In This Issue
This Sunday
Thanksgiving Sunday
Student Ministries
 
What Christmas
Means to Me
In August 2012 I had my first heart surgery by robotics. I was in the hospital every month thereafter -- including Thanksgiving and Christmas! This year I had open heart surgery in August and was hospitalized and then for rehab until November 11, but back into the hospital for complications, but released one day before Thanksgiving! But the greatest gift of all this year -- after four months 
away -- I will be able to celebrate Christmas with my family. This Christmas, above all others, I am thankful to my Dear Lord, Wonderful Savior and Sanctifier
to be home to celebrate the meaning of Christmas with those I love the most. Perhaps the most important thing God has given us - other than HIS birth, death, resurrection and blessed, blessed eternal salvation - is family. 

There will be many families this year, I'm sorry to say, who will be separated from their loved ones this Christmas, not only because of sickness and death, but because there are those who are in the military. We will never be able to thank them enough for their heart breaking sacrifice. From the bottom of my heart, I 
thank My Dear Lord for this Christmas 2015 that four members of my family will be able to be together - and this includes ME!

-Bob Oliver
This Sunday at Grace Community
This week at Grace Community, Pastor Matt will be bringing the Word of the Lord to us! See you on Sunday as we are in the home stretch of the Advent Season!
Sunday Evening Christmas Service
nativity_scene.jpg
On Sunday night, we will have a special Christmas service. This will be a simple service as we celebrate the coming of our King Jesus! After which, we will have a cookie exchange! Bring your favorite kind of cookie and let's fellowship with one another! This event starts at 6:30 pm!
Student Ministries News 
We will be having our annual Christmas party on December 16th and close out Youth Group for 2015. The theme this year is Christmas Pajamas!

There be no Youth Group next Wednesday, December 23rd. we'll resume with a youth group trip on December 30th to a laser tag! Then on January 3rd, we have youth group again, then the next day: WINTER JAM!! Contact Pastor Matt for more information!

This January, Philly District teens will meet up for a time in where we can refresh our relationship with God in worship, the Word of God, fellowship and serving others in Norristown. Our teens will be participating in the second Refresh weekend located at Fairview Village. This event will be for 6-12 graders. Contact Pastor Matt for more information!
What Christmas Means to Me
nativity_scene.jpg
We are a church filled with stories. It's a blessing that we have many cultures and many different backgrounds from different eras, areas and regions. 

Christmas time could mean something different to all of us. The coming of Christ could mean so many wonderful things, bring up many different memories about how you celebrate, remember or a tradition that you might have. 

Each week in December, Grace Happenings would like to invite you to share what Christmas means to you in the Left Hand Devotional section. Contact Pastor Matt here if you would like to find out how to join in.

Office Assistant Needed
Are you willing to put in a few hours in our church office? Please contact Pastor Matt for more information!
 
Transition Process
On Sunday, Pastor Matt announced that he's resigning from being the youth and interim pastor of Grace Community Church.  His last at GCCN will be January 31, 2016.  We are continuing the lead pastor search.  Please keep the congregation and leadership in particular prayer as God unfolds His plans. Also, pray about how you can help the Church as we transition. 

"He's not done with me, He's not done with you, and most certainly, God's not done with Grace Community." -Pastor Matt

Pray for Our Church Leaders
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!
Upcoming Events 
December 20, Christmas Celebration at 6:30p
December 23-26, Church Office is Closed for Christmas
December 25, Christmas Day
December 31, New Year's Eve
January 1, New Year's Day
January 3, Covenant Service
January 7, Winter Jam 2016 in Reading, PA
January 17-18, Refresh, Youth Revival and Service Weekend
January 24, Annual Church Meeting
January 31, Pastor Matt's Last Sunday at GCCN
Truth About Jesus
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to all people."
Luke 2:14
Church Office
609.737.3184

Interim Pastor, Matthew Brown
Mobile 917.226.7621