As many of you already know, the church is granting me a pastoral sabbatical from November 22nd through January 17th. During those 8 weeks, I will be completely disengaged from my normal ministry responsibilities for the purpose of rest, refreshment, and longevity in ministry. 

The Elders and I are aware that the idea of a sabbatical raises a lot of questions for a lot of people. If you have questions or concerns, any of our elders would be happy to have a conversation with you to hear your perspective and provide any insight they might have. For now, I will simply outline a few things that this sabbatical is not contrasted with what it is. 

First, it is not a vacation, which is a break from work to do something unrelated to work. We think that intentional rest is an important part of my long-term work. Second, it is not a study leave, during which I would have a study project to complete. I will be reading and writing, but I will produce no final product. Third, it is not a leave of absence, which is a remedial measure dedicated to fixing something that is exceptionally broken in the one taking the leave. By God's grace alone, I am engaging this sabbatical from a place of spiritual health, vocational passion, and general encouragement. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

While I am away from my work, feel free to reach out with words of encouragement, prayers, and general friendliness. I love you all and it is not work to hear from you. At the same time, we ask that you direct church business and spiritual burdens toward your other elders, church leaders, and friends. They are so capable and God will use them in mighty ways! All our financial and material needs are well met, so don't worry about us on that front. Thank you for being so generous with me. 

Until the 22nd, I am "all in" as usual! I'd love to talk and pray with you, address your concerns, or otherwise serve you as a pastor. 

Working with you for your joy, 

Ben Callahan

Associate Pastor 

Opening Song- God The Uncreated One (King Forevermore)

Greeting Time

Ministry Moment- Ben

Worship Song- Blessed Assurance (All My Attempts To Be Satisfied)

Worship Song- Abide

Dismissal to Children's Church

Scripture Reading- Psalm 1

Sermon- Pastor Ben Callahan

Response Song-Come Thou Fount

Communion

Closing

Follow along with the sermon by adding notes to your YouVersion bible app.

Children at Grace from ages 4 through 4th grade have their own worship service on Sunday. They will be dismissed during the service just before the Scripture text is read.

Sermon Text: Psalm 1

Sermon Title: Why Meditate?

Pastor Ben Callahan

Greeters - Jaelyn Addy, Nick Hall, Peggy Williams

Welcome Center - Sue Woolston, Breckyn Maach

Ushers- Joziah Hardeman, Kristopher Beaman

Scripture Reader - Heidi McPartland

Slide Operator - Samantha Hanson

Sound Tech - Geoff Verkade

Bakers- Robin Smith, Lindsay Cox

Coffee Maker - Emily Enabnit

Barista - Hank Darby, Carlie Van Dyke

9:30 am Nursery - Jill Powers, Sally Smith, Molly Smith

Children's Church - Doug, Emily, and Lucy Enabnit

10:45 Nursery- Dannielle Rasmussen, Lisa Addy

Communion-Robin Smith

Sunday School Teachers- Justin and Sarah Funk

Greeters - Doug and Sally Smith

Welcome Center - Paulette Myers, Help Needed

Ushers- Greg Curtzwiler, Perry Byriel

Scripture Reader - Adelaide Taylor

Slide Operator - Simon Enabnit

Sound Tech - Geoff Verkade

Bakers- Gail Thiel, Amanda Kramer

Coffee Maker - Jim McPartland

Barista - Grace Robertson, Lisa Addy

9:30 am Nursery - Robin Smith, Tapanga Jackowski, Help Needed

Children's Church - Todd and Sue Woolston, Hank Darby

10:45 Nursery- Michelle Reimer, Angela Pilk

Sunday School Teachers- Nick Hall, Skyler Olmstead

Sunday-November 8

Worship Service- 9:30am

Fellowship Time-10:45-11am

Sunday School-11am-12pm

Tuesday- November 10

Women's Bible Study- 6:00pm- Fireside Room

Wednesday- November 11

G(race) Y(outh) M(inistries)

5th-12th grade-6-8pm

9th-12th grade Late Night-8-9pm

Thursday-November 12

Women's Bible Study-Romans-9:30-11:00am-Fireside Room

Saturday- November 14

Men's Bible Study - Sermon Preview- 8am- Library

November 8-Nora Jackowski

November 11-Barb Wilson, Beckett Hicks

November 13-Kody Reimer

November 14-Diego Benitez, Linda Alber, Madi Graham

• Pray for Pastor Tim as he travels home. Pray for good weather, rest, and reflection during his return.

• Pray for the Tour of Homes event and volunteers. Pray that all the small details will fall into place and that the event planning will run smoothly.

• Pray for Emily Enabnit's father, Allen, who recently had knee replacement surgery. May he continue to gain strength and recover quickly.

Starting in December, Pastor Tim will begin his Christmas Sermon Series.

Pastor Tim has put together a list of scripture reading plans that he recommends. Please click on the link below to find the list and where you can access more information about them.

Scripture Reading Plans

November 15-Baptism and Membership Celebration

November 17-Moms 4 Moms 9:00-10:30am

November 26-27-Church office Closed

November 29-No Sunday School

December-6-"Christmas Through Their Eyes" Sermon Series Begins

December 20-Children's Christmas Play

See the Linktree or Church Center App for details!

Consider and pray about these great options for getting involved. We want to help you get connected and help you grow in your faith in Jesus Christ!

4+2 Dinner Club

Bible Study Groups and Fellowship Groups

Triangle Discipleship Groups

Become a Member at Grace

Check the linktree for more information on these opportunities. We send a weekly email full of information, including small groups, bible studies, and ways to get plugged in. If you aren’t getting it and would like to, please contact the church office!

The 4+2 Supper Club at Grace is a fun and easy way to get to know more people at Grace! Rotations change every month, where you are matched with a different couple in the church. One couple hosts and makes the main dish. The other couple brings a side dish. Plan a date for dinner that works for all, then invite 2 more people to join you as guests.

Tap the button below to be added to the rotation. If you have any questions or would like to try it out as a guest sometime, please contact Robin Smith at 515-298-0678.

A Discipleship Triangle is a group of three Christians who meet weekly to read God’s Word

obediently (Matt. 7:24–27), pray fervently (James 5:16), and bear burdens (Gal. 6:1–5).

Triangles provide a context for disciples of Jesus to have true fellowship with God

and one another by walking in the light and practicing the truth. It's our vision at Grace that

every church member be an integral part of a triangle that encourages them to grow in their faith, pursue specific acts of obedience, and actively battle sin.

They consist of 2-4 people (same gender) who meet weekly. Click the link below to find out more, or talk to Pastor Ben.

We praise God for the sacrificial giving from our church family and visitors!

Here's how to give to the church general fund:

1. Go to the Giving tab on your Church Center app and follow the prompts to give online.

2. Find the Giving Link on our Linktree.

3. Place your offering in the box in the courtyard.

Year-to-date Budget: $334, 232

Year-to-date Giving: $317, 774

Children are always welcome to stay with you in the service, but here are options:

• Nursery: Available for children ages 0-3 on the north side of the building. Drop your child/ren off any time between 9:20-11:45. Please make sure to sign in and leave some information about your child.

• Children’s Church: Children ages 4-4th grade stay with you in service until they are dismissed for Children’s Church. This takes place in the youth room, and kids have their own church service with singing, prayer, offering, and a lesson. Children may be picked up at the conclusion of the service or can remain in the room until after Sunday School. Children will not be dismissed unless an adult is there to pick them up.

• Parent/Child room: Parents can take their children here for a quiet space to calm down during the service. This room is not staffed, but feel free to use it if that is the best option for your child. This room will have the service livestreamed, and it is right next door to the nursery.

• Nursing Room: Available Sunday mornings from 9-12. It is across the hall from the nursery. This room will also have the service livestreamed.

Note: All of our childcare staff over the age of 18 have been through Ministry Safe training. We will always have 2 adults in each room.

Links to all forms and sign-ups!

Grace Church Office Contact Information

Phone: 515-433-6133

Email: office@graceccboone.com

Website: www.graceccboone.com

YouTube Channel: GraceCCBoone

Grace Community Church is affiliated with the Baptist Convention of Iowa