Grace Connection N G

Grace Connection
N EWS LETTER OF G RACE F ELLOWS HIP
CALLED BUSINESS MEETING
The Elder Council has scheduled a called business
meeting during the service on Sunday, September 7.
The Elders will present the following motion:
The Elder Council recommends that until such time
as the existing indebtedness of Grace Fellowship
has been fully liquidated, all available cash on hand
in our general operating account in excess of
$50,000 be applied to the existing loan balance.
This will be done at the end of each month
beginning in September, 2014, and continue until
such time as the debt is retired.
* Please note: "Available cash" would be net of any
incurred expense that has not yet been invoiced or paid
during that month.
We will also announce an emphasis to retire the full
remaining debt before year’s end. The Lord has been so
faithful to us over the past ten years. We pray that He
will enable us to cross the goal line on retiring the debt
to free us for the next steps in following Jesus.
How to Pray for Your Church…




Pray for Unity in Christ.
Pray for the Discernment and the Doing of
God’s Will by Each and Every Church Member.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to Move Unhindered in
the Church.
Pray for the Our Church to Produce Much
Fruit for the Kingdom.
S EP TEMBER 2 0 1 4
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Grace Fellowship has been blessed to have
capable men and women who have kept a
careful watch on the church finances and
have maintained updated policies and
procedures to insure that every gift was and
is used for the glory of God and the
furtherance of the mission of this church.
Internal reviews have been performed
annually to make sure we stay on track.
After ten years, the Elder Council believed it
was wise to go outside the church to get an
analysis. This is not being done because of
any irregularities but only as an added layer
of assurance that we are where we need to
be.
Therefore, we have engaged the CPA firm of
O'Neal & Associates to perform the analysis
of certain financial procedures at Grace
Fellowship. This analysis will take place in
September 2014 and may require the firm to
contact a minority of church membership
about contributions made to the church in
2013 or about expenses incurred by
individuals on behalf of the church. In the
event you are contacted by the O'Neal firm,
please give them your full cooperation.
If you have any questions about this, contact
Mike Sullivan (706-467-1051) or Brenda
Warwick (706) 467-3295. Thank you.
September’s Scripture Memory Verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm
you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
(Jeremiah 29:11)
G
C
Greeters
Serving on Sundays
September
SEPTEMBER
7 - Sonya & Darrell Roth, Perry Underwood
14 - Beverly & Richard Sparkmon, David Torbert
21 - Donna & Wayne Hurst, Tony Parker
28 - Lonnie & James Moore, Reid Callaway
Pre-school Workers
SEPTEMBER 7
 Nursery - Anne Meadows, Sara Floyd
 Toddlers - Jennifer Tripp, TuNeique Hurst
 3 year - Shirlie Durameni, Krissy Clark
 4 and 5 year - Kim Cash, Tommy McDonald
Pagers - Kathy Haynes
SEPTEMBER 14
 Nursery - Diana Paynter
 Toddlers - Jennifer Tripp, Jasmine Hill
 3 year - Shirlie Durameni, Dee Piekielek
4 and 5 year - Kim Cash, Maricel Mattei
Pagers - David Torbert
SEPTEMBER 21
 Nursery - Deborah Miller
 Toddlers - Denise Bickers, Nondi Luther
 3 year - Shirlie Durameni, Terry Lynch
 4 and 5 year - Kim Cash, Tracy McDonald
Pagers - Mike Daniel
SEPTEMBER 28
 Nursery  Toddlers - Jennifer Tripp,
 3year - Yvonne Beasley
 4 and 5 year - Kim Cash,
Pagers - Tom Ertel
Power House Children (Grades 1-5)
September 7 Leader: Glad Kreimann
Workers: Jody Sandwick, Nancy Kreimann
Debby Sullivan, Derrell & Jody Worth
September 14 Leader: Glad Kreimann
Workers: Yvonne & Adrian Beasley, Joe Piekielek, N Kreimann
September 21 Leader: Glad Kreimann
Workers: Carolyn Fears, Jon & Carrie Human,
Tommy McDonald, Nancy Kreimann
September 28 Leader: Glad Kreimann
Workers: Brock & Ashlie Miller, Wayne Hurst,
Nancy Kreimann
Prayer Room Ministry
SEPTEMBER
7 - Mary Lynn & John Mobley
14 21 28 - Anne Meadows, David Torbert
Ushers
SEPTEMBER-
David Torbert, Captain
Tony Parker, Luke Miller, Anthony Floyd,
Cole Mobley, Mike Dawkins, Joe Piekielek
Welcome Team
SEPTEMBER 7
8:30 - 9:00 am - Darryl Woodruff
10:00 -10:30 am - Bonnie Arthur
SEPTEMBER 14
8:30 - 9:00 am - Darryl Woodruff
10:00 -10:30 am - Carol Smith, Trish Robinson
SEPTEMBER 21
8:30 - 9:00 am - Darryl Woodruff
10:00 -10:30 am - Sherrie & William Leavell
SEPTEMBER 28
8:30 - 9:00 am - Darryl Woodruff
10:00 -10:30 am - Inez & Jim Cox
Grace Guides
SEPTEMBER
7 - Linda Weaver - 14 - Earl & Susie Porche’
21 - Jewell Neil 28 -
Hospitality Coordinators
SEPTEMBER 7 - Melody Demarest, Marie Harder,
Brittany Blount
(Yearwood Service Group - Food)
SEPTEMBER 14 - Donna & Wayne Hurst, Shirley Henry
(Long Grace Group - Food)
SEPTEMBER 21 - Tommi Ward, Ashley Miller,
Germain Copeland, Chong Yi
(Monday Night Coed Grace Group - Food)
SEPTEMBER 28 - Lonnie & James Moore, Mathu Bayless
(Robinson Grace Group - Food)
Children and Youth Bible Study Teachers
Pastor Glad & Barbara Twilley – High School- Classroom C7
Shawn & Tona Slate – Middle School – Classroom A1
Lisa Dalton – Children (Grades 1-3) Classroom C4
Denise Bickers – Children (Grades 4-5) Classroom C9
Elder
SEPTEMBER: JOHN
MOBLEY & RAY WARWICK
G
C
Elder Communication
August 12, 2014
Elders Present: James Long, Robert Motley, John Mobley, John Demorest, Jim Cox, James Moore, Darrell Roth,
Rick Cook, Glenn Winslette. Also present Pastor Glad Kreimann.
Pastor Jimmy opened with prayer and John Mobley presented a devotional.
Minutes of July meeting were read and approved.
Pastor Glad addressed Elders and stated the need for a leadership team to help out with student ministry. Need is to keep
kids challenged and involved. The Slates are teaching the middle school youth and these students are excited about the
youth group. There was a discussion of special needs kids and what can be done to help them participate. Pastor Glad
passed out a copy of his ideas and conclusions for the Elders to review and consider ways to help the youth program.
Pastor Glad said that Grace Fellowship will be hosting the FCA on Sunday, August 24 with a chicken lunch.
Pastor Jimmy presented a financial report and Grace Fellowship continues to be blessed.
Jim Cox reported on the installation of the security system and said it should be finished in about 2.5 weeks. Jim also
reported an estimate of $3100 for demolition and re-pouring with rebar of the pavilion walkway. Not included in the
estimate is some redirection of water run-off when the new walkway is done. Glenn Winslette will seek an additional
estimate. Jim said the recent 18-wheeler damage repair will run about $7500.00 with the insurance company involved
paying all costs. Jim Cox also mentioned a more effective means needed to restrict large trucks from driveway.
Celebrate Recovery requested a picnic table at the rear exit to utilize when smoking; but the Elders will talk with the
leaders about using the pavilion area which is already supplied with tables and smoking receptacle.
Pastor Jimmy mentioned a request by Greene County School System to use our facility on Monday, September 8 from
12:00-5:00 pm to hold some classes. They will be responsible for clean up afterwards. This was approved by the Elders.
Elders approved use of Grace Fellowship for a music appropriate fund raiser for First Call Pregnancy Crisis Center.
Discussion was held on a concerted effort to pay down building fund debt by the end of the year with a target celebration
possibly by Thanksgiving. Please note the motion on the front page of this newsletter that will be presented to the church
on September 7.
In an effort to develop a financial forecast for the remainder of 2014 ministry teams are being asked to project expenses
for the rest of the year and that information given to Brenda Warwick to compile an accurate income/expense report for
the Elders.
Pastor Jimmy stated the need for an Evangelism Team as we plan for the remainder of 2014. A team meeting is
scheduled for Thursday, September 4 with new team members invited.
Pastor Jimmy stated the need for assembling a support team for the Small Group Ministry.
Pastor Jimmy announced a GBC Sunday School and Small Group meeting in Duluth on September 9 from 10:00-2:00.
He said anyone involved in Sunday Morning Bible Study and Small Groups is invited to attend.
Pastor Jimmy relayed to the Elders what he considers to be the priorities for Grace Fellowship at this time: Small
Groups, Youth, and Music. Further discussion and consideration will be given to each area. He will present to the
Elders a tentative plan as another step in moving toward a Master Plan which will include staffing needs, building
requirements, parking, and a playground.
The Elders prayed over prayer requests and member needs and closed the meeting in prayer.
James Moore
Next Elder and Yokefellow Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 7:00 pm
If you have items you would like to bring to the Elders, please contact Elder Chairman
John Mobley or Vice-Chairman Robert Motley to be put on the agenda.
G
C
What Can I Give to God?
Have you ever received a gift that far exceeded what you could have expected? Something so nice that just saying
"thank you" seemed inadequate?
If anything, you feel like you want to do something special for that person, to show your appreciation.
In the same way, when you consider all that Christ did for us on the cross and what He continues to do for us today, it
feels so inadequate to simply tell Him, "Thank you." He has given us eternal life when we didn't deserve it. And if you
look back at the last year, I'm sure you'll find countless things He has done in your life.
In fact, it's hard not to say, "Wow, God is great! How can I thank Him for everything He has done for me? What can I
possibly do to show my appreciation to Him?"
Fortunately, Scripture gives us a good blueprint for some ways that we can show our thanks to God.
1. We can give Him our praise. The Psalmist says in Psalm 63:3–4, "Because your loving kindness is better than life, my
lips shall praise You. Thus will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name" (NKJV).
It's funny that we think it's perfectly normal for people to wear their favorite team's jersey to a sporting event, and go wild
when their team scores. But when you come to church on Sunday morning and someone is lifting their hands up during
the worship time, people stare and call them a fanatic.
Is there a place for verbally praising God, for lifting our hands in worship? Yes. It is biblical to lift your hands to the Lord.
It is a good thing to do. You shouldn't be reluctant to lift your hands in praise to God.
2. I should keep my promises to God. Psalm 116:18 says, "I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all His
people" (NLT).
When you prayed to receive Christ, you made a promise to God that you would turn away from your previous sinful
lifestyle. You pledged to follow His commands, just as Jesus said: "You are My friends if you do whatever I command
you" (John 15:14 NKJV).
Now, of course, we are still flawed humans and we won't always do exactly as He says, but we still need to be obedient
to His will and keep that promise we made to Him.
3. We can honor the Lord by bringing our offerings to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 16:28 says, "O nations of the world,
recognize the LORD, recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong. Give to the LORD the glory He deserves! Bring
your offering and come to worship Him. Worship the LORD in all His holy splendor" (NLT).
When you are a child, it is hard to wrap your mind around the idea that giving is better than receiving. You're more
concerned about what people are going to give you. But as you get older and become a parent, you discover the joy of
giving. You actually find more pleasure in giving a gift than in receiving one.
Jesus gives us another reason why giving is so important to Christians in Matthew 6:19–21:
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal, but lay up
for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NKJV)
In other words, Jesus is saying that it is wrong to put all of our hope in earthly treasures with nothing waiting for us on the
other side. Why? Because these earthly treasures simply will not last.
When you play Monopoly, it's fun to put up hotels and collect money and try to win. But once the game is over, that
Monopoly money isn't worth anything. You can't go down to the car dealer, pull out those orange bills, and buy a new
car. Monopoly money can't do a thing for you in the real world.
When we get to heaven, all we have on earth will have no value if we do not invest it properly. You can't take it with you,
but you can send it on ahead. How? By investing in the work of the kingdom of God.
G
C
Grace Glance
My family consists of two daughters, Nicci Lee, 43 and Heidi Jo, 40.
Five grandchildren, Ashton, 24, Wesley 21, Rachel,18, Tyler,16 and
Cassie,14. I have also been blessed with two great-grandson Brantley 3
and Weston 1.
I was born and raised in Connellsville, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburg and
moved to Georgia in 1980. I moved to Lake Oconee from Athens
Georgia in 1996 following my dream to live on the water.
I enjoy boating, jet skiing and most anything outdoors. My music
consists of contemporary praise, country and oldies.
I was Benefits Supervisor and credit union manager of the Clark County
School District in Athens for 31 years, retiring in 2012.
Now work part time as a Benefits enroller.
Darlene Nicklow
I was part of a mission trip to Zambia, Africa in 2005. I served on the
Board of Directors and am currently very active in the Oconee River Basin Walk to Emmaus and have served
on all 5 women's walks at Rock Eagle. I also am a part of the Wed. Spotlight Theater Bible study group.
I moved my membership to Grace Fellowship in 2011 on the day my granddaughter, Ashton Fowler, was
baptized. I was drawn to Grace Fellowship because of the contemporary praise music and messages that
touched my heart and my life each week. I have come to love the Grace Fellowship family for being so loving
and so supportive in so many ministries in our community, for accepting people from all walks of life and truly
caring about them, making a real difference in people’s lives. I am very proud to tell people I am a member of
Grace Fellowship.
Greene County Food Pantry
The pantry is located at 519 Morningside Apts. in Greensboro and they are in need of volunteers - Greeters, Baggers, and
Stockers. They also need volunteers to help unload the food truck from Golden Harvest on the first Tuesday of each
month at 12:30 - 2:30pm. The days and hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays (10am - 1pm) and Fridays
(10am - 2pm). Anyone who would be willing to volunteer a couple of hours every week or every other week would be
greatly appreciated. You may contact Carla Jackson, GCFP Coordinator at (706) 453-1380 or pick up a volunteer sheet in
the church office.
Ladies Fellowship Dinner
Beginning with Grace Class
Fun, Food, and Fellowship
Tuesday, September 16, at 6:00pm
Pastor Jimmy will be leading a Beginning with
Grace Class on Monday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 pm in
classroom A-1. This class is designed for new
members, or prospective members and those
who are just curious about Grace Fellowship.
You do not have join Grace Fellowship to take
the class however; it is a requirement for
membership. The class lasts approximately
two hours. Childcare will be available upon
request only. If you are interested in attending,
call the church office 706-453-0020 to register.
Bring your favorite dish!
Most importantly - bring a friend!
Program - Heart Ministries from Lavonia
(A Love Offering will be taken.)
Bring Paper Products, Writing Materials
and Alcohol Free Toiletries .
Childcare reservations by Noon September 12
Mallette Cook [email protected] or 706-999-9805
Tommi Ward [email protected] or 706-453-2486
www.gracefellowship.ws
(706) 453-0020
[email protected]
1971 S. Main Street
Greensboro, GA 30642
Grace
Fellowship
Sunday Morning Bible Study – 9am
John Demarest – Co-ed class: [email protected]
Earl Smith – Co-ed class: [email protected]
Tom Ertel – Men’s class: [email protected]
Carolyn Carter – Women’s class: [email protected]
There are also Classes for Students of all ages & Childcare is available.
Grace Groups for more details contact church office
Men - 7:00pm Mondays at ATLAS (Rick Ward)
Coed - 7:00pm Mondays at GF (beginning September 8)
Coed - 6:30pmWednesdays at GF (Pastor Jimmy)
Coed - 6:30pmWednesdays at GF (Fred Snider)
Coed - 7:00 pm Thursdays at Jane Cobb’s (Robinson) (beginning September 11)
Childcare and classes for students are available Wednesday evenings.
Student News
JOIN THE TEAM - The Student Ministry Leadership teams have been working on defining leadership opportunities that are
available, including assignments not requiring a weekly commitment. If your schedule does not allow you to plug in to a regular
gathering time, you can still assist us. You don’t have to have a child to help either. Why, some assignments will not require
interaction with students - so don’t even let that discourage you from participating. Pray for us as we better define these positions
but also open your heart for possibly joining us in this effort to provide a well-balanced church experience for our young people.
Our next leadership meetings are: September 8 at 6:30pm (Children) and September 15 at 6:30pm (Youth). Anyone is welcome to
join us as we discuss these ministries.
FOLLOW THE LEADER - We are currently doing a series of messages in Powerhouse Children’s Worship based on how we are
to be like God. We are told in Ephesians 5:1 to “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.” As children mimic
adults, we are to imitate God. Paul said, “follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.” Each of our lessons references a
scripture passage that specifically mentions this point. Our first week’s message was from 1 Peter 1:16, “be holy, because I am
holy”. So we talked about what it meant to be holy. We have adult helpers on a rotation basis in Powerhouse. Consider joining us.
We have a Youth Program meeting on Wednesday evenings. What a great group of young people!
Also, we are making initial efforts toward doing a Student Ministry Christmas musical!