Let There be Peace on Earth - Sing Along: Followed by Random Acts of Kindness for 01/01/11

Everybody sing!

Now that you have sung, I have a modest proposal. It's nothing original or radical, but worth an attempt I think. Let's make New Year's Day a day when peace on earth does begin with each of us. Take a moment out of the day to perform a random act of kindness for someone, anyone. Keep it simple and doable. For instance, if it is raining or snowing out in the morning and you see an elderly neighbor's paper out on the lawn, move it up to the front porch or front door while you're out picking up your own. If you're in line with a bunch of people at a check out and they are starting to become impatient and cranky, be relaxed and friendly. Strike up a conversation and watch the line's mood shift. Say thank you or God Bless You to the bagger at the end of that line in the store. Take a shopping cart or two back to the store from the parking lot.

Here's another example: while working at a nursing home in a retirement community last summer, I was instructed to touch a hand or shoulder during a conversation with a resident. Everyone can use this kind of contact. Not being the touchy-feely sort, this took some practice. But, it was habit forming. Late in my time there, I attended a concert given for residents and staff. I was sitting near the end of a row. A woman approached with a walker. She arrived and reached out for the arm of the chair to steady herself. Not thinking, but now conditioned, I reached up my hand, which she took, and I guided her into her seat. I was surprised at myself for doing this and she beamed at me over this simple kindness, which was graceful as well as helpful. It made the beginning of that concert memorable for us both.

So, New Year's Day this year, 2011, one simple act of kindness ... let peace begin with you.

Who knows. Maybe this will be habit forming and we'll all keep up the habit every day.

Hey, and do me a favor. If this works out well for you, please leave a comment here at this post and let me know what you did. If there was a positive, peaceful result, I'd like to know that too!

Care to sing that song together again?

Weekly Bible Verse: Luke 2:1-20: Good News of Great Joy for ALL People

Luke 2: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.


8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Wishing You Joy for Christmas

Wishing you ... and the world ... joy this Christmas, and always. Multiple local teen chorus groups joined forces to deliver this message.

Coatsville Benefits Youth Concert Outcome: Transformer 12-2: The Colors Tour

In Allen's last blog entry in September, he talked about the upcoming Transformer 12-2 concert in Coatsville. There has been so much interest in that post, I asked Allen to return and tell readers how it went. Allen?

A: In a nutshell, it was wonderful, just an all-around wonderful experience!

The name of the concert is based on Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds".

Leading up to concert day, our youth were thrilled to have a concert at Olivet, and helped tremendously with the publicity. One of our students got approval to put up posters at CASH. When I visited CASH for “See You At The Pole”, I was told by one of my students, “The posters are up all over the school, everyone is talking about the concert!”.

Finally, on September 26, Olivet Church became the venue for the final stop of “The Color’s Tour” and hosted our first Contemporary Chirstian Music (CCM) Concert. CCM concert is “Christian-speak”, for rock concert. The bands, Leo, and Shine Bright Baby, gave an awesome high-quality performance and were absolutely the nicest group of outstanding young musicians you could possibly ever want to meet. Our adults and youth also did an outstanding job “working the concert” by selling tickets, taking tickets, selling merchandise, cooking and selling hot dogs and beverages, serving food, working with the bands and the sound engineer to load equipment in and out, move and store furniture, work the lights and DVD player, provide wireless internet service and a green room for the bands, and provide security personnel to keep the high-school group of about 70 youth, from wandering into back-stage or office areas of the church. The bands raved about Harvey’s home-cooked meals for lunch and dinner.

In addition to band merchandise tables, Good Works, TWLOHA, and Compassion International had tables setup in the Garden room. Compassion even provided a speaker for intermission, with a video to show. I briefly talked about TWLOHA and we also presented a dynamic Rob Bell video during intermission. TWLOHA, (To Write Love On Her Arms) is an organization that works to help people in self-abusive habits of many forms.

There were not enough attendees to quite cover all the expenses but Olivet church was financially isolated with the exception of providing the venue, heat, and electricity.

We only had 70 youth show up, but, WOW, WE HAD 70 youth show up! We didn’t cover expenses but after the first song and I saw all the kids get up in front of the band doing “their concert thing”, I knew that my primary message was getting across, “You can be a Christian and you can still listen to rock music and have fun!”

The bands were wonderful to work with and expressed that they were doing what they do, for Jesus. I love when bands express that from the stage! My favorite quote of the night was from our senior pastor, when the fog machine set the fire alarm off. Someone was running to answer the call from the fire department, and Joe said, “Tell ‘em the youth set the church on FIRE!” Yes, I think, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they did!

God Bless,

- allen

Advent Celebrations Are Here!

Sunday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. we’ll have our annual Christmas Concert Event.

Then prepare for Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24 at 7 P.M. There is candlelight, music, Scripture, and a Silent Night. It's wonderful. If you are in the area, you are invited.

Come share our joy.

Weekly Bible Verse: Matthew 1:18-25 Come Lord Jesus!

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah* took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ 22All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:


23 ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’ 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;* and he named him Jesus.

Thinking and Thanking

As we approached Thanksgiving, I listened with interest to an interview relating to gratitude on National Public Radio. Dr. Robert Emmons says that thankfulness is interconnected with thinking, or remembering good things received from other people and from God (or another moral being). Non-gratitude he defines as “forgetfulness” and is much more common than ingratitude which he calls “responding with indifference”, sometimes meanness, to good things. All of this fit right in with what I had been meditating on.
Firstly, I am grateful to God. I am thankful for salvation, for a higher purpose in life, and that no matter where I go, God is with me. I feel privileged to have been gifted by God, and to have had the opportunity to serve Him in many ways and in many places, including Cuba. I am grateful to God for all the divine transformations that He has worked in my life and in the lives of others around me. This list could go on and on…

One of the callers to the radio program saddened me. He professed atheism and asked if he could still have an attitude of gratitude. Professor Emmons said he could, while adding a qualifier that generally speaking all world religions have a gratitude component to their higher being. My first reaction was, if I couldn’t be grateful to God, how could I be deeply thankful? I believe so strongly that God is the source of my being and salvation, my sustenance and guidance, providing blessings of all kinds. How could I truly be thankful if I didn’t believe in God? God is the one who opens up the scope of gratitude for me.

As I mentioned, God provides many blessings – and that includes people like you. There are those who challenge me to grow, who encourage me, who befriend me, who pray for me and who support me in a variety of ways. I do thank God FOR every one of you on my Missionary Partnership Network. I echo Paul in Philippians 1 when he says, “I thank my God every time I remember you …I will always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel…”

I also am thankful TO you for how you support me by committing to keep up with me, pray for me and Cuba as well as sending financial gifts. I couldn’t do it without you!

So as I do some specific “thinking” and “thanking”, here’s a partial list:

· For enabling me to put together and record a power point presentation called “The Church in Cuba” in both English and Spanish this month (despite my not being a techie) which will be available after December 1 to churches

· For the reception and interest at the churches I have visited thus far in what God is doing in Cuba. I have met so many wonderful people!

· For my MPT, (the group that sends this newsletter out, among other things), for encouraging me and doing a lot of leg work for me, for their commitment to serving God.

· For my MPN (Missionary Partnership Network) who have been faithfully praying and giving.

· For Katy’s good adjustment to school and the great strides she has made in English reading

· For the additional new financial supporters of my ministry who continue to surprise me with their generosity.

· For those in Cuba with whom I have had the privilege of working. They have taken the ball and run with it, ministering to so many others in Christ’s name and in such creative ways!

At this Thanksgiving time, and as we head into the Advent Season, take time to reflect on your “gratitude list”. Enjoy giving thanks as well as “Thanksgiving”.

With a grateful heart,

Sue Hegarty

I apologize with being late delivering this message -- however, it is too good to let it get away. That's my thinking. J.B.S.

The Night The Savior Came: A Poem Based on Luke 2:8-14

It's another long night as we watch our sheep


Struggling to stay alert and not fall asleep

There was nothing to indicate that this night we would witness a miraculous thing

As winged angels heralded the birth of a newborn King

Their raiment shone with a supernatural light

And the angels realized that they must cause us great fright

The first words they spoke to us were of comfort, urging us not to fear

And then spoke to us a message. that although we did not realize it, we had longed to hear

That would cause us to forget our sleepiness and fear

They spoke of an ordinary thing, the birth of a child

Yet we sensed great import in their words and their story sounded not at all wild

The child that was born on this seemingly ordinary night

Would usher in a new world and with his miracles bid hunger, poverty, & pain to take flight

A choir of more angels came to sing the Child's praise

And caused us from our warming fire to raise

Our legs felt bidden to hurry to David's town

To see this wonderful baby that would win such great renown

Original work by ECBC's own poet, Andrew Henry

Weekly Bible Verses: Matthew 11:2-11: Are You the One?

Matthew 11: 2When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

The Ecclesiological Twilight Zone: An Original Skit for Church Outreach

The Ecclesiological Twilight Zone

Written by Pastor Jeffrey B. Snyder

©2010

A Note to Users: If your church is looking to reach out to other churches and begin a cooperative mission of outreach into your community, this short skit will illustrate for your congregation, with humor, why this should be done … or more to the point, the hazards of not doing so. It could easily be adapted to meet your needs if your church is going to conduct outreach all by yourselves, I’m sure. You have the author’s permission to do so. Finally, I write skits to be performed with a minimum of props and characters. I know we are all busy and many are cash strapped. Anyone can perform this skit with outlay of little more than time and talent. Good luck pastor! Blessings outreach team!

Necessary Props: 1 pulpit, 1 chair, a few papers representing a sermon, 2 mics, church sound system (if you do not have 2 mics and sound system available, speak up!)

List of Characters:

• Narrator
• Pastor 
• Lone Congregant
• Church Computer

Opening Scene: Minister is slumped over the pulpit, papers falling from his hand, obviously underwhelmed by his sermon practice and has fallen asleep. Entering the scene from off set appears a Rod Serling-like character, who narrates …

Narrator (using Rod Serling’s clipped tones from "The Twilight Zone"): Presented for your approval, the fevered dream, some might say prophetic dream, of the new pastor of the ___________ (Insert the name of your church here). In his dream, the __________ (Your church name here) pastor receive a glimpse of one possible future, a future 40 years hence, a future likely to come if changes are not made. It is the sort of dream one can expect in … The Ecclesiological Twilight Zone. (As narrator speaks, lone congregant moves into position on single chair facing pulpit. Rod exits set after narration finishes.)

Pastor: (Arises and speaks as future self in dream) Following the service today, we … meaning you and me (name whomever is playing role of lone congregant) … will celebrate 45 years of proudly going it alone, meeting the needs of our congregants behind closed doors, pulling up our own bootstr…

Lone Congregant: (who has been nodding in pew falls out of pew to floor with a long groan and lies still, use "pulling" as cue line to begin death fall).

Pastor: Church Computer?

Church Computer Voice: (A calm HAL 9000 sort of voice is intended here) Yes, Pastor?

Pastor: (Resigned and regretful) Please call 911 and have them send the hearse. Our last congregant has died.

Church Computer Voice: Yes, Pastor.

Pastor: (Sighs) And then you might as well put the Church building up for sale Computer.

Church Computer Voice: I’m sorry Dave, I can’t do that. I have already taken a job with a growing church, a multi-mega church in fact, a church that decided 45 years ago to reach out into the community and make a difference, a church that decided to take up the great commission, practice evangelism, and help build the Kingdom of God … a church entirely different from __________ (Your church name here). Goodbye Dave.

Pastor: (Slumps over pulpit in despair in original dreaming posture from skit's opening).

Pastor: (Jolts awake) Oh … oh, no, what year is it? (Checks cell phone) Still 20___?! (Use current year here) Praise Jesus! What an awful dream. What if it comes true?! (Pulls out cell phone) Fred, call a special meeting of the deacons. We’ve got to set up a special task force for inter-church unity and outreach …

END Scene!

Tis the Season ...

... For Holy Mischief and Divine Conspiracy, according to Philadelphia's new monastic Shane Claiborne. See what he means by following this link: http://ow.ly/3mAVW


This would be a terrific means of brightening the holiday season for those who are struggling ...

Holiday Shopping Night

On December 15 from 6-8PM, the Exton Nursery School offers a holiday shopping night. Bring the family and friends out to the church to support our school and get a head start on your holiday shopping!

Weekly Bible Verse: Matthew 3:1-12: The Kingdom of God Has Come Near!

3In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” 4Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, 6and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
7But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear fruit worthy of repentance. 9Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Opera Company of Philadelphia "Hallelujah!" Random Act of Culture

What a wonderful way to sing God's praises, proclaim Christ, share the faith, and impart joy to everyone who hears it. Have a blessed Christmas everyone.

Traveler's Prayer for the Holidays

Here is an old prayer from Judaism that we offer up for you all on your journeys this season.



"May it be Your will, Lord, My God and God of my ancestors, to lead me, to direct my steps, and to support me in peace. Lead me in life, tranquil and serene, until I arrive at where I am going. Deliver me from every enemy, ambush and hurt that I might encounter on the way and from all afflictions that visit and trouble the world. Bless the work of my hands. Let me receive divine grace and those loving acts of kindness and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all those I encounter. Listen to the voice of my appeal, for you are a God who responds to prayerful supplication. Praised are you, Lord, who responds to prayer."

Weekly Bible Verse: Luke 1:68-79

Luke 1: 68“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 69He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, 70as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 72Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, 73the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us 74that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 77to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. 78By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, 79to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The Big Story, Part 2. More Explanation and Invitation

Here's a little amplification on God's big story. You are personally invited to Jesus' radical revolution of love. You can help spread the word and bring the greatest love to the world. Take a look.

The Big Story, Part 1: You Are Invited!

Here's a great big story told small for you ... and an invitation. We hope you like it. God bless.

Weekly Bible Verse: Psalm 98: O Sing to the Lord ...

Psalm 98: 1 O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.


2The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.

3He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

4Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

5Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.

6With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.

7Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.

8Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy

9at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

Weekly Bible Verse: Isaiah 65:17-25 New Heavens and New Earth, Rejoice!

Isaiah 65: ¹⁷For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. ¹⁸But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight. ¹⁹I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. ²⁰No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed. ²¹They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. ²²They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. ²³They shall not labor in vain, or bear children for calamity; for they shall be offspring blessed by the Lord— and their descendants as well. ²⁴Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. ²⁵The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox; but the serpent—its food shall be dust! They shall not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain, says the Lord.

Advent Celebrations Starting Soon!

Advent will be starting sooner than you think – be prepared and mark your calendars.  On Sunday, November 28, we will start the Advent season with our annual Hanging of the Greens Service in the evening.  It will give us the opportunity to center ourselves, move from the Thanksgiving celebration, and prepare us to receive the greatest gift of our lives.  The next event will be Sunday, Dec. 19, when we have our annual Christmas Concert Event that night.  Then prepare for Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24 at 7 P.M.  Highlight the dates, and look for more information.

Thanksgiving Service

The annual Thanksgiving Service of the Lionville-Exton Ministerium will be held Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 7 P.M. at the Fairview Presbyterian Church in Glenmoore.  All are invited to join in this warm, community service to celebrate and give thanks.  Mark your calendars and plan to attend this service of thanksgiving.

Cubans Need Living Water

“Cubans drink more rum than water.”


Yes, Cubans need to drink more water, but EVEN MORE IMPORTANT, they need to drink “Living Water!”

Last March I had the opportunity to travel to Cuba - one week to Santiago, the center of Sue’s ministry and one week in Havana. There we participated in the “Living Water Conference” where more than 700 pastors and leaders were trained and encouraged to share “Jesus, the Living Water” with all their fellows.
At a second event, held March 23-26, about 530 delegates from all over Cuba attended the BWA’s Living Water conference at Calvary Baptist Church in Havana. Another 1000 people joined the delegates for an evening rally during the meetings. I had the privilege of sharing “The Living Water!” with them.
The Living Water conference in Havana was meaningful, exciting, historic, joyous, liberating, exuberant, and educational, and participants testified to its importance for their lives. We were all challenged to continue our efforts to share God’s great love in Jesus Christ and to do so “having the mind in you that was also in Christ Jesus …”

One of the most powerful impacts this Living Water conference may have on the strengthening of the churches in Cuba, along with the emphases on leadership and evangelism, was the coming together of the four Baptist communities in Cuba: the Eastern and Western Conventions and the Freewill and Fraternidad Baptists. Only those present can understand the deep feelings this evoked, for relationships have traditionally been strained between some of these bodies, and it has been a struggle to achieve reconciliation.

In testimony to the new relationship, at this Living Water conference, true Christian fellowship was experienced even to the extent of the Presidents of the four conventions washing each others’ feet towards the end of the meeting. This was celebrated as a part of a moving foot-washing ceremony where other leaders washed the feet of selected delegates, including an elderly pastor who had been through the fires of persecution in earlier days, a child, a woman soon to bear a child, a local pastor, and a woman delegate from the smallest Baptist group in Cuba. This was consistent with the servant leadership emphases in the conference and a re-enactment of Jesus washing the accumulated dust off His disciples’ feet.

Jesus is the water that brings life to the soul. By drinking the living water one can live and never thirst again. Yes, Jesus is that

Living Water! Just as the physical body needs water to continue living so does the spirit. Without Him the soul will eventually die. The soul is thirsty and we try to quench that thirst with many things that satisfy for awhile, but eventually we get thirsty again. The only thing that can truly quench the thirst of the spirit is the living water, Jesus Christ.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38 (KJV)

Please remember that as you continue to support Sue’s ministry, you continue to partner with International Ministries and Sue’s efforts to sharing Living Water to Cubans until we can see “Cuba for Christ!”

Carlos Peralta

Letter from missionary Sue Hegarty

Dear Friends,

 

This letter goes out around All Saints Day (November 1), celebrated more in Europe than the U.S. I’d like to use this term in the biblical sense of I Corinthians 1:2 (God’s people) to celebrate you, those who follow my ministry.

 

Currently I am in the United States with Katy on an extended time of speaking in churches, catching up with old friends and making new ones. It has been my privilege to share at an American Baptist Women’s Conference in Maine, and six churches thus far.

 

I have been touched by how God has moved new people to commit to financially support my ministry during the Extra Lift Campaign which ended September 27th! Since I am blessed with a stable base of supporters who continue their giving, that means that I am making progress toward my support goal. I feel deeply moved and encouraged by this support.

 

I also treasure the deepening relationships and how so many are committed to praying for me. Just yesterday I met a couple for the first time, although I have known of them for years as longtime friends of my parents. One of the nicest things they said to me was:

 

“Did you know that we pray for you every day?” This is humbling, yet lifts my spirits.

 

During this time of being in the States, you can keep us in your prayers:

 

• For Katy’s adjustment as she goes to school here in English. 
• For Sue as she travels and speaks in churches. 
• For Sue as she puts together some informational Power Point programs to be made available to the churches. 
• For Ramon as he carries on in Cuba (his parents are with him)

 

I thank the Lord for faithful saints like you. May God richly bless you.

Sue Hegarty

 

Brandon Heath - Wait And See

Here's a little inspiration for you from God via Brandon Heath. The message is well worth taking to heart.

Planting Seeds Event to Grow Ministry @ Hopewell United Methodist

Hopewell United Methodist Church, at 852 Hopewell Road in Downingtown, is hosting their 7th. annual "Planting Seeds Event" for ministry growth on Saturday, November 6, from 2:30 PM to 6:15 PM. This event takes place at their church. Workshops conducted by leaders in the Methodist faith will begin at 3:15 PM and include:
- Catch: Connecting and Attracting Visitors.
- Help! I Teach at Church But I Don't Know Anything About the Bible!
- Transitioning into Alternative Styles of Worship.
- Creation: Do We Care?
- Developing a Culture of Personal Spirituality.

There will also be a Worship and Prayer Rally led by Pastor Steve Morton and the Hopewell Praise Team, including a special time of prayer for church leadership beginning at 5:25 PM. Additional information is available on their website at http://www.hopewellumc.org/ (click on the title of this article and it will take you directly to the event information at their website) or you can call 610-269-1545.

Many of these topics are on the minds of churches of many denominations, including ECBC. This is a terrific opportunity for church leaders and officers to learn more about twenty-first century leadership.

Weekly Bible Verse: Luke 19: 1-10 What Would You Do To Be Found?

Luke 19: He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

Helping a Child Deal with Grief and Loss

If you know your child will soon be facing the loss of a family member (whether human or pet), or your child is already grieving such as loss here are two articles that will help you help your child deal with loss and grief. We are here to support you in this difficult time. We stand by your family in your grief and pray for you.

http://jsbrookspresents.blogspot.com/2010/01/helping-child-deal-with-grief-and-loss.html
http://jsbrookspresents.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-do-children-grieve.html

God bless you and your family and grant you peace.

Perspective on Burning Issues

There come times in every church where the congregation end up divided over some "burning issue of the day." To add to the intensity, this issue is often declared "the defining issue of our time!" Arguments over such issues have ended friendships and split churches. I'm going to ask Mr. P.T. Barnum* to put the whole situation into perspective by relating a story about what happened in the little New England church he grew up in back in the early 1830s.


There was but one church or “meeting house” in Bethel, which all attended, sinking all differences of creed in the Presbyterian faith. The old meetinghouse had neither steeple nor bell and was a plain edifice, comfortable enough in summer, but my teeth chatter even now when I think of the dreary, cold, freezing hours we passed in that place in winter. A stove in a meetinghouse in those days would have been a sacrilegious innovation. The sermons were from an hour and one-half to two hours long, and through these the congregation would sit and shiver till they really merited the title the profane gave them of “blue skins.” Some of the women carried a “foot-stove” consisting of a small square tin box in a wooden frame, the sides perforated, and in the interior there was a small square iron dish, which contained a few live coals covered with ashes. These stoves were usually replenished just before meeting time at some neighbor’s near the meetinghouse.

After many years of shivering and suffering, one of the brethren had the temerity to propose that the church should be warmed with a stove. His impious proposition was voted down by an overwhelming majority. Another year came around, and in November the stove question was again brought up. The excitement was immense. The subject was discussed in the village stores and in the juvenile debate club; it was prayed over in conference, and finally in general “society meeting,” in December, the stove was carried by a majority of one and was introduced into the meetinghouse. On the first Sunday thereafter, two ancient maiden ladies were so oppressed by the dry and heated atmosphere occasioned by the wicked invention, that they fainted away and were carried out into the cool air where they speedily returned to consciousness, especially when they were informed that owing to the lack of two lengths of pipe, no fire had yet been made in the stove. The next Sunday was a bitter cold day, and the stove, filled with well-seasoned hickory, was a great gratification to the many, and displeased only a few.

This was the "burning" issue of the day. Seems silly in hindsight. So many of our burning issues and intense arguments do upon reflection. Thanks P.T. for the perspective.

*You can find this little gem and many others in The Life of Barnum: World-Renowned Showman.

Crop Walk Success for ECBC

Gathering for the 2010 Crop Walk

The totals are in. With eight walkers from Exton Community Baptist Church the total collected for the CROP Walk is $1,067.50 the best we ever did.

The overall total for the walk to date: $21,802.66.



Downingtown, PA, Struebel Trail, Crop Walk 2010



In case you're wondering:

What are CROP Hunger Walks?


They are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local congregations to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world.

To learn more, go to: http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=crop_main

Four-legged Crop Walker 2010

Please Watch The Butterfly Circus, A Short Film on Hope

Spend 20 minutes with this short movie, The Butterfly Circus. Find the character representative of Christ. Find what Christianity at its best may be in this brief parable on hope.

You can click on this article title or follow the link here: http://thebutterflycircus.com

Have a blessed day.

Weekly Bible Verse: Psalm 84: Happy Are Those Who Trust God

Psalm 84: 1How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!


2My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.

3Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.

4Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Selah

5Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

6As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.

7They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.

8O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

9Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed.

10For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.

11For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.

12O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.

ECBC's Seminarian Speaks!

ECBC's own seminarian and licensed American Baptist pastor Jeffrey B. Snyder delivered a sermon on 10/3/10 to Grace Baptist Church of Blue Bell, PA, as part of his senior TFE (theological field education) program. This was the final sermon kicking off a Sunday of service to the community on 10/10/10. This was Jeff's first sermon utilizing material provided as part of an overall package. He rewrote the material, adjusted the format to his style and included an original experience of his own to the narrative.
If you want to see how he did, you'll find a video of the results on his Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/video/?id=1679451864

Or, you can click on the title of this article and it will take you there. During the video you'll find the answer to the question, "Can small efforts lead to big results?".

Easter Sunday Service - 4/4/2010 - Sam Wells

Move forward to roughly 34:00 in the 1:22 minute service to get to the message on the discipline of joy. It is well worth paying attention to this Easter message. You'll also hear a pretty good pastoral joke that opens the sermon.

Weekly Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:5

2 Timothy 3:14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.


4In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

Art Expressions Time Change

So that more kids can come to our Sunday evening Art Expressions sessions, we are changing the meeting time from this Sunday forward to 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

This week we will be making a banner for the sanctuary with Marie Jones. 

Saturday night, November 6th, we will be having a talent show and sleep over starting at 6:00 with pizza if the budget allows.  

Prayers for the Chilean Miners

As the rescue attempt for the 33 trapped miners in Chile reaches its most critical phase, we at ECBC offer up our prayers for the miners, their families, friends, and the rescuers. May you feel the presence of God with you and be strengthened. Know that we stand with you all during this important and challenging time.

God bless you all.

An Important Message Concerning Haiti

Earlier in the year, ECBC was involved in a Haiti relief project.

The following is from American Baptist Churches USA, International Ministries:

It was exactly nine months ago today, that an earthquake devastated Haiti. A lot can happen in 9 months. A child can be conceived and born. A student can finish a year of college. A world can respond with helping hands and compassionate hearts to lift Haitians from the rubble.


Much has been accomplished thanks to the generous gifts of American Baptists. Yet, there is still much to be done as winter approaches. Now is the time to promote giving to the World Mission Offering in your church. To help you, we’ve created five new mini-video documentaries on missionaries Nancy & Steve James, Madeline Flores-Lopez, Deliris Carrion-Rosa, Ketly & Vital Pierre and Nzunga Mabudiga & Kihomi Ngwemi. Each of them could not have responded to the needs in Haiti without the loving support and donations from American Baptists likes you.

You can view or download these new mini-videos at www.internationalministries.org Scroll halfway down the page and you’ll see them. Each runs 1:45 to 2 minutes long. Please use them in your church’s worship service, discuss them in Sunday school, pray for the ministries of the missionaries, their partners and the volunteers. If you’d like to learn about videos on missionaries in other parts of the world, call Ron Schlosser weekday mornings at 800 222-3872, ext. 2178.

Micah Challenge 2010

The organization Micah Challenge USA is asking all churches and Christians around the world to pray tomorrow 10/10/10 on behalf of the poor around the world. This is seen as a promise that we will practice compassion, justice, and advocacy toward and for the poor throughout the year. They take this approach based on Micah 6:8, in which God calls us to do mercy, justice and love, and to walk humbly. If you want to know more about this ambitious campaign to end extreme poverty that begins in prayer, see http://www.micahchallenge.us/

Thanks for Evangelicals for Social Action for bringing the Micah Challenge to our attention.

So, What Is Art Expressions?

Art Expression activities include but are not limited to: painting, drawing, drama (including costume creation), writing, fulling, spinning, and creation of useful “green” items.


Although the goal is to allow the children and youth the opportunity to express themselves with relationship to God, we would like to be able to display and self publish some of the work of their choosing on Children’s Service Sunday.

We are already starting to create items for “Operation Christmas Child’ and the less fortunate.

We have been mightily blessed already and would like to share the blessings with the church and community.

ART EXPRESSION WITH MISS TRACEY AND FRIENDS

October 10th

6:30-8:00

Kathi Johnson will be doing a jewelry making workshop!!!

Kids age 8 and up are invited!!!

No experience necessary!!!

We are meeting in the Fellowship Hall. You are welcome to bring friends.


Art Expressions is a weekly meeting, Sunday night from 6:30-8:00 pm, for children of the grade school ages. Art will be made; faith will be explored. Please join us.

The Cry of the Poor: Inspiration in Music

The Cry of the Poor


John Foley
© 1978 New Dawn Music

Chorus

The Lord hears the cry of the poor, blessed be the Lord.

Verse 1

I will bless the Lord at all times
with praise ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the Lord
who hears the cry of the poor.

Verse 2

Let the lowly hear and be glad;
the Lord listens to their pleas;
And to hearts broken God is near;
who hears the cry of the poor.

Verse 3

Every spirit crushed God will save;
will be ransom for their lives;
will be safe shelter for their fears,
and will hear the cry of the poor.

Verse 4

We proclaim your greatness, O God,
Your praise ever in our mouth;
Every face brightened in your light,
For you hear the cry of the poor.

Thanks to http://www.mljmusic.com/Portals/0/Lyrics/The%20cry%20of%20the%20poor.pdf for the lyrics.
If you wish to hear the song performed, a version may be heard at spiritandsong.com: http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/1405

This would be music any church contemporary group or praise band would find moving to perform.

Weekly Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:1-7: Feeling Like an Exile in the Land? Take Heart!

Jeremiah 29: These are the words of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the remaining elders among the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. ²This was after King Jeconiah, and the queen mother, the court officials, the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the artisans, and the smiths had departed from Jerusalem. ³The letter was sent by the hand of Elasah son of Shaphan and Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom King Zedekiah of Judah sent to Babylon to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. It said: ⁴Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ⁵Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. ⁶Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. ⁷But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Church Outreach Into The Community

If your church is ready to reach out into the community and truly become a community church, here are a few, simple steps with which to begin the journey. All of this is done in coordination with your pastor.

1. Have a community team ... or the church as a whole as this might be a fun church project ... walk or drive through the community within a few miles of your church and list all the organizations available for partnership with your church (it's important not to be recreating the wheel) and/or opportunities to serve found within your church's immediate community, where you hope to have immediate impact.


2. Have a delegation from the church (appropriate leadership, hopefully with your pastor) go to the town council, school supervisor, and local fire & police chiefs and ask them what they need done in the community by a local, community church (again, no need to try to reinvent the wheel).

3. In the Philadelphia area, churches may contact the Words and Deeds network (part of Evangelicals for Social Action--there is a link on the right side of this blog) and see if the network would be a good fit to work with your church to move to actively serving your local community. This network is designed to partner with local churches for creative outreach. Check in your region and see if such a network may be found close to you.

4. Once the research is done and you feel your church is ready for outreach, as part of an implementing campaign, your church might use the program "Faith in Action," which gets a church directly involved in outreach and evangelism in the local community. It is put out by Zondervan, Outreach, and World Vision. It will provide you with all you need to roll out an outreach and evangelism program in your community.
 
With outreach and evangelism come church renewal, so there is every reason to give this a try. May God bless you and your church in your efforts!

Weekly Bible Verse: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Rekindle

2 Timothy 1: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.


6For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 8Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, 12and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. 13Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

Seekers: God Loves You ... Follow and See

Our days are filled with messages from one source or another, most wanting something from you. However, here is a message well worth pausing to take in ... and pausing further to consider. Set aside your Enlightenment era skepticism for a few moments while you read or listen to the following message from God, paraphrased from Scripture. The message is personal, it is for you, and the offer is for you from a loving God who wants to walk with you in your journey through life. Read or listen to this carefully (there is an audio version if you need it) and see if it doesn't change your view of your world.

http://www.fathersloveletter.com/

Introducing Haiti Missionaries Deliris Carrión-Rosa & Nancy and Steve James

After several years ministering in El Salvador, Deliris Carrión-Rosa transferred to Haiti after the earthquake. Trained as a pediatric occupational therapist, Deliris helps Haitian children deal with the loss or physical limitations to their limbs as a result of the earthquake. She’s also helps coordinate the work of visiting medical teams to Haiti.

Also meet Nancy and Steve James, medical missionaries in Haiti. Committed Christian physicians, they have worked for 18 years serving Haitians by providing physical, mental, and spiritual health in Christ’s name.

Follow the following address to see a short video about this hardworking new missionary!

To view it, go to: www.worldmissionoffering.org

Weekly Bible Verse: 1 Timothy 2:1-8: Quiet and Peaceable Life

1 Timothy 2: 1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ²for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. ³This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, ⁶who gave himself a ransom for all—this was attested at the right time. ⁷For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. ⁸I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument;

Youth Event in Coatesville to Benefit Charities

Hello!


The Colors Tour featuring Leo and Shine Bright Baby from Wisconsin, comes to Olivet United Methodist Church in Coatesville, PA at 7PM on Sunday September 26. Tickets are $4 in advance or $6 at the door. Capacity is limited to 500.

Call 610.384.5828 for tickets.

Any income which exceeds expenses will benefit Coatesville charities.

Compassion International and TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms) will have displays in our lobby.

LISTEN to headliner “Leo” (sounds a bit like “owl city”) and lead-in group “Shine Bright Baby” (alternative music, sounds a bit like “evanescence” or “flyleaf”) for FREE at:

www.thecolorstour.com

Leo performed on the Main Stage at the Purple Door Music Festival this summer.
Testimonials:
Leo -
I’ve been listening to some new age techno lately, and it always left me feeling hyped for a bit then just bored. i needed to hear some good music so i decided to visit ur page, played some of your songs, and remebered how much i love your music. i think your music is beautiful and it makes me feel good after i listen to it.

Shine Bright Baby –

“We never planned on any of this,” says Emily about being in an up and coming band. But when a person is born for a purpose, whether you are looking for it or not, it finds you. ...their newest release “The Heart and Its Hope” includes the energetic single “We Were Made To,” - “a fresh sound” With sales and media attention rising, it will not be long until the depth and range of their talents are unveiled for eager ears worldwide.

Leo’s bio –
Say "hello" to Leo and their fresh new rock 'n roll sound! With warm smiles and down-to-earth personas, the guys of Leo are energetic, fun performers that connect with listeners each and every night leaving them entertained, inspired and uplifted.
Leo's Front Man, David Duffield says, "What we are aspiring to do is write and sing songs that will express a real sense of God's love to young hearts and minds across the world." Ben Kasica of SKILLET (grammy award winning band) says: "Leo is a pop/rock band with heart. When you dig into their catchy songs, they will move you..."
Leo recently returned from the "Color of Fall" tour, traveling thru Illinios and Iowa to Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. At every show, in every state they play, Leo has a knack for winning the hearts of the kids in the crowd, while getting rave reviews from promoters and venues!
Pastor Jayelle, Student Ministries Pastor at Fellowship Church in Grand Junction Colorado said:
"Our kids adored Leo! And my staff and I loved working with a band with such a great attitude and humble spirit."
The guys from Leo are passionate about Mission work and helping impoverished children. David and Jonny have traveled around the world with Teen Mania Missions & Acquire the Fire Youth Events. Leo has recently become a sponor Artists for COMPASSION International. (Other Compassion artists have included Jeremy Camp and Micheal W. Smith) Leo was also featured last summer at Michigan's Big Ticket Festival '09 alongside artists such as Switchfoot, Family Force 5 & Attaboy. Leo is currently touring America while writing songs for their next record and negotiating a record deal.

The Colors Tour on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

www.thecolorstour.com

MySpace Music profile for The Colors Tour. Download The Colors Tour music singles, watch music videos, listen to free streaming mp3s, & read The Colors Tour's blog.

Thanks to Youth Minister Allen Keller for letting us know!

ECBC Offers Marriage Relationship Series

Exton Community Baptist Church, 114 E. Swedesford Rd., Exton, is offering a FREE six week series: MARRIAGE Built to Last, Living Intentionally & Loving Biblically, written by Chip Ingram. It will be presented for six consecutive weeks, starting Tuesday, October 12, at 7 pm until 8:15 pm. All are welcome to this free seminar, but registration is required in order to provide seminar materials. The series will be led by Pastor Jay VanHorn of ECBC.


This six part series will inspire and challenge all who attend. Each of the sessions will be part video presentation by Chip Ingram and part discussion. All those who are want more information, or to register for the series should call Exton Community Baptist Church at 610-363-7814 or email secretary@extonbaptist.org. You are invited to visit our website, www.extonbaptist.org for more information about the church or directions.