OUR PURPOSEOUR PURPOSEOUR PURPOSEOUR PURPOSE

Connecting People to Christ,

to One Another,

and to Service.

Brian GilroyBrian GilroyBrian GilroyBrian Gilroy Lead Minister

Bryan GravesBryan GravesBryan GravesBryan Graves Family Life Minister

Sunday Services:Sunday Services:Sunday Services:Sunday Services: Sunday School—9:00 AM

Worship—10:00 AM

Phone:

(812)372-1766

Fax:

(812)372-2602

E-mail:

gccc@gardencitychurch.com

Website:

www.gardencitychurch.com

The LinkLetter Published Monthly by

Garden City Church of Christ

3245 Jonesville Rd.

Columbus, IN 47201-7932

Volume XIV, Issue 12

TABLE OF CONTENTS Missions...pg. 2, Family/Student News...pg. 4 & 5, Church News…pg. 6 , Calendar…pg. 7

...Upon a Midnight Clear: the Story of Christmas

Christmas Eve Service

December 24 6:00PM

December December December December

2015201520152015

Let Heaven and Nature Sing!Let Heaven and Nature Sing!Let Heaven and Nature Sing!Let Heaven and Nature Sing! A Christmas CantataA Christmas CantataA Christmas CantataA Christmas Cantata

by the GCCC Choirby the GCCC Choirby the GCCC Choirby the GCCC Choir

December 20 December 20 December 20 December 20 ---- 10:00AM10:00AM10:00AM10:00AM

Directed by Ann MullinsDirected by Ann MullinsDirected by Ann MullinsDirected by Ann Mullins

Page 2 The LinkLetter

Ron & Pat Morse

North Burma Christian Mission Chiang Mai, Thailand

F.A.M.E.

Worldwide Medical, Indiana

Orchard Group - NYC Ethnic Evangelism, New York

Glen & Sherrie Russell Hispanic Christian Ministries, Panama

Enoch & Lydia Nyador

Ghana Christian Mission

Ghana, West Africa

Dr. Zindoga Bungu Mashoko Christian Hospital

Zimbabwe, Africa

Jair & Norma Castillo

Vida Nueva Ministries, Mexico

Gianni & Stephany Bruno

Italy for Christ

Jill Shaw

The Ark Christian Ministries Auckland, New Zealand

Tobin & Amy Hill Santo Domingo,

Dominican Republic

TCM

(Training Christians for Ministry)

Eastern Europe

Jorge & Diana Lugo

Caracas, Venezuela

International Conference

on Missions

News from Thailand, North Burma Christian MissionNews from Thailand, North Burma Christian MissionNews from Thailand, North Burma Christian MissionNews from Thailand, North Burma Christian Mission Ron & Pat Morse

Greetings again in Christ from all of us here in Northern Thailand. We pray you are well this Fall season. All of us continue to be fully engaged on multiple fronts for the cause of Christ here. As we look back over the events of this month we are once again truly humbled and deeply thankful at all the Lord continues to do, and in which both you, and we here, have played significant roles. There is much to share, but first let me do some catch-up updates from the flood-zone regions where you've helped impact greatly:

In our last report we shared images from the first 5 village-towns where food was distributed and many relationships were established following severe flooding in Thailand.

That was followed with a second, wider outreach covering 10 more villages. The original goal of 15 village communities being reached was thus fully realized through your helping hands. It was on this 2nd trip that Burmese New Testaments, with Psalms, Proverbs, and the book of Genesis were also made available to all who sought them. All 300 copies were quickly snapped up. Efforts are underway to secure more for use in the coming months and years of ministry.

Following the distribution of these food supplies, many calls came for follow-up teaching by people curious to learn more. This cannot yet be considered as a desire to follow Christ - they have no idea who He is. But it is a first step of interest in an area steeped in total darkness. So, in response to this, a team of 4 ministry workers came forward, volunteering to move into the area. Ministry tools were immediately needed — two guitars, two motorbikes, and one portable VDO projector. These were bought and are now being used. 4 workers — 2 men to a team — are now laboring there full- time.

Some financial help is needed for these 4 men to be able to focus full-time on this newly opened-up area, starting in January 2016. A supplement of $500 per month is needed for these 4 men ($125 per family). Please be in prayer for these dedicated servants who are now engaged in a region previously not even thought to be an area where such work could take place. Yet it has come to pass. Would you consider helping this team—for a 3-year commitment? At the end of 3 years, it's hoped that local support could replace this.

Looking past Thanksgiving time on ahead to Christmas, we again want to just mention that we will be planning another Youth Home Christmas gift program this year. Of the 228 students, a total of 103 have been sponsored for a gift so far, leaving 125 kids still in the balance. To save time and money, all gifts will be bought here so nothing is used for postage or duty fees. We are targeting $15 per child. Every gift matters, so even though this is a bit early, we wanted to mention this while there is still time to plan for this. And with that we must bring this to a close. Thank you for your prayers, gifts, and encouraging notes. May His peace keep your hearts. With warmest regards and prayers from all of us here.

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October 2015 Worship SS 10/04/15 182 104 10/11/15 190 123 10/18/15 224 107 10/25/15 253 126

Offering Totals

General Fund $ 38,039.92 Youth Fund $ 1,860.80 Playground Fund $ 485.00 Total Offerings $ 40,385.72

General Fund Only Received $ 38,039.92 Expenses $ 38,090.33

*Expenses are for general operating only. For more information, contact the bookkeeper.

Congregational Prayer Hour

December 17—6:00PM Why pray? Here are a few great reasons! Prayer connects us to the God who is in control of the universe. Prayer helps us with the struggles and pains of life. Prayer reflects our hope in the God

that hears and answers prayers. Join us for powerful prayer on Thursday, December 17, from 6:00-7:00PM!

No Sunday Lunch Fellowship

in December There will be no lunch fellowship pitch-in in December. We will resume our monthly fellowship time in January, 2016. Contact Ashley Dieter at 812-764-0173 with questions.

Ladies’ Hobby NightLadies’ Hobby NightLadies’ Hobby NightLadies’ Hobby Night Friday, December 11, from 6Friday, December 11, from 6Friday, December 11, from 6Friday, December 11, from 6----10PM10PM10PM10PM

Do you have a scrapbook page you're working on? Have a Christmas gift you need to start? Christmas cards to address? Recipes that need organized? Fingernails to paint? Just need a night out of the house? Then gather your supplies and come to Hobby Night at GCCC! Enjoy an evening of fellowship, crafting, and fun with other women on Friday, December 11, 6-10:00PM in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a snack to share! Questions? Contact Christine Wright at 812-342-4264.

We invite members of the church to view the revised/updated church bylaws located at the Welcome Center. These updates were necessary because of recent state and local ordinance changes, and in order to assure that our bylaws reflect our current needs as a church. If you have any questions, please contact an elder or minister. A vote to amend the church bylaws will take place on Sunday, December 6.

Update of Church BylawsUpdate of Church BylawsUpdate of Church BylawsUpdate of Church Bylaws Hilltop Presents a Fundraising Event:

“An Evening Beneath the Stars”

Please join us at the camp:Please join us at the camp:Please join us at the camp:Please join us at the camp:

Thursday, December 3Thursday, December 3Thursday, December 3Thursday, December 3

Friday, December 4Friday, December 4Friday, December 4Friday, December 4

Saturday, December 5Saturday, December 5Saturday, December 5Saturday, December 5

Meal is served at 6:00PM

with program to follow.

Reserve seating @ 812-988-4991.

Special Guest

Marc Imboden

Page 4 The LinkLetter

FAMILY MATTERS… Train up a child in the way he should

go; even when he is old he will not

depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Connecting Children and Families to Christ,

to One Another, and to Service

Main Idea: From Their World to Ours!

Warm-Up: Dur ing the month of December, help your family focus on Jesus this Christmas. This

December meet someone new that is not from the US. We live in a very unique time and place with many different ethnic groups around us. This is our chance to teach our kids and others about the true meaning of Christmas.

Scripture: Read aloud Matthew 2:1-2

In the Christmas season, we have an opportunity to reach out to foreigners here in Columbus. This could be a great way to tell them about the true meaning of Christmas- Jesus! Here are some ways you might share with them. 1. Make a special treat for your neighbors. Pumpkin bread, cookies, etc. My family loves to make mini pumpkin bread loaves and share them with the neighbors. Whatever you are making for your family this Thanksgiving, make an extra batch and share with your neighbors or co-workers during the Christmas season. 2. Make a little thank you gift for your mailman, trash collector, etc. Leave a plate of cookies and a Christmas card for these service providers. 3. Host a Christmas party and invite your neighbors. This year focus on reaching out to families in your neighborhood. Invite them all over for a Christmas party with warm soup, salad, bread, and have a meaningful fellowship time. Share the true meaning of Christmas, and then facilitate some meaningful conversation around the question: “What’s your favorite Christmas memory?” 4. Go caroling! Whether it be to your neighbors or to an elderly care facility, this is a simple way of sharing the joy and true celebration of Christmas. 5. Share a gift. Operation Christmas Child, Angel Tree, donating gifts through Compassion International (using their Christmas gift catalogs) or Samaritans Purse, are all easy ways to join with your children in ministering to the needs in your community and around the world. 6. Adopt a family in need. One of my favorite Christmas memories as a child was the year we adopted a family in need in our church who was going through a serious health crisis. We bought gifts for all the children and surprised them by delivering the goodies to their door. The memory stayed with me for many years and inspired ventures with my own family to give Christmas joy to needy families in our church.

Wednesday Night Youth Group Kids...join us for youth group on Wednesdays for

children in K-5th grade! Plan to join us as we get that extra “boost” to our week!

Who: All K-5th Grade Students (and families) What: Mid-Week Youth Group

When: Wednesday nights — 5:30-7:30PM

Where: Garden City Church of Chr ist Cost: $2 per child for supper ; no more than $6 per family! Each night we will serve a light supper

for children, youth, and parents!

We will start our new lessons on prayer called P.U.S.H in December, based on 1 John 5:14. We will discover the power of prayer. Pray Until Something Happens.

Note: We will NOT meet on 12/23 or 12/30

because of Christmas Break!

PARENTS: Don’t forget the Small Group

opportunities available for you as well!

Special Wednesday Night Small Group Special Wednesday Night Small Group Special Wednesday Night Small Group Special Wednesday Night Small Group Dinner & DessertsDinner & DessertsDinner & DessertsDinner & Desserts

December 16 @ 5:30PMDecember 16 @ 5:30PMDecember 16 @ 5:30PMDecember 16 @ 5:30PM

For a special treat this night, we will be having a lasagna dinner with salad and garlic bread. We would like to ask each family to bring a favorite treat or dessert to share. We’ll have a time of fellowship before dispersing at 6:15PM to our respective classes for children and adults. Please contact Bryan Graves with questions.

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Jr. High Ministry 6Jr. High Ministry 6Jr. High Ministry 6Jr. High Ministry 6thththth----8888thththth

GradeGradeGradeGrade (Just for YOU!)

Wednesday Nights @ The Station!

Who: All 6th-8th Grade Students

What: Youth Group

When: Wednesday Nights

5:30-7:30PM –*Includes supper; $2 per student

Where: GCCC

A Christmas Wish What is it that you want this Christmas? Is it just another item that will sit on a shelf or a trinket that you will use for a little while and then forget about?

Christmas is full of great memories and fun. I hope you have family traditions that you look forward to this year, but I want to suggest adding one more that will help you get into the Christmas Spirit.

Think of someone right now with whom you could spread the love of Christ. Jesus is truly the greatest gift we could ever give to anyone. In this season, take some time and pray for someone that needs Jesus. My wish, no my prayer, this Christmas season is that we, as a youth group, would tell others about this hope that we have!

For 6th- 8th Grades

February 19 & 20, 2016

CINCINNATI, OH

LIGHT REVEALS WHAT IS REAL

This year, Believe will challenge Jr. high students to switch on the light and understand that truth matters. There’s more to life than just the facts that they can find so easily. There’s a foundational truth of God that can shape the rest of their lives. Satan’s two tactics are to convince you that the light is dark, or the dark is light. God has one tactic: Be the light. By exploring the life of Jesus this year, Believe will help Jr. high students find the truth. Do you want to

know the truth? Switch on the light!

All Jr. and Sr. High Students Wednesday, December 16

5:30-8:30PM @ The Station

Following the lasagna dinner in the Fellowship Hall, we’ll head to The Station for a some games and a “White Elephant” Gift Exchange (please bring a $5 gift). Then we’ll go caroling at Shadow Creek and come back for hot chocolate and desserts afterward.

Join in on the fun!

High School Students

Wednesday Night Gatherings

Re-Ignite your Faith. Re-Connect with friends. Re-FUEL!

Focus: Counter Culture by David Platt

7:00-8:30PM

We will meet at the Bryant’s home! Bring your Friends!

Dates:

December 2, 9, and the 16 at GCCC

Note: We will not meet on 12/24 or 12/31 because of Christmas Break!

Sr. High Ministry

Our Deepest Sympathies Our Deepest Sympathies Our Deepest Sympathies Our Deepest Sympathies to the families of…to the families of…to the families of…to the families of…

⇒ Linda Smock,

member

⇒ Floyd McMillan, uncle of Janie McCrory

⇒ Greg Snyder, attender

Page 6 The LinkLetter

What to Do in the Case of Weather Cancellations and Schedule Adjustments

Winter in Indiana usually means inclement weather. If you have questions about church programs or event delays or cancellations, please follow this procedure and be patient; decisions will be made in

as early and timely a manner as possible.

These procedures will only be used for services and events that affect a significant majority of attendees. Activities, studies, business meetings, etc. should be handled by calling the leader(s) of that event or

activity directly.

1.Call the church office, (812) 372-1766, and listen for an updated phone message. If we are able to reach the building, we will record the latest

information as soon as decisions are made.

2.Watch the Indianapolis major network TV stations to see if we are included in their listings. We will do our best to post this information on WRTV

(6), WISH (8), and WTHR (13).

3.Listen to these local radio stations for news and updates: WKKG (101.5FM), WWWY (104.9FM),

WCSI (1010AM).

4.Feel free to call the minister or elders at home.

Those who are unable to attend our Sunday services may request home delivery of the Lord’s Supper by calling the church office at 812-372-1766 by noon on the prior

Friday. Requests must be made each week. Keep in mind that private family communion times are also a valid expression of remembrance.

Check out the website Calendar

The GCCC website calendar is a great place to learn about upcoming events. Just go to www.gardencitychurch.com/calendar/html.

BAPTISMS & NEW MEMBERSBAPTISMS & NEW MEMBERSBAPTISMS & NEW MEMBERSBAPTISMS & NEW MEMBERS

Gretchen Richard (& husband Steve) 4409 Redhawk Ct Columbus, IN 47203

Michael & Jessica Martin

2201 N 650 E Columbus, IN 47203

GOLDEN HARVESTERS’ Our seniors’ group will meet on Wednesday, December 2, at 9:30AM in the Fellowship Hall. Following a brief meeting, they will travel to have lunch at the Olive Garden in Greenwood, weather permitting. Contact George or Regina Pastrick with questions or for more

information at 812-372-5559.

South Central Indiana Christian Men’s Fellowship

December 1, 2015

at Burnsville Christian Church

Ham & beans dinner at 6:30PM

Program at 7:15PM

Speaker: Kendall Wildey, East Columbus Christian

Contact Larry White for more information at 812-372-7047.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

6:30PM Area Men’s Meeting @ Burnsville Christian Church

2 9:30AM Golden Harvesters Christmas Dinner

5:30PM Dinner

6:15PM Adult Small Groups &

youth groups

7:00PM Refuel @

the Bryant’s

3

6:30PM Worship

4

9:30AM Prayer Team Meeting

5

6 7

6:00PM Elders’ Meeting

8 9

5:30PM Dinner

6:15PM Adult Small Groups &

youth groups

7:00PM Refuel @

the Bryant’s

10

6:30PM Worship

11

9:30AM Prayer Team Meeting

6-10:00PM Ladies’ Hobby Night in Fellowship Hall

12

13

Angel Tree gifts returned for distribution

14 15 16

5:30PM Dinner w/

Dessert Pitch-in

6:15PM Adult Small Groups &

youth groups

6:15PM Jr/ Sr High Christmas Party @ The

Station

17

6:00PM Congregational Prayer Hour @ The Station

6:30PM Worship

18 19

20

10:00AM Let Heaven & Nature Sing Choir Cantata

21

BCSC Christmas Break thru 1/4/16

22 23

No Evening Programs

24 Offices Closed

6:00PM Christmas Eve Service

25 Offices Closed

26

27 28 Offices Closed

29 Offices Closed

30 Offices Closed

No Evening Programs

31 Offices Closed

Sunday Morning Worship

9:00AM Sunday School

10:00AM Worship

Return Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID COLUMBUS, IN PERMIT NO. 7 3245 Jonesville Rd.

Columbus, IN 47201-7932

Why Join a Church? Maybe you’ve asked that question; after all, there is a growing ‘emergent’ movement in the church today, moving away from what is seen as the ‘institutional church.’ Some suggest that with the organizational church comes an inauthenticity and even an irrelevance. Others might not remove themselves this far from church life, but at the same time don’t see the need to move from attenders to actual members; after all, isn’t it enough just to come to the church regularly, and not worry about being a ‘member’? What’s the difference? There are numerous reasons; here are three for you to think about. Being Public: The Bible calls believers to publicly confess what they believe: Jesus, in fact, said he would build His church on such confessions of faith (Matthew 16:16, 18). Of course, there are many ways in

which we publicly confess our faith every day, but joining a church is certainly one meaningful way to “go public” with your faith. It gives you the opportunity to stand before the church and say “I believe this” and commit to living out that belief in the context of a church family. Being Committed: The Bible calls for Christians to be responsible to each other and united in one purpose (i.e. Ephesians 5:21, Philippians 2:1-4). Joining a church commits you to it more fully; when you join a church, you’re making a commitment to be there for fellow members, to use your gifts in the church, and to help with the work of the church. It doesn’t mean you have to show up every time something is going on, but it means that you’re committed to doing your part. Being Accountable: Jesus Christ is the leader of our church (the Bible calls him “the Head of the Church”). He rules by being the Lord of our hearts. And as he does that, He calls some people to be the ‘shepherds’ of the church. New Testament believers (and we as well) are told to place themselves under the direction and care of such men (Acts 14:23, 20:28, 1 Peter 5:1-5). Joining a church puts you under the shepherding care of its leadership. When you join the church, those ‘shepherds’ in one sense adopt you as part of their flock. And as a member, you also get to vote when certain decisions are being made in the church. I hope this will help you understand the wonderful community God has put us in as believers. It’s not a perfect community, for we are sinners saved by grace, but it is an authentic community. I invite you to join us today and experience the full potential of the Body of Christ! See you Sunday! — Brian

We must gasp once again the idea

of church membership as being

the membership of the Body of

Christ and as the biggest honour

which can come a man’s

way in this world.

—Mar�in Lloyd-Jones