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
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
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
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
Sunday, January 31, 2010
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
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 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
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