September, 2008
Rose Retires From Grace
When Rose started the job of making the weekly bulletins for the newly-formed Grace Fellowship, she did it with her whole heart...voluntarily. She was so passionate about seeing Grace succeed that
she offered her talent on the Mac as a gift to Grace, and therefore, to God. It wasn't long before she was doing a monthly newsletter too, and about 3 1/2 years later, the church was established enough that they could afford to begin paying Rose a salary for her work.
She's the one and only secretary Grace has ever had. She started under Dave Craig, worked under Mark Savage, Tim Huckins, and Andrew Lucas, and 3 months of Dan Giese's term as Pastor.
It can't go without saying how important Rose has been during the times Grace was without a Pastor. She kept the church office operating without direction, and her solid as a rock expertise was appreciated by many.
Rose says she'll miss Rex's cajoling, but Rose is looking forward to spending more time working on the 2 websites she manages, reading, and taking a nap whenever she wants. I bet we hear about Rose and Norm taking off on a camping trip more often now.
We hope you enjoy your retirement, Rose. The office won't be the same without you, but a least you're not going far.
Upcoming Events
Annual Fall Wiener Roast
At 5:00 p.m., October 11, 2008, Grace’s Fellowship committee will hold its annual Wiener Roast here at the church building and grounds. The committee will furnish hot-dogs, brats, all condiments, and S’mores! Table service will be provided too. If you would like to attend this fall event, please bring your own roasting sticks, drinks, and a covered dish to pass. Weather permitting, there will be a hayrack ride! If it rains, we’ll cook inside. If you have further questions, please call Doris Fever at 527-2506.
Progressive Dinner in December
Preparations are underway for a Progressive Dinner to be held on December 13th. We need host families! If you would like to host the salad course, soup, main course, or dessert at your home, please contact Pam Fever or another member of the Fellowship Team.
Kipp McDonald and Spiritual Formation Team Host Teacher’s Seminar
On Saturday, October 19th, Kipp McDonald will be presenting a teacher training seminar for all adults who teach, have taught, or would like to teach a Sunday School class at Grace. There will be no charge for this event which will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Please watch the bulletin for more details.
“Meet the Pastor” Date set for November 2nd.
If you are new at Grace, senior Pastor Dan Giese wants to meet you! He will be staying after Worship on November 2nd to talk with you, learn your name, and begin knowing your family. This twenty minute gathering will take place near the front of the Sanctuary.
Fall Clean Up Day Coming Soon!
This is your opportunity to get your yard raked, your storm windows put up, or your lawn furniture carried inside, all by the friends and family of Grace. First come first serve. Call Pam at 527-2920
Youth
School, A Mission Field?
Article by Daniel Broyles, submitted by Kipp McDonald
Like each year, the drag of waking up before noon, doing homework, and spending your life’s best days in school remind many of you just how much you don’t like school. Although school may not be your favorite thing, it may very well be the biggest mission field of your life, if you so choose to see it that way.
That is my challenge for all the Christian students; make school your MISSION FIELD! Just think of how many people you could share the Gospel and love of Christ with if you only viewed school as a year long mission trip. The reality is we are called. The reality is the harvest is waiting. The question is....are you willing to make your school your mission field?
High School Bible Study
If you truly view the school as your mission field, a place where you go to tell the world about Jesus, then you need some mission training. Grace Fellowship’s High School Youth Group is set up to do just that. We study what God tells us about living in the mission field. We are currently studying the book of John. In this book we are discovering how Jesus lived in his mission field. This helps us to understand how we should be living in our own mission field. Come and join our safe environment mind-week to refresh your mind and soul and prepare for your mission. - Kipp McDonald
Internet Christian Frontline Group Forms
Students interested in using their computer skills to glorify God please meet at Kipp’s house directly after school on Mondays.
New High School Bible Study Breakfast Group Meets at McDonald’s
Tuesday and Thursday mornings are the days chosen by Colleen Haas to lead Bible study and devotions for high school age students. Meet at 7:00 a.m to begin your day by talking about God. Newcomers welcome.
Illinois Christian Teen Convention
Once again, youth pastor, Kipp McDonald will take a group of teens to the I.C.T.C on November 7th and 8th where Flyleaf will be the convention’s headlining band. Teens and chaperones will be departing on Friday, November 7th at 3:45 p.m. Dinner will be in Lincoln, then they will proceed to the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois. Return is scheduled for Saturday evening. This convention is open to all high school students. More adult leaders are needed to travel with the group as chaperones. Accommodations will be at the Hilton. Please watch upcoming bulletins for more information.
For Your Information
New Prayer Request Inserts
You probably noticed a new yellow insert in your bulletin this past Sunday. This form is intended to help us help you. Would you like to pray with someone to accept Jesus as your personal savior? Would you like to be baptized or receive a call from the pastor? Let us know. This form can also be used by anyone who has a confidential prayer request. Please make sure the appropriate box is marked and that there is enough information given for the elders to know for whom they are praying and for what specific request. Any confidential request will be seen only by the elders. Those marked as approved for the prayer chain will be passed along to the appropriate people so others can begin praying for your request. Completed forms may be dropped it in an offering box at the back of the church.
Attendance.
Sunday School teachers.
Please help us track the members of your Sunday School class by remembering to fill out a pink attendance forms each week. Pam has tried to make it easy for you by adding the names of your students to the forms. All you have to do is check who is present, and add any other names to the bottom of the sheet. Please leave it on Pam’s desk at the end of class. Thank you for all you do!
Weekly Activities Calendar
Sunday Jr. High Youth Group (5th-8th) 6:30 pm @ Fellowship Hall
Monday I.C.F. (Internet Christian Frontline 3:30 pm @ Kipp McDonald’s
Power Surge Puppets 6:30-7:30 @ Fellowship Hall
Tuesday High School Bible Study 7:00 pm @ Kipp McDonald’s
Wednesday High School Christian Computing Club 3:30 pm @ Kipp McDonald’s
Adult Choir 6:30 pm @ Grace Fellowship
High School Youth Group 7:00 pm @ Kipp McDonald’s
Thursday High School Bible Study 7:00 am @ Mc Donalds
Men’s Bible Study 6:00 am @ Grace Fellowship
Women’s Bible Study 9:00 am @ Grace Fellowship
From the Pastor’s Heart
“The time has come that Christians must vote for honest men, and take consistent ground in politics or the Lord will curse them... Christians have been exceedingly guilty in this matter. But the time has come when they must act differently... God will bless or curse this nation, according to the course Christians take.”
Rev. Charles G. Finney (1792-1875), Revivalist in the Second and Third Great Awakenings
“I have one great political idea... The best expression of it I have found in the Bible. It is in substance, 'Righteousness exalteth a nation; sin is a reproach to any people' [Proverbs 14:34]. This constitutes my politics -- the negative and positive of my politics, and the whole of my politics.”
The Rev. Frederick Douglass, (1817-1895) Minister of the Gospel and civil rights leader who served under four United States Presidents.
“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty—as well as the privilege and interest—of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”
John Jay, (1745-1829, Original Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court
“The people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant,
reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities... If the next centennial does not find us a great nation... it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.”
Rev. James A. Garfield, (1831-1881), United States President, Minister of the Gospel.
For the month of October I will be teaching a series entitled “How Would Jesus Vote?” So many of the issues our country is dealing with this election are moral issues. From the value of life, to poverty & justice, to religious liberties, to the family & marriage, and the environment—all of these God addresses in His Word. It is time for Christians to stand for God and the truth. It is time for us to speak out for God, to pray & fast for our nation, to vote for godly men & women, and to call our nation to repentance!
Note from Rose
Dear Grace Friends,
What can I say? "Thanks" sure isn't enough to express your kindness to me since Grace's beginnings. I have enjoyed being Grace's secretary all these years. It didn't really seem like work - well, maybe sometimes when the copy machine rebelled when I had a time crunch.
Thank you for the many cards and well wishes and gifts! All are appreciated.
I finally get a Mac lover as a boss and then I retire! What's wrong with this picture? Grin! I will wear my "God uses a Mac" t-shirt with pride!
I love the engraved plaque! All I can say is "WOW!".
Of course Norm and I loved the Grandpa John's BBQ - a favorite of mine for well over 50 years! Thanks to Ron for the run over to Peoria to get it. "Ya done good" Ron!
Thanks for all the other food brought in too.
I'll see you around. We aren't going anywhere. We'll still be moseying around Grace on a regular basis.
Rose & Norm