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
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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
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
Sunday, January 17, 2010
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
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
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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
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
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Pastor's Notes
I hope that everyone had a good Christmas season, and enjoyed their time with family and friends. We had Sarah's parents in, Monday through Wednesday, and exchanged gifts with them on Tuesday evening. We will go down and exchange gifts with my family on New Year's Day.
For Christmas this year, Sarah and I are taking the children to Disney World. Over the last few months, I have sacrificed much family time, and wanted to be able to spend some undivided attention with them. My parents will be joining us on this trip, and we will drive down together in a 12 passenger van. We will be departing for my parents on January 20, and will come home on January 30.
I trust that you were able to spend some time this past month in musing on the holiness of God and how it applies to your daily life. Next week, we will look at another attribute of God. I am still praying concerning the particular attribute, as I have been torn between two. Lord willing, we will either study the immutability of God, or the Eternality of God.
On January 1, Pastor Bossley will officially begin serving as the Associate Pastor of the Cornwall Baptist Church. He has already begun serving in that capacity over the last few weeks. In addition to teaching Sunday School, and alternating preaching for Family Prayer Meetings, he has spent much time in keeping both properties clean. Please pray that God will continue to give us wisdom and unity as we labor together to serve God in Cornwall and the Surrounding communities.
For Christmas this year, Sarah and I are taking the children to Disney World. Over the last few months, I have sacrificed much family time, and wanted to be able to spend some undivided attention with them. My parents will be joining us on this trip, and we will drive down together in a 12 passenger van. We will be departing for my parents on January 20, and will come home on January 30.
I trust that you were able to spend some time this past month in musing on the holiness of God and how it applies to your daily life. Next week, we will look at another attribute of God. I am still praying concerning the particular attribute, as I have been torn between two. Lord willing, we will either study the immutability of God, or the Eternality of God.
On January 1, Pastor Bossley will officially begin serving as the Associate Pastor of the Cornwall Baptist Church. He has already begun serving in that capacity over the last few weeks. In addition to teaching Sunday School, and alternating preaching for Family Prayer Meetings, he has spent much time in keeping both properties clean. Please pray that God will continue to give us wisdom and unity as we labor together to serve God in Cornwall and the Surrounding communities.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Pastor's Notes
As I write this, they are talking about the arrival of our first major snow storm of the year. The temperatures have gotten much colder in the last week. I am amazed at how quickly the weather can change in a week. As a reminder, in inclement weather, please call the church first to make sure that the parking lot is plowed and that the roads are clear for traveling. Because I do not drive to church, I do not know the condition of the roads. Please use common sense in making a decision on whether to drive in poor weather.
Sarah and I are excited for the Christmas present that we have for the children. We believe that we have been successful in keeping it a secret from them, and will share with you next week what we are doing.
This week we are celebrating Christmas. May we join with the chorus of the angels who sang "Glory to God in the highest". As we remember the birth of Christ, may our praise be to God for His wondrous gift.
New Year's Eve will be a great time of fellowship for the church family. We hope that you are able to make plans to be with us for the evening. The next day, the family and I will be heading to South Jersey to celebrate Christmas with my family. We will probably over night there and come home on Saturday. Maybe I will be able to get a stromboli while I am down there. It is always neat to see how differently things are made from state to state. That is one of the examples.
-Pastor Stephen Racite
Sarah and I are excited for the Christmas present that we have for the children. We believe that we have been successful in keeping it a secret from them, and will share with you next week what we are doing.
This week we are celebrating Christmas. May we join with the chorus of the angels who sang "Glory to God in the highest". As we remember the birth of Christ, may our praise be to God for His wondrous gift.
New Year's Eve will be a great time of fellowship for the church family. We hope that you are able to make plans to be with us for the evening. The next day, the family and I will be heading to South Jersey to celebrate Christmas with my family. We will probably over night there and come home on Saturday. Maybe I will be able to get a stromboli while I am down there. It is always neat to see how differently things are made from state to state. That is one of the examples.
-Pastor Stephen Racite
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Pastor's Notes
This past Monday, Betty Wright went home to be with the Lord. Betty has been a dear friend, and one who has been a great encouragement to me in the ministry. I have missed her presence in the services over the last several months, and will miss her words of encouragement in the years to come.
Sarah was invited to go shopping on Thursday, and Mom even paid for the baby sitter so that it was just her and mom shopping. If I understood her correctly she was able to finish shopping for everyone in one day. I am so glad that I do not have to go shopping now. I guess I do need to get a gift for her. I am still racking my brain for an idea, which makes it hard for me to get something, and I do not like to just go looking until I find something.
As we approach the Christmas season, please feel free to bring in poinsettias and place them in the front of the church. The flowers will add to the beauty of the sanctuary as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. This is a time of year when we can remember that Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, was born to die for our sin. His birth and death was in the perfect timing of God's will.
It is my desire to see our children's programs grow, especially after the New Year. If you know some young people, please invite them to our Sunday School, Junior Church, and Sailor's Kids programs. Obviously, there is a service for the adults during these times as well.
-Pastor Stephen Racite
Sarah was invited to go shopping on Thursday, and Mom even paid for the baby sitter so that it was just her and mom shopping. If I understood her correctly she was able to finish shopping for everyone in one day. I am so glad that I do not have to go shopping now. I guess I do need to get a gift for her. I am still racking my brain for an idea, which makes it hard for me to get something, and I do not like to just go looking until I find something.
As we approach the Christmas season, please feel free to bring in poinsettias and place them in the front of the church. The flowers will add to the beauty of the sanctuary as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. This is a time of year when we can remember that Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, was born to die for our sin. His birth and death was in the perfect timing of God's will.
It is my desire to see our children's programs grow, especially after the New Year. If you know some young people, please invite them to our Sunday School, Junior Church, and Sailor's Kids programs. Obviously, there is a service for the adults during these times as well.
-Pastor Stephen Racite
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