The Call
Since I began my career at GBCC in 2005, I've been asked a few times how I knew that I was “called” into full-time ministry. I suppose that in some ways, I have sort of always known without being able to put my finger on it. In other ways, I kind of stumbled into it by following my passions to where I am today. Even though there have been ups and downs along the way, I feel that God has me where he wants me, and it's a joy to serve.

But the more I think about it, the less I actually like the question of calling in the first place – or perhaps more accurately, I don't like what the question implies. True, full-time/paid/vocational ministry is a unique thing in some aspects, and it's not for everyone. But aren't we all called to ministry?

When Jesus called his disciples, he didn't say that only some were called into teaching and reaching others. He simply said, “Follow me,” and then spent the rest of his time on earth showing them how to serve others. He explained how following him was a costly and eternally important endeavor, but for the sake of salvation and heaven, it was necessary.

So as we move forward as a church and seek to achieve one of our goals of “increasing shepherding culture,” I think we need to reject the notion that some of us are called and others are not – at least, not in the way the question usually implies.

We are all called.

The Great Commission of Matthew 28 calls us all to make disciples. Deuteronomy 6 implores us to collectively raise our children and point them toward Christ. Ephesians 4 asks us to be worthy of the calling to which we have been called. None of these passages have footnotes or asterisks that make sure to mention that this applies “only to full-time/paid/vocational ministry staff.” These are the things we are all called to.

How are we – each one of us – fulfilling the call of the One True King?

Brian Martin

Lifestages
Congratulations to:
Congratulations to Nick Janssen and Lydia Wellhouse, married on August 29, 2009.

Congratulations to:
Congratulations to Jesse and Jennifer Virlee for the birth of their daughter, Ellie Marie, on August 24, 2009.

Our sympathy to:
Our sympathy to Caleb and Anne Dahl for the death of Anne’s dad.

Weekend Services
September 13
There will be no Sunday evening service the weekend of September 13 due to the Packer/Bear game. Services will remain at 8:15 and 10:00am that morning.

Breakfast Bar Begins!
Join us in the newly expanded Higher Grounds for Breakfast Bar on Sunday mornings between 8:00 and 10:00am. Yogurt, cheese, boiled eggs, cereal, juice, coffee, muffins, granola bars, etc… all await your hungry tummy.

In between services (9:30–10:00am), you’ll be entertained – unplugged - by some of our talented music team volunteers. The morning services will also be shown (live) on the three TVs in that room, so if you need an escape from the auditorium for some reason, come on in.

Hope to see you at Breakfast Bar.  Kick back, relax and enjoy the company of friends!

Sunday Evening Services
September 20 and Beyond
In order to end earlier for the school year - as of September 20, Sunday evening services will begin at 6:00 pm. Service will continue to run 1 1/2 hours.

Service Survey
Our leadership team is always looking ahead to create more
opportunities for people to worship God and become disciples of Christ. We have committed to look at the service attendance patterns and desires for our community. Would you please select the service you and your family would commit to attending on a regular basis. Note that we do not yet have a Saturday Evening Service but if it was available, what service would you regularly attend? Please keep in mind that with the current state of our resources and volunteer base we will not be able to start a new service until those improve but we value your feedback and want to look ahead. Click here to take the survey.

Aerobethon for Africa
Sunday, October 11
Western Racquet & Fitness Club
1:00-5:00pm
Community is partnering with Western Racquet & Fitness Club on a fund-raising effort to support Vapor Sports Ministries. Vapor establishes centers for humanitarian aid and sustainable life change in third-world environments.

Gather some sponsors and you’ll have use of Western’s entire facility! To learn more, click here. All monies collected go directly to Vapor.

This is your chance to directly impact the poor of Africa without having make the trip!

We Need Bean Bag Chairs!
If you have bean bag chairs (any size, any color) that you’d like to donate to the church, we could use them for Family Night Live – our service for families with kids through 5th grade. We need them before Wednesday, October 7, so please drop them off in the lobby soon!

Questions? Contact Pat Jelen or 593-3490.

Prayer Watch
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful"
Colossians 4:2

Mondays, 12:00-1:00pm, Room 104
Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30am, Chapel
Wednesdays, 8:00-9:00am, Chapel
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30am, Chapel
Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm, Fireside Room

Watching and praying is a lifestyle focusing on seeing the kingdom of Christ advance and knowing that our prayers are a vital part of what God is doing on planet earth. At Community we are committed to calling upon God for direction and growth in our lives, our church, our city, our world, and our country.

Crown Financial
Crown Financial Orientation Meeting
Monday, September 14
6:30-8:00pm
Room 216
If you are interested in joining the 10-week Crown Financial Class that will begin the end of September, you are encouraged to attend this orientation meeting. RSVP not necessary. Cost for 10-week class is $45/person or $55/couple.

Contacts: Marc Trager, 662-9962 or John Emery, 499-7859

Crown Financial Life Group Leader Training
Saturday, September 19
9:00am–3:00pm
Chapel Lounge
Anyone interested in leading a Crown Financial Life Group, who has not already completed a 10-week class, is required to attend the Leader Training. Sign up ASAP, as advanced prep is required. Cost is $88 for training and materials.
Click here to register.

Contact: Maverick, 715-432-4382

Care
Morning MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers
Sept. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15, Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Dec. 17
9:30-11:15am
Room 206

MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! MOPS offers a morning out to meet with moms, talk, share and develop friendships. While the moms are enjoying a warm breakfast and fellowship with other moms, the kids will be learning Bible stories, music and more in the MOPPET program.

MOPS International Fee - $24.
Childcare rates for the 2009-2010 year:
$21 - 1 child
$35 - 2 children
$42 - 3 children or more.

Scholarships: Cheryl Ferraro, 494-7240.

Attn: Cindy Mosch/MOPS Registration
Green Bay Community Church
PO Box 10104
Green Bay, WI 54307-0104

Women's Ministry
Friday Night Girlfriends
Friday, September 11
6:00pm-12:00am
Room 206& 108
Attention – Friday Night Girlfriends is back! This is an event for women to relax and enjoy a stress free environment. Bring something to work on like scrap booking, knitting, beading, crafts, papers to grade, a game to play with friends, or just settle in to watch a chick flick or listen to music. Snacks are always welcome but not required. Due to a change in setup in Room 108, we will also be using Room 206. Feel free to go to either room. If you arrive after 9:00pm, call 264-7288 to be let in. Hope to see you there!

Hostess: Cindy or 264-7288.

Interest Group
Knitting Group
September 24; October 1, 15, 22; November 5, 19
6:30-9:00pm
Fireside Room
If you are a seasoned knitter or new to knitting, you've come to the right place! Join us for a relaxing evening and casual conversation as you work on your latest knitting project. If you want to learn to knit, bring a pair of needles size 9, 10, or 11 and some worsted weight yarn. This is a chance to learn, get help with knitting questions, share patterns, and make new friends!

Contact: Beth Sechler

Singles
Interest Group
If you’re single and would like to connect with other singles, we have a number of great events for you to enjoy from motorcycling, to concerts, dinners, festivals and more.  Just click here to go to the calendar and type Singles in the category. 

KidsQuest
KidsQuest Schedule
September 13, 2009 – June 6, 2010
Click here for the KidsQuest 2009/2010 schedule.

KidsQuest Weekend Fall Kick-Off
Sunday, September 13
8:15 and 10:00am
Click here for classroom locations.
Reminder: students must be at least 5 years old and attending Kindergarten to graduate to the 5K/1st grade classroom on September 13.

KidsQuest Family Night Live
Wednesdays, October 7, November 4, December 2,
January 6, February 3, March 3
6:30-8:00pm
Arts Center
Family Night Live (formerly known as Family Tree House) is a monthly high-energy, interactive service that features drama sketches, music, and teaching that is engaging for the whole family and reinforces what the K-5th graders learn in their weekend classes. Mark your calendars and check it out. You and your kids will love it!

Contact: Cindy Vandermause or 593-3489.

Student Ministries
Student Ministry Calendars
Calendars for what’s happening in Student Ministries in the fall have been mailed to homes. But just in case you didn't get one, please click here to print off the calendar for your refrigerator and never miss a beat with Student Ministries!

See You at the Pole
Once again this fall, students from around the nation and around the world will gather at their schools’ flagpoles to celebrate See You at the Pole and pray for their schools, communities, and peers. This year, SYATP will occur on Wednesday, September 23 at YOUR flagpole 30 minutes before the start of school.

SYATP Pre-Pole Rally
Who: All students grades 6-12
When: Event 7:00-8:30pm
Date: Monday, September 21
Where: GBCC Youth Center Updated location!!
Cost: $2 at the door, and $3 to buy an exclusive SYATP
t-shirt

See You at the Pole Pre-Pole Party
To get excited about SYATP, we will have a Pre-Pole Party on Monday, September 21. Christians from all around the Green Bay area will converge here at Community to get ready to take on their flagpoles later that week. This is going to be an incredible gathering! We’ll see you there.

The Nines – Freshman-only Retreat
October 2-3 will be the first ever all-freshman retreat, and it’s going to be amazing! Upper classmen will share about what it means to live out faith in high school, how to avoid pitfalls and face challenges, and how to choose the path of your own legacy. The cost is just $25. Watch for more details and a registration brochure coming soon!

Contact Brian Martin, 593-3484.

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

Critical Serving Opportunites
Midweek Elementary Small Group Leader
Midweek Preschool Small Group Leader
Wednesday Night Childcare
Greeters
Crown Life Group Leader
Higher Grounds
Church Cleaners
Bankruptcy Professional
Funeral Assistant
Facility Guide
Lead Usher for Sunday Evening Service

Contact: Leta Jacquet, 593-3479.

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, and 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.

Group Life Events and Activities
Click here for the Connect Book Fall 09 or Click here to go to the GBCC Master Calendar, select a category in the drop down list, a month, then click "go" for a list of the events and activities 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
Sunday: 8:15am, 10:00am, and 6:30pm

September 13
8:15am, 10:00am, and no evening service

Beginning September 20
Sunday: 8:15am, 10:00am, and 6:00pm