In This Issue
Sunday and Romans
Adult Sunday School Class
Youth News
Men's Ministry
RWTOct12 
 Thoughts from Pastor Wes 

"Identity" 

One of the concerns today is identity theft. We hear about it, we protect ourselves.  Those who have been experienced identity theft have spent much time and money to resolve it.

The words "identity" or "self-identity" don't appear in my copy of the Bible.  But it is clearly there and the Bible teaches us about losing our old identity and gaining a new identity in Jesus Christ. 

Here's one: 
"For we know that our old self was crucified with Christ...." 
Romans 6:6

Here's another: 
"He who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit...."
1 Corinthians 6:17

As Christians, we know that all that we are and have belongs to God. 
Sometimes the one holdout is our "identity" a no-trespassing zone for God. 

But when we surrender who we are to God along with what we are (or have), we are available and empowered by the Holy Spirit for God's highest purposes. 


Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

That sounds like dying to self and to self's priority.
Easy?  Perhaps not.
Essential for God's fullness within us?
Definitely! 

Take some time today to pray and ask if there are some vestiges of self that are inhabiting and inhibiting God's greater work in your life. 
The Lord is a gentle, loving and perfect surgeon when it comes to the removal and reconstruction of identity.
Trust Him! 
God's Word in the Letter to Romans
"All roads lead to Rome" was the ancient saying that stressed the importance and centrality of that city.  The Apostle Paul hoped to go to Rome and he ultimately did-- for his last days of life.  Even more than reaching Rome, Paul lived for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  His mission in life was to share the Gospel with others everywhere he went.  

Even before Paul went to Rome, he wrote his letter to the Christians there beautifully presenting the Truth and the truth of the Gospel.  Beginning this Sunday, Pastor Wes will be leading us in a sermon series based upon the Letter to the Romans entitled: "Transformations."  Please pray for this series and try to read Romans 1:1-17 in preparation for this Sunday. 
New Adult Sunday School Class

This coming Sunday, January 11, we will begin a combined adult Sunday School Class that will go from January until April.  Aron Wall will be teaching a series from the Bible on the life of David-- all are welcome!  


 

Aron did his doctorate in physics and is currently a scholar in residence at the Princeton Institute for Advanced Studies. We are delighted to have Aron and Nicole as part of the worshiping GCCN community. You will benefit greatly from this biblical teaching series-a unique opportunity!  

 

From 9:30--9:50 the ladies of GCCN will have an opportunity to share and pray before the combined adult class begins.  

#yoGo Teen News
So much to say, so little space!! New Year brings new energy of awesome from the youth room!

We kick off 2015 with a new youth group theme and two great events happening in 10 days. Winter Jam is coming up! We going to be at a concert where we will see 10 bands for $10 in Reading PA! Here's the website!
We've got the Refresh Revival Weekend and here is the events page. Finally, this Saturday is another quiz meet at Toms River!!
A whirlwind of events!

We can't wait for the new year to kick off! We can;t 
Youth Mission 2015 Offering
Ministry to youth at Grace Community Church is primarily sponsored financially through the Youth Mission 2015 ("YMission15") offering. 

The challenge to members and friends of GCCN is to commit $2.00 per day of support; that works out to $60 per month or $730 for the year.  All of these funds will assist in reaching young people with the message and love of Christ.  

There was been an excellent response during the past 3 years that we have had this offering.  Our goal for 2015 is $16,000!  As we join together in our $2/per day commitment, we can do this!  Lives are being greatly changed as a result of your generosity! 
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.   
Baby Shower
We continue to collect items for a family which recently had premature twins girls who are still in the hospital.   Grace Community Church assisting this family in a variety of ways. If you are able to provide clothing or basic needs for young infants, please place them in the bassinet in the foyer.  A baby shower is being planned for Saturday, January 17th. 
Upcoming Events

January 10, Teen Bible Quiz Meet at Toms River

January 15, Youth Winter Jam in Reading, PA

January 17, 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
"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." --John 12:24
Church Office, Marly Paul, Assistant
609.737.3184

Pastor R. Wesley Tink
Mobile: 609.226.9615

Pastor Matthew Brown
Mobile 917.226.7621