January 30, 2008
Dear Gulf Gate Church Family and Friends,
With great challenges come remarkable opportunities. We are in the midst of some difficult challenges both locally and globally. While that may sound like rhetoric from one of the presidential debates, it's actually just a reminder that light appears to shine most brightly in the darkness. God has positioned Gulf Gate Church to provide hope, healing, grace, and truth to our neighbors, both locally and globally. Here are some of the ways that we can shine.
Financial Peace University
Our current message series How to Be Rich has been timely in light of current economic conditions. As a follow-up to the series, we will be offering Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. I have enclosed a flyer with information about the thirteen week study which begins on Saturday, February 23rd. Classes will run from 9:00-10:45am each Saturday. You must register by Sunday, February 10th. Childcare will be provided on an as-needed basis. If you would like to participate and you need childcare, you must let us know when you register. The cost for the entire thirteen weeks is $99.51 per household. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. For more information you may visit Dave Ramsey's website at www.daveramsey.com or call the church office at 924-3315.
Extreme Easter
Easter is the greatest day of celebration for the church and a huge opportunity for us to serve our neighborhood and community. For the third year in a row, Gulf Gate Church will celebrate Extreme Easter - a special outdoor event on our church campus. On Easter Sunday (March 23rd) at 9:30am under the oak canopy we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with an exciting Easter Service.
Immediately following the Service, we will host a huge carnival on the church campus. We will have a variety of games and activities for the kids (bounce house, inflatable slides, face painting, petting zoo, rock-climbing wall, dunk tank, trampoline ride, and much more). We will also serve pastries, popcorn, coffee and soda. Best of all, it's free for the entire community. Last year, we had the opportunity to serve over 600 people through Extreme Easter. So, stay tuned for more details as well as specific ways that we can all get involved in reaching out to our neighborhood and community with the love and hope of Jesus this Easter.
Nicaragua Mission Trip
It's not too late to join in the next mission trip to Nicaragua from March 29-April 4th. We have over 20 students registered for the Spring Break trip, but we have room for more (not to mention some courageous adults). Deadline to submit your application is February 15th. Applications are available at the Welcome Table or you may contact the church office. For more information contact TJ Broom at 356-5359.
2008 Budget Approved
Following the January 27th worship service, the 2008 Budget was presented, discussed, and approved. We also reviewed some of the key initiatives for this year including Campus Development and Staffing. If you missed the meeting, you can pick up a CD at the Welcome Table on Sunday.
Hope to see you this Sunday. Don't forget to invite a friend.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeff McDuffie
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