BLAST Getting Ready to Advance! (1/13/17)
Our Youth Group (BLAST) is ready to take off into their Midwinter Advance. What’s the Midwinter Advance? First of all, it is probably more commonly known as a “retreat,” but we always want to look forward so we’ve latched on to the now cliche term “Advance” instead of “Retreat.” The Advance will be held at America’s Keswick in Whiting, NJ during the weekend of January 13-15. In preparation for this weekend, our youth have been raising money to offset the cost (November’s Krispy...
read moreEntering a Jughandle, Rotary, or Roundabout (12/6/16)
As we approach Christmas, Pastor Jim has been preaching a series entitled “An Advent Road Trip.” This was the 2nd part in that series. Is Christmas just a destination? Buy the gifts, wrap the gifts, take down the tree and move on? Is there something we can take from Christmas; not only from Christmas Day but from the journey to Christmas? The following recording is from the 11:00 service. Click on the play button, then scroll down to follow along… Our scripture readings were from Isaiah 64:1-9 and Luke 1:39:56. Open...
read moreThe 12 Days of Christmas Decoded!
We’re all familiar with the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” But other than a silly party song where a quartet of friends gets make fools of themselves by squawking like “Calling Birds” (whatever they are), is there any spiritual significance in this song’s lyrics? There are many versions of the origin and meaning of this song, but a spiritual application to each “gift” mentioned in this song can be made. Back when this song was written, teaching “religion” to kids was made...
read moreZephaniah Offers Encouragement During Longest Night Service (12/21/16)
December 21… the first day of winter, and the year’s longest night. For those who have lost something or someone during the year, this night can be a forebearer of a Blue Christmas. And so, as part of our Advent preparation, our Blue Christmas service helps us to re-connect with God’s promises. A loss may be a painful bump in the road or change in course, but God is still in control. During our service on 12/21/16, Pastor Jim turned to the “Minor Prophet” Zephaniah… Zephaniah 3:14-18 14 Sing, O Daughter...
read moreNew Years Eve Silent Communion (12/31/16)
Milestones such as New Year’s Eve can be helpful reminders of re-assessing your relationship with God. How have you grown? How has your faith been tested? When did you fail to heed God’s call to discipleship? How can you be a better disciple in the future? Not only do we need to hold each other accountable, but we also need to hold ourselves accountable. Small groups and “Emmaus Reunion Groups” are important accountability tools. But, we still need to come to the Father on our own and spend some time for personal...
read moreChoirs to Present Annual Cantata: Adore (12/18/16)
For the past gazillion years, the choir or choirs at our church have presented a service of worship through words and music (i.e., Cantata). It’s always been presented on the Sunday before Christmas… at 4:15 PM. Yes, 4:15 PM! No clue where that time came from, but… It’s Tradition! It always happens! And so another Christmas is upon us. Tradition! It always happens! But is that all it is??? Habit? Tradition? Christmas isn’t only a tradition; It’s an opportunity. It’s a challenge. Do we just jump into...
read moreBlue Christmas Service (12/21/16)
Many of us lost loved ones during this year. Some of us lost loved ones years ago, but still feel the emptiness. For any of us, the family traditions of the holidays bring back memories of Christmases past. During this holiday season we are especially aware of those who have walked with us and who are an integral part of those memories; but now they’re gone. December 21 is the longest night of the year, and it’s an appropriate night to acknowledge the dark times that our paths might be currently passing through. On Wednesday...
read moreOur Father’s House Preschool to Present Annual Christmas Program (12/8/16)
The Our Father’s House Preschoolers will present their annual Christmas Program in our sanctuary. This year’s program is entitled “The True Meaning of Christmas.”
– Date: Thursday Dec. 8
– Time: 10:00 AM
All are welcome! You don’t have to be an OFH parent- in fact if you’ve experienced our preschool, now is a great time to see what this important ministry is all about.
Gloucester County Choir to Give Holiday Cheer (12/6/16)
The Rowan College at Gloucester County choir will present their annual Holiday Cheer concert in our sanctuary. Here are the details to circle on your calendar: Date: Tuesday December 6 Time: 7:30 PM “Cost”: A donation of $5.00 is “welcome” And, you can make it a full evening out by attending our regular Tuesday night dinner (which starts at 6:00 PM). Registration for the dinner is needed (see the sign up form in the Narthex).
read moreBecoming Agents of Holiness-Pt 3 (10/2/16)
Why didn’t God answer my prayer?!? This is a struggle Christians always run into. Maybe God just hasn’t answered it YET. Maybe He did answer it and it wasn’t the answer you were looking for so you didn’t recognize the answer. Or, sometimes it’s because the connection between you and God has been blocked. Blocked by a Prayer Whammy! Read on to find out more…
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