December 2011

NEWSPIRIT

A Publication of Greenwood Christian Church2045 Averitt Road, Greenwood, IN 46143 l 317.881.9336 l www.greenwoodchristian.com

Love God l Love OthersLove God l Love Others

Discover l Experience l Engage l Pursue

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has

been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to

God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14

2

FREE Date Night Movie - “The Nativity” ORSpecial Christmas Shopping NightFREE Movie Night - Friday, December 16 l 7:00 pm l Free Popcorn and $1 SodasThe Nativity is a drama that focuses on the period in Mary and Joseph’s life where they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. This film produced in 2006 stars Keisha Castle-Hughes, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Oscar Isaac. Rating PG and is 101 minutes in length. This is also a Parents Night Out for childcare...see below on registering your child.

PNO Shopping Night - Friday, December 16 l 5:45-10:00 pm (Note extended pick-up time!)Every year, Parent’s Night Out opens its doors to give parents a night for Christmas shopping without the kids, or a quiet dinner by themselves. This year, parents also have the option of viewing “The Nativity” in the Worship Center. Our Children’s ministry will babysit children ages birth-5th grade for $5 per child, but you MUST register online. Drop off your child(ren) at 5:45 pm (bring a sack dinner) or 6:45 pm (includes snacks). Kindergarten and up will watch the newest Veggie Tales movie “The Little Drummer Boy,” and Mr. Scott will offer an ice cream snack afterward. Pick up all kids by 10:00 pm. For more information contact Staci at sroll@greenwoodchristian.com.

Christmas Weekend ServicesSaturday, December 24 l 5:00 & 6:30 pmSunday, December 25 l 10:30 amAll services are identical. Childcare provided for ages 3 and under only.No adult Bible study classes Christmas Day.

New Year’s Weekend ServicesSaturday, December 31 l 6:00 pmSunday, January 1 l 9:30 & 11:00 amSome adult Bible studies will meet. Check with your teacher.

3

Hearing the S TO R Y AG A I N

by Matt Giebler l Senior Minister

My family and I recently had

dinner with our friends and global

ministry partners Brent, Christina, and Ian Schmelzle. The Schmelzles work with Campus Crusade for Christ on a project called the “Jesus” film—a 2-hour movie adaptation based on the Gospel of Luke. This tool has been in use for over 30 years in sharing the gospel, and it has been translated into over 1100 different languages.

The Schmelzles shared something with us that caused my thoughts to jump ahead a few weeks to Christmas. We watched a short video that captured the first viewing of the “Jesus” film by the Gamo people of Ethiopia. An entire African village gathered before a large portable screen and saw the life of Jesus depicted before their eyes, in their own language, for the first time.

The Gamos’ reactions are hard for those of us who’ve grown up knowing about Jesus to imagine. When Jesus healed a crippled man, the crowd erupted in applause. When Jesus was betrayed, beaten, and crucified, horror was written across the people’s faces. Can you imagine going through life without knowing the story of Jesus, from manger to marketplace to mountainside, from incarnation to execution, resurrection, and ascension? How conscious are we daily of the wonder of a God whose indescribably deep love compelled Him to put on flesh, live among us, and die for us, all that we might be with Him forever?

I’ll leave the tirades against the commercialization of Christmas to others for now. I’d like to simply challenge all of us in two ways:

1. Make Christ central during this busy season. Before list-making, shopping, scurrying, gift-wrapping, and partying snatch away all of our available time and energy, how can we carve out the margin to welcome Jesus into our lives during this season theoretically (but often only superficially) devoted to celebration of His birth? When did you last read the nativity narratives found in Matthew and Luke? When did you last share this story with others? We don’t need much help building anticipation of a Christmas Eve visit from a mythical man in a red suit; but what will we do about the real, factual, historical arrival of a baby born to redeem our world? Let’s make certain Jesus doesn’t become the forgotten guest at His own birthday party.

2. Remember that this familiar story is still unknown to many in our world. Whether we’re talking remote tribes who have never heard the name of Jesus, or our unchurched neighbors, co-workers, and relatives whose grasp of the gospel story may be weak due to minimal exposure or distorted by negative past experiences with Christians, many still need to hear, see, and personally experience the difference Jesus came, lived, died, and rose to make in our world. As we strive to prevent Jesus from being obscured by a forest of Christmas trees or buried beneath a pile of gifts, may we be reminded of the urgency that we pray, give, serve, share, invite, and engage, that every person may have the opportunity to join us in “[declaring] the praises of him who called [us] out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Wishing you not just a merry, but a Christ-centered Christmas …

Matt

December 3 & 4: In Sin and Error Pining

Genesis 3-4; 6:1-7One of the most fundamental components

of God’s design for humanity is choice. God created people and loved them, but He

gave them (and us) a choice as to whether we love Him back. And that freedom has

presented a significant challenge for every generation that has ever lived.

December 10 & 11: Far As the Curse is Found

Romans 3:9-20One thing we all share in common is our

propensity for mishandling our God-given freedom of choice. As a result of sin,

spiritual separation from God is the norm for humanity. We may fancy ourselves good people when we compare ourselves against

others, but Scripture makes clear that guilt and corruption are universal human

conditions

December 17 & 18: Death’s Dark Shadows

Romans 6:15-23Sin is a habit for all of us, and the natural

consequence of that natural bent is death—eternal spiritual death. Christmas exists because our life-giving God refused to

abandon us to the fate our sins deserve.

December 24 & 25: Light and Life

to All He BringsJohn 10:7-18

Into a world dominated by the theft, death, and destruction of sin, Jesus came to offer a kind of real, lasting life we can scarcely

imagine. Christmas is a celebration of life for those who have turned to Jesus for

deliverance from the eternal death that awaits us apart from Him.

You’ve probably heard it said that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” No argument there, but what’s the reason for Jesus? Why did He come? Before there was Christmas, there was temptation, sin, separation, and death. So Jesus came to make possible a very different, more celebration-worthy ending to our story.

4

Right Here, Right NOW

by Shan Rutherford l World Evangelism Minister

Kent Patterson shared the following article. It’s so good, I had to share it

with you!

Go on a Mission Right Here, Right Now by Whitney Hopler

Want to join God in His redemptive work in the world? You don’t have to get special training and travel to a foreign country as a missionary to do so. God has a mission for you right now, right where you are – in your neighborhood, workplace, school, and wherever else you go every day. Your work sharing your faith and helping others is just as important as the work that vocational missionaries do. So be alert to the many opportunities God gives you to reach people who need Him.

Here’s how you can go on a mission right here and now:

Remember who you represent. As a Christian, you represent Jesus with every person you encounter, and if you intentionally build relationships with people designed to help them grow spiritually, you can point people to Him in powerful ways.

Pray for perspective. Ask God to give you His perspective on the world immediately around you and the people within your sphere of influence. Realize that God has sent you as a missionary to everyone you interact with, right where you live. Every day, wake up with your eyes, mind, and soul wide open to hear what God has to say to you and to notice the opportunities He is giving you to touch people’s lives with His love. Don’t let the enormity of the needs you encounter overwhelm you; remember that God will help you do everything He asks when you rely on His strength to do it.

Pray for compassion. Fight the sinful selfishness that hinders your mission work by keeping you focused just on your own comfort, security, gratification, and convenience. Ask God to give you the compassion that you need to love and serve other people in the ways He calls you to do so. Pray for the ability to recognize God’s image in each person you meet, and remember that you’re serving God by serving others.

Go beyond belief to obedience. Don’t stop at just believing in Jesus; believe what Jesus said about how to live by obeying His guidance and really living that way. Actually pursue the changes that Jesus wants you to make in your life so you can respond well to His callings to love and serve others. Whenever you read the Bible, pray for the Holy Spirit to help you see how you can put those words into action in your life right away. Aim to keep growing in obedience to God.

Move out into the culture around you. Get to know what issues matter to the people around you, and how they’re searching for meaning in their lives. Once you understand what they’re searching for, you can help them make connections between their needs and the fulfillment they can find in a relationship with Jesus. Talk with people that you meet in various places, and ask God to show you what good news would sound like to them. People who go to movies are looking for stories that move them, and Jesus connects them with the big story into which all people’s little stories play a part: the story of God’s redemptive work in the world. People who go to sports events are looking for a cause to belong to, and Jesus offers them a cause that can really change the world for the better. Rather than trying to get people to come to you to talk about faith, go to where they are and engage them in conversations about faith as you build friendships with them. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s to guide your conversations and work in their souls to draw them closer to Jesus.

Be the change you’d like to see. Challenge the destructive forces in your culture by intentionally living contrary to them so you can show the people around you the difference that Jesus can make in their lives. You can counter materialism by living simply and giving generously to others. You can counter the culture’s unhealthy emphasis on social status and image by building friendships with people that others neglect, such as disabled people and poor people. You can counter the judgment that sexually immoral people often encounter from Christians (which

distances them from the faith they need to change their lives) by relating to them with love rather than fear and hostility, while modeling a sexually pure lifestyle to them.

Be kind to people. Speak kind words and do kind actions for other people as frequently as you can – even when they’re being unkind to you. Keep in mind that even a simple smile can powerfully encourage people. Your kindness will help others notice the difference that Jesus can make in their lives.

Be a peacemaker. Defuse tense situations by interacting with people peacefully and helping to solve problems. When peace distinguishes you as a person and people know that you’re a Christian, they’ll be drawn to Jesus.

Develop a missional lifestyle. Change your focus in life from consumption to contribution. Concern yourself less with what you can get and more with what you can give, to make the world a better place. Manage your money and possessions in ways that will free you up to do the mission work God calls you to do. Pay off debts and avoid incurring new debts so you can give more money to your church and charities rather than wasting it on interest payments. If you have extra space in your home, use it by inviting people in need of housing to live with you, or move to a smaller home so you won’t have to spend as much time, energy, and money maintaining your home and can use those resources for mission work instead. If you have an extra car, make it available to people who need help with transportation, or sell it to save money that you can then donate to support God’s kingdom work. Manage your time in ways that help you invest in other people’s lives. Arrange your work schedule so you’ll have time to spend regularly building new friendships with people. Shop in the same stores and eat in the same restaurants regularly so you can get to know the people there and talk with them often. Invite people like students, elderly neighbors, and single moms and their kids to enjoy meals with you at your home. Meet with other Christians committed to living missional lifestyles, and encourage each other as you pursue reaching people for Jesus right here and now.Adapted from Right Here, Right Now: Everyday Mission for Everyday People, copyright 2011 by Alan Hirsch and Lance Ford. Published by Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Mich., www.bakerbooks.com.

5

SportsMinistry

by Wes BryantDirector of Sports Ministry

Play-By-Play(Testimony from Sports Ministry)

I am and have been a member of Greenwood Christian Church for quite some time, around ten years. You might see me working the Café on Sunday mornings or playing volleyball on Wednesday nights. (I encourage you to come and say, “Hello.”) Volleyball used to simply be a hobby of mine but now it is a way for me to witness to people about our Lord. God has done amazing things in my life and if you choose to let him work in yours,I have faith you will find the same results. I could honestly talk all day about how I have come to know our Lord and why I put him above all others, but for the sake of space I will make this short and sweet. Growing up in Greenwood I was always places in the best of environments. You could say I was blessed, being from a Christian home and family and always having good role models to push me through tough times. But believe it or not I haven’t always been as dedicated to pleasing God as I am today. Like many I have fallen to sin and given into temptation. I have and will continue to make mistakes, but luckily for me, and everyone else for that matter, Jesus has put my sins upon himself when he died on the cross. I thank him for that every day. I play volleyball for two reasons… because it’s fun and because it gives me a relaxed atmosphere to build relationships with fellow Christians and nonbelievers. We are starting a league in January for the first time in GCC history. If you enjoy playing volleyball and hanging with some pretty cool cats such as: Wes Bryant (Sports ministry leader) and Kristen Workman (volleyball captain) then come and join in the fun. ~ Cameron Stahlhut is engaging our world with the love of Jesus as a volleyball captain.

NEW! Adult Volleyball LeaguesThe last day to sign up is January 1. Sign up for only $20! We are striving to Engage our world with the love of Jesus. Because of this, players sign up individually or in pairs and are drafted onto a team. So, Engage your world by signing up with a friend! Recreational League: For beginners and intermediate players age 16 and up. Takes place on Tuesday nights from January 10-February 28. Competitive League: For advanced players age 18 and up. Takes place on Wednesday nights from January 11-February 29.

Bowling LeagueGCC Christian Bowling League teams now forming! Recreational league will bowl on Monday nights in 2012. Join us for fun and fellowship starting Jan 9th, runs 15 wks. $13 per person/week. 4 people per team. Sign up a full or partial team by Jan 1st at the information booth or online. Call/Text Eric Moody for more info: 938-6472.

Come Join Us Clowns 12 Week Class!February 6 - April 23 l 7:00-9:00 pm Want to Have Fun? Learn a variety of skills with applications to nursing home and caring clown ministry, community events and small group performances. The nominal class fee of $65 includes make-up, class text, skit collection and more!Skills covered in class:

* balloon twisting * walkarounds* face painting * skits* character development * paradability ….and more!* 3 kinds of clowns* costumes

Call Paula at 889-1447 or Pam at 535-8948.

6

Women’s Ministry

Kathy StahlhutDirector of Women’s Ministry

Preparing My Heart for Easterby Ann StewartThursdays l Jan. 26-Mar. 22 l 9:15-11 am Preparing My Heart for Easter is a celebration of Christ’s amazing love in the form of an eight week Bible Study for women. Each week of the study consists of five daily studies and two weekend devotionals. Preparing My Heart for Easter focuses on the women who followed Jesus during His life and death on the cross. During this study we learn how Jesus changed the future for all believers in Christ. Come to Bible Study and learn what Jesus did for you! Registration deadline is January 12, and fee is $12.

Life Principles for Christ-Like LivingThursdays l Jan. 12-Mar. 29 l 6:30-8:15 pm This study is for those who want to reflect Christ in all they do. We will dive deeply into various 3:16 scriptures and discover ways God directs us to shine for His glory. Do not waste another minute to sign up and run after Him with all you’ve got!! Registration deadline is December 29, and fee is $12.00.

Women’s Winter Bible StudiesCoffee Break Bible Study:1 John - Love Each OtherWednesdays l Jan. 11-Feb. 15 l 8:45-10 am This session is for those new to studying the Bible. Don’t be intimidated by the Bible. Join this group to learn how to study and apply God’s word to your life. Enjoy being in a group of women who want to grow in knowledge and grow closer to Christ. Registration deadline is December 29th, and fee is $8.00.

Precept Study of Sermon on the MountThursdays l Feb. 2-Apr. 19 l 9:30-11:30 am Precept upon Precept Sermon on the Mount “How can I be Blessed?” will be offered in a 10 week study (with 2 Thursdays off for spring break & Easter) beginning February 2nd. Faith that does not compromise is promised a reward in the world to come, and also a life free from anxiety in this world. Get a deeper understanding of the fruit and security that come with righteousness in the life of a true believer. You’ll never look at the Beatitudes the same way again! Registration Deadline is January 15th and fee is $24.00.

8 Sessions of MentoringRegistration is now open for the next session of our group mentoring which will take place at the end of January. We have 12 spots open to mentees. A mentee is a woman between the ages of 25 and 45, is single, married or divorced, and has a heart for knowing more about God and His word. There will be 8 sessions of mentoring that will cover topics such as putting God first, quiet devotions, loving your husband and children, self-control, kindness, purity, submission and how to have a peaceful home. Each multi-generational group will share dinners together and lots of talk. Register online under Women’s Ministry. Questions, email Kathy at KStahlhut@greenwoodchristian.com.

She Shares Mentoring

7

Women’s Connect Groups Quilting For Him l 2nd Saturday at 8:00 amWe meet in Room 502A&D. Contact Connie Alexander at ccllalexander@att.net.Stamp-A-Card Club l 3rd Saturday at 9:00 amContact Debbie at Debbiecallon@hotmail.com.Close-Knit Friends l 1st, 3rd and 4th Wednesdays at 9 am & 6 pmHikingWatch the bulletin for our new winter hikes! Brrrrrrr!Martha Circle WOW l December 7 Lunch at Stellamae Carley’sAnd delivering presents to shut-ins. Meet at Stellamae’s house. For more details, call 888-6295.

1 Peter 3 Wives Study Group l Meets 2nd and 4th Sundays at 9:30 in Room 109

Widows’ Small Group l Meets 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 11 am in the Life Group Living Room

Moms in Touch l Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays at 6:45 in room 502C

Single Moms Study Group l Meets every Sunday at 11 am in 109

Close-Knit Friends will be will be selling scarves and other items in the Commons the first two week-

ends of December before and after services. All proceeds go to

Operation Care.

Upcoming EventsDec 11/18 DEEP ClassDec 16 “The Nativity” Movie NightDec. 16 PNO Christmas Date NightDec. 24 Christmas Eve ServicesDec. 25 Christmas Day ServicesDec. 31 Service at 6 pmJan. 1 Service at 9:30 & 11Jan. 8 5 Lies Study BeginsJan. 9 Bowling League BeginsJan. 12 Life Principles Study BeginsJan. 15 Marriage Built Study BeginsJan. 15 Christian Athiest Study BeginsJan. 22 Lifegroup Link Jan. 26 Preparing Study BeginsFeb. 2 Precept Study BeginsFeb. 6 Clown Classes BeginFeb. 12 Baptism 101 Class Feb. 26 Laugh Your Way Study BeginsFeb. 26 Bible Basics Study Begins

Continuous ActivitiesMondayEvery Divorce CareEvery Mens Over 30 BBEvery PHAB (check schedule)1st Primetime For Seniors1st Elder’s Meeting1st & 3rd Moms In Touch MeetingTuesdayEvery Weight WatchersEvery PHAB (check schedule)Every Single’s Bible StudyEvery Volleyball (Recreational)Every Parkinson’s Exercise Mtg.1st & 3rd Mom’s In Touch2nd Clown Ministry2nd World Evangelism4th Power Prayers Team MtgWednesdayEvery Volleyball (Competitive)Every PHAB (check schedule)1st & 3rd Widows Care Lifegroup1st,3rd,4th Morn/Even Close Knit Friends 1st & 2nd CrossWalk Bible Study4th Martha Circle WOWThursdayEvery Prayer & Praise GroupEvery PHAB (check schedule)1st & 3rd Men’s Bible Study/Brkfst.FridayVarious Single’s Game Night 3rd PNO Date Night3rd All Fun and GamesSaturday2nd Quilting For Him3rd Stamping Sunday1st Welcome to GCC2nd & 3rd DEEP Class2nd & 4th First Peter 3 Wives Class

Volunteer Opportunities/Ministry NeedsBabysitters & Facilitators Needed for Divorce CareDivorce Care meets on Monday nights at 7:00 pm. We need volunteer babysitters and also facilitators and prefer a couple where at least one has experienced divorce. Call Edna at 694-8330.

Join Our Valet Team!How would YOU like to make it safe and easy for GCC attendees and guests to get into our building without slipping or sliding in the parking lot? Please consider joining our Valet Team as we desire to provide consistent assistance throughout the coming winter months. We need your immediate help. Contact Adam Franks at franks08@comcast.net or 491-3858.

GCC Food Pantry Needs SuppliesOur GCC Food Pantry is very low on supplies. If you would like to help us stock it, pick up a list of items that would be very useful at the Information Center. Items can be dropped in the appropriate bin at our collection corner, just around the left corner when you enter the main Commons door. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

8

I have no doubts that the first Christmas was heavily laden with intense prayer!

Mary (a pregnant virgin) probably prayed for strength to handle her delicate situation and praised God for the privilege of mothering the Messiah. Joseph (a reluctant step-dad) probably prayed for all the details surrounding the birth to work out and for the strength to be an adequate dad.

Simeon and Anna prayed for the coming of the “Promised One”.

The wise men probably prayed for guidance and success in finding the new King.

I I encourage all of us to pray during December for our focus to be like the first Christmas prayers - prayers thanking God, seeking His will to be done (even in uncomfortable situations), praising Him for providing a Savior, and rejoicing that we are loved and we can love others as well.

Notice Anna’s dedication to the Lord and her prayer life... There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38

Let’s keep Christ in Christmas, and not be overwhelmed with stuff and the activities which detract from the real reason for the season! Jesus is born!

Prayer Focus

Jesusis Born!

by Keith GrovesMinister of Discipleship

Want to know more about Greenwood Christian Church?Whether you're new to GCC, and would like to learn about membership, or you've been here for a while and want to get more involved, there are 2 opportunities we want you to know about:

Welcome to GCC 11:00 am l Welcome Room l 1st Sunday of the MonthThis is a 1-hour introduction to Greenwood Christian Church that in-cludes a walking tour of our facility and our Sunday programming in progress. It's a quick, fun way to get a big picture look at our weekend opportunities.

The DEEP Class11:00 am l Room 502B l 2nd & 3rd Sundays of the MonthThis class addresses who we are, what we believe, where we're going, and how we function. Attendance of both DEEP sessions (2 hours total) is required of those interested in membership, but anyone is welcome. Next Class times: December 11 & 18.

9

Adult Bible Study Electives

5 Lies That Ruin RelationshipsJanuary 8 - February 5 l 11:00 a.m. l Room 502CThis class will examine the source of quarreling, how our words wound others, how not to make decisions, and why better things don’t always make things better. Marty Knies teaching.

Christian AtheistJanuary 15-February 19 l 9:30 a.m. l Room 405Do you believe in God but live as though he doesn’t exist: Come join this convicting and life-changing class. Keith Groves teaching.

Marriage Built to LastJanuary 15-February 19 l 9:30 a.m. l Room 409Whether you are newly married, remarried, or wanting to improve your relationship, this is the class for you. Learn biblical ways to live and love intentionally. Jim Robison teaching.

Laugh Your Way to a Better MarriageFebruary 26 - April 1 l 9:30 a.m. l Room 405Come to laugh your way through all the sticky situations of married life. Learn how your wife thinks and how your husband thinks and why we respond to each other like we do. You will enjoy this scripture based study.

Bible BasicsFebruary 26 - April 1 l 9:30 a.m. l Room 409This class is for anyone who would like to quickly take a look at the 66 books that make up the Bible. Whether you know a little or a lot about the Bible, this class will examine important facts and Bible characters.

Baptism 101February 12 l 9:30 a.m. l Lifegroup Living RoomThis class will help you understand the meaning of Biblical baptism. Any questions you have concerning baptism will be answered.

Register for these electives at www.greenwoodchristian.com.

Power Prayers Team Meeting

The Power Prayer Team wouldlove to have you join us! We will

be praying “the heart of God” on the 4th Tuesday of

Every Month at 7:00 p.m. Next meeting: December 27

Come pray for God’s purposes to be fulfilled! All are welcome.

The Power Prayers Ministry would like to encourage you to pray Kingdom Prayers. Please pray the following through the month of December:

• For people everywhere to feel the love of God this Christmas

• Peace on this earth• Protection and warmth

for our service men and women

• Love of family and friends as they gather to celebrate Jesus’ birth

Luke 2:10

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Cards for SaleTo Benefit TDWM at the CaféWarrie Dennis has created beautiful cards for all occasions; they are available for $2.00 each at the Café. All proceeds benefit Tear Down the Walls Ministry. Check them out today!

10

Who is M A N ?by Eric Radecki l Worship Minister

What is man, that you make so much of him, and that

you set your heart on him?Job 7:17 ESV

Last month, laying a theological foundation for worship, I addressed the base question of “Who Is God?” Continuing in our pursuit this month, it’s important that we now ask, “Who Is Man?” Mankind is God’s crowning creation (Genesis 2). We were made for perfect relationship with our Creator. By the sin of the garden and the sinful acts of man, we have fallen out of relationship with God (Genesis 3). As much as He loves us, He cannot be in the presence of our sin (Psalm 5). Christ’s death and resurrection have made possible, however, a relationship between man and God. This relationship is lived out in the thoughts and actions of each person who responds to Christ in faith (James 2). It is also lived out in the collective of believers together, which is the Body, the Church. God’s desire is for all of mankind to come to know Him through the Church (Matthew 28), which is His spiritual nation and people. Unlike the people of God in the Old Testament (Israel) who could at best only visit God in a tent or

temple, the Church is filled with God in the person of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2; Ephesians 5). At this season of the year, Christmastime, we are reminded more vividly than any other of God’s profound love for mankind. John reminds us that God’s love is such that He sent His only Son to die so that we could all live. And so it is that the incarnation of Christ indicates how valuable we are to God, and inspires us in a response of worship. Looking ahead… Worship is the music, but not just the music. Worship is a lifestyle, but not just a lifestyle. Worship is responding to all that God is and all that He has done (a loving Creator who has saved mankind through the person of Jesus Christ) with all that I am (my expressions of worship, my participation in the corporate gathering, and my living in the Light amidst a darkened world). I’ll conclude this series of articles next month looking at actions of corporate worship.

I am posting these articles, not only in the New Spirit, but on my blog (www.erictunes.blogspot.com) as well. Please follow along, subscribe to the blog, then share your pertinent and well though-out comments, questions, and responses as we go.

Sunday, January 2212:00-2:00 pm

Lunch providedChildcare available (you must register

them when you sign up online!)

Find out what a Lifegroup is and what they do. It’s a fun experience and you make new friends!

Some benefits of joining a Lifegroup:

• You can develop new and lasting friendships.

• You have people who encourage you and help you grow spiritually.

• Others love you and care for you during life’s challenging times.

• You enjoy serving others - together.

• You share fun times with interesting people.

Can’t make it? Sign up online anytime to be in a group.

LINKLifegroup

Breakfast For Champions1st & 3rd Thursday of Each Month, 6:00-7:00 a.m. Come for fellowship, food and Bible study with your Christian brothers.

Capital District Christian Men’s FellowshipMonthly Dinner MeetingDecember 19 at Rocklane Christian6:00 p.m. Dinner, 7:00 p.m. Program Women are invited. Call 862-4555 to make your reservation.

Men’s Ministry Sr. Adult Ministry

PrimeTime10:00 a.m. 1st Monday of the Month We’ll meet Dec. 12 (date change due to the holiday). Join us for Bible study, devotions, prayer time, announcements about upcoming activities, and a trip to lunch (if you wish). Bring a friend!

Public ation Adver tisingBulletin Deadline

Wednesdays by Noon

NewSpirit DeadlinesPublishes the 1st Wednesday of the month. Deadline is 3

weeks (Wednesdays) before that date by 5 p.m. Contact Mary at mgerteisen@greenwoodchristian.com.

11

CHURCH STAFF 881-9336 then extension Ext.Matt Giebler, Senior Minister ................................................................................. 327 Carol Conwell, Senior Minister Administrative Assistant ......... 328

----------------------------------------OPERATIONS--------------------------------------David Strange, Executive Minister of Operations ........................................... 305 Wanda Bowles, Office Manager ....................................................... 314 Roxanne Shellist, Receptionist ............................................ 301 Rob Shaw, Director of Technology ................................................... 302 Mary Gerteisen, Director of Communication .............................. 360 Tim Roll, Maintenance Supervisor .................................................... 312 Rick Polesel, Maintenance Assistant .................................. 369

-------------------------------------FOUNDATIONS--------------------------------------Scott Pitts, Minister of Children ............................................................................. 311 Julie Shepherd, Early Childhood Director ..................................... 358 Melinda Given, Children’s Curriculum Support ................................... Bob Fish, Elementary Director............................................................ 325 Nicole Hull, Children’s Special Needs Director ..................................... Denise Turk, Nursery Director .................................................................... Nick Farr, Student Minister ......................................................................... 318 Neil Hinders, Associate Student Minister ............................................. 338 Becky Munger, Student Ministry Assistant ................................... 348 Ellen Sheets, School Administrator ................................... 881-9970, 264 Barb Moomaw, Assistant Administrator ................... 881-9970, 265 Melissa Shaw, GCS Child Care Director .......................................... 253 Staci Bussing-Roll, GCS Child Care Assistant Director ............. 263 Christi Hardin, GCS Services Manager ........................................... 234

-------------------------------------PROGRESSIONS-------------------------------------Eric Radecki, Worship Minister ............................................................................... 307 Erik Tittle, Production Director .......................................................... 347 Debi Kelsay, Worship Ministry Assistant ........................................ 344 Steve Dennis, Audio Director Joel Asbury, Video Director Perry Anderson, Minister of Pastoral Care ........................................... 308 Amy McGovern, Pastoral Care Assistant ........................................ 336 Keith Groves, Minister of Discipleship ................................................... 315 Joanne Martinie, Discipleship Ministry Assistant ...................... 324 Sue Hacker, Biblical Counseling ........................................................ 326 Kathy Stahlhut, Director of Women’s Ministry ................................... 335 Rhonda Kinman, Women’s Ministry Assistant ............................. 375

----------------------------------------EXPANSIONS--------------------------------------Kent Patterson, Minister of Outreach ................................................................. 310 Marla McFarland, Outreach Ministry Assistant ........................... 361 Wes Bryant, Director of Sports Ministry ................................................ 322 Shan Rutherford, World Evangelism Minister .................................... 303

Office & School S t a f f D i r e c t o r y

Email staff by using their first initial, last name followed by @greenwoodchristian.com. Example: mgiebler@greenwoodchristian.com.

Greenwood Christian Church2045 Averitt Road

Greenwood, IN 46143(T) 881-9336 l (F) 881-9352

www.greenwoodchristian.com

We Celebrate

Brooke & Seth PerigoNew Members

Amber & Joshua HaganmanNew Members

Kindra GrimesNew Member

John GrimesBaptism

Mario VasquezBaptism

Joey OlsonBaptism

Matt & Hayley TerrellNew Members

Barbara MessickNew Members

Marjorie Huffman

New Member (no photo)

Cheryl, Michael & Ryan HuttonNew Members

Erin OlsonBaptism

Lonnie MessickNew Members

2045 Averitt Road, Greenwood, IN 46143

(317) 881-9336 www.greenwoodchristian.com

“Spare-A-Buck” cans, located in the Commons area, are available for you to drop a donation for Operation Care, our benevolence program of GCC. Donations help families with rent, utilities, food, emergencies, eviction, foreclosure and much more!

Also, if you know of a family or someone in need, fill out the Operation Referral Form online or call Kent at 881-9336 Ext. 310.

Help us reach out with Jesus’ love to people who may have no other place to turn.