Welcome to eCommunity
The metaphor comparing God and his people to a shepherd and his sheep is used throughout the Old and New Testaments. God is the caring, protective shepherd who looks out for his vulnerable and helpless sheep. Probably the most famous and comforting verses coming from the Old Testament are the full Psalm 23, which begins: “1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” Just those first two verses bring me a sense of peace and calm. From the New Testament in the book of John, chapter 10, Jesus compares himself to the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He is the gate to the sheep pen – whoever enters through Him is saved. His sheep know His voice and only listen to Him.

In John 21:17 Jesus challenged Peter that if he loved Him, he must feed His sheep. This also is Jesus’ challenge to us. Are we willing to take on the role of shepherd – to be Jesus’ hands and feet, to feed His sheep through the love that He gives us? I know many of you have and do as an integral part of your walk with Christ. Volunteering as leaders and workers at GBCC is an important part of your walk. For those of you who have not made this commitment yet, I lay Christ’s challenge before you. Simply ask Him what He would have you do through GBCC or otherwise.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to invite those of you who are active lay volunteers in any ministry at GBCC to attend the next Shepherd’s Walk on December 7 at 6:30 in the Chapel. We will have some important ministry updates, receive some teaching on GBCC’s Statement of Faith, and then engage in a large group discussion about where we are headed into the future as a church.

I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
Denver Johnson

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!

Year-End Giving at GBCC
If you desire to make a year-end financial contribution to Green Bay Community Church, thank you! To ensure your 2008 gift is recognized as such, your mailed contribution must be postmarked in 2008 or be given during the weekend services December 27-28, 2008. Gifts received after December 31, 2008 cannot be claimed as a 2008 contribution even though a check may be backdated to 2008. However, mailed contributions postmarked in 2008 can be claimed as a 2008 contribution even if received in 2009. Please note the church office will be closed December 24-January 4.

If you have questions please contact Pete App, 593-3478 or petea@gbcommunitychurch.com.

LifeStages
Our sympathy to:

• Sue and Melinda Witbro and family for the death of Sue’s husband and Melinda’s father, Bruce Witbro, on November 23.

Congratulations to:

• Ryan and Jessica Rabida for the birth of their son, Kyle Roy, on September 8.
• Joe and Tammy Van Haren for the birth of their son, Jack Adam, on October 21.

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

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 GBCC website. more>>

Operation Christmas Child Update
Thank you to everyone who donated boxes and volunteered time to make Operation Christmas Child a success.  We gathered over 1400 boxes for children in third world countries who will now experience the love of Christ through your generous donations.  People in the greater Green Bay area donated over 11,000 boxes to this worthy cause.

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

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, 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

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

Critical Serving Opportunites
Christmas Eve Nursery and Preschool Helpers (new)
Nursery Helpers
Elementry Small Group Leaders
Computer Mothballer
Family Tree House Actors
Funeral Assistant
Meal Prep Leader

KidsQuest

Holiday Weekends
December 24
Christmas Eve services
Nursery – PreK only at the 2:00 and 4:00 services
No nursery or classes at the 7:00 service
No KidsQuest Elementary Classes

December 27
Nursery – PreK only
No KidsQuest Elementary Classes

December 28
Nursery – PreK only
No KidsQuest Elementary Classes
No Family Tree House

January 3
Nursery – PreK only
No KidsQuest Elementary Classes

January 4
Nursery – PreK only
No KidsQuest Elementary Classes
No Family Tree House

Next Steps for Kids
Next Steps for Kids is a four-week parent/child class held on Tuesday evenings and is designed for 4th/5th grade students who must attend with at least one parent.  Lessons are facilitated by KidsQuest staff members Cindy Vandermause and Sheryl Meyer and cover the basic foundational doctrines of the faith: salvation, baptism, communion, and discipleship.  A class finished in November and the next session is scheduled for February.  Postcard invitations will be mailed to current 4th/5th graders in January. 

Student Ministries
Holiday Expressway Schedule
There will not be Expressway the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Eve:
Middle School: no Expressway Middle December 23 or 30.
High School: no Expressway December 24 or 31.
Expressway and Expressway Middle resume January 6/7.

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 “Singles” in the category drop down list, a month, then click go for a list of the events scheduled.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
First and third Thursday of each month
9:30-11:15 a.m.
Room 206

Spring sign up starts now! Click here more information on MOPS and a spring registration form.

Outdoor Connection
Ice Fishing
Thursday, December 11
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Room 216

We will cover:
* what you need to get started in the sport
* ice fishing equipment
* how to build your own equipment
* early ice fishing tactics
* advanced ice fishing tactics

HELP WANTED - The January 8 topic will be "Winter Sports," if you are interested in sharing your favorite sport with other OC members, contact Jeremy Kopke  920-544-5455 or Jeremy.Kopke@OutdoorConnectionGroup.com

For more information you can check out our new website at www.OutdoorConnectionGroup.com.

To subscribe to the weekly Outdoor Connection email just shoot a message to Jeremy.Kopke@OutdoorConnectionGroup.com and place Subscribe to Weekly Reminder in the subject line.

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.