I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12
The Lamplighter
April, 2011
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Start Here—Pray
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering
For North American Missions
Week of Prayer
April 3-10
Church Goal: $1,800
Prayer is the key to start your
missionary dollars on their journey—follow along:
►STARTS
in Your HEART
As you pray about
What your gift will be
▼
Your OFFERING PLATE
▼
Baptist Convention of MD/DE
▼
Southern Baptist Convention
▼
NAMB
North American Mission Board
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering—funded
use
▼
NAMB works with each state convention to
determine
priorities on the field
▼
NAMB puts your $1.00
(100%)
in the hands of a missionary
■
Ways Your Annie Armstrong Gift Dollars Are Used
In a nutshell, AAEO dollars go toward:
Missionary salaries
Health care benefits
Ministry supplies and expenses.
Grateful Missionaries say . . .
“I know of at least 31.5 million reasons
to give to the AAEO for North American Missions!
That’s the number of people we are praying will find a church
home in our community.
Without funding through the AAEO, we would never have started a church
in the heart of New York City!”
—Gregg Farah, church planting
missionary, New York City
“The
AAEO helps me be available to minister to 10,000 international seafarers
from more than 70 countries each year.”
—Jim Putman, church and community ministries missionary, Freeport,
Texas
“Through the AAEO, Southern Baptists make is possible for me to bring a
Christian witness among the 20 different native people groups in western
and northern Oklahoma.”
—Max Malone, church planting missionary, Yokon, Oklahoma
“I serve as a pastor and a resort missionary in Lake Placid, New York,
and Southern Baptists giving to the AAEO allows us to share the good
news of Christ with Olympic athletes who train and compete in our
village. These athletes
come to Lake Placid from all over the world!”
—Derek Spain, special ministries missionary, Lake Placid, New York
“In just over three years in the buckle of the Bible Belt known as
Montgomery, Alabama, God has blessed Project Hope with more than 4,000
salvations and 50 geographical sites where the Word is being preached
and churches are being planted every week.
NAMB has played a vital role in this through the AAEO.”
—Neal Hughes, church planting missionary, Montgomery, Alabama
“I am a multihousing church planter in Colorado.
I spend hours talking to people who have never once encountered
the truth and love of Jesus Christ.
Giving to the AAEO means there are men and women across this
nation going to places that you have never heard of, loving people you
will never meet, and telling them the very good news that Jesus Christ,
the Son of God, died because He loves them.”
—Nick Melazzo, church planting missionary, Grant Junction, Colorado
Info in
this article originally appeared in a 2004-2005 Missions Leader
magazine.
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Easter
Sunrise Service
April 24, 6:30am
North East Town Park
(Benjamin Pavilion)
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The Lord’s Last Supper—LIVE!
Scripts have been handed out; the dates have been set. The scenery is being prepared. The speaker and singers are busy rehearsing. It takes so many committed people to put on a play. This year I’m thankful for all those who have willingly given up some of their Sunday afternoons to practice for our upcoming drama, The Lord’s Supper Re-enactment. stage. I pray as each man works on his part, that he’ll examine his own life. God calls all of us to serve Him.
What an awesome task was given the disciples and to our men portraying the disciples. We know how the story ends and how God used these 12 ordinary men to “change the world.” Maybe God is preparing your heart for service. You may think you’re just one person in this world, but to someone you may be the world—changing the world one person at a time.
I pray your hearts will be touched and changed by our presentation of The Lord’s Last Supper. This year we added a Saturday night production. Here are the production days and times:
Saturday, April 16, 6:30 pm
(refreshments to follow)
Sunday, April 17, 8:30 & 11am
Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors. Maybe God will use this drama to “change the world.” Each one reach one.
In Christ’s Service,
Patricia Culver Adkins
P.S. Here are practice and dress rehearsal days/times for our cast and production team:
Sunday, April 3, 12:15pm
(costume fitting)
Sunday, April 10, 12:15pm
Friday, April 15, 8-10pm,
Dress Rehearsal
Sat., April 16, 9-11am,
Dress Rehearsal
P.P.S. We may need a disciple; and we need stand-ins, as well.
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A Word From Dr. Hokuf
Dear church family,
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. There are two more Hokuf boys in the world. PTL! Ben & Jenny now have three boys, Ethan, Logan, and Hunter. Hunter Michael was born March 7th (8 lb. 15 oz. and 22 in. long!). Doug and Deanna now have 3 children as well; Brandon, Julia, and Levi. Levi Joseph was born March 18
(6 lb. 13 oz. and 21 in. long!). Janet and I are proud as can be and we are praising the Lord for His manifold blessings on our family. You may not know, but Laura and Chris (Moyer) are expecting another child in September! Their daughter Sophia will be one year old this month and I think she wants a brother. We are very excited and appreciating the joys that are coming to us in this stage of life. All of you who are grandparents can surely say “Amen.”
Our church continues to move forward on several fronts. We are in the midst of a study called Share Jesus Without Fear. Each Sunday night we are digging into Evangelist Bill Fay’s no-nonsense approach to sharing the gospel. It is simple and practical, and it works. Come and join us.
We have two mission teams preparing to go out this year. The first one will travel in May to Canada to work with the Arabic Baptist Church in Ottawa (see Patricia Culver Adkins’ article on page 3). The other team will be going this summer, and they will work with the Southern Baptist resort ministry in Ocean City, Maryland. If you would like to participate or contribute to the financial needs, please let me know.
We also are going to be presenting the annual The Lord’s Last Supper on Palm Sunday in both of our morning services, with a brunch in between. This year we are going to add a third service Saturday night the 16th at 6:30pm to accommodate friends who may not be able to make it on Sunday. It promises to be another very special and emotional glimpse into the events of that most holy night in our Lord’s life.
The young adults fellowship, known as “The Daily Grind,” will be taking care of our Easter Egg Hunt this year. All of the neighborhood children (and their parents) are invited Saturday, April 23 at 11am. Last year about 200 showed up and we had nearly 2,500 eggs! We try to make it an outreach effort where we introduce them to some praise and worship songs and share the gospel as well. Please pray for all of these mission activities, because it is only as the Spirit of the Lord works that anything of eternal value will ever be accomplished. Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
On Easter we will once again begin with a sunrise
service at 6:30am at the North East Town Park (Benjamin Pavilion).
We have been doing this now for a number of years.
We usually have about 40 or so, and it seems like we always have
visitors! It is especially
moving when we are able to see the sun come up over the horizon.
Maybe you would like to make it part of your family’s worship
experience this year!
We recently had a baptism of two new believers.
Madison and Tyler Wagner followed the Lord in believers’ baptism.
Both sets of grandparents were able to be here for that blessed
event and boy were they praising the Lord.
In fact our whole church was, too.
There is a wonderful spirit in our church these
days. We are struggling
financially; but, God is multiplying other blessings that make us all
realize that He is on our side.
Whenever King David got discouraged the Bible says, “he
encouraged himself in the Lord.”
Eventually the tough times passed and he always came out on the
other end stronger, wiser, and blessed in a dozen ways that made the
trials worth it all.
Please continue to pray for the church and her needs. May you experience God’s richest blessings in your life as you walk with Him each day.
Your brother in Christ,
Dr. Stephen D. Hokuf
P.S. Just before publication we received a check in the mail for $2,000. Isn’t the Lord awesome?!
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WORK DAY
Sat Apr 2, 8am
Let’s all work together to “spruce” up the church.
Maybe you can check with Lib Lewis for job assignments beforehand
so you can come prepared.
Or, if you’ve noticed something that needs done, let Lib know and/or let
him know you’ll tackle the task.
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Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 23, 11am
(rain or shine)
Lunch provided.
Donations
of plastic eggs, candy-filled plastic eggs, WRAPPED candy to fill
eggs, and money are needed.
We need to replace ALL the eggs we’ve accumulated over the years.
We hope to have 3,000-5,000 eggs.
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Let the children come
The group was surprised with an unexpected blessing.
A small handful of 8:30am worshipers on March 13 were about to
leave after the service when Jacob Meekins, followed closely by his
father, Phil, took his place behind the pulpit.
Jacob’s head was barely visible over the book rest of the pulpit.
He started singing the praise song, Jesus, Lover of My Soul—no
music and no words. His
father seemed to start to pull Jacob away; but must have realized this
was an uninterruptable moment.
Phil stood by his son and listened along with the small group of
worshipers. The group
stopped their conversations and turned to watch this 8-year-old sing his
heart out. All eyes were on
Jacob. Everyone clapped and
felt so blessed.
Sandy Jackson happened to be at the sound booth and decided to put up the words to Jesus, Lover of My Soul (visible on the back wall) and ran the accompaniment as well. Jacob proceeded to sing the entire song again. Phil decided to have a seat on the front row. Ralph Veasey came in to set offering plates on the communion table but didn’t dare interrupt the moment so he stood to the side while Jacob continued singing. If only everyone could have been there. Jacob was singing with a great big smile and he was so happy. Everyone realized this was a very special moment indeed. Jacob received another round of applause before his father ushered him off to Sunday School. It was a wonderful encore performance. Several of those who witnessed this special moment were moved to tears. I usually don’t hang around for the 11am worship service (too many eyes might get a glimpse of me); but, I understand Jacob joined the Praise Team @ 11am while they sang, Jesus, Lover of My Soul. After the singing, an emotional father, Phil, proceeded to tell everyone that early in Jacob’s life, doctors informed him that Jacob would probably never speak in sentences. Later, Phil used the opportunity to share on Facebook about the experience. We also understand that Jacob wants a black suit and his reason for wanting a suit—he wants to be a worship leader and a preacher.
Jesus’ words: “Let the little children, come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14 NIV) came to life on the 13th. And, you can take this advice from your church mouse—the little ones are learning from the words we speak, from the songs we sing, and from the actions we take. God, our children, our friends, our neighbors, our enemies, etc. are always watching, listening, and taking notes.
Kat, The Resident Church Mouse
Christian education is nearby
We
are fortunate to have a Christian school right here in Cecil
County. Many of our church members have attended or sent their children
to Elkton Christian Academy.
Elkton Christian is undergoing changes to become an independent
Christian school (independent from any particular church) and will
become Tri-State Christian School starting next school year.
The staff and teachers are excited about these new opportunities and
would appreciate your prayers
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Sharing Jesus Without Fear
In Canada
The Canada
mission team is busy getting their passports for our trip on May 20.
We’ll be conducting a children’s program for our Arabic friends’
church retreat, May 21-23.
What a wonderful opportunity to put into practice what we are learning
through our church’s study, Share Jesus Without Fear. We’ll not
only share our faith; but, we’ll encourage the boys and girls to go and
share Christ with their people.
The boys and girls will experience a little of Broadway in New
York through music, challenging games, shows, etc.
PRAY FOR THE TEAM:
Jim & Patricia Culver
Adkins
David Bibey
Heather Bibey
Sherlen Bingham
Annie
Armstrong Easter Offering
For North American Missions
Some of them have never been on
a mission trip. God can use
any of us. All He asks for
is an obedient, willing spirit.
He does the rest.
First Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer . . . for
the hope that you have.” “Preach the Gospel at all times and if
necessary use words” (Francis of Assisi).
There’s still room for more.
All you need is a willing spirit and a passport.
The
next meeting is March 27 @ 5pm.
In Christ’s Service,
Patricia Culver Adkins,
2011 Mission Team Coordinator
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Palm
Sunday Brunch
Dine with The Lord’s Last Supper cast
We’re
having a fellowship brunch in between the two morning church
services on Palm Sunday, April
17. The Last Supper Re-enactment will be @ 8:30 &
11am. Come and dine with Jesus and His disciples about 9:45am. Sunday
school classes will be cancelled so that we can socialize and enjoy
a meal together. We thought it would be fun to do a brunch
instead of a lunch this time.
Please
bring
a
covered dish to share—here are some suggestions for "brunch food":
· breakfast casseroles
· ham, sausage, bacon or scrapple
· biscuits & gravy
· grits
· fruit
· coffee cakes, muffins, sweet rolls
· juices
There
will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the hallway so
you can let everyone know what you are planning to bring!
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