Welcome to the second ever eCommunity
We are in several seasons right now. It is the season we call Fall, and it is the holiday season of Thanksgiving. We are also in a season as a church, and that is a season of transition and change.

Fall teaches us that there is a time for everything. The leaves change colors and drop to the ground so that winter can be ushered in. The winter snow melts, making way for spring, and then summer once again (I know…it’s a long way off…). Ecclesiastes 3 tells us so much about this, reminding us that there is a time for every activity. Do we trust God enough that we actually believe that He is using the current circumstances of our lives and the life of our church to do His will?

Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful for all we have been given and the abundance with which God has provided. 1 Timothy 1:14 states, ” The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” Do we actually thank God for all He has given us?

In the life of our church, many of us have felt that lately, there has been so much change. Change can be exciting and interesting, but change can also mean questions, and feelings of instability, and fear. However, in the face of change we can take our confidence from knowing that God is constant. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Do we actually trust that God’s consistency will see us through?

I want to actually believe, actually thank, and actually trust my God, not only with my head, but with my heart as well. I pray that we all cling to Him earnestly as He brings us through each and every season of our lives.

Blessings,
Brian Martin
Student Ministries Pastor

Senior Pastor Update
In the past two weeks, the Elder Board’s Transition Team coordinated the interviews of two potential senior pastor candidates. Further conversations will take place over the next week or two. Please keep them in prayer.

Thanks,
Bruce Conger

LifeStages
Our sympathy to:

• Rose Weiler for the death of a close family member.
• Craig and Carolyn Bodkin for the death of Craig's brother-in-law, Dean Nordman.
• Steve and Shelly Jarosinski for the death of Shelly’s aunt, Judy Lumaye, on November 1.
• Gail Geurts for the death of her sister, Judy Lumaye, on November 1.
• Jeff Jacobs and family for the death of his wife, Jane, on November 9.

Congratulations to:

• Joe Haidle and Melissa Kloskey, married on November 1.
• Rich Eckert and Cassie Drees, married on November 8.

Click here for more information on Membership, Baptism, Baby Dedication, Weddings, Funerals and Memorial Services.

Family Tree House
GBCC's family service, Family Tree House, will not be held on Sunday, November 30, but will resume the following Sunday, December 7. Family Tree House runs Sundays from 9:45 - 10:15 in the auditorium, except for holidays. Check future editions of eCommunity for the Family Tree House Christmas/New Year’s schedule.

Birthday Party for Jesus
Thursday, December 18
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Chapel
KidsQuest is hosting a family-friendly Birthday Party for Jesus to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. More information is available on the home page of the GBCC website. more>>

Christmas Eve Services
Wednesday, December 24
2:00, 4:00, and 7:00 p.m.
KidsQuest will provide nursery care/classes for infants through pre-Kindergarten at the 2:00 and 4:00 services only. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for this special celebration!

Journey to True Financial Freedom Seminar
Saturday, January 17, 2009
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Chapel
The newest live seminar from Crown Financial Ministries, combines biblical principles of money management with practical applications in a fast-paced format.

Among topics discussed are: fundamental Biblical principles of managing resources, saving, debt, and setting priorities.

Regardless of your age and income, this seminar presents a concise yet comprehensive view of money management based on the Bible. Equipped with wisdom from God's Word, you’ll learn how to establish and maintain a plan to faithfully serve Jesus Christ with all of your resources.

Pre-registration is required, click here. Register early to guarantee your reservation. Bring your Bible, pen or pencil, and an open heart.

Contact: John Emery, 499-7859

Feet to your Faith
On Saturday, October 25, over 200 GBCC volunteers served people in need. Click here to read responses from some of the grateful recipients.

Interest Groups
Christmas Dance
Friday, December 12
7:00-11:00 p.m.
Youth Center
Join us as we dance the night away to the music of the Edy Larson Orchestra. Ballroom Dance is for people of all ages and skill levels. It’s a fun way to connect and celebrate the holidays. Please bring a dish to pass. Dress: nice to formal wear.

Contact: Dale Walton, 469-0949 or dawalton9@aol.com

Care
GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays
Sunday, November 23 or Sunday, December 7
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Fireside Room
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the days become very difficult for those who have lost loved ones. It is harder still when the loved one has died close to the holidays. The first Christmas without them can become a dreaded and sometimes unbearable time for the family. Join us for a two-hour seminar featuring topics like Why the Holidays are Tough, What to Expect, How to Prepare, How to Manage Relationships and Holiday Socials, and Using the Holidays to Help You Heal.
Contact: Colleen Connors, 593-3485 or colleenc@gbcommunitychurch.com

DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays
Tuesday, November 25
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Room 109
No matter what the circumstances, divorce is a painful process for most people. If you’re separated or divorced, the holidays can be a lonely, stressful, and depressing time. But there’s hope. Join us for a two-hour encouraging seminar to discover how to enjoy the holidays again. We’ll provide practical suggestions and guidance as we talk about what emotions to expect during the coming days, what to do about family traditions, how to handle awkward moments at holiday events, how to help your children, and where to find comfort, strength, and hope in a seemingly hopeless time. To register, contact Colleen, 593-3485 or colleenc@gbcommunitychurch.com

Women's Ministry Christmas Celebration
Monday, December 8
6:30 p.m.
Gym
The theme this year is "My Grandma's Christmas." Please join us for this special evening and invite your friends and family! Invitations are available in the brochure racks and sign up is going on now through December 1. If you are interested in hosting a table, inquire at the Special Events Center. If you have any questions please contact: Tricia Birr, 662-1068 or tbirr19@new.rr.com or Carrie Birr, 822-2697, cbirr@netnet.net

Giving Opportunity
Now through Monday, December 8
In conjunction with the Women’s Christmas Celebration, there are many opportunities to help local organizations this holiday season. Click here for a list of needed items. Collection boxes are located at the Special Events Center.
Contact: Jill Armstrong, 662-9070 or armstro516@new.rr.com

Serving
Serve once in a while or on a regular basis. Check out GBCC's Serving Opportunities more>> 

Critical Serving Opportunites
Nursery Helpers
Elementry Small Group Leaders
Computer Mothballer
Family Tree House Actors
Funeral Assistant
Meal Prep Leader

KidsQuest Holiday Weekend
November 29-30
Weekend Services
Nursery - Preschool only
No KidsQuest Elementary classes 

Student Ministries
Jr./Sr. Retreat
November 21-23
7:00 p.m. Friday - 9:30 a.m. Sunday
Starting on Friday, Student Ministries will host its second annual Jr./Sr. Retreat at GBCC. This weekend retreat was great last year; we saw God moving in the lives of several young people. Please be praying for us this weekend!


Expressway/Student Impact Alumni Night
Wednesday, November 26
7:00-8:30 p.m. Youth Group
8:30-9:30 p.m. Alumni Reception
Youth Center
If you have ever been a student or a leader in Student Ministries at GBCC, we invite you to join us for a special Alumni Night. Following Youth Group, there will be a special worship time and reception honoring alumni. We hope to see you there! Current students are invited to attend all these events to see old friends as well!

Drama Team
Sunday nights
6:30-7:45 p.m.
Youth Center
Drama team is back this year. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to attend. Click here for a complete drama team schedule.

Sunday Morning Group
Every Sunday Morning
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Gym
High school students (and leaders!) are encouraged to join us in the front left section of the gym each Sunday morning at 10:30. A small posse has started gathering there every week; all are welcome to join us.


Iceblast 2009
Friday, February 20-Sunday, February 22
Time TBD
Lake Lundgren Bible Camp
Our annual trip to Lake Lundgren Bible Camp for Iceblast is on our calendar, so mark yours as well! Circle February 20-22 as the "best weekend of the year for middle school students." All students in grades 6-8 are invited to attend (including friends!). Be watching here and at Expressway for all the details about this year’s Iceblast. It's going to be amazing!

Contacts:
Brian Martin, 593-3484 or brianm@gbcommunitychurch.com
Shelly Jarosinski, 593-3487 or shellyj@gbcommunitychurch.com

Group Life
One of the greatest longings of the human heart is to belong: to know others and be known by others; it's the way God intended us to live.

Group Life provides opportunities for individuals to experience a sense of belonging, to grow together on our spiritual journeys, and to serve others.

While each type of group (Interest, Care, Discovery, Life, & Serving) provides a different opportunity to connect, all are designed around our vision of attracting people to Christ and building community.

No matter where you choose to plug in, there is a place for you in Group Life.
Care Groups
Co-ed
Men
Women
Singles
Seniors
Students
Children

Single's Interest Group
GBCC’s Single’s Ministry provides events such as Packer Game outings, bowling, and dances. Click here to go to the GBCC Master Calendar, select the “Single's” in the category drop down list, a month, then click go for a list of the events scheduled.

Database
Please help us keep our database information accurate by notifying us when you change your phone number, email address, mailing address, family status/members, etc.  Contact Tracy, tracyl@gbcommunitychurch.com or 593-3475 or click here.

Weekend Services
Saturday :: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday :: 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.