November 23, 2008 by admin.

The C.H.A.T.* Corner

Recently, I received photos of my parents taken in the early 1940s! As I gazed at them, time slipped away, and I was taken back to my childhood. It seemed to be a kinder, gentler time. A time when we could hop on our bikes and be gone for hours and no one worried. A time when we knew that everyone watched out for one another.

Something has changed! We’ve retreated behind the safety of the walls of our church and homes. For many, the sense of neighborliness and community have faded away. But we are called by Jesus to be “salt and light”! This means that we need to look outside of our walls. Remember, we stand on the Word and we are protected by the armor of God!

I’ve realized recently that my life is a church! What kind of church do I model for everyone that I come in contact with? In those unguarded moments, what do the lost see in me? Are my actions and my conversations in line with God’s Word, or is it still all about me and what I want?

What about you? Have you asked yourself recently, “Who can I serve in my world today?” What a great way to show the love of Jesus and to teach our children about discipleship! Perhaps it’s a phone call, a brief visit or card in the mail to someone who is alone or just had a baby, or just lost a job! Perhaps it’s donating time to help someone with yard work or a household repair. Maybe it’s providing a simple ride to the store or to a doctor’s appointment. How about it? Why not get involved and do something for someone else? God will open the doors! Are you willing to step out and serve? Show the love of Jesus and build relationships!

Sally Dyer

*Church Health Advisory Team

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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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