:: First Baptist Church of North East, MD ::

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

Feb. 2010

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Spiritual Renewal Week

No Condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1)

Richard Coss, Guest Speaker

Valentine’s Banquet

Featuring “Philbilly Sauce”

Richard Coss, Guest Speaker

For EVERYONE!

Sat., Feb. 13, 6 pm.

Sponsored by the Youth

Spiritual Renewal Meetings

Feb. 14-17

Sun-Wed

Youth Day, Feb. 14

8:30 & 11 am.

Evenings, 7:30 pm.

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A note from the Pastor

Dear church family,

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Winter started early this year. We broke all the records for December snowfall in Maryland and had to cancel Sunday Services. That was the first time I remember having to do that in December. The children loved it. Life is back to normal now, but I expect we may see some more snow before spring.

We are planning a spiritual renewal week with Evangelist Richard Coss, February 14-17. The theme this year is “No Condemnation in Christ.” Brother Richard will be driving up from Gulf Shores, Alabama to be with us. It is my prayer that we will see the church filled. So many need to hear the powerful message of forgiveness in Jesus. Please mark those dates on your calendar and plan to be here every night. I hope the weather cooperates.

For those of you who may not know Richard Coss, he has a powerful testimony (see the following). Richard and I have been friends for over 20 years. He is a man of integrity and greatly used of God. Please be inviting your friends for these days of spiritual renewal.

In Christ.

Pastor Steve

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Who is Richard Coss?

Coss began his life of crime at the age of 9. By the time he was 25, he had spent 10 years locked up behind bars, including 3 trips to prison. He gave his life to Christ March 16, 1969 while serving what would be his last sentence in El Reno Federal Reformatory in Oklahoma. He received a Presidential Pardon from Gerald R. Ford in 1975 and has been an Evangelist for over 32 years. Richard Coss continues to travel around the United States spreading the word of God to prison, churches, youth groups, jails, and more.

PTL! On December 19th at the St. Charles County Jail, across the river from St. Louis, Missouri, was awesome as tears flowed and hearts came to Christ as Savior. Out of 360 inmates, 113 became believers.

Sadly on April 19, 1995, two of Richard’s grandchildren, Chase and Colton Smith, who belonged to his daughter, Edye, were killed in the Oklahoma City bombing. While his family continues to grieve, they have not let this act of terrorism affect their love for Christ.

Info per Richard’s website: www.christbarsnone.com

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Operation Christmas Child 2009

PTL!

The numbers are over the top!

Samaritan’s Purse reports a 9% increase (2nd highest increase in the U.S.) in the number of shoe boxes received in the mid-Atlantic region. There were 47,822 more than in 2008.

The total shoe boxes received in the U.S. was 571,966.

YOU were part of these fantastic receipts. There were 210 boxes received from our church family and 2,785 received at our Relay Center.

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God is asking you to serve Him

What does the Lord your God ask of you . . . ?—to serve the Lord your God with all your heart. (Deuteronomy 10:12).

As much as I have searched the Scriptures I cannot find an exclusion to this statement. Nothing is said about retiring or having a handicap or even being tired.

The Lord your God is asking you to serve Him and to do it with all your heart and soul. And, this church agrees that everyone associated the church, and especially every member, needs to have an area of service.

We currently have openings in the following areas:

Sunday School: secretary & superintendant.

Nursery: (especially at the 8:30am service and during Sunday School)

Sound Booth.

Attendance takers at both Sunday morning services.

Social Committee Chairman.

Sunday School teacher assistants.

Decorating: sanctuary flowers.

Bulletin board attendant.

The adversary is very good at helping you make excuses for why you can’t serve; but, there are no exclusions with the Lord. He offers this honor to all His people. In Romans 12:11 Paul writes, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Have you noticed a weakening of fervor for the Lord recently? Maybe it is because you are not involved in serving God and His church. Psalm 100:2 says, “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” The singing and gladness come from serving the Lord.

What are you doing for the Lord and this church?

Pastor Dan

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You “Oughta” Be in Pictures

We are excited to be in the process of creating a NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY of our church family. The directory will help us connect names with faces.

PLEASE PARTICIPATE! All we ask is that you have your picture taken by Olan Mills’ professional Photographer and meet with a Portrait Consultant at the church. For the next several weeks starting Jan. 31, we will be making appointments before and after Sunday morning services at the church. PLEASE sign up as soon as possible to get the best appointment to fit your schedule.

Photography Dates:

Fri., March 5

Sat., March 6

Every participating family/household that selects a pose for the directory will receive a FREE directory and a complimentary 8 X 10 Custom Natural Portrait.

You will come to the church ONLY once for photography and for portrait viewing.

The program is available at no cost to the church budget. You will have the opportunity to order additional portraits during your scheduled appointment time.

If you wish to purchase extras, the portraits come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

If you have questions, please contact Kathy Gray in the church office @ 410 287-6247.

We look forward to seeing EVERYONE in the directory. Our new pictorial directory just won’t be complete without YOU!

AND, we have openings for VOLUNTEERS to serve on the Sign-up Committee and Host/Hostess Committee.

Discount pricing for Seniors and/or Military

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Hello! from Florida

Hello from sunny st1:State w:st="on">Florida—85 degrees today but it’s been VERY cold. I was beginning to think I made a BIG MISTAKE to take a vacation here. Hey! I saw Brother Ray and Sister Brenda Sommers headed out to the beach the other day. They already have their Florida tan.

I received a letter from Brother Mouse. He tells me there’s been a lot of comotion goin’ on at the church. Duane Combs, Kelsey Hackman, Maranda Hackman, Lib Lewis, Angie Lotman, Ben Lotman, and Rick Wright have been working hard gettin’ the baptistry changing rooms lookin’ like new. Gerrit Hopman has been fixin’ you name it. (Mrs. Gray keeps him supplied with coffee and he seems happy.) Mark Miller fixed the squeaky door that announced everyone’s late arrival to church services. He also leveled the stone in the back parking lot and still volunteers one day each week. The stone was donated by Maryland Materials.

Brother Mouse said it’s been kinda’ cold in some areas of the church. But, the heat is in the process of being fixed. Hallelujah! It should be fixed by the time I head North. Hope to see ya soon!

KAT, The Resident Church Mouse &

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