Pastor Transition
Many historians and political scientists consider that the single most important event to ever occur in the nation’s history was not the Declaration of Independence, or the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Rather it was the voluntary transition of power when George Washington left the Presidency to make way for John Adams. How disastrous things would have been had President Washington, who sat at the head of the fledgling government and controlled the military, said, “I am not giving up this role as President and I will be your King.” George Washington so wonderfully put his Nation’s interest first.

Though not of the same earthly magnitude – we too at GBCC are living through a very significant transition in our Pastoral leadership.

Two years ago, Senior Pastor Joe Urcavich formally began laying the groundwork for his eventual departure by working hand-in-hand with the church Elders. Joe’s intentions were quite clear; they were not about him. Rather, he wanted to put a process in place that honored God, protected the church body at GBCC, and took as long as necessary to find the right Pastor to lead our church.

One can only imagine the numbers of lives Joe has touched during his twenty-five years in ministry at GBCC. He was so obviously the right man at the right time. And now Joe’s time at GBCC has come to an end. We thank God for his teaching, counsel, and as he so often says, “relationship.”

We now begin the next phase of our Church’s history. Doug Zerbst will be our Lead Pastor (former Senior Pastor position). Doug has been through an intensive qualification and interview process. The Transition Team has spent countless hours and used a variety of resources to be sure that Doug is right for GBCC and also that GBCC is right for Doug as well. We believe that God has divinely guided us to this time. Doug has an impressive background and broad-based experience. We have a great peace about Doug as the teacher and leader who will guide GBCC going forward.

We have been well prepared for this transition. Both men; the one leaving and the one arriving, are uniquely gifted, talented and cherished. Thanks be to God for sharing both with us. And also, thanks to all those who have worked and prayed for a positive and orderly transition.

The Transition Team

Pastoral Transition Schedule
January 24/25
Joe Urcavich's last weekend
Services will be 1 hour and 15 minutes 
Say goodbye to Joe & Arlis after each service
Guest Artist John Cox also here

January 31/February 1
Doug Zerbst's first weekend
Passing of baton from Ted (former pastor) to Joe (outgoing Senior Pastor) to Doug (new Lead Pastor-former Senior Pastor position)

February 28/March 1
Welcome reception for Doug, Sharilyn, & family after each service

January 24/25 Service Times Extended
The services on January 24/25 (Joe's last weekend) will be 1 hour and 15 minutes to allow adequate time for Joe, Arlis, Dawn, & Joe Jr. to share their reflections on the last 25 years of ministry here. There will be time after each service to say good bye to Joe and Arlis. In addition, John Cox and his band will be featured during the first half of the service. Please plan accordingly, and join us for this special service.

Guest Artist John Cox
Originally from Chico, Texas, John Cox is a songwriter/vocalist/guitarist/Nashville recording artist (and father of six children!) who possesses a timeless musical and artistic sensibility, drawing people in through his heartfelt performances and compelling authenticity. With lyrics that are searching, encouraging, and uplifting, John’s music springs from his deep sense of intimacy and love of Christ. GBCC welcomes John and his band for a return engagement on January 24 and 25, at all three services. For more information on John’s ministry click here.

Family Camp Sign Ups Begin
August 14-17
Friday evening - Monday morning
Fort Wilderness, McNaughton, WI

Family Camp is a once a year gathering for GBCC attendees who want to connect with nature, God, and one another. Held at Fort Wilderness just north of Rhinelander at a beautiful not-for-profit, non-denominational Christian camp, Family Camp is great weekend get away.

You don’t have to have kids to come to Family Camp. There is plenty of time to meet new people or go off on your own. Family Camp has hiking trails, horse back riding, a beautiful private beach, swimming, nature center, craft area, bicycling, canoeing, rafting, etc.

Fort Wilderness offers 24 wooded campsites for those who like to rough it, cabins for those who like the comforts of home, all the way up to rooms in the inn for people who want to be pampered a little. Cabins offer radiant heat, private bathrooms (unless it is a rustic cabin), seating area, and lots of room. The inn is set up more like a hotel with private bathroom, in room heat/air conditioning, queen size beds, and linens.

You can pick up a brochure about Family Camp in any of the brochure racks at the church or click here for an online brochure. Hurry and sign up today, we’re holding only one Family Camp this year and it’s bound to fill up fast!!

Outdoor Connection Winter Family Retreat
February 6-8 or
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Whispering Pines Retreat Shawano Lake

Everyone is invited to the Outdoor Connection’s 1st Annual Winter Family Retreat February 6-8. Come for the weekend or drive over on Saturday! Located just 30 minutes from Green Bay, Whispering Pines Retreat on Shawano Lake offers the perfect playground for outdoor and indoor fun. Bring your skis, snowmobile, ice skates, snowshoes, ice fishing gear, and extras to share. $5/person or $15/family suggested donation includes hot cocoa, lunch, and group activities on Saturday.

Want to stay the weekend? Limited space is available: $40/single, $80/couple, $130/family (plus activity donation above). Campers will share meal assignments.

Sign up today! For more information or to register, please contact Jeremy Kopke, 920-544-5455.

Click here for information about Whispering Pines.

Outdoor Connection Archery Shoot
January 22
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Gander Mountain, Green Bay
Back by popular demand! We had a great turnout for our last archery shoot and now that we are all hunkered down for the winter we thought it was a good time to try it again. If you have always wanted to give shooting a bow a try or if you are interested in some friendly competition, this will be a great opportunity for you. Come join us for an evening of fun. If you have an extra bow and would be willing to allow someone else to use it for the evening, please contact Jeremy Kopke.

LifeStages
Congratulations to:

• Brandon and Dana Kucksdorf for the birth of their daughter, Brooklyn Mae, on November 21.
• Jose Sanantonio-Garcia and Rachel Dietz, married on January 3.

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

Beth Moore Living Proof Live - Save the Date!
August 28-29, 2009
August 28, 7:00-9:30 p.m.;
August 29, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Resch Center, Green Bay

Beth Moore, a renowned author and Bible teacher, will be speaking for a Living Proof Live Conference Green Bay.

Green Bay Community Church held two Beth Moore simulcasts over the last three years where hundreds of women were encouraged by her contagious love for the Lord Jesus Christ and His life changing message. On the February 24, 2007 simulcast, we were blessed to have over 425 women in attendance representing over 30 different churches. The women at this simulcast sent encouraging messages and wishes to Beth for her 50th birthday and invited her to speak at the place of her birth, Green Bay, Wisconsin!

Beth is energetic and engaging, and keeps women from all walks of life drawn in and excited about God’s faithfulness and provision. Click here to purchase tickets online or call 1-800-254-2022.

Women's Retreat–Save the Date!
April 24-25
Fri. 6:00 p.m. - Sat. 2:00 p.m.
Chapel

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

Critical Serving Opportunites
Snow Shovelers (new)
Bankruptcy Professional
Funeral Assistant

KidsQuest
Family Tree House - New Monthly Format
February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7
9:45-10:15 a.m.
Auditorium

After months of consideration, the Family Tree House Team concluded that changing the format from a weekly to monthly service is necessary due to actor and other major role shortages. We are excited that this new format will allow Family Tree House to continue and be a special worship experience for families!
Mark your calendars and we’ll see you there!

KidsQuest Quarterly Calendars
Nursery, Preschool, and Elementary quarterly calendars are located in the KidsQuest section of the church website. Click on the link(s) to find out what your child is learning in their class each week. The Family Tree House schedule is also included in the calendars.

Birthday Party for Jesus
The Birthday Party for Jesus, held on December 18, was a very special night set aside to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Adults and children of all ages gathered to sing Christmas carols, watch The Very First Noel, listen to a birthday cake presentation, and enjoy time eating cake with family and friends. Thank you to all who participated in the toy drive held in conjunction with the event. An abundance of gifts were donated and delivered to Freedom House. Click here view pictures of the party.

Next Steps for Kids
February 3, 10, 17, 24
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Room 206
Parent/Child Class
Next Steps for Kids is a four week class designed for 4th/5th grade students who must attend with at least one parent. Lessons cover the basic foundational doctrines of the faith: Salvation, Baptism, Communion, and Discipleship. Cindy Vandermause and Sheryl Meyer, KidsQuest Staff members, will facilitate the lessons.

Space is limited, minimum of 5 families and a maximum of 10 families. Registration deadline is January 21.

Please contact Cindy Vandermause, 593-3489 to register for the class.

Student Ministries
Iceblast Retreat
Friday, February 20-Sunday, February 22
Friday 4:30 p.m. depart GBCC;
Sunday 4:00 p.m. arrive at GBCC
Lake Lundgren Bible Camp
Cost: $95
T-shirt cost: an additional $7
Registration deadline is January 27

This year’s theme is “Walk His Way” which will include a Rockstar costume party on Saturday night. The teaching times will focus on spiritual disciplines like prayer and reading our Bibles. See you there!

Click here for a registration form.

Contacts:
Brian Martin, 593-3484
Shelly Jarosinski, 593-3487

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.

Winter Discovery Group Classes Begin in January
New and continuing Discovery Group Classes will be starting up during the month of January. Please click on the links below to be directed to our website or pick up a Group Life Brochure for class details.
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.

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, 593-3475 or click here.

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