According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 12,440 living veterans in Washington County; 21,538 in Westmoreland County; and 63,057 in Allegheny County, PA. Approximately 7.5% of those vets live in poverty, according to usafacts.org.Denise Stasko has been a part of our church for about 4 years. Two years ago, she and her husband, Ed, started a ministry out of their...  Read More

Where Are You?Have you ever set pondering that question? Sitting at my desk, of course.Is that really the answer God would be looking for from me?Where are you?               Lost.               Found.               On a journey.               Busy.How would you answer that question if God asked you today, “Where are you?”Is that question even talking about your location?Psalm 139: 7-10 says: Wher...  Read More

Common GroundAngela, who attends GAC, and Dawn were good friends; they had known each other since kindergarten. Like most friendships, they had times where they were really, really close, and they had times where they were just less close. They described it as being like family during the “on” years.But during the “off” years is where this story begins.Dawn decided that she needed a break from her...  Read More

I learned that Jesus died on the cross for my sins when I was a child, and I accepted Him into my heart as my Lord and Savior when I was young. I was also fortunate enough to have parents who believed in God too, and they took me to church every Sunday and made sure that I was able to participate in any church activities that I wanted to. My entire childhood and early teen years, I truly followed ...  Read More

Daughter of the KingI was the youngest of four children, and the only girl. This should have made me feel special, but it didn't. I was a very shy, quiet, and insecure little girl. I only felt secure when I was with my mom because she was my main caregiver. My dad was rarely home and didn't interact much with his children. When he did come home, he would stay for such a short time, all I remember ...  Read More

My story is fairly simple, and it spans 72 years. I was born into a Catholic environment. I attended a Catholic school and church through eighth grade. I went to church on Sunday and was taught about God, the Trinity, heaven, hell, and sin. I continued to attend Catholic church on Sundays as I grew into an adult. I grew up with only a mother and lacked the guidance of a father. Mom and dad split u...  Read More

The story of how I came to faith does not have a knock your socks off moment. In fact, I don't recall any memories of becoming a Christian. I just assumed I was because I was Catholic. However, years later I would realize your heritage does not make you right with God, but your relationship does through repentance.I was born in the small town of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania in 1952, and raised by godly...  Read More

Each year, the generosity of people at GAC continues to grow. This year, with Angel Tree, we received gifts for 49 children from 24 families. Angel Tree is an organization that receives the names of local children with an incarcerated father or mother who is unable to be with their child for Christmas. The gifts are given to the children as a gift from their parents. The Carson Discipleship Family...  Read More

My family growing up consisted of my older sister, me, my younger brother, my mom, and my dad. My dad was a construction worker and a member of the PA National Guard, and my mom worked at the local Mini Mart. My mom took us kids to church every time the doors were open. My dad only went on occasion, but he always made sure we accompanied my mom. I must admit I didn’t enjoy going, and I made sure m...  Read More

The words “waxing cold” came to my mind as I sat to write this. That phrase comes from the King James Version of the Bible in Matthew 24:12. “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” The NIV translates this passage, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,” it continues in verse 13, “but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” ...  Read More

Have you ever watched Shark Week on the Discovery Channel?Did you know Shark Week originally premiered in 1988?Here’s a funny story. I was terrified of sharks, not that there were many sharks in my world in Bethel Park, PA, at age 3. I most likely saw a commercial for the movie Jaws or I happened to be in the room when the movie was on (unbeknownst to my parents). When a trip to Lake Erie was plan...  Read More

Frequently when talking about Thanksgiving, the ideas that come to my mind are two extremes…A generous meal around a large dinner table with family and friendsVolunteering with an organization to serve a meal in a soup kitchen to homeless people in NEEDWhat really defines NEED though can be relative and may require an adjustment of our understanding.This year, the Bag Brigade served approximately ...  Read More