A WORD FROM PASTOR STEVE

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1 Glorify God Through Prayer "...and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16 January 2015 A WORD FROM PASTOR STEVE Do you have a favorite picture that you could look at for hours? Some hold family pictures as treasured pieces and they are. There is nothing like looking back at family pictures seeing how the children have grown and changed. There are sweet times of looking at family pictures and remembering those who are no longer with us and we remember them with a smile, a laugh or possibly a tear or two. Maybe some have that special family painting that has been passed down through the generations. And regardless of its monetary value, it is a cherished and treasured heirloom that speaks loudly of family heritage and legacy. The pictures on the walls in our homes each hold their own special reason to hang in their place of honor and whether it s family, a favorite artist or a family heirloom, each picture shares its own message and memory with us and gives us the opportunity to share those things with others. One wall of our home shares the message of the cross in pictures. I don t think we deliberately set out to do that, but it happened. There s nothing chronological or sequential about the pictures that are there. There are pictures painted by a couple of our favorite artists. There are gifts given by special friends and there are those pictures that spoke so loudly to us when we saw them that we purchased them. And each of them shares a story about Jesus; from a picture painted by Stephen Sawyer of Jesus holding a lamb to another one painted by him of the face of Jesus as He wore the crown of thorns. My favorite picture is on that wall. It is one that I ve spent quite a bit of time looking at and it gives me pause each time I look at it. We ve just celebrated Christmas, the birth of Jesus into a sin cursed world for the redemption of that world. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Jesus; in a womb, born into this world covered in vernix, crying to take in his first breath of air, fingers and toes counted by Joseph and Mary, quickly cleaned up and cuddled by His mom, soft words spoken as He is held close, and certainly thanks given by Mary and Joseph as they knew better than anyone who knew them or would meet them that as Mark Lowry has so eloquently penned, and when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God. Look at the picture. That baby grew into a toddler who probably followed his earthly dad, Joseph, around the carpenter shop. He probably played with the wood scraps and tried to build things like Joseph did. He probably pounded a few nails as He toddled around the shop. Most likely, He missed on occasion and hit His fingers with that hammer, or was cut by the sharp edge of the nails Joseph may have used and would have been consoled and cared for by Mary. Look at the picture. That toddler grew into a man who increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52). That toddler grew into a man who would know what it was to live life just like us. He would experience hunger and thirst. He would work and sweat. He would experience the death of one friend and the betrayal of another. He would see the devastation of sin in people and families. He would experience the hypocrisy of those who claimed to love God and help the hopeless to meet God. He would know the sting of false accusations and the adoration of those who loved Him. Look at the picture. It s far too easy to keep Jesus in Bethlehem. When we do that we keep the picture clean and calm, and isn t that how we like things? It s a nice setting we use to decorate our homes each year; a nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, some shepherds, an angel, some animals, and yes, (even though not biblically correct) the wise men. Look at the picture. The shadow is a cross and there are three spikes lying on the floor. Call Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Joseph and Mary received the news and were obedient, but did they know what lie ahead for

2 their baby born in Bethlehem? Did Joseph even have a hint that the sound of the nails he pounded in his workshop would one day be the same sound of nails being driven into his Son s hands and feet? Could Mary, when patching up a cut that Jesus received in Joseph s workshop, even begin to imagine one day watching Jesus suffer wounds that she couldn t bandage? Could either imagine that wood and nails, which now brought them an income, would one day be the tools used to crucify their beloved Jesus? Look at the picture. Three spikes. A cross. A Savior. 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 Carol Sarver Gerry Kline Earl and June Kingan Leona Mauck Julie Lindsey Nina Johnson Russ and Julie Hearton BIBLICAL BLURB "THE 39 STEPS" You may think about the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock spy thriller about an organization of spies called "The 39 Steps". Think again dear friend. Here comes the "Thrilling" part. In James 5:16, God teaches us to, "Pray for one another...the effective prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much". Praise the Lord our new church directory has been published and is available to all. Guess what? It has 39 pages! Why don't you divide that into a manageable amount and pray for everyone on a page each day. Maybe 3 or 4 pages of church family? Even one will make a difference. You will be "Thrilled" as you pray because you will get to know people you don't know. Now, you can start the new calendar year by caring for one another. Those people that attend the "other" service? You can get to know them spiritually. That's the "Thriller" part; caring and loving for God's Glory. The Giant Sequoia trees can grow up to 300 feet in as little as 3 feet of soil. They get that ability from intertwining their roots for strength. We must intertwine our Godly roots to be a strong church, so we can stand tall for the truth. I Thess. 5: 17 Daily Prayer NEEDS Our Pastor and his family Our Deacons Christian Education Staff Building Committee Pulpit Search Committee Our Shut-ins Our Missionaries How YOU can serve God at GBC GET YOUR SUBS / PRETZEL SANDWICHES MONTHLY SALES SUPPORT FUTURE MISSION TRIPS! 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 6:00 Against the Flow Youth 6:30 Evening Worship Service Orders Due: Sunday, January 11 Pick Up: Wednesday, January 21 Communion Service January 18 6:30 Wednesday: 7:00 Bible Study & Prayer for Adults / Pioneer Clubs / Against the Flow Youth

3 SANCTITY OF LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 18 Human Life Services of York (one of the missionaries GBC supports) reminds us that Life is precious. It's precious because the God of the universe created each one of us. The value He places on each life is beyond measure. He loves us so much that before we even came to know Him, He gave His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins - that one act of love is priceless! At Human Life Services, every life matters! They are committed to helping women and men in crisis discover the wonder and awesome privilege of carrying life. Because of generous supporters, Human Life Services is able to provide: Set your compasses for Africa and prepare for an epic expedition at Camp Kilimanjaro VBS! Area Directors are needed to sign up in January! Once all areas have a Director, we will order the materials and begin planning! - Snacks - Covered! - Games - Crafts - Drama - Music/Openings/Closings - Covered! - Set Construction - Covered! - Hallways & Rooms Decorating - Nightly Dinners - Guides - Childcare for staff before and after VBS every evening Contact Tom Greig with the position where you would like to serve by a note in his mailbox, call or thomasgreig260@comcast.net. Free pregnancy testing, Free ultrasounds, Confidential counseling about pregnancy options, Prenatal and parenting education, Maternity and baby clothes, Post-abortion recovery counseling. (Taken from HLS website) VBS PLANNING MEETING Sunday, January 25 5:00 p.m. Everyone who will be involved in VBS requested to attend GBC Family Snow Tubing Avalanche Express 2700 Mount Rose Avenue, York Tuesday, January 27 4:00-10:00 p.m. (come and go as you desire) Sign-up sheet at the back entrance Sign up no later than Sunday, January 25 $10 per person (if 50 or more people sign up) Give money to Josh Lindsey or Marlene Marchant (during office hours) avalanchexpress.com for further information VBS will be held June Jambo! Welcome to Camp Kilimanjaro, where you'll have an epic expedition through the book of Proverbs! Every day, our kids are faced with choices will they choose wisely or foolishly? As they safari up Mount Kilimanjaro, your trekkers learn that true wisdom comes only from the one true all-wise God, who wants us to be wise! And He's filled the book of Proverbs with wise sayings for us! As they study Proverbs, your hikers will learn to have: ears that hear and do the Word of God; hearts that trust in the Lord; tongues that are tame; hands that get to work; feet that walk with the wise! Couples Retreat at Montrose Bible Conference January 30 February 1 Featuring Dan and Elaine Miller. Weekend begins on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and concludes with lunch on Sunday at 12:30. Prices range from $300 - $320. Scholarship assistance available. Call to register. Carpooling opportunities will be provided. Church van will be used if enough interest and a driver is available.

4 WAGAMAN CONNECT GROUP Our goal, when we started Connect Groups a couple of years ago, was to build deeper, more intimate relationships with other believers from Grace. In confidentiality, we have been able to share and support one another during times of struggle. We look forward to getting together once a month. Usually, we meet at someone s house, but sometimes we change it up and meet at a park for a picnic and kickball or at the church to play games in the gym. This past fall, Curt Rumsey hosted and we had a bonfire and went on a hayride. Every year we have a New Year s Eve Party where we reminisce about the past year and discuss our goals for the upcoming year. We always eat! Often, we have a food theme: Mexican, Italian, salad bar, pulled pork, etc. Everyone brings food to share and then we fellowship over dinner, often laughing and being silly together. After we eat, either Chip or Hank tries to lead the rowdy adults in a discussion which culminates in a Biblical application. We have had some very interesting topics including angels, heaven, Halloween, and stress. During the adult discussion, the kids play. If everyone is there, we have about 20 children! Sometimes it s a little chaotic, but they get along good and love playing together. There is always room for more if you would like to join us!! ~Submitted by Kim Wagaman our true purpose when we live a life that is used by God's Spirit to give His love away to others. HAVE NEWS FOR THE WEEKLY BULLETIN OR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER? Adult and Children Sunday School Classes, Pioneers, Youth keep us all informed of special events/activities/lessons. Families/individuals please share any news/accomplishments from your family (school, sports, music, work place, etc.). the church address or put a hardcopy in the Marchant mailbox. Deadline for weekly bulletin is every Thursday at 9:00. Deadline for the monthly newsletter is the 15 th of the month. CHURCH ADDRESS When ing the church, please use the following address: gracebaptistyork@comcast.net Do not reply to Hotline s. That address is checked only when a Hotline is sent, which could be several days until your important is received by the person for whom it was meant. ISAIAH JONES AND THE SEEKERS OF THE LOST CHRISTMAS TREASURE Thanks to a great cast and their director for the special evening they gave to us this past Sunday night. NEW ADDRESS? New address? New phone or cell number? Put a note in the Marchant mailbox or to the church address. HOW CAN I SERVE THE LORD AT GBC? There is a need for individuals/families who will serve the Lord by visiting first time attenders to GBC. This is usually done on Sunday afternoons. Paul Buser will provide you with the address and a gift to deliver. 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. Through the video game journey of our adventurer and his side kicks, we were reminded that no matter how hopeless our situation seems, God is always with us - Emmanuel. Our adventurers ultimately discovered that the key to winning the game (and living a true purpose-filled life) is giving it away. Just as God gave us His most precious gift in the earthly life and death of His precious Son Jesus, we too find 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

5 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 and Tim Etner 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 6:45. 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 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. GBC Playgroup and Mom s Night Out Contact Stephanie Porta for dates and locations for Playgroup and Kim Wagaman for monthly Mom s Night Out or check out the blog-- MAIL OR A BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY CARD TO OUR MISSIONARIES Maria Stayer (1/1) 144 Longmeadow Lane State College, PA stayerm@dm.org Rev. Marvin and Denise Robinson (1/4 Anniversary) 249 Courtly Circle Rochester, NY robcimdpm@aol.com Gloria Arnold (1/11) 1910 Maraposa Drive Chambersburg, PA darnold@weoministries.com Peter Teague (1/15) 939 Bluegrass Drive Lancaster, PA PTEAGUE@lbc.edu Susanne Goosen (1/26) PO Box 2137 King Williams Town 5600 Republic of South Africa lsgoosen@gmail.com Erick Sanchez (1/27) Apartado Postal #14 La Esperanza, Honduras ericksantic@yahoo.com 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.

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