In This Issue
This Sunday
Harvest Festival
Youth News

Thoughts from
Pastor Wes
"Forgiveness"

Renee's daughter, Megan, was coming home from the beach with a girlfriend. Suddenly, their car was hit and both girls were tragically killed by a drunk driver. 
The young driver, Eric, was subsequently charged, convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison. 

But Renee felt like she was in prison too--the prison of grief, hatred and bitterness.  
But then she did "the impossible." 
She reached out to Eric in prison and forgave him! 

His life was changed!
He said, "I can't even forgive myself, but she forgives me!" 
Renee even went before the judge to plead that Eric's 22- year sentence be cut in half.

Renee had every reason to carry her bitterness to the grave. 
But she needed healing. too! 
Christ's love, mercy and forgiveness heals our heart and creates reconciliation where nothing else could. 

That is the kind of mercy and love that God calls us to.  
 
Renee's story inspired Matthew West to write a song that has become very well known.  It begins with the words: "It's the hardest thing to give away....Forgiveness"
You can hear 
This Sunday at Grace Community
Anger, forgiveness and relational healing--we all have experienced these and we all need God's wisdom and Spirit in addressing the difficult areas of relationship. This Sunday, Pastor Wes will lead us in learning from Christ how to live and respond when things aren't going so well. Please pray that the Gospel will be shared effectively and with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God desires that we all move toward healed relationships.

At the conclusion of the Sunday Morning Service, there will be a brief baptismal service.  If you would like to be baptized, please contact Pastor Wes. 
GCCN Annual Harvest Festival This Saturday.
Saturday is our Harvest Fest: this will include games for all ages, food, hayrides, music, campfire, and more. 

Set-up begins at 3:30 for those who can come early.  Families are encouraged to bring a crock pot to share with others and a dessert along the pumpkin/apple theme.  

There is a separate email going to the full congregation today full details and times--watch for that.  There will be a "Harvest Festival Newsletter" in your box in the next day or two that you can pass along to your friends.  
#yoGo Teen News Now!
What's good? Here's what's good with our teens this week!

Pastor Matt is away this week, but do not despair! Sandi Weyna will be bringing the Word to our teens today! Join us at 7:00 pm.

Beginning in November, our teens who are participating in the Festival of Life competition will share their talents with the church!
Speaking of which, our district Festival of Life November 21-22.

On November 7-8th, our quiz team will traveling to Toms River COTN to quiz on Acts 1-11! Cheer us on!

Blessings to you on this Wednesday! See you at the harvest party Saturday!
Growing Children's Ministry--Volunteers Needed
Grace Community Church's ministry to children continues to advance--praise God! We are in need of additional volunteers as this time so we can provide the best ministry possible. Can you help? 

1.) Children's Sunday School Class substitute teacher(s).  This is not a long-term commitment, but an important one to stand ready for assisting on Sunday Mornings.

2.)  Nursery worker.  We are in need of 2 more adults who would help in the nursery on a rotational basis, about once per month.

3.) Children's Church leader: This would be about 2 Sundays every two months.  Using the prepared curriculum, this would be ministering to about 7 children during the Main Service.

4.) Children's Ministry Leader: someone with a passion for children who would work with the Pastors in guiding and overseeing the various  children's ministries that are developing. 

There is no ministry more important than ministry to children! If the Lord is leading you to participate in one of these roles, please speak with Pastor Wes at your earliest opportunity.  Thank you!  
Sunday School and Discipleship Conference 
The annual Philadelphia District equipping conference takes place on Saturday, November 1st. This jam-packed day has great seminars for all interests and aids for learning and teaching within Christian ministry.  Open to all, the cost is only $15 and that includes a Panera lunch.  Let Pastor Wes know if you'd like to attend, we'll be leaving at 8:00 that morning.   
Upcoming Events

October 25, The Harvest Fest at Grace Community Church

November 1, District Sunday School Convention: Momentum

November 2, Time change, clocks back one hour

November 15, Wood-cutting day, getting winter supply ready for Earl and Miriam

November 23, Church Thanksgiving Dinner; 

Good News From God's Word
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  -- Colossians 3:13
Church Office, Marly Paul, Assistant
609.737.3184

Pastor R. Wesley Tink
Mobile: 609.226.9615

Pastor Matthew Brown
Mobile 917.226.7621