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!
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