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
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
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
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
Sunday, April 25, 2010
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
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
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
Sunday, April 18, 2010
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
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
Sunday, March 28, 2010
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
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
Sunday, March 21, 2010
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
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
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