We are a non-denominational Christian church that believes in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, and the Bible as the true, inspired Word of God.

We welcome everyone to come and worship with us and to become involved in our various activities. Those wishing to become members or associate members (part-time members here while being members in another church) are invited to speak to the pastor. It is the goal of this church to worship Christ, study His Word, and spread the gospel to everyone in the area and in the world. This is the reason that mission is a major goal of Great Outdoors Church. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…It is the gift of God”
Ephesians 2:8.

GOVERNANCE

A Board of elected men and women, with a president, vice-president, and ministry teams for various services, are elected on a three-year rotating system, and they meet each month during the season and as needed in the summer in order to direct and lead. An annual congregational meeting is held in February to elect Board members and conduct the business of the church according to the by-laws.

History

Beginning with a Bible Study with six people, the group grew to have regular Sunday worship services in the Manor until 1998. The dedication of the new church building at its present location was held on Palm Sunday, April 5, 1998, and the church was paid for by this date.

MINISTRY TEAM
Pastor Jeff Moody
Minister of Visitation Dave Murton
Minister of Administration / Wes Hyde
Small Groups

CHURCH BOARD
President Jerry Messick
Vice-President Doug Nie
Long Range Planning
Secretary Lynn Foraker
Evangelism Loretta Anne’
Facilities Randy Hopper
Finance Marilyn Weigel
Missions Mark Herbers
Visitation Bruce Huston
Worship Ray Biedinger
Fund Raising Jerry Messick

CHURCH STAFF
Secretary Beulah Darling
Treasurer Kearney Kier
Music Director Pat Hopper
Sunday Pianist Marsha Straughan
Practice Pianist Diane Berger
Sunday Bulletins Anna Upshaw,
Beverly Baker, Cheryl Givens.
Messenger editor Beulah Darling
Pub. Ron Jackson; Joyce McGill asst.
Prayer Coord. Beverly Baker
WIC Pres. Sandi Nie

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Full Member: Those individuals who make our church their home church.
Associate Member: Those individuals who retain their membership in another church, but also want to enjoy membership in our church.
Qualifications for Membership: 1) The person has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, and acknowledges the Bible as God’s true and Inspired Word. 2) He/she shall be aware of and abide by the By-Laws of our church. 3) He/she shall further the work of the church through active interest, participa- tion and financial support. 4) He/she has the right to vote on issues presented at meetings.

MINISTRY SERVICES
Worship Ministry: This team’s responsibil- ities are to oversee all the worship service activities and Christian growth programs within the congregation. Our pastor is the guide and participates with us in the planning of these activities. The chairperson leads a team of lay people who coordinate weekly church activities but also may recommend actions from the Worship Ministry Team to the Church Board for approval. These activities include receptions, Sunday morning fellowship coffees, church suppers, special services, cantatas and programs, refreshments after cantatas, coordination of music with our Music Director and the team of organists, pianists, sound system operators, video technicians, choir, soloists, other special music presenta-tions, and the work of the music librarian. It further coordinates the teams and duties of ushers, greeters, decorators, church news-letter editor, weekly changing of the church’s sign board, chimes operator, church librarian, church historian, and the writing and printing of church bulletins. It plans for publicity for these activities when necessary, prepares for communion, plans for special flowers during holiday seasons and weekly services, and communicates about all of this information with the church secretarial staff. The pastor communicates his plans and makes recom-mendations for changes in services, special services, Bible studies, and other classes or groups that emphasize spiritual growth and fellowship.
Small Groups: As a means of providing new and exciting opportunities for more intimate fellowship, small groups are organ-ized within the church to meet at times other than Sunday Morning. Prayer, study of God’s Word and related subjects, Christian growth, support for one another, and a deeper walk with the Lord are the focus of these groups. All are invited to become a part of one of the several small groups.
Visitation: This team reaches out to the church community and the community at large with the heart-felt intent to comfort the sick and the bereaved. They pray for and visit the sick at home or in the hospital and send cards that express their care and concern. They share the “good news” of salvation through Jesus Christ as the Spirit leads, recognizing that this is the greatest gift of healing that we as Christians can give.
Prayer Chain: This prayer chain, a branch of the Visitation Ministry, begins with prayer requests being given to Beverly Baker @ 264-7235. She then passes the requests on to the prayer chain team via e-mail. These requests are sent out bi-weekly unless there is an emergency or hospitalization that needs immediate prayer. Those who do not have a computer and would like to be on the prayer chain can notify Beverly and she will call them with the prayer requests as she receives them.
Loving Service: The service is a branch of the Visitation Ministry. This team arranges for flowers to be sent to members of the church who are hospitalized. Cards are sent on behalf of the Great Outdoors Church to those who are ill or hospitalized or who just need a word of encouragement. A beautiful hardbound book entitled “Leaves of Gold” is given to those who have lost a loved one in their immediate family (i.e., a spouse, mother, father, or child).

Evangelism: This ministry team seeks to encourage the church to reach out to others
with the gospel of Jesus Christ. They plan, organize, and train others to share God’s plan of salvation with the lost, promote church attendance, and growth in our Christian walk. This team is responsible for contacting visitors to the church who have a Titusville address, giving them information about the church and answering any questions they might have. The team also provides “Welcome Bags” to new church members as well as organizing the annual New Member Reception each March. This ministry maintains a tract rack containing evangelistic tracts for all ages in the church foyer.

Missions: This team researches different non-denominational groups that spread the gospel. Support for local or world missions are then determined. Ministries supported are Cadence Int’l, Christ Aid, Hospice of St. Francis, North Brevard Charities, Prison Book Project, Youth With A Mission, Samaritan’s Purse, Teens Missions Int’l, Gideons Int’l, Wycliffe Translators, The Salvation Army, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice. This giving is in addition to storm or disaster relief. Guidelines are followed to be sure money goes to helping people rather than to administering the services.

Facilities: This team oversees the mainten-ance of the Great Outdoors Church facilities and parsonage, and improvements as needed. We have Westminster chimes that strike the hour, play hymns at noon and on special occasions. They direct a professional crew that keeps the church meticulously clean.

Finance: This team and the treasurer are in charge of all the finances of the church, along with several assistant treasurers who work upon call. They are responsible for counting the offerings. At the present time, the church is financially free of debt. However, plans to enlarge both the sanctuary and fellowship hall are going forward now. Accounts maintained: Operating, Investment, Building Fund, Major Maintenance, Memorial Fund, Special Concerts, Men’s Group, and Women in the Church.

Women in the Church (WIC): “The purpose of WIC is to provide opportunities for women, as individuals or in groups, by which they may come to know more fully the teachings of Christ, and to be strengthened to fulfill His purpose in their lives by serving in the home, the church, the community, and the world.” Each year the Spiritual Life Committee selects a theme for study and programs. A booklet is published annually listing the officers and standing committees who provide the programs for WIC meetings, as well as many services for the church as a whole. These activities include receptions, Sunday morning fellowship coffees, church suppers, refreshments after cantatas, and other work as needed. All women in the church and in the community are invited to attend the programs and to participate in the WIC activities.

GREAT OUTDOORS CHURCH MEN'S GROUP: The mission of Great Outdoors Church Men's Group is to encourage a deeper relationship with God and one another through devotional, educational and social programs in accord with Great Outdoors Church non-denominational doctrine. To provide men of the congregation and community fellowship, spiritual growth and service opportunities, while growing interpersonal relationships to benefit each other. The group meets the third Saturday of January, February, March and April of each year for breakfast and a program. They are also involved in several fundraising activities during the season.

PUBLICATIONS
Church Constitution & By-Laws
Rules and guidelines for the functioning of Great Outdoors Church are contained in these documents. Members are encouraged to read these annually.
A Dedication Booklet was published on April 5, 1998 on the day of dedication of the church complex. It outlined all the board members and committees who worked to plan and help with the construction of our present building. It had a Dedication Service of Worship, a short history of the Great Outdoors Church, and named special guests and visitors who attended the celebration.
A Memorial Book: This book contains all the names of donors to the various funds in constructing the new building, as well as memorial gifts. It also includes the names of those in memoriam or to be honored. A Memorial Fund Committee is responsible to carry on this work.
The Messenger: A newsletter monthly from November through April with articles by Pastor Jeff Moody, board members and others who have information and news to be distributed to the congregation. The Messenger includes a calendar listing all of the church events for the month.
Member Directory: This Directory is published annually and lists members and associate members in booklet form with local addresses and telephone numbers. Out of the park and out of town members are included.
Pictorial Member and Friends Directory: This Directory is published periodically and includes photos and names of Full Members of the church along with address directory in the back.
Women in the Church Directory: Distributed in November each year, it includes the list of programs and activities, committees, officers, members and telephone numbers for the upcoming season. Ministry team and their phone numbers are also listed for quick reference.

“ I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself.”
II Chronicles 7:12 (NIV)