GRACE BIBLE CHURCH

For more than fifty years it has been called “the happiest place on earth.” I’ve read that almost sixteen million people visited Disneyland last year, most of whom also showed up there the other day as Charlotte and I tried to keep up with four captivated grandchildren! Interestingly, of those 16-million, I personally tallied 243 cases of “meltdown, 182 incidents of under-aged sleeping”, and a couple “emotional explosions” that rivaled the rocketry of the amazing evening fireworks (none of which came from OUR family, mind you!)!! "The happiest place on earth” – hmm .... One thing for sure – everyone wants to find happiness!

This Sunday, we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. And, with Jeremiah 29: 4-14 as our text, I will address this God-given right to “pursue happiness,” in a message called, “God’s People in Pursuit of Happiness.” Let’s come together at 8:45 or 10:30. During the service we will introduce new members, celebrate communion and spend time praying for our nation!

Also…

• Next Sunday, July 11th, at 6:30 p.m., we will celebrate the completion of the Ordination process for our own Brian Farone! The one hour service will be followed by a reception to honor our faithful pastor. Most of us have never been to such a sacred meeting. Don’t miss this one.
• Women's Ministry -- Summer Coffee Break Bible Study begins Thursday, July 8, 9:30 to 11:30.
• Jewelry Party to help rescued women in Thailand – July 8th, 6:00-8:00. This party with a purpose is hosted by the Thailand Team at the home of Bonnie Kee. Call 773-3520 for directions.
• VBS – “Backstage with the Word of God,” is just around the corner…where will you be July 26-30? Here are our remaining needs:
• We need 12 "helpers" who will assist in the various rotation centers that the kids travel to (craft, games, snack, story), and 37 group guides who will travel with a group of 6-8 kids to all the centers each day. Group guides will play a key role in answering questions, helping kids at each center, and establishing relationships with them. Please call us at 489-4200 to tell Lynn, Jacquie or Betsy that you will be on the VBS team!

Latest word on the church entrance: It is a work in progress! Yes, there is progress. No, the new entrance will not be accessible for another week. That means, you will need to use the back entrance again this Sunday. The delay is related to the death of a sub-contractor, Mr. Daniel Toste, who lost his life in a work related accident in Santa Maria two weeks ago. Let’s pray for his family as they pull together.

 And I’ll see you in the pews!

Joe Bubar