Dan Gould

  • Easter at Grace Community Church

    What a weekend!  It actually all started on Thursday with our Holy Thursday Service.  It was so fresh seeing the history played out with live Disciples and Jesus sharing the Last Supper, as Steve shared the connection and significance of this Last Supper during Passover.  It was an awesome way to kick off Easter weekend.

    On Saturday was the Family pic-nic.  So good to see families having fun together as the church.  We had a great turnout and gave away 3 family trips to Disney World.  So awesome!!!

    We held three Easter services this weekend.  The worship team consisted of two people involved in our Students Band.  They did awesome.  It was great connecting with families this weekend and being in the services with the adults.  I missed teaching in Fusion today, but I value families being able to be together on Easter Sunday.  Here is the outline from the Easter Message:

    What it means to follow Jesus?

    Follow His Example!
    -who are you following?
    -if you don’t decide someone will decide for you.
    — James 13:17
    — John 8:12
    — Matt 7:24

    -Two benefits of following Jesus:
    — clarity
    — stability

    Accept His Grace!
    – grace = god giving me what I need, instead of what I deserve
    — Romans 5:17
    — Romans 3:22
    — Mark 10:15

    Invest My Life in Him!
    — Romans 6:13
    — Matt 25:14-29

    Trust His Wisdom and Strength
    — Colossians 2:6
    — Romans 8:28
    — Philippians 4:13
    – when you start worrying you stop trusting.

    Hold on to His Promise!
    — Hebrews 6:18
    — Romans 8:38-39
    — John 11:25-26
    — 1 Peter 1:3-4
    — Psalm 90:12

    Hope you had a great Easter!  My family sure did.  We spent the day at friends house eating, laughing, playing guitar hero, jumping on the trampoline, and watching a little golf.  Fun weekend for sure and great way to remember and celebrate all that Jesus has dome for us.

  • The Pulse – wk 1 April 09

    This Weekend Announcements

    THE LORD’S SUPPER HAPPENS THIS WEEKEND

    We will explain and participate in the Lord’s Supper this weekend.  Should be an awesome time together! We hope to see you this Sunday!!
    MS – 9:15-10:30
    HS – 11:00012:15

    PAINTBALL
    On Saturday, April 4th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Fort Paintball     its on like Donkey Kong.  Make sure you’re there at 12:45pm to get your gear and turn in your forms (we will have them there and a parent must sign)!  Questions about directions visit – http://www.fortpaintball.com
    Cost – $30 per person and includes 500 paintball’s and gear
    Cost – $15 per person if you have your own gear

    BAPTISM
    On April 5th, Palm Sunday,     we will have a Baptism Service at 1:00.  If you want to be baptized sign up on our webpage gracefusion.com
    http://www.gracefusion.com/index.cfm/pageid/596/index.html
    Or you can check “I want to be Baptized” on the tear off and we will get you more info!

    HOLY THURSDAY SERVICE
    April 9th, in the Big House at 7pm.     We will sit as a group in the front center left section.  Hope you will join us!

    EASTER
    Easter weekend all Fusion Students will meet in the big house with the adults.  We encourage you to sit with your family or with the group in the front left side of the Worship Center.
    EACH ONE, BRING ONE – Invite someone to Easter Services
    Saturday, April 11th – Family Picnic, Service 6pm
    Sunday, April 12th  – Services at 9:15 and 11:00

    EASTER DONATIONS NEEDED
    We are in need of empty, plastic eggs, Wrapped candy, AND Hula hoops!
    Please drop off all donations at the labeled bins around campus

    WILD WEEK MANDATORY MEETING
    Everyone participating in Wild Week must attend the Mandatory Meeting on Sunday April 19th from 12:30-1:30 in the Student Center.     We will have important info and forms that have to be turned in at this meeting.  You can still register for camp online or at Seeds Book Store.
    Pre – $315 before March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $335 after March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $365 after April 19th can only happen if space is available.

    MEXICO MISSION TRIP (Tentative)
    Happens June 13th – 20th register online or at Seeds Book Store
    Pre – $400 before April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $415 after April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $425 after May 10th can only happen if space is available.

    SMALL GROUPS
    Wednesdays 7-8:30pm for 6th- 10th grades
    Sundays 7-8:30 for 11th – 12th grades

  • The Pulse – version 3.3

    This Weekend Announcements

    TEMPTATION CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND

    This is the new series starting this weekend.  Should be a good one and we hope to see you this Sunday!!
    MS – 9:15-10:30
    HS – 11:00012:15

    ESL @ MEADOWS ELEMENTARY
    This Tuesday from 5-7 and Thursday from 5-8 is our last chance to hang out and impact the kids at Meadows while their parents learn English.  Let’s make a lasting impact on these kids.  Show up at Meadows Elementary at 4:45 and be prepared to have a blast! PAINTBALL
    On Saturday, April 4th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Fort Paintball     its on like Donkey Kong.  Make sure you’re there at 12:45pm to get your gear and turn in your forms (we will have them there and a parent must sign)!  Questions about directions visit – http://www.fortpaintball.com
    Cost – $30 per person and includes 500 paintball’s and gear
    Cost – $15 per person if you have your own gear

    BAPTISM
    On April 5th, Palm Sunday,     we will have a Baptism Service at 1:00.  If you want to be baptized sign up on our webpage gracefusion.com
    http://www.gracefusion.com/index.cfm/pageid/596/index.html
    Or you can check “I want to be Baptized” on the tear off and we will get you more info!

    WILD WEEK MANDATORY MEETING
    Everyone participating in Wild Week must attend the Mandatory Meeting on Sunday April 19th from 12:30-1:30 in the Student Center.     We will have important info and forms that have to be turned in at this meeting.  You can still register for camp online or at Seeds Book Store.
    Pre – $315 before March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $335 after March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $365 after April 19th can only happen if space is available.

    MEXICO MISSION TRIP
    Happens June 13th – 20th register online or at Seeds Book Store
    Pre – $400 before April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $415 after April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $425 after May 10th can only happen if space is available.

    SMALL GROUPS
    Wednesdays 7-8:30pm for 6th- 10th grades
    Sundays 7-8:30 for 11th – 12th grades

  • Announcement Video from Sunday

  • Colossians 3:1-17

    “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

    5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile,[c] circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized,[d] slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

    12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 1415 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

    16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” v. 1-17 (NLT)

    What does it mean to put on the new nature?  It means that your conduct should match your faith.  If you are a Christian, you should act like it.  To be a Christian means more than just taking the right actions.  This is a straightforward step that is as simple as putting on your clothes.  You must rid yourself of all evil practices and immorality.  Then you can commit yourself to what Christ teaches.  If you have made such a commitment to Christ, are you remaining true to it?  What old clothes do you need to strip off?

    In this passage Paul offers a strategy to help us live for God:

    1. Imitate Christ’s compassionate forgiving attitude
    2. Let love guide your life
    3. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart
    4. Always be thankful
    5. Keep Gods Word in you at all times
    6. Live as a representative of Jesus Christ

  • Colossians 2:1-15

    “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

    8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers[a] of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” v. 4-10

    Nothing excites me more than seeing someone come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Their excitement and passion to see other experience what they have is so encouraging.  But sadly, many of them seem to lose that excitement after a little while.  Why does this happen?  That’s a great question and maybe something you have experienced also.

    In today’s passage, Paul addresses this very thing.  He says that with the same excitement and passion you accepted Jesus, you must use to continue to follow Him.  It’s not always going to be easy and it is going to take some work on your part, but the truth is, the more you spend time with God in His Word and through Prayer, the closer you will be to Him and the more excited you will stay about your relationship with Him.

    Personal Growth has to happen in-order for the things of God to stay fresh and exciting in your life.  Without personal growth, your faith will become weak, and God will seem distant.  Just like a plant needs soil and water to grow, we need the Word of God and Prayer in our lives to grow deeper in-love with God.

  • The Pulse – March wk 1 – 2009

    March wk- 1 – 2009

    Important Information

    • ONE Night happens this Wednesday at the Church.  Small groups will meet at the church also.  ONE Night’s goal is to connect students with God in a way that is understandable and experiential. It will include high energy worship, a crowd game, videos, a short talk centered around ONE topic, and Brittany Stene will share her story. This is definitely ONE Night you won’t want to miss, and ONE Night you’ll want to bring your friends!
    • Wild Week registration is open but the price goes up after this weekend.  Make sure you register early to get the best price.  We will have a Mandatory Wild Week meeting on Sunday April 19th @ 12:30 in the Student Center.
    • Mexico Mission Trip registration is open and the price of that goes up April 5th, so make sure you register for that also.  There will be a very important Mission Trip Meeting on MAY 17TH @ 12:30 in the Student Center.
    • Make sure you see the Baptism info below.

    This Weekend Announcements
    ONE NIGHT
    Wednesday March 11th from 7:00 – 8:30 in the Student Center
    All Small Groups will come together for One Service, Honoring One God, Becoming One Voice, with One Challenge . . . To Bring One Friend that doesn’t know Christ!  Don’t Miss it . . . it’s going to be RAD! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

    BAPTISM
    Several of you have shown interest in being baptized.  We are encouraging anyone who hasn’t and wants to get baptized on April 5th Palm Sunday, following the church service.  It will be a great time to celebrate and an opportunity for you to show others what God is doing in your life!  Just check I want to be Baptized on the tear off and we will get you more info!

    PAINTBALL
    Mark your calendar for Saturday April 4th.  More info will be coming soon!

    MEXICO MISSION TRIP
    Happens June 13th – 20th register on-line or at Seeds Book Store
    Pre – $400 before April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $415 after April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $425 after May 10th can only happen if space is available.

    WILD WEEK
    Happens July 7th – 11th register on-line or at Seeds Book Store
    Pre – $315 before March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $335 after March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $365 after April 19th can only happen if space is available.

    Mandatory Wild Week Meeting

    This is a very important meeting where we will fill out all paperwork and registration forms for Wild Week 2009 at Camp WOW in Oklahoma.   Here are the details:

    Mandatory Wild Week Meeting

    • Sunday, April 19th at 12:30 in the Student Center (for anyone going to Wild Week or interested in going)

    Who Should Attend?

    • Students planning to attend or wanting to go
    • Parents of students planning to attend or wanting to go
    • Volunteers planning to attend

    At the meeting we will give details about the camp, pass out time sensitive paperwork, and answer questions that you may have!

    This was an awesome camp last year and God did an amazing things in our group!  We are so excited to go back this year and hope that you will join us!

    Mexico Mission Trip Update

    The Mexico Mission Trip is right around the corner.  We are expecting a lot of students participating and want to make sure everyone has all the info they need.  Therefore we will hold an important Mexico Mission Trip meeting on May 17th. Here are the details:

    Mexico Mission Trip Meeting (Please Note the Change)

    • Sunday, May 17th at 12:30 in the Student Center (for anyone interested in going)

    Who Should Attend?

    • Students wanting to go
    • Parents wanting to go
    • Volunteers wanting to go
    • Parents of teenagers that want to go

    At the meeting we will give info on what we will be doing the week we are there and answer questions that you may have!

    This was an awesome trip last year and God did an amazing work in us and through us.  We are so excited to go back this year and hope that you will join us!

  • Philippians 3

    “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” v. 10-11

    How dedicated are you to knowing Christ?  Are you willing to sacrifice desires to get to know him more?  When I read these words its easy for me to say, “oh man, I want to experience this!” It’s easy for me to be excited about it, and maybe even highlight the verses in my Bible or memorize them, but what I forget to consider is the cost of having this type of relationship.  Living for Christ means that I have to surrender my life on a daily basis to Jesus!  Let’s be honest, some days are easier than other days, some hours are easier than other hours, and some minutes are easier than other minutes, but at the end of the day I have to ask myself this question, “Today, did I live more for Christ or Myself?”  It’s in this question that we find the areas that we have or haven’t surrendered completely to God.  These areas are either drawing us closer to God, or keeping us from experiencing the mighty power of God that raised Jesus from the dead.  I can only speak for myself, but I want to be totally surrendered so I can experience the mighty power of God that raised Jesus from the dead! It’s in this daily surrender that I find the power of God working in my daily life.  It’s not always easy, and some days are a real battle, but nothing can compare to experiencing the power of God!

    Father, help us to see you and to be more like you so we can experience all of you changing us and others by the things you are doing in our life.

  • Planet Wisdom – Awesome!!!

    We had a great time at Planet Wisdom this last weekend.  Grace has used Planet Wisdom for our MS Retreat for several years now.  This year was my second one and probably my favorite of the two.  The whole weekend centered around this journey of Gods Story and Our Story.  I know our students really engaged.  They laughed, worshiped, and learned a lot from the weekend. I am excited to see how God uses this weekend to impact our ministry.

    Here are some pics that were captured from the weekend,

  • Philippians 2:1-18

    “Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.” v. 14-18 (NLT)

    As Christ Followers we are a called to live above reproach!  This is sometimes challenging because our flesh, human nature, or sin nature, wants to go against this process.  We sometimes find it easier to complain and argue about issues instead of praying and engaging to make a difference.  But the challenge to become more like Christ remains.

    Today, lets focus on our attitude.  Lets be mindful of our words and body language and look for ways to serve others.  When we do this, the Bible says we shine brighter Jesus, and people have less power or things to criticize us about.