Pastor's Notes

This Morning, it is our delight to recognize the fathers in our midst. I praise the Lord that I was raised in a godly home, and for the father that I was blessed with. Dad instructed us in the Word of God from the time we were children. As a family, we were always one of the first into the church to leave. Dad often taught an Adult Sunday School class, but once he started, you never knew when he would end. He taught a 13 week class in over a year.

I rejoice that Sarah also came from a godly home. Her dad has been in the Christian ministry for most of her life as a Christian School Administrator. He continues to serve in that capacity in Wilson, NC.

Vacation Bible School is coming quickly upon us, and there is much that needs to be done in preparation. If you are able to help in any capacity, and have not yet seen Dale, please talk with her soon and see how you can help. Among other areas, the entire church needs to be swept, vacuumed, and mopped. Some of the floors will need a couple moppings to get them spotless.

The family and I will be making one more trip to South Jersey this weekend. Pastor Franklin's daughter is getting married on Friday, and Sarah and I will be attending the wedding and the reception. We will be coming home on Friday night so that we will be at the New Windsor Country Inn on Saturday.

On Monday and Tuesday of next week, I will be helping my Dad and brother due the fire extinguishers at Tri State Bible Camp. I will probably do most of the running around, as it has been a long time since I have recharged and extinguisher. I still know how, but some things have changed in code since I last worked on one in the shop, and I have never worked in the portable shop. I look forward to spending some time with them and working together.

Pastor's Notes

Friday night the family and I traveled to South Jersey for a surprise birthday party for my Mom. She will be turning .... at the end of the month. She was surprised to see many of her family and friends there, and I was able to meet one of her childhood friends. Sarah did a spa workshop for one of the churches down there, and then we came home Saturday afternoon.

We will be heading down to South Jersey at the end of the month for a wedding. Pastor Franklin's daughter will be getting married on June 25. Our plans are to come home that evening after the wedding, and that should be the last of our trips for a while. I am getting tired of all the driving.

Today and tomorrow we will be saying farewell to a dear friend of our church family, Jennie Conklin. I remember during the candidating process, she had a question for me. She wanted to know how long it would be before we had a Vacation Bible School Program. I was still trying to learn names, and the community, but she had a heart for the young people. I enjoyed visiting with her before she moved to South Carolina, and she was always a tremendous encouragement to me during those visits.

On July 4 we will have a Patriotic Concert here at the church. A group of 7 men, a quartet and a trio will be coming from Bethel Bible Baptist Church and will be ministering in both the morning service and in the Concert in the afternoon. The songs will combine both the patriotic and the gospel. I encourage you to make plans to be with us and to bring some friends. We will have hamburgers and hotdogs after the morning service. All cooks or chefs are welcome. I will to the best I can to stay away so that we do not have to eat hockey pucks. If you want chicken or steak - bring it and cook it yourself. (Pastor gets to taste test).

Pastor's Notes

We have begun receiving registrations for Vacation Bible School. This excites me as I take the phone calls from parents and I am looking forward to spending time with the young people. I get to participate in the daily skit and in the preparation of games. There are fliers available to use to invite your friends and their children to VBS.

As I write, I am preparing to attend a wedding at West Point Military Academy for a young man who attended here as a cadet. I am looking forward to seeing him again, and meeting his wife. It has been exciting to see the way God has led in this man's life.

The children are enjoying the warmer weather. It is getting harder and harder to keep them interested in staying inside so that Mommy and Daddy can get things done. Jennifer likes to take a book and go outside and read, and Rebekah loves to ride any bike that she can get her hands on. All of them are enjoying fighting the squirrels and birds for the berries that just began to ripen.

The Kaiser family will only be able to be with us for a couple more weeks before they move onto the next place that God has called them. Please continue to keep them in prayer as they move, and that God would fill their void in our midst.

In a couple weeks, I will be teaching CPR to the staff at Tri-State Bible Camp. I will probably also be renewing my life guarding and CPR cards at the same time. My current Instructor cards expire in December, but because I taught last summer, they will be extended to December 2012. I am hoping to take a crossover class so that I can teach baby sitting. The Red Cross says that I need to learn to change diapers from them in order to get certified to teach others how to babysit. If there is ever interest in the church, we can offer a class on CPR here.

Pastor's Notes

Today it is our privilege to have Matthew and Michelle Conrad and their three children with us to present their ministry to the people of Hong Kong. In addition, we will enjoy their ministry in music, and the time of fellowship during the meal. They will be traveling to another meeting this evening, but will be with us here for the parade tomorrow. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they travel on deputation, and as they prepare to leave for the field to which God has called them.

This morning, we have several in our midst who have in the past and are currently serving in our military. I would like to express my personal gratitude for their work and labor on our behalf to maintain our liberties. There are also some here who serve as police, fire, and ambulance so that we might have peace and security in our daily lives. I thank them for their continued service to protect and defend us.

NEW! In the Adult Sunday School Room, there is a new piano that has been given by the Rosenberger families in memory of Bertha Gustafson who played the organ here for over 60 years. We thank the Rosenberger families for their great generosity, and we are grateful for the faithfulness of Bertha in ministering in music forr so many years.

Starting this Fall, we will begin having After School Bible Clubs. They will begin in September after I return from vacation. We will have 2 groups that will meet. 1st - 4th grade will meet on Mondays, and 5th - 8th grade will meet on Thursdays. There are still some details that need to be worked out as it gets closer, but if you would be interested in helping with this new program, please let me know. There are some fliers on the back table, they will be updated in a couple months with times, but feel free to take some and begin inviting children to attend.

Pastor's Notes

Today I am teaching a Sunday School class at Bethel Bible Baptist Church in Carney's Point. During the morning service, Sarah and I are scheduled for special music. We will practice with Mom, and either sing or play our instruments. Tonight, I will be preaching for the evening service at Hardingville Bible Church. When I last communicated with Pastor Franklin, he was in Panama on a Mission's Trip.

While I will enjoy being in the pulpit, I miss being with you. As much as I enjoy spending time with my family, my heart is here, and I am looking forward to coming home on Monday. I love you all and am excited to see you next week.

Next Sunday, we will have Matthew and Michelle Conrad with us for the day. They will share with us the burden that God has given to them for the people of Hong Kong. I look forward to the time of fellowship that we will be able to spend with them. They have several meetings in the area, and are using our Mission's Apartment at Maranatha.

July 4, falls on a Sunday this year. We will be having a morning service, followed by a time of grilling on the front lawn of the church. This will be followed by an outdoor service. There will be many activities for the family around town on that day, and you are welcome to stay for the afternoon into the evening to enjoy the day.
There will be a parade which passes by the church in the afternoon, and a fireworks display in the evening.

There have been a number of items that have come in for VBS. If you are able to help with providing materials for the crafts, check out the list a few posts below. Also, we will need some fishy (underwater exploration) decorations. Please make sure your name is on what you want returned.

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

Today after the service there will be a brief meeting for any and all who are able to help with Vacation Bible School. Even if you are not able to help during the week, but can help with prepping crafts, games, or decorations: please stay for this meeting. Let us continue to pray that God will provide us with the helpers and the young people that He would have us minister to, and that all things will bring honor and glory to His name.

The Cornwall library is having a special activity this coming Friday for the young people and their parents of the Cornwall school district. Dale Conklin will be sitting at a booth, representing our church with a display featuring some of our church activities that are available for the young people. If you would like to assist her, please let her know.

The family and I are leaving for South Jersey on Wednesday following prayer meeting. We have a number of activities crammed into a few days. My parents are planning to celebrate my birthday, then we have a party for Joey for finishing his master's degree, and then I will be preaching in two different churches on Sunday. I am looking forward to coming home either Sunday night or Monday morning.

I think Dad is planning on me helping him do some planting in the garden while I am down there. This means that Sarah gets to help choose what gets planted. I am assuming that we will plant tomatoes, peppers, corn, beans of several varieties, cantaloupe, and watermelon. There may be more or less, depending on how dry the fields are. I enjoy the labor, and look forward to enjoying the harvest. I am also planning to ride my four-wheeler with the children. Maybe this year, Joel will let me take him for a ride. I still use my first helmet from 23 years ago when I got the four-wheeler.

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

As I am writing this, I have just celebrated my birthday with my family.  They each made me a card, and Jennifer and Rebekah played songs on the piano for me.  Sarah made a cake and some home made ice cream.  I enjoyed the day, and hope that Sarah will enjoy today.

I am grateful for the mother of my children.  God has richly blessed me with a wonderful help meet who labors so faithfully and willingly beside me.  He ahas also blessed both Sarah and I with godly mothers and grandmothers.  Unless there is an illness, all of our parents and grandparents still living will be in church this morning worshiping and praising God.  I cannot praise God enough for the godly heritage which Sarah and I share.

Timothy was reminded that He had heard the Scriptures which would make him wise unto salvation from the time that he was an infant from his mother and grandmother.  My mom was my Junior Church teacher when I was younger, and taught me much of the Old Testament.  I remember being home from church sick one week, and Mom taught me a Sunday School lesson.  The next week, when the teacher asked me the questions, I was able to answer all of them, and was amazed that Mom taught me the same story that the teacher taught - I wonder if she called and asked first?

Our family does have a brief trip coming this month.  My brother is graduating with a Master's Degree, and his wife is having a party for him.  We will be attending the party, and the next day I will be teaching Sunday School at Bethel Bible Baptist Church and preaching in the evening service at Hardingville Bible Church.  I am looking forward to spending time with both churches, as they both pray for my family and this ministry on a regular basis.  Pastor Bossley will be preaching in all three services here on May 23rd, while I am away.

- Pastor  Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

This past Tuesday, Audrey Johnston entered into the presence of her Savior. Over the last couple weeks, I was able to spend much time with her, and tried to encourage her heart. Please continue to keep her family in your prayers as they will miss her presence.

One of the things that Audrey attempting was finding a song that i did not already know. Before Bob passed away, I was taking her to West Chester periodically to visit with him. On one of the trips, I was teaching the children a Sunday School song that I had sung when younger. After that song, she tried to find a song I did not know. She even recruited some help from one of her sisters. She almost succeeded in one of our hymn sings. However, the week before, I had been skimming the hymnal and happened to practice sight reading on that song. When she chose the song I had already played it and so it was not new.

Next Sunday is Mother's Day, and we will be able to spend some time in remembering the Moms that God has blessed us with. Every year, I get my Mom and Mother-in-law a rose bush. This year, I might change things up a bit and get my Mom some daisies instead. I recently learned that the daisy is my Mom's favorite flower. and all these years I thought I was being a great son in buying her a rose bush.

This evening, we will be looking at a difficult passage in Romans. It is not difficult in what it states, but because there is a concern in how it is presented. When we consider the Sovereignty of God, are we challenged to make accusation against His righteousness or to question what He is doing? Paul deals with the question of the righteousness of God throughout the book of Romans, and then he answers those who would level accusations against God. I encourage you to join us this evening for a study on the Sovereignty of God from Romans 9. It is my heart's desire that we would do all things to bring glory to the name of our great God.

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

This Morning, we are inverting our order of service. This is not a permanent change, but it is being determined by the nature of the message. It is my desire that as we examine this passage and then sing these songs of victory, that you will go home with a sing in your heart and a tune on your lips. The best preparation that you have for times of difficulty and trial in your life is to cultivate a life of praise. It is difficult to rejoice in trials, if you do not praise God when you are in times of ease in your life. On the battle field is the wrong time to find out if you know how to fight. In the Christian life, in the middle of the trial is the wrong time to determine that you need to cultivate a life of praise. Praise must begin now, and carry us through the days of hardship ahead.

Sarah and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary in December. The date precludes us getting away, but we booked a cruise in January this past week. From January 16-23, we will spend some time in the waters of the Western Carribean with four ports of call. I have already determined that I should diet this summer and fall (and exercise) so that I can enjoy the cuisine while we are traveling. Sarah is ecstatic for the trip as well, as she will have my undivided attention for an entire week. The boat we will be sailing upon, is in the final stages of completion and is scheduled for its maiden voyage in July in the Mediterranean, and then will come to the United States.

In the post below there is a list of supplies that we need for Vacation Bible School. As a church, we go through expendable items and purchase them to replace as needed. I appreciate the gifts of many people throughout the year that help to keep supplies current so that the church does not have to purchase these items. Last summer, we received many cases of white paper, which will save us a large amount of monies, as it will be several years before we need to purchase any more white paper. However, the colored paper is still being bought for us in bulletin inserts and missionary letters. I praise God for the way that He continues to provide for His ministry through your generosity.

-Pastor Stephen Racite

2010 VBS Supplies

Craft Glue
Shallow Lids
Cardstock - Gold, Black, Red, White, Green
1/8 inch ribbon
White Labels or Stickers - 2" x 1 1/2"
Brown Paper Lunch Bags - about 600 bags
Wiggley eyes - Large and Small
Tissue Paper - blues, greens, yellows
Magnet Strips
Craft Foam - assorted colors
Wooden, Spring Type Clothes Pins
Pom Poms - 1 1/2; - Dark Green
1" Light Green; 1/2" light green
Empty play dough cans with lids
Empty frosting cans with lids
Empty Mini Pringles cans with lids
Jute Rope
Small Sea Shells
Masking Tape
Glue Dots
Bucket of Foam Fish Stickers
Stick on Pearl Jewels - assorted colors
Medium to Course Tan Sand Paper
Non Corrugated Cardboard
Plastic Craft Needles - about 20

* any questions see Karen Bossley

Pastor's Notes

The apartment at the Maranatha campus has been furnished, from couches and tables to beds with linens and towels.  I believe that there is also a set of dishes, but I cannot remember whether there are pots and pans.  While the apartment is equipped with the capability of having a washer and dryer, there is only a washer that is present, which hopefully works.  If someone knows of a gently used dryer that we could install there, please let me know, as this will make it easier on missionaries who will utilize the apartment for a couple weeks while on deputation or furlough.

As I write this, my heart is with several families in our church.
  There are several in the hospital or rehabilitation centers, and many more families that are traveling this weekend.  May we keep each other in prayer, and be an encouragement to one another.

Sarah returned from the Ladies' Retreat around 6PM this evening.  This morning, Joel came into my room, and wandered around it.  I thought that maybe he could not see me under the covers so I asked him if he was looking for me.  He told me that he saw me, but wanted to know where Mommy was.  He thought that she was hiding somewhere in the bedroom, and that if he looked hard enough he would be able to find her.

The kids enjoyed that I fed them a lot of different snacks throughout the day, instead of having distinct meals.  I do not know how Sarah finds food, I see things, but if it is not already cooked and planned, I cannot see how it could be a meal.  Lest you think that Sarah did not leave food for us, she did.  I have never been able to see a meal, even if it would have bitten me in the face.  I have the children by myself for one more weekend, and then she will have the kids by herself while I go to the Men's retreat.  The Men's Retreat is longer, so I guess we will be even.  :)  I am so glad that God blessed me with such a wonderful help meet.

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

Sarah and the children returned home on Thursday afternoon, and I took them out to eat so Sarah would not have to cook. I believe she is planning to cook me a steak on Saturday for dinner. We are looking forward to getting back into a routine for the next few weeks.

Please continue to keep Dorothy Polizzi and Audrey Johnston in your prayers as they continue to recuperate. Dorothy remains at Helen Hayes and does have a phone in her room to receive phone calls. Please let me know if you would like to call her, I will give you the number that rings directly into her room. Both ladies have asked to have their love and greetings extended to the church family.

I am excited for the services next Sunday. This is one of my most favorite services of the year as we gather together in the church cemetery to rejoice in the hope of the resurrection. Every year, the service becomes more meaningful to me, and I tryst that it is a great encouragement to you as we begin the day.

This past week, we had some furniture donated to the church by a family that is moving. Later this week and next we will be picking up a few more pieces. Most of the furniture was placed in the apartment at Maranatha Campus, and after we clean the rooms, the apartment will be thoroughly furnished. We have a missionary family coming in May that will be staying there for several days while they minister here, and visit other churches in the area for support.

I am not scheduling a work day, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done in and around the church as we clean up from the winter storms. If you should like to help, feel free to drop by, or call to make sure that I am around and working. (this might be my new diet and exercise program).

Vacation Bible School is coming up, and there are some ways in which you can help. The Sunday after Easter, we will have a list of items that we need for crafts, games, and other needs.

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

Sarah and the kids started down to her parents on Wednesday. They will be coming home this Wednesday. While they are down in North Carolina, Sarah's grandmothers are both flying in from Ohio to see the family. I have been working on things around the church and also on my class work. I have not gotten as much done as I would like, so I will be pushing myself a little harder the rest of this week. I also like to try and clean the house while Sarah is away, and I have not started on that process yet.

Should you be a member of a local church? If so, which church and why? The Bible does not command church membership, but implies that there was some form of method of someone being a member of the church. This is evidenced from the removal of the individual from the church in 1 Corinthians, the selecting of the deacons from within the church, and the letters written to the churches at Corinth, etc. In Acts, a person was declared to be part of the church upon their salvation testimony and their baptism.

In our ministry, we believe in both a universal and local church. An individual who is saved is a member of the Universal/Invisible Church. Our membership as a local church consists of those who covenant together having believed in Jesus Christ for eternal life, been baptized by water, and agree with the doctrinal statement of the church. In order to maintain a consistency in teaching, all Sunday School teachers are required to be members of the church. All of the officers of the church are required to be members.

Does this mean that those who are not members cannot be involved in the ministry? No, but there is a limitation. Your involvement is consistent with the work of any believer who associates with a church. If you know Jesus Christ as Savior, have been baptized by immersion, and are in agreement with our church covenant, articles of faith and constitution, we encourage you to consider becoming a member

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

I have enjoyed the return of warmer weather this past week.  There were a couple days that I opened the windows to my study because it was warmer outside than it was inside.  I am hoping that is a harbinger of good weather to come.

This afternoon, we will have our Annual Business Meeting.  We encourage our members to make plans to attend this important meeting, and encourage others to stay for it as well.  We will be electing the deacons, trustees, and other officers and committees of the church.

Yesterday, I attended the banquet at Tri State Bible Camp.  It was a good time of fellowship, and an opportunity to see some friends.  The weather was not conductive to exploring the camp, but if you would like to see the camp, and visit the property there, please let me know and I am more than willing to travel out there and show you around and share with you as much of its history as I know.

This coming Fall, we will be starting an after school Bible Club.  Please pray for us as we prepare, choose a curriculum, times, ages, and names.  Any suggestions and all volunteers are welcome.  Any takers?

If you are willing to help with the removal of the tree in the cemetery, please let me know.  I could use the help of someone with a chain saw, and some help in dragging the pieces to the side of the road for pickup.  It will probably take a couple of hours to get everything done.

I am looking forward to working on my class this coming week.  If all goes well, I will complete the projects and reading for the class, and most of the videos.  This far, most of the class has been a review from Junior Church, I had a great teacher there.

Pastor's Notes

This past Friday, we received word from the attorney that the judge had finally approved the dissolution of Maranatha Bible Church, and the the transfer of property to the Baptist Church of Cornwall.  This was the conclusion of what we had determined several months ago that we were one church.  It will take a couple of weeks for the paperwork to be filed in the County Clerk's office, but we should be receiving the original declaration of the judge this week.

The snow that caused us to cancel services last week has left some damage on our properties.  There are several branches down here, some trees and branches down at the Maranatha Campus, and a tree down in the cemetery.  We will need to remove the tree in the cemetery as it is where we hold our "Son is Risen" Service on Easter morning.  If you are available to help with the clean up on any of the propertie, please let me know, and we will schedule good times to do the work.  Some of it will need to wait until the rest of the snow melts.

The Sunday School offering is being designated to replace the sign in front of the church.  Thus far, we have only determined the cost of the permit, and the size that we are allowed to install.  We will need to determine format, wording, and landscaping before we know the exact price.  If you have any ideas or suggestions concerning the sign, please let me know.  One thing is that has to change is the angle of the sign from being paralell with the road to being either perpendicular or in a "V" shape.

Next Sunday is our Annual Business Meeting of the church.  All active members are anticipated to attend and participate, and we invite anyone who comes to the church to stay for the meeting.  We will be discussing reports from the last year of our ministry, electing new officers - deacons, trustees, etc. and presenting a vision for the coming year.  We anticipate the good hand of the Lord in our ministry in the year to come, and look forward to being greatly used of Him.

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

Back in the fall, we completed the replacement of the curtains in the sanctuary.  This project was a designated gift from the Work/Kipp Memorial funds, and the difference was paid from the estate of Jim Swenson.  There is one further portion to the project that we are working on completing.  Lord willing in the next few weeks, we will have the covers in for the piano and organ.  This will help keep the dust out of them, and help the piano maintain its tune and polish for longer.

Over the last couple of months, Jason Bossley has done a tremendous job with the church website.  Should the inevitable happen, and you are unable to attend the services on week, a copy of this back page is often made available.  There is also a calendar, and he tells me that you can use this to send you reminders - but that is beyond my computer skills understanding.  I encourage you to visit the site, and encourage Jason in his ministry.

I greatly appreciate the different ladies who minister on the instruments.  Much time goes into the preparing of the fingers and heart for them to be able to play each Sunday.  As God uses them to help you prepare your heart for worship, please give them a word of encouragement.  A few Sundays ago, we were reminded of how valuable their addition is to the song service, when they were all ill or absent at the same time.  I tried to accompany the congregational singing, and that was a BIG mistake.  I still have to get much more practice in before I will be willing to do that again.

I have been enjoying some of the Olympics, though they have kept me up past my bedtime.  I have been disappointed with some of our athletes who show such great disrespect for our flag that they cannot stand at attention and show proper respect while our national anthem is being played.

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

Keep Pastor Roof and Mike Pelletier in prayer as they will be ministering in Haiti this week. They will leave on Tuesday.  As I talked with Pastor Roof this past week, he mentioned that one of the men that might be flying him in, is another pastor friend of ours, Pastor Dave Crispell.  Pastor Crispell has an itinerant ministry and owns his own plane that he is now using with Operation Renewed Hope.  These Three men will be preaching to the town of Jacmel during the week of Mardi Gras.  Please keep these men and their families in prayer as they serve God in preaching the Gospel.

Are you getting excited?  Coming in March, we will have a mid-week luncheon for the Keen Agers in our church.  This is a new ministry that is starting under the leadership of Pastor Bossley.  For those of you who are 50 years of age or older, please see him and let him know of the best couple of dates for you in March.  This group will have two purposes.  First, to be an encouragement to you as you live for Christ.  Second, to be evangelistic in showing the need of a Savior to those you bring with you.  I hope that you will come and join in on this group.  (Sorry, but I am too young to attend, unless I am asked to speak or play the trumpet.)  There will be luncheons and excursions for this group on a regular basis.

It was not until Thursday that I realized that Sunday was Valentine's Day, and by that time, the messages for Sunday were to close to being finished to change to a message on love, either of God's love for us, or our love for one another.  However, I do praise God for my wife, whom I love greatly, and her labor with me in the ministry.  She grows more special to me each and every day, and is a faithful help meet from God.  I cannot believe that in December we will celebrate 10 years of married life together.  God has been so good to us.  I cannot begin to imagine where I would be if God had not brought us together in His perfect plan and time.

Pastor's Notes

Pastor Joe Roof and Evangelist Mike Pelletier will be heading to Haiti later this month.  Both men will be preaching during the four days that they will be in the country.  Please pray for them as they minister to this devastated nation and for the expense of this trip.  They are taking a container of sandals, food, and medical supplies with them, and the air ticket alone is close to $2,000.00 per person.  Pastor Roof received 1,000 crocs this week that they had to repackage and mail to Florida to be included in the container that they are taking.

This morning, we will continue our study through the attributes of God by examining the omnipresence of God.  While there are a variety of theological terms that are encompassed within that attribute, we will spend our time in the Bible looking at the description and some of the ramifications of this important attribute.  If nothing else occurs, it is my desire that we will see the greatness of the Majesty of God.  We do not serve a God who fits into nice little cliche and theological boxes made by the imaginations of men.  We do not serve a God who obeys our whims and passions.  Rather we serve a God who is greater than all our understanding, whose splendor and grandeur is only begun to be understood by the outstretching of our imagination.  Therefore, our struggle is to reveal the Almighty God in terms that we understand while not diminishing the vastness of Who He is.

This past week, we received a Thank You note from the family of Betty Wright with a financial gift for the church.  They expressed their appreciation for all the many acts of kindness that our church family expressed toward Betty while she was with us.  It is my prayer that we will continue to practice showing Christ's love toward one another so that it is visible to others who are observing our ministry.

On Saturday, my brother and brother-in-law had a birthday, and on Tuesday, my parents will celebrate their wedding anniversary.  Interestingly enough, they were all buried in snow this weekend, and they are all south of us.  Should I feel sorry for them?

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

This past week, we enjoyed a time of vacation in Orlando, Florida in the Disney World Resorts.  Unfortunately, most of the family was sick for the trip, and Joel is still struggling.  We are hoping that with the return to a normal routine and diet, that he will begin feeling better quickly.  We are definitely glad to be home.  I missed you all, and was almost more excited to come home than I was to leave.

For the last several months, I have been neglecting to take my day off on Tuesday.  With the return home from vacation, I will resume observing a semblance of a day off on that day.  Pastor Bossley will be here in the church, or I will be available by cell phone on those days.

On the last Saturday of the month, there will be Children's Choir practice.  All young people are invited to attend this session to learn a song to be sung the next day at the beginning of the service.  Parents, practice will be between 30 - 40 minutes.

Anyone interested in singing in a church choir, please see Pastor.  If you are willing and able to play for the choir, volunteers are gladly accepted.  Depending on who is interested, will determine on when practices will be.

Starting this month in Prayer Meeting, we will be highlighting a different missionary to reacquaint ourselves with their ministry.  If we have a visual presentation from them, we will display that.  Otherwise, we will give an oral presentation of their ministry and highlight their recent praises and requests and any notable changes in their ministry.  For example, the Hondsdon's (Venezuela) completed the purchase of property for a church on Friday and will begin construction on Monday.  May we continue to know and pray for those whom we support around the world.

- Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

This morning the family and I are away on vacation in Orlando, Florida.  We miss being with you, and look forward to coming home Saturday.  While I do enjoy vacations, I hate being away from home, and away from you.  You are my joy and delight, and will be much on my heart and in my prayers still this week.  I look forward to being with you next Sunday for our Fellowship Sunday.

Next Sunday, we will have a Fellowship meal, and encourage you to bring a soup, salad, bread, and/or dessert to share.  There is a sign up sheet in the back.  As a clarification, this sheet is not for permission to attend, but a means to make sure that there is variety of food.  If you decide Saturday that you want to come, please do so, as our fellowship is noit as special as when you are a part of it.  After the meal, we will have a time of singing of your favorites.  We have several hymnals to choose from, and you get to choose the songs that we sing.  If the piano player or I do not know the song - you either get to sing a solo, or pass on your selection.

NEW MINISTRIES!   Starting February 27, we will begin a Children's Choir.  This is for all our young people in the church, and their friends.  They will practice on Saturday and sing the next morning at the beginning of the service.  We will plan to do this every couple of months.

Also, in March we will begin a ministry for our older adults.  Pastor Bossley will lead this ministry, and will meet once each month for either a luncheon or an activity.  If you know that there is something in your monthly schedule that would preclude you from participating on that day of the month - please see Pastor Bossley and let him know.  Any ideas for trips or activities, please let him know.

Next Sunday, in Sunday School, we will look at some questions believers have to face concerning Creation.  Am I allowed to eat meat? Should I be concerned with the environment or with extinction? These questions are answered in the Bible, and we will examine them together.

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

URGENT! Help is needed immediately. People are dying and need to be rescued. Thousands or more people are feared dead, and the counts are sure to rise. In a matter of minutes, the world was flooded with requests for help for the nation of Haiti, as an earthquake and numerous aftershocks reverberated throughout the nation. Within hours, requests for money, prayer, and supplies were being asked to rescue those who had a chance at surviving this natural disaster.

Quickly, the US military responded and sent troops and supplies to help the nation. Many charitable organizations began mobilizing to provide medical supplies, food, water, and workers to assist in the labor of search and rescue. Perhaps you were able to help in some way toward the needs that came so quickly to our attention this past week.

As I considered the calls for urgent help, and the scope of the disaster, my heart wept. This week, I have had a heavy heart for the people of Haiti. They have great needs at this time for basic supplies of food, water, and shelter. Yet, how many more have lost the opportunity of ever again hearing the Gospel message. If the death tolls that have been reported are accurate, close to 100,000 people will have had their eternity settled in an instant. There is no tomorrow for them. They have no further choice to make a faith decision to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior to redeem them from their sin.

Than it was the kid killed in Newburgh. No more chance because of a sudden, unexpected, untimely death. How many of your family and friends are prepared for eternity? Do you have a sense of urgency? The earthquake in Haiti is a stark reminder of the uncertainty of tomorrow. Yet, as bad as it was, that earthquake will pale in comparison to the one which is coming when God pours out His fury during the Tribulation. The call is urgent. People need to hear the Gospel, and they need to hear it quickly. Who are you telling? Are we supporting those who are taking that message around the world?

-Pastor Stephen Racite

Pastor's Notes

Over the next few weeks, I will be modifying the appearance of our weekly bulletin. I was recently given a new color laser printer which is faster and more efficient than the church copier. It prints faster and clearer than the copier, and I am hoping that the bulletins will have good eye appeal. Since I am not an artist, a lot will be done by trial and error. If there are items that are not currently being included in the bulletin that would be beneficial to the church, please let me know.

This past week was a difficult one for our family. Wednesday night, at dinner, I had to tell the children that we were going to be putting Smokey down the next day. Sarah and I got Smokey shortly after we were married. We had lived in my parents house and took care of their two dogs while they were up north. Within a couple weeks of moving into our own house, we received a phone call from someone who had to get rid of a 2 year old Shepherd. He was a delight to the family, and the kids miss him. Joel is still walking around the house looking for him. Originally, we had declared that when Smokey died, we would not get any more dogs. However, as I write this, Sarah and I are beginning to relent. I had forgotten all the pleasures that a dog brings to the home. Sarah has already started looking for another purebred German Shepherd puppy. This is also a first for me. Other than when I was in college and the couple weeks after Sarah and I moved into our first home, I have always owned a dog, and for the last 20 years it has been a German Shepherd.

Next Wednesday, the family and I will be leaving for 10 days. We are looking forward to an enjoyable vacation, and warm weather. It looks like the temperatures are rebounding in the south to the 70's. Of course, that means we will freeze all the more when we return home. It is a good thing that our first day back is a Fellowship Sunday with soup on the menu. I am looking forward to the time with you upon our return.

-Pastor Stephen Racite