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! Get CONNECTED!! One of the best ways to connect with people in healthy relationships is through a Good Shepherd Community Church CONNECT Group - a small group of people aiming to connect with God and connect with each other! !
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Good Shepherd CONNECT Groups are an important way for people to connect with the heart of our church, and with each other.!
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Our CONNECT groups meet all throughout the week to help us love each other, grow together, and serve God together. Whoever you are, we have a group for you!!
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Throughout this booklet you will see a variety of groups to meet almost any area of interest. We encourage you to make a commitment now to get connected this semester and join one of our CONNECT Groups.!
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If you are interested in joining a CONNECT group, email CONNECTgroups@GSCCConnect.com.!
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! In this booklet you will find information about all kinds of CONNECT Groups. There are groups for men, women, couples, and young people. ! There are groups that meet for Bible study, marriage and family development, financial skills, or other areas of discipleship. ! Some groups meet for recreational activities like motorcycle riding, arts and crafts, aerobics, softball, or family activities.! But every group has something in common – relationships. Our hope and desire is that you discover a group that helps you build friendships and be strengthened in the Lord. ! While there are groups that meet all throughout the week, on ! Wednesday evenings we provide children’s and youth ministry at GSCC, ! making it easy to get the entire family connected and growing in God.! (Groups begin the week of January 25 and run through May 12 with a break during the week of Spring Break)!
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As the Wednesday night groups for adults meet throughout the city, The Pond Nursery, HERO Kids, & The Core Youth Ministry meet here at GSCC. Doors open at 6:15 for The Pond Nursery & Hero Kids Children’s Ministry ! and pick-up time will be promptly at 8:00 pm. For those with children, simply drop your kids off at GSCC and head to your group! ! Your children will have a blast learning about Jesus while ! you enjoy fun and encouragement in a Connect Group!.!
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CONNECT Groups are fun AND life-changing, so Get Connected!! !2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CONNECT GROUPS FOR MEN ! Coffee With Pastor! ! ! Master’s Men! ! ! Soldiers of the Light!! ! Live for Truth!! !
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CONNECT GROUPS FOR WOMEN ! In Her Shoes!! ! ……………………………………………………………6 ! The Pursuit of God! ! ……………………………………………………………6 ! Cure for the Common Life! ……………………………………………………………7 ! Divorce Care!! ! ……………………………………………………………7 ! Card-Making!! ! ……………………………………………………………7 !! ! Scrapbooking! ! ……………………………………………………………8 ! DIY : Arts & Crafts! ! ……………………………………………………………8 CONNECT GROUPS FOR YOUTH ! The Core Girls! ! ……………………………………………………………9 ! The Surge! ! ! ……………………………………………………………9! SPANISH CONNECT GROUPS ! ! ! Oración y Estudio Bíblico! ……………………………………………………………10 ! Mujeres Del Reino De Dios……………………………………………………………10 ! Un Vida Con Proposito! …………………………………………………………… 11! CONNECT GROUPS FOR MARRIAGE ! Five Days to a New Marriage…………………………………………………………12 ! Love & War! ! ! ……………………………………………………………13 ! Every Great Marriage! ……………………………………………………………13! CONNECT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS OR COUPLES ! Path of a Christian Samurai……………………………………………………………14! ! Why We Believe! ! …………………………………………………………….15 ! ! Financial Peace University!…………………………………………………………….15 ! Intercessory Prayer ! …………………………………………………………….16 ! Intercessory Prayer!! …………………………………………………………….16! ! Study of the Book of Romans………………………………………………………….17 ! Book of Romans! ! …………………………………………………………….17! CONNECT GROUPS FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY ! Aerobics! ! ! …………………………………………………………….18 ! Family Time! ! ! …………………………………………………………….18 ! Freedom Riders! ! …………………………………………………………….19 ! Men’s Softball & Cheering Section…………………………………………………… 19!
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CONNECT Groups For Men!
! Coffee With Pastor! Pastor Richard Hinojosa! [956] 350-8282! !
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Men of all ages are invited to join Pastor Richard on Thursday mornings at 6:30 am in the GSCC Activity Center for a time of coffee, fellowship and a topical Bible study. Learn what it means to have God in me, God with me, and God through me. !
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“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV)!
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Thursday Mornings 6:30 am GSCC Activity Center 300 W. Morrison Road Brownsville, TX 78520 Coffee provided No Childcare Provided
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Master’s Men! Mark Barnard!! ! [956] 371-3003! ! mark@coastalrlty.com!
Jeremy Barnard [956] 371-4007 jeremybarnard09@gmail.com!
This group will study Brian Kluth’s book, Experience God As Your Provider. Book cost is $10 and can be purchased at www.shop.familylife.com! Friday Mornings 6:15 am - 7:30 am Coastal Realty Offices 2910 Central Blvd Coffee provided No Childcare Provided (Those who can, meet for a dutch treat breakfast at Las Brasas Restaurant after the meeting)!
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Soldiers of the Light! Raul Lopez [956] 592-1943 lopezbailbonds@aol.com ! This is a group for men with the desire to grow in a spiritual relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ and who have the willingness to serve and bring salvation to the lost. ! You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1-3 NIV" Monday Evenings 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Holiday Inn 3777 N. Expressway 77/83 Brownsville, TX 78520 Requirements: Bibles No Childcare Provided!
Live For Truth! Allen Walk ! ! ! Allenwalk1@gmail.com ! ! [956] 648-1986!
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This Connect Group will help you start a Bible reading plan and set up a life schedule to help achieve the goals of your life. The objective will be to focus our entire life, resources, time, emotions, talents, finances and relationships on the service and love of Jesus.! Men of all ages welcomed and encouraged to attend! ! Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 2230 El Dorado Ave Apt 2 Rancho Viejo, TX 78575 Childcare Provided at GSCC!
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CONNECT Groups For Women! ! In Her Shoes! Celeste Barnard ! [720] 281-3686!
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Dalila Rodriguez [956] 832-3362!
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Are you new to GSCC and wanting to get connected? Have you been here a while but still desire a deeper connection with other women? Do you enjoy talking with other women about the Bible and what God is doing, but can’t commit to a weekly group? Then join us on the 1st Sunday of the month at 9:00 am in Room 100 here at GSCC. We will have fellowship, coffee and light snacks, dig into the Word, and pray for one another. It won’t be the same without you!! February 1, March 1, April 5, May 3 9:00 am - 10:30 am GSCC Room 100 300 W. Morrison Rd. Brownsville, TX 78520 Childcare Provided at GSCC !
! The Pursuit of God! Deborah Batsell [956] 466-9301 dbatsellfbs@yahoo.com ! This group is for women who want to deepen their relationship with God. We meet early morning for those of us who find our days full. So please come for a time of intimate conversation, diving deeper into God and sweet fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there! ! Tuesday Mornings 6:30 am – 7:30 am GSCC Room 100 300 W. Morrison Road Brownsville, TX 78520 No Childcare Provided!
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Cure for the Common Life “Living in Your Sweet Spot”! Dora Bernal [956] 371-3342! God custom designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment! Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado helps you discover how your ability unveils your destiny…and how to find your uncommon call to an uncommon life. ! Join us as we discover what our uncommon call is and how we can use it for God’s glory.! Thursday Evenings 6:30 pm 2728 El Granero Street Brownsville, TX 78520 No Childcare Provided !
Divorce Care! Mayra Ayala [956] 312-3338 ayalamayra1281@yahoo.com! Find help. Discover hope. Experience healing. You don’t have to go through it alone!! Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 3840 Joseph Ave. Brownsville, TX 78521 Childcare Provided at GSCC!
Card-Making Class! Karen Goewey! [765] 661-4773!
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Judy Gehring!! [956] 459-5203!
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This ladies card-making class is for those that care and want to send the very best! We will make several cards each evening focusing on various techniques and art forms. All materials will be provided!! Wednesdays Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 3120 Arbor Park Brownsville, TX 78526 Childcare Provided at GSCC! !7
Scrapbooking! Kimberly Guillen [956] 455-3730 kansoncoyg@aol.com ! You don't have to be a scrapbooker or creative to join this group! Our main purpose is to give you uninterrupted time to work on your family's pictures and stories. We feel it is so important to pass your family's stories and pictures down to present and future generations. Some people use this time to organize their photos. Some bring their laptops to decide which pictures to develop. Some work on simple scrapbooks. We enjoy each other's company and give each other ideas. Everyone works at their own pace. What are you going to do with all of those pictures you keep taking? Who will remember the stories if they aren't written down? Come to our Scrapbooking Connect Group and finally get all of that down in books for your family to enjoy. ! Friday Evenings – Once A Month Date TBD - Contact Kim 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm GSCC Activity Center 300 W. Morrison Road Brownsville, TX 78520 No Childcare Provided!
DIY: Arts and Crafts! Crystal Chapa! ! ! [956] 832-4938! ! ! crystal@gsccconnect.com!
Mary Crotty [956] 466-4590
Are you looking for some new home décor? Or perhaps some final finishing touches? Let us ignite your creativity! Our group meets not only to create your own Do-It-Yourself arts and crafts, but to most importantly enjoy the company of new friends while we encourage and support each other’s walk with God. Come and explore your artistic side with us! ! Wednesdays - Twice A Month Contact Crystal for Date & Time 6013 Danubio Court Brownsville, TX 78526 Childcare Provided at GSCC!
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CONNECT Groups For Youth ! The CORE Girls! Daniela Loera! [956] 543-2447!
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Calling all high school and middle school aged girls: Join a connect group that is pursuing what it is to be a godly, young woman while having fun fellowshipping together. We will gather together to study Scripture and discover the truth in God's Word! You don't want to miss it, girls!! Sunday Evenings (beginning January 25) 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm 875 Robindale Road Brownsville, TX 78521!
! The Surge! Manny Alvarez! [956] 350-8282!
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Join The Surge class on Sunday Mornings at 11:00 am in Room 100 where we will meet and make our way to the Sanctuary for praise and worship and head back afterwards for a time of teaching and fellowship! This is a class where we will learn about the heart of God for our generation; a place where you can come and be renewed, encouraged and inspired to live a life of love and obedience to God.! Sunday Mornings During 11:00 am Service GSCC Room 100 300 W. Morrison Road Brownsville, TX 78520!
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Spanish Connect Groups! Oración y Estudio Bíblico! Tony & Angelita Chapa [956] 640-2643! Convivir y conectar con otros creyentes para crecer espiritualmente y estudiar la Palabra de Dios. Empesaremos con varias lecciones de como aprender a evangelizar a los no creyentes.! Viernes 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 6013 Danubio Court Brownsville, TX 78526 No habra cuidado para niños!
Mujeres Del Reino De Dios! Liliana Gonzalez! ! [956] 336-9261! ! trevinolily@hotmail.com!
Patricia Trevino [956] 336-9261
Are we taking our place as children of the Most High God? Are we willing to fight the good fight and persevere until the end? I invite you to come together to make God our shield, fortress, victory and firmness.! This is a Spanish-speaking group for women of all ages that want to grow and strengthen their faith. A group that is edified, exhorted and comforted in our journey with the Lord, in the challenges that we might face in life, and to stand strong and firm in Jesus in this age.! Estamos tomando nuestro lugar como hijos del Dios Altisimo? Estamos dispuestos a pelear la buena batalla y perseverar hasta el final? Te invito a unirnos para hacer de Dios nuestro escudo, fortaleza, victoria y firmeza.! Este es un grupo en español para las mujeres de todas las edades que quieren crecer y fortalecer su fe. Un grupo que va a ser edificado, exhortado y consolado en nuestro caminar con el Señor, en los retos a los que nos enfrentamos en la vida y mantenernos firmes en Jesús Cristo en estos tiempos.! First & Third Wednesday of the Month (Mornings) 11:00 am 2500 Calle Esplendida (Villa de la Resaca) No Childcare Provided No habra cuidado para niños!
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Un Vida Con Proposito! Adrian & Dinorah de la Cerda [956] 542-0693! Grupo de Coneccción en Español: Ven a alabar a Dios y a aprender de Su palabra en tu idioma, invita a tus amigos y familiares que quieren oir la predicación y la alabanza en español. Toda la familia esta invitada!! Miercoles 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 2202 Raquel Court Brownsville, TX 78520 Childcare Provided at GSCC!
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Connect Groups for Marriage!
! Five Days To A New Marriage! Mark & Patti Barnard [956] 371-3003 / [956] 371-4009 pattib505@yahoo.com! “Five Days to a New Marriage” is based on scriptural truths and invites God into the process of marriage enrichment. It also follows techniques that counseling professionals use all the time in marriage therapy. It works! Registration for this group is required and space is limited. Please contact Mark & Patti to register. Limited to 4 Couples.! Five Days to a Better Marriage:! -Targets communication in relationships -Education and group participation format -10 Weeks - begins January 28 -Attendance required by both husband and wife -Limited sign-up -$40.00 per couple - includes two workbooks -No childcare provided -Limited to 4 Couples! Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 505 Stovall Road Brownsville, Texas 78520 No Childcare Provided (This group meets for an extended time past GSCC Children’s Ministry)!
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Love & War: Finding the Marriage You’ve Dreamed Of Adam & Jamie Shoupe [956] 433-1394! With astonishing vulnerability that engages readers from the first page, John and Stasi Eldredge openly discuss their own marriage and the breakthroughs they have won from the challenges they’ve faced. Each talks to the reader about what he and she have learned, providing a balance between male and female perspectives that has been absent from previous books on this topic. ! Come and join us for an 8 week study with some fun date nights mixed in!! Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm 2480 Hamburg St. Brownsville, TX 78520 Childcare Provided at GSCC!
! Every Great Marriage ! Pastor Thomas & Amity Humphries ! [956] 350-8282! ! ! ! Thomas@gsccconnect.com! !
Travis & Amber Gerig [574] 850-1940 [574] 536-5972 !
Life is fast and hectic and we all wonder where the time goes, but in the middle of life's busyness, we still have to make time to deal with family and marriage issues. The danger of our lifestyle is that sometimes what's important gets overshadowed by the urgency of the moment. Our marriage often suffers in the process. But what is a great marriage and how can a couple have one?! In this DVD teaching, Pastor Jimmy Evans defines the roles of a husband and a wife and targets areas of weakness that could undermine the satisfaction and success of your marriage. He outlines the seven traits of every great marriage and demonstrates how you can build them into your own marriage relationship. Remember, great marriages do not happen by accident and they are not a matter of chemistry or luck they are the result of intentional living.! Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 5682 Buckeye Court Brownsville, TX 78526 Childcare Provided at GSCC !
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Connect Groups for Individuals or Couples ! Path of the Christian Samurai! Pastor Eddie Diaz! ! [956] 350-8282! ! eddie@gsccconnect.com! The Samurai, whose very title means “One Who Serves,” were skillful warriors of feudal Japan who devoted themselves fully to the service of their masters, willing even to sacrifice their lives in service to their lord. As believers we are also called to service to our Lord, Jesus. We are to take up our cross and follow Him, and to seek to lose our life for His sake (Matthew 16:24-25). Join us as we walk the Path of the Christian Samurai and discover Bushido, literally “The Way of the Warrior (Samurai)” as revealed through Biblical truths from the Word of God.! Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 3024 Westlake Avenue Brownsville, TX 78526 Childcare Provided at GSCC !
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Why We Believe Ray & Sally Burke! ! [956] 550-8386! !
Bob & Geraldine Anzak! [956] 546-6863! !
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We consider everyone at GSCC our “family” and we want to get to know YOU! From encouraging each other in life’s joys, to assisting each other during the hard times, we want to be that “family” for you.! This group will participate in fun outings together, as well as study the Lee Strobel 3 part DVD series, The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith and The Case for Creation.! Bring a snack or dessert to share!! Tuesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 2317 Quail Trail Brownsville, TX 78520 No Childcare Provided!
! Financial Peace University! Derek & Martha Benavides! ! [956] 466-5014 / [956] 579-7855! dbenavides@twfg.com!
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We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! FPU teaches God's ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents Biblical and practical steps to get from where you are, to where you've dreamed you could be! This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! ! Registration for this group closes after January 25 and a FPU kit purchase is required. Visit the FPU table during Rally Weeks for more info!! Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Benavides Plaza 2815 Central Blvd. (Suite E) Brownsville, TX 78526 Childcare Provided at GSCC!
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Intercessory Prayer (Sunday Mornings)! Maggie Bermudez! ! [956] 408-0508! !
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Dora Bernal [956] 371-3342!
Do you desire to see yourself and others on fire, set free and healed? Then come and join us at GSCC on Sunday mornings at 8:00 am in Room 100. This will be a time of worship and prayer for the movement of God in our church and for the needs of others around us. ! Sunday Mornings 8:00 am - 9:00 am 300 W. Morrison – Room 100 Brownsville, Texas 78520 No Childcare Provided !
! Intercessory Prayer (Wednesday Nights)! Angie Martinez! [956] 312-5618!
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Leticia Valdez [956] 203-2357!
If you are hungry to see His manifest Presence moving in our city and region, then come.! “If my people who are called by my Name, will humble themselves and pray and see My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and HEAL THEIR LAND.” 2 Chronicles 4:14! Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 21001 Les Maudlin Rd. Brownsville, Texas 78521 Childcare Provided at GSCC!
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Study of the Book of Romans! Rosie & Alan Fisher [956] 466-7554 yorkie4fisher@yahoo.com! This group is for individuals or couples of all ages that want to grow deeper in their knowledge of the Scripture and the teachings of the book of Romans. The Wiersby Commentary and Andrew Wommack tools on the book of Romans with be referenced in this study.! Friday Evenings (every other week) 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm 124 Candlewick Court Brownsville, TX 78521 No Childcare Provided ! !
Book of Romans! Don & Sunni Fitzwater [956] 266-2301! Please join us for an in-depth study into the book of Romans. The Book of Romans touches areas from our sin condition, need for a Savior, struggle with sin, God’s selection, plan and purpose for our life, and lessons for living a new life in Him. This book, while revealing fundamentals of Christianity, also explains many deep questions that are useful for discussions and meditation. ! Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 54 Lakeshore Drive Brownsville, TX 78521 Childcare Provided at GSCC
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CONNECT Groups For Recreational Activity!
! Aerobics! Mike and Holly Marchand [956] 371-5757 mmarchand@rgv.rr.com ! This group is for anyone ages 18 to 65 who is in good health! This class focuses on cardio exercise. We do light aerobics and spend time in fellowship, prayer and healthy, light snacking. ! Monday Evenings 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm GSCC Activity Center 300 W. Morrison Road Brownsville, TX 78520 Requirements: Aerobic stepper (optional) No Childcare Provided!
! Family Time! Pastor Thomas & Amity Humphries (and kids!)! [956] 350-8282! ! ! ! ! ! amity@GSCCConnect.com!
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Today’s modern family is BUSY! But prioritizing quality family time together is a very important investment of your family's future and relationship with each other. ! Join us the last Saturday of each month for a fun family outing. We will enjoy bike rides, trips to the beach, park, zoo and more! ! All ages welcome. BYO snacks and sippy cups.! Last Saturday of the Month January 31, February 28, March 28, April 25 Time & Place TBD Each Month – Please RSVP by email or text to 325-829-1965 ! !
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Freedom Riders for Christ! Albert & Eulalia Tamez [956] 640-4522 [956] 640-1015! This is a motorcycle group that meets the first Saturday of each month in the morning or afternoon, depending on the weather. We will meet for a time of prayer, read an encouraging word from the Bible on God’s protection, take a ride, then end with breakfast or lunch somewhere in the Valley (dutch treat). Join us for a time of fellowship with other bikers as we encourage each other and ride for Christ!! 1st Saturday of the Month Time TBD – Please RSVP Meet at 244 North Camino Del Rey Brownsville, Texas 78520 No Childcare Provided !
! Men’s Softball (& Cheering Section)! Derek Benavides ! [956] 466-5014! GSCC softball has been playing in the Brownsville City League since the 1980’s. Come be a part of the ministry! We are always looking for men wanting to join the team and fans to come cheer us on. Contact Derek for more info.! Monday & Wednesday Evenings Time TBD Sports Park 1000 Sports Park Blvd. Olmito, TX 78575 No Childcare Provided
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