Glorify God Through Prayer A WORD FROM PASTOR … 2015 newsletter... · activities, teachings, and...

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July 2015 Glorify God Through Prayer "....and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16 A WORD FROM PASTOR STEVE – Honor Day America took place in Washington DC on July 4, 1970. The excerpt from Billy Graham’s message is as pertinent today as it was 45 years ago. More than 400,000 people attended, while millions watched on television or heard it on the radio in 123 other countries. Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, Jack Benny, Glen Campbell, The New Christy Minstrels and Teresa Graves were among those who performed that day. According to liner notes on an album produced after the event, Honor America Day was denounced by the extreme right and the extreme left, but was supported by ordinary Americans, “rich and poor, black and white, Republicans and Democrats, Christians and Jews.” The idea reportedly stemmed from a telephone conversation between Billy Graham and Hobart Lewis, editor-in-chief of the Reader’s Digest, with hotel executive J. Willard Marriott later taking over the bulk of organizational work. Organizers hoped the event would provide an “antidote for the poisons of defeatism, cynicism, and disillusionment that boil[ed] from the wells of America’s unsolved problems.” One commentator noted that Dr. Graham’s message was a “moving, articulate plea for unity, faith and courage amid the strife of the ’70s.” The following is part of Billy Graham’s message: “Pericles built a civilization upon culture and it failed. Caesar built a civilization upon power and it failed. Our forefathers founded the United States upon faith in God, and our country will survive only as it honors God. Our nation was built on a foundation of moral law, in which a person’s rights were also balanced by a person’s responsibilities. Why should I, as a citizen of heaven and a Christian minister, join in honoring any secular state? The Bible says, ‘Honor the nation.’ As a Christian or a Jew, or as an atheist, we have a responsibility to an America that has always stood for liberty, protection and opportunity. There are many reasons why we honor America today. America has opened her heart and her doors to the distressed and persecuted of the world. America has been the most generous nation in history. We have shared our wealth and our faith with a world in need. America has never hidden her problems and faults. With our freedom of the press and open communication system we do not sweep our sins under the rug. America defends the right of her citizens to dissent. Dissent is the hallmark of our priceless freedoms. But when dissent takes violent forms it becomes anarchy. We may be a vastly different people today than we were two hundred years ago. Our society is far more complex, more pluralistic. But of this we can be sure. God has not changed and His laws have not changed. He is still a God of love and mercy. But He is also a God of righteousness and judgment. Any individual or nation, which ignores His moral and spiritual laws, will ultimately face His judgment.”

Transcript of Glorify God Through Prayer A WORD FROM PASTOR … 2015 newsletter... · activities, teachings, and...

July 2015

Glorify God Through Prayer "....and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16

A WORD FROM PASTOR STEVE –

Honor Day America took place in Washington DC on July 4,

1970. The excerpt from Billy Graham’s message is as

pertinent today as it was 45 years ago.

More than 400,000 people attended, while millions watched

on television or heard it on the radio in 123 other countries.

Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, Jack Benny, Glen Campbell, The

New Christy Minstrels and Teresa Graves were among those

who performed that day.

According to liner notes on an album produced after the event,

Honor America Day was denounced by the extreme right and

the extreme left, but was supported by ordinary Americans,

“rich and poor, black and white, Republicans and Democrats,

Christians and Jews.”

The idea reportedly stemmed from a telephone conversation

between Billy Graham and Hobart Lewis, editor-in-chief of

the Reader’s Digest, with hotel executive J. Willard Marriott

later taking over the bulk of organizational work.

Organizers hoped the event would provide an “antidote for the

poisons of defeatism, cynicism, and disillusionment that

boil[ed] from the wells of America’s unsolved problems.”

One commentator noted that Dr. Graham’s message was a

“moving, articulate plea for unity, faith and courage amid the

strife of the ’70s.”

The following is part of Billy Graham’s message:

“Pericles built a civilization upon culture and it failed. Caesar

built a civilization upon power and it failed. Our forefathers

founded the United States upon faith in God, and our country

will survive only as it honors God.

Our nation was built on a foundation of moral law, in which a

person’s rights were also balanced by a person’s

responsibilities. Why should I, as a citizen of heaven and a

Christian minister, join in honoring any secular state?

The Bible says, ‘Honor the nation.’ As a Christian or a Jew,

or as an atheist, we have a responsibility to an America that

has always stood for liberty, protection and opportunity.

There are many reasons why we honor America today.

America has opened her heart and her doors to the distressed

and persecuted of the world. America has been the most

generous nation in history. We have shared our wealth and

our faith with a world in need.

America has never hidden her problems and faults. With our

freedom of the press and open communication system we do

not sweep our sins under the rug. America defends the right

of her citizens to dissent. Dissent is the hallmark of our

priceless freedoms. But when dissent takes violent forms it

becomes anarchy.

We may be a vastly different people today than we were two

hundred years ago. Our society is far more complex, more

pluralistic. But of this we can be sure. God has not changed

and His laws have not changed.

He is still a God of love and mercy. But He is also a God of

righteousness and judgment. Any individual or nation, which

ignores His moral and spiritual laws, will ultimately face His

judgment.”

Grace Baptist Church

3920 East Prospect Road

York, PA 17406

(717) 755-0091

[email protected]

www.gracebaptistyork.com

Sunday: 8:15 Contemporary Worship

9:30 Sunday School

10:45 Traditional Worship

5:30 Against the Flow Youth

6:30 Evening Worship Service

Wednesday: 7:00 Bible Study & Prayer for

Adults / Pioneer Clubs /

Against the Flow Youth

BIBLICAL BLURB

SECULAR: Charlotte Bronte - " If we would build on a sure

foundation in friendship, we must love our friends for their

sake rather than our own."

BIBLICAL: James 4:17 - "Anyone, then, who knows the

good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

Mix them together and we can conclude that it's time to help

an old friend out or make a new one by doing something for

them. Then give God the Glory and be blessed forever more.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Daily Pray for Families listed in the Church Directory

See the Monthly Calendar for the schedule to pray for families

on one page every day of the month. If you need a directory

or would like the directory emailed to you (pdf), put a note in

the Marchant mailbox or email the church address.

Family Vacations during the Summer for Safety and Health

All the Services / Activities during July

Our Pastors and their family

Our Deacons

Christian Education Staff

All who serve at GBC

Our Shut-ins

Our Visitors and New Members

Families of GBC

Our Missionaries

How YOU can serve God at GBC

How YOU can serve God in your Community / Family

REMEMBER OUR SHUT-INS Pray for our shut-ins, send a card, make a phone call, pay a

visit (call first), make a meal and deliver it or stay and eat with

them, pick up groceries / medicines. Addresses and phone

numbers are in the directory.

Wilma Davidson Leona Mauck

Carol Sarver Julie Lindsey

Gerry Kline Nina Johnson

Earl and June Kingan Russ and Julie Hearton

Gerry Gladfelter

Keep watching the Monthly Newsletter and Bulletin

for future information regarding Against the Flow

activities, teachings, and pictures. Pastor Jon is busy

meeting with current youth leaders and connecting with

our youth in planning motivating teaching and great

activities.

GUEST SPEAKERS DURING JULY

Sunday, July 5

Pastor Jon will be speaking during both morning services –

8:15 and 10:45

Sunday, July 12

Dr. Dave Arnold, World Evangelism Outreach in Africa, will

be sharing during both morning services – 8:15 and 10:45

Maria and Kevin Noyes, our missionaries with

DiscipleMakers, will be sharing a ministry update.

Ice Cream Social with Penn State Creamery Ice Cream

By Maria and Kevin in appreciation of GBC

Sunday, July 19

Pastor Jon will be speaking during both morning services –

8:15 and 10:45

Hi, this is Joni Eareckson Tada and while

wheeling to my cabin at Family Retreat, I

felt a terrible electric shock. I looked down and everything appeared normal. But much later, I saw that my jeans were stained with blood – one of my fingers was bleeding from under the nail bed. I had seriously damaged it, but didn’t know how. That’s when I remembered the electric shock. Apparently, my finger had gotten crunched in the wheel of my chair. It’s frightening when we hurt ourselves and don’t even know it. But we do the same thing in the body of Christ. We damage parts of Christ’s body, fellow believers, and we don’t know when we’re doing it. Listen, friend, the body of Christ is precious. Let’s not damage it. Please let’s not harm it. Treat it carefully. Take it from me… Joni… the lady with the smashed finger.

ATTENTION

Pulling out of the mall the other day I heard a siren. Looked

all around. Didn’t see anything. I knew I didn’t pull out in

front of someone. I was not speeding. I had the green light.

What is that siren? Duh, then I realized the siren was part of

the song playing on the radio. But it sure did get my attention!

Made me think—what does it take for God to get my

attention? At times He speaks in a still small voice. He softly

and gently gives me direction for what he wants me to do.

Maybe while sitting quietly at His feet or walking through a

garden or watching a sunset or looking for the rainbow after

the storm. Unfortunately, I don’t always listen to that quiet

voice like I should.

At that point to get my attention God has to whack me over the

head! Oh no, it may take more than one “whack” with each

one getting harder. He may have to take something from me

that keeps me from obeying Him. Something that takes too

much of my time, my money, my thoughts.

What about you? What does it take for God to finally get your

attention? He may be saying witness to your neighbor or

coworker, visit the shut-in, take a meal to the person

recovering from an illness or injury, spend more “quiet time”

meditating on God’s Word, pray for and with others,

volunteer to teach or help in a Sunday School class or meet

another need in the church.

How about this one—living your life according to God’s will

so that others may see Christ in you while at work, with

friends, with extended family and oh yeah, at home with your

spouse and kids or for the kids, your parents and siblings.

LOOKING AHEAD TO AUGUST

Good News Day Camp Dedicated to providing a well-rounded program to meet the

spiritual, physical and social needs of boys and girls

“Nehemiah”

August 3 – 7

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

For Children ages 6 to 12 (those entering 1st grade through

completing 6th

grade)

$25.00 for the week (Scholarships available)

Transportation available if needed

Bring a bag lunch

Be sure child’s name is on all their belongings

Registration forms are on the table in the back of the sanctuary

Red Lion Street Fair Saturday, August 8

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Grace Baptist Church will again be sharing the story of the

"Colored Beads"

Contact Stan Stull to work at the fair for an hour or two or all

day as your time allows

Community Hero Night Honoring Firemen, Police, EMTs

Sponsored by the SaltShakers (Grades 5 - 6)

Wednesday, August 12

6:45 - 8:15 p.m.

Check out the equipment and attend the program to honor our

"local heroes"

Amy and Patrick Fata Sunday, August 16

Leading Worship in Song during a Combined 10:45 a.m.

Worship Service

NOTE: There will be no 8:15 a.m. Service This Day

Sunday School will be held at 9:30 a.m.

Full Concert - 6:30 p.m.

Free Will Offering with be taken

Amy & Patrick lead God’s people in His worship with

confidence and conviction using songs that focus man upward

and glorify Christ, whether that be singing as a corporate body

or ministering through solos and testimony. Amy & Patrick

are commissioned songwriters for churches, organizations or

individuals looking to have a special arrangement or original

song written for a specific occasion.

CHURCH EMAIL ADDRESS When emailing the church, please use the following address:

[email protected]

Do not reply to Hotline emails. Replies to the Hotline address

are routed to an unmonitored mailbox.

NEW ADDRESS? New Email address? New phone or cell number?

Put a note in the Marchant mailbox or email the church

address.

VBS NEWS NETWORK

Many will enjoy the multitude of fireworks this fourth of July, but the "real fireworks" were at GBC during Vacation Bible School.

Multiple Spiritual bursts created showers of blessings throughout the whole week.

Thousands of God’s blessings reigned down from Glory every evening. This campus had to be a heavenly vision of His angelic

beings watching over us, because the whole VBS celebration went perfectly.

Souls were saved, hearts recommitted to Christ, great drama, fantastic music, snacks galore, crafts from other worlds, just to name a

few. His Joy filled every nook and cranny, even outside. Everything made mention of a closer walk with our Lord and provided

guidance to walk His pathway throughout our lives.

The Missions Offering of over $2,500 that will provide over 60 school desks in Africa, via Dr. Arnold, was truly a miracle. Dr.

Arnold will receive this gift on July 12, when he comes to speak at both morning services.

None of this would have been possible without all your prayer support during the last six months. The Glory goes to God.

Tom Greig, Director

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KUDOS TO MANY

I wish to offer our thanks to over 100 people that were on staff (including teens) and/or contributed to the development of this year’s

VBS program.

I have one very special thank you to a young lady; Miss Audrey Noll, who was not on staff, but she contributed four articles, under the

banner of "Roving Reporter". Her interviews and own experiences were documented in fine journalistic style. Kudos Audrey! Her

latest is just below...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------

ROVING REPORTER by Audrey Noll

Some Thoughts about VBS from the Roving Reporter (and Her Mom):

For the past few months, my 10 year old daughter, Audrey Noll, was a roving reporter who wrote some articles and interviewed some

GBC folks about what they were looking forward to at this year's VBS. This got me thinking about when I was a child growing up at

GBC and VBS was a highlight of my year. I loved the crafts, the Bible lessons, the games, and raising money to help whatever

project our church was supporting that year. Little did I understand then how much time and effort was put forth by GBC volunteers

who made the week of learning and fun possible for me and so many others (many of the same people who taught me are still teaching

and serving here at GBC - what faithfulness!). So when the final night of VBS was underway, I asked some of the kids who rotated

through the snack area about their favorite parts of VBS. Here are their answers:

Kaydence Loucks - crafts and everything

Morgan Geibel - crafts because you can be artistic with what you have

Jonathan Schwartz - everything, but mostly snacks

Ethan Lindsey - games

Andrew Eichler - snack

Hannah Bitts - everything

Madison Myers - everything

Emma Landis - pretty much everything

Michael Lightner, Jr. - snack

Blake Kahler - games

Audrey, too, had her own thoughts to share about VBS this year and this is how she summed up her week at VBS: I liked Bible

School a lot. It was a lot of fun. I liked how every night's snack had a lesson to it. On Monday night, we had potato chips (elephant

ears) for snack. Since that night was about listening, we had to listen to the crunch of the chip. Games were a lot of fun, too! On

Friday night, we played kickball against the adults! My favorite game was bucketball. Some of the crafts were a little tricky, but it

was still fun. The Bible lessons were awesome. I learned not only about a new animal every night, but I also was able to learn new

things about the Bible every night. I liked the drama every night, too. The characters were really funny! There was nothing that I did

not like about Bible School!

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SURVEY & THANKS

Within the next few weeks we will be sending out a survey for feedback information purposes. This will help with "VBS - 2016" as

we hope to improve in areas that need it. Ask the Lord about YOU being VBS Director in 2016. There will be thank you notes and a

copy of "VBS News Network" for those that don't read this.

Helen Etner, Susan Strausbaugh and I want to thank so many for so much. Uncountable thousands of man/woman hours go into each

VBS outreach. It really is a year round ministry. This year we had the many extra hours of having everyone complete their

background checks and take the child abuse training. Thanking the Lord for all the extra efforts from everyone. Especially our prayer

support team.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------

STATISTICS

146 Children were registered for VBS

116 to 126 attended every night

70 of these children attend GBC

37 attend other churches

39 do not attend any church

Students who do not attend any church will receive a visit, information about GBC and VBS CD

Students who attend another church were mailed information about GBC and VBS CD

63 to 73 Adults worked with the children every night

HOW CAN I SERVE THE LORD AT GBC? There is a need for individuals/families who will serve the

Lord by visiting first time attenders to GBC. This is usually

done on Sunday afternoons. Paul Buser will provide you with

the address and a gift to deliver.

Teach or help all ages for Sunday School or Children's

Church, contact Jayne Warner.

Teach or help Wednesday nights with Pioneer Clubs, contact

Kathy Wagaman.

Enjoy caring for babies through 2 years old? See Deb Goeke

to serve in the nursery.

Forms to work with children and youth in Sunday School,

Children's Church, Pioneer Clubs, and Nursery are available

on the wall at the top of the steps in the library.

Interested in joining Grace Baptist Church? Paul Buser will

be more than happy to talk with you.

To receive urgent prayer requests and praises, urgent church

weather announcements/cancellations, the Sunday and

Wednesday Praise/Prayer Sheets and the monthly Church

Newsletter, sign up for Hotline Emails by providing your

email address to Michelle Noll.

Don't have an email address? Give Marlene Marchant your

name and phone number to receive by phone the urgent prayer

requests and church announcements.

Hank Wagaman and Helen Etner will train you to work in the

sound booth--sound, Power Point, and/or camera to record

services.

How about driving the van to bring others to church for

Sunday School and second service? Josh Lindsey will give

you the route so nobody is missed!

Leasha Folk is looking for more singers to join the choir.

Practice is Thursday at 6:45.

Let Sherry Stayer know you would like to sing or play an

instrument as special music Sunday morning or evening.

Pammie Landis schedules meals to be delivered to those who

have been hospitalized.

If you don't have the opportunity to talk with these folks at

church, put a note in their mailbox with your name, phone

number and the area where you want to serve or email the

church.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKLY / MONTHLY EVENTS IS ENCOURAGED

Ladies Prayer Meetings

Meeting at church certain Mondays or Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Contact Gina Alvey or Kim Loucks.

Nursing Home Ministry

Conducting monthly services as follows:

Autumn House Assisted Living - 1st and 5th Sundays at 2:00.

Contact Charles Geesey

Colonial Manor Nursing Home - 2nd Sunday at 2:30.

Contact Paul Buser

Manor Care Kingston Court - 4th Sunday at 2:00.

Contact Frank Collins

Empty Nesters Plus Ladies Fellowship

Meeting the first Tuesday of every month at 1:00 at Marsha

Loop’s home.

Connect Groups Meeting Monthly in Homes:

Marchants - 1st Friday at 7:00

Wagamans - 3rd Friday at 6:00 (Contact Hank and Kim or

Chip Isiminger)

OWLS (Older, Wiser, Loving, Seniors)

Meet at the church the third Tuesday of every month at 12:00.

Contact Terry Hildebrand for information.

GBC Playgroup and Mom’s Night Out

Contact Stephanie Porta for dates and locations for Playgroup

and monthly Mom’s Night Out or check out the blog--

www.momsandkidsplaygroup.blogspot.com. Playgroup goes

to Tiny Tumblers the 3rd

Tuesday of every month.

MAIL OR EMAIL A BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY CARD TO OUR MISSIONARIES

Jim & LouAnn Leary (7/5 Anniversary)

16 Michael Road

Sicklerville, NJ 08081

[email protected]

Paulette Teague (7/28)

939 Bluegrass Drive

Lancaster, PA 17601

[email protected]

Dave Hildebrand (7/31)

5607C Mt. Pisgah Road

York, PA 17406

[email protected]