September 1, 2023
THINK ABOUT IT . . .
In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor. Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggled with Parkinson’s disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, ‘We don’t expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.’ So, he agreed.
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, ‘I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn’t find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn’t there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn’t find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn’t find it.
The conductor said, ‘Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.’
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, ‘Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.’
Einstein looked at him and said, ‘Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.’
Having said that, Billy Graham continued, ‘See the suit I’m wearing? It’s a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I’ve gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So, I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I’ll be buried. But when you hear I’m dead, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I’m wearing. I want you to remember this: I not only
know who I am . . . I also know where I’m going.’
(Article from Al Hughes Ministries . . . March 1, 2010)
May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and may nothing but happiness, come through your door.
"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil—it has no point."
May each of us have lived our lives so that when our ticket is punched, we don't have to worry about where we are going.
PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE REQUESTING CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR:
PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE — OUR POTENTIAL CANDIDATES — OUR CHURCH TO BE READY
NOTE FROM THE PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE . . . After posting the open position of Pastor of GBC in early June, the Pastor Search Committee has been receiving and reviewing resumes. We continue to network and pray, as well as receive and review resumes. Please continue to be in prayer for our church, our committee and the candidates God is sending us.
CLERK'S CORNER
Want a voice in the workings of your church? Attend the next Church Business Meeting on
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 7 PM (1st Floor Adult Classroom).
MISSION UPDATE
GBC September Prayer Emphasis Brittany Garton
In June 2011, Brittany followed the call that God placed on her heart and moved to Bucharest, Romania
to work with Project Ruth. Please pray for Brittany, Dani, Maya and Adalyn.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR:
Pat and Jeannie Hartsfield (SE Asia) Brittany Garton & Family (Romania)
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR VIRGINIA MISSIONS & ALMA HUNT OFFERING
September 10 – 17, 2023
“Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit intent on one purpose.” Philippians 2:2
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Again, this Christmas, you can share joy and hope with a needy child in a troubled country by taking part in
"Operation Christmas Child.”
Everyone can participate Boxes and brochures are in the Sanctuary
If you want to participate in a church-wide collection for boxes, please bring washcloths, bar soap, toothbrushes, combs, and hairbrushes during September. There is a container in the handicapped entrance area for the contributions. Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please contact Joyce Colvin or Marsha Clements.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH UPDATE
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22 NKJV)
Our Preschool, Children, and Youth Sunday School classes are meeting at 9:30 AM every Sunday morning. Please mark your calendar and get excited. Sunday Bible Study is important!
Children’s Church for Kindergarten through 5th Grade is continuing on Sundays at
11 AM in the Fellowship Hall during Worship.
MISCELLANEOUS
“TRUNK OR TREAT” – Imagine this – Halloween falls once again on October 31st! If you are interested in decorating / displaying your “trunk” or would be available for “hands on” assistance, please let Lisa Yager (or the church office) know ASAP. This is a wonderful community ministry! We need your support!!! Snack supper will be provided for workers.
Adult and Bell Choirs will resume practice on Monday, September 11:
6 PM (Praise Choir) 7:15 PM (Bell Choir)
SPECIAL CALLED BUSINESS MEETING FOR THE DEACON ELECTION at the close of the
September 10 Worship service. As you prayerfully consider choosing four (4) Deacons
to serve our church family, be mindful of the qualifications for a Deacon (per our Constitution and Bylaws). DO NOT VOTE FOR (Deacons who are currently serving or rotating off): Tim Baker, Ken Bennett, Pam Brushwood, Jerry Haney, George Koneski, Tyler Koneski, Mike Moubray,
George Myers, David Navarre, Rudy Richardson, Terry Shaffer or Greg Young.
IF YOU WILL NOT BE HERE FOR THE WORSHIP SERVICE ON SEPTEMBER 10, PLEASE PICK UP A DEACON ABSENTEE BALLOT THAT MUST BE RETURNED TO THE CHURCH OFFICE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 before 1 PM (office closes at 1 PM).
“JOURNEY TO REDEMPTION: A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF RUTH”
Sign-Up sheets are available in the Sanctuary and both Adult Sunday Bible Study Classrooms.
Don’t miss out! Sign-up Sunday or call the church office (832-2075) to add your name to the list.
then a recommendation will be made at the Church Business Meeting on Wednesday, September 13.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR . . . SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023
COME JOIN US FOR A FELLOWSHIP COVERED DISH LUNCHEON
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 FOLLOWING WORSHIP
PLEASE BRING YOUR FAVORITE DISH
NO DESSERT NEEDED
THE CHURCH WILL PROVIDE DESSERT (ICE CREAM W/ASSORTED TOPPINGS),
BEVERAGES,
& PAPER PRODUCTS