May 27, 2007 by PastorMark.

#278, Why I am a “Pentecostal”, Sunday 05-27-2007

Text: Acts 2:1-4
Theme: Acts 2:1-4 is the fulfillment of these promises.

Introduction:

1. Today is the Day of Pentecost.
1. Fifty days after the Sabbath of the Passover week. (The Sunday, or first day of the week)
2. Also called the “Feast of Weeks” (Deuteronomy 16:10) and Feast of Harvest, day of first fruits.
2. Jesus and John the Baptist predicted a coming “baptism”
1. Mark 1:8 “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
2. Acts 1:4-5 “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
3. Acts 2:1-4 is the fulfillment of these promises.
1. Most believers in Christ would agree with the fact of the Day of Pentecost and that the first century church of the Bible was a Pentecostal church.
2. What is debatable is:
3. Is this experience a one time event?
4. Is this for a short time only?
5. Are tongues simply a gift for some or is tongues one evidence of this experience?
4. What about Pentecostals today?
1. Most Pentecostals are Pentecostal because they believe in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4)
2. They do not believe in cessessionism (the Baptism in the Holy Spirit was no longer needed after the Apostles died or after the Word of God was complete.)
3. Pentecostalism experienced a revival in the early 1900’s: 1906 Azuza Street meetings in LA.

Pentecostalism is never merely doctrinal, but involves yourself.
This is my own personal journey

1. My Pentecostal church helped me find God.
1. After I had strayed, the youth helped me.
2. The sincerity of my mother and the people influenced me.
2. My own “Pentecost” came a few months after my salvation.
1. I believed this was from God.
2. I was hungry for God and what He promised.
3. I knew that my baptism in the Holy Spirit was not “made-up”.

Why have I stayed a Pentecostal? Is it just because of my upbringing?
Some reasons why I love being Pentecostal:

1. I see the Pentecostal experience as Biblical.
1. (if I were on an island with only the Bible, I would still believe this)
2. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit were important to them
3. We must be careful to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:20)
2. I have experience Pentecostal people as real.
1. They have emphasized a love for the Word, Christ.
2. They have emphasized the importance of the Spirit in fulfilling the mission of Jesus.
3. They have emphasized the “go” in Gospel.
4. Missions has always existed in the DNA of Pentecostalism.
5. At the second General Council of the Assemblies of God the leaders committed themselves to, “the greatest evangelism movement the world have ever known”
6. Some statistics on Pentecostals:
7. 25% of Christians in the world today are Pentecostal.
8. Pentecostals are growing at about 19 million a year. There are about 500 million total in the world right now (over 20 million in the US)
3. I am challenged by Pentecostalism.
1. I am challenged to live filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not for salvation, but for empowerment and fullness.
3. I need to have both the fruit and the gifts.
4. I am challenged by Pentecostalism to stay close to God.
5. My prayer language is a priceless gift.
6. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit helps “convict” me when I drift into “status quo.”

What about you?

Are you open to experience what the 120 experienced on the Day of Pentecost?
This can happen anywhere, anytime.
Are you willing to be refilled?

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May 27, 2007 by admin.

WE EXTEND OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS to Jackie Hart and her family on the homegoing of her father Jack this past Monday. Jack was a faithful member of this church who will be greatly missed. Funeral services were held on Thursday.

JOIN US TONIGHT for the New England Global Day of Prayer Service, 6:00-9:00 PM, at the Royal Plaza Trade Center on Route 2 West at Route 31 (Exit 28) in Fitchburg). We will worship with thousands in one accord and pray for a powerful, life-giving renewal, revival and transformation in our region.

THE JOY RESTORED SPRING OUTREACH BRUNCH will be held this Tuesday, May 29, beginning at 9:30 AM, at the home of Joyce Koshy (directions are on the fliers at the Joy Restored table in the foyer). Please sign up for this event.

AWARDS NIGHT for Girls Ministries and Royal Rangers is this Wednesday, May 30, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. We want to serve refreshments and need your help. If you can bring in a drink or snack, it would be greatly appreciated.

GIRLFRIENDS’ FUN & FELLOWSHIP NIGHT is this Friday, June 1, 6:30 to 9:00 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Please sign up at the Welcome Center if you plan to attend this Women’s Ministries event open to all women and girls 10 and up.

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK:

• Tues, 7:00 PM—Christians in Action at Proiettis’ home
• Wed, 6:30 PM—Branches of Messiah at Wheelers’ home
• Thurs, 10:00 AM—Circle of Friends (Women) at Meppelinks’ home
• Thurs, 6:30 PM—YACC (Young Adults) at Gardners’ home
• Thurs, 6:45 PM—Young Adults Discipleship at Bells’ home
• Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. YOU ARE INVITED!

THIS WEEK AT LEOMINSTER ASSEMBLY

• TUESDAY 9:30 AM—Joy Restored Outreach Brunch
  7:30 PM—Christian 12 Step
• WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM—FAMILY NIGHT
  Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 to K)
  AWARDS NIGHT for:
  Girls Ministries clubs
  Royal Rangers clubs
  Impact Student Ministries
  Adult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.)—“Responding to Conflict” from Proverbs
• THURSDAY 6:30 PM—Ladies’ Night Out
• FRIDAY 6:30 PM—Girlfriends’ Fun & Fellowship Night
• SATURDAY 7:00 PM—All-church Prayer

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

THANK YOU to everyone who brought in gifts for the Care Net Blessing Baskets Baby Shower. Keep filling up those baby bottles and remember to bring them back on Father’s Day. Baby bottles are still available if you’d like to pick up one to give funds toward this very important ministry.

NEXT SUNDAY NIGHT, June 3, we will be blessed to hear the Word from Tom O’Connor who will be visiting back in the area with his family. Hope you can join us!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE for the cards and gifts and especially the prayers for a speedy recovery. ~ Tony Benoit

HELP IS NEEDED to paint backdrops for VBS. No artistic skill is needed. Work will be going on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays—10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 to 9:00 PM—in the Fellowship Hall. See Kim Johnson for more information.

A PARENTING CONFERENCE, “A Case for Kids” (video series by Tedd and Paul Tripp), will be held June 22-23 at Horizon Christian Fellowship (Friday—7:00-10:00 PM and Saturday—9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). It is geared toward parents of young people from 11 to 18 years old as well as those who work with preteens and teens. The cost is $20/person. You may contact the church at 978-665-9111 for more info.

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.

A WOMAN IN THE CHURCH with excellent customer service and administrative skills and many years of experience is looking for work. If you know of an available job at your place of employment or elsewhere, please call the church office. A résumé is available upon request.

HOUSEMATE WANTED! A middle-aged Christian woman who leads a quiet lifestyle seeks same to share home in west Fitchburg. Must like dogs. If interested, please call Donna or the church office. Available July 1, 2007.

BULLETIN INSERTS 

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May 27, 2007 by PastorMark.

“Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house” (Proverbs 24:27). Develop right priorities. To get all excited about a house but starve because there isn’t any food doesn’t make sense. Jesus, by His life and words, taught us to prioritize. He told us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). If we would put God and His kingdom first, we are further promised by Jesus that “all these things will be given to you as well.” Godly priorities demonstrate faith and trust in God, and the Lord always honors faith.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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May 20, 2007 by admin.

Stewardship Strategies for Effective Christian Living

• A 10-week small-group study
• Teaching God’s financial principles in order to know Christ more intimately and to be free to serve him
• The seminar will begin Friday, June 1, at 6:45 PM, and will continue each Friday for 10 weeks
• Manny Onos and Wally Abbott will be the facilitators
• The seminar will be held at the Onos’ home
• The price of the seminar is $55 for couples and $45 for individuals
• To register, please sign up at the Welcome Center
• For more information or if you have questions, call Pastor Dave at the church office 978-534-1190
• The seminar is limited to 12 people
• A brochure with further information is available at the Welcome Center

Lasting Answers for…

• Getting out of Debt
• Saving
• Spending
• Budgeting
• Earning Money
• Investing
• Giving
• Training Children

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May 20, 2007 by admin.

Sunday School (Kindergarten through Sixth Grade)

This summer we’re going on an adventure in Sunday school! We’ll be traveling to Antarctica, Japan, England and other places while we learn godly character. Boarding will begin promptly at 10:00am each Sunday in the Fellowship Hall. We will take off for our destination and arrived back by 11:00am. The adventure begins Sunday, June 3, 2007. You don’t want to miss this flight!

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May 20, 2007 by PastorMark.

#277, A Powerful Practice, Sunday 05-20-2007

Text: Matthew 6:16-18
Theme: What does Jesus teach us about fasting?

Introduction:

1. After “the Lord’s prayer” Jesus spoke about fasting.
1. The people of Christ’s day were familiar with fasting.
2. Today fasting is associated with medical procedures.
3. The understanding and practice of fasting has become a lost treasure.
2. What in the world is fasting – biblically?
1. Fast = to abstain from food (and liquids sometimes) for a religious exercise or purpose.
2. I don’t like to fast … but I like the results.
3. You may not be interested in fasting or feel able to fast but …
3. What does Jesus say about fasting?

Text: Matthew 6:16-18 - What does Jesus teach us about fasting?

1. There’s a wrong way to fast. (v 16)
1. You can do the right thing in the wrong way.
2. Some ultra religious people (Pharisees) loved to fast.
3. They would fast twice a week.
4. They loved the recognition from their fasting.
5. They fasted to impress others with their spirituality.
6. In reality they were “carnally” minded, but tried to “overcompensate” by “super spiritual” words.
7. These hypocrites “disfigured” their faces – they wanted you to know they were suffering.
8. These hypocrites received “their reward” … the shallow applause of people.
9. There are other “wrong ways” to fast.
10. Out of guilt, confusion.
2. There’s a right way to fast. (vv 17-18)
1. We are instructed to be “indescreet” (in secret)
2. Put oil on your head, wash your face.
3. Don’t hang a sign around your neck. (I am fasting)
4. We are to “fast to your Father who is unseen” (v 18)
5. We fast because of our relationship with our God.
6. We don’t fast for salvation or to “pay” for our sins.
7. What are some specific purposes of fasting to the Father?
8. To draw near to God. (we give up something important for something better)
9. To get through a crisis.
10. To receive guidance, direction and power.
11. To mourn for a lost nation.
12. To humble ourselves.
13. “Yet when they were ill, I put on sack cloth and humbled myself with fasting.” (Psalm 35:13)
3. God blesses when we fast in the right way.
1. “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (v 18b)
2. How does God reward us?
3. Our fasting doesn’t obligate God to do our will – He changes our heart and character, to do His will.
4. The ego is submitted to Christ.
5. He gives us strength and renewal. Breakthroughs happen.
6. How often should we fast?
7. He leaves this up to us.
8. Start gradually – don’t start with a forty day fast.
9. We can fast as we feel led or on a regular routine.

Conclusion:

The most important question: Why should we fast?

1. Jesus fasted and He taught us to fast.
2. Fasting is a spiritual weapon needed for these desperate times.
3. Pick a day, meal before Global Day of Prayer.

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May 20, 2007 by admin.

HUNTER ENZO BERNARD was born May 14, at 11:16 AM (7 lbs. 6 oz., 20 inches long). We rejoice with new parents Matthew and Kelly Bernard and first-time grandparents, Peter and Lynne Bernard.

CONGRATULATIONS to Pastor Harv and Jean who were honored at the Southern New England District Council for 50 years of ordained ministry! May God continue to bless you both!

WE REJOICE with those who were baptized in water last Sunday night: Dakota Beck, Ellen Bushnoe, Shannon Byrne, Mark Edward Cappucci, Michelle Ann Cormier, Paul Hope, Katelin Sanders, and Mary Williams.

THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY will meet today in Pastor Mark’s office, 1:00-3:00 PM. Also, any donations of yarn to this ministry will be gladly accepted. Please see Alice Stacy if you have any questions or if you’d like more information.

A VBS WORKERS’ MEETING will be held in the Youth Chapel tomorrow, May 21, at 7:00 PM. Teachers should arrive at 8:00 PM. All workers are encouraged to attend.

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK:

• Sun, 3:00 PM—Seekers of Light at Jim Sullivan’s home
• Tues, 7:00 PM—Christians in Action at Proiettis’ home
• Wed, 6:30 PM—Branches of Messiah at Wheelers’ home
• Thurs, 10:00 AM—Circle of Friends (Women) at Meppelinks’ home
• Thurs, 6:30 PM—YACC (Young Adults) at Gardners’ home
• Thurs, 6:45 PM—Young Adults Discipleship at Bells’ home
• Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. YOU ARE INVITED!

THIS WEEK AT LEOMINSTER ASSEMBLY

• MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer Meeting
  7:00 PM—VBS Workers’ Meeting
• TUESDAY 9:30 AM—Coffee Break Women’s Group
  7:30 PM—Christian 12 Step
• WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM—FAMILY NIGHT
  Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 to K)
  Girls Ministries
  Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs)
  Impact Student Ministries
  Adult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.)—“The Power of the Tongue” from Proverbs
• THURSDAY 6:30 PM—Ladies’ Night Out
• FRIDAY 9:00 AM—Marriage Conference
• SATURDAY 4:00 PM—African Fellowship Prayer
  7:00 PM—All-church Prayer

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

HELP IS NEEDED to paint backdrops for VBS. No artistic skill is needed. Work will be going on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays—10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 to 9:00 PM—in the Fellowship Hall. See Kim Johnson for more information.

TO MY CHURCH FAMILY: Many thanks for your prayers and support when I was in the hospital. Love to all, Lois Tompkins

AWARDS NIGHT for Girls Ministries and Royal Rangers will be on Wednesday, May 30, 6:30 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. We would like to serve refreshments and need your help. If you can bring in a drink or snack, it would be greatly appreciated.

A PARENTING CONFERENCE, “A Case for Kids” (video series by Tedd and Paul Tripp), will be held June 22-23 at Horizon Christian Fellowship (Friday—7:00-10:00 PM and Saturday—9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). It is geared toward parents of young people from 11 to 18 years old as well as those who work with preteens and teens. The cost is $20/person. You may contact the church at 978-665-9111 for more info.

THE GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER will be held on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, at the Royal Plaza Trade Center. Make plans now to join with thousands to pray for a great outpouring of God’s Spirit all over the world.

SPECIAL NEED! There is a family in our church who is part of the foster care hot-line. They would like to keep a supply of clothing on hand for any children they take in to care for. They need boys’ and girls’ clothing, sizes newborn up to 12, in very good condition that would be suitable to wear to church. If you have any clothing you could donate, please call Tammy at to arrange a time for pickup.

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.

A WOMAN IN THE CHURCH with excellent customer service and administrative skills and many years of experience is looking for work. If you know of an available job at your place of employment or elsewhere, please call the church office. A résumé is available upon request.

HOUSEMATE WANTED! A middle-aged Christian woman who leads a quiet lifestyle seeks same to share home in west Fitchburg. Must like dogs. If interested, please call Donna or the church office. Available July 1, 2007.

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May 20, 2007 by PastorMark.

When it comes to popularity, people today can rise and fall quickly. In the end, what really matters is the approval and esteem of God. What kind of person is “popular” with God? The Lord says, “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). Instead of trying to impress others, we can expend our energies in a personal relationship with our Creator. As we humble ourselves, He promises to lift us up. Would you rather be popular with people or with God?

Pastor Mark Boucher

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May 13, 2007 by admin.

THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT at 6:30 a special guest will be with us from Israel—Jan Willem van der Hoeven, founder of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. You won’t want to miss this!

THE MONTHLY MEN’S BREAKFAST will be held this Saturday, 8:00 AM, in the Youth Chapel. All men are welcome!

MINISTRY OF JOY ADULT FELLOWSHIP meets this Saturday, 12:00-2:30 PM, in the Fellowship Hall. Don’t miss this great time of food, fun, fellowship, prayer, and music. If you plan to eat lunch with the group, please bring a dish to share.

PLEASE NOTE that the Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet next Sunday in Pastor Mark’s office, 1:00-3:00 PM, instead of in the Fellowship Hall. Also, any donations of yarn to this ministry will be gladly accepted. Please see Alice Stacy if you have any questions or if you’d like more information.

STORYTELLER, HANNAH SHIVELY, and her husband, Jack, will be here next Sunday night, May 20, at 6:30 to minister. We so enjoy their ministry and hope you will plan to be here.

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK:

• Tues, 7:00 PM—Christians in Action at Proiettis’ home
• Thurs, 10:00 AM—Circle of Friends (Women) at Meppelinks’ home
• Thurs, 6:30 PM—YACC (Young Adults) at Gardners’ home
• Thurs, 6:45 PM—Young Adults Discipleship at Bells’ home
• Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. YOU ARE INVITED

THIS WEEK AT LEOMINSTER ASSEMBLY

• MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer Meeting
• TUESDAY 9:30 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 Ministries
  Adult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.)—Special Guest: Jan Willem van der Hoeven
• THURSDAY 6:30 PM—Church Board Meeting
  Ladies’ Night Out
• SATURDAY 8:00 AM—Men’s Breakfast
  12:00 PM—Ministry of Joy Adult Fellowship
  3:00 PM—Spring Fashion Show
  7:00 PM—All-church Prayer

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

A VBS WORKERS’ MEETING will be held in the Youth Chapel on Monday, May 21, at 7:00 PM. Teachers should arrive at 8:00 PM. All workers are encouraged to attend.

HELP IS NEEDED to paint backdrops for VBS. No artistic skill is needed. Work will be going on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays—10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 to 9:00 PM—in the Fellowship Hall. See Kim Johnson for more information.

THE GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER will be held on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, at the Royal Plaza Trade Center. Make plans now to join with thousands to pray for a great outpouring of God’s Spirit all over the world.

SPECIAL NEED! There is a family in our church who is part of the foster care hot-line. They would like to keep a supply of clothing on hand for any children they take in to care for. They need boys’ and girls’ clothing, sizes newborn up to 12, in very good condition that would be suitable to wear to church. If you have any clothing you could donate, please call Tammy at or the church office to arrange a time for pickup.

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.

A SINGLE MOM who is part of our church family is in need of a car. Please call the church office if you know of anything.

A WOMAN IN THE CHURCH with excellent customer service and administrative skills and many years of experience is looking for work. If you know of an available job at your place of employment or elsewhere, please call the church office. A résumé is available upon request.

A WOMAN IN THE CHURCH with good computer and communication skills is looking for a full-time administrative job. If you know of anything, please call Dagii or the church office.

HOUSEMATE WANTED! A middle-aged Christian woman who leads a quiet lifestyle seeks same to share home in west Fitchburg. Must like dogs. If interested, please call Donna or the church office. Available July 1, 2007.

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May 13, 2007 by PastorMark.

God and people look at life differently. For many people, children are an “inconvenience,” an added responsibility that takes away from their pursuit of happiness. But God speaks of children as a blessing and a joy. In the Book of Luke, the angel told the priest Zechariah that he and Elizabeth were going to have a son (John the Baptist). About this child, the angel declared, “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth” (Luke 1:14). Zechariah and Elizabeth rejoiced in God’s blessing. On this Mother’s Day we say thank you to all of you special women who give of yourselves for your children.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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