February 25, 2007 by PastorMark.

#269 Still Working On It, Sunday 02-25-2007

Theme: Hang in there when you dream seems to be a nightmare.

Text: Genesis 39:1-6

Introduction:

1. Many of you comment to me about your work …
1. “The people I work with are …”
2. “I can’t wait to get out of there …”
2. I was reading about Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel.
1. At 17, Joseph received special dreams from God. (Genesis 37)
2. At 17 life was a dream for Joseph, he even had designer clothes.
3. One day his dreams crashed down around him.
4. “Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt.” (Genesis 39:1)
5. Once a slave, always a slave (talk about a dead end job).
3. God still had special plans for Joseph and his dreams.
1. Joseph couldn’t see God’s hand.
2. Joseph would have to do his part. – He couldn’t become passive and depressed.

What made Joseph press on through the dark times?

1. “The Lord was with Joseph” (vs. 2A)
1. The blessings begin with God, not man or circumstances.
2. I’d rather be with God is difficulties than without Him in prosperity.
3. “I’d rather be limping in the right direction than running in the wrong.”
4. God’s presence with Joseph made the difference.
5. Even as a slave, he prospered and “the Lord gave him success in everything he did.” (Genesis 39:3)
6. Potiphar saw that the Lord was with him.
7. Potiphar saw his household blessed (vs. 5)
8. We should pray for the blessing of God on the business and boss.
9. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
2. Joseph was with the Lord.
1. Many people claim, “the Lord is with me.”
2. “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.”
3. Joseph held on to his faith in God. “By faith Joseph” (Hebrews 11:22)
4. His faith held when everything else failed
5. “They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons.” (Psalm 105:18)
3. Joseph held on to faithfulness.
1. Faithfulness will lead to favor.
2. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you … Then you will win favor and a great name in the sight of God and man.”
3. Faithfulness may lead to more trials.
4. While God was blessing Joseph, Potiphar’s wife was testing him.
5. Blessings and trials often travel on parallel tracks.
6. Joseph’s faithfulness to God compelled him to reject Potiphar’s wife’s advances.

What’s worse than being a slave? Being a slave in prison.

1. Joseph never gave up.
1. His family wrote him off. Potiphar gave up. Other believers might have concluded “there’s sin in his life.” He even had a terrible resume. What hope was there for improvement?
2. Joseph kept a good attitude.
3. “If I’m going to be a slave or prisoner, than I’ll be the best slave or prisoner I can be”
4. He refused to carry the baggage of anger, bitterness, resentment and self-pity.
5. God continued to bless Joseph. (Genesis 40:21-23 – Joseph was blessed just like at Potiphar’s
6. What if you’re demoted instead of promoted?
7. “I will do the best I can with what I have for Jesus’ sake today.” –Sister Beisel
8. Your breakthrough will be determined by your follow through.
9. God honored Joseph’s faith and perseverance.
10. He went from the prison to the palace in one day!
11. He was lifted to second in command under Pharaoh.
12. God used his position to preserve his family in Israel.

Conclusion:

God doesn’t tell us to trust His answers, but to trust His promises.

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February 25, 2007 by PastorMark.

My heart was touched as I read the words of Hannah as she dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord. As you remember, Hannah and Elkanah were unable to have children. Hannah received a word from God, and Samuel was born. (The name Samuel sounds like the Hebrew for “heard of God.”) After Samuel was weaned, she kept her promise and brought Samuel to the priest Eli and said, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:27-28). May we dedicate our children to God and do all we can to bring them up in the ways of God. The Lord has great plans for them!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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February 25, 2007 by admin.

WE REJOICE with new parents Bonnie and Preston Bunton on the birth of their twin girls, Anna and Theresa, this past Wednesday. May the Lord bless you all with His strength and rest in the days ahead.

CHOIR REMINDER: Rehearsals for the Resurrection Sunday Choir are now held from 2:00 to 4:00 every Sunday afternoon. If you have not yet picked up your book and rehearsal CD, they are available in the foyer.

YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS tonight’s water baptism service as we hear awesome testimonies and rejoice with those who are following Jesus’ command to be baptized. Pastor Bob will be sharing the Word. Come on out!

ALL WOMEN ARE INVITED to participate in the new Coffee Break Small Group that begins this Tuesday, 9:00-11:30 AM, in the Fellowship Hall. Please sign up at the Women’s Ministries table in the foyer.

TODAY’S PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL, the weekly periodical published by the Assemblies of God, is available to you every Sunday in the foyer racks. This is a great resource for anointed articles and testimonies and news from around the world. Pick up a copy today and every Sunday.

THIS WEEK AT LEOMINSTER ASSEMBLY

• MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer Meeting
• TUESDAY 9:00 AM—Coffee Break Women’s Group
  7:30 PM—Christian 12 Step
• WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM—FAMILY NIGHT
  Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 to K)
  Missionettes (girls’ clubs)
  Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs)
  Impact Student MinistriesAdult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.)—Growing Emotionally Healthy series: Dealing with Discouragement
• THURSDAY 6:30 PM—Ladies’ Night Out
• SATURDAY 7:00 PM—All-church Prayer

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK:

• Sun, 3:00 PM—Seekers of Light at Sullivan’s home
• Tues, 7:00 PM—Christians in Action at Proiettis’ home
• Wed, 10:00 AM—Circle of Friends at Meppelinks’ home

Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. YOU ARE INVITED!

CHURCH LIBRARY HOURS:

• SUNDAYS: 10:00-11:00 AM, after second service, 6:00-6:30 PM
• WEDNESDAYS: 6:15-6:30 PM and after Family Night

THE NEXT CHILD DEDICATION will be on Sunday, March 18, during the 11:00 AM service. If you desire to have your child(ren) dedicated, please fill out a yellow application card (one for each child) at the Welcome Center. You may turn in your completed card(s) to an usher or at the church office.

REMINDER: All information for the church bulletin should be received in the church office by Wednesday night (Thursday morning at the latest) as the bulletin is now completed on Thursdays. Thank you for your help.

All business-related and classified ad items can be found on the RESOURCES BULLETIN BOARD in the foyer. Check it out for apartments to rent, houses to rent or buy, items for sale, free items and more. There are new listings each week.

LOOKING FOR WORK! A woman in the church is looking for a job. She has customer service, customer relations, sales, managerial, and event planning experience (résumé available upon request). If you have any leads, please call the church office (978-534-1190).

APARTMENT NEEDED! Doris Beauvais is looking for a first- floor, two-bedroom apartment in Leominster. If you know of one, please call her or the church office at 978-534-1190.

For church service or ACTIVITY CANCELLATION UPDATES during the winter months, please call the “God’s Word for Today” phone line at 978-537-6260.

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February 25, 2007 by PastorDave.

Beginning Sunday, March 4 2007, 10:10am – 10:50 am

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

• Taught by: Pastor Mark Boucher
• Location: Pastor Mark’s Office
• Class size limit: 15

This class is an introduction to Leominster Assembly of God. You will be introduced to the purpose and vision of Leominster Assembly of God as well as practices and policies of the church. This course is a requirement for all those interested in becoming member of Leominster Assembly of God.

DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD

• Taught by: Pastor Bob Salliby
• Location: Triangle room next to the sanctuary
• Class size limit: none.

Calling all new Christians and not-so-new Christians. God tells us in His Word that if we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us. Are you feeling a little distant from God? Many times the answer is to get back to the basics. This class is a requirement for membership. This course will meet in the triangle room next to the sanctuary.

OH LORD, WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR MY LIFE?

• Taught by: Daryl Rainbow
• Location: Across the street from the church, at the elementary school
• Class size limit: none

How vital is discovering and implementing God’s vision for our personal lives? This series will bring you to a place of seeking, discovering, and implementing God’s specific vision for your personal life–which, in turn, will powerfully impact you personally, your marriage, your family relationships, and your relationships in your neighborhood, at your workplace, and in the local church. This course will meet at the elementary school across the street from the church.

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

• Taught by: Pastor Dave McIntosh
• Location: Across the street from the church, at the elementary school
• Class size limit: none

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We are commanded to encourage each other. The great thing about encouragement is that anyone can do it. You do not need a lot of money, time or talents. Sometimes a word of encouragement can change a life! Come and be encouraged to be an encourager!

THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS

• Taught by: Harry Marshall
• Location: Across the street from the church, at the elementary school
• Class size limit: none

The teachings of Jesus are not bumper sticker platitudes; they are life-changing truths that will challenge you to examine your life. And if you do what Jesus taught, your life will have a rock solid foundation.

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February 18, 2007 by PastorMark.

Is your church experience really one-on-one with God? Are you bowed low before Him alone; to admire Him, tell Him of your love, ask forgiveness, get directions? Then everything, from the pre-service chorus until you are out the door again, is His aggressive confrontation of you. The song words are just for you. The Scripture reading is to call you up short on something, or comfort you, or challenge you. The experiences of your past week were all shaped to prepare you for this moment, and everything is created by God for His personal confrontation of you. The sermon is for that. Internalize it. How is it changing your heart, your life? Have your pen ready to capture every word that He’s telling you. Then you can name the spot where you sat Peniel (Genesis 32:30), because you’ve been face to face with God.

~ adapted from Up with Worship by Anne Ortlund

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February 18, 2007 by admin.

Godliness With Contentment, Sunday 02-18-2007

Guest Speaker: Roger Hillegas

Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-8

1. The greatest gain comes from godliness.
2. King David guarded his heart.
3. King Solomon guarded his mind.
4. It is important to guard both your heart and mind in Christ.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

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February 18, 2007 by admin.

OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS go out to Donna Ricker and family on the death of her father, Donald Jeffrey, this past Monday. May the God of all comfort give His peace and strength.

A WATER BAPTISM SERVICE will be held next Sunday, February 25, 6:30 PM. If you desire to be baptized, please fill out a blue application card from the Welcome Center and give it to an usher or turn it in at the office. You will need to attend a class at 10:00 AM that morning.

ATTENTION, WOMEN! Help is needed Friday, February 23, at 1:30 PM to decorate the Fellowship Hall for the Pastors’ Wives Breakfast. Please call 978-345-5600 or 508-577-9494 if you can help or for more information. Also, if you plan to attend this event on the 24th, please sign up in the foyer.

THIS WEEK AT LEOMINSTER ASSEMBLY

• MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer Meeting
• TUESDAY 7:30 PM—Christian 12 Step
• WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM—FAMILY NIGHT
  Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 to K)
  Missionettes (girls’ clubs)
  Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs)
  Impact Student Ministries
  Effective Personal Soul Winning
  Adult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.)—Growing Emotionally Healthy series
• THURSDAY 6:30 PM—Ladies’ Night Out
• SATURDAY 7:00 PM—All-church Prayer

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK:

• Tues, 7:00 PM—Christians in Action at Proiettis’ home
• Wed, 10:00 AM—Circle of Friends at Meppelinks’ home
• Wed, 6:30 PM—Branches of Messiah at Wheelers’ home

Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. YOU ARE INVITED!

CHURCH LIBRARY HOURS:

• SUNDAYS: 10:00-11:00 AM, after second service, 6:00-6:30 PM
• WEDNESDAYS: 6:15-6:30 PM and after Family Night

COFFEE BREAK SMALL GROUPS begin Tuesday, February 27, at 9:30 AM, for all women interested. Please sign up and pick up information at the WM’s table in the foyer.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP for a new LABI study to work on? All studies can be picked up at the Welcome Center from the folder labeled “Requested.” You can also drop off your completed studies there to be corrected and pick up your studies once the correcting is completed.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OUTSTANDING MATERIALS from the church library—books, DVDs, etc.? Please return them as soon as possible so others can enjoy them too. Thank you.

ENGLISH FOR ALL NATIONS, our ESL school, is doing well! About 60 students from around the world meet every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:45 PM. Dedicated, Christian teachers and helpers work faithfully each week to teach newcomers to our country the English language as well as how to live in America. Every Sunday morning during the Sunday school hour, one of our ESL teachers offers a special course about America. Study and teacher change each month. If you or someone you know, would like to have help with the language, tell them about English for All Nations—TUESDAY NIGHTS in the Fellowship Hall!

THE NEXT CHILD DEDICATION will be on Sunday, March 18, during the 11:00 AM service. If you desire to have your child(ren) dedicated, please fill out a yellow application card (one for each child). The cards are located at the Welcome Center. You may turn in your completed card(s) to an usher or at the church office.

All business-related and classified ad items can be found on the RESOURCES BULLETIN BOARD in the foyer. Check it out for apartments to rent, houses to rent or buy, items for sale, free items and more. There are new listings each week.

APARTMENT NEEDED! Doris Beauvais is looking for a first- floor, two-bedroom apartment in Leominster. If you know of one, please call her.

For church service or activity cancellation updates during the winter months, please call the “God’s Word for Today” phone line at 978-537-6260.

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February 11, 2007 by PastorMark.

#268 Still Learning, Sunday 02-11-2007

~ Theme: What are some lessons God wants to teach us about loving one another – the Family of God? (lessons from philadelphia)

~Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

Introduction:

1. One of my most memorable classes in school wasn’t in a classroom, but was in a garage: Industrial Arts with Mr. Benson in 7th grade.
1. “There’s the right way, the wrong way and Mr. Benson’s way.”
2. Life consists of what I think is the right way, the wrong way and God’s way.
3. If I’m going to get along with God I need to learn God’s way. (Good thing He’s willing to teach us!)
2. The Apostle Paul taught converts the way of God.
1. Paul had one them he kept coming back to … love.
2. Besides God, love is the most misunderstood word in the world.

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

1. Now about brotherly love (philadelphia).
1. This word in Greek literature almost always referred to the mutual love of brothers, sisters of the same family.
2. In the New Testament, Philadelphia means the love of fellow believers in Christ … we have the same Father.

We need to keep learning to keep loving.

What are some lessons God wants to teach us about loving one another – the Family of God? (lessons from philadelphia)

1. Learn to receive love so you can give love. (You can’t give what you don’t have.
1. We tend to look for love around us. (It’s natural)
2. We enter a friendship just looking to be loved.
3. We enter a marriage just looking to be loved.
4. We enter a church just looking to be loved.
5. We must look for love from the One above us. (If we could only see how loved we are by God.
6. Paul addressed the Thessalonians as those, “loved by god.”
7. “For we know, brothers, loved by God, that He has chosen you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4
8. To receive God’s love gives us His ability to love. “and so we know and rely on the love God has for us.” 1 John 4:16
9. We can love even if love isn’t coming our way.
10. Marriage is a ministry of giving love, forgiveness.
2. Learn to be motivated by love.
1. There are so many motivations … to help others or get involved in ministry.
2. We can help because of guilt.
3. We can help for hope of recognition.
4. We can help out of sense of duty.
5. All of these motives are shallow and short term.
6. The greatest motivation is love. “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love …” 1 Thessalonians 1:3
7. It’s better not to do something than do it without love.
8. The Lord will help us in our decisions. “Simply let your yes be yes and your no, no.” Matthew 5:37
3. Learn to love in spite of stuff.
1. We are all woks in progress.
2. Some leave the fellowship because of “being offended”.
3. Give people some slack. (There’s only one Divine, we’re all da branches.)
4. God uses the “stuff” in others to grow us.
5. It’s amazing how fertilizer underground produces fruit above ground.
6. A church community is filled with irritating, imperfect, frustrating people … what an opportunity!
7. We can learn how to forgive and overlook faults.
8. We can learn how to reconcile.
9. We can learn how to speak the truth in love.
10. Don’t quit God’s school … Graduation is coming!

Conclusion: A little boy was coloring a “picture of God.”

1. Paul told the Thessalonians, “you do love … yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.”
2. Let’s keep coloring, let’s keep receiving God’s love, and learning how to give it away.
3. Jesus said, “Greater love has no person than this, that a person would lay down his life for another” … Jesus died for you, for me … we can love.

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February 11, 2007 by PastorMark.

If you’re a Christian, you are, in a very real sense, a leader. Walter Wright, in his book Relational Leadership, suggests that “leadership is a relationship-a relationship in which one person seeks to influence the thoughts, behaviors, beliefs or values of another person.” God has called every believer to go out into the world and spread the gospel. We do this by the power of Christ in us-modeling and speaking about the Lord. God told His leader Joshua on several occasions, “Be strong and courageous.” If we are going to influence others in this world, we need to receive God’s strength and encouragement. Without these, we are overcome by the world instead of being over-comers. May our Lord strengthen your heart today.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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February 11, 2007 by admin.

OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS go out to Don Preville and family on the death of his father. A memorial service was held yesterday in Florida where he lived.

THE JOY RESTORED VALENTINE TEA is this Tuesday at 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Stop by the Women’s Minis-tries table in the foyer to pick up a flyer with all of the details (including directions for handmade valentines) and to sign up.

NEXT SUNDAY morning and evening we will be blessed by the ministry of Roger and Elaine Hillegas. Come on out!

ATTENTION, WOMEN! Help is needed Friday, February 23, at 1:30 PM to decorate the Fellowship Hall for the Pastors’ Wives Breakfast. Please call 978-345-5600 or 508-577-9494 if you can help or for more information. Also, if you plan to attend this event on the 24th, please sign up in the foyer.

ENGLISH FOR ALL NATIONS, our ESL school, is doing well! About 60 students from around the world meet every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:45 PM. Dedicated, Christian teachers and helpers work faithfully each week to teach newcomers to our country the English language as well as how to live in America. Every Sunday morning during the Sunday school hour, one of our ESL teachers offers a special course about America. Study and teacher change each month. If you or someone you know, would like to have help with the language, tell them about English for All Nations—TUESDAY NIGHTS in the Fellowship Hall!

THE NEXT WATER BAPTISM SERVICE will be on Sunday, February 25, 6:30 PM. If you desire to be baptized, please fill out a blue application card from the Welcome Center and give it to an usher or turn it in at the office. You will need to attend a class at 10:00 AM that morning.

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK:

• Sun, 3:00 PM—Seekers of Light at Sullivan’s home
• Tues, 7:00 PM—Christians in Action at Proiettis’ home
• Wed, 10:00 AM—Circle of Friends at Meppelinks’ home
• Wed, 6:30 PM—Branches of Messiah at Wheelers’ home

Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. YOU ARE INVITED!

CHURCH LIBRARY HOURS:

• SUNDAYS: 10:00-11:00 AM, after second service, 6:00-6:30 PM
• WEDNESDAYS: 6:15-6:30 PM and after Family Night

THIS WEEK AT LEOMINSTER ASSEMBLY

• MONDAY 7:00 PM–Prayer Meeting
• TUESDAY 9:30 AM–Joy Restored Valentine Tea
  7:30 PM–Christian 12 Step
• WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM–FAMILY NIGHT
  Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 to K)
  Missionettes (girls’ clubs)
  Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs)
  Impact Student Ministries
  Effective Personal Soul Winning
  Adult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.) Growing Emotionally Healthy series
• THURSDAY 6:30 PM–Ladies’ Night Out
• SATURDAY 7:00 PM–All-church Prayer

THE NEXT CHILD DEDICATION will be on Sunday, March 18, during the 11:00 AM service. If you desire to have your child(ren) dedicated, please fill out a yellow application card (one for each child). The cards are located at the Welcome Center. You may turn in your completed card(s) to an usher or at the church office.

All business-related and classified ad items can be found on the RESOURCES BULLETIN BOARD in the foyer. Check it out for apartments to rent, houses to rent or buy, items for sale, free items and more. There are new listings each week.

For church service or ACTIVITY CANCELLATION updates during the winter months, please call the “God’s Word for Today” phone line at 978-537-6260.

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