Hearing Problem?
I lost my hearing in my left ear when I was five years old.  I remember lying on the living room sofa with a high temperature – about 104 degrees.  I had the German measles.  I don’t remember if there was a cure for this disease or not because this was about the time that dinosaurs roamed the earth.  All I know is that my left ear no longer received sound waves like the other one did.  Ear problems can be serious problems. 

The Bible describes at least three different kinds of ear problems.  There are “itchy ears” - “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Timothy 4:3).  All of us have this ear problem.  Have you ever had an insect get in your ear?  I thought my kids drove me crazy at times, but this is worse. Those critters sound like a jet engine when they get in the ear canal. They also make the ear itch. When it itched I would rub it, stick my finger in it, use a pencil or tire tool to try to relieve the itch.  When I have an itchy ear I stick things in it, not so I can hear better, but to relieve the itch.  In a similar fashion when my ears itch I go to certain people who will tell me what I want to hear or listen to people who agree with me.  Ever had itchy ears - ears that are never satisfied?  Rather than listening to what God has to say I go to friends and hear things I what to hear.  What about gossip?  That seems to satisfy an itch, doesn’t it?

The Bible also talks about “dull ears” (see Acts 28:27).  These are ears that hear and hear till they can’t hear any more.  I remember daydreaming when sitting in classrooms at school because the teacher was covering territory that had been conquered the day before.  It was like listening to a political speech.  When I was a kid my mom would tell me to clean up my room. After ten minutes she would return and upon inspection would repeat the same refrain, “Clean up your room.”  After the third time her voice would be a couple of octaves higher as she blurted out, “Don’t you listen?  How many times do I have to tell you?”   My ears had become “dull” to her voice because I had heard it all before. I heard what she said, but I didn’t obey.  Sometimes I respond to God the same way.  I have heard His truth proclaimed, but I don’t do anything with it.  Ever had “dull” ears?

One more: “deaf ears” (see Acts 7:57).  These are ears that won’t listen, because they can’t.  When I was a kid my sister would tell me things I didn’t want to hear.  I would tell her to stop telling me that.  She just kept on going like the Eveready battery rabbit.  I would put my hands over my ears and start talking so I couldn’t hear her.  My ear (singular) had become deaf to her voice.  Sometimes I am like that to God.  He may be telling me some truth about my life that needs to be dealt with before I move on and I put my hands over my ears. I don’t want to hear what He has to say because I might have to change and I don’t want to.

Kim Sechler

Elder Confirmation
The Elder Board is pleased to announce that Dave Becker, Damian LaCroix and Dan Simons have been affirmed as Elders by our congregation.

Dave Becker
Dave grew up within a Christian family in Wausau, Wisconsin.  He was active in different Christian choirs and youth leadership positions in middle school and high school. 

Dave met his wife Lisa when he was a senior in high school and married her after graduating from UW Madison.  Dave and Lisa have been happily married for 22 years. God has blessed them with 3 beautiful daughters (Laura, Ruth, and Chloe) who attend Pulaski schools. Dave has been an active volunteer in GBCC youth ministry since 1996 and has a passion for helping students grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.   He enjoys organizing and participating in group trips that include silent sport activities (biking, canoeing, cross country skiing, or snow shoeing). He is humbled by the opportunity to work with such an awesome group of men on the Elder board.

Dave is employed by Medco Health as a Senior Application Architect.


Damian LaCroix
Damian and his family joined GBCC in 1999.  Damian and Melissa have been married 17 years and have four children, Maxwell (13), Zachariah (11), Abraham (10), and Abigail (8).  Spending time with family, travel, and reading are areas of personal interest.
 
Damian and Melissa have been actively involved in the Men's and Women's Ministries at GBCC.  "Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ has changed my life in dramatic ways.  My world view and corresponding roles as a husband, father, worker and community-member continue to be profoundly shaped by the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word."

Damian is the Superintendent of the Howard-Suamico School District.


Dan Simons
Dan and his wife Laurel have been married for 25 years (this month!) and have two wonderful daughters, Lesley (20) and Erin (18).  They have been attending GBCC for eight years. The Simons are thankful for the impact Christ has had on their family through the teaching and relationships that have developed at GBBC.

Dan and his family enjoy kayaking, hiking and running with Marah, the family's yellow lab. Dan also enjoys hunting and fly-fishing.

Dan works in administration at Independent Printing Company in De Pere.

Lifestages
Congratulations to:
Eric and Sarah Robenhorst for the birth of their daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth, on September 21.

NewComer Dessert
October 11, November 8, December 13
5:00-6:00pm
Room 108
If you have friends who are new to Community or have been coming for some time and wonder what the “next step” is, join us at our NewComers Dessert.  Relax in a casual atmosphere as you hear more about Community from Lead Pastor Troy Murphy and others.  This a great time to connect, ask questions and see if Community is a fit for you. Registration is required by the Wednesday before the event and is limited to the first 30 people to sign up. Children are always welcome.

Contact: Tracy Laine or 593-3475.

Lifting our Look
Many people have asked where the money has come from for the rehabbing of the conference room, Breakfast Bar area, and the new crosses in the gym.

Other than the purchase of a small amount of paint (most of it was paint we had left over from other areas of the building), we are moving furniture from around the building to make better use of it.  All of the tables, chairs, sofas, bookshelves, decorations, have been liberated from HG 2 and HG 2.5, The Reading Room, DT storage, and the shop. A volunteer even milled some rough lumber he pulled off of the old outhouse from the Family Tree House set for the baseboards in the conference room!  No money was spent on furniture.  

An area metal artist, an international LED light vendor, and a local metal supplier donated the new metal crosses in the gym. 

We will soon be making some changes in the Fireside Room that will involve only the purchase of some paint and a lot of labor from creative volunteers as well as some decorations donated from a local interior design firm.

We Need Bean Bag Chairs!
If you have any 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!

Contact Pat Jelen or 593-3492.

Cleaning House
There are many items in the back hallway that we are no longer keeping - artificial flowers, costumes, Christmas decorations, DT props, etc…  Some may have sentimental value to you so please check it out and take what you like. The rest will be donated to area churches and schools for drama departments.

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!

Parking Lot Repair
Saturday, October 10
9:00am – 2:00pm
East and West Parking Lots
If you would like to help fill cracks in the church parking lot please come join us. We are also in need of some equipment.  If you have a large air compressor for blowing the dirt out of the cracks, we need you and your equipment. If you have something for pouring the tar into the cracks, we need you and your equipment. If you know of someone who might have this equipment or be able to help, we need their help.

Many hands make light work!

Kingdom Come Food Drive
October 1 – October 31
Lobby
Kingdom Come Food Pantry is in dire need of food. Please consider donating non-perishable food items, onions and potatoes. Along with food, they are in need of used winter coats, hats and gloves, adult sizes 2x and larger are in specific demand. Drop boxes will be provided in the lobby during the month of October.

Click here for a list of needed items.

Contact: Leta Jacquet

Arts Ministry
Music Team
The Music Team leads worship at weekend services and special events. We are a ministry with the purpose of serving God and the community by using and sharing the musical gifts God has given us. We’re also a pretty close-knit small group of sorts. We spend time together practicing and working on music, but we also spend time building relationships with God and one another.

There are openings for all vocal ranges and any instruments. Soprano? Come on out and sing. Guitar player? Come on out and strum and/or wail. You play the washboard? Well, come out anyway, we may be able to find a spot for you.

The actual audition is a two-part process that involves playing or singing some music that you will receive ahead of time, and a brief interview to get to know you better.

For more information and to receive an audition form, please contact Jeff Whitney, 593-3472.

Christmas Eve Choir
Hey singers! We are looking for people of all singing abilities to join us in choir that will sing during the Christmas Eve services. More information is to follow soon. If you have any interest, please email Jeff Whitney.

Lookin’ for Some Techies
GBCC Technical Arts Team is always looking for more people to serve. The GBCC Tech Team provides tech support like audio, video, lighting etc. for the weekend services, as well as support for church-wide ministry events. No experience required! If you are interested in serving on the GBCC Tech Team, please contact Danny Lueck or 593-3483.

JOY CPR Class
Saturday, October 17
9:30-11:30 am
Room 206

No fee. All are welcome.

Contact: Dick Tepp, 497-9296 

Outdoor Connection
Pheasant Hunt
October 17
9:00am and again at 1:00pm
Wolf River Game Farm
Pheasant Hunt - Come join the OC for a day in the field. We will be getting together at 9:00am and again at 1:00 pm October 17 at Wolf River Game Farm to test our skills as well as our dog’s skills. There will be food and drink for us between hunts as we sit around and share our stories. This will be a great opportunity for a beginner or one of the more experienced OC members. If you need a gun to use or if you are interested in joining us, please contact Jeremy or Mark and we will add you to the list.

Contact: Jeremy Kopke, 920-544-5455 or Mark Ashley.

Discovery Group – Coed
Sunday morning video series
September 27, October 4
9:45-11:00 am
Room 218
Exploring the Holy Spirit

Contact: David Stampfl or 434-9833.

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, dances, dinners, Packers games and more.  Just click here to go to the calendar and type Singles in the category. 

KidsQuest
KidsQuest Schedule
Click here for the KidsQuest 2009/2010 schedule.

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!

KidsQuest FNL Facts:
* Everyone is welcome!
* No childcare offered on FNL nights
* Bring a pillow or blanket to sit on
* Bring a snack to share
* A limited supply of FamilyTime Virtue Packs will be available to purchase.

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!

The Nines – Freshman-only Retreat
October 2-3 will be the first ever all-freshman retreat, and it’ll be one to remember!  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 their own legacy. The cost is just $25.  Click here for the registration brochure. 

Junior/Senior Retreat – “The Bridge”
If you are a student in grade 11 or 12, please join us for an amazing weekend called “The Bridge” We will be encountering God, facing our past, and learning what it will mean to cross the bridge into the future. Watch for more information to come.

Who: Students in grade 11 or 12
Where: GBCC
When: November 20-22
(starting late Friday night to early Sunday morning)
Cost: $25
Registration deadline is November 11. It is very important that students turn in their stuff on time (or early!!). The quality of your retreat experience may depend on it…

Middle School Fall Retreat – “Jumpstart”
Jumpstart is a weekend retreat here at GBCC. It is inexpensive, fun, and a great way to connect with old friends or make new ones. We will laugh, play, learn, and experience some really cool stuff together. Don’t miss it middle schoolers!

Who: Students in grades 6-8
Where: GBCC
When: October 23-24 (9:30pm Friday–10:00pm Saturday)
What: A life-changing weekend
Cost: $35

Wednesday Night Connect
Please click here for updated information.

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
Elementary Facilitator
Elementary Small Group Leader
Nursery Helper
One-On-One Buddy
Lawn Care
Greeters
Crown Life Group Leader
Higher Grounds
Church Cleaners
Bankruptcy Professional
Funeral Assistant

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 6:00pm