THE ALLIANCE MESSENGER September 2011

Inside This Issue Leaving the Bubble

Adult Ministries Made For Relationships Change?

Churchwide Events

Worship Ministry

Women’s Ministry

Student Ministries

Children’s Ministry

September Calendar

EAVING THE BUBBLE By Rev. Paul Goodman, Pastor of Adult Ministries What happens when one accepts the challenge to leave his or her cultural bubble? That’s exactly what the GCAC team to Gabon did in June. This team has shared many thoughts at meetings held since their return. How do you explain what you have experienced in another world? Several would agree that we could not have imagined in advance what we experienced. Below, I have distilled some of the essence of our discussions, conclusions, and discoveries. It gives you a bit of a glimpse into the impact that leaving our bubble had on us.

• Our country is only a small part of the whole world. People are the same beneath their vast and significant cultural differences. Our world is a large place with much to learn and discover. God made it that way because He seems to delight in variety.

• The sophistication or simplicity of a culture has no bearing on the ultimate need that every person has in life. Everyone needs to be brought into relationship with God because without Jesus Christ they are separated from God.

• We do not have all the answers nor can we fix everything with a simple solution. We have to learn to depend on God for guidance, provision, and power. We saw many of our brothers and sisters in Christ doing this in challenging situations. It made us see how much we depend on ourselves, our systems and our stuff. We saw more need than we could meet.

• Joy and sweet communion with those who are in Christ crosses the divide between different cultures and different languages.

• We saw God using others who were different from us in many ways. God transcends all barriers to bless people through His people who are obedient to His commission.

We went. We experienced much. We helped and ministered to others in multiple areas. We discovered and learned more than words can express. God changed us, used us and gave us new perspective. Instead of being molded by our culture, we want to be transformed daily by the Holy Spirit. We do not want to lose the gift of “leaving the bubble” but want to see our bubble transformed through the power of Christ.

LLLL

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Adult Ministry

ADULTS ARE MADE FOR RELATIONSHIPS By Rev. Paul Goodman, Pastor of Adult Ministries The perfect state was when Adam and Eve were in relationship with God and with each other. There was no discord, distrust, defiance, or doubt. There was relationship.

Relationship with God was broken when Adam and Eve allowed the doubt and distrust that the serpent planted to bloom into defiance. It was not long until discord also followed between brothers. Relationships with God and others were broken.

We have been made for relationships. Most often, our tears, pain and struggles are born from the wreckage of broken relationships with God and others. Do you have a living, thriving relationship with God through Jesus Christ? Do you have living, thriving relationships with others?

Jesus provides the way to an eternal relationship with God. Do you have that? If not, please reach out and contact someone who does, and find out how to have that relationship. God longs for us to be in relationship with Him. He also urges us to have healthy relationships with others. In fact, He said it is necessary. Healthy relationships are a sign that we are in relationship with Him. (John 1:9-11)

Our lives move quickly in this society. One problem we face is that developing and maintaining relationships with the Lord and with others takes time, but our time is filled with so many things.

It is time to recognize that we are made for relationships. It may be difficult to remove a few “good” things from the calendar to make room for the “best” things, but fall is a great season for change! This fall, decide in favor of things that will foster the development of your relationships with God and with others. Consider joining a life group as part of your commitment to seek relationship.

Take the necessary time and make the effort to experience what we are made for in this world. Don’t delay...choose to be part of a life group today!

Look for life groups information on our website and in upcoming bulletins.

CHANGE? By Rev. Paul Goodman, Pastor of Adult Ministries

Yes, change is all around us and occurring at a faster pace. One of the most significant changes is an increase in the Muslim population in the United States.

Change has created a new and challenging opportunity in our country. How will we respond to this change? What will we do about it?

We have a choice to learn and engage in demonstrating God’s love to our Muslim neighbors. This October 7th and 8th, join others in an equipping event led by a multi-national team. We will be asking God to empower us for this time of change and to lead us in finding ways to engage in ministry to Muslims. Let’s become empowered and equipped, then engage as God leads!

For details about this event, please see the brochure entitled “Change?” located on the kiosk and in the main office.

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Churchwide Events

Concert of Prayer

Sunday, September 11th at 6:30 p.m.

Please join us!

Membership Class

Are you interested in becoming a member, or just getting more information about Grove City Alliance Church and the Christian and Missionary Alliance? Join us for a 3 week membership class on Sundays: Sept. 11th, 18th & 25th. We will meet in the Toy Store classroom at 10:45 a.m. Space is limited, so please sign up in the main office as soon as possible!

Join the Testimony Choir!

Monday, September 12th at 6:30 pm in the Youth Facility The Lord is calling forth an army of worshippers! Are you one of them? If so, join the TESTIMONY CHOIR! “Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world…” Isaiah 12:5

Praise SymbolsPraise SymbolsPraise SymbolsPraise Symbols “Praise the Lord with tambourine and dancing…” Psalm 150:4

Begins September 12th Mondays, 6:30-8:00 pm Children’s Worship Center Through this ministry, any youth from 6th to 12th grade can learn to praise the Lord through dance and worship signing! Our rehearsals throughout the year take place to prepare for our participation in the Christmas and Easter Worship Services. No experience in dance or signing is necessary. Sign up in the main office or for more information, please contact Leigh Shields at 724-992-8654.

Worship Ministry

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To quote a cliché—where has the summer gone?! The Summer Happenings have happened and

fall is upon us!

Much has happened over the summer months in each of our lives and in our ministry as well. We have hiked, picnicked, gardened & shopped. We have read and pondered some great books. We have traveled to Africa, France & North Carolina! God has had us on an amazing

journey to be sure!

Through all of this, He is calling us to move in some new directions in our ministry and giving us some opportunities to minister to others

outside of our church walls!

Our website is in the process of being overhauled. The focus will

no longer be about a calendar of events, but will instead be focused on meeting real needs for women. One of the biggest changes is we will be going to a blog format. Topics will focus on issues that affect your everyday life and will help you grow in your faith and your relationship with the Lord. The website will also be a ‘go to’ place for resources and

information that women need.

The 2nd Annual Fall Retreat is almost here! It is going to be full of surprises and will be even better than last year! We will be blessed again this year by having the opportunity to go to the Camp Allegheny Retreat Center. There is not a prettier place to be in the fall! The

theme this year is ‘‘‘‘So that…’ So that…’ So that…’ So that…’ Many of the verses we are familiar with have a second part to them that we don’t focus on. Have you ever noticed how many times the Bible tells us some-thing and then says ‘So that…’? Pick up one of our brochures and read some of those verses. Then sign up for the retreat So that…(you can find out more at

the retreat!)

We will be sharing information on ministry opportunities available in the community soon. Please be in prayer about what the Lord may be wanting you to do in reaching out beyond our church walls. Keep your eyes open to this and more in the coming

weeks!

Linda Vester

Coordinator

Heart to Heart Ministries

What’s next?

Heart to Heart this month...

• Retreat registration

deadline Sept 6th

• MOPS begins Sept 8th

• Fall Bible Studies!

Join the Alliance Women and Heather Arnold on Tuesday, September 20th at

6:30pm in the Children’s Worship Center as we look at how our lives can be a

beautiful fragrance for God. God uses us to spread His knowledge everywhere

like a sweet-smelling perfume. A woman’s beauty is truly more than skin deep.

Our offering to God is this: We are the sweet smell of Christ among those who

are being saved and among those who are being lost. 2 Corinthians 2: 14-15.

Come and see how to be more beautiful for Christ this fall!

Is Your Life Simply Fragrant?

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him

everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

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Liz (not her real name) was so happy to be back in Pennsylva-nia after living in Baltimore, Maryland for the past four years. It was exciting living near a big city, but not the place she and her husband wanted to

raise their family.

The past month was full of changes for Liz. Two weeks home from the hospital after having her second child, her husband had to move to Penn-sylvania to start his new job. She was left with a two year old and a newborn to pack up the house, and deal with realtors and prospective buyers. They had to find a place to rent, eventually a new home and new friends. They were closer to

family, but still far away.

By fall, they were in their new place and before they knew it, winter was upon them. Liz loved her new home although there were no young families in the neighborhood. With two little ones to care for and her husband still adjusting to a new job, she slowly saw her four walls closing in on her. Hours seemed like days; days seemed like weeks. She loved her children dearly but des-perately longed for adult con-versation…..she missed her friends too. They had found a church but it was going to

take time to get connected.

Then one day Liz saw an arti-cle in the newspaper about a community group that met at a local church for Mothers of Preschoolers called MOPS. It sounded like fun. Although she was very nervous about trying new things and wasn’t sure if her children would like the MOPPETS program, she decided to give it a try. Getting a couple of hours away from her children, and having other women to talk to, outweighed

any fears she had.

As Liz walked in the door a woman with a friendly smile greeted her with a big hello and walked her to the regis-tration table. After she was checked-in, they showed her the MOPPETS rooms where the children’s program was held. It didn’t take her son Jason but a minute to decide that this looked like a fun place to be! What a relief to know Jason liked it. Once she got the baby settled in her room, it was time to check out where all the other mothers were. Liz walked into the big gathering room and immedi-ately saw lots of ladies talking and laughing. Soft music was playing and there was food. In her rush to get the kids fed, packed and out the door, she forgot to eat anything herself that morning. She quickly

filled a plate and found it so nice to enjoy the snacks with-out the kids crawling all over

her.

Then came the scary part. Would anyone talk to her? Would she fit in? She so des-perately wanted to get past the stage of not knowing anyone. Sure enough, a couple of la-dies came over, introduced themselves, and explained how the meeting would go. There was a Mentor Mom who gave a short talk, small group discussion time, and a time to

do some creative activities.

Before she knew it, the meet-ing was over. She loved it!! Even Jason rambled the whole way home about what he

learned in his class.

Liz continued to be a part of that MOPS group for a couple of years before moving to New Castle where she planted a new group because there was

no MOPS group there.

Time passed. She eventually “graduated” from MOPS. More time passed. Her kids grew up. (One is getting married soon!) She looks back on those pre-school years with fond memo-ries because of the friendships she made and things she learned. She became a better mom and wife because of

MOPS.

I know, because...

I’m “Liz”.

Better Moms Make A Better WorldBetter Moms Make A Better WorldBetter Moms Make A Better WorldBetter Moms Make A Better World By Brenda HarlanBy Brenda HarlanBy Brenda HarlanBy Brenda Harlan

GCAC MOPS Mentor MomGCAC MOPS Mentor MomGCAC MOPS Mentor MomGCAC MOPS Mentor Mom

While you are at a MOPS

Meeting, your children will be:

∗ Hearing Bible stories

∗ Learning scripture

∗ Having fun with crafts

∗ Worshiping God!

GCAC @ 724GCAC @ 724GCAC @ 724GCAC @ 724----458458458458----8497849784978497

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Women’s Ministry

So that...

2nd Annual2nd Annual2nd Annual2nd Annual

Heart to Heart RetreatHeart to Heart RetreatHeart to Heart RetreatHeart to Heart Retreat

September 30th - October 1st

Camp Allegheny Retreat Center

Ellwood City, PA

He must become greater...I must become less

Come away for a special time to refresh & renew. Worship the Lord in spirit and truth.

Grow in your relationships with your sisters in Christ and most especially with the Lord! Learn what it is to be a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Invite a friend to come with you - don’t miss this opportunity!

Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 6th!

(See retreat details on our website - Scholarships are available)

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Fall Bible Studies

Believing God: Experiencing a Fresh Explosion of Faith -

Bible study based on Isaiah 43:10 that explores what it

means not only "to believe in God" but "to believe Him."

The bride of Jesus Christ in our generation is nearly par-

alyzed by unbelief. God is calling His bride to a fresh and

lavish anointing of faith. Through studying the lives of

Abraham, Moses, and others as examples of persons who

believed God, Beth encourages women to deepen their own

trust in God and receive a fresh word from Him.

This 10 week study begins Tuesday, October 4th

9:00-10:45 am

Sign Up in the Main Office Workbook $20

Childcare available by pre-registration only!

Study begins Tuesday, September 13th

9:00-11:00 am

Sign Up in the Main Office Workbook $18

Childcare available by pre-registration only!

What’s So Spiritual About Your Gifts?

Join us this fall as we step out in faith to discover and use

the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If you loved Experiencing

God, then this study written by Blackaby is for you. You

can expect life change as your spiritual journey is set on

fire. Discover the call on your life and get equipped with

the understanding and faith to trust God to work through

you in a mighty way. You do not want to miss out on this

next step in your spirit led journey!

Believing God

This 8 week study begins Monday, September 12th

7:00-9:00 pm

Sign up in the Main Office Book $10

No workbook is required

Childcare available by pre-registration only!

Radical - The Bible Study As you read Radical, you’ll discover that this is more

than just about digesting a book. This is about an idea –

an idea that we were created for far more than a nice,

comfortable Christian spin on the American dream. An

idea that we were created to follow One who demands

radical risk and promises radical reward. An idea that

David Platt certainly didn’t come up with, or anyone else

in contemporary Christianity, for that matter. It’s an idea

that was first expressed in the simple yet radical words

from Jesus to his disciples when he said, “Follow me”.

Join us for this 8 week study that will change your life

and find out what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus

Christ.

1st Peter Bible Study - ongoing

Meets at 9:00 am Tuesday mornings

You are welcome to join this study at anytime!

(no workbook required—just your Bible!)

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Student Ministries

Jolt Junior High Retreat is Oct 21st-23rd with registration due Sunday, September 25th. More info soon!

IMPACT KICK-OFF

Thursday, September 8th

6:30-8:00 p.m.

Every Thursday, Junior High students gather together to celebrate with laughter, friendship, music and an

encouraging message from God’s Word that’s understandable. We’ve got a seat saved for you and we’d love to

have you check it out!

THE MIX KICK-OFF

Sunday, September 18th

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Every Sunday evening, Senior High students gather for some awesome fellowship while enjoying the music, games

and worship. You won’t want to miss it!

Sunday, September 11Sunday, September 11Sunday, September 11Sunday, September 11thththth 6:306:306:306:30----8:30p.m.8:30p.m.8:30p.m.8:30p.m.

Student Ministries FacilityStudent Ministries FacilityStudent Ministries FacilityStudent Ministries Facility

This night is dedicated to our incoming freshmen! Invite your freshmen friends and join us for games, worship, music, food and a talk that will focus on your transition into high school. You won’t want to miss it!!

‘SEE YOU AT

THE POLE’ is

simply a prayer

rally where

students meet at

the local school’s

flagpole, before

school, to lift up

to God their

friends, family,

teachers, school

and nation. This

is a student-

initiated, student-

organized and

student-led

event. More

info in upcoming

church bulletins.

Come join us!

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Children’s Ministry

Club 56 Kick-off Bash Saturday, September 10th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 5th & 6th graders, join us for an awesome evening as we hang out at the church and enjoy Karaoke, compete on the Dance Praise mats and play games. Bring a friend in 5th or 6th grade and a snack to share and come out for an amazing night of fun! No permission slip is necessary, but if you plan to attend, please sign up in the main office or the Candy Store or email Miss Kelly at khaux@zoominternet.net.

Nursery Volunteers Do you love children? Why not volunteer in our church nursery? You can volunteer as little or as much as you would like. We promise that you won’t have to change any diapers! Please contact Petie at peterleigh7@hotmail.com or 814-786-8355 if you are able to help out in this important ministry. Also, be sure to stop in the main office and pick up a volunteer packet.

Kidz Mission Impact Saturday, September 17th at GCAC Cost $15 (includes lunch & t-shirt) 9:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Children in grades 1-6 are invited to join kids from other churches in our district for this awesome program about Missions. We will enjoy inflatables, games, worship, lunch and a Missionary speaker. You don’t want to miss this awesome program! Deadline to sign up: Sunday, September 4th.

There is a place for you in Children’s Sunday School! This fall we will be looking for Sunday school teaching staff for the following ages:

4 yr olds-Teacher 5 yr olds-Helper 3rd grade-Helper 4th grade-Helper

If you are feeling a nudge by the Holy Spirit in that direction , please contact Miss Kelly at khaux@zoominternet.net.

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What’s AWANA?

AWANA (an acronym for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed, from II Timothy 2:15) is a weekly kids club every Wednesday throughout the school year with 2 times to choose from: Session I from 3:45–5:30 p.m. OR Session II from 6:30-8:15 p.m. During this time, we provide games and Bible training for the children. The goal of AWANA is that the children we minister to may come to know, love and serve Jesus Christ as Lord. Children from 3 years old (and potty-trained) to 6th grade are welcome to join AWANA.

It won’t be long u n t i l o u r children’s AWANA programs begin! This year AWANA

will be starting Wednesday, September 28th. Remember, there are two programs: (Session I: 3:45-5:30 p.m. & Session II: 6:30 - 8:15 p.m.) Pre-registration will begin on Sunday, September 11th. Sign your kids up for this awesome life changing program.

AWANA Leaders Needed! If you are interested in volunteering in AWANA, please contact Kelly Owrey at kidsassistant@zoominternet.net. We have a great need for leaders, helpers, and listeners. To be a leader, you must attend one training course. Helpers/listeners need only to love kids and be willing to spend time one-on-one listening to their memory verses and helping them to understand Bible words.

AWANA Leaders Training Schedule: THUR Sept 8 AWANA Training* (6:30-8:00 pm) NO Cubbies Training this day SAT Sept 10 AWANA Training* (10:00-11:30 am) NO Cubbies Training this day WED Sept 14 AWANA Training* (6:30-8:00 pm) WED Sept 21 Leaders’ Dry Run Session I: 3:45-5:30 pm Session II: 6:30-8:15 pm WED Sept 28 AWANA Begins (Leaders’ Arrival Times) Session I: 3:30 pm Session II: 6:15 pm *New leaders only need to attend one training day. Sign up for a date in the main office.

There is a place for you in AWANA!

We need: ____Leaders ___Registration ____Game Leaders ___AWANA Store Helpers ____Helpers ___Listeners ___Nursery Helpers Choose Session:

____First Session (3:45-5:30 p.m.) ____Second Session (6:30-8:15 p.m.) If you are interested in helping in this vital ministry, please check your interest above and sign here. Place this form in the offering plate or in the box marked “Children? In the main office, then come to the announced meetings and training sessions. Name_______________________________________Phone_________________________

Children’s Ministry

(detach here)

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 12:00 KC Krew Mtg. 6:30 Concert of Prayer 6:30 The MIX 6:30 Prayer, Care & Share

2 6:30 Men’s Basketball 6:30 FPU 6:30 Men’s Life Group 6:30 Experiencing God

3 9:00 1st Peter 9:00 Discerning God 6:30 Elders Meeting 7:00 Makeover for Missions

4 10:00 Prayer Mtg 3:45 AWANA I 6:00 Guy’s Small Grp 6:00 Men’s Life Group

6:30 AWANA II

1 6:30 Sunday School Teacher’s Dinner 6:30 Hamtramck Prayer & Planning 6:30 SEAN VI

2 9:00 FFG Harvest

3 9:00 FFG Tending

4 6:30 Prayer, Care & Share

5 LABOR DAY OFFICE CLOSED 9:00 FFG Harvest 6:30 Men’s Life Group 7:00 H2H Bible Study

6 9:00 1st Peter 6:30 Elder’s Meeting 6:30 Men’s Divorce Care 7:00 Life Coaching Trg.

7 10:00 Prayer Mtg 6:30 Men’s Life Group

8 9:00 MOPS 6:30 AWANA Trg. 6:30 IMPACT 6:30 Hamtramck P &P 6:30 SEAN V 6:30 SEAN VI

9 9:00 FFG Harvest

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8:00 Church Work Day 9:00 FFG Tending 10:00 AWANA Trg. 6:30 Club 56 Kickoff

11 6:30 Concert of Prayer 6:30 Freshman Frenzy 6:30 Prayer, Care & Share 6:30 SEAN I 6:30 SEAN III

12 9:00 FFG Harvest 6:30 Choir 6:30 Praise Symbols 6:30 Men’s Life Group 7:00 H2H Bible Study

13 9:00 1st Peter 9:00 Spiritual Gifts 6:30 Gov. Board Mtg. 6:30 Men’s Divorce Care 7:00 Life Coaching Trg.

14 10:00 Prayer Mtg 6:30 AWANA Trg. 6:30 Men’s Life Group

15 6:30 IMPACT 6:30 Hamtramck P &P 6:30 SEAN V 6:30 SEAN VI 7:00 MOPS Steering Comm. Mtg. 7:00 Christmas Orchestra

16 9:00 FFG Harvest

17 9:00 FFG Tending 10:00 Kidz Mission

Impact

Hamtramck Prayer Walk

18 Hamtramck Prayer Walk

6:30 MIX 6:30 Prayer, Care & Share 6:30 SEAN I 6:30 SEAN III

19 9:00 FFG Harvest 6:30 Choir 6:30 Praise Symbols 6:30 Men’s Life Group 7:00 H2H Bible Study

20 9:00 1st Peter 9:00 Spiritual Gifts 6:30 SYATP Planning Mtg

6:30 Men’s Divorce Care 6:30 AW Meeting

21 10:00 Prayer Mtg 3:45 AWANA Dry Run (for Leaders only) 6:30 AWANA Dry Run (for Leaders only) 6:30 Men’s Life Group

22 6:30 IMPACT 6:30 Hamtramck P &P 6:30 SEAN V 6:30 SEAN VI 7:00 Christmas Orchestra

23 9:00 FFG Harvest

24 9:00 FFG Tending

25 Jolt Registration

6:30 MIX 6:30 Prayer, Care & Share 6:30 SEAN I 6:30 SEAN III

26 9:00 FFG Harvest 6:30 Choir 6:30 Praise Symbols 6:30 Men’s Life Group 7:00 H2H Bible Study

27 9:00 1st Peter 9:00 Spiritual Gifts 6:30 Great Commission Team Mtg. 6:30 Men’s Divorce Care 7:00 H2H Retreat Team Mtg.

28 “See You at the Pole” 10:00 Prayer Mtg 3:45 AWANA Starts 6:30 AWANA Starts 6:30 Men’s Life Group

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6:30 IMPACT 6:30 Hamtramck P &P 6:30 SEAN V 6:30 SEAN VI 7:00 Christmas Orchestra

30 9:00 FFG Harvest H2H 2nd Annual Fall Retreat

1 9:00 FFG Tending H2H 2nd Annual Fall Retreat

SEPTEMBER 2011

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Grove City Alliance Church 845 N. Liberty Rd. Grove City, PA 16127 724-458-8497

NonNonNonNon----Profit OrganizationProfit OrganizationProfit OrganizationProfit Organization U.S. PostageU.S. PostageU.S. PostageU.S. Postage

PAIDPAIDPAIDPAID Permit No. 139Permit No. 139Permit No. 139Permit No. 139

Grove City, PAGrove City, PAGrove City, PAGrove City, PA We Are Made

for Relationships

AGREE?