Marriage Retreat 2016

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In late-October we had a great time with licensed, Christian counselor Virginia Pignato, she came from Florida to be our featured speaker for our first Marriage Retreat. She helped our participants to recognize their individual temperament tendencies, and then helped couples to recognize the value of the similarities and differences between them. Through various exercises and activities, couples learned how to recognize stress indicators for their partner and how to avoid tension and obtain harmony.

At the conclusion of the weekend, couples observed the Lord’s Supper, prayed for one another, and left with a new understanding of their partner. The weekend provided such valuable information that couples are already requesting that Virginia plan a return trip in the near future.

While the four-session discussions provided the “meat” of the retreat, it was the luxurious accommodations that were the “cherry on top.” For as only God could, He connected the dots that reunited a fellow believer from Alabama and Pastor Buff.

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The Complete Album Can Be Viewed Here

When Pastor Buff was invited to a Missions Conference in Alabama in early 2016, this man and his wife indicated that they own a vacation home on the Jersey Shore. They generously offered the use of their shore home to the Grace Falls family during the off-season.

We are so thankful for their hospitality that allowed us to be able to provide an affordable Marriage Retreat in a beautiful setting at the beach. Six of our couples were able to take advantage of this valuable, relationship-enhancing opportunity!

Fall Life On Mission Opportunities

Here are two opportunities for us to put our faith into action and live life on mission:

> Northeast Community Outreach

The Grace Falls family and friends are encouraged to support Pastor Alonzo Johnson and his wife Rhonda of Northeast Community Outreach as they host a Community Fall Party. This family-friendly event will be held Saturday, October 22, 11am–3pm, in Wissinoming Park in Philadelphia. Help them to connect with this community as you serve food, encourage game participation and celebrate the transitioning season!

Participants are encouraged to meet at the McNickle’s home at 9am on Saturday to caravan to the park. Please send Pastor Buff a text message or email Buff@gracefallsac.org to verify that you will attend.

> The NeighborHOOD Church

Following the Sunday Gathering, the Grace Falls family is encouraged to support new church plant Pastor Ken Richardson of The NeighborHOOD Church as they host their first Neighborhood Fall Party. This family-friendly event will be held Sunday, October 23, 2–5pm, 2516 Snyder Av. Philadelphia. Help them to connect with this community as you serve food, encourage game participation and bring the joy you have in your heart to this community!

Dress comfortably. We will leave after the Gathering and stop for lunch as we caravan together. Please send Pastor Buff a text message or email Buff@gracefallsac.org to indicate if you will attend and if you can provide transportation.

Neighborhood Fall Party

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Our Neighborhood Fall Party was a huge success. We had many new faces join us as we enjoyed a relaxing day of fun day under a beautiful October sky. The children enjoyed games, a cupcake walk, scavenger hunt, and a hayride. They received tickets for each activity they took part in, so at the end of the day, they traded their tickets for prizes!

A group of high school students from First Baptist, Albertville, Alabama, joined us to help to host the events. While they made sure that the children had fun at the games, our Grace Falls family members were free to interact with our guests.

The food was delicious as we enjoyed roasted pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, and a variety of dishes and desserts that features some delicious fall recipes!

Next weekend, the Grace Falls family will travel to assist two fellow church planters who will be hosting similar events in their neighborhoods on Saturday and Sunday.

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Welcome Our Mission Partners

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Oct. 15–18: First Baptist, Albertville Mission Team

We are so excited to welcome the Student Mission Team from Albertville, Alabama! They will help to host our third annual Neighborhood Fall Party. By helping to manage the games and activities, our Grace Falls family will be free to interact with our guests. They will also travel to the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia to strengthen the partnership we have with Ziegler Neighborhood School. They will also serve at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and help meet needs of the homeless.

Oct. 18–20: Heritage Mission Team, Cantonment, FL

This church has partnered with fellow Church Plant Pastor Alonzo Johnson of Northeast Community Outreach. Their team will provide helping hands to assist with the first Dad and Me Night at Ziegler Neighborhood School in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia. Heritage Pastor Jeff Howard has graciously agreed be a part of a panel discussion to pose ideas of how we can all take a step to help racial and cultural healing within our community and nation.

Oct. 20–25: Calvary Mission Team, Shreveport, LA

This team will be very busy as they provide assistance to three church plants during their visit. They will be helping to host Neighborhood Fall Parties for the Northeast Community Outreach in the Frankford neighborhood on Saturday, as well as for the Neighbor-HOOD Church event on Sunday afternoon, both in the Philadelphia area.

Check out the opportunities to work with these teams to help live "Life On Mission"

Life On Mission Opportunities

We talk a lot at Grace Falls about living out the gospel and living life on mission. Here are some opportunities to put what we believe into action.

THURSDAY October 20th Dad & Me Night 6–7:30pm, Ziegler School, Frankford, PA

The Grace Falls family and friends are invited to join with Northeast Community Outreach and the Ziegler Fatherhood Initiative to host the first Dad’s Club event of the new school year. Volunteers are needed to welcome kids and the significant man in their life, serve refreshments, and make sure everyone has a great time at the Dad & Me Night. To learn more, contact Alonzo Johnson at Alonzo@neoutreach.com or 215-385-2128.

SATURDAY October 22nd Community Fall Party 11am–3pm, Wissinoming Park | 5801 Frankford Av | Philadelphia

The Grace Falls family and friends are invited to join with Northeast Community Outreach as they host a Community Fall Party. Volunteers are needed to help to cook, manage the games, and make sure that those who attend will experience a positive connection to others within their community. To learn volunteer, contact Alonzo Johnson at Alonzo@neoutreach.com or 215-385-2128.

SUNDAY October 23rd Community Fall Party 2–5pm, Snyder Avenue | Philadelphia

The Grace Falls family and friends are invited to join with Neighbor-HOOD CHURCH as this new church plant to host a Community Fall Party. Volunteers are needed to help to cook, manage the games, and make sure that those who attend will experience a positive connection to others within their community. The Grace Falls family will caravan to this event immediately following our Sunday Gathering.

Cape May Marriage Retreat

Coming October 28-30

You know that great marriages don't happen by accident. No matter how long you have been married, now’s your chance to take an intentional step toward strengthening your marriage as you and your spouse spend the weekend at a luxurious beach house in Cape May.

Our guest speaker will be nationally certified, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Virginia Pignato, who has been providing Christian-based counseling therapy since 1996.

The cost for this valuable weekend is $100 per couple, yet the value to your marriage and family could be immeasurable! This minimal fee includes lodging and meals. Optional, romantic and fun excursions will also be a part of our weekend getaway!

This event is intended for married couples and you are encouraged to make arrangements for your children, but if special circumstances arise, do not let this stop you from attending. Contact Cissy McNickle to discuss safe care options for your child(ren).

This beautiful beach home features nine bedrooms, large living area and beautiful views so don’t hesitate to confirm your participation. Register by making your non-refundable deposit of 50%. Full balance will be due October 23.