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From Pastor Wes
"Christians and Politics"
As we begin the overheated final stretch of the political season, one thing I've never heard anyone say is "I've got to rush home so I can watch the political commercials." Rather, people lament the constant bombardment of negative ads. Be thankful if you don't live in a swing state!
As Christians, we know that our Christian faith informs, influences and guides us in every part of life. Therefore, even if we have disagreement on specific issues, as Christians we live and conduct ourselves differently than others.
Let me suggest four Christian distinctives in relation to politics. If you disagree, I welcome your response.
First, as Christians our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus Christ and His will. Politics or political parties do not have the ultimate claim upon us.
Second, as Christians our authority is the Bible. Our political choices are based upon God's Word and as we diverge from that, we are putting another agenda ahead of God's will. God's Word is the test of any political party or platform.
Third, as Christians we honor others even in disagreement. Rather than descending to personal attacks and "mudslinging." The Bible says: "live as servants of God, Show proper respect to everyone...honor the king." (1 Peter 2:16-17).
Fourth, we pray.
The hope for America is only in God and His spiritual solution.
Even in the heat of political season, let the light of Jesus Christ shine through you with grace, love and holiness. You are a child of The King.
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Men Start Tuesday
 Men, on Tuesday September 4 we begin "The Quest", our series on learning about God's design for authentic manhood. You don't want to miss this first session after the summer break. Pastor Wes' place, 7pm, in through the garage and down the stairs. Also, two weeks from this Saturday will be our one-day annual Men's Conference, "Winning, God's Way!" with speaker Bill Minahan. You can view the brochure by clicking here . Register now if you haven't already here by giving your name and the names of any other men you'll be bringing with you. You won't regret spending this day this way! |
Women of Faith Conference Next Week
ATTENTION WOMEN! This year's Women of Faith Conference takes place next week, September 7 & 8th at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. There is a spectacular line up this year featuring performers Amy Grant, Sandi Patti, and Mandissa! Speakers include Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, and Brenda Warner. This uplifting, life-changing conference may be the best one yet! If you would like to go with Christina Kingsley's group the cost is $89. Please see JoAnne Oliver for details.
NOTE: Price drop! We can get tickets for $72!
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New Sermon Series
 Jesus Christ said, "...I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail over it" (Matthew 16:18). These are days when God seeks to build His Church---including Grace Community! Pastor Wes will lead us in a 10-part sermon series on Christ's ideal for His Church, beginning on Sunday, September 9th. We will be exploring what the Bible teaches about the Church in relation to truth, faith, worship, excellence, evangelism and more. Please add this sermon series, "The Church the Jesus Builds" to your prayer. We know that God is working much good as He continues to build His Church! |
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Pastors' Summer Schedules
Pastor Wes and Sarah will be away for a final week of vacation from today (August 29) through Tuesday, September 4. Chaplain Thomas Beard will be preaching on Sunday, September 2.
The Church calendar at www.welcome2grace.org is your best and quick option for current information on Church events.
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Kids and Teen News
Hey All! Happy Wednesday! We hope that this summer has been an uplifting one! Here's what's going on in the upcoming weeks!
Our Teen Bible Quizzing Season began yesterday! We are in Book of Matthew. Here is a link to our website with all of the details of what we are going to study, a schedule of what's going on and a little about quizzing itself.
On Friday, we're going to be up all night long! The Philadelphia District Back to School Rally is a time in where we will fellowship with teens across the district as we celebrate (and mourn) the end of summer vacation and bring in the new school year.
Tonight, we are continuing our series on "We Just Don't Get It" talking about how we view Jesus. Is He a therapist or a preacher? Join the conversation on Facebook!
Have a blessed day in the Lord!
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Church Security
During Worship Service this past Sunday morning an unknown person with suspicious behavior went searching throughout the church building. Fortunately, it does not appear that there was any injury, theft or damage. The only time we have been robbed in the past 5 years was while church events were taking place. If you see suspicious behavior, notify one of the church leaders immediately. Be absolutely attentive to any children or youth in the area, do not leave any minor alone but remove them from the area. Ladies, please keep your purses with you at all times. With visitors, be welcoming, hospitable, but watch and observe. If you see suspicious or criminal behavior, do not intervene since they may be unstable, armed or even dangerous. Call 911 if warranted! Be able to describe the person and their vehicle. In recent years at GCCN we have taken many steps to reduce risk and increase safety, but the watchful awareness of each person for suspicious or inappropriate behavior is essential for safety. |
| Summer Church Finances
The Church has had around $4,000 of additional and unanticipated costs during this summer. Part of that has been important children and youth ministries such as Vacation Bible School. But part also is electrical repairs at the parsonage as well as damage caused by a lightning strike which has ruined some of our audio-visual equipment. If you are able to assist in getting us back on track financially, that would be a great help as we prepare for the Fall and Winter ministries. Thank you so much for your faithfulness for the Kingdom and this local Church!
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Grace Community Prayer Team
The first prayer goal during the month of August was to have 50 people become part of this 2012-2013 GCCN Prayer Team. We have reached that--Praise God! If you are part this vital and essential ministry, watch for the September Prayer List coming to you in the next few days. This GCCN Prayer Team is the powerhouse of the new things that God is seeking to do. If you haven't signed up, but would still like to, just send a note to Pastor Wes at RWTink01@gmail.com.
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Compassionate Ministry--Thank You!
This week there was a specific urgent compassionate ministry need within the Church community. A call was issued to assist and there has been a great response! We believe that the need is fully covered and we praise God for the generosity and compassion of the people of GCCN! |
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Upcoming Events
September 4, Rock Solid Men's Tuesday evenings together begins again.
September 8, Women of Faith Philadelphia Conference, "Celebrate What Matters!"
September 8, Teen Bible Quiz at Toms River COTN, Toms River, NJ
September 15, Grace Community Church Men's Conference, "Winning God's Way"
September 29, District Momentum Conference for Sunday School Ministries
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Final Good News
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. --Isaiah 43:19 |
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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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