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
Lamplighter for December 2007/January 2008
Merry Christmas!
May God’s
blessing
be upon you
and your family
this Christmas
and
coming year!
THANK YOU
for
supporting us
as we serve God and our church family.
From your church staff and Childcare Center ministry:
Dr. Stephen D. Hokuf
Pastor Dan Mohler
Lisa Sanders
Kathy Gray
Sandy Jackson
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Week of Prayer for International Missions—December 2-9
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Church Goal: $3,500
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FROM THE PASTOR
Dear church family,
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Somehow it’s hard to believe that we are at the end of another year. Where did the time go? So much has happened this year and so many good things that are a direct result of the Lord’s blessing. Too often we fail to acknowledge His hand on our lives, until something really extraordinary occurs. Paul states, unequivocally that God “worketh all things after the counsel of His own will” (Ephesians 1:11). So all that happens is part of God’s plan. We serve an awesome God!
Three weeks ago Ben and Jenny Hokuf’s one year-old son Ethan, had a fall. He struck his head so hard he had a fractured skull. It was Saturday night, November 10. We called our church’s prayer chain and many of you started praying. Janet and I went to be there in the Emergency Room at Christiana Hospital with them. I’ve been there dozens of times (with some of you), but I must tell you this was not the same. Our precious grandson was in the scariest place I could imagine—but no he was safely cradled in the arms of Jesus.
Shortly after midnight the neurosurgeon assured us all that in his expert opinion Ethan was, is, and would be just fine. His evaluation has proven to be correct. Thank you Jesus. No parents or grandparents have been more relieved than we were that traumatic night. Life is fragile, and I’m still not over it, but now I can truly praise the Lord and I do.
Some of you are going through somewhat similar life threatening situations. We don’t usually know how God will answer our prayers, but we can be confident He will hear and respond. It will surely humble us all, but we pray to a kind, gracious and loving heavenly Father. Paul tells us to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all application for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Wow! That’s a lot of “alls”. I’m praying a whole lot more, for more things and for more people than I ever have. I think God is pleased. We really do need Him all the time.
We’ve learned from the time we were little about the power of Christ to save us. But there’s another power in the cross that we must learn, the power to live. We can’t do anything of eternal value on our own. Jesus says, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Paul illuminates and adds, “now unto Him (Jesus) who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power (of Christ) that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20).
Are you experiencing both of these works of Christ? I pray that you are. May this Christmas season draw you closer to Him. I pray that everyone in your family will know Him in this way, too. I pray that our church family will experience these miraculous life changing powers of Christ as well. “Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21).
In His loving grip,
Dr. Stephen D. Hokuf
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For ages 55 & over
Keen-Agers—Think CHRISTMAS
We again extend our invitation to all of you to enjoy a wonderful day with us at Sandy Cove—December 5th. A special Christmas presentation and delicious luncheon is the program for this holiday season.
Alex Marini and his children will present a family Christmas musical program with the clear message of Christ’s birth. It will truly bless the hearts of those who cherish the spiritual aspects of the season. Many instruments including harps professionally made by Mr. Marini will be played by his family.
This will be a wonderful “daytime date” for senior couples or singles—please take advantage of this offer—join us.
Schedule for Wed., December 5th
9:15am—Coffee or Tea Time ~ 9:45am—Program Begins ~ 1:30pm—Luncheon Concludes
Prices: Early Registration by Monday, December 3rd, by 5 pm.
$13.50—65 & older ~ $15.00—55-64 ~ $18.00—at the door
Sandy Cove Ministries—410 287-3400 or 800 234-2683
www.sandycove.org/seniors
Transportation could be provided if needed. Call 410-287-4280 or church office (410 287-6247) if you have questions or would like us to register for you.
The Marini Family Alex Marini, the father of the family, is a professional harp maker, hand building harps which his children play… along with other instruments. He has also written a devotional book to inspire musicians, Morning Meditations. His daughters Joanna and Dena teach private music lessons and perform at weddings, conferences, festivals and even mission trips. All of the children enjoy participating in the family musical programs. Song selections will be played on the harps and other instruments by the Marini children, and a clear Gospel message woven into each program by Alex.
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Give thanks to the Lord
Some people have recommended humor and a positive mental attitude to combat the challenges of cancer. While these can be helpful, I believe that a truly thankful heart, which meditates on the person of your eternal, loving heavenly Father, is the best medicine. Only you must be truly thankful to Him. This life is but an illusion of forever; but your God has created you for glory! I recommend private, personal worship and singing to your great God. You may not feel like it when you start, but you will when you finish. Proverbs 3:7-8 says, “ . . . reverently fear and worship the Lord . . . It shall be health to your nerves and sinews and marrow and moistening to your bones.” “With Jesus’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of prayers to God by proclaiming the glory of His name” Hebrews 13:15. It is our sacrifice of praise that most pleases the Father.
“May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God’s holy people, who live in the light. For He has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness and He has brought us into the kingdom of His dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with His blood and has forgiven all our sins” Colossians 1.
“Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done” Colossians 2.
“Thank God for His Son, a gift too wonderful for words!” 2 Corinthians 9.
“Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me. If you keep to My path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God” Psalm 50.
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” Psalm 30.
“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises. Tell everyone about His miracles. Exult in His holy name; O worshipers of the Lord rejoice! Search for the Lord and for His strength and keep on searching. Think of the wonderful works He has done, the miracles and the judgments He handed down. O nations of the world recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory He deserves! Let all the earth tremble before Him. The world is firmly established and cannot be shaken. Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice! Tell all the nations that the Lord is King. Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever” 1 Chronicles 16.
Pastor Dan Mohler
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Support Our Troops Christmas Mission Project:
Military names & addresses of any church family member, close friend or close contact of service men/women serving overseas are needed. Women on Mission is sponsoring a mission outreach project to send them a Christmas package. Therefore, we need this information A.S.A.P.
Most Needed:
Body powder (Shower to Shower in blue container [they can’t take a lot of showers])
Gold Bond Foot Powder
Lots of Antibacterial wipes—they use these as their shower
Soap
Lots of Wet Wipes
Men’s & women’s deodorant
Feminine hygiene products
Midol
Aspirin
Band Aids
Eye drops, eye wash
Lip balm
Breakfast foods and drinks—cereal/granola bars, Sunny D, pouch drinks
Kleenex tissues in small packs (they use this for toilet paper as they have none in the field)
Tuna in cans or packs
Blankets
Toothbrushes, tooth paste
Crew socks (it’s winter and their feet get cold)
Other items
Canned Beefaroni, Ravioli, etc.
Fruit in small flip top cans
Phone cards (AT &T)
Pens, paper, envelopes (no stamps)
Paperback books, crossword puzzles
AA batteries (no rechargeables)
Q-tips
Cough lozenges
Combs
Nail clippers
Disposable razors
Aqua Velva, Brute Aftershave
Juice boxes
Snack cakes, brownies (nothing with icing that will melt)
Flip Flops (troops need to air their feet out when they take a break)
Beanie Baby toys (soldiers give these to small children)
Any small stuffed animal (must fit into pocket, no plastic)
Candy and gum
Trail Mix
Progresso soups—beef, turkey, chicken
Magazines
Please remember: NO aerosol cans, nothing that will melt, spoil or break and nothing that needs water. Everything that is sent will be packaged in individual storage bags in case something would puncture.
Note: Women on Mission will actually be sending these packages out in January; therefore, items will be received during the month of December.
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Shoe boxes were stacked to the ceiling
Kat drawing by Melanie Glace
As I was scampering through the halls, I noticed many folks helping with Operation Christmas Child; but, there were a few folks I saw many, many, many times. They were: Bobby, Nancy, and Craig Hudler and Gerrit and Jane Hopman. It seemed as though they camped out daily for a week. They were busy moving, counting, packing, and moving, moving and moving shoe boxes. They brought their own food, too. (Oh! They had some great snacks.) Boxes were stacked in the halls nearly to the ceiling—I thought I was mountain climbing trying to maneuver those boxes. Anyway, everyone deserves a big round of applause.—especially those noted. I hear there were 2,491 shoe boxes (including 116 from our church) that are on their way to children all over the world. I hope Brother Mouse didn’t get inside one of those boxes. I haven’t seen him lately.
Kat,
The Resident Church Mouse
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Audio Visual—1st goal achieved
The Audio/Visual Fund was opened earlier this year to help make some improvements to the equipment in the sanctuary and we're pleased to report that our first major goal has been achieved! A new projector has been installed; but, maybe you haven't noticed it yet. This projector is our "confidence monitor" and faces the back wall to provide prompts, lyrics and other assistance for singers or other performers at the front of the church. It has been a great help to the Praise Team already and should get more use this Christmas season with all the children's performances scheduled.
More improvements to the sound system, such as more microphones (and more wiring and jacks), is estimated to cost around $1600— so the Audio/Visual fund will remain open at this time.
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2007 New Members
Blake, Brian, Bronwyn,
& Brooke Bare
Maria Cantler
Cannon Culver
Fola & Christopher (C.J.) Johnson-Aremu
Carrie Gill
Erica Mueller
Sarah & Tommy Murray
David & Morgan Naggie
Ken, Cathy, John & Jennifer Parsons
Nathan & Corban Porch
Carol Singleton
Heather Vaughn
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In memory of:
(Those who passed away in 2007)
Elwood Foster
Nancy Burkins
Judy Bibey
Rev. Archie McGhee
Lena Piatt
Loreen Nowland
Adopt a Child &/or an adult
We’re adopting 3 children (church families) for Christmas. An “Angel Tree” with wishes will be displayed in the rear of the sanctuary on Dec. 2. Please select an angel tag and provide a gift for the specified item. Money will be received for 1 adult (church family member). ALL gifts are due Sun., December 23.
—Sponsored by Women on Mission
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Reminder: Check the calendar for scheduled services and/or events.