient man calms a quarrel.'

Proverbs 20:3
'It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.'

Proverbs 26:21
'As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.'

I Corinthians 13:4
'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.'

Sunday Bulletin, Aug. 9, 2009

The Lord's Day at Grace Bible Church - Welcome!

Today's Sermon, "Times of Distress"

was given by Elder Everett Sollars and taken from the book of Jonah.

If you've been through distressing times recently or perhaps you're going

through those times now, please take the time to listen to this message.

Simply go to http://www.gracebiblesouthgate.org/ and click on 'Recent Sermons'

You'll be grateful you did!

Many thanks from Kids for the Lord Leaders....

All of the children who are currently registered in our class now have

prayer partners. If you've not picked up your child's card, please

see Sandy McGlassion.

'TeamKID' ....

coming in early September to Grace Bible Church

'KID' stands for 'Kids in Discipleship' and will be held

each Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Children in grades 1-6 will be invited to participate in exciting learning adventures, games, crafts, snacks and worship. We ask you to please be in prayer over the preparations and be looking for further announcements about this new ministry for children. And, we'll be looking for volunteers too ... if you'd like to help, please contact Lynn Bolton or the church office.

Are you looking for an opportunity to serve at Grace? The following list shows areas where you can use the gifts God has given you:

* Scripture reading in Worship Service
* Giving Announcements before the Worship Service
* Children's Workers for Wednesday evening for Sunday morning
* Vocalists & Instrumentalists for Worship Service
* Property Committee / World Outreach Committee Members

If you'd like to help in one or more of these areas, please contact the church office. Thank you!

Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Elders Meeting

Wednesday, August 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Bible Study in Ephesians with teacher Kevin Godin
Prayer meeting will follow this teaching

Sunday, August 16
Sermon by Pastor Bill

We're still missing a few Very Important People who haven't turned in their directory information sheet (located on the literature table in the foyer), or had their picture taken. Please do as ASAP so printing the new directory can be done soon. To have you photo taken, please see Joel Ashby the next two Sundays, Aug. 16 & 23.

Prayer Opportunities...
Family of the Week
Sandy Horning

Missionary of the Month
New Beginnings Prison Ministry
Larry Hubbard

Thoughts to ponder...
Put off the deeds of the sinful nature which destroy peace and harmony.
Galatians 5:19 & 20 "The acts of sinful nature are obvious: sexual immortality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions..."

Galatians 5:22 & 23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."