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Parson to Person
March 11, 2010
Once again we find ourselves rushing on towards Easter and this week of services that precede it. I look forward to those times every year. Since I was a teen they’ve been times of renewal and reflection- and like Paul with Passover, I’ve always longed to be part of them.
For us the days immediately leading up to Easter are a mini Bible conference. For others, these days, this Lenten season, have many other connections.
One Island pastor wrote to his congregation this month seeking to explain the meaning of Lent and then Easter. Here’s what he said:
“I believe that here, right after Jesus’ baptism, he is led into the wilderness on this spiritual quest to search His very soul to discover who he is and what his purpose is. What is the Son of God here for? What are we here for? These are good questions. I believe that in these forty days, Jesus recognized and claimed the main thing for his life here on earth. Many Christians believe that was to march to Jerusalem and Golgotha and to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus came to “save us”. I do not believe so…….”
What a statement for anyone who professes to call themselves a Christian, let alone, a pastor.
So what’s Jesus’ life all about? According to him it’s an example! “He came to teach us about God and God’s Love, and then, in the end, died on the cross to demonstrate that sacrificial love.”
Friends, there is no greater testament to the love of God for His sinful elect than the cross of Christ. There is no greater demonstration than His atoning work.
But if He didn’t come to redeem me – if He didn’t die in my place to save me – no example, not even His will do me the least bit of good. Apart from the vicarious atonement of the cross, His perfect example stands to condemn my sin.
Thankfully, Christ’s example is found in His saving work. Jesus did come, specifically, to “save His people from their sins.” (Mt. 1:21) And, He came to do it by giving “His life a ransom for many.” (Mk. 10:45)
The reason that “many Christians believe” Jesus came to save by His sacrifice on the cross is that the Lord, Himself said so, repeatedly. That, in fact, is the message of scripture running from Genesis 3:15 throughout the whole Bible. That was the purpose foretold by the prophets. It was the purpose announced by the angels at His birth. It was the Father’s business that He was about from His youth. And, it was His announced purpose during His earthly ministry.
I am as grateful today, as the first day I was saved, for the redeeming work of Christ. I’m especially thankful, that though I grew up under the kind of ministry that eclipsed the character of God and the cross of Christ, God graciously made me one of His own.
And, as we approach another Easter, I’m reminded yet again that there are thousands on the Island that are, for all intents and purposes, without the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Sadly, many of them are obviously sitting under pulpits saying “Jesus came to save us! I do not believe so.”
It’s a reminder of the need to boldly declare Jesus has died and risen again for our sins according to the Scriptures.
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AWANA – March 2010
March 11, 2010
During the winter months Awana clubbers have been busy learning God’s Word. There are even reports of some completing their handbook already (especially in the Sparks and T&T Clubs). We have been enjoying our time playing together and learning God’s Word on Wednesday evenings.
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On January 9, we held the annual Winter Picnic in the FLC parking lot. There were good-sized snow piles to play on, gallons of hot chocolate to sip and a warm fire to roast marshmallows and cook hot dogs! The weather was just right for a “winter” picnic with temperatures in the high 20’s |
| February 6 our Truth and Training clubs participated in the Western New York Bible Quiz Meet in Akron, NY. Coach Sue Rice and her teams did a great job. Book 1 Team members included Bethany Wolcott and Ayla Walker who earned Second place ribbons. Book 2 teams included Sara Wolcott and Andrew Thompson who earned second place ribbons and Mary Grace Langdon and Cecilia Schmidt who earned first place honors! |
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March is always a busy month in Awana. There is an emphasis on missions throughout the month. The annual Penny Contest is underway. Don’t forget to cast your votes for the most deserving leader (of a pie in the face) by putting your extra pennies in the jugs in the church basement and the FLC lobby. The pennies collected will go to the Awana missionaries, Marlin and Donna Fuller.
Coming up:
| March 24 | Ceremony of the Pie – all clubs meet at the FLC |
| April 7 | Awana Fun Fair at FLC – all clubs meet at FLC |
| April 28 | Closing Program at the Church – all clubs meet at church |
| June 5 | Sparks Camp-a-rama |
| July 23 | Awana Golf Open |
Topics: AWANA | Comments Off
Cornerstone Manor
March 11, 2010
We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves. What better way is there to show our love to our neighbors than to bring the good news of the Gospel of Christ to those who are hurting going through times of trial?
On the 2nd Friday of every month we spread the good news to the women and children of the Cornerstone Manor Women’s shelter. We host two separate ministries. First we feed a snack to all the residents of the Manor, then the children remain upstairs to attend the Cornerstone Kids program where we tell them Bible stories, sing songs with them, and do arts and crafts or play games with them. Meanwhile, the ladies come down for our Chapel service where we lift Him up in songs and in praise and present the living water of His word to the women. Many women stay after for prayer and with questions for us. Won’t you consider joining us as we seek to touch lives with the gospel of Christ?
Topics: Ministry | Comments Off
NOTES OF INTEREST:
March 11, 2010
With the Lord:
Bob Coleman, longtime member of Bible Pres. and currently living in Bradenton, Florida, went to be with the Lord on September 22nd . Our prayers are with his wife Gerry and the extended family. Bob was the father of Keith, Kathy and Ken. His late wife Grace died in 1978, and he and the former Gerry Frey were married in 1983. They celebrated 25 years of marriage last year. Bob was a faithful Sunday School teacher, Elder, usher, served as MC at many church events, and was known for his quick wit and humor.
Our sympathy goes to the Rusk Family on the recent loss of Laurie’s mom.
Health Needs:
Charles Blowers underwent back surgery last October and is recovering at home. Please keep him in prayer for continued strengthening.
Karen Manganello is doing better following hospitalization for an undiagnosed illness including high fever and blood clots.
Ruth Thompson had successful surgery for a malignancy and is undergoing radiation treatment.
Linda Markle had knee replacement surgery in February and God is blessing her with a wonderful recovery.
Welcome! In November, we welcomed eight new members to our church:
| Nancy Dahlquist | Steve Koo |
| Winnie Finbar | Lisa Schmidt |
| David Koo | Mike Schmidt |
| James Koo | Emily Wolcott |
Steve & Barb Langdon are the proud parents of a baby girl, Maeve Evangeline. Maeve was born on November 20, 2009, weighing 8 lbs., 6 oz. and measuring 20″. Congratulations!
Congratulations! Paul and Rachel Ryberg welcomed a baby daughter, Elizabeth Grace, weighing 8 lbs., 1 oz. on March 10, 2010. Mom and baby are doing well.
A Congregational Meeting, preceded by a pot luck supper, was held on January 22. The purpose was to vote on uses for additional funds that have been received. It was voted to increase missionary giving and also provide funds for some much-needed maintenance work on the church and FLC premises. We PRAISE THE LORD for His bountiful provision for His church!
The men continued to enjoy the “Faithful Men’s Breakfasts” on January 23rd with various speakers discussing topics relevant to men. Another breakfast meeting will be held April 3rd at 8:00 AM as part of our Holy Week services, with Dr. John Battle speaking.
LOOKING AHEAD:
March 12 Cornerstone Manor Service and Children’s Ministry – 7:30 PM
March 20 AWANA Games
March 24 AWANA Ceremony of the Pie – 7:30 PM at the FLC
March 31- April 4
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES:
Dr. John Battle of Western Reformed Seminary will be our special speaker.
Wednesday, March 31 “Jesus Came for Us” Philippians 2:6-7
Thursday, April 1 “Jesus Obeyed for Us” Philippians 2:8a
Friday, April 2 “Jesus Died for Us” Philippians 2:8b
(Communion will be observed)
Saturday, April 3 Faithful Men’s Breakfast at 8:00 AM at the FLC
“Learning from the Lord’s Example” Philippians 2:1-4, 12-16
EASTER SUNDAY:
7:30 AM – Sunrise Service at Beaver Island State Park Overlook (weather permitting); Dr. Kevin Backus speaking.
8:30 AM – Breakfast at Church
9:30 AM – Sunday School for all ages: “Jesus Rose for Us” Philippians 2:9a
10:45 AM-Morning Worship Service: “Jesus Lives for Us” Philippians 2:9b
6:00 PM – Evening Worship Service: “Jesus Will Come for Us” Philippians 2:10-11
Dr. John Battle will be speaking at the morning and evening services.
April 28 AWANA Closing Program
Topics: Looking Ahead, Notes of Interest | Comments Off
Parson to Person
September 10, 2009
It’s been a busy summer with many profitable activities since our last newsletter. Our summer has included our wonderful church picnic. The food and fellowship were great. Along the way, some new “younger” staff came alongside to help out during the day. Thanks to everyone who made the day such a success.
Our 73rd General Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church was held in Bristol, TN/VA. Bristol is a unique town with a state boundary bisecting the town. We were there at the invitation of and to encourage the Ryder Memorial Church which served as our host. The congregation of Ryder Church meets in a small, square timber building nestled into the edge of a national forest. The small congregation led by Pastor Gary Cole exceeded everyone’s expectations in the gracious hospitality shown to the Synod.
All of our delegates were given positions of usefulness to the Synod. Dr. Pine was elected Moderator. Mr. Frank Williams was elected as Synod Treasurer with Mr. Eric Lasch to serve as his assistant. I continue to serve as Secretary of the Board of Trustees and as Chairman of the Inter-church Relations Committee.
Celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, the theme for preaching revolved around his teaching on Prayer in the Institutes. The keynote speaker was Dr. Joel Beebe from Netherlands Reformed Church. Joel, seminary president, prolific author and editor of journals as well as a Soli Deo Glori publication, is a foremost authority on the Puritans and Calvin. His important keynote address was on the piety of John Calvin. It was a blessed time.
Like many of you, Sharon and I finished out August with a vacation. This year we were able to visit the Grand Canyon. The park is an amazing testimony to the handiwork of the Creator. We found it quite interesting to visit the Canyon having read Tom Vail’s book, Grand Canyon: A Different View. While no longer available in the Grand Canyon Bookstore, it is readily available through Answers in Genesis. The work of Tom, a lifelong river guide, together with expert commentators and photographers, is a compelling apologetic for God’s creation and flood accounts being responsible for the Grand Canyon, and demonstrating the impossibility of secular explanations.
The summer draws to a close, the last pool and beach parties have been held. And now we turn our attention to our fall schedule.
Sunday School has moved up; AWANA has held its organizational dinner, and around the corner will be Ladies’ Bible Study, the Ladies’ Retreat, Leadership Training, Counseling Class, and many, many more opportunities for serving the Lord in this present generation.
Topics: Parson to Person | Comments Off
Church Picnic 2009
September 10, 2009
Topics: Ministry | Comments Off
AWANA Golf Outing 2009
September 10, 2009
Topics: AWANA | Comments Off
AWANA – September 2009
September 10, 2009
It is time to welcome everyone to an exciting 2009-2010 club year! The calendar is filled with contests, theme nights and special activities.
We begin the Club year with the annual Open House at the Family Life Center on Wednesday, September 09, 2009. It’s a great time to catch up on what our clubbers have been doing all summer and visit with their families. If anyone knows children from 3 years old through High School, invite them to come and join the fun on Wednesday evenings.
Coming up soon will be the Fall Leadership Conference for the leaders on October 24; the “Sparkatta Regatta” boat race for the Sparkies on October 28; the Cubbie “Pajama Party” on November 4 for the Cubbies and the “Grand Prix” model car race on November 18 for the clubbers at the FLC.
Please pray for the leaders and children in our AWANA clubs. The Lord has seen fit to give us two buildings to fill with the sound of His Word and has allowed us to send flyers to all the elementary students on Grand Island. With so many outside influences on the children of today, we are fortunate to have the chance to reach them with the Gospel of Christ and to train them in His Word.
Topics: AWANA | Comments Off
24/7 Fall ‘09 Dates – Mark Your Calendar!
September 10, 2009
We have some fun things planned. Please make sure you sign up and get all the information, including whether permission slip is required.
Grades 6 through 12 are invited to join us. Hope to see you there!
Contact Us for More Information:
Church Phone: 773-7303
Cindy Brown: 877-4955
Sarah Comfort: 694-6524
Sept. 11: Cornerstone Service Activity
Sept. 18-19: Sr. High Girls only!
Ladies’ retreat at the church.
You must register; fee required.
Oct. 9: Cornerstone Service Activity
Oct. 24: Tentative date – Fall Leaf Rake-off!
Come serve others and have fun, too!
Oct. 31: Sr. High Boys only!
Men’s breakfast at church.
You must register; fee required.
Nov. 6: Harvest Dinner with the church
Sign up required. Call 773-7303.
Nov. 18: Awana Grand Prix
Start planning your cars!
Nov. 21: Awana Grand Prix Open at the FLC
For winners of the 18th event!
Dec. 5: Sr. High Boys only!
Men’s breakfast at church.
You must register; fee required.
Dec. 16: Awana Christmas party
Dec. 17: Christmas Caroling with the church
Sign up required. Call 773-7303.
Dec. 20: Christmas Concert at the church
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve service at the church
Dates TBA: Winter Youth Retreat
Usually the week after Christmas. Save your money and mark your calendar! Details to come.
Other events may be planned!
Listen up at 24/7 for details!
Topics: 24/7 Youth Group | Comments Off
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