Volume 18 Number 4

GPS NEWSLETTER

Jan. 25, 2018

Volume 18 – Number 4

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Finding Direction...

Together we are a Faith Community. We believe we are at our best when we are committed to: Growing, Caring, Connecting, Serving, Giving and Leading.
Our Blog: We hope you'll join us for words of inspiration, wisdom or just plain musings of the GPS Faith Community staff.

This week: “Heaven Breaking In…”

~ by Ann James

”In the weeks preceding my mother’s death, I was blessed”… READ MORE...

Missed a sermon? Click here to listen to our archives.
Coming up this week:

Sunday, Jan 28th: WORSHIP 9 & 10:45 am,

Sunday School 8:45 am, Confirmation 10:30 am

Tuesday, Jan. 30th: Senior Center 10 am - 2 pm

Wednesday, Jan. 31st: Bible Study 11 am - Noon

Yarn Group 1 pm

Friday, Feb. 2nd: Adult Card Night 6:30 pm

GPS INVESTMENT ACCOUNT: Anyone have access to stock you can transfer? Thanks to a members urging, we have set up an Investment Account. What does this mean? If you have stock investments you can make a transfer to GPS. Not only will you avoid tax payments by cashing yourself, but you will also get the tax benefit of making a donation to a non-profit. All of this while supporting the ministry we are called into together as GPS Faith Community! Can you make a donation and help us thrive in ministry with the resources we need for all that God is calling us into? If you have questions, contact the GPS office for more information!

THRIVENT MEMBER? If you are a Thrivent Member let Pastor Rob know so we can you to the list to help apply for $250 Action Grants.

GPS Events and Activities

Please submit information for the bulletin and/or e-newsletter no later than Wednesday morning for inclusion that week. Information should be sent to .

View the full GPS calendar here

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: We will have a brief congregational meeting THIS SUNDAY at 10:00 am. All are encouraged to attend.

INTERESTED? We’re looking at scheduling a New Members class and a Baptism class soon. If you are interested, sign up in the foyer so we can contact you to set a date.

COMFY COUCH BOOK/BIBLE STUDY: Buy the book "What is the Bible" by Rob Bell, grab a computer/tablet/phone with a front facing camera and wifi and join Pastor Rob for a live video chat. 1st and 3rd Monday's 9:00-10:00 pm, starting in February! Sign-up with your email address.

SOUND AND MEDIA TEAM: Do you have an interest in learning how to run Sound or Media for worship and joining a rotation of team members? If you are interested please talk to TJ Hill, GPS Worship Leader, .

WE NEED YOU to sign up for a GPS Ministry Team. Our first team meeting night will be Mon., Feb. 5th from 6-8pm. Not sure which team is right for you? Talk to Monica or come on the 5th to see what it's like.

PATHWAYZ EVENT: Feb. 11th at Noon-2pm 6th-8th grade youth are invited to an afternoon of games and activities at Prairie Hill Elementary hosted by the Heiar Family. Sign your youth up for this free event outside of worship.

ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP: Join us at 6:00 pm on February 14th for Ash Wednesday Worship as we begin the Lenten season.

LENT SCHEDULE AND MEALS: Beginning Feb. 21st we will have: Dinner 5:30-6:15, Conversation on Brene Brown's "Braving the Wilderness" from 6:15-6:45 (don't have to read the book, but recommended), and worship 6:45-7:10. We need individuals or groups to provide simple suppers during Lent. Sign up at the Volunteer Table.

MOONLIGHT BOWLING NIGHT: Sat., Feb. 23rd 6:30 pm. $15 per person, includes shoe rental and games. This adult-only event will be a fundraiser for the Adult Spiritual Retreat Fund. There will also be a 50/50 Raffle and Silent Auction. Check out silent auction gift baskets prior to event at church. Sign up and pay outside of worship by Feb. 18th.

AND JOIN US FOR THESE ONGOING GPS ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED for February 4th & 18th. Lessons are provided. Sign up outside of worship.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Women are invited to join us on the first Tuesday of the month 6:30 – 8:00 pm for a Bible study and discussion. We are currently viewing the series “That the World May Know: The Life and Ministry of the Messiah.” No advance preparation needed, just show up.

EMPTY NESTERS: Are you an empty nester looking to connect with others from GPS? In a new chapter of life, not yet seniors. A new group is forming and you are invited. Contact Kim for more info

TOP BOX FOODS: Top Box Foods is a non-profit bringing high quality meat and produce to communities at very reduced prices. Anyone can purchase. First come, first served, see the sample boxes, make your purchase (cash, credit card, Link/Snap) take your receipt to the truck and get your food. Every 3rd Saturday, 9:00-10:30 am. We need 6 volunteers each month - if you are interested in being a regular volunteer, please talk to Pastor Rob.
YARN GROUP: Meets at GPS every other Wednesday beginning November 8th from 1 - 3 pm. Bring your yarn craft along or learn how to knit if you’re new to the craft! Check the GPS Calendar if you're unsure about the date.
ADULT CARD NIGHTS: Join us at 6:30 pm. To learn card games and enjoy an evening of play. Bring your own beverage of non-alcoholic nature, and finger snacks to share. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.

SECOND SUNDAY: High school youth are invited to Katie’s Cup every second Sunday of the month from 7-8:30 pm for worship, games, & more.
DAYTIME BIBLE STUDY: The Book of Acts. Open to all. Wednesdays at 11 am.
FAITHFUL READERS BOOK CLUB: Like to read? Want to discuss good books with others? Join our book club! We meet at GPS on a Thursday evening at 7 pm, every 4-6 weeks, to discuss books of interest. Open to all adults. You are welcome! Check our schedule on the GPS calendar for future dates and books.
SENIOR CENTER: All seniors (and anyone who is young at heart) are invited to join us for a few hours each Tuesday for games, cards, entertainment, and fellowship from 10 am to 2 pm. Lunch will be offered for $5 or bring your own. Contact for more information.
THE BREAKFAST CLUB: For all who have experienced loss. We meet the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9 am at Sophia's Restaurant (5467 Bridge St, Roscoe.) Order off the menu. For info contact .
RAINBOW CONNECTION: For LGBTQI Christians and their allies. We meet for fun and fellowship. Contact for information.
CONFIRMATION: Worship at 9:00 then class begins at 10:30 on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Register your 6th-8th grader on the GPS website
SUNDAY AM VOLUNTEERS: Sign up to help with hospitality on Sundays. Sign up to bring treats, help at the host table and set up communion. Check the Volunteer Table. Help as an usher, greeter or to hand out bulletins as you join us each week. Take a job tag as you come into church.

Opportunities to Serve in the Community

WANTED: YOUR CLEAN, EMPTY PRINGLES CANS. Please donate them directly to Rita Weber 815-654-3428 or ().

EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR LENDING: Sharon and Jay Adler have a collection of items they would be willing to lend to members who have seniors or handicap needs. Contact them to borrow: 4 ft. and 3 ft. wheelchair ramps, walker with seat, portable toilet, raised toilet seat with rails. Contact if you are interested and we'll put you in touch with them.

Community Events and Programs

RALM is hosting a volunteer project, "Supply Bags for the Homeless". We are meeting Feb 2 at 10AM at Gloria Dei in the Fireside Room. We anticipate assembling 200 bags of basic need supplies for area homeless.

CHECK OUT ALL THE GREAT THINGS HAPPENING AT KATIE’S CUP: Visit

Tuesday, January 30: Katie's Cup Conversation: Dark Money, based on the book by Jane Mayer, with discussion led by Dr. Karen Blake Ruffner.

SATURDAY MUSIC AT KATIE’S CUP, 12:15 - 1:45 pm - A favorite of both patrons and musicians! Take a break each Saturday, and catch great acoustic sounds from a wide variety of area musicians.

How to Reach Us

FOR PRAYER: If you have concerns you wish to have lifted up in prayer please notify the prayerline by email at , call the church office at (779) 221-8491 or fill out a prayer slip available at the Prayer and Care table at the back of the worship area.
HOSPITALIZED? If you are in the hospital and would like to be on our prayer chain or have a pastoral visit, you must call the church office at (779) 221-8491. Also, please notify the hospital of your affiliation with GPS Faith Community when you check in.
MEAL TRAIN: Would you be willing to bring an occasional meal to other GPS folks in a time of joy or need? Sign-up and join our growing list of volunteers. Requests are emailed out as needed, and you can always say no if the timing is not right for you. Need a meal? email or call the church office!
CONTACT THE GPS STAFF OR LEADERSHIP:

Pastor Rob:
Monica Proefrock, Family, Children, & Youth Ministry Director,
Volunteer Angela Wedding, Financial Secretary:
TJ Hill, Worship Leader,
Leadership Team:
Compass:
Pathwayz:
Confirmation:
Bulletin and Newsletter volunteer: Pat Hendren,