Archive for March 2008

Consultant’s Evaluation And Recommendations

March 31, 2008 by admin.

Your Church Facilities Team is in the process of determining the necessary steps for implementing the consultant’s evaluation and recommendations as they relate to LAOG’s growth needs. Recommendations from the pastoral staff must also be a factor for consideration since they know the pulse of the body as it relates to the vision of the church. A plot plan is currently being established by an engineering firm in preparation for any future expansion.

Your current Facilities Team: Jim Amirault, Steve Bibeau, Mark Butler, John “Jay” McCaffrey, Tom Richard, Harry Marshall.

Posted in Take The Land | Print | No Comments »

Now What?

March 30, 2008 by PastorMark.

Play now #307, Now What?, Pastor Mark Boucher, Sunday 03-30-2008

Text: Acts 1:1-11
Theme: What are we to do in light of His resurrection?

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Jesus is risen from the dead … you are risen in Him … now what?
  2. Jesus said, “you will be my witnesses” Acts 1:8
    1. What is a witness? Someone who shares what they know or have experienced?
  3. Our responsibility is simply “go and tell”
  4. When it comes to witnessing to others, today is the best of times and the worst of times.
    1. It is more difficult today
    2. People are told “religion is a private matter.”
    3. People have trouble with absolutes (authority, truth)
    4. It is more exciting today than ever before.
    5. So many people are “sin sick”. They know there’s “something more”.
    6. Most people (80% from a recent college survey) are interested in spiritual things.

What did the disciples need to be a witness?
What do we need? (We need to know Him first)

  1. We need godly priorities. (v 4-7) [Priority = something meriting prior attention]
    1. The greatest priority in life is Jesus Himself.
    2. The resurrection … is there any other greater event in history?
    3. Do we love Him and think about Him? (It’s hard to witness about a mere theology or “doctrinal persuasion”. When we love Jesus it’s easy to share Him)
    4. Godly priorities are demonstrated by our doing what He says. (What I do reveals my true priorities)
    5. Jesus said, “don’t leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift” (v 4)
    6. What if the disciples and the others did not wait?
    7. Don’t get sidetracked by other priorities.
    8. “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the Kingdom?” (v 6)
    9. The priorities of lesser things can dominate life.
    10. In a world of so many choices and things we forget that we’re just passing through and we’re surrounded by eternal beings.
  2. We need God’s power. (v 8a)
    1. It is no accident that Jesus connected waiting and power.
    2. Waiting on God centers us and slows us down enabling God to fill us.
    3. Powerful witnesses in the Bible knew how to walk with God.
    4. Why do we need “power” to witness?
    5. Answer: There are forces and powers that oppose and work against us.
    6. Apathy – a lack of any sense of urgency.
    7. Fear – we feel intimidated and remain silent.
    8. Hostility – some people stereotype Christians.
    9. How do we receive on-going power from God?
    10. Stay in a current love relationship with the Lord.
    11. God’s love is more like a current than a bomb.
    12. It’s like electricity – it has to have a current.
    13. “I appreciate yesterday’s power, but I need power today.”
    14. Avail yourself of “energy-giving” experiences with God.
    15. Your life adds or detracts from the Message.
  3. We need God’s mission. (v 8 )
    1. “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8b)
    2. How do we accomplish God’s mission to be His Witnesses?
    3. Foundation: Love God, love people.
    4. We can witness by building relationships with “pre Christians”
    5. We can witness by carrying good literature (tracts, cards)
    6. We can witness by inviting someone to church. (statistics say that 1 in 4 will say yes)
    7. Start where you are.
    8. Be involved in world missions (simultaneously)

CONCLUSION:

The lepers …2 Kings 7:3-9
“This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves” 2 Kings 7:9

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ANNOUNCEMENTS 03-30-2008

March 30, 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
    Pastor Mark Boucher, “Now What?” Acts 1:1-11
  • CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
    There are classes for all ages, including five adult electives.
  • GOSPEL EXPLOSION SERVICE at 6:30 PM
    Come back again tonight for a very special movie, The Hope, and invite an unsaved family member, friend or neighbor to come with you.

JOIN US THIS WEEK

  • MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer
  • TUESDAY 9:30 AM—Coffee Break Women’s Bible Study
    6:30 PM—ESL (English for All Nations)
    6:30 PM—Marriage Seminar (DiMarzios’ home)
    7:00 PM—Oh Lord, What is Your Vision for My Life?
    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 Series: Eight Qualities of a Healthy Church
  • THURSDAY 6:30 PM—Ladies’ Night Out
  • SATURDAY 12:00 PM—Ministry of Joy Adult Fellowship
    7:00 PM—All-Church Prayer

ANNOUNCING

  • MINISTRY OF JOY ADULT FELLOWSHIP will meet this Saturday, April 5, in the Fellowship Hall, Noon- 2:30. Please bring a dish to share if you plan to eat lunch with the group. You will enjoy music with Anne and Roger Lavoie, good food, and great fellowship!
  • NEXT SUNDAY MORNING we will be blessed to have the Valley Forge Christian College Concert Choir with us to minister in song, testimony, and the Word. Come and bring a friend!
  • A PASSOVER SEDER will be catered in the church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, April 19, 4:00-8:00 PM. There is a $5 charge per person, and, because of limited seating, only the first 50 people to sign up and pay will be able to attend. Please sign up at the table in the foyer after either of this morning’s services.
  • THE HOLY LAND TRIP dates have been scheduled—February 28-March 8, 2009. More details will be coming soon.
  • WOULD SOMEONE BE INTERESTED in hosting a weekly meeting (it can be here at the church) for three months with a Christian chiropractor? He is interested in teaching God’s people issues related to health and wholeness. The series is called “Fit for the King.” If interested, please call the church office.
  • HELP NEEDED: The Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network is currently seeking a part-time Van Driver/Office Helper. Hours of employment are 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Pay is $8.00 an hour. For more info and a job description, contact: Arthur Heusser, Network Director, at 978-342-3294.

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

TAKE THE LAND OFFERINGS TO DATE

  • Beginning Mortgage: $600,000
  • 30-month Offerings Goal: $405,000
  • 30-month Total $ Pledged: $217,386
  • Offerings/Payments: $100,771
  • Current Mortgage Balance: $499,229

NEEDS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

  • A family of six in the church is in great need of a car in good running condition at a low cost. Would you have or know of one? Please call the church office if you have any leads.
  • A 10-12 room house is needed for a spiritual renewal ministry. Will share vision/business plan with ministry-minded landlord. Please see or call Susan Laythe or the church office.
  • Housing—a room or small apartment—is needed. Please call Estelle or the church office. She can pay rent and buy her own food.

BULLETIN INSERTS

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A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR MARK

March 30, 2008 by PastorMark.

As a young man, Hezekiah determined to serve as a godly king. When he came to the throne, his country (Judah) was filled with idolatry and evil. Hezekiah’s first actions were significant. “He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles” (2 Kings 18:4). Before Judah could experience renewal, the people needed to deal with their “hindrances.” Hezekiah knew that you don’t serve God and anything else. The principle for us is this: righteousness and progress in the Christian life require us to break and tear from our lives any “other gods.” Until we do this we will never really advance in spiritual growth and development. How serious are you about your relationship with God Almighty?

Pastor Mark Boucher

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Don’t Stay in the Tomb

March 23, 2008 by PastorMark.

Play nowDon’t Stay in the Tomb,

Pastor Mark Boucher, Sunday 03-23-2008

Text: Acts 1:1-3

INTRODUCTION

  1. Cemetery in Winchendon
  2. The message of the Gospel.
    1. “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures …” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
  3. After Jesus did on the cross, the disciples were devastated.
    1. Jesus had prepared them (5 times in Matthew alone), but they didn’t allow His words to “register”.
    2. They were overcome by “shock and fear”.
  4. After Jesus rose from the dead. He knew He needed to convince the disciples of His victory.

Text: Acts 1:1-3
“After His suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive.” (verse 3) ~ “He presented Himself alive” (ESV)

  1. How do we know Jesus is alive?
    1. The death of Jesus was not enough (no matter how heroic).
    2. How would we know if His sacrifice was acceptable?
    3. How would we gain assurance over sin, death?
    4. God foretold of His Messiah’s mission to rise.
    5. “because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” (Psalm 16:10)
    6. He appeared to many after His resurrection.
    7. Over a forty day period He appeared at least 12 times.
  2. One of those times was to over 500 people (1 Cor. 15:6)
    1. He offered them “many convincing proofs” (Acts 1:3)
    2. proofs = tekmeriois “demonstratable evidence in contrast with evidence provided by witnesses.” ~ They could touch, see and hear Jesus. (this is the only time the word is used in the New Testament)
    3. We know He’s alive by the affects after the resurrection.
    4. The Roman and Jewish authorities could not produce the body.
    5. The Apostles and disciples were willing to suffer as witnesses for the resurrection.
    6. “He is not here; He is risen just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” (Matthew 28:6)
    7. What does the Resurrection of Jesus have to do with your life?
    8. Did you know that your life is supposed to parallel with the life of Jesus?
    9. He has a life … you have a life.
    10. He experienced a cross … you have a cross.
    11. He knew death … you have to know death.
    12. He was resurrected … and you can experience resurrection.
  3. How do you know if you’re alive spiritually?
  4. You can be alive physically, but dead spiritually.
    1. “You were dead in your transgressions and sin on which you used to live.” Ephesians 2:1
    2. “God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.” Ephesians 2:4-5)
    3. Jesus presented Himself alive … a believer will also demonstrate evidences of life.
    4. You will have faith.
    5. We are commanded to repent and believe.
  5. God would not command what we could not do by His grace.
    1. You must believe on God’s terms, not yours.
    2. Some say, “I’ll only believe if I see physically.”
    3. Some believe about God, but don’t trust in Him.
    4. You must believe there’s more to life than the tomb.
    5. You will have love. (the Great Commandment – love God, love people)
    6. The love of Jesus obeys the commands of God and always does what is right for others.
    7. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” (1 John 3:14)
    8. “Love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)
    9. You will have His Spirit.
    10. A Christian is one with Christ within.
    11. “Christ in you and the hope of glory.”
    12. If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you …” (Romans 8:11)
    13. “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” (Romans 8:9)
    14. The Holy Spirit is the continuation of the life of Christ in His church.

CONCLUSION

  1. Christ is alive … are you alive?
  2. Are you in the tomb or out?
  3. Are you in the dark or in the light?
  4. Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth.”
  5. Becoming a Christian is not a leap in the dark, but a leap into light.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS, 03-23-2008

March 23, 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
    Special Music: Worship Team (please sing with us), special guest, Amy Marshall, and Melinda Salliby
    Pastor Mark Boucher, “Don’t Stay in the Tomb,” Acts 1:1-3
  • CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
    There are classes for all ages, including five adult electives.
  • EVENING SERVICE at 6:30 PM
    Join us tonight for a special Hour of Prayer.

JOIN US THIS WEEK

  • MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer
  • TUESDAY 9:30 AM—Coffee Break Women’s Bible Study
    6:30 PM—ESL (English for All Nations)
    7:00 PM—Oh Lord, What is Your Vision for My Life?
    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 (AWARDS NIGHT)
    Impact Student Ministries
    Effective Personal Soul Winning
    Adult Bible Study (L.A.B.I.)—New Series: Eight Qualities of a Healthy Church
  • THURSDAY 6:30 PM—Ladies’ Night Out
  • SATURDAY 10:00 AM—Royal Rangers Pinewood Derby
    4:00 PM—African Fellowship Prayer (Onos’ home)
    7:00 PM—All-Church Prayer

ANNOUNCING

  • FREE BOOKLETS: There are a number of free booklets at the Welcome Center called “For Joy and Amazement…The Easter Story.” You are welcome to take one. It is a great presentation of the Easter story. Give it to someone who is searching for Truth!
  • THE ROYAL RANGERS will be having their winter 2007-08 awards ceremony this Wednesday night in the Fellowship Hall, beginning at 7:00. All parents are invited.
  • MINISTRY OF JOY ADULT FELLOWSHIP will be meeting Saturday, April 5, in the Fellowship Hall, from noon until 2:30. Please bring a dish if you plan to eat lunch with the group. You will enjoy music with Anne and Roger Lavoie, good food, and great fellowship!
  • WOULD SOMEONE BE INTERESTED in hosting a weekly meeting (it can be here at the church) for three months with a Christian chiropractor? He is interested in teaching God’s people issues related to health and wholeness. The series is called “Fit for the King.” If interested, please call the church office.
  • HELP NEEDED: The Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network is currently seeking a part-time Van Driver/Office Helper at the shelter serving homeless families. The hours of employment are 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Pay is $8.00 an hour. For more info and a job description, contact: Arthur Heusser, Network Director, at 978-342-3294.
  • THANK YOU SO MUCH for your expressions of sympathy in the loss of my sister, Carol. ~ Tony Pappani

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

TAKE THE LAND OFFERINGS TO DATE

  • Beginning Mortgage: $600,000
  • 30-month Offerings Goal: $405,000
  • 30-month Total $ Pledged: $217,266
  • Offerings/Payments: $98,224
  • Current Mortgage Balance: $501,776

NEEDS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

  • A family of six in the church is in great need of a car in good running condition at a low cost. Would you have or know of one? Please call the church office if you have any leads.
  • Housing—a room or small apartment—is needed. Please call Estelle if you can help. She can pay rent and buy her own food.

BULLETIN INSERTS

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A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR MARK

March 23, 2008 by PastorMark.

I received an e-mail this week from a friend that encouraged me. The e-mail contained a devotional written by Thomas Watson (Puritan pastor, 1620-1686). Here are some excerpts from his article, “The Art of Divine Contentment”: “Whatever affliction or trouble a child of God meets with—it is all the hell he shall ever have! Whatever eclipse may be upon his name or estate—it is but a little cloud which will soon be blown over—and then his hell is past! Death begins a wicked man’s hell. Death ends a godly man’s hell. If all our hell is in this life—and in the midst of this hell, we have the love of God—then it is no more hell, but paradise! If all our hell is here on earth, we may see to the end of it; it is but skin-deep, it cannot touch the soul. It is a short-lived hell. After a dreary night of affliction, comes the bright morning of glory!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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The Day of the Parade

March 16, 2008 by PastorMark.

Play now  #305, The Day of the Parade, Pastor Mark Boucher, Sunday, 03-16-2008

Text: Luke 19:28-44
The Challenge: To respond to Jesus the way He wants.

INTRODUCTION

  1. Have you ever been to a parade?
    1. A parade celebrates an event or person.
  2. The Bible records the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
    1. (Jesus had just finished a last tour of ministry and had raised Lazarus.)
    2. He was riding on a donkey (1 Kings 1:38)
    3. This “parade” seemed to be “out of character” for Jesus.
  3. Why the parade?
    1. To fulfill Scripture and God’s will.
    2. “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9
    3. To push the clock ahead.
    4. The religious leaders wanted to wait until after the Passover.
    5. Jesus knew He had to die during Passover (The Lamb of God).
  4. During the parade the crowds rejoiced, but Jesus wept.
    1. Jesus saw what others didn’t see.
    2. He was looking for something in the people, but did not find it.

Jesus is looking for a right response.
The Challenge: To respond to Jesus the way He wants.
The parade will help us understand what Jesus wants.

LET’S LOOK AT SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

  1. What does Jesus want to do?
    1. He wants people to know who He is (the time had come)
    2. He want to bring peace to people.
    3. “If you, even you, have known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:42
    4. The greatest war takes place in every heart, with God!
    5. “Submit to me and be at peace.” Isaiah …
    6. The good news of the Gospel is that through Jesus we can be reconciled to God! (He is our peace)
    7. He wants to unite people under His Kingship.
    8. Reconciliation with God enables reconciliation with others.
    9. There are so many forces at work to divide and isolate us …
    10. nationality, color of skin, age, economic level, education, religion, etc…
  2. The greatest agent of unity in the universe is the blood of Jesus. We are all equal at the foot of the cross.
    1. What Jesus want to do and what we want Him to do for us are often very different.
  3. What are we usually looking for?
    1. We want a Savior who changes circumstances now.
    2. It would be great for you to provide bread.
    3. It would be great for you to bring prosperity.
    4. It would be great for you to make life easier.
  4. We want a full service savior.
    1. We want a Savior who destroys our enemies.
    2. If you’re the Messiah, get rid of the Romans.
    3. If you’re my Savior, deal with those who bother me. (Don’t tell me to love them and exercise patience.)
  5. What is Jesus looking for?
    1. We know what He is not looking for …
    2. He’s not looking for self-righteous critics.
    3. “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’” (Luke 19:39)
    4. He’s not looking for crowds of disciples.
    5. “the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.” (Luke 19:37)
    6. He’s looking for people to respond to Him.
    7. Those who don’t know – check Him out.
    8. Those who think they know. Go deeper (examine yourself).
    9. It’s not the loudness or emotion factor
    10. “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father is spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23)
    11. Spirit – inward sincerity of heart before God.
    12. Truth - according to God’s revelation, Word.

CONCLUSION

Don’t miss the main event!!!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS 03-16-2008

March 16, 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.
    Pastor Boucher, “The Day of the Parade,” Luke 19:28-44
  • CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
  • EVENING SERVICE at 6:30 PM
    Come enjoy Son Rise, a children’s Resurrection musical that will be performed this evening. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.

JOIN US THIS WEEK

  • MONDAY 7:00 PM—Prayer
  • TUESDAY 9:30 AM—Coffee Break Women’s Bible Study
    6:30 PM—ESL (English for All Nations)
    7:00 PM—Oh Lord, What is Your Vision for My Life?
    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.)—Guest Evangelist from India, Suresh Babu
  • THURSDAY 6:30 PM—Ladies’ Night Out
  • FRIDAY 7:00 PM—Good Friday Communion Service
  • SATURDAY 7:00 PM—All-Church Prayer

ANNOUNCING

  • WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 PM Suresh Babu, well-known evangelist from India, will be with us again to bring an anointed message from the Lord. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience God’s presence and power!
  • PLEASE JOIN US for a special Good Friday service this Friday at 7:00 PM. We will share together in worship, in Communion, and in the Word as we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us as the perfect Lamb of God.
  • TRIP TO ISRAEL: Please note that the trip originally planned for November of this year is being postponed until March 2009. More details (exact dates, etc.) will be coming soon.
  • SOME MEN’S SHIRTS AND SUIT JACKETS have been donated and are available at the Lost & Found (at the coat rack near the church offices).
  • HELP NEEDED: The Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network is currently seeking a part-time Van Driver/Office Helper at the shelter serving homeless families. The hours of employment are 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. All eligible candidates would need a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, the ability to relate to people from diverse back-grounds, and sensitivity to the issues related to family homelessness. The pay is $8.00 an hour. For more information and a complete job description, please contact: Arthur Heusser, the Network Director, at 978-342-3294.

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

TAKE THE LAND OFFERINGS TO DATE

  • Beginning Mortgage: $600,000
  • 30-month Offerings Goal: $405,000
  • 30-month Total $ Pledged: $216,496
  • Offerings/Payments: $95,980
  • Current Mortgage Balance: $504,020

NEEDS IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY

  • Housing—a room or small apartment—is needed. Please call Estelle or the church office if you can help. She can pay rent and buy her own food.

BULLETIN INSERTS

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Purim Holiday is March 21, 2008

March 16, 2008 by admin.

God said to Abraham, I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you (Genesis 12:3).

A prominent goal of evil is always the annihilation of the Jewish people. The heart of God is always the salvation of the Jews. In the Book of Esther, we read the dramatic true story of how an evil man, Haman, plotted to have the Persian king annihilate the Jews about 450 years before the birth of Messiah. The holiday is called Purim because Haman had thrown lots (purim) to determine when he should begin the execution of his plot of genocide against the Jewish people.

Esther, a beautiful Jewish teenager reared by her uncle Mordecai, was raised up by God to become the queen. She kept her Jewish background hidden from the king, and, at the urging of Mordecai, Queen Esther risked her life by going before the king wtihout being summoned by him. She revealed Haman’s secret plot to him, begged for mercy and pled with him for the Jewish people, while revealing her own identity as a Jew. The king was moved and decreed that the Jews would be spared. He had Haman hung on the gallows that Haman himself had earlier prepared for the righteous Mordecai whom he hated. The king honored Mordecai with a high position and spared his own Queen Esther.

“Mordecai…sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces…, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor” (Esther 9:20-22).

Today, once again, the Jews are threatened with annihilation. This time it is from fanatics of radical Islam, Haman-like people who again want to destroy all Jews along with all of the Christians of the world. Praise the Lord that God’s promises of blessings to us will always stand. Like Esther, who was called “for such a time as this,” let us step forward boldly in the name of Messiah Jesus, praying for and blessing the Jewish people.

Gentiles, let us remember, once we “were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13).

And if you belong to Yeshua the Messiah, you are the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:29).

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