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Discipleship Ministry DISCIPLESHIP AT GCC Ways We Help you Grow in Your Faith At Grace Community Chapel, discipleship is about helping people know Christ, grow in His Word, and faithfully follow Him in every area of life. Through Bible Studies, Small Groups, Biblical Training, and Catechism & Family Discipleship , we seek to equip believers to mature in their faith, care for one another, serve the church, and pass the gospel on to the next generation. No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, there's a place for you to grow. Explore below to see the different ways we encourage and equip discipleship at GCC Bible Studies Grow in your knowledge of God and His Word through teacher-led biblical and doctrinal studies. SUNDAY STUDIES MIDWEEK STUDIES Biblical Counseling/Training Learn to apply God’s Word faithfully in everyday life and become equipped to serve and strengthen others. TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Small Groups Share life with others through prayer, fellowship, Scripture discussion, and meaningful care for one another. INTERESTED? Catechism & Family Discipleship Build a home and church culture in which the faith is lived, taught, and passed to the next generation. VIEW RESOURCES Bible Studies Fall Classes September 13 - December 20 (no classes on November 29) Registration is closed for the following classes. DOCTRINE FOR THE HUNGRY Go deeper into the great doctrines of the Christian faith—and learn why they matter for worship, spiritual growth, and everyday life. This accessible but substantial class will help participants examine Scripture, understand major theological positions, recognize error, and explain what they believe with biblical clarity. Doctrine for the Hungry is designed as a two-semester course. This registration is for the Fall semester only; registration for the Spring semester will open separately. Option 1 : 9:50 AM: Led by James Jolliff and Anthony Ochoa Option 2: 11:15 AM: Led by Anthony Ochoa and Randy Barton Cost : $5 per person, including a personal copy of the course book Preparation : Weekly reading and written reflection will be assigned. EXPLORING THE NEW TESTAMENT Trace the unfolding revelation of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom through the books of the New Testament. Rather than treating each book as a disconnected introduction, this course will explore the unity of the New Testament, the fulfillment of the Old Testament in Christ, the development of the Kingdom of God, and the life of the church under apostolic teaching. Each week will introduce the historical setting, structure, major themes, Christological emphasis, key passages, and practical implications of a New Testament book or section. The Fall semester will cover the background of the New Testament, the Gospels, Acts, and several of Paul’s major letters. The course will continue into the Spring semester. Time : 9:50 AM Led by : Dan Cheek, Jerome Hall, Tyler Grimes, Tim Jones, and Aaron Burger Cost : Free Preparation : Participants are encouraged to read the assigned biblical book or passage before class. MARRIAGE: What Did You Expect? Marriage reveals far more than the strengths and weaknesses of our spouse—it reveals the worship, desires, expectations, and struggles of our own hearts. Using Paul David Tripp’s What Did You Expect?, this 14-week class will help husbands and wives examine marriage biblically and grow in grace, forgiveness, communication, faithfulness, and Christlike love. This class is intended for married couples in every season of marriage, whether they are presently thriving or struggling. Time : 9:50 AM Led by : Steve Williams Cost : $10 per person, including a personal copy of the book Registration : Husband and wife should register together. Preparation : Participants will read one chapter and complete brief exercises each week. Capacity : Limited to 10 couples. WOMEN OF GRACE DISCIPLESHIP Following Jesus means knowing Him and His teaching, growing to become more like Him, and going in service to others and in making disciples. This women’s class will study the basics of the Christian faith in depth, helping participants strengthen the biblical foundation needed for a life of faithful discipleship. Participants will work through the Rose Guide Discipleship “Knowing” workbook during the week and discuss the material together in class. Whether you are learning these truths for the first time or returning to them after years of following Christ, this class is designed to refresh, clarify, and deepen your understanding of the faith. Time : 8:30 AM Led by : Kristi Grimes and Jennifer Hill Cost : $5 per person, including the workbook Preparation : Participants will complete the assigned workbook study each week. Feel free to contact the church office if you have questions. Classes Ongoing Opportuniites Ongoing Classes The following Sunday discipleship opportunities are offered continuously and require no registration. You are welcome to join them at any time. 8:30 am Young and Growing Families - Room 110 Adult discussion-based format following children's church through the Bible: This Fall in the Gospels. Led by: Tim and Margie Brown 9:50 am Bereans - Room 108 Hebrews through 1–3 John: Studying the books in chronological order, one chapter each week. Sharing the most important lessons learned as the Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to impact each believer personally. Led by: Charley Saff Koinonia - Hope Hall A course on the "I AM" statements of Christ. Nothing is as important as knowing the living God. Led by: Bill Jones Sojourners - Room 102 Judges: Avoiding Cycles of Disobedience. A verse-by-verse study of the rule of the judges of Israel before the monarchy. Led by: John Krug Young Families - Room 110 Studying the same catechism lessons as youth group, helping adults and families grow in biblical doctrine, Scripture, and a shared foundation for discipleship in the home. Led by: Darren Moe 11:15 am Beacons of Light - Hope Hall (singles 45 and older) 2 Thessalonians: A Steady Faith in Shaky Times — Video-based discussions, learning to hold onto hope, live with purpose, and endure with confidence—no matter what comes our way. Led by: Pat Turner Prayer Group Meet for an informal time of conversational prayer for the ministries and staff of Grace Community Chapel. Time: 8:30, 9:50 and 11:15 am Location: Conference Room in the Main Office (CLICK HERE to submit a prayer request.) Prayer Group Other Ways to Connect GCC offers other opportunities for fellowship, recreation, prayer, and connection throughout the year. CONNECTIONS

Each month, we're excited to introduce a special challenge crafted to foster spiritual development through personal devotion. This isn't intended to substitute your worship service, small group discipleship, or Bible studies, but rather aims to provide a fresh and enriching challenge during your time with God. Dive into activities like delving into different books of the Bible, prayer, worship, and more, as we lead you on a journey toward spiritual growth. What is Challenge 2024? Check back each month for a new challenge. December Goal: Reflect on this year’s 11 challenges and design a personal goal for December. Overview: As we close out the year, take time to reflect on the journey so far: What challenge grew you the most? What stretched you or pushed you out of your comfort zone? Why was it so hard, and what did you learn? Using your reflections, create a goal for December that builds on what God has already started in your life this year. Make it something meaningful, achievable, and uniquely tailored to your own growth. Examples of Personal Goals: Commit to praying daily for someone in your life. Dedicate time each week to serve your community or someone in need. Focus on deepening your understanding of a specific Scripture passage or theme. Revisit a past challenge and try it again with renewed energy. Write your goal down and pray over it. Consider sharing it with a friend or family member who can encourage and support you as you finish the year strong, keeping your eyes on Jesus. "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 NOVEMBER Goal: To pray for our missionaries. Overview: For the month of November, let's come together as a church family to dedicate daily prayer to our missionaries! This challenge invites each of us to intentionally pray for our missionaries, covering their needs and their ministries. Each day, focus on praying for one or more of our missionaries. You can find a list with their names, locations, and ministries [HERE] Prayer Focus: Location : Pray for the unique needs and challenges of the country or region they are serving in. Family : Lift up the personal and family needs of each missionary, that they may find strength, support, and peace in their calling. Mission Focus : Pray for the impact of their ministry, asking for God’s guidance and blessings on their work to spread His love. OUR MISSIONARIES As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" Romans 10:15 OCTOBER Goal: Read the book of Proverbs. Track your favorites. Overview: Proverbs is a treasure trove of wisdom, but it can also feel like a slow read at times, as consecutive verses often touch on unrelated topics. As you read, take time to reflect on each piece of wisdom. Find a journal or a place where you can write down your favorite verses and what they mean to you in that moment. Remember, you might revisit the same verse later and find a new insight. Your reflections will capture what resonated with you before and help you see how God’s wisdom speaks to you in different seasons. Daily Reflection Questions: What does this verse mean to me right now? How can I apply this wisdom today? Has this verse changed in meaning since the last time I read it? The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Proverbs 4:7 SEPTEMBER Challenge: 31 Day Devotional Goal: This month, we invite you to embark on a 31-day devotional challenge using our new guide, "But I Say: 31 Days with Jesus in Deuteronomy," authored by our Director of Outreach, Daniel Maasen. Overview: We often find the Old Testament, especially the Torah, challenging to apply in our daily lives. We wonder how to discern which parts of the Law still speak to us today. Our hope is that through this devotional, you will begin to develop the "spiritual muscles" needed to navigate and apply these ancient texts with confidence. Details: Prepare Your Heart: Before you begin Day 1, take some time to read Romans 7 . This chapter will provide you with valuable insight into how the Old Testament Law interacts with the New Covenant. Engage Daily: Dedicate time each day to walk through one of the devotionals in "But I Say." As you read, consider how Jesus is revealed in the book of Deuteronomy and how these teachings apply to your life today. Reflect and Apply: Each day, reflect on what you've read and seek to apply the insights to your daily life. How can the truths of Deuteronomy shape your thoughts, actions, and faith? Get Your Copy of But I Say: "Printed copies are no longer available. We apologize for any inconvenience." DOWNLOAD A DIGITAL COPY That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17 August Challenge: Practice confession and repentance Goal: Confession of sin is often easy to ignore, yet it is a vital aspect of our spiritual growth and relationship with God. This month, we challenge you to practice the confession of your sins and embrace true repentance. Details: Confession: With God: Set aside dedicated time daily to come before God in prayer, confessing your sins. Speak them out loud, acknowledging each sin specifically, and ask for His forgiveness. With an Accountability Partner: Find a trusted friend or mentor within the church community to whom you can confess your struggles. Having someone to confide in can provide support and encouragement. Repentance: Turn Away from Sin: Confession is the first step, but true repentance involves turning away from sin. Reflect on each sin you confess and think of practical steps to avoid repeating it. Mental Sins: Acknowledge that some sins are not physical but mental. Plan and prepare strategies to combat these mental battles. This might include scripture meditation, prayer, or seeking advice from a spiritual mentor. Encouragement: Each step you take towards confession and repentance draws you closer to God and strengthens your spiritual walk . Embrace the challenge with a heart open to transformation and renewal. Let’s support one another as a church family, lifting each other up in prayer and encouragement as we strive to live lives of genuine repentance. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19 July Challenge: Read Psalm 119 as many times as you can Goal: Psalm 119 is rich with wisdom and guidance. It’s divided into 22 sections, each with 8 verses . Throughout July, let's explore it together. You can approach it in a way that best fits your spiritual journey: Approach: Complete the entire Psalm in one sitting - for a comprehensive understanding. Read an 8-verse section each day - to absorb and reflect on its teachings. Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Psalm 119:1 June Challenge: Embracing Stillness and Silence Goal: To cultivate moments of stillness and silence to connect with God in a deeper way. In the busyness of life, it's easy to drown out the voice of God. Let's intentionally create space for quietude, allowing room for divine inspiration and reflection. Example: Set aside 20-30 minutes . You can do this daily, but try to aim for at least four times this month. Find a comfortable and peaceful space where you won't be disturbed. Finding a quiet place in nature is highly recommended, though it could be around your house. Let go of any agendas or distractions. Simply be present in the moment. No grocery list, chore chart or sorting of work. Be open to the presence of God. Allow yourself to listen attentively to his voice and be receptive to any guidance or insights that may be offered. Practice any of your prayer habits, whether praying through Scripture, prayer journaling, praying through the prayer chain, etc. Enjoy time with God, your Creator, and His great creation! Feel free to customize the example to better fit you! May Challenge: Worship as a family Join us for the Family Worship Challenge, an opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey as a family beyond Sunday services! Throughout this month, we invite each family to engage in their own worship sessions at least four times. Worship is more than a weekly event; it's a daily rhythm that nourishes our souls. Here's a suggested example to inspire your family worship sessions: Here's what you do... 1. Start with Music: Gather around and sing a song together, or listen to a praise song from YouTube. 2. Scripture Reflection: Read a passage from the Bible or a devotional book. Take turns sharing insights and reflections. 3. Share God's Work: Discuss how you've each seen God at work in your lives recently. Celebrate His presence and blessings. 4. Prayer and Support: Share any concerns or prayer requests as a family. Lift each other up in prayer, offering support and encouragement. 5. Closing: Conclude your family worship time by either singing another song together, or listening to another praise song, and consider one of two options: Option 1: Choose another uplifting song to sing or listen to. Option 2: Select a verse from Scripture to memorize together. Write this verse in a common area for the family to see over the next week, allowing it to guide and inspire your daily lives. GCC PRAYER CHAIN Feel free to adjust the example to better fit your family's preferences and dynamics! Resources tailored to support families like yours! Weekly Parent Connect Newsletter: Every week, we send out our Parent Connect Newsletter directly to your inbox, packed with valuable resources to enhance your family worship experience. I WANT IN Gospel Project @Home Content: Access exclusive content from the Gospel Project @Home series, designed to bring the Bible to life in engaging and meaningful ways for families. This resource is included in the weekly Parent Connect Newsletter. May Gospel Project @Home Content May 5: Lesson 32.5 May 12: Lesson 33.1 May 19: Lesson 33.2 May 26: Lesson 33.3 Beginning: Family Worship in Genesis: Teaching our children the Scriptures in a compelling, relevant, and holistic manner during daily family worship is one of the chief means we can achieve this. If you need help to do that – this is the series for you! It’s a comprehensive guide for the entire family and particularly children between the ages of 5–12. PURCHASE THE BOOK Let's make worship a vibrant part of our family life, nurturing our spiritual growth and strengthening our bonds with each other and with God. April Challenge: Read the book of James as many times as possible this month. The book of James is known for its practical guidance on living a life of faith and good works, emphasizing the importance of acting upon one's beliefs. Reading it multiple times can indeed help deepen your understanding and retention of its teachings. Strategies Here are a few strategies you might consider to achieve your goal: 1. Daily Reading of the Entire Book Plan: Dedicate a specific time each day to read it through. Early morning or before bedtime can be good choices, helping you start or end your day with reflection Duration: James is relatively short and can be read in about 15 to 20 minutes , depending on your reading speed. 2. Study with Commentary or Study Guide Plan: As you read, incorporate a reputable commentary or a study guide. Allocate more time for each reading session to include study notes or commentary insights. This will enrich your understanding. Duration: This could mean setting aside 30 minutes to an hour each day. 3. Journaling Your Insights and Applications Plan: Consider keeping a journal to record your prayers and any insights or reflections that arise during this time. It can be a powerful way to track your journey and witness the impact of prayer in your life and the lives of those you're praying for. 4. Discuss Your Readings Plan: Weekly discussions can provide new insights and keep you motivated. Sharing what you’ve learned or struggled with can be incredibly enriching. 5. Memorization Plan: Select key verses to memorize. This practice can deeply embed the teachings in your heart and mind. Application and Reflection: Application: After each reading, ask yourself how you can apply James's teachings to your daily life. Identify specific actions or changes you can make. Reflection: At the end of the month, reflect on how this practice has impacted your spiritual life and everyday actions. March Challenge: This month, we encourage you to set aside time to pray for others. While you may feel you've engaged in this practice before or currently do so, we urge you to delve deeper. It's not just about praying for someone; it's about letting them know you've prayed for them. Here's what you do... 1. Commit to Prayer : Set aside time each day to pray for specific individuals in your personal circles. Whether it's a family member, a friend, a colleague, or someone you've recently encountered, your prayers can make a meaningful difference in their lives. 2. Pray with Purpose: As you pray, focus on the ne eds, joys, and challenges of those you're lifting up. Ask for God's guidance, comfort, healing, and blessings to be upon them. If you're not sure how to pray for someone, take the time to ask them. This can provide you with specific intentions for your prayers and show them that you truly care. Let your heart be open to the prompting of the Spirit as you intercede on behalf of others. 3. Communicate With The Ones You Pray For: After you've prayed for someone, take the extra step to communicate with them directly. Let them know that you've prayed for them and that they are on your heart. C onsider sending a simple text message, a handwritten card, or even reaching out in person . If you feel comfortable, you can even share a portion of the prayer you said for them. Your gesture of kindness and connection can have a profound impact, reminding others that they are loved and supported. Example Text Message to John Doe: "Dear John, I've been praying for you, asking the Lord to provide you with strength as you navigate the decisions regarding your parents' care. I also pray that your job proceeds without any hurdles and that you're presented with opportunities to share your faith at work. Your dedication and love for your family are truly admirable, and I pray that God continues to bless you abundantly. Amen." February Challenge: Choose a portion of Scripture that challenges you, and over the course of the month, attempt to memorize that section of scripture. Gauge your ability to reproduce the passage from memory as the month unfolds. Ensure that it is sizable enough to remain a meaningful exercise throughout the month. If you find yourself mastering it too quickly, select a larger chunk to enhance the challenge. Examples: Psalm 23 ; James 1 ; John 3:16-21 ; Philippians 2:1-18 Memorization Technique: 1. Read Aloud: Begin by reading your section of scriptures in its context, carefully and slowly. Repeat this process seven times, each time emphasizing different words. 2. Write and Recall: Write out the section of scriptures, creating a new line for each phrase. Then, erase one line at a time and challenge yourself to fill in the blanks from memory. 3. Recite from Memory: As you begin to memorize the sections recite them seven times from memory. 4. Daily Review: Establish a routine of daily review, prioritizing the revisiting of old verses before introducing new ones. 5. Share with Others: Recite your memorized verses to someone else at a scheduled time each week. source: scripturememory.com Additional Techniques: 1. Musical Recall: Set your verses to a familiar tune and incorporate singing them into your daily routine. Explore Scripture song CD's for additional support. 2. Visualize It: Close your eyes and vividly picture the unfolding scenes to enhance your connection with the story. Create a visual aid by sketching an image related to the verse. 3. Physical Engagement: Act out the verse using hand motions and gestures, which can be particularly effective with children. Some adults find it beneficial to memorize while engaging in physical activity or exercise. source: scripturememory.com Additional Resources The Bible Memory App - a complete Bible memory system that makes it easy for you to Memorize, Organize, and Review verses. Click Here for more information. Objective: Gauge your ability to reproduce the passage from memory as the month unfolds. January: Challenge: Explore the Gospel of John. Date: January 1 January 2 January 3 January 4 January 5 January 6 January 7 January 8 January 9 January 10 January 11 January 12 January 13 Chapter/Verse John 1 John 2 John 3 John 4 John 5 Catch-up John 6 John 7 John 8 John 9 John 10 John 11 John 12 Date: January 14 January 15 January 16 January 17 January 18 January 19 January 20 January 21 January 22 January 23 January 24 January 25 January 26-31 Chapter/Verse Catch-up John 13 John 14 John 15 John 16 John 17 John 18 Catch-up John 19 John 20 John 21 Catch-up Reread sections or catch up Objective: Immerse yourself in the entirety of John's Gospel to grasp the flow of John's teachings and gain insight into our ongoing sermon series.

Our Global Workers Jabe and Elena Serving with schools in the Philippines For more information about their work in the Philippines, pick up a copy of their bio in the red folder near the church office. Back to Global Workers

Sunday Discipleship Fall Classes September 13 - December 20 (no classes on November 29) Registration is closed for the following classes. DOCTRINE FOR THE HUNGRY Go deeper into the great doctrines of the Christian faith—and learn why they matter for worship, spiritual growth, and everyday life. This accessible but substantial class will help participants examine Scripture, understand major theological positions, recognize error, and explain what they believe with biblical clarity. Doctrine for the Hungry is designed as a two-semester course. This registration is for the Fall semester only; registration for the Spring semester will open separately. Option 1 : 9:50 AM: Led by James Jolliff and Anthony Ochoa Option 2: 11:15 AM: Led by Anthony Ochoa and Randy Barton Cost : $5 per person, including a personal copy of the course book Preparation : Weekly reading and written reflection will be assigned. EXPLORING THE NEW TESTAMENT Trace the unfolding revelation of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom through the books of the New Testament. Rather than treating each book as a disconnected introduction, this course will explore the unity of the New Testament, the fulfillment of the Old Testament in Christ, the development of the Kingdom of God, and the life of the church under apostolic teaching. Each week will introduce the historical setting, structure, major themes, Christological emphasis, key passages, and practical implications of a New Testament book or section. The Fall semester will cover the background of the New Testament, the Gospels, Acts, and several of Paul’s major letters. The course will continue into the Spring semester. Time : 9:50 AM Led by : Dan Cheek, Jerome Hall, Tyler Grimes, Tim Jones, and Aaron Burger Cost : Free Preparation : Participants are encouraged to read the assigned biblical book or passage before class. MARRIAGE: What Did You Expect? Marriage reveals far more than the strengths and weaknesses of our spouse—it reveals the worship, desires, expectations, and struggles of our own hearts. Using Paul David Tripp’s What Did You Expect?, this 14-week class will help husbands and wives examine marriage biblically and grow in grace, forgiveness, communication, faithfulness, and Christlike love. This class is intended for married couples in every season of marriage, whether they are presently thriving or struggling. Time : 9:50 AM Led by : Steve Williams Cost : $10 per person, including a personal copy of the book Registration : Husband and wife should register together. Preparation : Participants will read one chapter and complete brief exercises each week. Capacity : Limited to 10 couples. WOMEN OF GRACE DISCIPLESHIP Following Jesus means knowing Him and His teaching, growing to become more like Him, and going in service to others and in making disciples. This women’s class will study the basics of the Christian faith in depth, helping participants strengthen the biblical foundation needed for a life of faithful discipleship. Participants will work through the Rose Guide Discipleship “Knowing” workbook during the week and discuss the material together in class. Whether you are learning these truths for the first time or returning to them after years of following Christ, this class is designed to refresh, clarify, and deepen your understanding of the faith. Time : 8:30 AM Led by : Kristi Grimes and Jennifer Hill Cost : $5 per person, including the workbook Preparation : Participants will complete the assigned workbook study each week. Feel free to contact the church office if you have questions. Classes Ongoing Opportuniites Ongoing Classes The following Sunday discipleship opportunities are offered continuously and require no registration. You are welcome to join them at any time. 8:30 am Young and Growing Families - Room 110 Adult discussion-based format following children's church through the Bible: This Fall in the Gospels. Led by: Tim and Margie Brown 9:50 am Bereans - Room 108 Hebrews through 1–3 John: Studying the books in chronological order, one chapter each week. Sharing the most important lessons learned as the Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to impact each believer personally. Led by: Charley Saff Koinonia - Hope Hall A course on the "I AM" statements of Christ. Nothing is as important as knowing the living God. Led by: Bill Jones Sojourners - Room 102 Judges: Avoiding Cycles of Disobedience. A verse-by-verse study of the rule of the judges of Israel before the monarchy. Led by: John Krug Young Families - Room 110 Studying the same catechism lessons as youth group, helping adults and families grow in biblical doctrine, Scripture, and a shared foundation for discipleship in the home. Led by: Darren Moe 11:15 am Beacons of Light - Hope Hall (singles 45 and older) 2 Thessalonians: A Steady Faith in Shaky Times — Video-based discussions, learning to hold onto hope, live with purpose, and endure with confidence—no matter what comes our way. Led by: Pat Turner Prayer Group Meet for an informal time of conversational prayer for the ministries and staff of Grace Community Chapel. Time: 8:30, 9:50 and 11:15 am Location: Conference Room in the Main Office (CLICK HERE to submit a prayer request.) Prayer Group

Lent Fasting Anthony Ochoa Want to know what the bible says? Download the guide LENT DESCRIPTION Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter. It is a time to turn our hearts to God through (1) prayer, (2) repentance, and (3) spiritual renewal. We fast not to earn God's favor, but to remind ourselves that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. It is an intentional submitting our bodies and souls to God, who alone can satisfy us. START Ash Wednesday (2.18.26) END The Saturday before Easter, Holy Saturday (4.4.26) LENGTH OF LENT 40 total days of fasting 46 calendar days (because Sundays are not fast days) HOW TO FAST (TRADITIONAL PRACTICE) For centuries, Christians have fasted during Lent by limiting their food intake. The most common method today follows this structure: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are special days of fasting. On only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Eat only one full meal for the day. You may also eat two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. No snacking between meals. No meat (fish is allowed). All Fridays during Lent are typically days of abstinence from meat, though full meals are allowed. Other weekdays (Mon–Sat): No required fasting, but many choose to limit or sacrifice something else as an act of devotion (caffeine/sugar/soda/processed snacks, social media, screen time, etc.) . Sundays are feast days and are never fast days. If at any point you start to ask, “What if I’m doing it wrong?!” Stop and remember this is about mercy and faith, not legalistic law keeping. For example: if you want to eat meat on Fridays still, that’s okay! Enjoy and pursue hunger for God in accordance with your faith, not what you think you “have to” do. CAN I FAST FROM SOMETHING OTHER THAN FOOD? While food is the traditional fast, some people may need to adjust due to health concerns or may choose to add other disciplines. Again, the call is to discipline ourselves to hunger for God, not to meticulously keep every possible rule. The goal is not to make ourselves miserable but to set ourselves toward crying out to God in an intentional way. HOW CAN I MAKE LENT MORE SIGNIFICANT Lent is not just about fasting—it is about turning to God. Consider adding activities to your routine during this season: Pray (consider using our prayer book Two of More ) Read Scripture (with others at times you usually do not) Write in a Journal (what God is teaching you) Worship (as a family or individually) Serve someone else (look for needs in the community or church)

Our Global Workers Jon and Tammy Junker The Evangelical Alliance Mission Mission Focus Our mission focus is the local church because we believe Scripture teaches that the local church is God's way of reaching the world for Christ. Our desire is to see healthy, vibrant churches established in Japan. We do whatever the Lord brings our way to that end, from neighborhood outreach to translating helpful discipleship/evangelism tools, from encouraging new missionaries to helping improve TEAM as an organization through input as internship coordinators and supervisors, from pastors meetings to Japanese and foreign mission leadership meetings. Blessing: opportunities and needs abound! It has been great to see God honor it when believers and churches simply take Him at His Word, and to see changes occur such as revitalization of a church. Challenge: there are so many churches and unbelievers that are content with bare survival instead of desiring to thrive. How do we get more people to catch the vision of taking God at His word? Testimony Jon's Testimony Jon trusted in Jesus at the age of 5 and was baptized at the age of 10. He didn't really start to follow Jesus until 10th grade. It was a simple, "I will follow you" Jesus, but it changed his life. He started loving God's Word, praying, attending church, and loving people. One thing he didn't want to become was a missionary. But in college God used Acts chapter 2 to impact him in such a way that he gave up putting sports first and started preparing for being a missionary. He didn't care where it would be, but God in graciousness, let him return to Japan. Being a missionary in Japan can be really challenging, but like one of his co- workers said, "church planting is fun". God has been gracious in giving him opportunities to serve the Japanese, serve fellow missionaries and to serve his Savior. You couldn’t ask for anything better! Tammy's Testimony Tammy trusted in Jesus in the 6th grade, but didn't actually start following Jesus as Lord until a junior in college. After being discipled in Campus Crusade (now the Cru), she went on a short-term missions project in Osaka Japan. It was there that God used the verse "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Beseech the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers to the field" to call her to missions in Japan. That call continued to be confirmed as she taught English in Japan for 3 years and served at a local Japanese church (her first home church) and helped local missionaries. During work as a short-term missionary with TEAM in Japan, Tammy met Jon, and they've been serving the Lord together happily ever after since! Back to Global Workers

Grimes/McNeal Wedding Ceremony Sunday, December 15th | 2:30 PM Ceremony Time 2 :30 PM CST

Connection Connect at GCC Connect, be encouraged, and encourage others through a variety of activities, tailored to meet specific needs and interests. Martha Fellowship (women of all ages, supporting GCC missionaries) For women interested in encouraging our missionary families through prayer, cards, letters and other projects. Meets third Wednesday of the month (except December). CLICK HERE for more information about this far-reaching ministry. 3rd Wednesday | 1:00-3:00 pm | Adult Central Men's Breakfast (men of all ages) Men, join us for a hearty breakfast the second Saturday of the month in Hope Hall. Come enjoy good food and fellowship, and bring a friend! There is no need to register, and there is no fee, but an offering will be taken. 2nd Saturday | 8:00 am | Hope Hall PrimeTimers (ages 55+) The PrimeTimers ministry offers periodic gatherings and activities that are designed to provide an opportunity for fellowship and ministry within the Body of Christ among those who are age 55+. When: Times Vary Check out our Events page EVENTS INFO Fitness and Recreation PILOGA (women only) Pilates and yoga; the best of both worlds! Core strengthening pilates movements combined with classic yoga poses will improve your balance and leave you strong, flexible and relaxed. Please bring a mat if you have one, but I have extras that you may borrow. Mondays | 8:00 pm VOLLEYBALL (adult 17+) A relaxed, fun time of recreational volleyball, with a bit of healthy competition thrown in! We play speed volleyball which means everyone gets to play every game. Youth ages 15-16 are welcome to come play with a parent or older sibling. 2nd & 4th Sundays | 7:00 pm Have Questions? Drop us a note Name Email What are you iquiring about? * Required Martha Fellowship Men's Breakfast PrimeTimers Piloga Volleyball Message Submit

Short-Term Missions Short-Term Missions Every year, we sponsor a number of short-term missions in which many members of our congregation engage. In addition to GCC-sponsored trips, our members are involved in a variety of missions efforts, both near and far. 2027 Short-Term Opportunities Click an image below for more information. Camp Barnabas Camp Barnabas is a ministry in Southwest Missouri dedicated to providing a unique Christian summer camp experience to individuals with special needs, their siblings, and youth from across the United States. June 26 -July 2, 2027 Thailand This missions trip supports our global workers in Thailand as we come alongside ministry efforts in Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya, offering encouragement, service, and partnership in the work of the gospel. January 2027 Envision Atlanta Envision Atlanta is a ministry that desires to serve the needs, both spiritual and physical, of the large refugee community in the suburbs of Atlanta. August 2027