In This Issue
Thoughts from
Pastor Wes 

RWTOct12

"Earthquake"

I'm perplexed! 

We have heard the horrific news of another impoverished nation experiencing the devastation of a major earthquake.  Today's estimates predict that as many as 10,000 people have perished with many times more injured and homeless. 

During these days, I've heard about two Christian worship services that were taking place at the precise moments the major earthquake occurred. 

In one case, the worshipers were on the fourth floor and everyone got out safely.  
In the other case, the worshipers were on the second floor and almost all were killed. 

Now I can understand human evil--free will and all that.  But when it comes to "natural evil", why do some die and some live? 

I don't have an answer.
But I do trust God and that a perfectly good God has reasons that transcend our understanding. 

God says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts." 
--Isaiah 55:8-9

So....perplexed, but trusting---absolutely!  

And praying for the millions in Nepal who are suffering right now. 
Sunday, May 3, 2015 
"The Greatest Choice of Your Life!" That is the title of the sermon this coming Sunday. 

Life is filled with choices--we make thousands of choices every day.  But the greatest choice not only determines our current life, but our eternal destiny.  Sadly, it is the one choice so many people avoid or refuse to make.  Even more sadly, not choosing is in fact losing out and forever.  In preparation for this Sunday, please read Romans 2:1-12 and pray for our time together as we continue in the series, "Transformed!" Special music by Damon this Sunday!   
Ladies of Grace Spring Walk
Ladies, let's take some time out to enjoy the beauty of God's creation!  Join us for a walk at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve on May 17th at 11AM.  Admission cost is $6.00.  Meet at the church at 10:30 if you wish to caravan or carpool.  Please wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for trail walking.  Also bring a lunch or snack for yourself in a cooler bag as we will be stopping at nearby Washington Crossing Park to eat after our walk.   

Note: In case of inclement weather, this event will be cancelled. Please check your email or call Sarah (609) 577-3912 on the day of the walk for cancellation information.      Hope to see you there!
Pastor Matt Receives District Ministerial License 

It was a great privilege to be at District Assembly last evening with Pastor Matt as he received his first District Ministerial License.

 

What this reflects is that he has said "Yes!" to the call of God upon his life for Christian ministry.  It also means that he has begun his ministerial work in more formal and directed way.  He has completed about 6 important courses of his training recently.

 

As part of the process, Pastor Matt has been vigorously interviewed by the District Ministerial Board on several occasions.

One of those was a whole weekend of in-depth interviews, assessment, prayer and discussion. He is also involved in accountability and mentoring relationships that help and guide him.  He has already fulfilled years of ministry and established a track record that shows he has the gifts and graces for ministry.

 

This is early in his ministry training process--he has over 20 more courses to complete as well as many more interviews and assessments.  The whole process before ordination may take another 3-4 years.  But this is indeed an important milestone and it is wonderful to see how well he is progressing.  Pastor Matt does love the Lord and people and He uses His talents to honor God in every way possible.  Give him your support, congratulations or a pat on the back. Above all, please keep him in your prayers! 

#yoGo Teen News
Here are some questions for you. Is there a specific way to pray? Is there only one way to talk to our Lord? Is there are wrong way and/or right way to pray? Tonight we look at prayer as we finish up last week's discussion and open up the floor for some prayer stations. 

Coming up in May, we've got some great events! On May 14-17, Shalyssia and Pastor Matt will be travelling to Eastern Nazarene College for the Eastern Field Regional Tournament! 

On May 31st, we bring the noise to the morning service with another Youth Service!

Finally, in June, we plan on having a car wash to fund our kids to go to Summer Camp!

God bless you this day!
Times of Prayer
As Grace Community Church goes into days of leadership transition, please increase your prayer for the Church and its leadership.  How important that there is wisdom and God's will among all that happens over these coming months!  We will be announcing additional times of prayer as we proceed.  You are invited to join in prayer in Pastor Wes' office on Wednesday evenings between 6:00 and 8:00 pm.  
Upcoming Building Repairs 
Unfortunately, there are serveral repairs needed on the church property, including two major building issues to address over the coming months.  The most recent fire inspection is calling for us to replace all of the hard-wired smoke detectors in the church building. The second issue is that we have water leaking into the gas lines that supply the five furnaces. That will likely require that all of the underground gas lines need to be replaced.  Please pray that we will be able to accomplish these necessary repairs in an effective and cost-efficient way. 
Upcoming Events 
May 1 Special Church Board Meeting
May 10, Mother's Day, Church Photograph and Luncheon
May 12, RockSolid Men's Group at Pastor Wes' home
May 15 Regular Monthly Board Meeting
May 14-17, Eastern Field Teen Bible Quizzing at Eastern Nazarene College
May 26 RockSolid Men's Group at Pastor Wes' home
May 29 Special Board Meeting
Truth From God's Word
"Who is wise? He will have realization. Who is discerning?  He will be given understanding. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous will walk along those paths, but those who rebel against the Lord will never understand." -- Hosea 14:9 
Church Office, Marly Paul, Assistant
609.737.3184

Pastor R. Wesley Tink
Mobile: 609.226.9615

Pastor Matthew Brown
Mobile 917.226.7621