Upcoming Events...

Hellooooo church family!!We have quite a bit stuff going on/coming up so I thought I’d try and highlight some things to try and keep us informed.

THIS SUNDAY, August 29^th…I am really looking forward to! We’ll have Communion, our FIRST

on site baptisms, and then no Community Groups because we’ll be having church wide BRUNCH. So bring a brunch item to share and be prepared to share in Christ and what Christ is doing in our congregation, it will be a great day of Biblical fellowship for all who attend.

Then the NEXT week, September 5^th….is another big day for GBF: PROMOTION SUNDAY. So every young person that is advancing into a new Community Group will do so on that Sunday.

ALSO on that Sunday we will be launching two new classes for adults. FAITHWEAVER led by Brent Wilkens. FaithWeaver makes it easy for families to come together and grow in faith because everyone studies the same Bible story, in age-appropriate ways, each week! Our second adult class will begin a verse by verse teaching of the book of Acts that Sunday. If you were a part of the book of Mark study that we just finished and are wondering “WHAT HAPPENED NEXT???”, the answer is the book of ACTS!

….One more, MEN (and young men): SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, Men at the Cross at Park Cities Baptist Church. You can more info here.

GBF will be going down as a group and riding together where possible. We’ll need to meet at GBF at 6:15am, grab some high calorie fast food on the way, get there, get a seat, and get ready to be challenged and equipped by the WORD OF GOD. Please let me know if you plan on attending and I can order group tickets and save us some dough. Who’s in? email me at roy@thegbf.com

Ok I’m sure that’s not all but that’s all for now. Thanks for reading. Hey, stay in God’s WORD, in God’s WILL, and with God’s family…have a great week.

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Psalm 115:1

Missionary Partners In Romania...

Grace Bible Fellowship!!!

Two weeks ago, Sunday August 1, GBF announced the exciting news that we will be partnering as a church in financial support with missionaries Jim and Brenda Brosch. We enjoyed a great Sunday with them that included some great information about what God is doing in Romania, a challenge to us in regards to The Great Commission of Christ from Matthew 28, and some great time of Q & A during our Community Group hour.

Want to keep up with our new partners in missions to Romania, Jim and Brenda Brosch? You can follow them on their blog here:
http://broschmission.blogspot.com/

We are so excited about what God has in store for the Brosch’s in Romania. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to raise support and make the transition to full time missionaries.

Also, be praying for God to prepare the hearts of those in Romania to receive the message of Christ, and for those who know the Lord to grow in their knowledge, faith, and love of HIM!

Announcements and Activities, Sunday 07-11-2010

•EMAIL ADDRESS: If you know that you have changed your email address in the last 6 months please email the church secretary @ gbfsecretary@gmail.com. THANK YOU.

•YOUTH: This Wednesday, Serve with The Mission Gunter night. See you there!!

•GATHER: This Thursday @ 2pm we will LOTE with Hilltop Residents. Immediately after, we will travel to the Prosper Party Place for bounce housing and pizza. Mandy will send details out early next week.


•CAMP KIDJAM MANDATORY MEETING: Due to several volunteers and parents being out of town, we will move our leader/parent meeting to another date. Rescheduled meeting will be posted soon!!

•WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Don’t forget this Thursday, from 6:30 - 8:30pm. The Bible study over “The Covenants”. It will be held at Amy Crelia’s house (235 Green meadow). If you have not received your book you may pick “The Covenants” book up at Lifeway.

•MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: The next study will be July 20th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7-8pm.

•DESPARATE FOR JESUS: Will be held July 23rd-24th at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church if you are interested in attending go online and get your tickets at www.ocbfchurch.org, if unable onsite registration starts at 4:30pm July 23rd.

•PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

•Web site: www.thegbf.com or join us on Facebook! Search Grace Bible Fellowship –Gunter TX!!!

GBF Family

Hello church family!

I hope you all are able to enjoy some of the blessings of summer time as it FLIES by. I know for us it seems that it’s been one thing right after another. We had our Navajo friends here for a couple of visits, a lot of prep work for the New Mexico Mission trip, WENT on the NM mission trip, then a basketball camp for Q-man, a great week of Mega-Sports camp here at GBF, and here we are today…shewww it goes by quick!

This Sunday, my family and I will be out of town for a family get away of our own. So, I wanted to let you all know that WE’LL MISS YOU. If you have been out of town some this summer, and/or we haven’t crossed paths lately, please don’t hesitate to keep us in the loop on your life and prayer needs. We would love to hear from you, roy@thegbf.com.

This Sunday you will be in good hands as Wayne Stiles will be here to bring the Word in my place. Please make every effort to be in attendance as I KNOW that you will be blessed by Wayne’s time with us. Wayne is a Godly man, rich in Biblical knowledge, as well as gifted in the area of speaking and writing. You can learn more about Wayne at http://waynestiles.blogspot.com/

One more thing, if you haven’t heard, Casey is pregnant with our fourth! PRAISE GOD!!! Please pray for Casey’s health and the health of our newest gift (Psalm 127:3) from God.

Y’all are in my prayers and on my heart. I’m thankful for the family that I have at Grace Bible Fellowship.

In Christ,

Pastor Roy

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Colossians 1:15-20

Announcements and Activities, Sunday 07-04-2010

•OFFICE CLOSED: In honor of Independence Day, the office will be closed Monday, July 5th.



•EMAIL ADDRESS: If you know that you have changed your email address in the last 6 months please email the church secretary @ gbfsecretary@gmail.com. THANK YOU.

•MEGA SPORTS CAMP- A BIG THANK YOU to all the volunteers that helped out to make Mega Sports Camp great! It was an amazing week of fun while learning about our awesome God! And each of you played a HUGE role in making it a success!

•For those who loaned GBF items or sports related materials, you may pick your items up in the BIG KID room, located on the north hall (last room). Thank you for sharing these things with us this week!


•CAMP KIDJAM: Please be sure to see Mandy Turner today if you haven’t paid the remaining balance for your child/children. A mandatory meeting will held on July 11, 2010 for both leaders and campers. Leaders’ meeting will be at 5pm and the campers’ meeting will be at 6pm.

•WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: The start date is NOW July 8th, it will be every Thursday, from 6:30 - 8:30pm. The Bible study over “The Covenants”. It will be held at Amy Crelia’s house (235 Green meadow). You may pick “The Covenants” book up at Lifeway.

•MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: The next study will be July 20th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7-8pm.

•DESPARATE FOR JESUS: Will be held July 23rd-24th at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church if you are interested in attending go online and get your tickets at www.ocbfchurch.org, if unable onsite registration starts at 4:30pm July 23rd.

•PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

•Web site: www.thegbf.com or join us on Facebook! Search Grace Bible Fellowship –Gunter TX!!!

Announcements and Activities, Sunday 06-20-2010

•YOUTH MISSION TRIP: Please pray for the students serving on the mission trip. Pray that they would display God’s glory to the Navajo students, be unified as a group, and return home safely.

•YOUTH WANTED: To help with the Mega Sports Camp, the week of June 28th– July 2nd. 5-8:30pm. Please contact Mandy Turner @ 903.818.7722 or mandy@thegbf.com and let her know when you are available to help. If you can only work a day or two that’s great just let her know when you are available.

•MEGA SPORTS CAMP REGISTRATION AND VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers are needed and wanted. A list of "types" of volunteers is on the children's table. **On June 28, from 4:30-5:45pm, all youth and adult volunteers will have an orientation-type meeting to prepare for the week's event! On that same night, we will have an OPEN YARD PARTY for our entire church and community from 6:00-8:00pm. Neighborhood children can register at this time. We will also have bounce houses, playground games, and treats for everyone! Mega Sports Camp will resume June 29th-July 2nd from 5:00-8:30pm!


•CAMP KIDJAM: All campers payments were due June 6th!!!! Please be sure to see Mandy Turner today if you haven’t paid the remaining balance for your child/children. A mandatory meeting will held on July 11, 2010 for both leaders and campers. Leaders’ meeting will be at 5pm and the campers’ meeting will be at 6pm.

•WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: The start date is NOW July 8th, it will be every Thursday, from 6:30 - 8:30pm. The Bible study over “The Covenants”. It will be held at Casey Layman’s house (107 East Main).

•MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: The next study will be July 20th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7-8pm.

•DESPARATE FOR JESUS: Will be held July 23rd-24th at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church if you are interested in attending go online and get your tickets at www.ocbfchurch.org, if unable onsite registration starts at 4:30pm July 23rd.

•PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

Announcements and Activities, Sunday 06-06-2010

•YOUTH MISSION TRIP: If you are interested in donating to this fund, please come prepared to give, as we will take up a special offering today! Thank you for all your support!!


•GBF FAMILY ADVENTURE NIGHT: Pack your sunscreen and OFF because we are inviting everyone to come be a part of our 1st Annual Adventure Camp. It will be June 13, from 4-9pm in Anna, TX. You must sign up to go. Sign up sheets are at the Welcome Center and at the children’s table. More details on sign up sheets.

•MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: The next study will be June 15th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7-8pm.

•YOUTH MISSION TRIP– The Satellite Students will travel to the Reservation in New Mexico on June 19-26. Contact Casey Layman for more info: clayman@shermanisd.net

•MEGA SPORTS CAMP: The Children's Ministry will be hosting a Sports Camp on June 28-July 2 from 5pm-8:30pm. Details will soon be posted!

•WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Due to many awesome things going on @ GBF. We have changed the date of the women’s Bible study. The start date is NOW July 8th, it will be every Thursday, from 6:30 - 8:30pm. The Bible study over “The Covenants”. It will be held at Casey Layman’s house (107 East Main).


•DESPARATE FOR JESUS: Will be held July 23rd-24th at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church if you are interested in attending go online and get your tickets at www.ocbfchurch.org, if unable onsite registration starts at 4:30pm July 23rd.

•PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

Navajo Info...

What a great time last weekend with the folks from the Navajo reservation last weekend hu?

Many of you have been inquiring about when you can see them again and how you can help them further.

First, know that we will be taking up a special youth missions offering this Sunday at GBF that will go towards helping students GO to SERVE on an upcoming MISSION TRIP to the reservation. This is the ONLY fund raiser that the youth will do this year and is a BIG help to the over all student ministry to have assistance for the trip. Please seek the Lord and see if he would have you give.

Second, we’ll be collecting items to deliver to homes as care packages while we are on the trip in an effort to reach people with the Gospel and at the same time meet physical needs. Items that we need include: canned meats of all kinds, and toiletry items like toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, lotion, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, baby wipes and band aids. You can bring these items to church (GBF) with you and leave them on a table located in the greeting area under the SERVE banner, or drop them off at the church office (M-Thrs 9am-2pm).

Third, we’ll be looking for prayer partners for those going on the NM youth mission trip. These are people who commit to daily prayer for a student and/or leader and writing an encouragement card to give them when they return. We will give you a bracelet to remind you to pray for your student and/or leader each day.

If you need more info on any of these ways to help please contact THE Lara Martin @
laralmartin@yahoo.com, 903.815.0562 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              903.815.0562      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Finally, you should know that Wesley and the Navajo group will be coming back to our area next week. They will be staying with us, in the host homes they did last weekend and will be speaking and sharing at FBC Howe at 6:30 on Wednesday June 9^th. I have spoken with the pastor at FBC HOWE and he has assured me that EVERYONE is welcome. So if you’d like, make plans to hear from the Navajos again at FBC Howe, (100 E. Davis Howe, TX 75459).

Love y’all. Have a great rest of the week!

Roy

GBF Family Adventure Night

Come join us for a special evening full of adventure at Collin County Adventure Camp!
All are invited to join us! On June 13th, we will meet at 3:15pm at the GBF parking lot and will head over to Anna, TX where Collin County Adventure Camp is located. Our evening events will run from 4pm-9pm.

Upon arrival, we will then participate, as one large group, in an activity together. Following the activity, we will meet together for dinner time in the kitchen hall. After eating and fellowshipping together, families will be free to go to activities of their own choice for the next two hours.
Activities to choose from include:
Archery/ BB’s
Educational Hall
Swimming
Canoeing
Climbing Wall
Fishing
Games
Hiking
Frisbee Golf
**For our older persons- An air conditioned, educational building will be open where you may mingle and play games if the weather is too hot for you:-)

Our night will end near sunset time as we will all gather near the lake for a time of worship and devotional time!


COST:
The kitchen will open and feed individuals for a very small fee, but we need at least 25people minimal to sign up for CCAdventure Camp to open their kitchen. However, you may opt to choose to bring your own sacked dinners and coolers.

$10 per person-meals included
$5 per person-bring your own sacked meal
Children 5years and younger are free!

If your family is larger and you need financial assistance, please contact Mandy Turner asap...as she may be able to help you with a plan!

Sign up sheets are at the Children's Table and the Welcome Center...or you may email Mandy at mandy@thegbf.com.

It's gonna be a great time!!!! Hope to see everyone's name on the sign up sheet!

Mandy Turner
903-818-7722
mandy@thegbf.com

Announcements and Activities, Sunday 05-30-2010

•BRUNCH AND THE NAVAJO’S: Is TODAY after worship service. Be sure and stay for great fellowship with family and friends.

•GATHER: Wednesday, June 2, Mandy will be sending email out soon with details.

•YOUTH: Whirley Ball this Wednesday, 6-8:30pm

•GBF FAMILY ADVENTURE NIGHT: Pack your sunscreen and OFF because we are inviting everyone to come be a part of our 1st Annual Adventure Camp. It will be June 13, from 4-9pm in Anna, TX. You must sign up to go. Sign up sheets are at the Welcome Center and at the children’s table. More details on sign up sheets.

•DESPERATE FOR JESUS: Will be held July 23rd-24th at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church if you are interested in attending go online and get your tickets at www.ocbfchurch.org, if unable onsite registration starts at 4:30pm July 23rd.


•YOUTH MISSION TRIP: If you are interested in donating to this fund, please come prepared to give on June 6th, as we will take up a special offering at that time!

•WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Due to many awesome things going on @ GBF. We have changed the date of the women’s Bible study. The start date is NOW July 8th, it will be every Thursday, from 6:30 - 8:30pm. The Bible study over “The Covenants”. It will be held at Casey Layman’s house (107 East Main).

•MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: The next study will be June 15th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7-8pm.

•MEGA SPORTS CAMP: The Children's Ministry will be hosting a Sports Camp on June 28-July 2 from 5pm-8:30pm. Details will soon be posted!

•YOUTH MISSION TRIP– The Satellite Students will travel to the Reservation in New Mexico on June 19-26. Contact Casey Layman for more info: clayman@shermanisd.net

•PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

•Web site: www.thegbf.com or join us on Facebook! Search Grace Bible Fellowship –Gunter TX!!!

Announcements and Activities, Sunday 05-16-2010

•Camp KIDJAM- If you have not paid your May payments please be sure to see Mandy Turner today. **Tracks selections, T-shirt sizes, and birthdates need to be specified to Mandy, as well.

•MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: The next study will be on May 18th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7pm-8pm.

•SENIOR SUNDAY: GBF will recognize the graduating 2010 senior students on May 23rd.

•BAPTISM/COMMUNION: Please sign up at the Welcome Center (Kiosk) for baptism it is scheduled for May 30th.

•MAY 29-30: We will be joined by several of our friends from the Navajo reservation: Pastor Wesley Castillo, his family and several congregates from Pine Hill Church in New Mexico will be HERE to worship with US! More details to come…

•YOUTH MISSION TRIP: If you are interested in donating to this fund, please come prepared to give on June 6th, as we will take up a special offering at that time!

•WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: The women’s ministry will be hosting a Bible study over “The Covenants”. The initial meeting will be Tuesday June 8th. The following meeting will be Thursday, June 17th, it will be every Thursday, from 6:30-8:30pm. The study will be held at Casey Layman’s house (107 East Main). This study will last for 8 weeks. For more information regarding this study, please contact Tinna Hood @ 903.815.4055.

•CHILDREN’S MINISTRY MEETING: June 19th, 6:30-7:45pm @ the GBF sanctuary! Kids welcome to play outside.

•Mega Sports Camp: The Children's Ministry will be hosting a Sports Camp on June 28-July 2 from 5pm-8:30pm. Details will soon be posted!

•YOUTH MISSION TRIP– The Satellite Students will travel to the Reservation in New Mexico on June 19-26. Contact Casey Layman for more info: clayman@shermanisd.net

•PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

Announcements and Activities, Sunday 05-09-2010

•Mega Sports Camp: The Children's Ministry will be hosting a Sports Camp on June 28-July 2 from 5pm-8:30pm. Details will soon be posted!

•Camp KIDJAM- If you have not paid your May payments please be sure to see Mandy Turner today. **Tracks selections, T-shirt sizes, and birthdates need to be specified to Mandy, as well.

•TeamKID and IMPACT: TeamKID and IMPACT concluded their program for the 2009-2010 year on Wednesday. TeamKID and IMPACT will resume in the Fall of 2010.

•MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: The next study will be on May 18th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7pm-8pm.

•GBF 101/BAPTISM/COMMUNION: Please sign up at the Welcome Center (Kiosk) as our next class and baptism is scheduled for May 30th.

•MAY 29-30: We will be joined by several of our friends from the Navajo reservation: Pastor Wesley Castillo, his family and several congregates from Pine Hill Church in New Mexico will be HERE to worship with US! More details to come...

•YOUTH MISSION TRIP– The Satellite Students will travel to the Reservation in New Mexico on June 19-26. Contact Casey Layman for more info: clayman@shermanisd.net

•PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

•LIFELINE GROUP LEADERS NEEDED: Are you a member of GBF who is not a perfect person but a REAL person, not a Bible expert but someone who LOVES God's people? Interested in leading a small group that meets in a home for the purpose of authentic community and spiritual growth? We want to hear from YOU!!! Contact Roy for more info: roy@thegbf.com Lifeline Groups: Love one another... -Jesus (John 13:34)

Hello...

Hello all,

What a beautiful day outside right?...And the rainbows earlier this week, amazing! I know it’s a busy world, but for us that live out here “in the country” we have a great view going to and from work or school or wherever your daily routine takes you. So let’s slow down and be in AWE of the beauty that God placed around us!

I hope you all are getting as much out of the series on 1 Corinthians as I am. God just continues to reveal himself through His Word in the letter that Paul wrote to the Corinthians. The more I read the more I realize how relevant this letter is to our world today. If you would like to read ahead, read through the end of chapter 3 to get a good context of where we are.

This week is mother’s day. So kids and dads: don’t blow it! :) Make mom feel special, BECAUSE SHE IS, and we’ll do some things to help with that on Sunday as well.

Also be aware that at the end of this month, Sunday, May 30. We will have visitors from the Navajo reservation coming HERE! Pastor Wesley Castillo of Pine Hill Church in New Mexico will be preaching that Sunday. It will be a blessing to see and hear how God is working on the Navajo reservation as well as a culturally enlightening experience for many of us.

That Sunday, May 30th, we’ll have communion and then a community brunch afterward. It will be a great time of fellowship, not only for us but for the Navajo people as well! We are REALLY looking forward to it.

Please be in prayer as the 30th gets closer. Pray for the safe travel of our New Mexico friends and for us as we prepare for their arrival, that we could make this visit a beautiful example of the Christian brothers and sisters coming together in the name of Jesus.

I love y’all and look forward to seeing you Sunday if not before. Please feel free to email things that I can pray for you or just let me in on life in general. Email roy@thegbf.com.

Have a great rest of the week in the Lord,

The Layman called pastor :)

•WELCOME: Please welcome to the GBF Family our newest members Jessica Cook and Thomas and Jane Mrozinski!!

•Mega Sports Camp: The Children's Ministry will be hosting a Sports Camp on June 28-July 2 from 5pm-8:30pm. Details will soon be posted!

•Camp KIDJAM- We have three spots open! May payments are due TODAY. Please see Mandy to sign up or pay!

•TeamKID and IMPACT Banquet: Everyone is invited to attend our "End of the Year" Banquet this Wednesday in the sanctuary! Banquet will begin at 6:30!

•MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: The next study will be on May 18th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7pm-8pm.

•GBF 101/BAPTISM/COMMUNION: Please sign up at the Welcome Center (Kiosk) as our next class and baptism is scheduled for May 30th.

•MAY 29-30: We will be joined by several of our friends from the Navajo reservation: Pastor Wesley Castillo, his family and several congregates from Pine Hill Church in New Mexico will be HERE to worship with US! More details to come...

•YOUTH MISSION TRIP– The Satellite Students will travel to the Reservation in New Mexico on June 19-26. Contact Casey Layman for more info: clayman@shermanisd.net

•PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

•LIFELINE GROUP LEADERS NEEDED: Are you a member of GBF who is not a perfect person but a REAL person, not a Bible expert but someone who LOVES God's people? Interested in leading a small group that meets in a home for the purpose of authentic community and spiritual growth? We want to hear from YOU!!! Contact Roy for more info: roy@thegbf.com Lifeline Groups: Love one another... -Jesus (John 13:34)

Sunday, 2010-04-25

•TEAMKID: April 28- Last SPIRIT NIGHT- Praise and Worship/Pizza/Testimonies

•BREAKAWAY WEEKEND 2010: May 1st & 2nd (Saturday 10am through church on Sunday). Is a time for students to grow closer together, closer to their leaders; learn more about the God that loves them, all in a setting that is FUN for all involved. In short, it’s a time for students to take a break, and BREAKAWAY from the influences that discourage them as young Christians, and a time to be encouraged by the love of God, their leaders, and one another.

•May 5- "End of the Year" Banquet will be held on you don’t want to miss it. Awards will be given to all!!

•MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: The next study will be on May 18th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7pm-8pm.

•GBF 101/BAPTISM/COMMUNION: Please sign up at the Welcome Center (Kiosk) as our next class and baptism is scheduled for May 30th.

•MAY 29-30: We will be joined by several of our friends from the Navajo reservation: Pastor Wesley Castillo, his family and several congregates from Pine Hill Church in New Mexico will be HERE to worship with US! More details to come...

•YOUTH MISSION TRIP– The Satellite Students will travel to the Reservation in New Mexico on June 19-26. Contact Casey Layman for more info: clayman@shermanisd.net

•PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

•LIFELINE GROUP LEADERS NEEDED: Are you a member of GBF who is not a perfect person but a REAL person, not a Bible expert but someone who LOVES God's people? Interested in leading a small group that meets in a home for the purpose of authentic community and spiritual growth? We want to hear from YOU!!! Contact Roy for more info: roy@thegbf.com Lifeline Groups: Love one another... -Jesus (John 13:34)

•CAMP KIDJAM: For those who have signed up but have not paid, April payments are due please contact Mandy Turner.

Sunday, 2010-04-11

• WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: “The Titus 2 Women” for the last time this Thursday @GBF from 7-9pm.

• MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: Will be on April 20th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7pm-8pm.

• GBF 101/BAPTISM: Please sign up at the Welcome Center (Kiosk) as our next class and baptism is scheduled for April 25th.

• COVENANT MEMBERS MEETING: We will have an informative meeting for all GBF members on April 25th, 5pm, in the GBF Worship Center.

• GBF 101/BAPTISM: Please sign up at the Welcome Center (Kiosk) as our next class and baptism is scheduled for April 25th.

• April 28- Last SPIRIT NIGHT- Praise and Worship/Pizza/Testimonies

• TEAMKID: "End of the Year" Banquet will be held on Wednesday, May 5th, 2010. You don’t want to miss it, awards to all!!

• MAY 29-30: We will be joined by several of our friends from the Navajo reservation: pastor Wesley Castillo, his family and several congregates from Pine Hill Church in New Mexico will be HERE to worship with US! More details to come...

• YOUTH MISSION TRIP: To Navajo Reservation in New Mexico June 19-26. Contact Casey Layman for more info: clayman@shermanisd.net

• PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

• LIFELINE GROUP LEADERS NEEDED: Are you a member of GBF who is not a perfect person but a REAL person, not a Bible expert but someone who LOVES God's people? Interested in leading a small group that meets in a home for the purpose of authentic community and spiritual growth? We want to hear from YOU!!! Contact Roy for more info: roy@thegbf.com Lifeline Groups: Love one another... -Jesus (John 13:34)

• CAMP KIDJAM: For those who have signed up but have not paid, April payments are due please contact Mandy Turner.

Sunday, 2010-04-04

• COVENANT MEMBERS MEETING: We will have an informative meeting for all GBF members on April 25th, 5pm, in the GBF Worship Center

• YOUTH MISSION TRIP: To Navajo Reservation in New Mexico June 19-26. Contact Casey Layman for more info: clayman@shermanisd.net

• TEAMKID: "End of the Year" Banquet will be held on Wednesday, May 5th, 2010. Details will soon be posted!

• PRAYER FOR STUDENT MINISTER: Please pray for God’s leading towards filling our open student minister position and for our great group of volunteer leaders in the interim.

• LIFELINE GROUP LEADERS NEEDED: Are you a member of GBF who is not a perfect person but a REAL person, not a Bible expert but someone who LOVES God's people? Interested in leading a small group that meets in a home for the purpose of authentic community and spiritual growth? We NEXT SUNDAY: Israel "Chetsiy" (Hebrew for “more than I expected!”) Sunday...A group from GBF recently traveled to Israel; next Sunday morning they will be sharing their most memorable moments with the GBF congregation!
• want to hear from YOU!!! Contact Roy for more info: roy@thegbf.com Lifeline Groups: Love one another... -Jesus (John 13:34)

• MAY 29-30: We will be joined by several of our friends from the Navajo reservation: pastor Wesley Castillo, his family and several congregates from Pine Hill Church in New Mexico will be HERE to worship with US! More details to come...

• WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: "The Titus 2 Women" meets every Thursday @ GBF from 7-9pm.

• MEN’S MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY: Will be on April 20th @ 107 East Main (Roy’s house) from 7pm-8pm.

• CAMP KIDJAM: For those who have signed up but have not paid, April payments are due please contact Mandy Turner.

• OFFERING BOXES: If you have come prepare to give, our offering boxes are located at the North and South doors as you exit the sanctuary.

• GBF 101/BAPTISM: Please sign up at the Welcome Center (Kiosk) as our next class and baptism is scheduled for April 25th.

Know well...make well known.

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the day that Jesus made his “The Triumphal Entry” into the cit of Jerusalem. The following sets the scene:

Matt 21:8-11
Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting,” Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

What a beautiful picture right! The crowds making the way for Jesus, praising, “Hosanna!” The word Hosanna in Hebrew means “save, we pray”, see Psalm 118:25-26. But remember, Jesus is received by the words “Hosanna, Hosanna!” and just a few days later the crowds of this city would yell, “Crucify him! Crucify him!”…How is this?

In Matthew 21:10 we have a very important question, a question that many are still asking today. Look at the end of verse 10, “the city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” You have the crowds answer in verse 11, and we know what would be said regarding Jesus just a few days later, “let him be crucified” Matt 27:23. But what is our answer when we are asked that question? If someone were to say to one of us, “you are a Christian right? Well who is this Jesus?” I hope our answer would be simple, but layered. I hope that we would be able to give a very clear and personal short answer, but one that we could talk about for a lifetime. I pray that our answer would be the same today and forever, but also, that it would be even richer as our journey with Him goes on. In short, I hope we know, and are getting to know our Jesus.

And this is eternal life…know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ…” John 17:3

Let’s be a people who know our God well, that we may make him well known!!!

-Layman called pastor

Sunday Recap...The Essence of Christian Community

Sunday Recap…

It sure was good for me to be back with the church family after being out for a week. LOVED ISRAEL! (you’ll be hearing more about that in the near future) but it was good to be home, and what a way to bring in the spring, SNOW! crazy hu?

Hey don’t forget that we have a Family Easters Celebration immediately after CG this week. We’ll have bounce houses, an egg hunt for the kids, and hot dogs for all. Bring a lawn chair, and enjoy the fellowship, it’ll be EGGTASTIC!

Also, we’ll have a baptism for Parker Johnson at the Crelia’s house (formerly the Scales’ house) at 4 pm on Sunday! If you need directions to the Crelia’s contact the church office: secretary@thegbf.com

Man that Rhome can preach right!

Here is a recap of the Word that he shared with us on Sunday:

THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Our Bible text was from Ephesians with the application portion coming from Ephesians 4:25-32. I highly recommend reading the text from your Bible and spending some time in prayer about its contents.

Here are Rhome’s 5 points from Sunday:
1. Speak the truth to one another
2. Be angry at the right things and don’t let the your anger go long
3. Share with one another, be generous
4. Watch what you say and how you say it, be edifying
5. Forgive one another

As I read these 5 things I can’t help but think what a great case they are for Lifeline groups. We need some small groups to begin meeting in homes on a regular basis for the purpose of authentic community and spiritual growth, a place where the “one anothers” from the Bible can be learned and lived out. The first step to getting groups like this started are identifying and equipping some leaders to lead these groups. I know God has laid it on the hearts of some folks to lead a group like this. Remember, you don’t have to be a Bible teacher to lead a Lifeline group, but you do have to have a desire to love people. You don’t have to be a perfect person to lead a Lifeline group, but you just have to be a REAL PERSON. If you are interested in Lifeline group leadership, please let me know! roy@thegbf.com ….don’t wait on someone else to do it if the Lord is calling YOU...remember, God does not always call the equipped, but many times he equips the called!

I’m really pumped for our next two Sundays together. This week REMEMBER THE PASSION OF CHRIST….Then next week, CELEBRATE THE RISEN SAVIOR!

Have a great week,
The Layman called Pastor

EaSteR FaMiLy CeLEbraTIoN

This Sunday, GBF will be hosting an informal Easter family celebration. Immediately following Community Groups, we invite ALL families and individuals to stay for a time of fun and fellowship! Hotdogs, bouncehouses, and an egg hunt will be held on the playground on the northside of the property! The old elementary gym is reserved as a backup, in case of bad weather circumstances!

WHAT TO BRING: Lawn chairs or a blanket to lounge on and an Easter basket or sack for any children who want to participate in the egg hunt

DONATIONS: Please send candy/surprised filled egg donations to the church office (Monday-Thursday from 9am-2pm) or drop them off at the children's hall at GBF!

It's gonna be an EGGSalent time:-)

BIG GOD - small hands... recap,

You are not a god created by human hands
You are not a god dependent on any mortal man
You are not a god in need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that’s just the way it is

You are God alone from before time began
You were on Your throne Your are God alone
And right now in the good times and bad
You are on Your throne You are God alone

You’re the only God whose power none can contend
You’re the only God whose name and praise will never end
You’re the only God who’s worthy of everything we can give
You are God and that’s just the way it is
Unchangeable...Unshakable …Unstoppable…That’s what You are
(Phillips,Craig, & Dean - You Are God Alone)

Acts 17:24-25
24The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

So we don’t serve God as though He is in NEED…How do we serve Him?

1 Peter 4:11
whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.

We serve Him by the strength that he supplies, bringing GLORY TO HIM. Our service is to make much of GOD!
As we serve, we look to HIM, and as we look to HIM, we rely on HIM to supply us, support us, and empower us, so it is to HIM that the GLORY belongs!

Matthew 5:16
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Serving our God knowing that HE is receiving the glory is all the more reason to “Serve the Lord with gladness!” –Psalm 100:2

This Sunday we are going to being talking about CONNECT with one another, John 13:34 will be a good place to start reading ahead.

Have a great week GBF!

Do You Want to Help Send a Child to Camp KIDJAM???

The GBF children will be attending Camp KIDJAM this summer for the fourth time! We need your help to send a few extra kids that would not have the opportunity to attend! This Sunday we will be taking up a special love offering to raise scholarships for the camp. The camp cost is $255. Our goal would be to send 4 additional students. Any donations would help make this goal possible. For more information regarding the camp or scholarships please contact Mandy Turner at 903-818-7722/ mandy@thegbf.com.

Sunday Recap...SERVE: Grace Bible Battleship

"even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Jesus, Matt 20:28

Our life as Christians is to be a life that follows the example of Jesus to SERVE.
The church can many times be approached as a cruise ship, where all of our desires are fulfilled. But we ought to be more like a BATTLESHIP, where we all have a role to fill. (See Romans 12:5-6 and 1 Peter 4:10)

Some time this week, go back and look at Philippians 2:1-8, and really let that text soak in. Jesus is the ultimate servant, looking to the interest of us in obedience to the Father. Our life should be one of obedience to serve others as well and as Philippians 2 tells us, it's about having HIS mind, (the mind of CHRIST) seeking his attitude, not our own, and not the self seeking attitude of this world. Having a servant's heart takes a NEW PERSPECTIVE. One that says: Praise God for the opportunity to SERVE!!
See also, Matt 20:20-28 and Jesus' example of serving in 20:29-33.
Don't forget, it all comes down to "basin theology" : )
Have great week in the Lord Grace Bible Battleship family! We'll see you Sunday, if not before.
Roy

H.A.L.T. Temptation...

HALT TEMPTATION!!!

Psalm 38:3
There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin.

Sin is so painful to the one whose aim is to please God. We get so frustrated and disappointed in ourselves that it can feel almost unbearable. Many times our sin can hinder us from reading our Bibles or praying because we feel ashamed to meet with God. This of course, is NOT what we need to do. In times when we have sinned are the times when we need to CLOSEST to God through His Word and prayer.

But what about trying to cut sin off before it happens? Part of avoiding sin is identifying when we are most likely to be TEMPTED. There are situations and times in our life when we are more susceptible to sin than others. Here is an acronym that I recently learned to help identify those times and situations:

H.A.L.T. it stands for HUNGRY, ANGRY, LONELY, and TIRED

Think about the times when you struggle most with sin, isn’t it when you are hungry, angry, lonely, tired or a combination of some or all four? Unfortunately, we live in a high speed, fast food, independent, right now, deadline driven, one million and ninety one things to do in a day culture that does not help, right! So we have to make adjustments. Make God our priority, remember, only HE TRULY satisfies.

If we can identify those times and situations we can do our best to avoid them, and then be better prepared to deal with them when they present themselves.

So let’s do our best to H.A.L.T. TEMPTATION…and when we do fall into sin, don’t let it separate you from the Word of God and prayer, do as the psalmist did in Psalm 38, bring it to God and be real about it. He loves, forgives, corrects, enables, and encourages.

GROW: Toward Christian Maturity...

What a great time of worship at GBF this Sunday!
This week we talked about what it means to GROW toward Christian maturity. We looked at Psalm 1, 2nd Peter 3:17-18, and then discussed 7 indicators of Christian maturity.
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

2 Peter 3:17-18 ...take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.

1. Surrendered to God’s supremacy - Whole-heartedly abandoning our will to His (Matthew 16:24; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20)

2. Engaged with Scripture and prayer. - Consistently listening to God speak us through abiding in and applying His Word, as we consistently speak to Him in prayer (John 8:31-32; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Hebrews 5:14; James 1:22)

3. Producing the fruit of the Spirit. - Showing the life and love of Christ in our attitudes and actions in a way that is sacrificial, gracious, truthful, and transparent. (John 13:34-35, 15:12; 1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:5)

4. Devoted to what’s good and right. - Making ethical choices that are consistent with our new life in Christ. (Romans 12:1-2, 14:19; Ephesians 5:15-17; Philippians 4:8-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 12:1-2, 14)

5. Committed to authentic community. - Relating to other believers with authenticity, complete transparency and grace, so that we can be truly known and know others, modeling and reproducing Christ’s lifestyle and influence. (Romans 12:3-21, 14:1-15:13; 1 Corinthians 12:12-30; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 5:18-21; Hebrews 10:23-25)

6. Serving with all that God has given us, faithful in stewardship and reaching out to others in our sphere of opportunity with works of service. (Matthew 5:16, 25:34-40; James 1:27, 2:14-26, Luke 14:28-30, 33; 1 Corinthians 4:1, 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 9:5-15)

7. Evangelically bold. - Reaching out to others in my sphere of opportunity with the Gospel. (John 3:1-4:42; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:11-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, Ephesians 2:8-9)

I hope your week is one of JOY for you and GLORY for him!!!

CONNECT: Evangelism/Missional Living

Hey folks! Here's some notes and references from this past Sunday's sermon: CONNECT them with Christ: WHO-WHAT-WHEN-WHERE-WHY OF EVANGELISM / MISSIONAL LIVING

Acts 1:7-8

“It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

WHO? YOU – YOU will receive power…God has called each of us to share his message with the world.

• John 17: 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
• John 17: 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
• Matt 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

“You and I are an indispensable link in the chain of redemption.” –John Piper

WHAT? - HIS WITNESSES – we are the walking testimony of the gospel of Christ Jesus, “Witnesses”

Acts 2:32 Peter preached: “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.”

Acts 3:15 Peter preaching says "and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.

1. Do people see the gospel in us?

Matt 5:14 “You’re the light of the world”

2. Do people hear the gospel from us?

Rom 10:1 7So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

1 Peter 3:15 always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you

WHEN/HOW? When the Holy Spirit comes upon you…The when is NOW and the Holy Spirit is HOW

1 Cor 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

2 Tim 1:14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Rom 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes

WHERE – “…Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” For us today that means EVERYWHERE.

WHY-

1. TO BE OBEDIENT TO GOD

Acts 1:8 “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority…”

Matthew 28:18 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…

2. BECAUSE IT IS OUR HONOR

2 Cor 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.

We are ambassadors!

• Ambassador: a diplomatic official of the highest rank, sent by one sovereign or state to another as its resident representative

3. AS A REMINDER OF HOW BIG GOD IS

2 Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

Summary verse:

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Gunter Family In Need...

Maria, Juan, and 18 month old boy Diego, lost their home and all within to a house fire on Main St in Gunter last Thursday. They are currently staying with family here in Gunter.
Maria has expressed her immediate needs as being primarily for 18 month old Diego:
Clothes sz 2T, Diapers sz 5, age appropriate toys, and blankets
While Maria has not requested items for her and Juan, please keep in mind that they lost everything. Something you might prayerfully consider doing to help would be groceries for them and the family that has taken them in and gift cards for them to replace their clothes, household items, and other needs.
Please bring items by the GBF office (404 Hwy 289) from 9 to 2pm, M - Th...or to the church (101 West Pecan) on Wednesday night from 5:30 - 8:00pm
In Christ,
Roy
roy@thegbf.com

FREE Learning Opportunity...

Hey everyone, I wanted to let you know about a learning opportunity in our area. The very gifted, Rhome Dyck, who has preached and taught here at GBF on several occasions will be teaching a 2 part series on church history at nearby Chase Oaks Church in Plano. This FREE event is open to the public, and sure to be a blessing of enrichment to all who attend!

Here are the details:

• What: The History of the Church from Acts until today (two part series)

• When: Part 1 - Saturday, February 6th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
  

Part 2 - Saturday, February 20th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm

• Where: Chase Oaks Church, Legacy Room, 201 Legacy Drive, Plano

• Cost: Free

Sunday Recap...

Good news GBF!!! We broke the 100 biscuit barrier in our brunch yesterday! You know we try not to be all about numbers, but the fact that we consumed 100 + biscuits yesterday, along who knows how many other brunch items, WOW that’s significant! I wonder how many gallons of gravy we put away? : )

Also, we had to say goodbye (see you later) to the Scales yesterday, sniff...sniff…We hate to see the them go : ( so thankful for them and their time here with us at Grace Bible Fellowship. WE LOVE YOU CHARLOTTE, JONATHAN, HELEN, DOROTHY, AND CLARA!!! WE'LL MISS YOU!!!

Here are some message notes from yesterday:

In leading up to Communion, we looked at 3 different types of eating in the Scriptures:

1. Eating without God – Adam and Eve in the garden, Gen. 3:6-7 “The Fall”

· See also 1 John 2:16

· Romans 5:12

· “…through eating the fruit their eyes would be opened to know good and evil was true, but what Satan did not reveal was that they would have the power to know good and evil without the power to do the good” -Lewis Sperry Chafer

· Ephesians 2:3

· “The doctrine of depravity has to do, not with man’s estimation of man, bit rather with God’s estimation of man…When we measure men by man, we can always find someone who is lower than we are on the moral or ethical scale, and the comparison gives us a feeling of self-satisfaction. But the Scriptures do not measure men by man; they measure men by God who has created them. The creature is measured by the Creator and is found to be wanting.” -J. Dwight Pentecost

2. Eating because of God – God led his people out of Egypt and established The Passover, The Feast of Unleavened Bread

· Exodus 12:1-14

· This of course looks forward to Christ in the New Testament…1 Corinthians 5:7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed

3. Eating with God – The Last Supper or The Last Passover…

· Matthew 26:26-28

o “This is my body…my blood”-Jesus

· 1 Corinthians 11:23-29

o Vs. 24“Do this in remembrance…”

o Vs. 28 “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup”

Praise God for Communion, AMEN!!!???

What a privilege it is to remember our God’s provision for us through the work of His Son, to examine our lives in relation to Him, and express our sharing in Christ Jesus our