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Friday, November 15, 2024
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Sunday’s sermon is from 1 Corinthians 1:18–25. As you prepare for worship, read and consider this passage.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Keith and Brianna Brubaker on the birth of their daughter Josephine Faye. Born Thursday evening at 5:29 pm 6 lbs.14 oz.
Elder Nomination
It's time for members to nominate qualified men from our congregation to serve as elders. Brad Krause and Jarrod Bergey will complete their three-year terms in February 2025. Nominating elders is a vital responsibility for all members, and we encourage you to participate thoughtfully. Elder Nomination Forms are available at the Welcome Center and must be submitted by December 15.
Benevolence Fund
Grace's elders endeavor to steward benevolence funds well. The holiday season is often a time when we seek to distribute money to those in need in the congregation. The elders depend on input and suggestions from members of the church family when making benevolent decisions. If you are aware of a financial need in the congregation, please speak to one of the elders.
2025 Budget
At last week's meeting, the congregation approved a 2025 budget of $546,370. As Keith Wood explained, this is essentially a "frozen budget" based on the 2024 figures. Typically, the elders ask committees and ministry leaders to review past expenditures and propose a detailed spending plan for the coming year. However, with the purchase of the Hope Campus under consideration, the elders have decided to maintain the current spending levels until a final decision is reached.
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Crossway Publishers has generously provided 100 copies of Everyday Gospel: A Christmas Devotional by Paul David Tripp for our congregation. This devotional includes 25 short daily readings for December, perfect for the Advent season. Free copies are available at the Welcome Center—pick yours up on Sunday!
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Grace’s annual Pie and Praise service will be on Wednesday, November 27 at 6:30 p.m. We will gather in the auditorium for a praise and worship service, then meet in the Fellowship Hall for pie. We ask every family to bring a dessert to share..
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Thanksgiving tracts are available in the foyer under the TV to share at gatherings this month. If you have questions or would like more, please see Don Landis.
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We will be participating in Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes this year. Boxes will be available in the lobby and are due by November 24. Questions? See Dot Imel or Jen Yackanech.
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The Turkey Bowl (Grace’s annual Thanksgiving Day flag football tournament) is coming! Registration is open! Sign up here.
As usual, the Turkey Bowl requires lots of volunteers! You can sign up to serve, too.
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The congregation is exploring the possibility of purchasing and relocating to the Hope Campus on Bender Road. At the November 10 congregational meeting the members voted with a 95% majority to list our property on Walnut Hill Road. As Pastor Joel mentioned, this is a significant step, but not the final step in a future move. The congregation must approve any property sale or purchase. There will need to be another congregational vote! We also must secure financing for the purchase.
A floor plan of the facility is on display in the hallway along the ramp leading to the children’s classrooms, you can also see the official real estate listing here.
While we anticipate making some improvements upon moving in, the primary challenge we face is securing the funds for this purchase. Please consider contributing generously to the Building Fund, as our cash reserves are currently low. Your generosity will be crucial in helping us make this exciting move a reality.
The elders ask you to pray as the process continues.
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Join Encore on December 7 for lunch at Grace followed by the Christmas Crooners presented by Servant Stage. Lunch is at 12:30 followed by the performance at 3 at the Junction Center. Sign up online or by contacting Cheryl DeVinney.
Cost: Tickets are free/donations are accepted.
Lunch at 12:30 at Grace will include ham, potatoes, rolls, beverage, and desert. Bring a vegetable or salad to share.
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Sundays
Worship Services 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. Childcare provided during the second service.
Sunday School for All 9:45 a.m.
Pyro Youth 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Wednesdays
Prayer Meeting 6:30–7:30 p.m. in Pastor Joel's office
Awana 6:30–8:15 p.m. Age 3 through grade 8.
Thursdays
Women’s Prayer Group 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Judy McCue's home.
Michelle Okabayashi, administrator, works in the office Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
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View the Ministry Service Schedule for November online or download a copy here.
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The Order of Service and Sermon Notes are available on the church's website each Friday afternoon. These may be especially helpful if you plan to worship via livestream.
Church Center App: You can find the church directory online or in the app. You can make changes to your own information, enter block out dates if you are are on a service team, see the church calendar, and join prayer groups.
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Grace's Elders have established a group in the Church Center App to share prayer requests. Open the app and select the "More" menu along the bottom, "Groups," "Other Groups," and then "Grace at Prayer." Select "Join." Then use "Messages (+New)" to share prayer requests. If you wish to receive immediate notification when requests are posted, turn on notifications under "Profile & Settings."
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Looking for Bible study tools? Kids' shows? Topical studies? Search free materials at Right Now Media, or text GBCMPA to 49775, or follow the QR code.
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Connect to Grace's YouTube page to join the LIVESTREAM of the 8:15 a.m. service by clicking HERE.
You can watch previous services on our YouTube page at any time using the link above.
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