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THE MESSENGER Maranatha Bible Chapel newsletter is being redesigned. We're sharing important information here until the new design is complete. FROM THE PASTOR | KIDZTOWN | YOUTH NEW YEAR by Pastor TomIn recent articles, I have written on the subjects, New, New Friends, and New Priorities. Now here we are facing a New Year. On behalf of my wife, Arliss, we want to wish each and every one who reads this newsletter a very merry Christ-filled Christmas, and a prosperous, servant-oriented New Year! At the end of any given calendar, we take stock of our personal walk with God. Are we closer to the Lord than we were in January? For those who have a spouse and children, we reflect on the past year to determine the successes and failures as a husband, wife, father, or mother. As well, singles, young people and even children pause to consider the events of the old year even as they look forward to a new one. As a church, we would be wise to perform a similar inventory. However, we must be extremely careful to focus on what “really matters” to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as we perform such inventory. For instance, we should not be primarily concerned with whether or not we had the same number of meetings as in years gone by—sometimes “less is more.” And although we are thankful for the faithful giving of God’s people, our first concern should not be related to budgets that either were or were not met. Others would incorrrectly look to attendance figures as a yardstick for whether or not we have had a “successful” twelve months. So allow me to pose the “church inventory questions” that I believe reflect the heart of God:
I am pleased so say that the answer to some of these questions would be “yes!” But let’s trust God together for a great 2008 in which MBC can celebrate even more accomplishments from the list that “really matters.” back to top
KIDZTOWN Committee: Verlyn Ratzlaff, Pat Tolpa, Michelle Procopio, Katie Drake, Patsy Drake, Amy Rial, Emma Drake, and Molly Drake. KIDZTOWN has been buzzing with excitement as the different groups have been busy packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! This was a way for our kids to show care and compassion as they prepared gifts for children in different countries, who may have never received any gifts. On November 11, the kids took the shoeboxes into the sanctuary during a special time of prayer. In Adventure Zone, the kids heard Bible stories and real life adventures related to uniqueness. They also had a special Thanksgiving program and were able to think of all of their blessings! In the Backyard, they had much fun learning that God is great and very powerful! They learned God is big and can do anything. He can do amazing things, and deserves our praise! The children also learned some high energy songs to go with this month’s theme: “My God is So Big” and “God, You Are Great.” KIDZTOWN is in the process of taking the kids’ pictures and creating new nametags for each area. This will be part of our Safe Place Policy and will be used for MBC use only. *Parents, please remember to pick up your “devotional” bag, in the foyer, at the beginning of each month! The kids have really been applying the new truths that they learn each month!
DECEMBER 1st-5th graders’ monthly virtue: PEACE–proving that you care more about others than winning an argument. The memory verse is, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 0-Kindergartens’ monthly basic truth is: Jesus wants to be my friend forever. The memory verse is: “God has given a son to us.” Isaiah 9:6
JANUARY
1st-5th graders’ monthly virtue: ORDERLINESS-arranging things to make your day easier. The memory verse is, “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” Ephesians 5:15-16 0-Kindergartens’ monthly basic truth is: Jesus wants to be my friend forever. The memory verse is: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart.” Matthew 22:37
Wouldn’t it be great to have children and adults focusing on these truths and memorizing the important scriptures together? *Additional volunteers are needed for The Pond (0–36 mo) and The Backyard (3-5 yrs). Please contact Michelle Procopio if you’d like to be involved. Small Group Leaders and Snack Hosts are needed for the Adventure Zone (gr. 1-5). Please contact Pat Tolpa if interested. Also, Teaching Assistants, Substitute Teachers, and Hall Monitors are still needed for Power Station (Sunday School hour). Please contact Patsy Drake for this ministry. back to top Celebrating the Christmas season involves an incredible mixture of feelings and emotions, traditions and special events that make up this festive chaotic season. The challenge each year is how to enrich our sacred celebration of Christ’s birth with awe and wonder, without getting overwhelmed and bombarded with the secular. May the peace that can only come from the Prince of Peace, fill your hearts and lives as you celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth and the hope of His second coming. And now for a little business… Our annual Youth Christmas Party will Friday, December 21st, 7-9 in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a wrapped $3 gift. This is a very fun evening so plan to be there and bring a friend! The Huddle will take a break on Sunday’s of Dec. 23 and 30. Pastor Verlyn will continue his series, “Incredible Moments in Time” in the new year. From our family to yours, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”!! back to top info updated by P. Drake |
