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From Pastor Wes
"Defying the Odds"
Today we celebrate 236 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independance! Could those Founders have imagined that their experiment in democracy would last this long? The second President, John Adams may have been surprised. He wrote: "Remember democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." So 236 years later it appears we've defied the odds. Over the years many people have asked how America has not only survived but thrived. While there are no simplistic answers, one answer that has been quoted many times came from a Frenchman who came to America in the 1830s to study America's culture and values. After travelling the nation and researching widely, Alexis de Tocqueville wrote that "America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." According to this answer, the greatness of the nation depends upon the goodness of it's people. Goodness does not just happen. It is tied directly to one's relationship with God. "The LORD loves righteousness and justice...Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD...he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do....the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love....We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield." --Psalm 33 Let's do all we can to defy the odds in our time! |
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"Why?" 
This Sunday we continue in the sermon series: "Why?" Why do Christians hold the perspectives that they hold on particular issues? Pastor Wes will lead us in a biblical study on sexuality. Again, you're welcome to text Pastor Wes with your thoughts in advance at 609-226-9615. Also, at the end of the service there will be an opportunity to address your thoughts and questions. For more information on this sermon series, see the "Why?" sermon series brochure here .
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Grace Community Church Now on Facebook
 We have joined Facebook, just click on GCCN Facebook. You can also access it anytime from the right column of the homepage of our welcome2grace.org website. Joining facebook furthers our Church objective of raising our profile within the community, reaching out to others as well as improving our communication within the congregation.
Just a few quick points regarding page policy:
> Current events, updated news of the Church is a main theme;
> Please avoid controversial subjects, such as political themes, boycotts, personal causes.
> Please do not use this media for promoting personal business ventures.
> Post uplifting, encouraging entries that reflect Christ and His Church.
Our hope and prayer is that through this social media Jesus Christ will be honored and praised!
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Next Stage in Mission Trip
Ming and Joyce will begin a mission trip into China later this week,. They will be visiting local families and workers, assisting with discipleship and prayer-walking. Please remember them in prayer especially during the next two weeks. If you are able to contribute financially in support of this trip, please designate your gift to "China Mission Trip." Thank you! |
RockSolid Men's Ministry
Our next Tuesday evening men's group will be September 4, 2012--Lord willing! Each Sunday morning we are looking at lives of men of the Bible to see eternal principles for powerful lives. Also, put Saturday, September 15 onto your calendar for a great conference hosted by Grace Community.
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Kids and Teen News
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Hope that everyone is staying nice and cool inside! Here is what's happening this week inthe life of our kids, teens and young adults!
There is no Youth/Young Adults group this week (awww...), but there will be a cookout at Pastor Wes' Home on Wednesday, July 11 (yay!!) Invite a friend with an appetite!
It's crunch time for the preparation of Vacation Bible School! Have you checked out the donation board? We still need a number of items for decorations, crafts and games! Take a look at the board on Sunday and pick up an eagle!
If you would like to sign you children up for VBS, click here! If you would like to volunteer, contact Pastor Matt here. The all VBS Volunteer Meeting is on Saturday at 9a! Please be there!
Also, our "Tech Week" is next week. "Tech Week" is a theatre term for finishing touches, skit rehearsals and learning the motions of the songs! Here is our rehearsal schedule:
Monday:Noon-1:30p; Tuesday: 7:30-9ish; Thursday: 2-4p and Friday: 12:30-2p. If you are able, lend a hand and help set up! We might not need all of these days if all of the work is done!
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Women of Grace
"Seeking God's Renewal for Your Mind, Body and Soul"
The Summer Sunday School series for women is underway to great reviews! If you haven't yet been able to attend, you can still easily join in! The series features the Women of Faith DVD collection which includes encouraging messages from speakers such as Patsy Clairmont, Sheila Walsh, and Luci Swindoll. Nutrition and healthy-living tips are being shared as well. Truly will be a blessing for you! 9:30 on Sunday Morning.
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| Summer Church Finances
Summer is often a challenging time financially for the Church. Income tends to go down, but the costs actually go up due to additional ministries, lawn care, electrical costs, etc. Last summer the Church income was almost $6000 less than the Church costs. It took us until Christmas to catch up. Part of this happens if people go on vacation and forget to continue tithes and offerings while they are away. In fact, in just the past 3 weeks we have already begun to see the "summer downturn" in giving.
This summer, if we all commit to regular tithing and offerings even while we go away, we can avoid this shortfall. Also, if you are in a position to do something extra, that will help ensure that that we won't begin the Fall ministry period with financial hardship. Together we can see the momentum continue forward. Always remember, as we honor God with faithfulness, He will honor us and meet our every need! Thank you!
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VBS Training Day
 This Saturday, July 7th starting at 9a, all of the volunteers and workers for our Vacation Bible School will be in training mode! Did you know our VBS is in less than 12 days??? If you would like to volunteer with our VBS, please contact Pastor Matt here. If you would like to sign up your child for VBS, here is our VBS online pre-registration website! |
Trip to New York City
Amy Weyna is planning aSaturday tour to NYC for July 28. Traveling by train, it will be an all-day event with tour, lunch and dinner in the city. Please contact Amy here to get additional info and to sign up. |
District Jr./Sr. High Camp
Coming up in a few weeks is our District Summer Camps and we have a few students still thinking about attending. The main deterrent for our students are funds. Summer camp is a time in where our students can freely worship and praise our God in a brand new atmosphere! If you are able and willing to help sponsor a student to camp this summer, Every student that would like to go to camp should be able to! If you can sponsor a student, please label your donation on the offering envelope Teen Camp 2012 or contact Pastor Matt!
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Upcoming Events
June 28-August 25: Ming Lai and Joyce on mission trip to China
July 7, All VBS Volunteer Training Day, 9a at the Church
July 9-13, VBS "Tech Week"
July 16 - 20, Grace Community Church Vacation Bible School - "Sky"
July 28, New York City Trip
July 30 - August 4, District Teen Camp
August 6 - 10, District Children's Camp (1st - 3rd grade)
August 13 - 17, District Children's Camp (4th - 6th grade)
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Final Good News
"A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order. Happy are those who keep God's law!" Proverbs 29:18 (Today's English Version) |
Contact Info
Church Office 609.737.3184
Pastor R. Wesley Tink Mobile: 609.226.9615
Pastor Matthew Brown Mobile 917.226.7621 |
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