Valentine’s Brunch to benefit the DJ Scharfenstein College Scholarship Fund

By Charlie | Published: February 2, 2012

Sunday, February 12 following the 11:00 a.m. worship service

Please join us for a Valentine’s bruch benefing the DJ Scharfenstein College Scholarship Fund, the scholarship fund recently created by the church to benefit our graduating seniors who are going on to college. There is a suggested donation of $10 per adult and $5 per child.

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God’s Healing for Those Impacted by Homosexuality

By Charlie | Published: January 17, 2012

“Hal, you have never been born again.”

He refused to believe it. After all, he had been a pastor for 20 years, but as he looked at 1 John 3:9–No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God–the Holy Spirit spoke to Hal’s heart telling him that he needed to be saved. You see, Hal had a deep, dark secret, a double life. Concurrent with his 20 years of ministry and 12 years of marriage to his wonderful wife Lisa, Hal had been involved in homosexuality.

Shortly after the Lord revealed his need to be born again, Hal gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ, but now what was he to do? He knew he needed to confess to his wife and start the healing that the Lord wanted to give them, but would she forgive him?

That was 12 years ago. Now, Hal and Lisa Selby are serving the Lord through Refuge 461 Ministries.

Refuge 461 is a Christian discipleship ministry providing biblically based help and encouragement for those individuals, couples, and parents whose lives are impacted by homosexuality. This is done through individual support, weekly Life Transformation Groups, and by helping churches respond redemptively to those impacted by homosexuality.

Come and hear Hal and Lisa’s story of redemption as they share with us how God heals those who are impacted by sexual brokeness through Jesus Christ.

Sunday, January 29

  • 9:45 a.m. Hal and Lisa will share along with a question and answer session.
  • 11:00 a.m. Hal will preach in our worship service.

Please come ready for God to speak to you about how we as Christians can minsiter God’s mercy and truth to those who struggle with this issue.

For more information about Refuge 461 Ministries go to www.refuge461.org and check out the their great testamony at http://www.refuge461.org/content/media.

Posted in Christianity and Culture, Church Life, Scripture, Spiritual Growth | Leave a comment

Thank you, Grace Church, for giving to the Lord

By Charlie | Published: December 28, 2011

I want to thank our church members for their tremendous support for two great ministries this Christmas season: our Turkey Giveaway and our Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions.

On Saturday, December 17, over 20 church members gathered to assemble and delivered 31 turkeys with “fixin’s” to families in need. It was a great time of cooperation and giving. Many of our new members and our youth were there in strong numbers, and one of our newest members Anne Badeaux did a great job working with Sam’s and purchasing the groceries. Thank you to all who gave money and time.

During the entire month of December we collected the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions. Joanne Hilton, Shannon Dale, and Anne Badeaux gave excellent talks that ranged from Lottie Moon to dear missionary friends overseas today to sewing machines and even Tim Tebow! Thank you to all who gave to the mission offering. We raised $435, all of which goes to the gospel spreading and church planting work of our 5,000 missionaries of the International Mission Board, SBC.

Grace reminds me of what Paul said about the Macedonians who gave at a time when it was difficult to give:

They gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

(2 Corinthians 8:5, ESV)

Keep giving yourself to the Lord, Grace Church, and your giving will continue to overflow as it impacts our world.

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Christmas Worship Service, Christmas Day at 11:00 a.m.

By Charlie | Published: December 19, 2011

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

We’re excited to come together with our church family on Christmas Day for a great time of Scripture reading, carol singing, and fellowship. All are invited to come celebrate the Prince of Peace with us.

Reminder: There will be no Sunday School on Christmas Day, just the worship service at 11:00.

Also, all of our Wednesday night programs are suspended until January 4th.

Merry Christmas, everybody!

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Turkey Giveaway Day!

By Charlie | Published: December 12, 2011

This Saturday, December 17 is Turkey Giveaway Day at Grace Baptist Church!

One of our former church members has sent us a very generous donation, and we’re using it to give away turkeys to families that could use some extra help this Chrismas season.

We need volunteers to come to the fellowship hall at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. We’ll assemble gift baskets, each containing a turkey  and other items, then we’ll go deliever them in our vehicles. Anne Badeaux is directing the effort. You can contact her or me if you need more information. If you know of a family that could use a turkey, please send me their information at Charlie@GraceForNewOrleans.com.

Posted in Church Life, Community Life | 1 Comment