New Ipswich Congregational Church
Reaching, Building, Serving for Christ                               
 

For any needs that arise during the week,
please contact Pastor Peter at
603-878-1327 or 603-236-2604.

Presenter: Loring Carpenter

Studies have shown that two-thirds of Christian families have wills, or are planning for their future retirement. Why leave it to local state probate to decide giving priorities for you? Let’s talk about planned giving, identify key components of estate planning, and discuss ways to leave a legacy of faithfulness that will outlive you.

Presenter: L. David Green

The question is: are we in fact ashamed of the biblical gospel? In defining evangelism and suffering in relation to one another, we will look at Mat.5:11-14 (esp. v.11-12) and the astonishing implications of our Lord's words there – both as regards Jesus himself and his followers. We will explore the thesis that in the prayer life and gospel ministry described in the NT, "successful" evangelism has and will involve suffering.

Presenters: Tom Johnston/Mike Perkinson

This seminar will discuss the unique potential for ministry in this generation. Those attending will learn that the season is ripe for the incarnation of Christ through His people to manifest and bring hope, salvation, justice, mercy and healing to our people and our land.

Presenter: Toni Kim

People with disabilities and their families are often excluded from church by physical, emotional or spiritual barriers. The church of God is disabled without their presence and ministry.  Come consider why and how we can create more accessibility. Hear how God has been working and how you can join in.

Presenter: David Kemper

Have you ever dreamed of walking the halls of your local middle schools and high schools developing deep relationships with students? How about developing deep relationships with the student’s parents? And in those relationships you are able to bring the love of Jesus?

Come and see how our Lord has equipped people to do just that. Where schools open doors and relationships are developed and many come to Christ and are guided into the future with a philosophy of organic intentionality. This could be you, you’re church.

Presenters: Ed Rinehart/Rich Cook

Who we think we are and who God says we are can be two totally different things. How we live will show the disparity in the two positions mentioned. Join us as we look at our identity and position in Christ and how that can radically affect how we view ourselves, how we view others and how we live as a result. "The eyes are the windows of our souls, by which, as so many channels, all dishonest concupiscence gets into our hearts." Salvianus, 5th Century.

Presenter: Stuart C. Nutter

This seminar will outline conflict avoidance skills based on consensus decision making, servant leadership and the drafting of a peace covenant. We will cover pastor congregation conflict. In addition, we will discuss the witness of a unified congregation as a major aspect of Good News message.

Presenter: Jim Salo

Devastating disasters, school shootings, mine accidents, highway deaths, suicides, homicides, drug OD’s, fatal fires, elder abuse, drive-by shootings and 1 million victims of crime at work each year-- cause us to ask "who will respond?" This seminar will give you practical information and the scriptural mandate that WE are called to minister to the hurting of our society. You’ll learn what to do, what NOT to do, and how to love people and care for them in Jesus’ name during their first 48 hours of their crisis! (Highly recommended that you attend all 4 sessions, 2 back-to-back each day, so that you get the whole picture of this needed ministry as well as helps and resources to minister.) Good for all civilian chaplains, police, fire, EMS, mental health clinicians, pastoral caregivers and people to whom God is calling to this unique ministry.

Presenter: Phil Corr

On this 200th anniversary of the establishment in Massachusetts of the Congregational mission organization, we will look at how the missionaries emphasized preaching in their labors. We will also consider: preaching by indigenous individuals; Bible translation; and how other forms of service (education, medicine and social concern) all supported the goal of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Presenter: Lucinda Secrest McDowell

Practical help for hearing God speak into your life amidst the cacophony of distractions

Presenters: Tom Johnston/Mike Perkinson

This seminar will discuss the unique potential for ministry in this generation. Those attending will learn that the season is ripe for the incarnation of Christ through His people to manifest and bring hope, salvation, justice, mercy and healing to our people and our land.

Presenter: Drake Williams

The church is growing dramatically to the south and the east.  Many are willing to be trained for leadership in the church.  What are some of the needs that a future leader from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe has?  How can we in the West help?  Tyndale Theological Seminary is situated in Amsterdam, addressing the needs of Christian leaders who are from the south and the east.  In this seminar Dr. Drake Williams, Academic Dean at Tyndale Theological Seminary will share some of the challenges, struggles, and blessings in equipping future Christian leaders.

Presenter: Eleanor Gustafson

David is a huge character in the Old Testament, a key figure in God’s redemptive plan. We will look at:

1. David the shepherd whose name serves as a metaphor throughout Scripture.

2. David the warrior and the oceans of blood spilled in carving out a kingdom.

3. David the man after God’s own heart, in the context of David the gross sinner.

The problems of cherem and the fear of God.

Learn more about this complex man who fought, made love, journaled, and fully understood Israel’s holy destiny.

Presenter: Pat Street

In the church, "doing" can become the priority rather than "being" – a healthy youth group is a reflection of healthy leadership.

Presenters: Victoria Kennedy/James Gustafson

This session tells the story about a partnership between a CCCC church and a group of parents that launched an independent, faith-based middle and high school. This model could be replicated by other churches. We will look at ways churches can support faith-based education in a community without directly operating the school. We will examine how a school culture can support robust academic inquiry as it grounds students in God’s eternal truths. We will also look at academic and faith-training impacts in Christian schools.

Presenter: Jim Salo

Devastating disasters, school shootings, mine accidents, highway deaths, suicides, homicides, drug OD’s, fatal fires, elder abuse, drive-by shootings and 1 million victims of crime at work each year-- cause us to ask "who will respond?" This seminar will give you practical information and the scriptural mandate that WE are called to minister to the hurting of our society. You’ll learn what to do, what NOT to do, and how to love people and care for them in Jesus’ name during their first 48 hours of their crisis! (Highly recommended that you attend all 4 sessions, 2 back-to-back each day, so that you get the whole picture of this needed ministry as well as helps and resources to minister.) Good for all civilian chaplains, police, fire, EMS, mental health clinicians, pastoral caregivers and people to whom God is calling to this unique ministry.

Presenter: Loring Carpenter

Is your church’s ministry potential restricted by stewardship silence? Here are principles of stewardship that every church should have in place to equip God’s ministry.

Learning Objectives:

Assess their church’s stewardship strengths and weaknesses

Define ten key Biblical principles of stewardship

Formulate a strategy for stewardship in their church.

Presenter: Dwight Hord

If a teen is going to maintain their faith over the long haul, they must develop through consistent spiritual growth … by being discipled.

Presenters: Tom Johnston/Mike Perkinson

This seminar will discuss the unique potential for ministry in this generation. Those attending will learn that the season is ripe for the incarnation of Christ through His people to manifest and bring hope, salvation, justice, mercy and healing to our people and our land.

Presenter: John Kimball

A thorough assessment is so vital to successful ministry. Whether one is working through personal change or is pursuing the fulfillment of a vision for a congregation, identifying and addressing critical, current issues in life and ministry is mandatory. This seminar takes a look at the tools we use in both pastoral assessment and local church assessment and explains their value for personal growth and fruitful ministry.

Presenter: Esther Pearson

Has your Sunday School attendance and other learning opportunities within the church attendance been declining? This seminar will help Christian Educators, Christian Education Department Chairpersons, Sunday School Teachers, and Bible Study Leaders evaluate curriculum and design a learning environment that makes studying and learning God’s Word effective and exciting for the church membership.

Presenter: Ron Hamilton

For churches looking for pastors and pastors looking for churches. Ron Hamilton will explain the search process, provide resource materials, answer questions, and provide an informal opportunity for pastors and churches to be connected.

Presenter: Willie Batson

Marriages inside and outside the church are failing. Pastors and church leaders are frustrated by the number of couples needing help. Marriage mentors can be the solution – preparing couples for marriage, helping married couples maximize their relationship, and providing resources for couples in distress.

Presenter: Jim Salo

Devastating disasters, school shootings, mine accidents, highway deaths, suicides, homicides, drug OD’s, fatal fires, elder abuse, drive-by shootings and 1 million victims of crime at work each year-- cause us to ask "who will respond?" This seminar will give you practical information and the scriptural mandate that WE are called to minister to the hurting of our society. You’ll learn what to do, what NOT to do, and how to love people and care for them in Jesus’ name during their first 48 hours of their crisis! (Highly recommended that you attend all 4 sessions, 2 back-to-back each day, so that you get the whole picture of this needed ministry as well as helps and resources to minister.) Good for all civilian chaplains, police, fire, EMS, mental health clinicians, pastoral caregivers and people to whom God is calling to this unique ministry.

Presenter: Phil Corr

Titus Coan lived an extraordinary life--the last 40 years of which were in Hawaii, formerly known as the Sandwich Islands. He was a Renaissance Man who was as comfortable reporting on volcanic activities as he was preaching the Gospel. God used him mightily during the Hawaiian Great Awakening between 1836 and 1840. He was a friend to Hawaiians, sailors, captains, and everyone with whom he came into contact.

Presenter: Lucinda Secrest McDowell

Understanding and embracing how ancient disciplines can enrich your devotional life

Presenters: Tom Johnston/Mike Perkinson

This seminar will discuss the unique potential for ministry in this generation. Those attending will learn that the season is ripe for the incarnation of Christ through His people to manifest and bring hope, salvation, justice, mercy and healing to our people and our land.

Presenter: Ken McGarvey

This seminar is meant to be sharing and discussion of the most effective use of technology in the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. Discussion content to include: Effective use of projectors and sound systems in worship; how to design slides and power point presentations for music and sermons; use of video; use and respect of copyrights; how to use projected sermon notes effectively; and the pros and cons of projected songs

Presenter: Pat Street

Teen-only youth ministry is less effective than family-friendly youth ministry. We must create a "teamwork".

Presenter: Todd Venman/Dave Meckley

We all rejoice when we hear testimonies of churches within the CCCC’s who have experienced a move of God. This seminar more clearly defines the process and explains how you may experience the same move of God. Come and hear how the Conference seeks to team with local congregations to aid them in growing stronger.

Presenter: Willie Batson

Marriages inside and outside the church are failing. Pastors and church leaders are frustrated by the number of couples needing help. Marriage mentors can be the solution – preparing couples for marriage, helping married couples maximize their relationship, and providing resources for couples in distress.

Presenter: Jim Salo

Devastating disasters, school shootings, mine accidents, highway deaths, suicides, homicides, drug OD’s, fatal fires, elder abuse, drive-by shootings and 1 million victims of crime at work each year-- cause us to ask "who will respond?" This seminar will give you practical information and the scriptural mandate that WE are called to minister to the hurting of our society. You’ll learn what to do, what NOT to do, and how to love people and care for them in Jesus’ name during their first 48 hours of their crisis! (Highly recommended that you attend all 4 sessions, 2 back-to-back each day, so that you get the whole picture of this needed ministry as well as helps and resources to minister.) Good for all civilian chaplains, police, fire, EMS, mental health clinicians, pastoral caregivers and people to whom God is calling to this unique ministry.

Presenter: Loring Carpenter

During the current economy we hear of downsizing, layoffs, and churches struggling to meet their budget. Yet Scripture reminds us, God always has adequate funds for His ministry. Stewardship is never about how much we have to give, but how generous our hearts are towards to Master. Here are some tips on developing generous hearts towards God, and linking discipleship with generosity.

Presenter: Alex Choi

This seminar will present information regarding the needs of the urban culture in major metropolitan areas and will share specific ideas of how to impact that culture through a ministry of mercy.

Presenters: Tom Johnston/Mike Perkinson

This seminar will discuss the unique potential for ministry in this generation. Those attending will learn that the season is ripe for the incarnation of Christ through His people to manifest and bring hope, salvation, justice, mercy and healing to our people and our land.

Presenter: Clair Longuevan

How a church or individual can effectively reach foreign students and immigrants for Christ.

Presenter: Dwight Hord

So what if you don’t have the critical mass for a large youth group. Remember, that’s not the goal of youth ministry. With a few teens you have the chance to really connect in a deep and powerful way. You have the opportunity to know each teenager personally, helping them build relationships with other, perhaps differing in ages but with similar passions … "knowing Christ and making Him known" .. meeting together as a "group".

Presenter: Bob Leroe

This seminar will be for all chaplains serving, including military and civilian. There will be an open discussion forum and updated information on how the issue of homosexuality is being addressed by our conference—so chaplains can know they are backed by a strong Biblical position. All are welcome including those who are considering some form of chaplaincy ministry.

Presenter: L. David Green

The question is: are we in fact ashamed of the biblical gospel? In defining evangelism and suffering in relation to one another, we will look at Mat.5:11-14 (esp. v.11-12) and the astonishing implications of our Lord's words there – both as regards Jesus himself and his followers. We will explore the thesis that in the prayer life and gospel ministry described in the NT, "successful" evangelism has and will involve suffering.

Presenter: Nick Granitsas

The CCCC: one of America’s best kept secrets! What is it, where did it come from, and what is it doing? Come prepared to ask any question(s) you have.

Nick Granitsas has pastured the First Congregational Church of Revere, MA since 1974 and is a past-president of the CCCC.

Presenter: Toni Leigh McAndrew

Some say that Latin America is evangelized and so many organizations are pulling out. HOWEVER, there is still an UnReached People Group, that is the Deaf in El Salvador and throughout Latin America. Traducción de la Biblia en LEngua Señas SAlvadoreña (TBLESSA) have begun translating the Bible and putting it onto DVD´s so that the Deaf can Know Jesus as their personal Savior.

Presenter: Noel Sherry

This workshop will look at a strategy that has been neglected by most seminaries, and thus has not been on the radar screen of many pastors and Christian leaders, but is a biblical non-negotiable, and thus needs attention in formal, informal, and non-formal leadership training. That strategy is mentoring, which is very closely related to discipleship, or the method of Jesus. Several seminaries have built their model of theological training around mentoring, with the intention that pastors and future Christian leaders would use it beyond seminary as a "standard operating procedure" for training and empowering leaders in the Church and para-church ministry. Bethel Seminary of the East has been a pioneer in this vital task, and attributes the longevity of its graduates to this very priority. Come and learn about a method that works!

Presenters: Tom Johnston/Mike Perkinson

This seminar will discuss the unique potential for ministry in this generation. Those attending will learn that the season is ripe for the incarnation of Christ through His people to manifest and bring hope, salvation, justice, mercy and healing to our people and our land.

Presenter: Ed Rinehart

Come participate and listen to the open discussion on church redevelopment. Others are inevitably in a similar situation as you and your church. This is a beautiful way to share, learn, encourage, and pray with others experiencing similar challenging situations. Join others that are going through the same process of development.

Presenter: Matt Milligan

This seminar will present ideas of how to connect with the local community around the church in a way that demonstrates the power of the Gospel and invites people to explore the Christian faith

Presenter: Ed Eastman

Revival does not come on demand, but God does send it in His time to those who have prepared their hearts for it. The Viillage Revivals which swept Litchfield County at the turn of the Nineteenth Century demonstrate that when pastors and churches set themselves to preparing their hearts for renewing by meeting the conditions necessary for revival, God sends it.

Presenter: Scott Hedley (pseudonym)

Concerns have arisen over the emergence of "insider movements" across the non-Christian world. For many of us, it seems that the very nature and integrity of the gospel is at stake in this discussion.

Why: We have been led into this debate by the need to respond to developments on the field. Individuals, families and communities are claiming to know and submit to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but refusing to identify themselves as "Christians" in the common sense of the word.

Questions: Are these movements to Christ from God or not? The core issue is this: Is the very nature and integrity of the gospel being revealed and upheld, or is "a different gospel" being preached and believed, as Paul warns? To answer this question, we must turn to the Bible as the authority for our faith and practice, especially to the book of Acts and the epistles of Paul.

Presenter: Lucinda Secrest McDowell

It's never too late to embrace a life story full of passion and purpose. Examine your backstory, chart plot twists and leave stones of remembrance

July 2010

This is the day the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.     

Psalm 118:24

Dear Members & Friends,

             When do you live? Strange question? Not really if you compare it to the question “Where do you live?” You would tell me your address or town. You would tell me your home where you truly live. You might be located anywhere, but your home is a particular place where your heart resides and to which you keep going back. For some who have moved where they reside is not their home. Their real home is where their heart is, “the old home town” or the old country, something inside longs to go there and to be home. That is why for the Christian heaven is our home and we are just guest workers in this world on a visa.

(Hebrews 11:16 & I Peter 2:11)

So I can ask you where you really live, but how about when? You may pass through the present, but where do you really dwell? Is it in the future with either its dreams or nightmare anxieties or is it in the past with nostalgia or resentments and regrets? Jesus saysboth the past and the future are unreal. God exists in the eternal now and He says live here. If we live in the 

past or the future we are robbed of the present and even rob ourselves of the future God would have for us. “Do you mean just live for today?” No, live for God and follow Him and He has charge. (Matthew 6:33-34) “Do you mean forgive and forget?” No, I mean forgive as Christ forgave you and leave it at the cross for Him to handle. (Philippians 3:13-14)

             When do you live? Jesus made it so we can truly live now! (John 10:10)                                  

In Christ,

                                                            Pastor Peter

June 2010

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them,

For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

Dear Members & Friends,

  I remember when I was just five and six. It was summer and my mother took me to the Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church in Randolph, Massachusetts. I went, during the year to the  First Congregational Church, but it was the Baptists who did VBS. I did all the activities and can still remember the songs. I also remember the love of the women who were my teachers. It was there that the first seeds were sown which the Holy Spirit would use to bring me to Christ. Amazing when you think about it; the work and love of these women could have a life long impact which ripples through the ministries with which I’ve been involved.

  This year we are again doing VBS again with Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Take part. The impact you have, even though you may never know it in this life, can be amazing.

                                                   In Christ,

                                                       Pastor Peter

May 2010

 From the Pastor:

“If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face and turn

from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

                                                                      II Chronicles 7:14

Dear Members & Friends,

This May 6th is the National Day of Prayer, and once again it is embroiled in controversy. A Federal Judge has declared such a day unconstitutional. This will ignite again the argument over whether the United States of America is a “Christian” country.

I’m afraid that such an argument generates more heat than light. What is far more important than whether we are a “Christian” nation, as so many throughout history have proclaimed, is whether we are a nation of Christians. When the LORD spoke through Solomon, at the dedication of His Temple, He said “My People”, called by “My Name”. The Bible calls us, as Christians, such a people (I Peter 2:9). Throughout history, regardless of nationality, He has told Christians; when their country fell short of God’s righteousness, to fall on their face before the LORD and then shine His light in their society. When they have, God has answered.

It is ironic that the international call of distress is “May Day!” For this month we are called to pray for our land.

                                                   In Christ,

                                                       Pastor Peter

From the Pastor

"I'm going out to fish." John 21:3

Dear Members and Friends,

Easter was over.  Jesus had been raised from the dead and Peter decided to go fishing.  That may seem strange, but not really.  Peter felt that he had let Christ  down, he had failed, and that now there was nothing else but gong back to business as usual.  He now had every intention of spending the rest of his life working as he always had with Jesus a bittersweet memory of what might have been if Peter had only been good enough.  His friends didn't know what to say, they could only be with him.

Suddenly Jesus was there.  Peter jumped in and swam to him.  They ate together and then Jesus spoke with Peter.  For every denial Peter had spoken Jesus asked just one thing, "Do you love me?"

Jesus doesn't look at our failures; He looks at our heart.  He calls Peter to where Peter's heart is.  Once centered on his love for Jesus he is now ready.  He is ready to be open to the Holy Spirit and become and do what God created him to do and be. 

Now that Easter is here and soon over what will you do.  Will you go back to business as usual with the nagging feeling that there must be more if Jesus is real.  Jesus is still there.  He doesn't care about failures and doubts.  So begin the process of being all you were created to be.  He begins asking one simple question; "Do you love Me?"

From the Pastor

March 2010

Cru-cial adj. 1. Of supreme importance

2. Severe; difficult; trying

3. Having the form of a cross.

Dear Members & Friends,

In our lives we have a lot of decisions. Some are small like what tie to wear. Some are large like whom we are to marry. The larger the decision the more we are apt to mull it over and put it off. If we do it too long we loose the choice. Wait too long to propose and the person will think you don’t want to marry them and will leave. Wait to long on a job offer and someone else will get the job. To not decide is to decide.

In all of life there is one ultimate, crucial decision. Do you want to run your life or will Jesus? The result will be who will bare the responsibility or cross for you. Will it be Jesus’ cross or yours? It is a difficult decision, but it is of supreme importance. This Lent, as we look at the meaning of Christ’s cross, make sure you’ve decided.

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.                                             

                                                                  Galatians 6:14

  In Christ,

  Pastor Peter

From the Pastor

February 2010

For dust you are and to dust you will return. Genesis 3:19

Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.  Luke 9:15

Dear Members and Friends,

Sometimes it takes bad news for us to understand the good news.  If a doctor were to tell you that he was going to make you sick with chemicals and radiation you would be angry.  However if he told you that you had a deadly cancer and he would cue it your response would be very different.  Lent is a reminder of the bad news that makes the Good News make sense.

The 17th of the month marks the beginning of Lent.  Ash Wednesday reminds us why Jesus had to go to Jerusalem.  It is not just a day to see by the smudge on their forehead who is Catholic and who is not.  It is a visible reminder.  The priest repeats God's curse to Adam as the ashes are pressed to the forehead.  Death and futility are universal in life.  Yet this was not God's purpose for us.  Human Beings were meant to walk with God in the cool of the day; to have eternal fellowship with our heavenly Father.  Sadly Adam and all who have come after him have walked away from that fellowship seeking instead to be their own gods and finding only death.  the ashes are made from the palms of the previous years Palm Sunday.  It reminds us that those in the first Palm Sunday crowd welcomed Jesus, but only on their terms, for by Friday they yelled, "Crucify!"  We too must admit that in our own lives we expect God to meet our agenda and often miss the chance to follow Him.  This is why we have Lent.  It is a time as we mark Jesus final trip to Jerusalem for reflection and repentance.  It is a time to admit that Jesus went to the cross not just for the world, but for me.  It reminds me of the bad news that I must admit to really grasp the Good News of Jesus.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.  John 3:17

In Christ,
Pastor Peter

"From the Pastor"

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men,"  Luke 2:14 KJV

Dear Members and friends,

"I'll be home for Christmas" is a Christmas standard that comes out of World War II.  It's sung from the point of view of a soldier longing for home.  It is a beautifully melancholy song that ends with the phrase, "if only in my dreams" This Christmas we too are immersed in a long war and many will face the exact same feelings and situation. Yet even for those of us who are home the song speaks to us of a longing for something we lack.  We hear the angels proclaim peace and good will and think, "if only in my dreams."

I think our problem is that we think of Christmas as an end, a promised fulfilled in itself.  It was never meant to be, it is a beginning.  In the manger we find the baby Jesus yet the promise is beyond that.  The baby becomes a man, a man who's in reality God made flesh. This man would die on a cross for you and me. This man was resurrected for us and is ascended for us. Some day He will come back and then universal peace and justice will reign and we will reign with Him. 

For now we are in the midst of a Spiritual war, both within ourselves and within our world.  We are on a journey  like the shepherds and the Wisemen who have heard the angels and seen the star in faith claim the promise.  Christmas tells us that what we long for is real and will be ours if we will but respond.

In Christ,

Pastor Pete

"Now, to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or image, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen"

Ephesians 3:20-21

Dear Members & Friends,

Columbus was wrong!  The scholars of his day knew it.  Folk tales tell us that they thought the world was flat and that's why they opposed him.  That's not true.  They knew the world was round as did the sailors who watched the top of faraway masts rise until  a whole ship was visible.  The circumference of the world had been calculated and that's why they fought Columbus.  He would die on a vast ocean the size of the Atlantic plus the Pacific plus the North American continent before ever reaching the East.  Columbus was wrong.  His world was too small.  Yet in faith he set out and discovered more than he dreamed.  In the middle of what everyone else feared lay the great landmass of the Americas.

We in our Christian life are often wrong.  Our God is too small. Our dreams and goals are often incorrect.  Those who look out on the universe and see nothing but emptiness think we are crazy.  Yet in faith we set out and God takes control.  He leads us to His Kingdom.  He transforms us into Christ's image.  He works through us by His Spirit.  We discover a whole new world.  While it may not be where we planned to got it's where Christ called us to be.  So let us follow Him and set sail:  with our course set on Christ and our sails filled by the winds of the Spirit and discover the life He would give us.

In Christ,     Pastor Peter

"But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus,  "Who is my neighbor?"

Luke 10;29

Dear Members & Friends,

It's the follow up question that can kill you! That's what a Rabbi found out one day when questioning Jesus.  He started by asking Jesus what he must do to inherit Eternal life.  Jesus turned the question back on him and said, "What is written in the Law?  How do you read it?"  The Rabbi answered with the Great Commandment, "Love the LORD, your God with all your heart and with all your soul ands with all your mind' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself."  Jesus said he was right and that if he did that he would live.  Now it would seem was the time to quit while your' re ahead, but no, the Rabbi asks,  "Who is my neighbor?"  This leads Jesus into the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Why did he ask?  Because this man was honest with himself and thought,  "What I've just said is impossible."  He was looking for the loophole in the absolute and Jesus wouldn't help him.  Jesus doesn't let us wiggle out either.  The Great Commandment means what it says.  How then do we live it?  That is what we'll be talking about this Fall.  Come to Worship and learn how Jesus Christ can help you to love God, others, and even yourself.

This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

                                                                                1 John 3:11

                                                                             In Christ,  Pastor Peter

I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once and for all entrusted to the saints"
Jude 3

July 2009
Pastor Corner

Dear Members & Friends,

As I write this we are coming up on Father's Day and that day always reminds me of one of the times as a Pastor that I got myself in trouble and that time even for the right reason.

I have never had anyone get so mad at me in a church.  She couldn't even speak.  She didn't know whether she could continue to come to the church.  What had I done?  I told the congregation that Sunday morning what "Abba" meant.  The Aramaic "Ab" meant Father, but "Abba" meant "Daddy".  How could I call God "Daddy" I wondered as I went to speak with her shy she was so angry.  Was it that it was disrespectful?  Was it simply that God should only be addressed with thee and thou?  (Even though those words were used in King James times not for formal speech, but familiar).  What I found was a woman in pain.  Her Father had been so distant and cruel that the idea that God could be a "Daddy" hurt.

What do we do?  Do we avoid the idea of God as our loving Daddy because of her pain?  Do we let our pain overwhelm the truth of Scripture?  There are those who say yes.  God should not be called He because some might be offended.  Jesus should not be talked of as the only was to salvation for the same reason.  All truth then becomes the victim of sin and our disfunctionality defines our theology.  Better instead to let the truth of God's Word open our hearts to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.  Then our sins are revealed and dealt with and those wounds from others find healing as we draw close to the One True God.  Over time the woman found that God loved her in ways that her human Daddy never could and she was freed and healed.  She could now move beyond a distant fear of God to a loving relationship with her heavenly "Daddy".

"Then you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."
John 8:32

In Christ,

              Pastor Peter

*********************************************************************************************************************************

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself."
Matthew 6:34

June 2009
Pastor's Corner

Dear Members & Friends,

To say that we live in uncertain times seems like an understatement.  Everything from National Security to the local economy to problems in health and relationships can all seem too mount up and overwhelm us.  We can be debilitated by anxiety.  What does God tell us in His Word?

He tells us not to worry or have anxiety (Matthew 6:25, Philippians 4:6).  Yet telling a human being, even a "Spiritual Christian" one, not to do something is akin to telling them not to think of a pink elephant.  Paul in Romans 7:7-25 talks of the fact that as we try to do the "Not" we end up doing what we know we should not.  God, of course, knows this and tells us three positive things to to do instead.

He tells us to Pray (Philippians 4:6) both with petition and thanksgiving.  Petition is something that we do with intensity until it is "Prayed Through).  Jesus told the story of "The Persistent Widow" (Luke 18:1-8) who would not give up until she got her answer.  Jesus, as one who prayed to the point of sweating blood, expects us not to let anxiety drive us from God, but to drive us to Him.  We are also to pray with Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving fro answered prayers in the past, which builds up our confidence.  Thanksgiving for each small victory and answer, which reminds us He is listening and active.  Thanksgiving for who God is and what He has done through Jesus' work and the Spirit's indwelling, which reminds us of who He is and our relationship with Him.  Thanksgiving in advance:  that such a God can be trusted to answer or prayers in His love.

He tells us to Ponder (Matthew 6:25-31) the nature of a God who lavishes His care on all His universe and tells us that we are worth so much more.  Ponder like David did how God had answered the prayers of those who actions are recorded in Scriptures.  Like David as well we are to remember how God has in our past met our needs and prayers.  In my own life I remember how on the weekend before our marriage the apartment that Diane and I were counting on fell through. We got married with nowhere to live.  Going up to where we needed to be we had one day and a limited budget.  We searched all day through apartments that would make a cockroach cringe.  At our last stop at the end of the day we stopped at a complex and asked if any units were available.  We were told no.  Turning to leave a person came through the door and asked how he could go about subletting.  We asked how much.  He said the exact amount we could afford.  I learned that day that God is the master of "just in time" inventory.  A fact that many times since I have pondered.

He tells us also to Prioritize (Matthew 6:33) to seek first His kingdom.  Most of our fears come from our insecurity about whether God will give us what we want.  Security comes in living the life that God wants then we can be sure all our needs will be met as well (Matthew 6:32-33).

When we do these things the Pease of God by which we are secure in His fellowship beyond any understanding will guard our hearts in this scary time (Philippians 4:7).

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"
Proverbs 9:10
 

            In Christ

                                   Pastor Peter

II Corinthians 5:17

May 2009
Pastor's Corner 

Dear Members & Friends,

My wife Diane had the pleasure of being raised on the old family farm in Paxton, Massachusetts. Her great-grandparents had come over from Finland and developed the farm. She lived in the house they built and knew them as a small child.

One of the old traditions she knew was how they did Spring Cleaning. Everything in the house would go out the front door. The house would be completely cleaned and washed. Then each item would be cleaned and evaluated. Only after it was decided that it was acceptable and wanted would it be allowed back in the house.

There is an Episcopal Priest I know who did the same thing with his heart and mind. He was raised in a very proper old Yankee home where he received the best of educations. An Ivy League graduate, he became an Episcopal Priest. There was only one problem. He neither believed the Bible nor knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior. In fact he considered such things beneath him. Through talent and social connection he eventually became the Rector of the Episcopal Church in Hamilton, Massachusetts. It is an upper-class suburb of Boston; the home of the Myopia Hunt Club and the United

States Equestrian Team. It is also, however, the home of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. It was considered only polite that the local Episcopalian Priest provide a place for visiting Anglican Professors. Eventually people like John R.W. Stott and J.I. Packer introduced the young priest to the living Jesus. He then decided to begin his own Spring Cleaning. Everyday he took a couple of hours to re-examine everything. What did he really know and what were the assumptions behind it? What was true when lined up against Jesus Christ? He still continues that discipline. He now is Rector of a large Christ-centered Anglican church outside of Philadelphia.

This Spring I invite you to join all of us as we do our “Spring Cleaning”. Evaluate your goals and values in the light of Jesus and His Word. Evaluate each day. Be part of a small group where you hold each other mutually accountable before Jesus. You will find it makes all the difference.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.”

Hebrews 12:1b-2a

                      In Christ

                                         Pastor Peter

Pastor's Corner
April 2009

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, According to His power that is at work within us, To Him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ Throughout all generations, Forever and ever! Amen        Ephesians 3:20-21

Dear Members & Friends,

It was dark as we walked quietly through the streets.  The sun was starting to cut a red scare across the eastern sky.  It only reflected the darkness in their souls.  They had come to Jerusalem with such hopes.  They had seen their lives change in ways so dramatic that they could hardly describe their healings.  They had seen the lame walk, the blind see, the hungry fed.  They had even seen the dead rise.  Now in Jerusalem the whole city had risen to cry "Save us"  Yet they had seen Him die, hanging outlined against a darkened sky.  All their dreams were destroyed.  Passover didn't proclaim liberation only the silence of God.  Now all that was left was duty and love.  The least they could do was anoint the body.

Yet the tomb was empty.  The guards were gone.  Someone was saying.  "He is not here!  He is risen!"  Here at the death of their dreams they were confronted be a fact:; Jesus is alive "All the promises of God are true"  (II Corinthians 1;20).  When we come to the end and our dreams are dust then we find that He gives us more than dreams.  He gives us new life in Himself.

This Easter we live live in a world where illusions of peace and prosperity have been shattered.  It is to just such a world that Jesus comes with Life abundant (John 10:10).  Then He sends us out like those women to share that fact for "Facts are better than dreams" ( Winston Churchill).  This Easter come and find reality.                                                            

                                                                                      In Christ

                                                                                      Pastor Peter

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