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The congregation at Grace Bible Church in Amsterdam.

GRACE BIBLE CHURCH OF BOTETOURT TO CELEBRATE OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY JULY 11, 2009 AT 3:00 P.M. submitted by Terri Frantz

Grace Bible Church of Botetourt will be celebrating its 5th birthday as well as celebrating the purchase of the building. It is hosting an open house on Saturday July 11, 2009 at 3:00-6:00 p.m. The public is invited to share in refreshments and door prizes. For More information call 992-6909.

There are many styles of churches and many groups within Christianity. Grace Bible Church of Botetourt, a nondenominational Church founded in 2003, arose out of the conviction that we do not need more partisanism or programs. " What we need is an emphasis on the grace of God and in-depth knowledge of the Bible, the Word of God," said Terri Frantz, a charter member.

We believe the Bible is God's revelation of Himself and His will. Therefore, our knowledge of God and ourselves must begin with an in-depth knowledge of what God said. Our emphasis at Grace Bible Church is on trying to understand what God has said and meant and how to use His principles in our lives. From the Bible we discover many important truths. Some are how to have our sins forgiven and get to heaven, how to live pleasing to God, where we came from, how to understand the world in which we live, and what's going to happen in the future.

Grace Bible Church is more of a traditional Church because our emphasis is not on cutting-edge fads but on knowing God through knowing his Word. We enjoy singing the old hymns of the faith as well as some of the more conservative newer songs.

"God has blessed us in leading us to the property in Amsterdam and allowing us to purchase it," said Pastor Wayne Brooks, the leader of the congregation.

Pastor Brooks grew up in Richmond and received his B.S. in business administration from Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, and his Th.M. in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. Pastor Brooks began his ministry in 1971, pastoring a church in Dallas, Pennsylvania for nine years. In 1981, he and Rosemary moved to Botetourt County where he pastored locally for 22 years before beginning Grace Bible Church in December, 2003.