Archive for January 2008

Victory in the Valley

January 27, 2008 by PastorMark.

Play now #300, Victory in the Valley, 01-27-2008, Pastor Mark Boucher

Text: 2 Chronicles 20

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ANNOUNCEMENTS, 01-27-2008

January 27, 2008 by admin.

JOIN US TODAY

  • WORSHIP and THE WORD at 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM
  • Nursery, 4s and 5s, Kids 4 Christ
  • Child Dedication during 11:00 service
  • Pastor Mark Boucher, “Victory in the Valley,” 2 Chronicles 20
  • CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM for all ages
  • FUNDRAISING SPAGHETTI LUNCH after 11:00 service
  • For Tiffany McDonald, a People to People ambassador
  • GOSPEL EXPLOSION SERVICE at 6:30 PM
  • Providence Teen Challenge Women’s Choir

JOIN US THIS WEEK

  • MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer
    7:00 PM—Informational Meeting for Israel trip
  • TUESDAY 6:30 PM—ESL (English for All Nations)
    7:30 PM—Christian 12 Step
  • WEDNESDAY 5:45 PM—A.L.I.V.E. Homeschoolers Prayer
    6:30 PM—FAMILY NIGHT
    Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 up to K)
    Girls Ministries (grades K-8)
    Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs, K-12)
    Impact Student Ministries
    Effective Personal Soul Winning
    Adult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.)—New Beginnings and Healthy Relationships:
    Lessons from the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11)
  • SATURDAY 10:30 AM—David Parker comes to LAOG
    12:00 PM—Ministry of Joy Adult Fellowship
    7:00 PM—All-Church Prayer

ANNOUNCING

  • AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING for the November trip to the Holy Land will be held tomorrow night, 7:00-8:00, in the Youth Chapel. Dates, cost, itinerary, and much more will be discussed.
  • PRACTICES BEGIN FEBRUARY 3, 6:30 PM, for a Children’s Easter play (performance date is March 16). If your child(ren) want to participate, please sign up at the Welcome Center.
  • FEBRUARY 10-17 is our rotation week in the Hospitality Network. You can bless the homeless families at St. Bernard’s Convent (125 Summer Street, Fitchburg) by preparing or bringing and serving an evening meal, by being a two-hour onsite host, or by being an overnight (sleeping) host. Please sign up at the MIHN table in the foyer to be part of this awesome week of ministry!
  • THE NEXT WATER BAPTISM will be on Sunday, February 17, during the 6:30 PM service. If you want to be baptized, please fill out and turn in an application card (at the Welcome Center).
  • VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WEEK has been set for July 14-18. We know some of you need to put in for vacation time so we’re letting you know ASAP. Mark these dates on your calendar!
  • MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES: (1) Nursery, see Tammy Kinsley (must be female and at least 15 years old); (2) Sound or Media Ministry, see Peter Kinsley; (3) Van ministry, see Phil Prentiss.
  • LOST AND FOUND is located on the coat rack in the hallway nearest to the church office. There are many items that need to be claimed: Bibles, books, clothing, etc. Please check to see if any of the items belong to you (unclaimed items will be disposed of).

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK

  • Seekers of Light men’s study (Sullivans)—Sunday, 3:00 PM
  • Christians in Action (Proiettis)—Tuesday, 7:00 PM
  • Branches of Messiah (Wheelers)—Wednesday, 6:30 PM
  • YACC for Young Adults (Gardners)—Thursday, 6:30 PM
  • Young Adult Discipleship (Bells)—Thursday, 6:45 PM
  • Women of Faith (Telliers)—Friday, 10:00 AM
  • Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. You are invited!

CHURCH LIBRARY

  • The library, located next to the Youth Chapel, is open:
  • Sunday: 10:00-11:00 AM, after second service, 6:00-6:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:15-6:30 PM and after Family Night ministries
  • We’ve had some problems with people returning church library items to the Leominster Public Library. Please check the labels carefully, and make sure items are properly and promptly returned to the church library. Thank you.

TAKE THE LAND OFFERINGS TO DATE

  • Beginning Mortgage: $600,000
  • 30-month Offerings Goal: $405,000
  • 30-month Total $ Pledged: $216,036
  • Offerings/Payments: $76,794
  • Current Mortgage Balance: $523,206

NEEDS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

  • A woman in the church has an urgent need for a car. She is a full-time college student. Do you have a car you could donate or sell at a low cost? Please see Terry or Melinda today or call the church office ASAP if you can help meet this need.

BULLETIN INSERTS

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FROM PASTOR MARK, 01-27-2008

January 27, 2008 by PastorMark.

“Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak” (Genesis 32:24). The man who wrestled with Jacob was the Lord himself. Jacob was on his way back home and had to face his lying, deceitful behavior toward his brother Esau. In order to know future blessing, Jacob had to experience brokenness. The good news is that Jacob pressed on with God and allowed God to break his heart through repentance and renewal. In this life, sometimes our greatest struggles are not with the enemy but with the Lord. He presses us in order to break us of our pride and self-seeking ways. As we allow ourselves to be “conquered by God,” we come to know His awesome peace and presence. We conquer where we yield.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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Followship

January 20, 2008 by PastorMark.

Play now#299,  Followship, Sunday 01-20-2008, Pastor Mark Boucher

Text: Matthew 9:9-13
Theme: What does Jesus call us into when He says “follow me”?

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Go to Barnes and Noble and look up books on “leadership”, then “following”. Then look up “leadership” on Google, then “following”. – We crave to lead more than to follow.
  2. Jesus had a plan for the world. His plan would be preceded by prophesies to give hope to the early generations.
    1. He came to die and rise again
    2. He came to invest His life in people who wanted to be transformed, who would be instruments of transformation. He didn’t come just so save people to get them into heaven.
  3. One day, while walking He came upon Matthew.
    1. Matthew was a young Jewish man who broke the mold.
    2. He was a “collaboration compromiser” with the Romans.
    3. He was known as a “publican”. He sold out on he Jewish family, nation, conscience.
  4. His life was about to change forever.
    1. Jesus said two words, “follow me”.
    2. “Matthew got up and followed him.” (v 9) There was something about Jesus greater than money, things and outward success.

Text: Matthew 9:9-13
What would you have done?
Most of us probably would have been paralyzed by a flood of questions.

  • Just who are you again?
  • Where are we going?
  • What about my stuff, my booth?
  • What do I have to do?
  • What will I learn and become?
  • Do I have to change? How?

What does Jesus call us into when He says “follow me”?

  1. Jesus calls us into a relationship with Himself. (“follow me” – not a religion)
    1. He calls us to “be with Him.”
    2. “He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”
    3. He calls us to be like Him.
    4. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me …”
  2. He calls us into relationships with one another.
    1. Matthew became a part of a team.
    2. It wasn’t just “me and Jesus”. It was me, Jesus and His people.
    3. Love is His command.
    4. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12
    5. Our love for one another brings credibility to the message.
  3. He calls us to a life of service.
    1. Jesus described his mission by saying, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve …” Matthew 20:28
    2. How do we serve?
    3. Jesus said, “I do what I see the Father doing.”
    4. Do what Jesus would do.

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP:

Three prong focus of LAOG. (Intentional Discipleship for you)

  1. A life of intimacy with God.
    1. Worship and the Word.
  2. A life of loving relationships.
    1. Where we learn to live the Word.
  3. A life of service.
    1. Christ in us and through us.

Will you follow Jesus?

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ANNOUNCEMENTS, 01-20-2008

January 20, 2008 by admin.

JOIN US TODAY

  • WORSHIP and THE WORD at 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM
  • Nursery, 4s and 5s, Kids 4 Christ
  • The Take the Land offering will be taken this morning
  • Guest Soloist, Kelly Shannon, will minister
  • Pastor Mark Boucher, “Followship,” Matthew 9:8-13
  • CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
  • PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY at 1:00 PM in Pastor’s office
  • DEPARTMENT HEADS’ MEETING at 4:30 PM in Pastor’s office
  • EVENING SERVICE at 6:30 PM—Praying Together

JOIN US THIS WEEK

  • MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer
  • TUESDAY 6:30 PM—ESL (English for All Nations)
    7:30 PM—Christian 12 Step
  • WEDNESDAY 5:45 PM—A.L.I.V.E. Homeschoolers Prayer
  • 6:30 PM—FAMILY NIGHT
    Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 up to K)
    Girls Ministries (grades K-8)
    Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs, K-12)
    Impact Student Ministries
    Effective Personal Soul Winning
    Adult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.)—New Beginnings and Healthy Relationships:
    Relationships with Authorities (Genesis 9)
  • FRIDAY 7:00 PM—Heart Burn Youth Praise & Prayer
  • SATURDAY 4:00 PM—African Fellowship Prayer
    7:00 PM—All-Church Prayer

ANNOUNCING

  • THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY will meet TODAY from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in Pastor Mark’s office. Please join us any time! Contact Alice Stacy for details.
  • A DEPARTMENT HEADS’ MEETING will be held TODAY at 4:30 PM in Pastor Mark’s office.
  • THE NEXT CHILD DEDICATION is next Sunday during the 11:00 service. If you desire to dedicate your child to the Lord, please fill out and turn in an application card (at the Welcome Center).
  • PRACTICES BEGIN FEBRUARY 3, 6:30 PM, for a Children’s Easter play (performance date is March 16). If your child(ren) want to participate, please sign up at the Welcome Center. Questions? Please see Jessica DeFilippo or Jenn Farnsworth.
  • THE NEXT WATER BAPTISM will be on Sunday, February 17, during the 6:30 PM service. If you want to be baptized, please fill out and turn in an application card (at the Welcome Center).
  • VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WEEK has been set for July 14-18. We know some of you need to put in for vacation time so we’re letting you know ASAP. Mark these dates on your calendar!
  • MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES: (1) Nursery, see Tammy Kinsley (must be female and at least 15 years old); (2) Sound or Media Ministry, see Peter Kinsley; (3) Van ministry, see Phil Prentiss.
  • LOST AND FOUND is located on the coat rack in the hallway nearest to the church office. There are many items that need to be claimed: Bibles, books, clothing, etc. Please check to see if any of the items belong to you (unclaimed items will be disposed of).

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK

  • Christians in Action (Proiettis)—Tuesday, 7:00 PM
  • Branches of Messiah (Wheelers)—Wednesday, 6:30 PM
  • YACC for Young Adults (Gardners)—Thursday, 6:30 PM
  • Young Adult Discipleship (Bells)—Thursday, 6:45 PM
  • Women of Faith (Telliers)—Friday, 10:00 AM
  • Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. You are invited!

CHURCH LIBRARY

  • The library, located next to the Youth Chapel, is open:
  • Sunday: 10:00-11:00 AM, after second service, 6:00-6:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:15-6:30 PM and after Family Night ministries
  • We’ve had some problems with people returning church library items to the Leominster Public Library. Please check the labels carefully, and make sure items are properly and promptly returned to the church library. Thank you.

TAKE THE LAND OFFERINGS TO DATE

  • Beginning Mortgage: $600,000
  • 30-month Offerings Goal: $405,000
  • 30-month Total $ Pledged: $216,036
  • Offerings/Payments: $76,794
  • Current Mortgage Balance: $523,206

BULLETIN INSERTS

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FROM PASTOR MARK, 01-20-2008

January 20, 2008 by PastorMark.

As the elder, Abram had every right to first choice. Abram and his nephew Lot had to decide where to live. Their separate groups of people and possessions had grown too large to stay together. To resolve the problem, they proceeded to scout out the land from the top of a mountain. Abram spoke first, “Is not the whole land before you? If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left” (Genesis 13:9). Lot chose first and based his choice on sight and self (Sodom looked good). Abram, by deferring to his nephew, made the best choice. God blessed Abram and promised that the whole land would one day belong to him. By letting go, Abram received the promises and blessing of God instead of the disappointments of Sodom. What is it that God is telling you to release? Let it go, and watch God bless!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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God’s Masterpiece

January 13, 2008 by PastorMark.

Play now#298, God’s Masterpiece, Sunday, 01-13-2008, Pastor Mark Boucher

Text: Ephesians 2:1-10
Theme: God wants to create a masterpiece out of your life.

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Change is the “buzzword” in politics right now.
    1. “I believe I can provide the economic leadership we need to make the change so desperately required.”
    2. “Inviting Americans to work together to bring about changes.”
    3. “Change we can believe in.”
  2. My faith is not in a person or party.
  3. God specializes in change, transformation.
    1. “God loves us just the way we are, but He loves us too much to allow us to stay the way we are.”
  4. We have a love/hate relationship with change.
    1. Change requires “work.”
    2. The good news is God provides all we need; we just need to cooperate with Him.
    3. Why does God want us to change?

Theme: God wants to create a masterpiece out of your life.
How does God create this masterpiece? How does He change us?

Text: Ephesians 2:1-10
Let’s consider the dynamic of how God changes us.

  1. God works on you. (vv 1-3)
    1. We don’t naturally trust God.
    2. We are dependent as babies, but grow with a “self-willed” nature.
    3. We want to “hold the brush” of our own life.
    4. The one great problem: we’re dead (in our sins (v 1)) and we don’t know it.
    5. Dead people can’t communicate with the living.
  2. “Dead in sin” hearts can’t communicate with God.
    1. “I was dead once. I didn’t like it.” – bumper sticker
    2. God works on you (to bring you to life) through life’s experiences (as a pre-Christian)
    3. God works on us through conviction – the drawing power of the Holy Spirit.
    4. We have a great need: we naturally follow the world
    5. The Holy Spirit does battle with the spirit of will,
  3. God works in you (vv 4-9).
    1. God works in you to you alive in Christ (v 4).
    2. When you say yes and let go of the brush …
    3. The resurrection of our spirit is a miracle like the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
  4. He raised us up in Christ; we are seated with Him (v 6); we have hope and a future (v 7).
    1. We can claim no merit to this miracle.
    2. All we did was humble ourselves and receive.
    3. Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works so no one can boast.
    4. God works in you to make you like Christ.
    5. “Just barely alive” isn’t good enough for God.
    6. He makes you alive to give you a new life.
    7. Lazarus was not raised to be a “dead man walking.”
  5. Jesus said, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
    1. “When you have your new suit on, remember who paid for it!”
    2. There are 3 types of paint God uses most to change us.
    3. The Word.
    4. Prayer.
    5. Trials.
  6. God works through you (v 10)
    1. We are God’s workmanship.
    2. We are His prized possession (the first things He points to in His house).
    3. We are the craftsmanship created in Christ.
    4. God wants to reveal His Son to the world.
    5. What is the main lens through which people see Christ through us? Good works, which God already prepared for us to do.
    6. We are to live a life of mission.
  7. God is not just interested in our character development, but also our outward actions.
    1. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

CONCLUSION:

  1. Some of you say, “God can’t use me. I’ve held the brush all my life.”
    1. He can still paint a masterpiece with a dark backdrop.
  2. Some of you say, “I’ve been away from God too long.”
    1. Sometimes you just need to let God find you, wash you off and put you in circulation.
  3. God wants to change you and bless the lives of others!
    1. “Let go of the brush.”

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ANNOUNCEMENTS, 01-13-2008

January 13, 2008 by admin.

JOIN US TODAY

  • WORSHIP and THE WORD at 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM
    Nursery, 4s and 5s, Kids 4 Christ
    We will share together in Communion this morning
    Pastor Mark Boucher, “God’s Masterpiece,” Eph. 2:1-10
  • CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
    Classes for all children and youth
    Five adult electives meet here and at the school
  • EVENING SERVICE at 6:30 PM
    Praying the Word of God

JOIN US THIS WEEK

  • MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer
  • TUESDAY 6:30 PM—ESL (English for All Nations)
    7:30 PM—Christian 12 Step
  • WEDNESDAY 5:45 PM—A.L.I.V.E. Homeschoolers Prayer
    6:30 PM—FAMILY NIGHT
    Rainbows (girls & boys, 3 up to K)
    Girls Ministries (grades K-8)
    Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs, K-12)
    Impact Student Ministries
    Effective Personal Soul Winning
    Adult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.)—New Beginnings and Healthy Relationships: Healthy Emotions and Relationships (Gen 4)
  • THURSDAY 6:30 PM—Church Board Meeting
  • SATURDAY 7:00 PM—All-Church Prayer

ANNOUNCING

  • A DEPARTMENT HEADS’ MEETING will be held next Sunday, January 20, at 4:30 PM in Pastor Mark’s office.
  • NEXT SUNDAY IS BGMC SUNDAY! Remind your children to bring in their barrels for the children’s missions program (Boys & Girls Missionary Crusade) next Sunday. It’s time to set a new goal for the new year!
  • THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY will meet next Sunday, January 20, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in Pastor Mark’s office. Please join us any time! Contact Alice Stacy for details.
  • THE NEXT CHILD DEDICATION will be during the 11:00 AM service on January 27. If you desire to dedicate your child to the Lord, please fill out a yellow application card located at the Welcome Center and turn it in at the church office or give it to an usher. You will receive a call from the office.
  • MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES: (1) Nursery, see Tammy Kinsley (must be female and at least 15 years old); (2) Sound or Media Ministry, see Peter Kinsley; (3) Van ministry, see Phil Prentiss or call him at 978-878-5701.
  • TRIP TO THE HOLY LAND: Please sign up at the Welcome Center if you are interested in finding out more about this exciting trip coming up in November 2008. A meeting will be held soon.

HOMETEAMS MEETING THIS WEEK

  • Seekers of Light men’s study (Sullivans)—Sunday, 3:00 PM
  • Christians in Action (Proiettis)—Tuesday, 7:00 PM
  • Branches of Messiah (Wheelers)—Wednesday, 6:30 PM
  • YACC for Young Adults (Gardners)—Thursday, 6:30 PM
  • Young Adult Discipleship (Bells)—Thursday, 6:45 PM
  • Women of Faith (Telliers)—Friday, 10:00 AM
  • Pick up directions at the Welcome Center. You are invited!

CHURCH LIBRARY

  • The library, located next to the Youth Chapel, is open:
  • Sunday: 10:00-11:00 AM, after second service, 6:00-6:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:15-6:30 PM and after Family Night ministries

TAKE THE LAND OFFERINGS TO DATE

  • Beginning Mortgage: $600,000
  • 30-month Offerings Goal: $405,000
  • 30-month Total $ Pledged: $216,036
  • Offerings/Payments: $76,226
  • Current Mortgage Balance: $523,774

NEEDS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

  • A woman in the church has an urgent need for a car. She is a full-time college student, and classes begin tomorrow. Do you have a car you could donate or sell at a low cost? Please see Terry or Melinda today or call the church office ASAP if you can help meet this need.

BULLETIN INSERTS

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FROM PASTOR MARK, 01-13-2008

January 13, 2008 by PastorMark.

This week we are delighted to welcome two special guests, Eddy Hall and Greg Peterson. As representatives of Living Stone Associates, they have come to help us discover and implement constructive change for the future of Leominster Assembly of God. Already, God has used them to encourage and enlighten our hearts with new and exciting possibilities. The Book of Proverbs teaches us to be humble and willing to accept correction and advice. May Proverbs 19:20-21 be true of us as we pray and step out in God’s will: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” May His will prevail in His church.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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New Beginnings in Healthy Relationships

January 9, 2008 by admin.

L. A. B. I. - Leominster Assembly Bible Institute

Wednesdays 6:30 PM Beginning January 9:

New Beginnings in Healthy Relationships

Using the Book of Genesis, we will focus on the different kinds of relationships that we are all challenged with and learn how to have success in them. Pastors Mark and Dave will tackle such topics as:

  • Where all the problems started from
  • What to do when authorities mess up
  • Pride—the enemy of healthy relationships
  • Handling anger
  • Holding a grudge
  • Playing favorites
  • True reconciliation

Join us on Wednesday evenings for this life-changing study!

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