January 25, 2009 by PastorDave.

#340, The Family, Pastor David McIntosh, Sunday, 01-25-09

Title: The Family
Text: Joshua 24:14, 15

Introduction

• Moses had died and past the torch to Joshua, Joshua takes God’s people into the Promised Land and they conquer most of it and settle in the cities and begin life in this new land.
• Joshua now is preparing to die (he’s around 110 yrs old) and the book of Joshua, chapter 24 Joshua begins his farewell speech to all the tribes of Israel.
• Joshua 25:14-15 – “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your father served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
• House = a corporate group living inside a dwelling place (Bayith)
• In other words Joshua said, As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
• Today we want to look at our third pillar (core value): Healthy Relationship with our Family.

Transition: We value family, God is the creator of the family, it is a core value of this church, if the Bible is our authority, then family and the promotion of healthy family relationships will have to be a priority, because it is God’s.

• Today we want to see that family is God’s design, in the design there are roles & responsibilities, and when family breaks down God has a plan.

A.    GOD’S PERFECT DESIGN

1.    Genesis 2:24 – “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
2.    God told the first male & female (Adam & Eve) to be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it and to rule over every living creature. (Gen. 1:28)
3.    But we see here (Gen. 2:24) God has a design for mankind; God wants mankind or us to fill the earth and subdue it using His perfect design.
4.    His perfect design: father & mother they have a son and the time will come when the son will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, who will be a woman who has a mother and father and she will leave them to be with her husband.
5.    Now when they come together they will be fruitful and have children (boys & girls). Now that is basically it. The design is God’s and it is perfect and we are to follow it.
6.    Now as we follow it, what happens, well next we get grandparents.
7.    2 Timothy 1:5 – “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (we see heritage and generations in God’s design)
8.    After grandparents the family extends to uncles, aunts and cousins
9.    Esther 2:7 – “Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother, this girl, who was also known as Esther.”
10.    This man Mordecai took in and brought up his uncles daughter, Esther; and together this team of Mordecai & Queen Esther saved a whole people group.
11.    This is God’s design for us; God put it together, that we his people would as families, come together and subdue the earth. (show family screen)
12.    So what does the enemy desire, to destroy God’s perfect design, destroy family.
13.    This is God’s design and we value it and want you to be successful inside of it!
14.    Use my immediate family as an example, you can start right now.

B.    ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN THE FAMILY DESIGN

1.    Ephesians 5:33- 6:4 – “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother- which is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
2.    God is giving us within His perfect design roles with responsibilities: The husband must love his wife (role = husband, responsibility = love wife) wives = role, responsibility = respect husband; role = children, responsibility = obey parents in the Lord & honor, father = role, responsibility = bring up children in the Lord.
3.    There are other Scripture verses which expand, but what we discover is that each of us in this perfect Design has roles and responsibilities that are God-given.
4.    No role is more valuable to God than another.
5.    Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
6.    The scripture is a reference to value of all of our roles and responsibilities. Within the family there are different roles, each role has God-given responsibilities, but they are all equal in value and importance!
7.    We value these God given roles & responsibilities. We want to assist husbands, wives, sons, daughters, grandparents, etc with understanding their roles and being successful!
C.    GOD’S PLAN

1.    There is a pressure to not preach this kind of “family” message today. Because this traditional, biblical family has been under attack for so long in our culture that many people are living in this situation, so it makes them feel sad, or mad.
2.    For those of us here today, I understand, my birth father left me when I was a baby. I never had a chance, like some of you.
3.    But I want you to know, we cannot form our values (as hard as this sounds) around our personal life experiences, we must but our faith in God and trust in His Word and ask Him for the strength and grace to submit to His design and plan.
4.    Every one of us will have the most success possible inside of God’s perfect design. The design is perfect, but people are not.
5.    So here is God’s plan when things have fallen apart.
6.    2 Corinthians 5:18-19 – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
7.    God’s plan is reconciliation! It is our ministry & our message!
8.    Matthew 5:23-24 – “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”
9.    Colossians 3:13 – “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
10.    Matthew 6:15 – “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
11.    God’s plan is that as far as it is possible with you, reconcile & forgive with your family!

Close

1.    Joshua told the whole nation of Israel, as for me and my house, my family we will serve the Lord!
2.    God as birthed each one of us, as chosen parents for us, He even chooses our brothers and sisters and grandparents, and this is His Creation & His Design for all of us.
3.    The goal of the enemy is to destroy these God ordained relationships, with unforgiveness, anger, and bitterness.
4.    But no one can stop you from surrendering to who God designed you to be, taking seriously the responsibilities God has given and reconciling/forgiving those in your family!

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January 25, 2009 by admin.

WELCOME TO LEOMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF GOD

• Welcome Center ~ Just inside our main entrance you will find  friendly assistance, maps, and literature about LAOG.
• Bulletin ~ Our weekly bulletin provides up-to-date information  about what is happening at LAOG.
• Web site ~ Check out www.laog.org for up-to-date information about ministries and staff, bulletin, calendar, sermon notes, etc.
• LifeLine TV ~ Sunday services are aired on local access TV. Schedules are available at the Welcome Center.
• LifeLine ~ WFGL 960 AM (1:15/6:00 AM, 5:15/9:00 PM, M-F)
• Van Service ~ Call 978.534.1190 x19 for a ride to the Sunday morning services. Please call by Thursday if at all possible.

JANUARY 25, 2009

• WORSHIP and THE WORD at 8:30 and 11:00 AM
  • Nursery, 4s and 5s, Kids 4 Christ (Youth Chapel)
  • Pastor Dave McIntosh, Building Core Values series:“The Family” (Joshua 24:14-15)
• CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
  • There are classes for all ages. An overview of the Winter 2008-09 quarter is available at the Welcome Center.
  • Adult classes meet at the school across the street.
  • YOUNG ADULT GROUP, 4:30 PM, Youth Chapel
  • Young adults, 18 to mid-20s, are invited to cultivate a deeper study of the Word, get assistance with life purpose planning, and pursue a life fully dedicated to the Lord.
• SUNDAY NIGHT DISCIPLESHIP, 6:15 PM, Fellowship Hall
  • Join us for coffee at 6:15 and then at 6:30 we’ll continue the discipleship series from The Beatitudes, worship together, and share requests and pray for one another. You can join at any time. All are welcome, and childcare is provided for young children. If you have any questions or need more information, please see Pastor Harv or Jean at the Welcome Center.
• YOUTH MINISTRIES BIBLE STUDY, 6:30 PM, Youth Chapel
  • Youth, ages 12-18, are encouraged to explore God’s Word and come to understand its relevance and power for them today!

THIS WEEK

• MONDAY
  • 7:00 PM  Prayer (Prayer Room)
• TUESDAY
  • 6:30 PM  Prayer (Prayer Room)
  • 7:30 PM  Christian 12-Step (Room 205)
• WEDNESDAY
  • 6:30 PM  FAMILY NIGHT
  • Rainbows (boys & girls, 3 up to K)
  • Girls Ministries (grades K-8)
  • Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs, K-12)
  • School of the Word & the Spirit
  • Building Core Values: “God’s Design”
• THURSDAY
  • 9:30 AM  Women’s Study (Fellowship Hall)
  • 6:30 PM  Women’s Study (Fellowship Hall)
• SATURDAY
  • 8:30 AM  Men’s Super Bowl Breakfast
  • 7:00 PM  Prayer (Prayer Room)

UP AND COMING

• Ministry of Joy (February 7). Come enjoy a time of fellow-ship, fun, and sharing from 12:00 to 2:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. We will be blessed in worship by the Ministry of Joy music group. If you plan to eat lunch with the group, please bring a lunch item to share. Looking forward to seeing you there! All adults all welcome!
• Vision Quest Seminar (February 11). If you desire to become a member of Leominster Assembly of God, make plans to attend a special Wednesday Vision Quest teaching from 6:30 to 8:00. This is one of the required steps on the pathway to membership.
• Vacation Bible School (July 13-18). This year’s VBS will be held Monday through SATURDAY! Yes, that isn’t a misprint! The closing program will be held on Saturday with a Backyard Bash (cookout) following. Get these dates on your calendar!

CHURCH FAMILY NEEDS

• A two-bedroom apartment in a good, safe neighborhood is needed by February 9. Please call 603.401.4071 if you have any information or leads.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• 2009 Offering Envelopes. If you need to order envelopes for your giving this year, please contact our church treasurer, Denise Shatos, by calling the church office at 978.534.1190, ext. 12.
• God’s Word for Today. Call 978.537.6260 for a three- to five-minute message of encouragement and hope every day. You’ll be blessed!
• Cancellations. 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.

SMALL GROUPS

• HOMETEAMS
  • Fliers for HomeTeams, home discipleship small groups, are located at the Welcome Center (directions included).
  • Seekers of Light—men (January 11 and 25, 3:00 PM). Led by Jim Sullivan, Leominster.
  • In Line with the Word (Tuesdays, 6:30 PM). Led by Sally Dyer, Lunenburg.
  • Christians in Action (Tuesdays, 7:00 PM). Led by David and Laura Proietti, Sterling.
  • Branches of Messiah (Wednesdays, 6:30 PM). Led by Gus and Dale Wheeler, Leominster.
  • Women of Faith (Fridays, 10:00 AM). Led by Carol Tellier, Leominster.
• THE TRUTH PROJECT
  • Jim and Ginny Sullivan are hosting this DVD series at their Leominster home on Thursday nights.
• ONCE-A-MONTH FELLOWSHIPS
  • Ministry of Joy (first Saturday of the month, 12:00-2:30 PM). Led by Ray and Rita Trainque. Meets for lunch, fellowship, and worship in the church Fellowship Hall.
  • African Fellowship (first Saturday of the month, 4:00 PM)   Led by Manny and Beatrice Onos, Fitchburg.
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry (third Sunday of the month, 1:00 PM). Led by Alice Stacy. Meets in Pastor Mark’s office.

TAKE THE LAND UPDATE

• Original Loan Amount:  $600,000
• Paid Down from Church Budget:  81,090
• Total Offerings, 6/07 - 1/09: 112,845
• Current Loan Balance:  406,065
• Average Monthly Offerings:  5.714
• Expected payoff date for loan is August 2011.

BULLETIN INSERTS

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January 25, 2009 by PastorMark.

For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16). The greater realization we have of God and His character, the more we despise our own pride and arrogance. The whole plan of God for our salvation is based on the grace of Jesus Christ—not on our merits. Our faith in Christ turns us away from boasting and self-effort. Instead, we approach God with humility and thanksgiving because He deserves all the glory. May our boasting be in Jesus and the cross (Galatians 6:14)!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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January 18, 2009 by PastorMark.

#339, Forever Together, Pastor Mark Boucher, Sunday, 01-18-2009

Building Core Values series: “Forever Together” (Revelation 19:1-9)

Posted in Podcast, Sermons, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »

January 18, 2009 by admin.

WELCOME TO LEOMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF GOD

• Welcome Center ~ Just inside our main entrance you will find  friendly assistance, maps, and literature about LAOG.
• Bulletin ~ Our weekly bulletin provides up-to-date information about what is happening at LAOG.
• Web site ~ Check out www.laog.org for up-to-date information about ministries and staff, bulletin, calendar, sermon notes, etc.
• LifeLine TV ~ Sunday services are aired on local access TV.  Schedules are available at the Welcome Center.
• LifeLine ~ WFGL 960 AM (1:15/6:00 AM, 5:15/9:00 PM, M-F)
• Van Service ~ Call 978.534.1190 x19 for a ride to the Sunday morning services. Please call by Thursday if at all possible.

JANUARY 18, 2009 ~ COMMUNION SUNDAY

• Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. May we continue to pray and work for the lives of innocent babies. “Oh Lord, Open our eyes, Soften our hearts, Heal our land.”
• WORSHIP and THE WORD at 8:30 and 11:00 AM
  • Nursery, 4s and 5s, Kids 4 Christ (Youth Chapel)
  • Pastor Mark Boucher, Building Core Values series: “Forever Together” (Revelation 19:1-9)
  • At the conclusion of the message, we will share in Communion.
• CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
  • There are classes for all ages. An overview of the Winter 2008-09 quarter is available at the Welcome Center.
• PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY, 1:00 PM, Pastor’s Office
  • The group meets 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Join anytime!
• YOUNG ADULT GROUP, 4:30 PM, Youth Chapel
  • Young adults, 18 to mid-20s, are invited to cultivate a deeper study of the Word, get assistance with life purpose planning, and pursue a life fully dedicated to the Lord.
• SUNDAY NIGHT DISCIPLESHIP, 6:15 PM, Fellowship Hall
  • Join us for coffee at 6:15 and then at 6:30 we’ll begin the study from the series on The Beatitudes: Humility & Gentleness.  For more, see Pastor Harv or Jean at the Welcome Center.
• YOUTH MINISTRIES BIBLE STUDY, 6:30 PM, Youth Chapel
  • Youth, ages 12-18, are encouraged to explore God’s Word and come to understand its relevance and power for them today!

THIS WEEK

• MONDAY
• 7:00 PM  Prayer (Prayer Room)
• TUESDAY
  • 6:30 PM  Prayer (Prayer Room)
  • 7:30 PM  Christian 12-Step (Room 205)
• WEDNESDAY
  • 6:30 PM  FAMILY NIGHT
  • Rainbows (boys & girls, 3 up to K)
  • Girls Ministries (grades K-8)
  • Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs, K-12)
  • School of the Word & the Spirit
  • Building Core Values: “God’s Amazing Plan for Relationship” (Romans 3)
• THURSDAY
  • 9:30 AM  Women’s Study (Fellowship Hall)
  • 6:30 PM  Women’s Study (Fellowship Hall)
• FRIDAY
  • 7:00 PM  Israel Trip Meeting (Sanctuary)
• SATURDAY
  • 11:00 AM  Managing Your Money (Sanctuary)
  • 7:00 PM  Prayer (Prayer Room)

UP AND COMING

• Israel Trip Meeting (January 23). If you are going on the Israel trip next month, you need to attend this 7:00 PM meeting where you will be provided with information to help you make your final preparations. We encourage you to come at 6:30 for fellowship and make a copy of your passport info.
• Super Bowl Breakfast (January 31). Men, you are invited to this NFL-sanctioned Event hosted by three-time Super Bowl Champion Brent Jones and featuring the inspiring faith testimonies of Bart Starr, Tony Dungy, Anthony Munoz, and Derrick Brooks! You’ll also hear from players on both 2009 Super Bowl teams. Invite a friend and sign up at the Welcome Center today for this 8:30 to 12:30 breakfast, fellowship, and simulcast.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• 2009 Offering Envelopes. If you need to order envelopes for this year, please contact our church treasurer, Denise Shatos, by calling the church office at 978.534.1190.
• God’s Word for Today. The line is back up and running. Call 978.537.6260 for a message of encouragement and hope every day. You’ll be blessed!
• Cancellations. 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.

SMALL GROUPS

• HOMETEAMS
  • Fliers for HomeTeams, home discipleship small groups, are located at the Welcome Center (directions included).
  • Seekers of Light—men (January 11 and 25, 3:00 PM), Led by Jim Sullivan, Leominster.
  • In Line with the Word (Tuesdays, 6:30 PM). Led by Sally Dyer, Lunenburg.
  • Christians in Action (Tuesdays, 7:00 PM), Led by David and Laura Proietti, Sterling.
  • Branches of Messiah (Wednesdays, 6:30 PM), Led by Gus and Dale Wheeler, Leominster.
  • Women of Faith (Fridays, 10:00 AM), Led by Carol Tellier, Leominster.
• THE TRUTH PROJECT
  • Jim and Ginny Sullivan are hosting this DVD series at their Leominster home on Thursday nights.
• ONCE-A-MONTH FELLOWSHIPS
  • Ministry of Joy (first Saturday of the month, 12:00-2:30 PM), Led by Ray and Rita Trainque. Meets for lunch, fellowship, and worship in the church Fellowship Hall
  • African Fellowship (first Saturday of the month, 4:00 PM)   Led by Manny and Beatrice Onos, Fitchburg.
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry (third Sunday of the month, 1:00 PM), Led by Alice Stacy. Meets in Pastor Mark’s office.

TAKE THE LAND UPDATE

• Original Loan Amount:  $600,000
• Paid Down from Church Budget:  81,090
• Total Offerings, 6/07 - 1/09:  112,033
• Current Loan Balance:  406,877
• Average Monthly Offerings:  5.745
• Expected payoff date for loan is August 2011.

BULLETIN INSERTS

Posted in Announcements | Print | No Comments »

January 18, 2009 by PastorMark.

When things go wrong, we tend to panic. The Israelites had just left Egypt under Moses and were up against the Red Sea. Suddenly, they noticed the Egyptian army coming for them. Instead of remembering God’s mighty acts in Egypt, they somehow developed “spiritual amnesia.” To Moses they complained, “What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (Exodus 14:11-12). God’s answer to the Israelites also applies to us when we face enemies—visible and invisible. Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today” (v. 13). If we fight our fear with faith, we will see the power of God work for us!

Pastor Mark Boucher

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January 16, 2009 by PastorMark.

Building Core Values

Preaching and Teaching in January and February

Posted in Christian Education, Newsletter, Pastor Mark | Print | No Comments »

January 16, 2009 by PastorHarv.

CHANGE…COMING!
By Pastor Harv Meppelink

We have heard so much about CHANGE…politically speaking, of course!
But more than politically, no matter who we are or what we do, we experience change every day. There are changes in the weather. We change our clocks—from daylight savings time to regular time…and back again. We change the oil in our automobiles. We make changes in our diet…in order to lose weight. We take a different road to work…just to break up the monotony. These are just a few.

But can we carry “change” too far? Some people think it applies to their marriage: “I’m tired of my spouse. I’ll look around for someone else!” Some think it applies to their car: “I’ve got 100,000 miles on this car. I’m going to get a newer one.” And some think it applies to church: “I’ve seen how this church operates, and I want to change churches!” Yes, we can carry the “change” notion too far.

God does not change.

In Hebrews, the author said, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (13:8). His promises never change. His power never changes. His salvation through Jesus never changes. His promise of heaven for those who follow Him to the end of their life has not changed! One thing is certain: You can count on God, our Heavenly Father.

There is great pressure today upon the truth of God’s Word in the very atmosphere of our nation. Ridicule, mocking, misuse of the body, attempting to educate the mind against the pages of the Bible just might increase in this new year. And I want to shout to those who refuse to believe, “You might think that the Bible is “politically incorrect” or that we don’t need this “old stuff” anymore, but just wait! There is a day coming when the God of the ages will call all of us to accountability! On that day, the powers of darkness will be destroyed!” Who will do this? God! Even now, we are so close to that final day when Jesus will return in the heavens!

The Bible says, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). The blind need a guide. They need to be brought to Christ, the Light of the world. The text continues, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (v.6).

We have a new year ahead of us. That’s 12 months, 365 days, 8,760 hours of opportunities to change for the better and to make a difference for eternity. Let’s make 2009 a year of LIGHT!

Posted in Newsletter, Pastor Harv | Print | No Comments »

January 11, 2009 by admin.

WELCOME TO LEOMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF GOD

• Welcome Center ~ Just inside our main entrance you will find  friendly assistance, maps, and literature about LAOG.
• Bulletin ~ Our weekly bulletin provides up-to-date information about what is happening at LAOG.
• Web site ~ Check out www.laog.org for up-to-date information about ministries and staff, bulletin, calendar, sermon notes, etc.
• LifeLine TV ~ Sunday services are aired on local access TV.  Schedules are available at the Welcome Center.
• LifeLine ~ WFGL 960 AM (1:15/6:00 AM, 5:15/9:00 PM, M-F)
• Van Service ~ Call 978.534.1190 x19 for a ride to the Sunday morning services. Please call no later than Thursday.

JANUARY 11, 2009 ~ COMMUNION SUNDAY

• WORSHIP and THE WORD at 8:30 and 11:00 AM
  • Nursery, 4s and 5s, Kids 4 Christ (Youth Chapel)
  • As we worship, we will share together in Communion.
  • Pastor Mark Boucher begins the Building Core Values series: “You Can Believe It” (Psalm 119:89-96)
• CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at 10:00 AM
  • There are classes for all ages. An overview of the Winter
  • 2008-09 quarter is available at the Welcome Center.
• DEPARTMENT HEADS’ MEETING at 4:30 PM
  • All department heads are encouraged to meet in Pastor Mark’s office for the quarterly planning meeting this afternoon.
• YOUNG ADULT GROUP, 4:30 PM, Youth Chapel
  • Young adults, 18 to mid-20s, are invited to come on out this afternoon for a New Year’s Party! See you there!
• SUNDAY NIGHT DISCIPLESHIP, 6:15 PM, Fellowship Hall
  • Join us for coffee at 6:15 and then at 6:30 we’ll begin with an introduction to the next book in the series on The Beatitudes. We will enjoy discussion, worship, and prayer for one another. Tuition is $1.00 per person each week. For more information or to sign up, see Pastor Harv or Jean at the Welcome Center.
• YOUTH GROUP, 6:30 PM, Youth Chapel
  • All 12- to 18-year-olds are invited to come tonight for a New Year’s Party!

THIS WEEK

• MONDAY
  • 7:00 PM  Prayer (Prayer Room)
• TUESDAY
  • 6:30 PM  Prayer for Israel (Prayer Room)
  • 7:30 PM  Christian 12-Step (Room 205)
• WEDNESDAY
  • 6:30 PM  FAMILY NIGHT
  • Rainbows (boys & girls, 3 up to K)
  • Girls Ministries (grades K-8)
  • Royal Rangers (boys’ clubs, K-12)
  • School of the Word & the Spirit
  • New Building Core Values series begins: “Me and the Word” (John 1:1)
• THURSDAY
  • 9:30 AM  Women’s Study (Fellowship Hall)
  • 6:30 PM  Church Board Meeting
  • 6:30 PM  Women’s Study (Fellowship Hall)
  • 6:30 PM Divorce Recovery Support Group
• SATURDAY
  • 7:00 PM  Prayer (Prayer Room)

UP AND COMING

• Prayer for Israel (January 13). Join us Tuesday night at 6:30 in the Prayer Room as we lift up the nation of Israel in prayer. With the civilian death toll rising by the hour in the current crisis and diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting making no headway, we must call out to God on Israel’s behalf.
• Women’s Bible Study (January 15). Morning and evening sessions begin again this Thursday, 9:30 to 11:15 and 6:30 to 8:15. Jean Meppelink will be teaching the first lesson of a study she authored, Places of Victory (lessons from Psalm 23), this Thursday. Sessions will continue each Thursday with Charline Crocker leading in the morning and Denise Jacob in the evening. Cost of the book is $8.00. Please sign up in the foyer today for either the morning or the evening sessions.
• Divorce Recovery Support Group (January 15). Charline Crocker leads this women’s group which meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:15 PM.
• Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (January 18). If you would like to give a special offering to our local Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center next Sunday in observance of this special day, please designate it on your tithe and offering envelope. Also, you can find exciting (and easy!) ways to be “pro-life and pro-active” during Sanctity of Human Life Week at BeAVoice.net.
• Israel Trip Meeting (January 23). If you are going on the Israel trip next month, you need to attend this 7:00 PM meeting where you will be provided with information to help you make your final preparations.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• 2009 Offering Envelopes. If you need to order envelopes for this year, please contact our church treasurer, Denise Shatos, by calling the church office at 978.534.1190.
• God’s Word for Today. The line is back up and running. Call 978.537.6260 for a message of encouragement and hope every day. You’ll be blessed!
• Cancellations. 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.

SMALL GROUPS

• HOMETEAMS
  • Fliers for HomeTeams, home discipleship small groups, are located at the Welcome Center (directions included).
  • Seekers of Light—men (January 11 and 25, 3:00 PM), Led by Jim Sullivan, Leominster.
  • In Line with the Word (Tuesdays, 6:30 PM). Led by Sally Dyer, Lunenburg.
  • Christians in Action (Tuesdays, 7:00 PM), Led by David and Laura Proietti, Sterling.
  • Branches of Messiah (Wednesdays, 6:30 PM), Led by Gus and Dale Wheeler, Leominster.
  • Women of Faith (Fridays, 10:00 AM), Led by Carol Tellier, Leominster.
• THE TRUTH PROJECT
  • Jim and Ginny Sullivan are hosting this DVD series at their Leominster home on Thursday nights.
• ONCE-A-MONTH FELLOWSHIPS
  • Ministry of Joy (first Saturday of the month, 12:00-2:30 PM), Led by Ray and Rita Trainque. Meets in the church Fellowship Hall
  • African Fellowship (first Saturday of the month, 4:00 PM), Led by Manny and Beatrice Onos, Fitchburg.
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry (third Sunday of the month, 1:00 PM), Led by Alice Stacy. Meets in Pastor Mark’s office

TAKE THE LAND UPDATE

• Original Loan Amount:  $600,000
• Paid Down from Church Budget:  81,090
• Total Offerings, 6/07 - 1/09:  111,875
• Current Loan Balance:  407,035
• Average Monthly Offerings:  5.812
• Expected payoff date for loan is August 2011.

BULLETIN INSERTS

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January 11, 2009 by PastorMark.

Today we begin a new sermon series entitled, “Building Core Values.” Jesus told us to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This can be accomplished only as we sift through life’s priorities and choose what we will value and cherish. These become our core values. What is true for the individual is also true for a church. The core values of a church are used by God to keep a church on course, much like the feathers guide an arrow in flight. May the Lord bless this church as we build our lives around His values.

Pastor Mark Boucher

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