In This Issue

From Pastor Matt

Last school year, I got to visit Sarah Tink's resource room math class. She had her own word problems that take place in a bakery called "Mr. Dobbs' Bakery".

The kids would think that all of these stories about a bakery were all fake; stories that were only for school purposes. One student was extremely skeptic and declared on many occasions "He's not real! Mr. Dobbs isn't real!"

Here's where I come in and it gets awesome. Sarah asked me to come in and pretend to be Mr. Dobbs during one of her classes. So I got an apron, wore my old choir bow tie, a old button down shirt and made my way to her classroom. The first face that I saw was one of sheer disbelief. The second one was of sheer happiness. I got a big hug! The best reaction that I got was: "He's real!! He's REAL!!" It was one of the best days I could remember.

Today, there are people that say that Jesus was just a nice man who did nice things and that He didn't die for the sins of many. However, I know that my Savior is real! He's really real! I've seen His work in my life and in the life of my teens, church, my family, my friends. I've seen Him in the daily grind and in the big stuff.

So for you who are going through life and questioning the existence of God, read this: when I'm alone, when I'm on my last legs, I'm glad that I serve a God that is real to me and says that He loves me. He calls me out when I'm wrong and says it's ok, but you know better. He's so real that He says, "When others leave you, I won't." He's so real that when my life is over, God says "Ya done good, kid.
Come and relax."

So yes, Virginia, 
there is a God. He loves you so much that He sent Jesus to die for you. He also sends His spirit to guide you and protect you.


As for Mr. Dobbs...well, that's another story.

This Week at Grace Community
Tom Beard
Chaplain Beard is back on Sunday and we will continue our theme in the book of Judges. Two weeks ago, we looked at how God called Gideon. What's next for him as he is guiding the Israelities? Read Judges 6 to get re-acquainted with our theme and pray that God will speak through Chaplain Beard and to us!

Harvest Party 2015
Are you an artsy person? Do you like to face paint? Are you a sports type of person? What about just a welcome-ing face? We need these people and more to make the Harvest party the best it's ever been. The date of the Harvest Party has changed to the beginning of November. In the next few weeks, we will have a meeting about how we can make this event be the best one we've ever had.  Please contact Pastor Matt for more information on how you can help this church reach our neighborhood through a great time of fellowship.

Student Ministries News
What a powerful Youth group last week.
We looked at the temptation of Jesus and how He gave Satan a black eye. We were encouraged by how everyone deals with temptation and that God always provides for us a way out. Join us tonight as we continue to learn more about God's Word and how we can be equipped to storm into our schools for Christ!

We are looking toward a few trips in the next few weeks! Stay tuned for more information! 

Festival of Life 2015 is right around the corner! Get ready for another season of fun and fellowship!
Children's Church Workers Needed
Have you considered helping out in the Children's Church area? We are in need of Children's Church teachers for this fall. We have a great curriculum with games and hands on curriculum that challenges the students and teachers alike. The lessons are flexible to the personalities of each teacher's style of bringing the message and best of all; you get to lead our kids to Christ. Contact Pastor Matt for more information.
Momentum 2015
Have you signed up for the Philadelphia District Discipleship Training Day, Momentum yet? We will be traveling to Fairview Village on Saturday, October 24th for a great time of learning, discovering and fellowship. If you are signing up online, go to philanaz.org. If you need assistance, there is a sign up clipboard in the back of the Fellowship Hall. Contact Pastor Matt for more information! Click here to register for Momentum 2015! 
Upcoming Events 

October 10, Teen Bible Quiz at Philadelphia First Church

October 13-20, Pastor Matt on vacation

October 24, Philadelphia District Conference "Momentum" at Fairview Village

October 24, "Love the Park" a day to clean and care for the Stenton Park

November 7, Harvest Party 2015

November 20-21, Philadelphia District Festival of Life

Truth From God's Word
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
-Hebrews 13:8
Church Office, Marly Paul, Office Assistant
609.737.3184

Interim Pastor, Matthew Brown
Mobile 917.226.7621