Sunday, October 16th, 2011

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7) .

Welcome each other in Christlike love.

Jesus loved the church and gave His life for her to make her holy and clean without fault, washed by God’s cleansing word.

Christ mission was to the world but more important it was to the church. Like Jesus' early disciples the church is made up of flawed people who made their share of mistakes and mishaps.

The history of the Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene over 90 years has included some not so great moments of fussing and feuding. Any church has its hypocrites who do not live up to the standards. But just as with any organization there are those who are lazy, dishonest, and who bring shame to the name of a business. So has the church suffered, and so has Jesus suffered for the church and gave His life for her.

But also you will find in the church some of the greatest people who ever walked in shoe leather. These are true saints who fought the good fight of faith, maintained their integrity, and lived a truly transformed and holy life.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22

A young man called his mother and excitedly announced that he had just met the woman of his dreams.  Now what should he do?

His mother had an idea: "Why don't you send her flowers, and on the card invite her to your apartment for a home-cooked meal?"

He thought this was a great strategy, and a week later, the woman came to dinner.  His mother called the next day to see how things had gone.

"I was totally humiliated," he moaned.  "She insisted on washing the dishes."

"What's wrong with that?" asked his mother.

"We hadn't started eating yet."

NEWS:

Children Quizzers went for their first Bible quiz yesterday at Indianapolis. They came home with bronze, silver and gold ribbons. They are mastering the book of Matthew. They meet every Sunday and Wednesday evening for study. Quizzing is one of the church's greatest tools for making Christlike disciples.

Prayers at the altar continue 8:00 p.m. each Monday. You may write your requests on the yellow card and place it in the offering plate. Prayer is the real work of the church for God's will to be done.

'Happiness is Serious Business' is our discipleship study on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. This study looks at the things that guarantee our happiness through Jesus' beatitudes.

Meekness is the present beatitude studied. Jesus' values are so much different than the world's.

Osborne Books Party is this Friday, October 21, 6:30 p.m. in the OutPost. This is for purchasing gifts for Christmas. The free books we receive will go to needy children. See Lori or Carol for more info.

Sunday School pony cart rides are planned for next Sunday following the church service. Everyone plan to attend Sunday School for this fun event.

Trunk O' Treat is planned for Saturday, October 29, in the church parking lot. This has been a fun time for our church to treat the children of the community. Plan on having a car trunk full of treats that will be a blessing.

Joe & Lois Rosolino are moving to New Jersey this week. They will be missed but never forgotten.

PrimeTime Event for our adult seniors is Thursday, Nov. 3, with the Perry Singing Family. The cost is $17 including a great meal. See Pastor if interested. The deadline is this Monday for a number from our church.

Baptismal Service is rescheduled for Sunday, Nov. 6, 6:00 p.m. We will have a combined zone service for the baptisms. Please see Pastor.

Hallelujah, it’s a sale! - outing to the Edinburg Outlets on Saturday, November 12^th. The church van will depart around 9 a.m.

'Engage the Word' Join us in a 40 day journey in reading main scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. A reading chart provides a planned guide for individuals and family reading.

Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone Nancy Williamson at 489-4898.

Church Calendar:

Sun. Oct. 16: All Church Pitch-in Fellowship

Teen Gathering, 7:00 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 21: Osborne Books Party, 6:30 p.m.

Sun. Oct. 23: Sunday School Pony Cart Ride

Sat. Oct. 29: Trunk O' Treat, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Sun. Nov. 6: Missionaries Samuel & Lumae Yangm

Church Board 'eat & meet'

Baptismal Service at Southview, 6:00 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 12: Hallelujah Sale Outing

Sun. Nov. 13: Christian Cavaliers singing group.

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

Welcome on this first Sunday of October to worship the God of Fall beauty. Greet each other in the beauty of Christian friendship.

Jesus loved His disciples and didn't want them to forget why He came. He became close friends to them but wanted them to know His mission was to sacrifice Himself.
Today many Christians all over the world will take the Lord's Supper to remember the offering of Jesus' blood and body. And we are part of that great and wonderful family of God.
For 90 years the Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene has continued the mission of Christ to a lost and needy community and world. They worked hard, prayed, believed, and witnessed to God's way of holiness.
As we take the Lord's Supper we participate with those who preceded us and wait for us at the wedding supper of the lamb.
Time is short and the day is far spent. We must work the work of Him who sent Jesus. People need the Lord. They hunger for heart holiness. Only in Christ are all our needs met. Let us live life to its fullness in Christ.


“A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22
Bob was an unlucky sap. Having just spent megabucks on a skydiving class, he dove out of the airplane and pulled the ripcord. The chute emerged, tangled, and he cut it free. He then pulled the cord on the reserve chute, and it also was tangled. He prayed to his God and looked down to the ground below. To his amazement, a woman was coming up with equal velocity."Hey, you know anything about parachutes?" he shouted to her, as they passed by. The reply: "No... you know anything about Coleman stoves?"


Children enjoyed pizza and a movie last Friday with 27 boys and girls watching the movie, The Secret of Jonathan Sperry. Everyone had a great time.
Thank you, Carol and Lori, for organizing this.


Prayers at the altar continue 8:00 p.m. each Monday. Write your requests on the yellow card and place it in the offering plate. Prayer is the real work of the church for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.


Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone Nancy Williamson at 489-4898.


Alabaster received a great offering of $227.54 last week. Your gift goes to building church buildings, health clinics, parsonages, and missionary equipment.
We celebrate the giving of Alabaster to missions as Mary Magdalene did by pouring the precious and expensive alabaster ointment on Jesus' feet.


Final Financial Statement for September reflects building, church bus, and unemployment compensation insurances. It is a big chunk of change but 'Praise the Lord' we were able to pay the whole annual premium.
'God is GOOD' and we are very grateful for your faith giving to advance the Kingdom of God through the Hagerstown Church of the Nazarene.


Happiness is Serious Business is our discipleship study on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. This discipleship study looks at the things that guarantee our happiness through Jesus' beatitudes.
This Wednesday we'll study the beatitude of meekness. Jesus' values are so much different than the world's.


'Engage the Word' Join us in a 40 day journey through reading the scriptures for personal and family benefit. Reading the Word of God four times a week or more will have a significant impact on your world view, attitudes, and habits. Be sure you receive your reading schedule. There is a special plan for those with children.


Baptismal Service has been rescheduled to the first Sunday in November. Other churches on the zone have baptismal candidates. We will have a combined zone service for the baptisms.


Thank you, Thank you, Frank, Rex, Monty, Kerry, and Bob for installing a new water fountain, installing seven window shades, and removing a baseboard heater. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven," said Jesus.


Joe & Lois Rosolino will be moving to New Jersey this month. We will miss this special couple. They have really endeared themselves to our hearts. We will never forget them. Keep them in your prayers as they make the final preparations to move October 17.


Church Calendar:
Sun. Oct. 2: Church Board 'eat & meet'
Tue. Oct. 4: Prayer with the Yorks, 10:00 a.m.
Sat. Oct. 8: Installation Service of our new district superintendent, Dr. Ron Blake, at the Camby Campground

Sunday, July 17th, 2011

We welcome each of you to worship.

God loves you and we pray you’ll experience this love here today.

Spiritual insomnia

Studies show that most Americans don’t get adequate sleep.

Whether an overcrowded schedule or insomnia is to blame, the short- and long-term effects are alarming. It’s tough to maintain a healthy mind and body when you’re sleep-deprived.

Likewise, we require sufficient, regular quiet time and rest with God to stay spiritually healthy. Even Jesus needed time alone with God. If Jesus withdrew to deserted places to pray, how much more we need to spend time alone with God. It will transform us.

Jesus' time on The cross deserves Our attention and devotion. His cross is the supreme

expression of His love for us. "We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

NEWS -

Softball games are going quite well this summer with a good time of fellowship while enjoying the good weather and the health. But we sure could use more hallelujah cheerleading.

Phil, Karen, Pat, Sabra, Derek and others have worked hard to field our two teams.

Nettle Creek Faith Community Night is set for next Sunday, July 24, at the Richmond River Rats baseball field. The VIP gates will open at 4:00 p.m. for an pre-game inspirational concert. The game begins at 6:00 p.m. with the Richmond River Rats playing the Chillicothe Paints. Half of the ticket costs will go for the fundraising of Habitat for Humanity work in Hagerstown.

See Pastor Ames for the $5 tickets. This would be a excellent event to invite a friend to join you for a time of friendship.

Remember to pray for those traveling this summer.

Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone Nancy Williamson at 489-4898.

Thank you, for faithfully bringing God's tithes and your offerings into the storehouse of the Lord. Without your stewardship our church could not minister in this community and could not provide a facility for worship and discipleship. "To God be the glory."

Tyler Brookshear has been deployed with the Marines to Afghanistan. We're sure he would like to receive correspondence from his hometown. Tyler is Karen Ferriell's cousin. Contact Pastor Fannin for his new address:

Church Calendar:

Fri. July 22: Richmond Softball, Diamond 2, 7:00 p.m.

Sat. July 23: Williamsburg Softball, 11:30 a.m.& 12:45 p.m.

Sun. July 24: Community Faith Night with the Richmond River Rats and a Gospel Concert, 4:00 p.m.

Fri. July 29: District Missionary Convention, 7:30 p.m.

Sat. July 30: District Missionary Convention, 8:30 a.m.

Sun. July 31: District Assembly Ordination Service, 5 p.m.

Mon. Aug. 1: District Assembly, 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 26th

Happy Father’s Day! We affirm the importance of good fathers on earth as we worship our perfect Father in heaven as his beloved children.

Like father, like child

As we celebrate Father’s Day, we likely see traits in our dads (or other father figures) that we hope to be known for ourselves: integrity, gentleness, a great sense of humor, a love of learning, a humble spirit.

Amy Grant’s song “Father’s Eyes” tells of a young girl who wants nothing more than for others to recognize her father in her. “When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say, ‘She's got her father's eyes.’”

The heart of the song centers on wanting others to recognize the eyes of her heavenly Father in her life.

What characteristics of God your Father are reflected in your eyes, heart and life? And what godly qualities would you like to cultivate?

May others see our heavenly Father in us!

NEWS --

 

Today is Father's Day. This special day recognizes the all-important role a father has in the life of his family. In a day when this role is diminished and being replaced by governmental social programs, family life in our culture is disintegrating. The father's role in the life of the family is crucial for the success of our children and the life of our society's basic building block- the family.

The success of our society depends upon the leaderships of our fathers in the family.

Vacation Bible School was this past week with about 70 kids attending and 14 staff workers. For five days the kids heard Bible stories, played sports, ate snacks, and memorized scripture.

Thanks to the all the VBS staff who worked with the children. You helped them to have a great and memorable week learning the things of God and providing the Mission to Meet A Risen Savior.

Church camp this summer for our children is July 5 - 8. It cost $135. If you would like to help send a camper, mark you donation 'children's camp'.

Thank you, for your faithful giving this summer. Without you our church would not be able to minister in this community and provide a place of worship to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone Nancy Williamson at 489-4898.

Church Calendar:

Sun. July 3: From Olivet Nazarene University "All Things New"

Sunday, June 19th

Today as we celebrate the “birthday” of the Christian church, we rejoice that the gospel is proclaimed in many languages. Welcome!

In the Christian calendar today is remembered as the Day of Pentecost. This day comes from the Jewish festival that commemorates God’s giving the Law of Moses to the Israelites 50 days after they escaped from slavery in Egypt.

Just days after the risen Jesus ascended to heaven, Jesus' (Jewish) disciples gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Old Testament Feast of the First Fruits. At this occasion God transformed them by giving the Holy Spirit, as He’d promised. The disciples saw something like flames among and on them, heard a rushing wind and began speaking in many languages. The foreign pilgrims in Jerusalem heard about Jesus in their native tongues.

Today churches celebrate the Day of Pentecost as the birthday of the Church. On this day in Jerusalem God baptized the waiting disciples with the Holy Spirit. Peter testified in Acts 15:9 that their hearts were purified by faith. On this occasion Peter preached his first sermon with a boldness that Christ was the Messiah. Three thousands souls were saved that day and brought into the church.

 

NEWS --

Church camp this summer for our children is July 5 - 8. It cost $135. If you would like to help send a camper, mark you donation 'children's camp'.

Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone

Congratulations, Chris Holt, on your graduation from high school. It was a long journey but you made it.

Chris's graduation ceremony is today at New Castle High School beginning at 2:00 p.m.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22

Great Grammar

Teaching junior high school English, Melissa emphasized to the class about the importance of having nice clean margins on their papers.

One seventh-grade boy said in his essay that he was sorry to write in the margarine.

When she graded his paper, Melissa added a little note next to his that said, "Maybe next time you will do butter."

Palm Sunday, April 17th, 2011

We now enter the 6^th week of the Lenten Season. This last week of Jesus' life is also called Holy Week.

Jesus began this week riding a young donkey into the gates of Jerusalem. Most everyone greeted Him with loud shouts of "Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." The religious regulators were upset with such an uproar from the crowd of people who knew Jesus and His healing among the poor, ill, and crippled. It was only appropriate to celebrate His coming.

Things went from bad to worse as the week progressed. With Jesus' popularity the Jewish rulers planned to do away with this rising star. Little did they know that their hate-filled plan only advanced the kingdom of God's mercy and grace to the entire world.

Today the followers of Christ all over the world celebrate Jesus' victory. But the week before His resurrection Jesus' life and the lives of His followers entered a terrible tribulation. This week let's make time to remember the horrific sufferings of Christ for our sins.

Easter or Resurrection Day celebrates the victory God gave His Son Jesus over death, hell, and the grave. Our Sunday morning celebration service at 10:30 includes special music from our children and adults. Let's pack out our church sanctuary with 150 in attendance.

Our SonRise Service begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by a pitch-in fellowship breakfast at the OutPost beginning at 9:00. Sunday School will not meet that day.

Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames will be presented by Richmond New Creations this evening beginning 7:00 p.m. Church van will leave 6:00 p.m.

Thursday Tenebrae Service 7:30 p.m. commemorates the extinguishing life of Christ in His last days before the crucifixion.

Children's Easter Egg Hunt is this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. We need tons of candy. Both Day Care and Church children enjoy this fun time. Please bring your candy anytime this week.

The world’s largest piñata was built in Philly and stuffed with 8,000 lbs. of candy. A wrecking ball was used to crack it open- we will not do this.

Easter Sunday is the most celebrated day of the year for Christians. After Christ arose from the dead, He told His disciples to go to the ends of the earth with the Good News message to forgive sins, remove guilt, and restore a relationship with God as our heavenly Father.

Our church has always believed in this mission. Our goal is to receive $1,000 to support our church in world-wide evangelism. Plan to give as God as given to you with an offering for compassion and self-denial.

Good Friday Community Service is hosted by New Testament Church of the Christ beginning 7:00 p.m.

Film: The Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson will be shown next Saturday at the church, 7:00 p.m.

Easter Lilies have been a wonderful way to remember our cherished loved ones. You may bring an Easter lily plant to display in the church sanctuary along with a card listing names which will be read in memorial next Sunday.

Relay for Life is an American Cancer Project to help fund the fight against cancer. Lori Sturgeon has signed-up our church as a team to participate in a 24-hour relay on May 21-22 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. See Lori Sturgeon for more info.

Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone Floyd Sanders at 489-4898.

Church Calendar:
Sun. Apr. 17: Lenten Season- Palm Sunday
"Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames" 7:00 p.m.
Thu. Apr. 21: Tenebrae Service, 7:30 p.m.
Fri. Apr. 22: Good Friday Service, Hagerstown New Testament Church of Christ, 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Apr. 23: Children's Easter Egg Hunt, 2:00 p.m.
The Passion Movie, 7:00 p.m.
Sun. Apr. 24: SonRise Service, 8:00 a.m.
Fellowship Breakfast at OutPost 9:00 a.m.
Resurrection Celebration Service, 10:30 a.m

Sunday, March 20th, 2011

“We’re glad you’ve come to worship Jesus as we anticipate a time of reviving in the Lenten season, the time of reflection before Easter."

Ash Wednesday begins the 40 days of the Lenten Season that precedes the last week of Jesus' life on earth.

Denying oneself for 40 days is one way to help us appreciate Christ's life of self-denial. This exercise is not just a ritual but one of taking time to refocus on the life of Christ as the suffering servant giving Himself for us.

Last week's sermon focused on Jesus' temptation to take the short cut. Turning stones into bread would have temporarily satisfied Jesus' hunger. But bodily cravings are never reason enough to side-step God's way. Jumping off the temple peak would have been a great showing, but Jesus' ministry was not about the razzle-dazzle and hype that attract many people. The devil promised Jesus the world if He would but bow down and worship him. But the devil is not God, but only a fallen and cursed angel. Only God is worthy of our worship, love, and allegiance. There are no shortcuts serving God. Only God's way.

Jesus chose to empty Himself of all His glory by denying Himself and depending totally upon God the Father's supreme love and power. Jesus' way of life was not poplar then and is not poplar today because it requires genuine passion and purity of heart to serve the God of everlasting mercy and grace.

What can we deny this week to take time to attend the revival service in order for God to wash away our uncleanness and burn away our sin?

District Children Bible Quiz-off was yesterday. We had seven children to participate: Austin Lutz, Jacob Tackett, Jordan and Jadelyn Sturgeon, Amanda Turull, Kristen Lotz, and Ashley and Nick Grimes. They won ribbons and trophies. Jordan and Jadelyn will go on to the next level of district quiz on April 9.

Mark Lowry will be at Indianapolis First Church, Saturday, March 26, 6:00 p.m. Go online to order your $20 or $25 ticket. http://indynaz.org/609909.ihtml

Spring is coming. Softball is anticipated. Indicate your interested by signing the softball sheet on the foyer bulletin board of which team you want to play on. We need to know which league we're able to field a team.

Our Gideon Speaker, Bob Wonsetler, received $266 from our love offering last Sunday.

Thank you for supporting a ministry that distributes God's Word in over 190 countries across the globe.

Alabaster Offering is still coming in. To date $362.35 has been received for the purchase of property and facilities for missionary work.

Our Melvin Messer went home to be with his Lord last Wednesday. He had a cardiac arrest in the hospital recovering from a fall that broke six ribs last Sunday. Calling is from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Waskom's Funeral Home in Cambridge City. Funeral Service is Monday 11:00 a.m. at Waskom's. Pray for Susie and her family during this difficult time.

52^nd Rural Urban Banquet is set for April 9^th at the high school cafeteria beginning 5:30 p.m. Joshua's Vision Quartet is the entertainment along with a meal, door prizes, and the Good Neighbor and Friend Award. See Pastor for your $5 ticket.

Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone Floyd Sanders at 489-4898.

Secret Sisters are now signing up. See Lanelle.

How many herbs and spices make up the secret blend used in Colonel Harland Sanders' Original Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe?

Answer : Colonel Harland Sanders first introduced the world to the taste of his Original Recipe Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1939. Featuring a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, news of the Colonel's tasty chicken spread quickly, and by 1964 he had opened more than 600 Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants. The Colonel's secret recipe is locked away in a safe in Louisville, Kentucky, and only a handful of people have ever been allowed to view the recipe.

Church Calendar:

Sun. Mar. 20: Revival with Dr. Nelson Perdue Begins
Sat. Mar. 26: Mark Lowry at Indianapolis First Church
Mon. Mar. 28: Nettle Creek School Spring Break Begins
Sat. Apr. 9: 52^nd Rural-Urban Banquet, 5:30 p.m.

 

1 John 1:9“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, February 6th, 2011

Super Bowl 45 has finally arrived. For the Steelers and Packer fans it is a special event that a couple of months ago they thought never could happen.

Who are you rooting for? Thanks to Phil and Karen for hosting a place for those who wish to gather for some football family fellowship. Also, bring something to eat.

Advertising during the game is most amazing. One would not think we are in a recession when a 30 second advertisement will cost $3 million. This doesn't even include the cost in producing the clip. Fox network used discretion in its ads.

Fox chose not to run an ad depicting a porn star getting excited about her husband cheating on her. Fox was accused of being biased. Well, there is nothing wrong with judging or discernment that Jesus called "… righteous judgment" (John 7:24).

We need righteous judgment to discern in doing the what is right. Our not-so-super economy stemmed from the moral failure of greed and trying to outlive our means. The re-birth of our nation will begin with a spiritual re-birth. As church people let's not take for granted those spiritual avenues upon which our nation was founded and our souls need. Above the culture roaring, let's root for God's values.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22

The husband bought his wife a piano for Valentine's. A few weeks later, the daughter asked the dad how her mother was doing with the new piano.

"Oh," said the dad, "I persuaded her to switch to a clarinet."

"How come?" the daughter inquired.

"Well," he answered, "because with a clarinet, she can't sing."

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After a recent college basketball game, the coach spotted a cell phone lying on the floor. He picked it up and handed it to one of the referees, saying, "Here's your phone."

"What makes you think it's mine?" the ref asked.

"Easy," the coach replied. "It says you missed 13 calls."

News and Events:

Sunday School is made up of disciplers of Christ. They study faithfully the Word of God; they understand God’s will for their lives; and they apply what they learn.

Don't you wish that just going to church is all that it takes to get to heaven. Or just believing in Jesus is all that is required. God has something greater than just church attendance and easy believe-ism.

God wants us to become a true disciple of Jesus. Jesus told His disciples, “… go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The purpose of Jesus' coming was to bring God's lost creation into a rich relationship with Himself and with family, friends, and neighbors. Now that is living!

Financial Peace University classes continue this Monday, 7:00 p.m. -weather permitting. We had a great first session. It's still not too late to start.

See Monty for more information. These series of classes are well worth the financial peace that we desperately need in this troubled times.

Mark Lowry will be at Indianapolis First Church, Saturday, March 26, 6:00 p.m. Go online to order your $25 or $20 ticket. http://indynaz.org/609909.ihtml

Alabaster Offering is that special gift that our church will receive Sunday, Feb. 23, for the missionary ministry of purchasing and building facilities.

Thanks to Richard Meyer, John Sutton, and Daniel Gabbard for cleaning the ice from the parking lot. In some places the ice was almost 2" thick.

The 50^th Wedding Anniversary of our district superintendent, Dr. Ted and Beverly Lee, is Friday, February 18. The district asks each church to send cards for this special occasion. Please sign the church's card. There is an open house Saturday, February 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Camby Campgrounds.

FYI Rubber bands were first made by Perry and Company of London in 1845.

The shoestring was invented in England in 1790. Prior to this time, all shoes were fastened with buckles.

If you are right-handed, you will tend to chew your food on the right side of the mouth. If you are left-handed, you will tend to chew your food on the left.

Good news for those who follow folklore traditions. Any Hoosier groundhogs looking for their shadow today would need a pick axe in order to break the ice to get out of their holes. Therefore, Spring should be right around the corner.

Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone Floyd Sanders at 489-4898.

Church Calendar:
Mon. Feb. 14: Valentine's Day
Sun. Feb. 20: Alabaster Sunday

Sunday, January 9th, 2011

“Welcome in the name of Christ. Your presence increases our joy as we praise our loving Savior.

May every blessing be yours. "

What God can do with nothing?

Martin Luther said, “Since it is God’s nature to make something out of nothing, we must become nothing before God can make something out of us.”

Adelaide A. Pollard, a 20th-century poet, made the same point in the hymn

“Have Thine Own Way”:

Have Thine own way, Lord!

Have Thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” Only those who realize their spiritual poverty are eligible candidates for God’s kingdom.

News

Children Bible Quiz Study is 6:00 p.m. each Sunday. Next quiz invitational is Saturday, January 15.

Worship and Wonder Service is focusing on living out the "Lord's Prayer" 6:00 p.m. today.

All pray-ers gather 6:30 p.m. each Monday at the church and pray for your needs. List your requests on the yellow Welcome to Worship card and place in the offering plate or give to Marj, or Pastors Bob or Dave.

Mandy's Mission Study for children meets each Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.

Small group discipleship this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. is studying Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

2011 Church Directories are available.

Sunday School is made up of disciplers of Christ. They study faithfully the Word of God; they understand God’s will for their lives; and they apply what they learn.

A great goal for 2011 is to become a disciple of Christ. Just believing in Jesus is not enough to make it to heaven. Jesus told His disciples, “… go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus may return this year of 2011. Let’s be prepared. Also a fair question to ask: "What are we doing now will make a difference one hundred years from now?"

Financial Peace University will help get your finances on firm footing according to biblical principles.

Next Sunday morning and Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. there will be a preview of the course offered. Classes will begin two weeks later. See Monty for info.

Hagerstown Faith Housing is for senior rental assisted living. If you know of anyone interested, phone Floyd Sanders at 489-4898.

Church Calendar:

Sun. Jan. 9: Financial Peace University Preview

Mon. Jan. 10: Financial Peace University Preview 7:00pm

Sat. Jan. 15: Children's Invitational Quiz #3, 10:00 a.m.

Mon. Jan. 17: Martin Luther King Birthday Observance,

Sat. Jan. 22: Family Movie Night 7:00 pm.

Sun. Jan. 23: Baby Dedication of Kenly Ferriell

Wed. Jan. 26: Zone Indoor Campmeeting begins at Richmond First with Nazarene Evangelist Gary Bond

Sunday, November 28th, 2010

“On this first Sunday of Advent, Lord, our hearts turn to your most precious gift, Jesus Christ. Help us eagerly anticipate his coming."

Advent, which means “the coming,” is the season of the church year when Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

In anticipation of Christmas, many decorate their homes and their churches.

One symbol used is the Advent Wreath (pictured above). The five candles on the circle of evergreen symbolize that Jesus is the Light of the World — He brings light and life to a dark world. On each of the four Sundays of Advent, a new candle is lit. As the light grows brighter, so do our hope and joy.

Each of the five candles stands for different aspects of the coming of Christ. Each Sunday a different family will light a candle to help us focus on a specific meaning of Christ.

Preparing for Christmas at church and home is a joyful tradition that draws family members closer to God and each other.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine” Proverbs 17:22

Steve ran into John while shopping at the mall the other day in front of one of the jewelry stores.  Noticing a conspicuously small gift wrapped box in his hand, Steve asked if it was a gift for his wife Martha.

John told Steve, "With Christmas coming up, I asked Martha what she wanted and she said, "Oh, I don't know just give me something with lots of diamonds in it.

"So what did you get her?" Steve asked.

John smiled with his reply, "I bought her a deck of poker cards."

News and Events.

Children Bible Quiz Study is today at 5:30 p.m. with Mandy and Vicky.

Mandy's Mission Study with the children meets each Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.

All pray-ers gather this Monday 8:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary and pray for your requests.

Small group discipleship is each Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Praise team practice at 7:00 p.m.

Men's Prayer Breakfast is next Saturday December 4th beginning at 8:00 a.m. We meet to pray in the church then fellowship around eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy.

Hagerstown Christmas Shop on Perry Street is now open for the season. See Carol Bullock for more info. She has some great buys.

WEF+ stands for World Evangelism Fund Plus. From its founding the Church of the Nazarene to the present has always taken serious the words of Jesus to go into all the nations to make Christ-like disciples. We support our missionaries with our prayers and finances.

Due to the present economic times funds for missions have been more of a challenge.

Our goal is for everyone to give $10 per person for a Thanksgiving Offering. So far we rejoice to have received $580 towards our goal of $700. This money will go directly to missions to help make-up an anticipated $6 million shortfall. Let's experience God's Word: "Live generously and graciously toward others the way God lives toward you" (Matthew 5:48).

The repair of our church waterline was $4,171. Thank you for giving so far $2,503 toward the cost of the project. Mark your gift "waterline."

Christmas Day will soon be here. Our church with other organizations is helping so that every family may have a joyous Christmas. Please check the list for items you wish to buy for the families our church is responsible.

Operation Christmas Child needs help in preparing the millions of shoe box gifts. Dr. Greg Hellwarth is taking a team on Dec. 7, to Charlotte, NC, and returning on Dec. 10. See Pastor for more info.

Hagerstown Faith Housing has one and two bedroom apartments with limited rental assistance for those who qualify. Appliances, weekly trash service, and central air provided. Phone Floyd Sanders, 489-4898.

Church Calendar:

Sun. Nov. 28: First Sunday of Advent
Mon. Nov. 29: Financial Peace University, 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Dec. 3: Hagerstown Hometown Christmas Begins
Sat. Dec. 4: Men's Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.
Ladies Day to Edinburg Shopping Mall
Sun. Dec. 5: Church Board, 'eat & meet'
Fri. Dec. 17: Amazing Angels Christmas Program
Sun. Dec. 19: Children's Christmas Program
Tue. Dec. 21: Community Service of Hope and Remembrance, 7:00 p.m.
Thu. Dec. 23: Christmas Caroling
Fri. Dec. 24: Family Christmas Communions
Sat. Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Wed. Dec. 29: NYI District Teen Holiday Event
Fri. Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Service
Sat. Jan. 1: New Year's Day