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
Sunday, April 25, 2010
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
Sunday, March 14, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
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
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
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