Glad Tidings

AUGUST EVENTS
Robin’s SS CLASS
August 5—1:00
Pitch –In Picnic at
William’s Cabin
Wears Valley

YOUTH
August 19-Cookout at
Yeatts

SEPTEMBER EVENTS
YOUTH—TBA

CHURCH
September 10
Church Picnic - Details TBA

WOMEN
September 29 & 30
Smoky Mountain Women’s Getaway
Coker Creek, TN

Here we go! Sitting down and writing this article is my first official act as the minister at Gap Creek. I’m thrilled to be part of this loving congregation and look forward to an exciting future. I thought I’d kick things off answering a couple of questions that I’ve been asked.

Why am I here at Gap Creek?
Most of you know that I’ve been in the community for over 10 years now serving as assistant librarian at J.B.C. During that time I’ve spent many Sundays filling the pulpit for churches both far and near. I’ve done that because I really enjoy preaching. When I started the interim period back in April, I didn’t have intentions of taking on the role of part-time minister, but two things quickly convinced me otherwise. The first convincing factor has been the response to my messages. The encouraging comments after sermons, requests for copies of outlines and recordings and even referring to what I’ve said in Sunday school has floored me! I’ve never had such positive feedback! It seemed that the Lord was telling me that with my preaching, I could do my best service for him right here close to home. The second convincing factor has been the way my family has been embraced by the church. When I filled the pulpit a few years ago, Lisa and the boys couldn’t attend much because of commitments elsewhere. This time however, they have been able to attend and experience the wonderful spirit of community you have here at Gap Creek. To be honest, we’ve all been overwhelmed by your love and encouragement. When I put these two reasons together, it was more than enough to convince me that this is where God wants me.

What am I going to be doing at Gap Creek?
It’s clear to me that succeeding Phil Zook will be a challenge. Phil is a godly man and a marvelous servant of the Lord who can do about anything. You’ll find my abilities to be more limited, especially in the area of being a handy man. (My fix-it skills are legendary in our home; Clay still teases me about how I have been in a better mood ever since I accidentally shocked myself changing a plug!). Well, what exactly then will I be doing as the part-time minister?

- I’ll be handling the preaching on Sunday mornings. Sunday evenings will continue to be done by the men in the church. It is a blessing for me to be preached to as well (and Lisa’s preaching doesn’t count!) I hope you’ll plan on coming on Sunday evenings too, to hear good messages done in different styles from different perspectives.

- I’ll preside over the services on Sunday and Wednesday. That means if you have an announcement that needs to be made, I’ll be the man to see. By the way, Jerry Mattingly continues as teacher for the adult Bible Study on Wednesday night. He’s currently leading us through a study of Isaiah. If you haven’t been coming this is a great opportunity to learn the Bible from a wonderful teacher.

-I’ll be available to perform weddings and funerals as needed.

-I’ll be a representative and the contact person for the church in the community. For example, on August 6th, I’ll be attending a meeting of Christian Student Fellowship of U.T. where they will be announcing some exciting new plans.

-I’ll be involved with the elders in the pastoral work of the church. By all means, if a need arises (someone is in the hospital, etc.) please let me know. You can reach me at the library at JBC at 251-2275 or at home at 251-2389. For any matters that can be best communicated by email my address is jhale@jbc.edu.

-I’ll be involved in board meetings and help in putting together special services for the church as well.

I want to close by asking for your prayers. Between my family, my work at the college and my ministry, the Lord has blessed me with a full plate of things to do. Pray for me that I can handle all these important roles well and to His glory.

Grace and Peace,
Jon

Spencer, Pat and Aaron Garner are home on furlough from Mongolia. Aaron will be a freshman at JBC this fall.

Joyce Iverson has returned home from her 6 months Internship with Christian Missionary Fellowship in Mexico.

August 17th - Smoky Mountain Christian Men’s Fellowship at West Towne C. C.

August 19th - Riverwood Christian Community 20th Anniversary

August 27th -Tim and Erin MacSaveny return from Tanzania.

November 16-19th– National Missionary Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana

BroBrothers and Sisters,

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 reads: These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.

In order to better promote the learing, memory, and application of God’s Word, we are in the process of bringing Bible Bowl back to Gap Creek. As some of you know, Gap Creek used to be a very influential player in Bible Bowl. It is our goal to again be a top player in the competition and have a lot of fun doing it. What do we need? Obviously, we need equipment and study resources, but our greatest need is dedicated volunteers. If you would like to help coach a team please let me or Penny Kobel know. If you can help with transportation to competitions, let us know. If you would like to help in anyway, but have time restrictions, let us know. We are excited about the upcoming fall schedule. Our goal is to compete in the following competitions this year:

Soon, I will be asking some of you to actively participate in the soon-to-be formed youth ministry team. I am excited about what God is doing at Gap Creek, especially with our youth. Please continue to pray, and let us minister to the world, community and each other with grace and truth.

Upcoming Events for the Elementary School age:
August 19 - Cookout and Fire at the Yeatts’ House -Time TBA
September -TBA

Special Recognition:
A big THANK YOU and GREAT JOB to Erica and Alex for their dedication to teaching Children’s Church every Sunday. They are doing a great job!!! To Becky Quesinberry, who helps teach the Pre-School class every Sunday and has even helped in the nursery; she is doing a wonderful job and is a big help! Great job to Seth Hale for his communion meditation several weeks ago, well done!! And let us not forget Skyler’s communion meditation several months ago. He did a great job and we hope to see him up there again!

With love, Jason

Clarence and Ethelyn Linsenbigler have been transplanted! Their new home is Homewood Residence at Deane Hill in Knoxville. I’m sure this move was made with mixed emotions, but seeds for the Kingdom are being sown.

Proverbs 11:18 says, “…..but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”

Ethelyn is sowing at Homewood. Read her account.

“Something I noticed immediately upon our arrival at Homewood Residence at Deane Hill was the absence of a Bible Study. This weighed on my mind a lot. I prayed about it and mentioned this to one of the residents, a retired Baptist preacher of 91 years of age. He said they tried but met with resistance. Time went by and another woman mentioned it and I immediately discussed this with her. (She was a new resident.) I then mentioned this to the Director of Life Enrichment and she thought it would be wonderful and so it started. We started the very next Wednesday with 11 residents present and Caroline and I decided that John would be a good place to begin. We had wondered about excluding men but decided we could not. It has worked out very well with good participation and encouragement from all. We average 12 to 14 men and women.

We are dealing with people of different backgrounds and varying degrees of mental acuity and hearing loss. One thing I have discovered is the eagerness for this quiet time and prayer. There is a peacefulness to it all. We are strictly reading the scriptures with some discussion and help from a commentary Jack Lowe so kindly installed in my computer. Occasionally, our resident retired preacher contributes from his vast knowledge. He has traveled widely and been to the Holy Land. The comfort and assurances we receive from this time of study is a great encouragement to all. We are also looking as to how we might be better able to witness to those who are lost.

I enjoy leading this group. We all know our ultimate destination. Just pray for us that we might draw others into this time of refreshment and fellowship.”