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OUR MISSIONOUR MISSIONOUR MISSIONOUR MISSION
Connecting People to Christ,
to One Another,
and to Service.
Brian GilroyBrian GilroyBrian GilroyBrian Gilroy Lead Minister
Bryan GravesBryan GravesBryan GravesBryan Graves Family Life Minister
Sunday Services:Sunday Services:Sunday Services:Sunday Services: Sunday School—9:00 AM
Worship—10:00 AM
Phone:
(812)372-1766
Fax:
(812)372-2602
E-mail:
Website:
www.gardencitychurch.com
The LinkLetter Published Monthly by
Garden City Church of Christ
3245 Jonesville Rd.
Columbus, IN 47201-7932
Volume XV, Issue 11
TABLE OF CONTENTS Missions...pg. 2, Family/Student News...pg. 4 & 5, Church News…pg. 6 , Calendar…pg. 7
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2AM Sunday, November 6.Daylight Saving Time ends at 2AM Sunday, November 6.Daylight Saving Time ends at 2AM Sunday, November 6.Daylight Saving Time ends at 2AM Sunday, November 6.
Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday!Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday!Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday!Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday!
Our Food for Families program provides grocery gift cards to GCCC families who need a little help with food for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Monetary donations will be accepted through November 13. Please mark gifts with “FFF.”
See details on page 3.
November 2016
Page 2 The LinkLetter
Ron & Pat Morse North Burma Christian Mission Chiang Mai, Thailand
F.A.M.E. Worldwide Medical,
Indiana
Enoch & Lydia Nyador Ghana Christian Mission Ghana, West Africa
Dr. Zindoga Bungu Mashoko Christian Hospital
Zimbabwe, Africa
Jair & Norma Castillo Vida Nueva Ministries,
Mexico
Gianni & Stephany Bruno
Italy for Christ
Jill Shaw The Ark Christian Ministries Auckland, New Zealand
Toby & Amy Hill Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic
TCM (Training Christians for Ministry)
Eastern Europe
Jorge & Diana Lugo Caracas, Venezuela
ICOM (International Conference
on Missions)
Still Time to Give to the Castillo’s Retirement Surprise Jair & Norma Castillo will retire from ministry with Vida Nueva Ministries in Piedras-Negras, Mexico this month. Many of you will remember their visits to GCCC since the 1980’s as our special missionary guests. If you would like to participate in funding a special retirement gift, please make checks payable to Virgil Clotfelter and mail to 264 Lincoln Street, Columbus, IN 47201 by November 15. They will be deposited into a local bank until the presentation ceremony on November 18 at ICOM. Each gift will be confidential and promptly receipted. You may contact Virgil at 812-376-3766 (home) or 812-342-6907 x 107 (OCC church office). Please understand that these gifts WILL NOT be tax deductible. Remember, keep this project as a secret as this is a
surprise gift.
Welcome to the Spring 2017 Perspectives Class
Every day around the world billions of stories are being
written…
are you ready to find your part in God's
epic story?
Get threaded into the story!
God has a "world-sized" role for every Christian in His global purpose! Discover a vision to live with purpose—God's purpose—for your life. This course is valuable, perhaps even crucial, for any Christian seeking to live a purposeful life.
If you are seeking a deeper relationship with God and practical information that will challenge you to follow Jesus even closer, as well as give you a fresh perspective on how you fit into His story, you will want to prayerfully consider joining this class.
Perspectives is a 15-week course designed around four vantage points or "perspectives"—Biblical, Historical, Cultural, and Strategic. Each one highlights different aspects of God's global purpose. Each week, class members will read from a collection of interesting and thought-provoking articles written by a wide variety of Biblical scholars, historians, and cross-cultural leaders. Weekly class meetings will feature a different, dynamic instructor every week with fresh insight and relevant information for the current lesson—from seminary professors to leaders in some of the most highly respected Christian organizations. Each speaker will bring their own unique perspective and experience into the discussion.
Is this course only for those interested in missions? Absolutely not! Whether you are single, married, a student, a homemaker, a professional or retired, Perspectives will bless you and challenge your life and direction. The goal is to bring our individual lives into a closer alignment with God's purpose and to join together with God in His story.
Class Information
Where: Community Church of Columbus, 3850 N. Marr Road
When: Sunday Nights, January 8, 2017 - May 7, 2017
5:00-8:00PM
For more information or to enroll, visit: www.perspectives.org.
September 2016
Worship SS 9/04/2016 215 128 9/11/2016 248 133 9/18/2016 270 108 9/25/2016 257 137
Offering Totals
General Fund $ 34,142.11 Youth Fund $ 340.00 Total Offerings $ 34,482.11
General Fund Only Received $ 34,142.11 Expenses $ 33,604.74
*Expenses are for general operating only. For more information, contact the bookkeeper.
Online giving is available at www.gardencitychurch.com!
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GCCC Connection GroupsGCCC Connection GroupsGCCC Connection GroupsGCCC Connection Groups Our Wednesday night Connection Groups for children through adults will continue meeting through November 30 (Off on 11/23 for Thanksgiving) and will
then break for the months of December & January. Groups will resume on February 1, 2017. We hope you’ll mark your calendar to join us for new studies!
We are currently collecting gift-filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child through November 13. This project is spearheaded by Samaritan’s Purse and is a way to share the love and story of Jesus to children
around the world through these simple gifts.
We are not collecting individual items to pack
shoe boxes at GCCC this year. We ask that you
bring a gift-filled, wrapped shoe box (must be
able to open the lid), and include the $7 shipping
fee requested by Samaritan’s Purse (Checks
made payable to Samaritan’s Purse.)
Brochures are provided at the OCC table located in the foyer that contain information on suggested gift items and how to pack your shoebox. Please leave your shoe boxes at the collection table by November 13. Contact the office with questions.
Congregational Prayer HourCongregational Prayer HourCongregational Prayer HourCongregational Prayer Hour Tuesday, November 15 @ 6:30PMTuesday, November 15 @ 6:30PMTuesday, November 15 @ 6:30PMTuesday, November 15 @ 6:30PM
in the Fellowship Hallin the Fellowship Hallin the Fellowship Hallin the Fellowship Hall
Volunteers needed @ GCCC
November 22– 8:00AM
for the Love Chapel Mobile Food Pantry Contact the office to help.
The GCCC Angel Tree is a fulfilling way to help others in need this Christmas. Pick up an Angel Tree tag from the Welcome Center starting November 20. You will be provided with a wish list for a GCCC child or adult (Recipient names are kept in confidence.) and instructions on when and where to return your wrapped gifts. Contact Ashley Dieter (812-764-0173) for more information.
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FAMILY MATTERS… Train up a child in the way he should
go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Connecting Children and Families to Christ,
to One Another, and to Service
Wednesday Night Youth Group Kids…join us for youth group on Wednesdays for
children in K-5th grade! Plan to join us as we get that extra “boost” to our week!
Who: All K-5th Grade Students (and families) What: Mid-Week Youth Group
When: Wednesday nights — 5:30-7:30PM
Where: Garden City Church of Chr ist Cost: $2 per child for supper ; no more than $6 per family! Each night we will serve a light supper for children, youth, and parents!
Note: We will NOT meet on 11/23 because of the
Thanksgiving holiday!
PARENTS: Don’t forget the Small Group
opportunities for you as well!
Main Idea: Give Thanks!
Warm-Up: The Israelites celebrated Thanksgiving as they celebrated the Feast of
Tabernacles. The celebration was written in God’s Law for His people to observe each year in remembrance of His goodness to them. As His people remembered all that He did for them, they were filled with joy and thanksgiving.
Scripture: Nehemiah 8: 1-18, and memorize Psalm 77:11 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes I will remember Your miracles of long ago.”
Why should we be thankful to God?
Activity: Thanksgiving Grab Bag: Have 2 bags. In one bag, put items that symbolize different things about Thanksgiving (a pilgrim, ship, corn, Indian, turkey, etc.). In the second bag, put items that symbolize things that cause us to remember what God has done for us (a Cross, Bible, food, toys, clothes, band aid or medicine as a reminder that God heals us, etc.). Use the first bag of Thanksgiving symbols to introduce why and how America celebrates Thanksgiving and how God’s people in Israel celebrated Thanksgiving. At the end of the lesson, use the second bag of items symbolizing things believers need to remember so their hearts are filled with thanksgiving for all that God has done.
Follow-Up: The Feast of Tabernacles (The Feast of Booths) was a feast remembering what God had done for the Israelites. Every year we celebrate Thanksgiving; we are thankful for our country and the blessings we have received. As you read Nehemiah 8, let your children know that God deserves our thankfulness. He has given us life through His Son, Jesus. We have a lot to be thankful for!
Prayer: As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember all that you have done for us. You, O Lord, have redeemed us and given us new life. Help us to remember your abundant love and mercy. Amen!
Thank you to all who made our Trunk or Treat event such a
success! Please continue to pray for all those in our community who came through our doors.
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Jr. High Ministry 6Jr. High Ministry 6Jr. High Ministry 6Jr. High Ministry 6thththth----8888thththth
GradeGradeGradeGrade (Just for YOU!)
Wednesday Nights! Who: All 6th-8th Grade Students What: Youth Group
When: Wednesday Nights 5:30-7:30PM –*Includes supper; $2 per student
Where: The Station
Invite a friend and join us!
Wednesday Night Gatherings
for High School Students
Re-Ignite your Faith. Re-Connect with friends. Re-FUEL!
Focus: Sticky Faith and Thankfulness
Dinner: 5:30PM Youth Group: 6:00-7:30PM
Come join us at the GCCC Station. Bring your Friends!
Dates:
November 2, 9, 16, and 30 Note: We will not meet on 11/23 because of the
Thanksgiving holiday!
Sr. High Ministry
Join us for a great time with friends as we
worship together and have a great
weekend at Anderson University!
Hebrews 10:22 (NIV)
Let us draw near to God with a sincere
heart and with the full assurance that faith
brings, having our hearts sprinkled to
cleanse us from a guilty conscience
and having our bodies
washed with pure water.
See Pastor Bryan for more details!
CIY BelieveCIY BelieveCIY BelieveCIY Believe For 6For 6For 6For 6thththth----8888thththth GradesGradesGradesGrades CINCINNATI, OHCINCINNATI, OHCINCINNATI, OHCINCINNATI, OH
February 17 February 17 February 17 February 17 ---- February 18, 2017 February 18, 2017 February 18, 2017 February 18, 2017
Theme: Theme: Theme: Theme: “Open...To Be Generous in Every Way!“Open...To Be Generous in Every Way!“Open...To Be Generous in Every Way!“Open...To Be Generous in Every Way!
A lot of Jr. high students are posting on social media with #Blessed. In many of these circumstances, they are correct, but the perspective they have is wrong. Often times what we think we own is really on loan, and when students use #Blessed it’s almost always associated with getting something great for themselves. Ultimately, students aren’t understanding why they’re blessed, just that they are blessed. This year’s theme, “Open,” will truly define what it means to be generous in every way, because we are blessed by God. The character of God goes against our natural tendencies – to hold on to the things God gives us for ourselves instead of holding open those things God gives us to others. By exploring 2 Corinthians 9, students on the Believe tour will learn how God is calling them to be Open … to be generous in every way.
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Those who are unable to attend our Sunday services may request home delivery of the Lord’s Supper by calling the church office at 812-372-1766 by noon on the prior
Friday. Requests must be made each week. Keep in mind that private family communion times are also a valid expression of remembrance.
Check out the website Calendar
The GCCC website calendar is a great place to learn about upcoming events. Just go to www.gardencitychurch.com/calendar/html.
BAPTISMBAPTISMBAPTISMBAPTISM
Jerry Prevatt 535 W 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201-9113
NEW MEMBERSNEW MEMBERSNEW MEMBERSNEW MEMBERS
Jerry & Kathy Prevatt 535 W 200 S
Columbus, IN 47201-9113
⇒ I just want to thank your church for helping my family with money for a hotel room a few months ago. God Bless. — Marty Maggard
⇒ Thank you to all who helped with our annual Trunk
or Treat event. We could not have served and shared the love of Christ with so many in our community without the help of our volunteers and your donations of baked goods.
— GCCC Staff
GOLDEN HARVESTERS’ Our seniors’ group will meet on Wednesday, November 2, at 9:30AM in the Fellowship Hall for a brief meeting, then leave for lunch at The Seasons in Nashville, IN. Contact George or Regina Pastrick with questions or for more information at 812-372-5559.
Our Deepest SympathyOur Deepest SympathyOur Deepest SympathyOur Deepest Sympathy to the Family of…to the Family of…to the Family of…to the Family of…
⇒ Wilbur Julian, uncle of George
Pastrick
No Men’s Ministry Breakfast until January 2017
Our Men’s Ministry Breakfast will break during the holidays and resume on January 28, 2017.
Ladies’ Hobby Night November 11; 6-10:00PM
All ladies are
invited to bring a
craft/hobby to work
on while visiting
with other women
in the Fellowship
Hall. Also, bring a
snack to share. It’s
a great time of
fellowship and fun!
Guests welcomed!
“An Evening with Bob Goff” “An Evening with Bob Goff” “An Evening with Bob Goff” “An Evening with Bob Goff” Sunday, November 13 @ The CommonsSunday, November 13 @ The CommonsSunday, November 13 @ The CommonsSunday, November 13 @ The Commons
6:006:006:006:00----8:00PM8:00PM8:00PM8:00PM In addition to being the New York Times Best-Selling Author of Love Does, Bob Goff is an attorney who founded Restore International, a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, and Somalia. A love offering will be taken at the event to help build a primary school at Restore Academy in Gulu, Uganda. Learn more at: lovedoes.org/restoreleadershipacademy
THE EVENT IS FREE, BUT SEATING IS LIMITED
Tickets available at Sandy Hook Church located at 1610 Taylor Road, Columbus, IN 47203 or by calling 812-372-8495. Office hours are 8AM-5PM
South Central Indiana Christian Men’s
Fellowship
is not meeting in November.
Page 7 The LinkLetter
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 7:00PM Choir Practice
2 9:30AM Golden Harvesters to The Seasons in
Nashville
5:30PM Dinner
6:15 Adult Small groups and youth groups, including “War Room” study
3 6:30AM Leadership Study @ Bob Evans
4:15PM Women’s Ministry Meeting
6:30PM Worship Practice
4 5 8AM-3PM Hilltop Work Day
6 OCC & Food for Families Collections
2:00AM Daylight Saving Time ends 11:15AM Lunch
Fellowship Pitch- in
4:00PM Choir Practice
7 6:30PM Kingdom Workers Meeting
6:30PM Elders’ Meeting
8 6:30PM Deacons’ Meeting
9 5:30PM Dinner
6:15 Adult Small groups and youth groups, including “War Room” study
10 6:30PM Worship Practice
11 9:30AM Prayer Team Meeting
4:15PM 4th-6th graders to CIY SuperStart in New Albany, IN
6-10PM Ladies’ Hobby Night
12 4:30PM 4th-6th graders return from CIY SuperStart in New Albany, IN
13 Final day for OCC & Food for Families Collections
4:00PM Choir Practice
6:00PM “An Evening with Bob Goff” @ The Commons
14 15 5:30PM Missions Meeting
6:30PM Congregational Prayer Hour
16 5:30PM Dinner
6:15 Adult Small groups and youth groups, including “War Room” study
17 6:30AM Leadership Study @ Bob Evans
6:30PM Worship Practice
International Conference on Missions in Lexington, KY
18 International Conference on Missions in Lexington, KY
19 International Conference on Missions in Lexington, KY
20 Christmas Card Exchange begins
Angel Tree begins
4:00PM Choir Practice
21 BCSC Thanksgiving Break thru 11/25
22 8:00AM Mobile Food Pantry @ GCCC
23 No evening programming
24 Offices closed
25 Offices closed
26
27 Christmas Card Exchange
No choir practice
28 29 7:00PM Choir practice- All Cast
30 5:30PM Dinner
6:15 Final Adult Small groups and youth groups, until Feb. 2017
Sunday Morning Worship 9:00AM Sunday School 10:00AM Worship
Return Service Requested
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID COLUMBUS, IN PERMIT NO. 7 3245 Jonesville Rd.
Columbus, IN 47201-7932
Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” describes two roads discovered during a walk in the woods. Frost knows he can only explore one, and he tells himself that someday he will travel the other. But, realistically, he knows he will never return. And by the time we reach the end of the poem, we realize the poet is talking about something infinitely more important than a simple choice of paths. I shall be telling with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
No, Frost is not talking about the choice of paths in a wood, but the choice of paths in a person’s life. Choosing a road symbolizes any choice we must make between alternatives that appear equally attractive, but lead to entirely different destinations (reminds me of two roads Jesus mentions…). That choice connects us to the last two parts of our CAMEO structure that I’ve been sharing with you: EDUCATION and OUTREACH. Bottom line choice: Am I a follower of Christ (and does that decision impact all other choices?) and am I doing what a Christ-follower does...make other followers of Christ (also called outreach or evangelism)? GCCC desires to see folks be disciples and make disciples. That happens at multiple levels and in various ways, but it is the primary “road” that God calls us to travel (Matt. 28:16-20) and it does make all the difference! Some of the ways we grow as a disciple are through education and application. EDUCATION opportunities include: Sunday school, worship service, connection groups of various kinds, children/youth events, seminars, etc. OUTREACH (application) continues what is “learned” by action (faith without works is dead…). Some of these opportunities include: Kingdom Worker activities with our primary local partnerships, service, sharing the Gospel with a friend/co-worker/family member, being a neighbor that invests in others, Trunk-R-Treat, short-term mission trips, serving on the mission team and many others! Our church family has many avenues to be a disciple and make disciples; the question is are you choosing to take part? The choice is yours; will you choose the path that will make a great difference in your life and others? If we truly believe the message of the Gospel, and it really has made a difference in our own lives, I cannot imagine being anything less than a radical disciple for Jesus...as radical as He was to secure my salvation! Friends, we only travel one time down the path we choose. There’s but one life to live for Jesus while we are sojourners on this Earth. Why do we tend to waste so much of the journey on trivial things? I’m not sure; it must be a human thing. Today, Jesus is calling us to something radical that will change our lives forever! Will you join us? See you Sunday! — Brian
