In This Issue
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Service
Youth News
Christmas Cards
2015 Covenant Service
Men's Ministry
RWTOct12 
 Thoughts from Pastor Wes 

"Born To Who?"

We know that the baby Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary and into the home of Joseph the carpenter. 

We also know that the conception of Jesus was under the power  and work of the Holy Spirit. 
It would be a little odd to say that Jesus was born to anyone else.

Yet that is exactly what the biblical record says.  When the angel gave the good news of Christ's birth to the shepherds, the pronouncement to them was "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you!"

The shepherds were not around at the conception or at the time of birth.  It is likely they had not even met Mary or Joseph.  But in this one seemingly small detail we have a great truth of the Gospel: Christ came for the shepherds, 
for all people! 
Jesus is for us as much as for Mary, Joseph and the people of His own time and place. 

The shepherds had a choice after hearing the good news.  They could have just kept shepherding, or they could go to Bethlehem and see this child who had come into the world.
They choose to respond to the invitation and it would be a night they would never forget. 

We too have a choice: we can continue on our own path and process or we can choose to drop our priorities and let Christ draw us to new places. 

As you contemplate the birth of Christ, be open and responsive to the divine proclamation that Christ was born...
...to you! 

God Great Gift to You! 
Christmas Sunday
Because of God's matchless love, He communicates with His creation in a multitude of ways. Creation itself is a book of God's activity in the spheres.  Sadly, many read the book but don't know the Author.  Jesus Christ is the heart of God's Word to the world. We celebrate His coming into the world this season-- "Jesus Christ is the only reason for the season"--God's perfect Word to the world. 

This Sunday will be the last of a four-part Christmas sermon series on "God Word to the World."  This Sunday we will look at God's Word to the World through Jesus Christ, and by Christ's presence, through you. May God bless you in our worship time together! 
Evening Christmas Service
This Sunday evening, December 21, we will have an evening Christmas Service of Scripture and music at 6:30.  Plan to stay afterward for a time of fellowship.     
#yoGo Teen News
Happy Wednesday, everyone! It's time for #yoGo Ministry News! Check it out!

Tonight, we finish out 2014 in a great way. We will finish our Christmas devotional sessions and an ugly Christmas sweater party. We will take a two week break then hit the ground running in 2015 beginning at....the beginning. 

2015 is turning out to be choc-ful of events! We've got the Refresh NYI Revival, the Winter Jam concert and other events coming in February. We're so excited!

May God continue to bless you as we continue to journey toward the celebration of His birth!
Save the Postage--Christmas Cards
You are welcome to us the GCCN church mailboxes to "send" Christmas cards to other people in the congregation.  Bring your cards this Sunday and save the price of stamps.  
Beginning 2015 with Annual Covenant Service
Each year we begin with Covenant Sunday at Grace Community Church.   This service, which was part of the John Wesley-early Methodist practice is a time to remember our commitment to God and our salvation in Jesus Christ.  You can prepare for the Covenant Service by going to our website and reading the documents relating to the Covenant and Covenant Service under the "Membership" tab.  If you prefer a printed copy of these documents, please contact Pastor Wes for a digital copy. 
Collecting Items for a Family in Need
There is a family which has recently had twins who are premature and still in the hospital--until January.   Grace Community Church is reaching out to this family with assistance in a variety of ways. If you are able to provide clothing or basic needs for young infants, please speak with JoAnne Oliver.   A baby shower is being planned for mid-January.
Men's Ministry--Winter Series 2015
Rock Solid
Men, the Tuesday night group will begin on January 20 at 7:00 pm, Pastor Wes' home.  We will meet every other week for 10 sessions.  The topic will be "God's Power for Transformation." We will take a look at how God is transforming people and communities around the world in the 21st century.  We will also see from Scripture what His will is for transforming our own lives. This men's ministry exists for growth, support, encouragement and to aid in finding God's plan for life.   
GCCN Church Finances
As we come to the end of 2014, the Church is below the financial threshold for meeting our ministry commitments.  In addition to losing some faithful tithing families who moved to other areas, there has also been continuing hardship in the lives of some within our congregation.  If you are able to give a generous donation as we close this year, it would help greatly in supporting the important ministries of the Church. Thank you!   
Upcoming Events

December 21, Sunday Evening "Celebration of Jesus" Service

January 4, Annual First Sunday Covenant Service

January 10, Teen Bible Quiz Meet at Toms River

January 15, Youth Winter Jam in Reading, PA

January 18, Ladies luncheon and baby shower

January 18-19, Refresh NYI Revival at Fairview Village

January 20, RockSolid Men's Group at Pastor Wes/Sarah's @ 7:00 pm

January 25, Annual Church Meeting 

Truth From God's Word
"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  ---Luke 2:9-14
Church Office, Marly Paul, Assistant
609.737.3184

Pastor R. Wesley Tink
Mobile: 609.226.9615

Pastor Matthew Brown
Mobile 917.226.7621