From the Pastor’s Desk
It’s that time of the year again! School’s out – or almost so – and the kids are excited about summer and all its activities. Summer is the time for many new and exciting and fun-filled things to do. It’s the time of vacations, and camps, and travel, and people on the go. It’s also the time many people go Church shopping, or at least Church visiting, because of the many changes in schedules that prevent their attending their home Church. I would encourage you to worship at other churches during your times of vacation and travel this summer, to get an appreciation for worship in different settings and to experience the many varied ways we, as a family of faith, worship God. And be sure to invite others to worship here with you each Sunday you are home.
If you have the opportunity to bring back a bulletin from any Worship services you attend, the pastor would appreciate seeing them. Let’s see how far and wide we can worship God this summer. And be sure to remember the ongoing ministries and expenses here at home while we’re away.
My prayer for our congregation today is that we all listen carefully to what God may be calling us to be and to do as a congregation through this difficult time in our nation’s history and in a time of transition for our congregation. Annual Conference is coming up soon (and it’s really close this year – Pittsburgh – so I hope many of you will be attending all or part of it) and the theme this year is “Taking Jesus Seriously.” That will be the title of the message for June 20th here at MACOB as we prepare for Conference. I pray you’ll be here for that Worship time and consider what it means to take Jesus seriously in all parts of our life.
I believe every one of the following core values of Biblical principles to be foundational for our future success in ministry.
Servant leadership – having groups and programs and leaders in place to meet the needs of people needing and/or seeking a relationship with God.
Reproduce yourself – the need for intentional mentoring, teaching, training of younger folks into leadership
Doing life together – the vitality of small groups for spiritual formation and growth (personal and Church)
Bridges and lights – the need for us to be culturally relevant in our ministries to attract and keep young folks
Maximum freedom – realizing that true freedom is found only when we submit to the authority of the Bible
True intimacy – to have a relationship with God means more than just believing in him; we have to truly get to know him and spend time with him
Relational evangelism – the best way to attract people to Church is through personal relationship with them
When we begin to apply these seven Biblical principles to all that we do here as a body of Christ, we will indeed be a vibrant, relevant, growing Church. Please consider your own part in the future success of the ministry here at MACOB. We are all part of one body and everyone has a vital role to fulfill. Please be sure you are doing your part.
Summer schedule !!!!!
As we begin our summer season, remember that our schedule for Sunday School and Worship remain the same all year ‘round. Sunday School begins at 9:00 AM and Worship begins at 10:15 AM. Join us all summer long for some exciting times of Worship and praise (in air-conditioned comfort!!), and be sure to regularly invite a friend or neighbor.
Bible Challenge questions
1. What did Jesus do for the widow of Nain?
2. Who said, “He who has been forgiven little, loves little.”?
3. On what occasion did Jesus say to His disciples: “You call me Teacher and Lord, and that is what I am.”
Leadership Team meeting 4/13/10
The most recent meeting of the Leadership Team was held on Tuesday, April 13th. In addition to the financial updates, the following items were discussed and/or acted upon. Glass repairs made to two broken windows, request for vacation for Evan for summer, gardening (both at Kissinger’s and here at Church), purchase of a hot dog roller, deacon activities, new directory info, meshing activities with HOR ministries, vacation schedules for staff, and preparation for District Conference in the Fall. More complete minutes of the meeting are available on the info table near the mailboxes. Please take a set and be informed of all the ministries and workings of our congregation. Next meeting is scheduled for June 8.
Ministry Team News
Under our new model of administration, the Ministry Team continues to monitor and work with all issues related to the pastoral staff, pulpit supply, pastoral relations within the congregation, Worship services, and our music program. If you have concerns, critiques, suggestions, or affirmations regarding any aspect of Ministry here at MACOB, please share them with the Pastors or Sue Sparrow, our Ministry Team chairperson.
Small Groups Ministry
MACOB currently has several small group study opportunities available for your participation and spiritual growth. In addition to two adult Sunday School classes – some of the best and most interesting and convenient small groups – there is a Thursday noon Bible study, a Monday night ladies Bible study, a Friday night prayer group, a Saturday morning Men’s group, Tuesday morning Women’s fellowship, as well as the musical groups of Choir and Praise Team (and Bell Choir – in season). These groups are open and welcoming and invite your participation now.
This fall – September, October – we will again be mounting an aggressive campaign to offer numerous other small groups study opportunities, with the prayer that everyone will find a small group that fits your schedule and needs. Small group study is one of the best and least scary ways of studying the Bible, praying, and growing together in your relationship with God and his people. Please prayerfully consider your own participation in this avenue for spiritual growth.
Council Meeting
Stay tuned for news of our annual Spring Council meeting. A date has not yet been set, but several items of business will be brought to Council’s attention for action.
Camp Eder
Camp Eder is looking forward to an exciting summer of outdoor ministry. You can be a part of that ministry in a number of ways. Several different job openings are available, as well as many volunteer opportunities (like being a volunteer counselor for a week – excitement plus!) to help with the many aspects of camping that exist at the Camp. There is a special need for male volunteers.
Meat Canning
The Meat Canning project that took place in April resulted in 88,240 pounds of chicken being canned. There were approximately 328 volunteers from 41 congregations from the Mid-Atlantic and SO PA Districts who packed and labeled the chicken for shipment to Haiti. Upon delivery in Haiti, Church of the Brethren leaders and local Dominican and Haitian churches will help see that the chicken reaches those in need from the Haiti earthquake.
A portion of the chicken will come back to two districts for local distribution to the needy in local communities.
The District Meat Canning Committee and the District Witness Commission express their deep appreciation to all those who helped with the canning process as well as those who contributed financially to the project. We, YOU, did it! We do not have the final figures, as there are some commitments that have not yet been received, and with those we will be able to pay our bills for the project. “Thank You.”
Answers to Bible Challenge questions:
1. raised her son back to life (Luke 7:15 2.Jesus (Luke 7:47) 3. feetwashing (John 13:13)
The Power of Prayer
We all know the power of prayer and reflection in our daily lives. Turning our fears, thoughts, and praises over to Him provides us with comfort and sustenance in both calm and stressful times. If you have prayer concerns or praises that you want to share with others, call Wanda Linebaugh at 815-1633 to be added to the Prayer chain.
Women’s Fellowship News
June 1 June Picnic Meeting at the Ness home 10 am
June 7 Women’s Camp at Eder
June 24 Sandwich Sale
June 28 Brethren Home Volunteer Day 9 am
July 6 Trip to New Windsor
• Four of us are attending Women’s Camp at Eder on Monday the 7th.
Retreat leader is Melody Keller, member of the Lewiston C. O. B. of Wales, Maine. We will leave the church at 7:30 AM.
• The Sandwich Sale is June 24th with pick-up between 2 – 4 PM. Orders are due by June 13th.
• On July 6th we will take the Health Kits to New Windsor Service Center. Our plan is to have at least 300 kits assembled. You can still donate items or money for this project.
Life’s Seasons
Just like a babe being born so is the spring of the year; But a life lived for Him, our Father above;
A dawn breaking through, so fresh and so clear. Is filled with grace, forgiveness, mercy and love
It’s a budding of the future – new life to behold, It’s a love that covers all mankind
Lifting its head in radiance so fresh and so bold. As a gentle snow in winter time.
The summer comes on in splendor so bright; Yes, the seasons of life come and go
As the sun presses the earth until it comes to rest at night. As do spring, summer, autumn, winter and we know
So are the tender young years of a full active life; It’s not how long a life we live
Maturing and molding into a parent’s delight. But rather how and what we give.
Next is the autumn as it comes into view So give your all no matter what you do;
And changes come quickly just as the leaves always do. Let your light come shining through.
From green to gold, yellow, rust and red, Written by the Lord & Angel
‘Til they are brown and fall and are finally dead. 10/22/80
June 2010 Worship Calendar & Schedule
6/4 6:30 PM Adult Choir practice
7:30 PM Praise Team practice (every Thur.)
6/6 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “The value of pain” Luke 7:11 – 17
6/8 7:00 PM Leadership Team meeting
6/13 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “Saint or sinner?” Luke 7:36 – 50 (with Bread & Cup Communion)
After Worship – Strawberry Social
6/19 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast
6/20 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “Taking Jesus seriously” Matt 4:18 – 22; 9:9 – 13; John 13:12 – 17
Lamplighter deadline for July
6:30 PM Bible School registration
6/21 – 6/25 6:30 – 8:30 PM Vacation Bible School
6/27 9:00 AM Sunday school
10:15 AM Worship “I know not why” Ecclesiastes 8: 6 – 17 & 12:13 – 14 Ralph Miller preaching
7/3 – 7/7 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, PA
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