Serving on Sundays September

Greeters

SEPTEMBER

4- Sonya & Darrell Roth, Perry Underwood 11 - Beverly & Richard Sparkmon, David Torbert 18- Jayne & Keith Lindsay, Craig Stringer 25 - Adrian Beasley, Al Hawkins

Pre-school Workers SEPTEMBER 4 Nursery - Adriana Mauriello, Anne Meadows

Toddlers - Jennifer Tripp,

3 year - Shirlie Durameni, Krissy Clark

4 and 5 year - Kim Cash, Tommy McDonald, Marissa Malone

Pagers - Kathy Haynes

SEPTEMBER 11 Nursery - Adriana Mauriello, Diana Paynter

Toddlers - Jennifer Tripp, 3 year - Shirlie Durameni, 4 and 5 year - Kim Cash, Maricel Mattei, Skyler Slate

Pagers - David Torbert SEPTEMBER 18 Nursery - Adriana Mauriello, Deborah Miller

Toddlers - Denise Bickers, Nondi Luther

3 year - Shirlie Durameni, Darlene Nicklow

4 and 5 year - Kim Cash, Tracy McDonald, Destiny Lundy

Pagers - Mike Daniel

SEPTEMBER 25 Nursery - Adriana Mauriello, Anzie Ford

Toddlers - Jennifer Tripp, Lonnie Moore

3year - Amy Ferman, Yvonne Beasley

4 and 5 year - Kim Cash, Debby Sullivan, Sydney Allen

Pagers - Tom Ertel

Prayer Room Ministry SEPTEMBER 4 - Anne Meadows, Germaine Copeland 11 - Jane Cobb, Velma Winslette 18 - Germaine Copeland, Jane Cobb 25 - Germaine Copeland

Ushers SEPTEMBER- David Torbert, Captain Erick Deberry, Tony Parker, Luke Miller, Cole Mobley, Mike Dawkins, Joe Piekielek

Welcome Team

SEPTEMBER 4

8:30 - 9:00 am - Darryl Woodruff 10:00 -10:30 am - Darryl Woodruff SEPTEMBER 11 8:30 - 9:00 am - Darryl Woodruff 10:00 -10:30 am - Carol Smith, Trish Robinson SEPTEMBER 18 8:30 - 9:00 am - Darryl Woodruff 10:00 -10:30 am - Michelle Laud SEPTEMBER 25 8:30 - 9:00 am - Darryl Woodruff 10:00 -10:30 am - Inez & Jim Cox

Grace Guides SEPTEMBER 4 - Linda Weaver - 11 - Earl & Susie Porche’ 18 - Cynthia Chambers 25 - Joyce Slate

Hospitality Coordinators SEPTEMBER 4 - Annette Lightsey, Cathy Whitcomb, Kathy Haynes (Forringer Small Group - Food) SEPTEMBER 11 - Michelle Laud, Darlene Nicklow (J. O. Y. Small Group Food) SEPTEMBER 18 - Glyndell George, Anzie Ford, Beverly Sparkmon (Donna Moon Service Group Food) SEPTEMBER 25 -

Elder & Yokefellow Serving SEPTEMBER SHAWN SLATE, MATT FERMAN

Power House SEPTEMBER 4 - DAVID & TARA ALLEN SEPTEMBER 11 - CALEB & SARAH BELL SEPTEMBER 18 - CALEB BELL & CAROL KUHN SEPTEMBER 25 - JON & CARRIE HUMAN

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You have the

conductor.

Now all we need is YOU!

5 Reasons Worshiping Together Is Important, Part 2

We all fundamentally understand the truth that we were not created to be alone. Humans were created to be social. It just makes sense that we would want to share the experiences of the most important thing in our lives – Christ. Last month we said corporate worship was important because it was a biblical mandate and it was a place to refocus our lives. Here are the remaining 3 reasons we gather together to worship.

#3 I’m On The Team Another reason for corporate worship is the public statement it makes. If we’re regular church attendees, we publicly demonstrate our obedience to the command to love God. To say we love Christ yet neglect His body is hypocritical. Regular church attendance also shows support for the work of God in the world—that we are for Jesus rather than against Him (Matthew 12:30).

#4 Together We Are Better Furthermore, worshiping with others conveys benefits that are unavailable to us individually. When we attend corporate worship, we hear the public preaching of the Word of God. Substituting a media ministry (radio or television) not only removes the immediacy of public preaching, but also fosters disloyalty to the church and a sense of isolation, effectively privatizing Christianity. Church attendance also enables us to partake of the Lord’s Supper, the public proclamation of the body and blood of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:26).

#5 The Proof is In The Pudding Finally, regular gatherings with the people of God demonstrate that we have eternal life. John tells us that we know that we’ve passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters in Christ (1 John 3:14). Gathering together for teaching, worship and mutual edification is an indication of our love for the redeemed and is a sign of our salvation to eternal life. Add all 5 reasons together and you get a worship experience where we can celebrate and worship the goodness of God together. See you in church this Sunday! By His Grace – Michael Adapted from an article on gotquestions.org

CIRCLE RANCH YARD SALE

Circle Ranch will be having a yard sale with donated items on Sept 10th from 8:00am- 5:00 p.m. at 172 Little Circle, in Eatonton 31024. Donated items will be sold to help build the ranch for the children of our community in need of alternative housing.

You may drop items off at the church pavilion on Saturday, Sept. from 10 a.m.-noon. We will take all items except adult clothing. All donations will be tax deductible. If you need further information, please call Jody Sandwick at Circle Ranch 706-467-0004. Follow yard sale items available on our Circle Ranch Facebook page.

Community Challenge

If you are looking for your next challenging and rewarding experience, that experience may be just around the corner. If that catches your imagination, read on. Greene County Schools are looking for dedicated volunteers to work with elementary school children who are challenged to read or do math work on grade level. Studies show that students who cannot read at or above the 3rd grade level will have increasingly difficult challenges comprehending the school work they are required to perform as they move into middle school and high school. You can make a significant difference in a child’s life by spending just a couple of hours a week volunteering as a tutor. You may even find out the experience can be FUN ! And who doesn’t like fun? For more information, please call Larry Kludt at 610 580-6956. Larry is a representative of the Green County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee which is launching this initiative, and is one of our neighbors.

Preschool News We have had an amazing transition into our new classes in the preschool area. Our little ones are growing up fast. Each class has grown and we are welcoming some new precious babies to our Nursery. We are continuing the teaching, loving and caring for our preschoolers each week. I hope everyone enjoyed last month's challenge, to spend more focused time without media interruptions. This month let's commit to have a different family focal verse each week. Find the verse together, memorize it, meditate on it, and pray together. We have some exciting outreach projects coming up with our preschoolers. We made numerous Get Well Soon cards for patients at St Mary's and outreach cards for our upcoming Trunk or Treat event. In closing, I am so very thankful for each and every person, who unselfishly serves with our children. In Christ Love, Kim Cash

Floors to be cleaned and polished September 11th

On Sunday, September 11th a floor cleaning company will come in the afternoon to strip and wax all the VCT floors in the church. This is the first time we’ve done this and many of the rooms are in real need. The crew will start about 2 PM and work well into the

night to finish the job before the church opens on Monday morning. We will need many hands right after the worship service on Sunday to move the furniture out of the rooms to either the Gathering Area, the Worship Center or the office area. Prior to that we

will be asking the Sunday Morning Small Groups to stack chairs and fold tables in each room at the end of their group time. However, it is even more important that we have volunteers on Monday, September 12th after lunch available to put the furniture back into the rooms. Please mark your calendar for this date and come help us get things back in order at the church.

Elder Communication

The Elders and Yokefellows met on August 9, 2016. Elders present were Glenn Winslette, Jim Bedsole, Darrell

Roth, David Torbert, Michael Stewart, Jim George, Shawn Slate, and Jimmy Long. Yokefellows present were Jim Forringer, Perry Underwood, Joey Ward, David Allen, Andrew McElhannon, and Matt Ferman. Staff present were Mike Sullivan, Caleb Bell, and Michael Wells. Following a devotion and prayer by Chairman Jim George, the minutes of the July meeting were read and approved. Staff Reports: Caleb Bell’s report included: He is meeting and working with all of the creative teams in the upcoming weeks, including a new curriculum

for 5th-7th grades. Power House is also undergoing new curriculum changes. Look for some exciting things coming up soon. The Christian Learning Center class is into its second week and is progressing well. Caleb distributed updated copies of the proposed Child Protection Policy (Mandated Reporter Policy). After discussion, the elders determined that further clarification was needed. It will be reconsidered in the September meeting. Michael Wells’ report included: New small groups will start this fall including Financial Peace University to be led by Jim Bedsole. Worship for Celebrate Recovery is going well. New volunteers are being trained to serve in the audio-visual ministry on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings. Mike Sullivan’s report included: He presented proposed revisions to the church financial policy. After discussion, Glenn Winslette moved that we accept the revised policy. After a second from David Torbert, the motion passed. He presented the need for a Property and Liability Insurance Review. Michael Stewart volunteered to assist Mike Sullivan in reviewing our current coverage. An email address for the Elder Council has been established to provide more effective communication. If you need to contact the elders, please use elders@gracefellowship.ws. He presented two items needing both elder and church votes: (1) A new heating and air system for the piano storage room (stage closet). It is the most economical option and will extend the life and usefulness of the piano. (2) An much-needed upgrade to our church internet. Currently, our internet speeds hamper daily work. To upgrade, we would need to pay a part of the cost of running the wiring from Willow Run Road to our building. After discussion, Jim Bedsole made the motion that we transfer $10,500 from the Church Growth Ministries category to the Operational category of the current 2016 budget to complete these two tasks. After a second from Michael Stewart, all approved. A called business meeting was conducted on Sunday, August 28. The motion from the elders passed unanimously. Ministry Team Reports: Building and Grounds Team - Perry Underwood will be stepping down as the head of the Building Team later this year. The elders will be praying and considering someone to fill this role. Strategic Plan (SP) – Pastor Jimmy encouraged the elders to continue to review the SP with their respective ministry team leaders. Security Team Update - Matt Ferman distributed out the security team recommendations. The elders will study and pray about the recommendations and be prepared to discuss in September. The elders followed up from July contacts. They then considered new contacts for August and prayer requests/needs for the church body. There being no further business, Jimmy Long closed the meeting with prayer.

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Next Elder and Yokefellow Meeting

Tuesday, September 13, 7:00 pm

If you have items you would like to bring to the Elders, please contact

Chairman Jim George to be put on the agenda.

Fall Festival

Saturday October 29 4:00 – 6:00 PM

In an effort to help with costs, we are asking for donations of

individually wrapped candy or healthy snacks.

You may drop off your donations

at the church office.

A table will be coming to the Gathering Area where you may leave you donations there.

Help will be needed to show God’s great news of Christ.

Below is a list of ways to help.

Decorate A Trunk Usher

Parking Lot Attendant Clown

Registration Sound

Distribute Treat Bags Host a Game

Anywhere Needed Clean Up

For more information, contact: Libby Chapman at 706-923-5229 or Email: donniechaman@bellsouth.net

Grace Fellowship Student Ministry News

August was a great month as school is now back in session and in full swing. Here are

some things you need to be aware of for September:

1. NO POWER HOUSE: Due to the choir performance on September 18th, Power House will

not meet that Sunday. This should be a great family event.

2. HELP NEEDED:

a. Sunday Mornings (9-10am):

i. I am currently looking for fresh volunteers to help with the teaching

responsibilities of student Small Groups on Sunday mornings. If you have

experience teaching Sunday School or would like to give it a try, please

contact me. You can do that through the church office phone number,

which is (706) 453-0020, or through my email, which is

caleb@gracefellowship.ws.

b. Sunday Mornings (10am-12pm):

i. Power House: We are currently in need of volunteers who are willing to

help lead a Power House service once every other month. As a volunteer

for Power House, you will be paired with another volunteer to teach a

pre-packaged lesson to our 1st-5th grade students on Sunday Mornings.

c. Wednesday Nights (6-8pm):

i. Snack Shack: the Snack Shack is our concession stand for Wednesday night

Student Ministry programs. This is a large part of our ministry on

Wednesday nights because it serves as a great incentive to encourage the

students to memorize the memory verse for the week. This also helps

students satisfy their hunger and thirst after a long day of school, sports,

and other activities our students are engaged in on a typical Wednesday.

ii. Truth Seekers!: Truth Seekers is the name of our forthcoming 5th-7th grade

Wednesday night program. This will be directed by Jennifer Dixon and she

will need volunteers to help make this program a success! A volunteer in

this program may do some of the following: help lead games, lessons, small

groups, and other components of the program.

If you are interested in helping out in the area of Student Ministry, please contact me

through the church office or through my email: caleb@gracefellowship.ws. Thank you for all

that you do to help others BELIEVE, BELONG, and BECOME.

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Why should I be in a small group? You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have

taught you publicly and from house to house. Acts 20:20

In Acts the Bible tells us we need to be in relationships for our personal and spiritual growth. As Paul and the early Christians taught and received teaching "from house to house," we too must respond in our walk with Christ in each other’s homes (Acts 5:42; 20:20)! Even in the shadow of the Temple they did this, even in the shadow of your Church you can do this too. Why did they do this? Because they needed to be connected to one another in their fragmented and persecuted world, we desperately need to be connected too! They needed a way and place to do as Christ modeled and taught them, the multiplication of disciples, leaders, and churches so that God's Kingdom will be built and glorified.

Are you thinking this is great but not for me? Perhaps you are like me, struggling a very busy full plate in life. A plate that is overfilled with mounds of things that you need to do and are responsible for in your life. Perhaps, they are overflowing your dish. We all struggle with the demands of our career and all of the

frustrations and stress placed on us, such as goals, deadlines work flow and the office high jinx. Then there are our family obligations, taking the kids to school, picking them up here and there, dealing with all of their demands and obligations too. Then maybe you are already volunteering for something in the church or community. Maybe you are juggling work and school and family, to the point there is not a free minute in our week. Then you are asked, "hey, why don't you join our small group?" What??? I do not have the time! I cannot possibly commit to anything else. I am overloaded and overwhelmed! Well, to be honest, then you are the person who needs to be in a small group the most!

A Place To Belong Why? Because, it is God's plan for you to be in quality relationships to Him and then to others within the confines of a loving community, which is also the definition of "Church." Because, we all need a place to belong and work through the issues of life. Because, we need to be loved and give our love. As a Christian our primary thrust is to know and grow in Christ. Where our goal is to be a surrendered and poured out offering to Christ's glory (John 14-15; Gal. 2:20-21; Phil. 3:10). How can this be accomplished when all aspects of our life are riddled with stress? By learning spiritual disciplines and receiving the discipleship, relationships and encouragement that small groups offer. We need a place to grow and we as humans in relationship to Christ grow best in community with people who love and care for you!

Small groups are the perfect place . . . to understand and practice authentic relationships to feel a part of God's family.

to practice our call to be discipled and make disciples for Spiritual growth

to make His truth come to life in our lives (Matt. 28:18-20).

to understand the Bible and heartfelt prayer and put it into action.

to unwind, release your stress and reprioritize your life.

to have our needs met and dealt with and fulfill those burdens in others is in a stable community. In this way we can handle stress, crisis, changes and the pressures of life better.

to be in study of His Word and to be in prayer, we do this individually but we are also to do it in community.

to welcome your friends into the church and introduce them to Christ.

to develop our skills, leadership and ministry so we can be better servants of our Lord.

to understand how to share Christ with loved ones and coworkers.

to deepen your understanding and practice of worship.

to put into practice the teaching you are receiving from your church, radio, web and your personal devotions.

Remember the phrase "one another" is used over 50 times in the New Testament to describe our relationship to other believers. So, small groups are the perfect place to BELONG!

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Thursdays at 6:30pm

Doors Open at 6:00pm

Childcare for Pre-k age children

The F.I.S.H. Small Group will have a cookout on Saturday, September 10th, at 5:00 p.m. at Bob and Orian Motley’s home. We would love for anyone that is not already part of a small group to join us for a time of fellowship, food, fun and maybe even a boat ride on Lake Oconee! Just let us know if you can come!

We will resume our small group meeting, after taking the summer off, on Sunday, September 11th immediately following the worship service. We either bring a sack lunch or pick up fast food and meet in the last classroom (C2) on the left on the C hall. We adjourn around 1:30 p.m.

Community simulcast , "CRY OUT" prayer event, will be held at Lakeside Church on Friday, September 23 at 7—10 pm. Join us for the amount of time you have available. Join women in thousands of locations to beseech God to do in us and in our nation what no man-made effort can accomplish. Bring your Bible, a pen and paper. Men are encouraged to attend, also.

The following people are participating: Nancy Lee DeMoss, Dr. Bob Bakke, Josh Davis, Stephen Kendrick, Joni Eareckson Tada, Kay Arthur, Tony Evans, and Keith and Kristen Getty. Lakeside Church is located at 5800 Lake Oconee Parkway. The Grace Fellowship prayer team urges everyone who believes in the power of prayer to attend.

One evening...One heart...One Cry

If you have questions, contact anne@jmeadows.com or 706.467.2555

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Ages 13-18

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