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Sunday, August 10

"From the Temple to the Cross: The Journey of Christ"

Luke 2:41-51

Pastor Gary Foreman will be sharing the message this Sunday at 10:00am. Pastor Gary and Pastor Bryon will be swapping pulpits this Sunday.

There will be Kids Ministry Programming at 10:00am and 11:00am.

Pastor Gary Foreman

Abundant Life Church of Christ

Richmond, VA

Gary Foreman, whose formal name is Adrian Garrett Foreman, is more affectionately called Pastor “G” and is also known as Pastor Gary. Pastor Gary was called into the ministry at a very young age. From his youth, Pastor Gary exhibited leadership, integrity, and Godly principles to the adults, young adults and youth of the Abundant Life Church of Christ (ALCC) in Richmond, Virginia. Pastor Gary dedicated most of his young adult life to developing a successful youth ministry at ALCC for nearly thirty years. He named the youth ministry S.A.L.T. which stands for Soldiers Armed for Latter Times, which continues to minister to generations of youth. Under his leadership, the youth ministry was further expanded with the S.A.L.T. Youth Conferences that successfully spanned over ten (10) years in operation.

Pastor Gary is the second-oldest son of five children to Apostle Steve and Lady Olivia Foreman, ALCC Founding Pastors. He has always had a heart and desire to know God intimately and exhort others to develop a relationship with God as well. Because of his faithfulness, dedication and hunger for the Word, Pastor Gary was ordained as an Elder by the ALCC Presbytery on December 19, 1999. He served whole-heartedly, filling in the gap of whatever needed to be done. At the onset of 2012, per his father’s direction, Pastor Gary stepped up to the responsibility of more pastoral duties of ALCC. On April 10, 2016, after 53 years in Pastoral Ministry, his parents installed him as the Senior Pastor of ALCC.

Pastor Gary attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he studied Business. With big plans, he dreamed of making millions when God interrupted his plans with the call to the ministry. He worked diligently at ALCC as an Administrator for three (3) decades before taking over as Senior Pastor. Pastor Gary has travelled on the mission field to Kenya, Africa and South Africa spreading the Word of God as well as the S.A.L.T. Youth Ministry abroad.

Pastor Gary often states that the world does not know how to party, because “there’s no party like a Holy Ghost party!” Pastor Gary brings excitement to any service or event with his “Roll Call” musical chant. He also reiterates that church is not boring, but people are, because God is awesome and performs miraculous works. Being born and raised in church, he brings the Word to life with everyday experiences, and practical application and comedic stylings. He also incorporates creativity into his messages with Illustrated Sermons. His ministry and teachings have touched and changed the lives of many people; old and young globally.

Pastor Gary is married to LaTanya Moore Foreman and they have two sons, DeJon and Ayden (deceased). He and his family reside in King William County. As Senior Pastor, Gary continues to perfect God’s ministry by studying the Word and availing himself to God’s will for his life. Pastor Gary’s unique and often humorous preaching style will bless, challenge and enhance your life for the better.

Mark your calendars for our Church Picnic on Sunday, August 10th from 4 - 7 pm at Deep Run Park (Shelters 1 and 2).

There will be food, fun, and fellowship. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided. Please bring a side to share.

We will plan to eat around 5:00pm. Games will be begin at 4:15pm.

RAIN OR SHINE! In the case of inclement weather, the picnic will be at the church in the gym.

Sign up below.

Gayton has 4 staff openings that have been posted. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please pass along this information. See job openings at gayton.church/joinourstaff.

The Right Approach

Our various approaches to life can be of a lesser consequence or of paramount importance. It could be the difference between how you approach your next shot on the golf course, or how you approach a sensitive topic with a loved one. 

Most critical to this topic is how we approach our Lord and Savior. He has made it so easy a child can master it. He turns the complexities of faith into an ease of utter simplicity. Jesus says we need to come to Him as a little child.

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Mt18:3

A stunning statement. But not so difficult to understand...

Children are purity and innocence personified. They are fully trusting--secure in the knowledge of the prominent place they hold in the hearts of their parents. They are carriers of such sweet and simple offerings of joy--as in a fistful of dandelions. They can also express an explosive love--as they run full tilt and hurl themselves into our arms! They are fully present in every moment, and are endlessly curious as they explore the world around them. Most of all, they love to imitate their parents because they love them completely, without reservation. They want to be Just.Like.Them.

We witness this phenomenon as they "play house": Little kitchens with pretend food; plastic brooms, vacuums, lawn mowers and tool kits. Then there's the tender "caretaking" of a baby doll or stuffed animal—wrapped in a favorite blankie, singing lullabies, rocking in arms.

As adults we need never lose our childlike wonder when it comes to our faith. We continue to explore and learn, to be present in every moment, to uncover the deep joys that can be found within the life we have been given. We fully trust our heavenly parent, and we are absolutely called to imitate our Lord, Jesus Christ. We want to be Just.Like.Him.

We can never go wrong when approaching life as an image bearer of Christ--through a living, trusting, and unwavering faith. We can approach the Throne of Grace boldly, intimately knowing our place in His heart--the place He took on the Cross that was meant for us.

Jesus takes the over-complicated, rigid nonsense of “religion” and reduces it to the simple faith of a child: We simply turn toward the One who loves and longs for us the most! The One who languished upon a Cross. With childlike wonder, let's run to Him with thank-filled fistfuls of flowering joy, bounding into those wide open arms like a giddy child. Even the child that the world may have chosen last, but that God chooses first.

Human parental love is expressed both verbally and physically. How much more has God, the Father demonstrated His love for His children, through Word and deed. From birth to rebirth, He created us for Himself.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—John 1:12

Just believe and receive as a child of God…and live, into eternity.

Wendy Jones

Discipleship Council

Thinking about joining a Bible Study class? There are classes on Sunday mornings for all ages and stages. Check one out this Sunday!

Contact Jennifer@gayton.church for more information or if you have questions.

The Gayton choir will begin rehearsing on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm in the Worship Center beginning August 14. If you have ever wanted to try out singing in the choir, now is the time! If you have any questions, please contact Matt@gayton.church.

What happens when a church's mission to serve intersects with the unique needs of families raising children with rare and chronic illnesses?

When a community leans into love and service, remarkable things can happen. This summer, Gayton Baptist Church and Better2gether RVA came together in a meaningful new partnership -- one that brought nourishment, comfort, and compassion directly to the doorsteps of families raising children with rare and complex medical illnesses. What began as a simple idea to reimagine the church's annual Mission Weekend turned into a powerful show of support, as congregants of all ages prepared and delivered homemade meals to every Better2gether family, demonstrating the impact of local service rooted in empathy and faith.

Please read more about Gayton Baptist Church and their meaningful support of Better2gether families.

Faith & Recovery Ministry

Calling all Volunteers!!  Our ministry continues to grow and we serve in so many ways.  Not surprisingly, we need more volunteers.  We hope you’ll check out our ministry and consider how you might serve.  You can go to the GBC website “Missions>Serve” page, or click on this link: 

https://gayton.church/faithandrecovery

Like Corinthians 12:12-27 conveys – we are each an important part of the body, and without each part – the body is not whole, and not as effective.  We are immensely thankful for each volunteer on our team, and hope you’ll consider joining us.  We would love to have you on the team!

If you would like to learn more, please contact Mike Brumagin at mikebrum89@gmail.com.

August 5, 2025

Opening Highlights

Today we served roughly 40 families. 14 of those were deliveries for Better2gether and local families. Two new drive thru families were welcomed and 3 new Better2gether families have been welcomed with deliveries. 

With the summer weather, our guests receive a large amount of produce vs canned goods. This week everyone received corn, bananas, broccoli and a melon. Thanks to Tom Leonard’s for the wonderful fresh produce and the donation of snack items being distributed to our guests and True Recovery Houses. 

In a few short months, the Care Ministry Angel Tree will be put up in our lobby. Planning is in the early stages. If you or a group is interested in adopting a family, please leave a message at the church office. 

Our item of the month is pasta sauce. A jar, a case,… any amount is greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at the office, welcome center or outside the gym doors. 

Many prayer requests and some praise reports were discussed with our families. We feel very fortunate to have established and maintained relationships with each served.

Some of our Quest summer campers had a chance to learn about the food pantry and create paper bags and cards for our families. See a few of the sweet bags and cards decorated.

Thank you for your support.

What's your favorite pasta sauce? Bring a jar or two of your favorite pasta sauce for the Gayton Food Pantry during August. Thanks to the many generous donations of pasta, only sauces are needed at this time.

Bring donations to the Welcome Desk or the black bin outside the gym entrance. Our Food Pantry relies mostly on donations, and as always, any and all donations are appreciated.

Bible Study class at 11:00am on Sundays for Young Adults (Beyond) in Rm. 223

Young Adult Lifenights are on Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm in the cafe area.

Contact Jennifer@gayton.church for more information.

Sunday, August 10

10:00am - Worship

11:00am - Brunch in the Drawing Room (gym)

4:00 - 7:00 PM - Church Picnic at Deep Run Park - Shelters 1 & 2 - sign up below

In person Nursery Care (birth - 3 years), Preschool Church (ages 3 - Pre K) and Elementary Kids Worship (grades K-5) is scheduled to take place during the 10am Worship Service and during the 11am Bible Study hour.

Virtual Preschool Church & Elementary Kids Worship services are posted in our Facebook group at 8 am each Sunday and are left up for the week. 

Join us on Sunday, August 17, for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks. Students of all ages, as well as educators, are invited to bring their backpacks and receive a special blessing as the new school year begins.

Here is a summary of the tithes and offering received last month:

*  Total Tithes & Offerings (July): $47,351.74

*  July Budget Goal: $65,000.00

*  Shortfall: $17,648.26

Your generous giving supports ministry, missions, outreach and the daily operations of the Church.