Tonight we celebrated the return of the Wednesday night prayer services. We had eighteen people present as the Praise team began the service with a version of "Amazing Grace" and Randy Travis' "When Momma Prays." After the music I preached the first of a series of sermons based on the Lord's Prayer. We spent time sharing prayer concerns and celebrations before getting into a time of prayer. The service lasted just over 45 minutes and represented a good start to what we hope will be a regular feature of First Baptist life.
Here are a few of our prayer concerns:
Bob Duntz, Barbara Hayes, Dot Kreger, Joel Fishkin, Carol Calkins, the homeless, Randy, Scott, Barbara, Martha, Ken...
Cal
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
We are becoming an Angel Food ministry partner
Angel Food ministries began about fifteen years ago by a married couple, Joe and Linda Wingo, who wanted to help their neighbors meet their grocery bills. Joe was a pastor and had a heart for the Lord's work. It started small back then in rural Georgia. The idea caught on and before long there were more and more churches working together to make a difference.
In Norwich we are partnering with Christ Church to help make a difference here. The best part is that they are doing all the work and we are simply getting the word out. Cathy Crosby is the director of the program over there and she takes orders in person or by mail each month. She coordinates the pick up and delivery of it. All you have to do is show up at Christ Church and receive the blessing.
Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.
Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.
There is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.
How do you place an order with Angel Food at Christ Episcopal Church?
1. Come to the Christ Church office during office hours for Angel Food.
Mondays 2-5 pm
Tuesdays 4-7 pm
Fridays 1-5 pm
Methods of payment accepted are: credit or debit card, cash, money order, bank check, or food stamps. (Money orders and bank checks payable to Christ Church)
2. Online at www.angelfoodministries.com using your credit or debit card ($1 processing fee) – Make sure you have entered info for Christ Episcopal Church, Norwich, CT. You might want to check out the monthly selections online to see what is available.
3. Mail your order to the church with your money order or bank check.
4. On Distribution Day to place an order for the following month.
(Food stamp orders need to be done in person.)
Angel Food Ministries
If you have further questions, contact Cathy Cosby, (cecangelfood@yahoo or 860-886-9075,) the director of the local program working through Christ Church. In these difficult economic times, this is one way the churches are helping to meet the need.
If you live outside the Norwich, CT area, go online and see if there is a church or distribution center in your neck of the woods. Angel Food ministries are now operating in 35 states.
Cal
In Norwich we are partnering with Christ Church to help make a difference here. The best part is that they are doing all the work and we are simply getting the word out. Cathy Crosby is the director of the program over there and she takes orders in person or by mail each month. She coordinates the pick up and delivery of it. All you have to do is show up at Christ Church and receive the blessing.
Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60. Comparison shopping has been done across the country in various communities using a wide range of retail grocery stores and has resulted in the same food items costing from between $42 and $78.
Generally, one unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. The food is all the same high quality one could purchase at a grocery store. There are no second-hand items, no damaged or out-dated goods, no dented cans without labels, no day-old breads and no produce that is almost too ripe.
There is no limit to the number of units or bonus foods an individual can receive, and there are no applications to complete or qualifications to which participants must adhere. Angel Food Ministries also participates in the U.S. Food Stamp program, using the Off-Line Food Stamp Voucher system.
How do you place an order with Angel Food at Christ Episcopal Church?
1. Come to the Christ Church office during office hours for Angel Food.
Mondays 2-5 pm
Tuesdays 4-7 pm
Fridays 1-5 pm
Methods of payment accepted are: credit or debit card, cash, money order, bank check, or food stamps. (Money orders and bank checks payable to Christ Church)
2. Online at www.angelfoodministries.com using your credit or debit card ($1 processing fee) – Make sure you have entered info for Christ Episcopal Church, Norwich, CT. You might want to check out the monthly selections online to see what is available.
3. Mail your order to the church with your money order or bank check.
4. On Distribution Day to place an order for the following month.
(Food stamp orders need to be done in person.)
Angel Food Ministries
If you have further questions, contact Cathy Cosby, (cecangelfood@yahoo or 860-886-9075,) the director of the local program working through Christ Church. In these difficult economic times, this is one way the churches are helping to meet the need.
If you live outside the Norwich, CT area, go online and see if there is a church or distribution center in your neck of the woods. Angel Food ministries are now operating in 35 states.
Cal
Monday, September 28, 2009
Praising God through song and service
On Sunday, September 20th our Praise team sang. My message focused on reaching out to our community with the love of Christ. It was the second sermon in our series titled, "Becoming the Church God Envisioned." As if to demonstrate this love in action, we went from church to the interfaith luncheon where we cooked up a meal for the hungry and the homeless.
Cal
Cal
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Our Deacons met last week
On Thursday, September 17 our Deacons met to talk about our ministry. Each of them had been given a book to read at the last meeting and came back to give a brief report on at this meeting. The books gave suggestions on making newcomers feel welcome, shepherding ministry programs and more. We even had a couple of books looking at the types of ministries that shape churches and one that defined the role of the deacon historically.
At the meeting we also voted to distribute Thanksgiving baskets again this year and to have two Christmas Eve services. The last thing we touched on was finding ways to celebrate the ministry of those who make significant contributions to the church family.
The Deacons meet every month to talk about the spiritual life of the congregation. We debrief worship and critique it when it needs doing. We plan special events in the life of the congregation and meet prospective new members and candidates for believer's baptism. The Deacons also have a fund which is available to help individuals going through a crisis. The bulk of the money is collected each month at the time of our communion celebration. Some folks give to the fund regularly with their weekly offerings. Others give special gifts in memory of loved ones or to honor someone who has blessed them.
Cal
At the meeting we also voted to distribute Thanksgiving baskets again this year and to have two Christmas Eve services. The last thing we touched on was finding ways to celebrate the ministry of those who make significant contributions to the church family.
The Deacons meet every month to talk about the spiritual life of the congregation. We debrief worship and critique it when it needs doing. We plan special events in the life of the congregation and meet prospective new members and candidates for believer's baptism. The Deacons also have a fund which is available to help individuals going through a crisis. The bulk of the money is collected each month at the time of our communion celebration. Some folks give to the fund regularly with their weekly offerings. Others give special gifts in memory of loved ones or to honor someone who has blessed them.
Cal
Learning from our ABC sister churches.
On Wednesday, September 16th I was in West Hartford for a planning meeting of the ABCCONN Annual Meeting. The ABCCONN theme this year is "Worshiping at the Feet of Jesus." I am the chairman of the committee and this was our first get together to talk about the format and components of the meeting.
Last year we gathered in Waterbury for the event. After checking in we headed out to the streets to serve the Lord in soup kitchens, clothing banks and other areas of need. It was a great day and the delegates had the opportunity to learn and to take that learning back to their home churches.
We want to do the same thing this year by offering the delegates different experiences of the various expressions of worship. Now we just have to work out the details. Stay tuned.
This is the best part of our connection to the wider church family. We can learn from one another and improve the effectiveness of our own ministry. We can experience the success and failures of our sister churches without having to go through every trial ourselves. The meeting will be on Saturday, April 24 2010 and I'd like to invite the members of our church to attend and get a taste of this worship smorgasbord. Who knows what it might spark in our congregation in the coming years.
Cal
Last year we gathered in Waterbury for the event. After checking in we headed out to the streets to serve the Lord in soup kitchens, clothing banks and other areas of need. It was a great day and the delegates had the opportunity to learn and to take that learning back to their home churches.
We want to do the same thing this year by offering the delegates different experiences of the various expressions of worship. Now we just have to work out the details. Stay tuned.
This is the best part of our connection to the wider church family. We can learn from one another and improve the effectiveness of our own ministry. We can experience the success and failures of our sister churches without having to go through every trial ourselves. The meeting will be on Saturday, April 24 2010 and I'd like to invite the members of our church to attend and get a taste of this worship smorgasbord. Who knows what it might spark in our congregation in the coming years.
Cal
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A new set up for missions
On Monday night we began to explore what the future hold for our ministry. In particular we examined our plans for continued emphasis on mission and ministry in the community. We invited everyone to join the conversation but sent invitations to the mission committee, the missional church team and our short term missionaries.The first thing we talked about was expanding the role of our Mission Committee. Currently they meet informally to promote the four special offerings of the ABCUSA and to come up with a mission and benevolence budget for the year. We are hoping they will provide the umbrella under which the mission trips and the missional church committee will function. That means they will begin meeting more regularly to discuss issues pertaining to these ministries.
We then talked about fundraising and did some brainstorming. Our goal is to raise between $5,000 - 10,000 dollars a year to fund the mission program above and beyond what is raised in the annual stewardship program. Ideas included a booth at Harbor Day or a local fair, more nights out at Friendlies or Papa Gino's and a host of other things. We will be sorting them to come up with the best ideas.We finished the evening talking about our opportunities bank. We began the process of putting together a list of missional type jobs that could be done by individuals looking for a place to serve or as a church.
The meeting helped us get off to a good start. Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.
Cal
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A fresh start and a look at Christ's Church
On Sunday, September 13, as we began a new year of worship and service, I began a series of sermons titled, "Becoming the Church God Envisioned." My first message was titled Becoming a Caring Community and I spoke about doing things to make our church family as real caring family. You can read the sermon notes on the worship page of our web page at www.fbcnorwich.org.Later that day we had several folks from the church drop by to help us celebrate Lori's birthday. It was a great afternoon and a living illustration of what I talked about during the morning worship service.
Here a a few photos from the party.
Cal
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday School returns.
On Sunday, September 13th we opened Sunday School with a bang. Sunday School Superintendent Pam Kane worked with Lori Lord to get everything ready for the folks who would be returning for the Fall. There were goodies and cold drinks to greet everyone. Between 9:15 and 9:30 a.m. we held registration. At 9:30 a.m. Lori Lord led opening exercises with our salute to the flags, some singing and the offering. Then we took our annual opening day photograph.Lori introduced the teachers and announced where they would be meeting. Rosie Main and Sandra Lucien are the nursery teachers. Rachelle Weimer, Janet LaFlamme and Zelda Fellows are the teachers for grade k -2. Pam Kane and Kelly Bolin are the teachers in grades 3 - 5. The Pastor and Sarah Lord are the Jr/ Sr High teachers. Curt Brockway is teaching an adult class that's reading through the Gospel of Luke. Cliff Vanase is teaching an adult class on Christian basics.
It was a great morning. We hope that the Sunday School will continue to grow throughout the year. One of the things we will be doing is promoting he Sunday School in worship. Once a month a class will be highlighted during the service and the students will be recognized. WE believe Christian education is important and hope that all of our members and friends will take advantage of the courses we offer over time. It is important for kids but it is also good for us as adults. You can never know enough.Cal
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Clean up day 2009
Every year we put out a call to the congregation to come and help us get ready for the Opening of Sunday School and the changing season at church. This year our brothers and sisters from Buenas Nuevas came out to help and we did a bang up job.
From our church we had Rosie Main, Nancy Allen, Nancy Schuster, Randy Sargent, George Strouse, Bob Walker, Michelle and Taylor Chaffee, Nick Vaillancourt and his friend, Katelin. We washed windows, polished pews, cleaned carpets and washed floors. The ladies from Buenas Nuevas cleaned the kitchen. One of the ladies took apart our stove and cleaned and polished it from top to bottom. She did an unbelievable job. A few of the men stripped the floor in fellowship hall and then applied a couple of coats of wax. It looked stunning when we arrived in the morning.
It was pouring outside but that didn't stop us from doing a super job inside. Rosie and Nancy went to work in the nursery and Bob and Nancy Schuster cleaned up the parlor. By the time everyone was done, the place looked wonderful. I can't thank everyone enough. It is true that many hands make light the work.
Cal
From our church we had Rosie Main, Nancy Allen, Nancy Schuster, Randy Sargent, George Strouse, Bob Walker, Michelle and Taylor Chaffee, Nick Vaillancourt and his friend, Katelin. We washed windows, polished pews, cleaned carpets and washed floors. The ladies from Buenas Nuevas cleaned the kitchen. One of the ladies took apart our stove and cleaned and polished it from top to bottom. She did an unbelievable job. A few of the men stripped the floor in fellowship hall and then applied a couple of coats of wax. It looked stunning when we arrived in the morning.
It was pouring outside but that didn't stop us from doing a super job inside. Rosie and Nancy went to work in the nursery and Bob and Nancy Schuster cleaned up the parlor. By the time everyone was done, the place looked wonderful. I can't thank everyone enough. It is true that many hands make light the work.
Cal
Choir is back
The Fall Schedule at church is in full swing and that is my only excuse for falling down on the blog reporting. Hopefully I can begin to catch up tonight and in the coming days.The first official gathering of the season came on Tuesday, September 8 as choir rehearsals began again. We met at the usual time of 7:00 p.m. and returned to business as usual. Adele and Cynthia had picked out an assortment of anthems that we were familiar with and could be picked up and sung pretty quickly.
We didn't have any new members join us this Fall but the people who came back make the commitment of one night out a week worth it. Rosie Main, Patricia Ohlund, Gwyn Green, and Cynthia Costa and Susie Rothholz sing soprano. Cynitha Strouse, Lori Lord, Nancy Allen and Helen Walker sing alto. Shawn Rucker and I sing tenor. Fred Green, Oliver Bray and Cliff Vanase sing bass.
George Rezendes was the only one not to return this Fall but that's understandable. He got married last month and is in the process of moving to Lincoln Rhode Island. We will miss him.
If you are wondering, it is not too late to join. Maybe we will see you next Tuesday. You don't have to be a member of the church. The only requirement is that you are sixteen years old, you like to sing and you can make a regular commitment to rehearse with us and sing on Sundays.
Cal
Thursday, September 10, 2009
You are my inspiration
Yesterday I went to an inspirational conference which featured Laura Bush, Joe Montana, Zig Ziglar, Colin Powell, Rudy Giuliani and several others. It was held at the XL center in Hartford before a sellout crowd. In many ways it was a lot like a youth rally. The speakers came on stage one after the other and tried to get the crowd excited. It was promoted as a motivational seminar and it was just that.
Laura Bush shared some personal reflections on life in the White House. She talked about her belief that education was the key to unlock a child's potential and her work in that area as first lady. Then she got into her experiences during the attack on September 11, 2001 and later living in the White House in the midst of war. She gave us a peek at things we don't often see. For example she told how she was sick with worry in October of 2001 when President Bush stood all alone on the pitching mound of Yankee Stadium in game three of the World Series. With heightened security and all kinds of threats she felt he was a prime target. She couldn't watch until he was safely back beside her. Afterwards she asked him how he did and he told her he threw a perfect strike.
Joe Montana spoke about the lessons he learned from his father. He noted it was the little things that mattered. He shared several stories to emphasize his point. He pointed out that practice and hard work lead to success and told how Jerry Rice was a great example of that. He practiced hard and it showed in the games.
One after another the speakers came to the stage and told stories from their lives that emphasized the power of potential. I came home pretty fired up. I also realized that these kinds of stories were not the sole domain of big stars. We all have stories to tell that can inspire others. Sometimes we just don't realize it. We think our lives are pretty mundane.
Over the years I have listened to lots of people tell their stories and I have been pretty impressed with the things they have done and the obstacles they have overcome. The truth is that there are people sitting in the pews beside us who are every bit as inspirational as Zig Ziglar and Colin Powell and we know them personally. That is one of the joys we share in being part of a church family. I wouldn't give it up for the world. So thank you for inspiring me week after week.
Cal
Laura Bush shared some personal reflections on life in the White House. She talked about her belief that education was the key to unlock a child's potential and her work in that area as first lady. Then she got into her experiences during the attack on September 11, 2001 and later living in the White House in the midst of war. She gave us a peek at things we don't often see. For example she told how she was sick with worry in October of 2001 when President Bush stood all alone on the pitching mound of Yankee Stadium in game three of the World Series. With heightened security and all kinds of threats she felt he was a prime target. She couldn't watch until he was safely back beside her. Afterwards she asked him how he did and he told her he threw a perfect strike.
Joe Montana spoke about the lessons he learned from his father. He noted it was the little things that mattered. He shared several stories to emphasize his point. He pointed out that practice and hard work lead to success and told how Jerry Rice was a great example of that. He practiced hard and it showed in the games.
One after another the speakers came to the stage and told stories from their lives that emphasized the power of potential. I came home pretty fired up. I also realized that these kinds of stories were not the sole domain of big stars. We all have stories to tell that can inspire others. Sometimes we just don't realize it. We think our lives are pretty mundane.
Over the years I have listened to lots of people tell their stories and I have been pretty impressed with the things they have done and the obstacles they have overcome. The truth is that there are people sitting in the pews beside us who are every bit as inspirational as Zig Ziglar and Colin Powell and we know them personally. That is one of the joys we share in being part of a church family. I wouldn't give it up for the world. So thank you for inspiring me week after week.
Cal
Monday, September 7, 2009
Choir is back
Choir rehearsals resume this week on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. I have to confess that of all the meetings we have at church, these are the most fun. We get together to work on the anthems for worship but the weekly rehearsals are also times for checking in with each other. We get to hear the latest church news and sometimes get to work out the plans for some upcoming event. Adele DiBiagio, our director, keeps the rehearsals moving. Even though we work hard, we have also have those moments where the giggles overcome us.
Membership in the choir is not limited to members of the church. Anyone who likes to sing and make the commitment to practice regularly and sing each week in worship is welcome. Do you like to sing? Then come join us on Tuesday. You will be glad you did.
Membership in the choir is not limited to members of the church. Anyone who likes to sing and make the commitment to practice regularly and sing each week in worship is welcome. Do you like to sing? Then come join us on Tuesday. You will be glad you did.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Communion Sunday at FBC
We came together for the last official worship service of the summer this morning. The message reflected the fact that we are in the midst of hurricane season. You wouldn't know it from the weather though. It was gorgeous outside and beautiful inside. Adele opened the service with a variation on the old hymn Morning has Broken. The Praise Team used it as a refrain later in the service with Steve Contois singing lead, Gwyn Green doing back up vocals, Fred Green on the bass guitar and Adele DiBiagio playing a wonderful piano accompaniment.
It was Communion Sunday and my message spoke being prepared for the storms of life. The scripture was from Romans 8 which reads that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We sang "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" and "Rock of Ages." We closed the service with a circle of fellowship. It was a good day at FBC.
It was Communion Sunday and my message spoke being prepared for the storms of life. The scripture was from Romans 8 which reads that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We sang "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" and "Rock of Ages." We closed the service with a circle of fellowship. It was a good day at FBC.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Our ministry to the elederly
One of our ministries that is mentioned from time to time is a ministry to the elderly. In Connecticut, our Baptist Churches founded two Convalescent Homes and continue to support them. In Brooklyn Connecticut we have the Pierce Memorial Baptist Home and in Meriden we have Connecticut Baptist Homes. Both of Boards are filled with members of local Baptist Churches. At Pierce, I currently serve as the chairman of the Board and June Deptulski and Scot Ropoza are members. Curt Brockway is a former chairman and Bob Sullivan, Bob Booth and a few others have served on the board.
Years ago Louise Strouse and Edith Robinson, active ladies in our congregation, were very active members of the Women's Board. They did volunteer ministry at the home. They provided a link between us and all of the activities up in Brooklyn. Years ago I led a Bible study up at the Home and took a few turns leading weekly worship on Sunday afternoons.
Merving Leffingwell, Sallie Pierce and a few of our members have been residents of the Home over the years. It has been rated one of the top ten homes in Connecticut and one of the premier homes in New England. It something we can be very proud of.
Over the fifteen years both of the Homes have become Continuing Care facilities in that they added a housing component. At Pierce we have Creamery Brook as an independent living facility. Residents have their own apartments and can enjoy all kinds of services. They even have one communal meal in a very nice dining hall each day. If a resident gets sick and needs more care, hey get first priority into the Pierce Home. It is a great deal.
Connecticut Baptist Homes has also added housing and their units are beautiful and set up as duplexes. I recently got to take a tour and was very impressed.
The ministry to the elderly is changing rapidly and dollars from Medicare an medicaid are shrinking. In the next twenty years things may be very different. Many homes today are closing because they can't make ends meet. Pierce and CBH have had a history of good management and that has allowed them to stay competitive.
Recently Pierce has become an advocate for the industry as they look to fight for those who need nursing home care. Here is a news report which features Pierce Home and its staff and residents. Enjoy.
http://www.wfsb.com/video/20386951/index.html
Years ago Louise Strouse and Edith Robinson, active ladies in our congregation, were very active members of the Women's Board. They did volunteer ministry at the home. They provided a link between us and all of the activities up in Brooklyn. Years ago I led a Bible study up at the Home and took a few turns leading weekly worship on Sunday afternoons.
Merving Leffingwell, Sallie Pierce and a few of our members have been residents of the Home over the years. It has been rated one of the top ten homes in Connecticut and one of the premier homes in New England. It something we can be very proud of.
Over the fifteen years both of the Homes have become Continuing Care facilities in that they added a housing component. At Pierce we have Creamery Brook as an independent living facility. Residents have their own apartments and can enjoy all kinds of services. They even have one communal meal in a very nice dining hall each day. If a resident gets sick and needs more care, hey get first priority into the Pierce Home. It is a great deal.
Connecticut Baptist Homes has also added housing and their units are beautiful and set up as duplexes. I recently got to take a tour and was very impressed.
The ministry to the elderly is changing rapidly and dollars from Medicare an medicaid are shrinking. In the next twenty years things may be very different. Many homes today are closing because they can't make ends meet. Pierce and CBH have had a history of good management and that has allowed them to stay competitive.
Recently Pierce has become an advocate for the industry as they look to fight for those who need nursing home care. Here is a news report which features Pierce Home and its staff and residents. Enjoy.
http://www.wfsb.com/video/20386951/index.html
Sunday School opens next weeko
Sunday School opens with our Rally Day Celebration one week from tomorrow on Sunday, September 13 at 9:15 a.m. Come see what we have planned for the coming year. You’ll discover that Sunday School is not just for kids. It is for the whole family. We will open the year with a reception featuring punch, coffee and goodies, Registration tables will be set up so we can get all
the vital information and tell everyone who their teachers are and where they will be meeting.
After everyone has grabbed a treat, we will assemble for a brief welcome by Lori lord and our opening ceremony. Then we will head off to classes.
We are delighted to announce this year’s Sunday School Staff and
welcome some new faces who will be helping us this year.
The Nursery Class - Rosie Main and Sandra Lucien
Grades K - 2 Rachelle Weimer, Janet LaFlamme and Zelda Earle
Grades 3 - 5 Pam Kane & Kelly Bolin
Middle School/High School Cal Lord and Sarah Lord
Adult Bible Study - Curt Brockway
Alpha Study Course - Cliff Vanase
Regular attendance at Sunday School is important but it is not mandatory. We would like all of our people, young and older, to join us when it is possible. If your family situation or work schedule will not allow you to be present every week, we still want you to feel welcome to join us when you are able to attend. Sunday School provides all of us with a basic understanding of
what the Bible says and teaches us the stories that help us grow in our faith. There is no greater
gift a parent can give a child, than a basic Christian education. Our teachers work hard at making the classes interesting and fun. Most kids look forward to coming back week after week.
We also want to encourage our kids to invite their friends to Sunday School this year. Our Sunday School is not limited to the members of the church. It is here for everyone to enjoy as part of our witness to the community. If your kids have a friend who would like to come, why not offer to pick them up and bring them? They will thank you later.
Lori Lord has agreed to do opening exercises this year. She will greet everyone at 9:15 a.m. each week with singing and a Bible Quiz. At about 9:30 a.m., after all the introductions of newcomers and the celebration of birthdays and other happy events, we will break up into classes. Most weeks the classes will last about 45 minutes. We are hoping that once a month each of the classes can take a break and work on some kind of craft project. If anyone feels called to help us with crafts, please speak to Pam Kane or the Pastor. At 10:15 a.m. each week the classes will be dismissed and the children will be sent to the chapel or Fellowship Hall to find their parents.
We have two options for the adults this year. Curt Brockway will meet in the parlor with those who want to study the Gospel of Luke. This is a great Bible study with lively discussion.
We will also offer a course for those who want to get their feet wet in a Bible study. You might call it Bible Study for beginners. Cliff Vanase will teach this course using some materials from the Alpha Course. Have you ever thought, “I come to church but I don’t really understand what it is all about?” If so, this class is for you. It will answer questions like:
* Is there more to life than this?
(previously Christianity: Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant?)
* Who is Jesus?
* Why did Jesus die?
* How can we have faith?
* Why and how do I pray?
* Why and how should I read the Bible?
* How does God guide us?
* Who is the Holy Spirit?
* What does the Holy Spirit do?
* How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
* How can I resist evil?
* Why and how should I tell others?
* Does God heal today?
* What about the church?
* How can I make the most of the
rest of my Life?
So let's start the year off right and come together for Sunday School.
the vital information and tell everyone who their teachers are and where they will be meeting.
After everyone has grabbed a treat, we will assemble for a brief welcome by Lori lord and our opening ceremony. Then we will head off to classes.
We are delighted to announce this year’s Sunday School Staff and
welcome some new faces who will be helping us this year.
The Nursery Class - Rosie Main and Sandra Lucien
Grades K - 2 Rachelle Weimer, Janet LaFlamme and Zelda Earle
Grades 3 - 5 Pam Kane & Kelly Bolin
Middle School/High School Cal Lord and Sarah Lord
Adult Bible Study - Curt Brockway
Alpha Study Course - Cliff Vanase
Regular attendance at Sunday School is important but it is not mandatory. We would like all of our people, young and older, to join us when it is possible. If your family situation or work schedule will not allow you to be present every week, we still want you to feel welcome to join us when you are able to attend. Sunday School provides all of us with a basic understanding of
what the Bible says and teaches us the stories that help us grow in our faith. There is no greater
gift a parent can give a child, than a basic Christian education. Our teachers work hard at making the classes interesting and fun. Most kids look forward to coming back week after week.
We also want to encourage our kids to invite their friends to Sunday School this year. Our Sunday School is not limited to the members of the church. It is here for everyone to enjoy as part of our witness to the community. If your kids have a friend who would like to come, why not offer to pick them up and bring them? They will thank you later.
Lori Lord has agreed to do opening exercises this year. She will greet everyone at 9:15 a.m. each week with singing and a Bible Quiz. At about 9:30 a.m., after all the introductions of newcomers and the celebration of birthdays and other happy events, we will break up into classes. Most weeks the classes will last about 45 minutes. We are hoping that once a month each of the classes can take a break and work on some kind of craft project. If anyone feels called to help us with crafts, please speak to Pam Kane or the Pastor. At 10:15 a.m. each week the classes will be dismissed and the children will be sent to the chapel or Fellowship Hall to find their parents.
We have two options for the adults this year. Curt Brockway will meet in the parlor with those who want to study the Gospel of Luke. This is a great Bible study with lively discussion.
We will also offer a course for those who want to get their feet wet in a Bible study. You might call it Bible Study for beginners. Cliff Vanase will teach this course using some materials from the Alpha Course. Have you ever thought, “I come to church but I don’t really understand what it is all about?” If so, this class is for you. It will answer questions like:
* Is there more to life than this?
(previously Christianity: Boring, Untrue and Irrelevant?)
* Who is Jesus?
* Why did Jesus die?
* How can we have faith?
* Why and how do I pray?
* Why and how should I read the Bible?
* How does God guide us?
* Who is the Holy Spirit?
* What does the Holy Spirit do?
* How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
* How can I resist evil?
* Why and how should I tell others?
* Does God heal today?
* What about the church?
* How can I make the most of the
rest of my Life?
So let's start the year off right and come together for Sunday School.
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