July 1, 2008 by admin.

We are blessed to have Pastor Rafael Oliveira on staff as our Pastor of Worship Arts since May. Pastor Rafael has extensive experience in ministry and music and also has a vision to make God known in the Leominster area through music and drama.

Pastor Rafael has been involved in music since he was five years old. His main instrument is the flute, and he plays six other instruments professionally (clarinet, saxophone, piano, guitar, bass guitar, and drums). He has led choirs, orchestras, music schools, and bands in churches and secular fields. He also composes, arranges, and writes music.

Pastor Rafael’s qualifications come from years of experience and study including Canada Christian College, Toronto Royal Conservatory of Music, and Berean School of Ministry. He has had ten years of experience in sound, two years of experience directing video and editing, and five years of experience in church drama.

“I am originally from Brazil. I was raised in a Christian family in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I have also lived in New York, Boston, Toronto, Canada, and Cape Coral, FL. I have a heart for worship. I am limited, but my God isn’t. He has given me great dreams [for Leominster Assembly of God]: various types of bands and orchestras, several choirs (worship, church, women’s, men’s, youth), multiple worship teams, sound teams, video teams, a drama team, and, possibly, recording CDs from the church worship team.”

Pastor Rafael and Flavia celebrated their first wedding anniversary on July 7. Be sure to congratulate them and encourage them in their new marriage and new ministry!

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July 1, 2008 by admin.

Bouquet of Love
by Judy Trainque

My sisters in Christ, like so many roses,
add beauty and peace to my life.

Truly their open hearts and arms
ease my troubled strife.

A gentle smile, an understanding hug
fill my heart with love.

On eagle’s wings I soar in flight
ever thankful to God above.

I gather a bouquet of these living blooms
and clasp them to my heart,

Knowing their kindness carries me on
that welcomed me from the start.

I know I’ll see my sisters in the Garden of Life
turning their faces to the Son

Once again we’ll embrace with our hearts in joy
The heavenly goal is won.

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July 1, 2008 by admin.

CAN WE C.H.A.T.*?

by Sally Dyer

Welcome to the new Leominster Assembly C.H.A.T.* Corner. Over the last few months, we’ve learned about the Eight Qualities of a Healthy Church and that we need to improve in developing more “Loving Relationships.” Perhaps you’ve wondered what the term loving relationships means and what we can do to see our church make better progress. How much time do you spend with one another outside of official church-sponsored events? How often do you invite one another over for a meal or a cup of coffee? How much laughter is there in our church? All these points, and more, have a strong correlation with the healthy growth of a church. They are a reflection of the practical love of a church body for its individual family members.

Joining a small group is a great first step toward establishing loving relationships. It provides a means of making connections with others, developing the bonds of friendship, and reflecting the love of Jesus to each other while growing in our faith.

Congratulations to those of you who have already stepped out and joined a small group, perhaps through The Truth Project being held at a number of homes this summer.

If you haven’t yet joined a group or if you feel that you are sometimes invisible—attending church without ever really speaking to or getting to know anyone, we encourage you to check out the warm and inviting fellowship that a small home group offers you!

Your C.H.A.T. Team members are: Pastor Mark Boucher, Mark Collett (chairman), Mike Bragg, Allan Drouin, Sally Dyer, Peter Kovacs, Tatiana McIntosh, and Bobbie-Jo Riehle.

*Church Health Advisory Team

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July 1, 2008 by PastorDarryl.

God’s Vision for Our Youth

By Pastor Darryl Riehle

My family and I would like to thank you first for your continuous warm reception of us as ministry leaders, as well as your encouragement and commitment to pray for us! As God has called us to this specific work at this specific time, we are excited to see what He will do through us as we stay open to Him knowing that “His thoughts are not our thoughts nor His ways our ways.” We have been a part of this church family for over seven years. We feel honored to serve God and you and look forward to our exciting future together!

We just want to give you a brief update and answer a few questions that we know are being asked: First, the seeds of vision for our youth: Luke 3:51-52 infers that the “teenage” life of Christ was a time when He increased in both “wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” and was in subjection to the authority of His parents. So, as we move forward designing a program that meets the needs of our teenage brothers and sister in Christ, we will continuously ask ourselves: Is our program helping them grow in wisdom (God’s Word) and in maturity (actions/behavior)? Are we seeking to know God’s heart? Are we fostering an environment of subjection to authority and honoring parents? We believe that if we plant these seeds, the fruit will be great!

Why have we integrated the youth group into the adult Wednesday service for the summer? A vital part of the vision for the youth in this church is to foster a culture of honoring the God-placed authority of parents as well as recognizing and utilizing the power of multi-generational discipleship among the body of believers. We feel the Honor’s Reward series lines up with this vision. What better way to begin to study honor than alongside the very people God intends for us to honor (our parents and elders)?

Are their any events or fun activities for youth taking place this summer? Our focus this summer is to understand and implement God’s vision for the youth in this church. We ask that you endure with us as we take this time to organize goals and vision, train leadership, and do some logistical planning. We feel fun events will be the fruit of a healthy youth ministry, and we seek to build a solid godly foundation in which this fruit can and will grow.

On another note, my wife and I also feel strongly led to begin a new ministry in our church that will meet the needs of young adults age 18 to mid-twenties. In 1 Thessalonians 2:11, Paul gives us a glimpse of what his ministry in Thessalonica looked like: “We were exhorting and encouraging and imploring.” It is our desire to begin a discipleship group in which we will exhort participants to cultivate a deeper study of the Word, encourage them with tools to assist them in life purpose planning, and implore them weekly through rich testimonies to pursue a life fully dedicated to the Lord.

We ask that you prayerfully and patiently bear with us as we continue to wait upon God for direction and as we take steps of obedience as He unveils His vision for the youth in our church.

We encourage you to communicate with us about any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have.

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