Glorify God Through Instruction

Transcription

1 Glorify God Through Instruction March 2014 A WORD FROM PASTOR STEVE The theme this winter certainly seems to be centered on the subject of snow for our area. It s interesting to note the different opinions floating around concerning the subject of snow. Those opinions seem to range from a strong dislike to a strong love for the white stuff. Children enjoy snow days! Parents are beginning to dread snow days or maybe they re way beyond beginning to dread. Summer vacation for our students seems to be getting shorter as each snow event comes and goes. While there are plenty of negatives and yes, even positives with snow, I doubt few can disagree with the beauty of a new fallen snow. The snow we have seen fall this year has provided some beautiful snapshots of God s creation in a blanket of white. There is something about walking outside when snow is falling and experiencing the beauty and the silence. There is something about seeing the dormancy of God s creation in the wintertime change from a picture of dark colors to a brilliant picture of white. God s Word uses the word, snow, several times, yet the most exciting use is when it is used to paint a picture of our condition when we experience God s forgiveness. Psalm 51:7 says, Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. And Isaiah 1:18 addresses this as well, Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord, Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. Think about this for a moment. This snow we now see is covering up a creation that is waiting for spring and until those warmer times come, all appears to be dead. Don t miss the fact that the snow is only covering up what appears to be dead. God s Word tells us we were dead in our trespasses, in our sins. The passage noted in Isaiah says those sins are as scarlet. When we accept Christ as our Savior, our sins are not covered up or covered over. No, our sins are forgiven and we are cleansed! Our sins are now as white as snow! The next time it snows and it messes up your schedule, or causes another snow day for the kids, or creates another couple of hours of shoveling, STOP! Stop for a moment and thank God for the price that was paid in full on a hill called Golgotha, thank Him for the precious blood that was shed for you, thank Him for the words shouted on that hillside that day It is finished! and finally thank Him that your sins are as white as the snow before you. STUDYING OUR DOCTRINAL BELIEFS During 2014 we are studying through our doctrinal beliefs during the Sunday evening services (6:30). In March we will take a look at Christology (study of Christ). PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITY Pathway Services, Jessica and Friends Community Adult Day Program, is looking for someone to work part-time to lead a music group. The position involves working 5-10 hours per week (daytime hours) with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism to lead a group in music, singing, sign language, and creative movement. The position has very flexible hours. Please contact Sandy Myers at or sandymyers.jfc@gmail.com if interested in the position. Grace Baptist Church 3920 East Prospect Road, York, PA (717) gracebaptistyork@comcast.net Sunday: 8:15 Contemporary Worship 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Traditional Worship 5:30 Against the Flow Youth 6:30 Evening Worship Service Wednesday: 7:00 Bible Study & Prayer for Adults / Pioneer Clubs / Against the Flow Youth

2 become acquainted with OUR DEACONS Chip and Lori Isiminger have been attending GBC for 21 years. Lori graduated from college a year before Chip and was welcomed into Wednesday night services. She got to know other ladies in the congregation. Chip says, since she was grounded in a Bible-believing church when we got married I decided to attend with her. The Isimingers have celebrated 21 years of marriage. Their daughter, Jensica, is 16 years old and in her junior year at York Suburban High School. Son Jacob is 14 years old and a freshman at York Suburban. Chip has worked for Excel Inc. for 15 years, where he is an inventory clerk monitoring the tire inventory at Goodyear s Northeast Logistics Center. Lori is a registered dental hygienist for a periodontist in York. Chip says he likes to sing, watch football and basketball, and play guitar (as a novice). He s quick to state don t ask me to play anything hard! As a family they enjoy watching movies, sitting around a fire, singing, listening to music, traveling, and playing games. Jensica and Jacob enjoy drama, marching/ concert band at school and getting together with friends. Jacob enjoys baking and cooking and will on occasion make meals for the family. Chip received Christ into his life as a 13 year old. After watching Jimmy Swaggart preach on the necessity of knowing the moment of your salvation, I remember kneeling beside my bed and asking Christ into my life and for His forgiveness of my sins. Through the years since then He has continued to do His work in and through me. Every time He uses me to reach someone for Him I am overwhelmed by the blessing it is for the almighty Maker of the universe to use me to accomplish any task He s willing to do through me. The entire family is very involved at GBC. Chip teaches adult Sunday School ( I like it because it forces me to grow ) and leads the praise team, along with all the responsibilities as a deacon. Lori co-teaches junior high Sunday School and Pioneer Club Voyagers, teaches Children s Church, and takes a turn in the nursery. Jensica is involved in Messengers of Grace, Against the Flow youth group, and sometimes takes a turn running the power point for early service. Jacob is in Against the Flow youth group and is a regular sound engineer behind the microphones in early service. Chip s life verse is Psalm 37:4 and Lori s and Jensica s is Romans 15:13. When asked about favorite Bible stories/characters Lori and Chip both like Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego in the book of Daniel, Jensica likes Queen Esther and Jacob s favorite is Jonah. REMEMBER OUR SHUT-INS Pray for our shut-ins, send a card, make a phone call, pay a visit (call first), make a meal and deliver it or stay and eat with them, pick up groceries / medicines. Addresses and phone numbers are in the directory. Wilma Davidson Leona Mauck Paul & Gerry Zearfoss Gerry Kline Marie Grace Carol Sarver Julie Lindsey Nina Johnson Those in nursing homes also appreciate prayer, cards, visits. Gerry Henry Russ and Julie Hearton Berteene Stabley HIGHLIGHTS FOR March (See the Calendar at the end of the Newsletter for all Events) Special Speakers During Pastor Steve s vacation March 1-3 and 5-9 we will be blessed with the following men sharing the Word with us: Chaplain Dave Hildebrand will preach on March 2 during both morning services and the evening service. Rev. Lloyd Marchant will preach on March 9 during both morning services. SON OF GOD MOVIE EVENT Tuesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. Frank Theatres at Queensgate Shopping Center 2071 Springwood Rd, York Tickets are still available for a reduced price of $5.00 from Travis Gaidos, Josh Lindsey or the church office during regular office hours (Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 3:00 and Friday 9:00 1:00). For every ticket you purchase for your family, you will receive one free ticket to invite someone who does not attend GBC. Offer that person a ride to the theater or plan to meet them at the theater. GBC nursery workers will provide childcare in the theater s party room for GBC children ages 2 10, up to 20 children. You can sign up for childcare when you purchase tickets. Invite your co-workers, friends, neighbors, relatives to purchase a ticket for $5.00. Tickets will not be available at the door. Sunday, March 9 Quarterly Business Meeting 6:30 p.m. Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on the front door forever!

3 MEN S RETREAT NEW LIFE BIBLE CAMP March Contact Chip Isiminger for Details Sign-up Sheet is Downstairs by the Back Entrance Malcolm Beall, guest speaker, will be looking at the life of Elijah and how we still need to take time to listen to that Still Small Voice of God. This weekend will be sure to encourage you and challenge you as you strive to live a life honoring to the Lord. Price if you register before March 14 is $54. Enjoy camp activities (zipwire, horses, climbing wall, hiking) or just simply rest and relax. Men s Night Out Friday, March 28 6:30 p.m. Enjoy Pizza, Devotional, Volleyball For Young and Not So Young Men To enjoy Fellowship with each other GBC LADIES ATTENDING SOAR 2014 WOMEN S CONFERENCE Saturday, March 29 8:30 a.m. Calvary Church, Lancaster Check out the flyer on the Library Bulletin Board Register by 2/28 to receive the price of $49 for 10 or more, $59 if less than 10 attending, $29 for students See Pearl Auker for Details GRACE NOTES JR. Presenting The Friendship Festival Praise n tation during the Morning Services Sunday, March 30 SECOND ANNUAL MEN S RESURRECTION BREAKFAST Saturday, April 5 9:00 a.m. The Purpose of the breakfast is 3-fold: to reach unsaved men for Christ, to help Christian men get involved in ministry and to build friendships with men who are unsaved or unchurched. Buffet Breakfast Todd Brill, Worship Leader Attorney Douglas Gent, Speaker Attorney Gent has practiced law for 35 years in South Central PA. Today his practice focuses on estate planning and administration, elder law, real estate, and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He is a trained Christian conciliator through Peacemaker Ministries which offers a Biblical guide to resolving personal conflict. Attorney Gent will speak about the conflict that separates us from God and each other, and conflict in our culture. He will share the biblical remedy for that separation and discuss what the church can expect in the future. How Can You Help? Men Take some flyers from the table in back of the sanctuary and post at work, a convenience store near you, your barber shop or grocery store and hand to neighbors and friends. Then attend the breakfast, bringing along co-workers, friends, neighbors, relatives who need to hear the Word. Signup sheets at entrances to church upstairs and downstairs. Ladies Make egg casseroles and bring to church by 8:45 the morning of the breakfast. Help prepare, serve, clean-up breakfast and loan us your griddles to make pancakes. Signup sheets will soon be at entrances to church. Everyone Be in prayer for a good attendance, salvation and spiritual growth for those who attend. PIONEER CLUBS CRAFT DAY On Saturday, February 8, 2014, 21 children gathered in the gym to work on crafts. The day was organized by Kathy Wagaman who set up many different craft stations. There was an adult volunteer at each craft station. Kids could pick whatever crafts they wanted to do. Some of their choices included painting t-shirts and backpacks, bead necklaces, drawing on a blank puzzle, painting sun catchers, perler beads, leather stamping, foam craft, popsicle stick treasure chest, painting wood projects, and tiling and grouting a kitchen trivet. Audrey Noll interviewed some of the kids to find out what they liked best about craft day: Katie Landis everything was good Nathan Strausbaugh making a foam sticker cow Audrey Noll painting, perler beads, and snack Lillian Wolfe painting and tiling Emma Landis painting a bookbag Kylie Wagaman spending time with my cousins Mackenzie Wagaman just being there and having fun Special thanks to Kathy Wagaman and all who helped make the day fun for the kids. Submitted by Audrey and Michelle Noll

4 OWLS NEWS If you are 55 and older you are invited to the Older Wiser Loving Seniors (name suggested by Audrey Brooks) monthly meetings. Those who attended the Valentine luncheon at Meadow Hill restaurant had a great time of fellowship. Our leader, Terry Hildebrand, gave an inspiring devotional before our delicious meal including desserts made by several ladies in the group. Barb Rumsey had entertaining games with prizes that all enjoyed. Don t miss the next meeting on Tuesday, March 18, at 12:00 at the church. You do not have to bring your own sandwich. The theme for the luncheon this month is soup and salad. If you haven t signed up yet to bring soup, salad, fruit or dessert you may do so on the sign-up sheet located on the bulletin board in the church library. (Whoever removed the sign-up sheet from the bulletin board, please return it so others can sign up) Following lunch join Jim Heyn in a sing-a-long. Pastor Steve will be the guest speaker. HEY KIDS Are you ready to become special agents for the one true God? Don t Miss Vacation bible school June At International Spy Academy, you will learn to know, love, and live for the one true God as you enjoy songs, crafts, games, goodies, and dramas. MONTROSE COUPLES WEEKEND RETREAT On Friday, January 31, nine couples traveled up route 81 to Montrose, PA, to Montrose Bible Conference. We all arrived safely and after unpacking and freshening up, we all met in the Tea Room for dinner. After dinner we all met in the chapel for session one. We began that session with a husband and wife team that lead us into worship. Their names are Michael and Denise Warner and they were amazing. They opened the night with "You are Savior", "In Him we're Found" and "On Solid Ground." Then Pastor Craig Peters began teaching us on Honor. The ones we are to honor are as follows: A. Our Parents Proverbs 23:20, Proverbs 20:20, Leviticus 19:32 B. Our Wives Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19 1 Peter 3:7, Proverbs 30:31, Romans 12:10 C. Our Husbands Colossians 3:18, Ephesians 5:33 D. Those in Authority (President, etc.) E. Our Pastors and Leaders 1 Timothy 5:17, Romans 12:20, Hebrews 13:17 F. God Psalm 50:14-15, Psalm 50:23 Great quotes he shared include Marriage is like a vinyl record: it is vulnerable, do not break it and Honor those who deserve our honor. Michael and Denise closed with singing "How Great Thou Art" and ended the service in prayer. Some of us went to the game room and played games while some of us (yes us) went to bed early. On Saturday, February 1, we got up and headed downstairs to meet up with our group for breakfast. After breakfast we all headed to the chapel for the 2nd and 3rd sessions. The second session again Michael and Denise started us out in song, singing "How Great Thou Art," "Ancient Words," "Inside Out," and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Then Pastor Peters came up and began to teach us about God's guidelines in relationships, which is based on Colossians 3:18-4:1. What is the big idea (generational question) God is a God of order. 1 Corinthians 14:33 talks about that. He then proceeded with the Guidelines of God: 1 Corinthians 14:33 says For God is not a God of disorder but of peace as in all the congregations of the Lord s people. Ephesians 5:22 says Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. (He also went on to say that the word submissive doesn t mean to be belittled or abused, that biblically it means to arrange or place one's self under delegated authority.) He showed a video from you tube called "It's Not About The Nail" ( He shared a quote "I love you. Period. No strings attached." We all need to love like that. Pastor Craig had us all stand and read I Corinthians 13:4-8 out loud. He then asked us to keep standing if we follow that verse 100%, we ALL sat down. We must remember the attitude of the heart in our husbands and wives. Our homework is to not be harsh, speak words of life not death in your marriage. Pastor Craig then went on to teach us the guidelines for Children: (Colossians 3:20). Children need to obey in actions. They need to be honoring in attitude. We, as parents must invest in our Children. We must tune out of the world and tune into our families and our children need to see the love we have for each other as husbands and wives; but they also need to know we are the leaders and they need to obey and honor us as well. Pastor Craig went on to teach husbands about the guidelines in Fathering (Mothering as well). (Colossians 3:21) Fathers need to not be belittling or criticizing to their children because they have soft hearts and take in everything you say to them, then act out. If you say they are bad, they will act bad, but if you say they are always happy, then they will be happy. Fathers need to also not ignore their children. If you are busy

5 working on your car, teach them how and what you are doing. If the big game is on, teach them what the players are doing. They need to know they are worth your time. Do not compare them to others (example: Tyler why can t you be more like Johnny? He is so much smarter and funnier than you). Do not place too high expectations on them, they are just small and are learning each day. Remember when disciplining them their age and how much they can and cannot understand. Do not live your unfulfilled dreams through them. In other words, if you wanted to play ball but were never good at it, do not force them to do it and push them hard because it is what YOU always wanted to do. Put them in a positive environment. Do not let them be around negativity. Negativity + negativity=negativity. Positive + positive= positive. Pastor Craig ended that session on guidelines for employers and employees. Win their favor. Go the extra mile to win the support and favor of your employees and employers. Be timely and productive. If you are done your specific job early, go see if there is anything you can do with your extra time. Worship at your work. Read your Bible during break, go to your car and listen to worship music, talk to a co-worker about God and what He has done for you and your family. Recognize God as your ultimate boss. Remember you are really working for God, no matter where and who you work for (Colossians 3: 23). Work for your compensation. If you are early, stay late, work hard and are respectful, you will make that better pay check. For employers: Provide for your employees and treat them right and fair. Session number 3: Motivation. What motivates you to get up every day of every week of every month of every year and continue in your marriage? (Nehemiah 2:17-18) A quote Pastor shared was "It's about the goal, but it's also about the process in reaching that goal." You have to look for progress not perfection in your marriage. Are you going forward or are you going backwards. As long as you are progressing, then you are going forward. We tend to motivate and be motivated by: 1. fear (temporary), 2. incentive (keeps growing bigger and bigger and is also temporary), 3. others (can t rely on them always). We must remember the Lord and that He is Great and Awesome! Another few quotes that were shared are "You can do marriage and do ministry and still miss the mark" and "Stop doing things FOR God and start doing things WITH God." (Luke 19:11-27) We need to reflect the heart of our King. He ended the session with 2 Corinthians 4:1 "Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart." It is the small things in a marriage that strengthen and build it strong. After the sessions we gathered in the Tea Room for lunch. After lunch, we all traveled down the mountain to a man's house. In his back yard he built a castle. It is made with no mortar and is simply beautiful. We then had the rest of the afternoon to do as we pleased until 5 p.m. So after we got back to the lodge, Stephanie and Joe Weber and Reed and I went into "town" to do a little shopping. It is a very quiet small town, but has lots of charm and character. I know we enjoyed the chocolate store. We also went to the book store in the lodge and got a few goodies for the kids. We were asked to dress up for DATE NIGHT, so we met up with everyone in the chapel and they had a photo booth set up, so we took advantage of that and took a lot of great and silly pictures. After dinner, Michael and Denise Warner entertained us with songs and a game called "Stump the Chump (but it ended up being more like name that tune) which our very own Brenda Apple was the winner two years in a row and we got a solo from her. After that, they showed a movie (sorry the title escapes my mind) but the "young uns" went to the rec room and played games. After the movie, Dave and Kim and Brenda and Roger joined us. It was an amazing day and evening! On Sunday, we had yet again another amazing breakfast and then had a sermon in the chapel by Pastor Craig and music lead by Michael and Denise. Denise and Mike began by singing "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Amazing Grace/My Chains are Gone." The sermon was about parables. (Luke 10:25-37) God wants to turn our ALMOST into an ALWAYS! God never intended for us to be ALMOST kinds of people, we should always be ALWAYS people. When people ask a question, always ask a question back, you are showing them you want to be sure you understand what they are asking/ telling you. It also shows where you are spiritually. Something to always remember is to love your neighbor as yourself - ALWAYS. No excuse. When dealing with people we may need to get our hands dirty if we want to make a difference. "The rise and fall of your marriage is not YOUR fault. It is a WE/US thing." REMEMBER: Hear a need, see a need, make your move (towards or away). Think about this: Are you characterized by A. coming along side or B. walking on by? Are you engaged or disengaged? Pastor Craig also was very adamant about "Don t be a church that MIGHT do, be a church that DO do." Jesus didn t ALMOST do anything for you! He Did EVERYTHING for you! We sang "10,000 Reasons" all together (which was beautiful) then gathered in the Tea room for our last lunch and we all headed home. I can say it was an amazing time with some amazing people. We got to know some of our church family even better and bond more and learn so much about our marriage and each other and I know we are so thankful that we were blessed to go. ~Submitted by Kristen Baldwin Got a New Address? Phone Number? Cell Number? the new information to the church address or put a note in the Marchant mailbox.

6 HOW CAN I SERVE THE LORD AT GBC? Teach or help all ages for Sunday School or Children's Church, contact Jayne Warner. Teach or help Wednesday nights with Pioneer Clubs, contact Kathy Wagaman. Enjoy caring for babies through 2 years old? See Deb Goeke to serve in the nursery. Forms to work with children and youth in Sunday School, Children's Church, Pioneer Clubs, and Nursery are available on the wall at the top of the steps in the library. Interested in joining Grace Baptist Church? Paul Buser will be more than happy to talk with you. To receive urgent prayer requests and praises, urgent church weather announcements/cancellations, the Sunday and Wednesday Praise/Prayer Sheets and the monthly Church Newsletter, sign up for Hotline s by providing your address to Michelle Noll. Don't have an address? Give Marlene Marchant your name and phone number to receive by phone the urgent prayer requests and church announcements. Hank Wagaman will train you to work in the sound booth-- sound, Power Point, and/or camera to record services. How about driving the van to bring others to church for Sunday School and second service. Josh Lindsey will give you the route so nobody is missed! Brenda Apple is looking for more singers to join the choir. Practice is Thursday at 7:00. Contact Jayne Warner to join the Drama Team. All ages (young and un-young) are welcome! Let Sherry Stayer know you would like to sing or play an instrument as special music Sunday morning or evening. Pammie Landis schedules meals to be delivered to those who have been hospitalized. If you don't have the opportunity to talk with these folks at church, put a note in their mailbox with your name, phone number and the area where you want to serve or the church. YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKLY / MONTHLY EVENTS IS ENCOURAGED Men s Prayer Meetings Men committed to pray meeting every Thursday at 9:00 at the church choir room. Contact Frank Collins with questions. Ladies Prayer Meetings Meeting at church certain Mondays or Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Contact Gina Alvey or Kim Loucks. Nursing Home Ministry Conducting monthly services as follows: Autumn House Assisted Living - 1st and 5th Sundays at 2:00. Contact Charles Geesey Colonial Manor Nursing Home - 2nd Sunday at 2:30. Contact Paul Buser Manor Care Kingston Court - 4th Sunday at 2:00. Contact Frank Collins Empty Nesters Plus Ladies Fellowship Meeting the first Tuesday of every month at 1:00 at Marsha Loop s home. Connect Groups Meeting Monthly in Homes: Marchants - 1st Friday at 7:00 Wagamans - 3rd Friday at 6:00 (Contact Hank and Kim or Chip Isiminger) OWLS (Older, Wiser, Loving, Seniors) Meet at the church the third Tuesday of every month at 12:00. Contact Terry Hildebrand for information. Moms & Kids Playgroup and Mom s Night Out Contact Stephanie Porta, Kim Wagaman or check out the blog-- for dates and times for Playgroup and monthly Mom s Night Out. HAVE NEWS FOR THE WEEKLY BULLETIN OR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER? Put in the Marchant mailbox or the church. Deadline for the weekly bulletin is every Thursday at 9:00. Deadline for the monthly newsletter is the 20th of the month. This includes any exciting news happening in your family to share with your GBC family school, sports, music, job, etc. MAIL OR A BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY CARD TO OUR MISSIONARIES Neil Prentice (3/8) 1906 Zebley Road Wilmington, DE Neil.prentice@crossworld.org Lloyd Thorpe (3/14) Baden Westwood Road Brandy Wine, MD New_havenbaptist@yahoo.com Yoamy Sanchez (3/24) Apartado Postal #14 La Esperanza, Honduras ericksantic@yahoo.com

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