Welcome

We welcome you here at Grace Church. We are eager to get to know you and share with you the ways God is working in our Church. Our purpose as we gather is to focus on God. "That with one accord you may with one voice glorify God." (Romans 15:6) This focus comes as we strive to know Him through His Word, the Bible. As we study His Word we grow in our individual faith and teach each other how to serve and to share our faith with those who desperately need to know Him. Welcome to this adventure as God leads us on!

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                       ANNOUNCEMENTS             2/8/10

                                                                                                                           Means some place has been updated

Church & Community 

• Children's Choir: The choir is going to be practicing the song "My Deliverer" for the upcoming New England District Conference at our church. We are asking for children in the 4^th to 8^th grade who are interested in singing to come out on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:15 for practice starting on Feb. 10th. Please contact Cressy Hudson with questions. You can e-mail cressh@yahoo.com or call 802-380-2422.
• New! Food by Grace: Order Date Deadline
  February 16th for cash orders
  February 17th for online orders
  Distribution Date - Saturday, February 27^rd at 10:15-11:30 a.m.
  Check out the menu at http://www.foodbygrace.com/
• Praise & Prayer: Sunday, February 21^st at 6:00 p.m. 
• Ministries of Mercy will be collecting items for the Homeless Shelter in Keene on Sunday, February 21st. We are needing used Coats, Hats, Gloves, Mittens that are clean, without stains, broken zippers or missing buttons.  We are also collecting toiletries such as: Tooth Brushes (Adult & Children), Toothpaste, Shampoo & Conditioner, Soap, Brushes & Combs and Stick Deodorant (Male & Female). Thank you for reaching out to those in need.

• The AV (audio video) Ministry is looking for more help.  If you're interested in serving, approximately one Sunday each month, we'd enjoy having you.  Just bring your heart for service and we'll train you.  Contact Steve Deeds for more information (978) 590-6148 or stevedeeds@yahoo.com . 
• Father and son street hockey at Camp Spofford.  Every Monday starting Jan 4^th at 6 pm. For sons aged 8 and up.  All are welcome especially father and sons from the community.  The goal of our time will be father's spending time with their sons.  Other boys age 8 and up are welcome and other adult men are welcome recognizing the hockey played will be at relatively low competitive level.  Dad's and older boys (Sr. High) will have a time to play a little more skilled time each night.  Contact Tom Burns if you are interested.  We are so grateful for Camp Spofford's offer for us to have this. 
• Precepts Bible Studies for Women: A Precepts Bible Study will be starting February 8^th.  Beth LaChance will be teaching Titus: Developing Character and Integrity in the Midst of a Society Which Has Lost Respect for God. For more information, please call Beth.  Look for future Precepts Studies: Jude in March and Sermon on the Mount in April- mid June.
• New Women's Bible Study: Crazy Love - Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself.  Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts - it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.  Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

Begining Friday, January 15th at 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Grace Community Church

Childcare provided

Questions? Call Liz Nelson 603-363-4576

• Men's Retreat: February 19-21, 2010 "Encountering God through the Psalms", led by Brian Stuart. The cost is $95 for 2 nights and 4 meals.  Please see Tom Burns or Mark Marvel for more information.
• Women's Retreat: "Loving Him" with Lisa Hoekstra as the special speaker. Registrations have begun for the 2010 Women's Retreat held at Brookwoods in Alton Bay, NH on March 19^th - 21^st. Consider taking time out from the "urgency of the moment" to reflect on our Lord, who He is, and what place he holds in our life.  The cost of the retreat is $115 with a $40 deposit due at the time of registration.
  
• Choir CDS:  The newest Choir CD is still available!  They make great Christmas gifts that will encourage and lift up your family and friends.  You can buy your copy in the lobby on Sunday's or contact Edi Swearingen at 603-499-4145.  Cost is $20.  Part of the proceeds goes to music ministry and short term missions.
• Ministries Of Mercy
  • Alternative Fuel Ministry: HELP! More calls are comming in & we have run out of seasoned, split firewood. We are asking our church families to prayerfully consider helping meet the needs of our families in challanging circumstances by donating cut, split, seasoned firewood out of their inventory.  If you are interested in supporting this much needed ministry by donating 1/4, 1/2 or more of cord wood, please email Harry Bafundi at  hbafundi@gracefreechurch.org  and copy Peter Pinto (mailto:prvbs31pam@aol.com) As additional calls for support come in, you will be contacted. Please specify the amount and size of the wood you are donating. May Christ be glorified through the unity of His body.  
• ROOMMATE WANTED:
  • We are searching for a gentle, kind individual willing to provide guidance and support to our son who is Downs Syndrome in exchange for free room, his apartment is located in Keene. This young man enjoys sports, dining out, music and giving back to the community through volunteer work. Clean driver and criminal checks required. Non smokers only please. IF this sounds like it is for you, please call Dave or Karen Coleman 363-4342 or email us at dkmdjg@myfairpoint.net to get more information.

     Updates for Haiti

2/8/10  The Relief Construction Team left for Haiti this morning at 1:00 a.m. and will be there until Friday. Please pray for Al Powers, Dave Nelson, Mark Hertzler, Rick VanHoudt, Rick Harvey, Kevin Bruce, and the four other men from Monadnock as they rebuild the damage done to Franceli's house and minister to the orphans and the people in the neighborhood.

01/31/10  Praise God for we acquired $9245 for the Haiti relief fund!  The first $4000 made it to the orphans in Port-au-Prince.

01/28/10 Update from Mondanock Bible Conference: The orphans are still in PAP at the courtyard and safe being cared for and fed and have water and all they need at present.  Due to the fact that the EQ aftershocks have been moving farther north, they have decided it is safer to have the children there and not get caught out in the countryside where they will be stranded with 32 children.

We have a Relief Construction Team going in this next week if AA continues to fly in.  They will be rebuilding the damage done to Franceli's house.  It is not beyond repair and that will make it available for the March Medical Team to stay there and Steve and Franceli are already setting up clinic areas for the team to serve.

Franceli and Julie have sent Hadasseh to the states to stay for a few months with her Uncle Balmir and his wife Maggie n SC. 

Balmir and his Pastor have successfully been into Haiti and returned bringing in relief in monetary form for the orphans, Franceli and Julie and the many needs as they care for these children at Redeemer's Child Orphanage.

01/20/10 11:53 a.m. Update from Karl and Ann Olsson

As most of you know we had another earthquake this morning around 6:00am; we ran out of the house and are OK. Our house seems to still be intact too - although we can't help but wonder, but we don't really see anything definitive.

Ann's devotional this morning is just what we needed to read:

‘(Because of) the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end' (Lam. 3:22)

‘Deep in my heart I say, "The Lord is all I need; I can depend on him!" the Lord is kind to everyone who trusts and obeys Him.' ( Lam. 3:24-25)

"You are not done - your hope has not come to an end. That is what Jeremiah meant when he wrote that because of God's love you would not perish.

"Because God's goodness, kindness, and faithfulness have no end, you can eagerly expect that he again will make all things bright and hopeful. Just as His mercy is renewed every morning, so also can your dreams have innumerable new beginnings.

"Give thanks to God for His unfailing compassion that gives you a fresh start this morning. Whatever happened yesterday (or this morning!) is washed clean and transformed by God's abundant love for you. Today you will experience how truly great His faithfulness is."  Hallelujah!

We expect to be busy at the Chapel today as we have been for the last 4-5 days after the first quake - with Convoy of Hope, other doctors and nurses, and volunteers who want to help with prayer support, medical care, food, and good water.

We have a wonderful group of Haitian young men and women coming each day to help; some are assisting the doctors and nurses, others are helping distribute food, one young man's passion is to pray - he had polio as a child and walks with a crutch, so he sits in a chair under the tree and every group of people receiving  food are stopped and he prays for each one before they proceed to receive food and walk out the front gate. How wonderful, and what a blessing to watch Haitians who've lost their homes, loved ones, and have no food - help other Haitians...it's a beautiful picture to see.
 
No matter what....PRAY. We covet your prayers, they are giving us the strength and encouragement to continue on, but please please pray for these dear Haitian people who have suffered so much, and now so much more. Pray that relief services will come, pray that security will improve, AND PRAY -

THAT THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE WILL TURN IN TRUTH TO THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

Relief NEEDS to come, help NEEDS to come, food, good water, housing NEEDS to come

BUT -

The most important thing is that the hearts of all people turn to God in truth - that is what determines our eternal destiny....for them - for you - for us.

Gratefully HIS,

    Karl and Ann  

Mailing Address                       Support Address
Karl & Ann Olsson                     Berean Mission Alliance                      
Unit 2073 - QC                          16051 Nantucket Meadows Dr.
3170 Airmans Dr.                       Wildwood, MO 63040-1545
Ft. Pierce, FL 34946                  Email:http://www.gracefreechurch.org/wysiwyg/bereanmissionalliance@yahoo.com
SIG Ministries                            Phone: 636.405.7070
Email:http://www.gracefreechurch.org/wysiwyg/kaolsson@hughes.net   Web:www.bereanmissionalliance.org/
Email:http://www.gracefreechurch.org/wysiwyg/pastork@hughes.net
Phone: 011.509.3762.7744
Web: www.olssonsinhaiti.org/   

01/15/10 11:30am
Thank you for your continued prayers for our Bridgebuilders ministry in Haiti.  We have been able to talk with our Director of Ministries for a few moments yesterday (1/14) and his family, one of our board members, and the orphans are alive.  We do know that the front of our ministry team house which is also the home of our Director of Ministries in Haiti has been damaged and is unlivable at this point.  Likewise, the children in the orphanage have moved to an apartment building across the street from the orphanage for safety reasons but we do not have specifics of the damage to the orphanage at this point. Many people have asked if we are sending down an emergency team but we are not at this point because there are too many unknowns and logistics to work out at this time. We are scheduled to send a medical team in March and that team is still planning on going. We would ask that you continue to pray.  The MBC Staff

01/15/10 9:20am Dave Milne will be going to Haiti with the US Marshalls in the near future.   

Monadnock Bible Conference is not able to post updates on their web site about Haiti. So, as we hear any information, it will be transferred here to you. 

01/14/10 8:00am - Praise the Lord. We have heard from Haiti. Franclei & Julie Joseph and all the children in the orphanage are safe. Steve Shaw is safe as well. Please continue to pray for the people in Haiti.

We are creating a fund to assist those in need. If you would like to make a contribution, please make checks payable to: Monadnock Bible Conference, P.O. Box 70, Jaffrey, NH 03452, and on the memo line write “Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund” Again, thank you for your prayers. We will keep you posted as more information is available.”

Children's Ministry

We have our own Children's Ministry website!  Please click here and take a look at any of the following pages:  Sunday Morning Ministries, Family Events, Parent's Page, Volunteer Page (including nursery schedule and teacher tips), and a Prayer list specifically for Children Ministries.

Family Fun Events

* Keep your calendars open for the March 5th Variety Show. (NOTE the change in date!)  Sign ups will be available Feb. 14.

Youth Ministry

Fueling youth to revolutionize the World!

Sunday Nights at Camp Spofford

February 14

• Fuel at Camp Spofford, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
• No Revolution

February 21

• No Youth Group
• Praise and Prayer service followed by ice cream and small groups - 6:00 - 7:45 PM

February 28

• Regular night of Youth Group

Family Night Variety Show - hosted by Revolution

DATE CHANGE - Friday, March 5, 6:30-8 PM - the 2nd annual Church variety show.  Put your best and funniest talents on display.  Sign ups will begin February 14 and the deadline will be two weeks later, February 28.  

Parents mist sign up their children.

Fuel (Jr. High Youth Group grades 6-8)

Winter Retreat 

March 19-21 - This is one of the highlights of the year for our Middle Schoolers!  They will have a great weekend together, build stronger friendships and be challenged in their walk with the Lord!  It will take place at Monadnock Bible Conference. The cost will be $115.  You will need to fill out a medical form for you child once they sign up.  Full payment is due they day we leave for the retreat!

Revolution (Sr. High Youth Group)

Winter Retreat 

February 12-14 - This is looking like it is going to be a great weekend.  We have 15 guys and 6 girls signed up.  The majority of our High Schoolers will be attending.  The fellowship, teaching, worship and fun will be great together.  You can still get in on it if you want!  It will take place at Monadnock Bible Conference. The cost will be $115.  You will need to fill out a medical form for you child once they sign up.  Full payment is due they day we leave for the retreat!

Sledding

Saturday, February 27, 2-4 PM - details to be announced very soon!

 

 On-going Opportunity

Prayer: is a key component of our ministries at Grace Community Church and we encourage participation through one of several opportunities. Each are led by our Prayer Coodinator and a Prayer Team captain.  Click on "Intercessary Prayer Ministry and Prayer Teams" to learn more.  If you prayerfully feel led to be part of this team please contact our Pastoral Assistant Harry Bafundi by phone @ 603 363-4277 or email hbafundi@gracefreechurch.org  

 OUTREACH: (Church Family and Community) "Ministries of Mercy" see our Purpose Statement & Opportunities to Serve page (Ministry of Mercy -NEW - click on "Ministries" & get involved)  

Deaf Ministry: Interpreter now available for our morning worship service.  Please use relay services to request our Interpreter.  Call 603-835-6356.  Ask for Christine.   

SuperMoms:  Mondays 10:00am - 12:00pm at Grace Community Church. All SuperMoms welcome, along with their super kids, for faith, food, fun and friendship. SuperMoms know that we are not "super" on our own. We can only be our best with the help of our SUPER God! Please call co-leaders: Denise Erway at (413) 498-2020 or Edi Swearingen at (603) 499-4145) for more information.  

Mom's In Touch: Calling on Moms with children in  school. This group continues to meet at Community Bible Chapel on Atwood Street in Brattleboro; every Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Join with other moms in prayer for our children, their peers, their teachers and schools. Questions? Please contact Laura Burdo at 802-254-3360 or e-mail her at plburdo@truevine.net

*It is important that you make childcare arrangements for your preschool children. If you need help with this, please call.

Our Service Men & Women: If you have relatives that are serving in the military please give wallet size photo and details of branch of service, address, e-mail and deployment area to Peter Mitchell or Todd Stockwell.