Every season has a purpose
Transcription
Every season has a purpose
Bethpage Assembly of God Church P. O. Box 429; 362 Stewart Ave. Bethpage, NY 11714 US POSTAGE PAID NONPROFIT PERMIT No. 429 Bethpage, NY Spring/Summer 2015 A Place where God is Able! n is o i t a V BS st r Re g i OPE N fo r our NOW 3-17th e found onorg or . b 1 July ations can .godisable Lead Pastor: Rev. Sal Bennardo Spanish Pastor: Rev. Carmen Garcia w ic Appl ite at ww 2-4241. 2 s web e office, 8 h call t Elders: Dan Buttafuoco Dan Collins Kiddie Kollege Director: Darlene Bennardo Children’s Ministries Director: Stephanie Jurado Interim Youth Leader: Steve Nichols Get Ready!! Church Secretary: Annmarie Faggione Church Administrator: Carol Eppolito Dear neighbors, friends and members of the Community of Faith, Jesus, in speaking to his disciples, shared a glorious and prophetic word, that those who believe in Him would do even greater works. He adds that believers who ask anything in His name, He will do it. As we read in John 14:12 which is titled “The Answered Prayer”: Bethpage Assembly of God Church P. O. Box 429; 362 Stewart Ave. Bethpage, NY 11714 (516) 931-2378 www.godisable.org 12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask[c] anything in My name, I will do it. In a recent word of knowledge from the Lord, we were told that we are to expect more supernatural healing and answers to prayer right in our local congregation. We have heard the testimony of John Chen, who went from stage 4 lung cancer (October 2013) to suspension of chemo treatments (March 2015). As believers we need to prepare ourselves, through prayer and fasting, for the next great move of God right here at Bethpage Assembly of God Church. We also need to get the word out to our friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members that God still answers prayers. John Chen was sent home to die and yet our sister Diane Dybus invited John to church for prayer and he is alive today by God’s mercy. Get ready and get the word out: Second Sunday of the Month is prayer for the sick at Bethpage Assembly of God Church both at the 9 am and 10:30 am services. Art & Daisy Jimenez Prayer Chain Ministry Join us for Sunday Services: 9:00am & 10:30am including Children’s Services Spanish Services: 1:30pm Dear Friends & Neighbors, As editor I may have to edit, shorten and/or change articles submitted for publication. Also all articles should relate to church business or church events. Also if you do not wish to receive any future publications, please call the church office or email me at carol1228@optonline.net The Seasons of Life living. He concludes that everything is just an empty exercise in vanity. It is like trying to capture the wind in his hands. Pastor Sal Bennardo It is said that on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited Arlington Cemetery to pay his respects to America’s fallen heroes. Gazing over the rolling Virginia hillside from Arlington House, he remarked, “It is so beautiful that I could stay here forever.” Two weeks later he returned in a flag-draped coffin to be buried beneath an eternal flame. Kennedy’s favorite passage from the Bible was Solomon’s poem in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” You may have never read this passage in the Bible, but I’m sure you have heard it sung many times on the radio by a popular singing group called the Byrds. That’s right it’s called “Turn, Turn, Turn.” What was it about Ecclesiastes 3 that fascinated a troubled generation and its young inspiring president? Well to begin with, the author, Solomon was the wisest and wealthiest man who ever lived, and the Book of Ecclesiastes is the story of his life long quest to make sense of the seasons of life. Solomon looks for satisfaction in wealth, wisdom, work and wild I know there are some who ask “Where is God?” Others believe, if He even exists, He’s certainly not showing up for work! Solomon had a different view entirely. He concludes that God is sovereign and in control, regardless of the seasons we all pass through. If you look closely at Solomon’s poem you will see that the word “time” occurs twentynine times. We rarely turn our back on time. You and I probably have a dozen clocks and four or five calendars in our homes. Most of us wear a wristwatch and, if you have a cell phone or computer, you know the time. When you really think about it, we are so caught up in this thing called “time.” And yet, time, is what will one day run out for each of us. Do you remember what Solomon said? “There is a time to be born and a time to die.” It reminds me of a poem I once came across. It’s entitled “Life Is Just a Minute.” “Life is just a minuteonly sixty seconds in it. Forced upon you – can’t refuse it. Didn’t seek it – didn’t choose it. But it’s up to you to use it. You must suffer if you lose it. Give an account if you abuse it. Just a tiny, little minute, But eternity is in it!” Life Is Short, Enjoy The Journey! – Pastor Sal Bennardo Every season has a purpose Carol Eppolito, Editor 1 DOES GOD LOVE EVERYONE THE SAME? You often hear that “God is Love.” That is true. “Love is not God” but it is true that God is love…. He says that in the scriptures: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (I John 4:8).” BUT... Does God love everyone? Does God love all people the same? These are interesting and complicated questions. It is clear that God does not treat all people the same. Some people are obviously quite blessed and others obviously not. Some may even say “cursed.” But what about “love?” Does God love everyone the same? Here is what Scripture says: 15“If you love me, keep my commands. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will bec in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” 22Then Judas [not Judas Iscariot] said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” CLEARLY HERE THERE IS A DIFFERENCE DRAWN BETWEEN GOD’S PEOPLE AND THE “PEOPLE OF THE WORLD.” Jesus continues: 23Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. ...John 14 “THE ONE WHO LOVES ME WILL BE LOVED BY MY FATHER.” These passages (underlining mine) appear to be clearly saying that the Father will (future tense) love those who love Jesus. And, those that love Jesus demonstrate that when they OBEY HIS TEACHING! THAT 2 by Elder Dan Buttafuoco is the acid test for the Father’s love. The love a Father gives to his children is given to us... perfectly. Such love!!! God does not, therefore, love everyone (at least not in the same way). Clearly he is partial to his children and reserves special love (special grace) for them. I know this is complicated but theology is complex and mysterious and multidimensional because God is all of the above, too. But we go with scripture and God is saying here that God will love those who love Jesus and those who love Jesus are the ones who keep his commandments (not perfectly...we all sin... but sincerely, as grace allows). I would say that if we DESIRE to keep his commandments that is what he is saying. We have the love of the Father…the special love a father has for his children. This also fits nicely with who is allowed to be called “sons” [or children] of God. “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1 Amen! Please do not tell me that this only applies to “Old Testament, pre-resurrection people”....because that would be wrong. That is what some argue because they do not like the implications of the truth here which is plainly stated. That argument would discredit the majority of Jesus’ teachings. Clearly, Jesus is here giving parting words to his disciples knowing full well they will heed them after he resurrects. Complicated stuff, the heart of God. I realize that this is not popular (“pop” theology, which caters to our sinful inclinations is usually wrong) and may upset some people who wish to maintain the illusion of all inclusivity, the “all are [or should be] equal” nonsense that is so popular today. We remain in God’s love by plugging into it. So, I guess we could say that God’s love stream is available to all (‘for God so loved the world”). In THAT sense God loves all people, all tribes, all tongues and all nations. It is also true that few actually plug into it or are “elect.” Jesus said “the way is narrow and only a few find it.” Finally, we have a duty to “REMAIN IN GOD’S LOVE,” implying that we can walk away from it. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit– fruit that will last– and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17This is my command: Love each other. REMAIN IN MY LOVE!! We position ourselves for grace and for God’s love, it seems. Yet, it is a mystery since he CHOOSES US!!! Remember it says that before either was born...BEFORE BIRTH: “Jacob I loved and Esau I hated.” Wow! This should make you feel special. God chose us. Notice the careful wording of this passage: 46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made youf a light for the Gentiles, that youg may bring salvation to the ends of the earth’h ” 48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. Notice it does not say “those who believed were then appointed for eternal life.” No, it says it in the opposite order: Those ALREADY appointed for eternal life believed when they heard the Gospel. Those ALREADY appointed for eternal life were given faith (“by grace you are saved through faith and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the gift of God”...the faith itself to believe, even, is a gift of God’s grace!). We don’t muster up faith! God gives faith to his elect. He chooses. He gives. He decides. This is why Jesus often spoke in parables. He wasn’t TRYING to convince anybody! The elect needed no convincing. They were God’s people. They just needed the message of truth – then faith …which was a gift...took over. Wow! Daniel P. Buttafuoco, Esq. Founding Partner Girls Ministries HELPING HANDS MINISTRY is a club for girls from pre-school through middle school and pre-school boys. Girls Ministries reinforces each girl’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The girls are split into age appropriate classes and their Sponsors offer them support and guidance. They learn about Christian values and the bible, earn badges and form friendships. continues to grow and to be a blessing to all involved. We started this ministry about 5 years ago with the hope of meeting the needs of the congregation and doing it in a very simple way. We continue to help people in many different ways. This includes cooking meals, home visits or phone calls, driving to appointments and to church and various other ways. We have had people open their homes to other church members during the holiday season and this has been a blessing to both the person being invited and to the person opening their home. There have been many new friendships made by this simple act during what is usually a very busy time. As the year comes to an end, the Sponsors and I have enjoyed watching the girls grown in their relationship with Jesus. Throughout the year, the girls were busy hearing bible stories, learning bible verses and enjoying many fun activities. On June 10th we had our moving-up ceremony where some girls crossed over the bridge to move up to the next class and everyone was acknowledged for their hard work this year. Girls Ministries meets every Wednesday night from 7:30-8:45 p.m. during the school year. Classes will commence again in mid-September. We are always looking for new girls to join Girls Ministries; it is open to all school aged girls and pre-school boys. If you know of a girl who would like to join, please call the church office. Have a blessed summer!! In His Service, Jill Ferriso, Girls Ministries Coordinator Looking toward the future for this ministry, we would like to continue our goal of making sure the elderly of our congregation who are no longer able to attend church on a regular basis are still a part of our congregation. We have combined our efforts with the women’s ministry to keep in touch with our elderly homebound members. We have had a good response and are looking forward to seeing these groups form. If you have a need that you would like help with or if you would like to volunteer your time and service to this wonderful ministry, please contact me and I would be more than happy to assist you. Thank you and God Bless, MEN’S MINISTRY Connie Luciano connieluciano@aol.com (516) 448-1562 Greetings to all the men here at Bethpage Assembly of God Church. Winter is finally over and as usual God is faithful and Spring is here. I can look out my windows and see green for a change. I was beginning to think my lawn was going to stay white. The weather did not interfere with our men’s prayer breakfasts and we continued to have a good attendance each month. I look forward to the fellowship that is enjoyed when we get together. If you are new to the church, this breakfast is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the men in the church in a warm, friendly atmosphere. We meet in the church fellowship hall on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 9:30am. We look forward Be blessed. Elder Dan Collins 7 REGULAR WEEKLY EVENTS Sundays: First Service 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Second Service 10:30 a.m. (Nursery provided for both services) Spanish Service at 1:30pm Tuesdays: 10:00am: Intercessory Prayer at the 17 Emma Street Ministry Center Spanish Ministry Bible study 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Mid-week Adult Bible Study Youth Bible Study Girls Ministries Fridays: Mornings at Riker’s Island 7:30pm: 180 Youth Group KIDS POWER AND LIGHT CHILDREN’S MINISTRY We pray multitude of blessings upon you and your loved ones. We are very blessed to share with you some pictures of our Children’s Ministry. Our Children’s Choir performed in our Palm Sunday Service. They did an amazing job for the Lord! We are blessed to announce that eleven of our children from KPL and our Spanish congregation will participate of Holy Communion for the first time on April 26. It will be a very joyous occasion for all of us as a family in Christ. In our Children’s Ministry Spring Program, our Preschool children will learn about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, how He prayed, and about His victory over death. Children will also learn about Jonah, Elijah’s ride into heaven, three Hebrew men thrown into a fiery furnace, and Daniel in the lions’ den. Our older children will learn through biblical facts about the millennial reign of Jesus, the end times and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Our youth will, through biblical examples, gain insight into how to properly process negative emotions. They will discover what was important to Jesus and how He can transform their lives through the events of His last days. We would love to see you and your children. Our KPL Children’s Ministry is for all kids all ages. All our lessons include prayer and worship time, bible reading, and much more. Come join us on Sundays at any of our services 9:00am or 10:30am (English) and 1:30pm (Spanish). Sincerely, Stephanie Jurado Children’s Ministry Director KIDDIE KOLLEGE Pre-School News This new school year will mark 40 years since the establishment of Kiddie Kollege . What a great tradition we have had impacting young lives for good and for God. I like what Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. How true! Education begins early and starts young. That’s why Kiddie Kollege was established – to instruct youngsters academically, socially, physically and spiritually in a loving, caring, Christ-centered atmosphere. Balanced instruction is the key to success and opens the door to many future opportunities. It has been my joy to enroll many students of alumni which I, myself, had the privilege of teaching, back in the ’80’s. This reminds me of two things. One, I’m getting older, but I’m not alone…. You are too! And, second, the reputation of Kiddie Kollege precedes itself, encouraging alumni parents to remember their formative years and positive learning experiences here at our school. We are truly blessed by God for His favor upon us and for the support of wonderful families in this community. Let me just remind you that we will continue to offer Pre-School classes for the 2015-16 school year. Registration is open for our Terrific Two’s, Nursery (3’s), Pre-K (4’s) and Summer Camp programs. Summer Camp is an exciting way to keep your child engaged in the learning process as well as participate in the summer fun experience of arts & crafts, music, games, indoor play, playground play and sprinkler play. Our camp offers flexible days and hours specifically tailored to accommodate your leisurely schedule. If you would like more information, please give us a call at 822-4241and schedule a visit. Saturdays: 1st Sat. of Each Month: Operation Blessing 3rd Sat. of Each Month: Men’s Prayer Breakfast 4th Saturday of each month � Women’s Activity tba We’d love to meet with you! Darlene Bennardo Director Operation Blessing News! CIRCLE OF FRIENDS I have to say I am blessed!! Thanking God for this opportunity to serve... Seasons come according to their divine time. I believe God has lead and appointed this time for the Sisters in CHRIST, when we are in the will of God we can here the knock or the call within our Spirit, lets let the Spirit Lead the way! That’s how this WMs ministry has come to life, for those of you that are new or just venturing out feeling more comfortable, this is an intimate circle developed by answering the call!! 4 During the month of November we all gathered as a family for a thankful meal Around the table, this was very enjoyable and fulfilling, as surrounded by the presence of the Lord I would like to encourage those ladies that haven’t found that place within, come be surrounded by the love & faithfulness of God! I know God has Great plans to increase this circle of “Sisters in Christ” We continue to meet once a month every 1st Tuesday at the Lisi Home in West Babylon. All Gods Amazing Grace, Lisa Lisi Women of Purpose Let’s live life every day in God’s presence! It seems like we were just embracing the New Year and “The kick off to Women’s Ministry!! Our annual winter workshop was divinely appointed, over 50 ladies participated in this workshop, and Clara LaPort was welcomed as WM’S new leader as she shared her heart for women. Clara spoke on spiritual gifting which allowed the ladies to learn what their gift or gifts are and how to use these gifts for “the Lord”, which He has given them to put to work for His kingdom & His Glory!! Praise God! WMS’s has reclaimed the monthly breakfast! The fourth Saturday of the month from 10a-12 noon, we will gather for food and fellowship, breakfast (10-11am) and breakout groups to follow from (11am-noon). Thanking God for these Breakout groups and the ladies that are using God’s gift to lead! Small groups are designed to help meet the needs of today’s women. You will find transparency, warmth and concern. You will receive God’s word, prayer and confidentiality. Our group leaders are as follows: • Darlene Bennardo: Family and Marriage • Diane Delia: Healing from Past Hurts • Clara LaPort: Topics Change • Fill Maffei: Prayer Journey • Ruth Nazarrio: Trusting God • Louise Roberti: A Beautiful Life! Mark your calendar for these exciting events: •Spring Rally is on April 25th at the Hyatt Regency in Hauppauge. This event celebrates the diversity across Long Island as women from over 25 churches join together in praise, prayer and fellowship. Sister Joan Stewart will be our speaker. The theme this year is JOY! JOY! JOY! • May 30th we are planning a Ladies Tea, Speaker: Dr. Anna Ramos • June 27th is our monthly Breakfast and Breakout groups. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Clara at womensministry@godisable.org. Many Blessings, Clara LaPort | Women’s Ministry Coordinator LI Sectional Rep., Women of Purpose The Operation Blessing team works together to provide food to families in need in the church and the community. Food is distributed on the first Saturday of every month between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. You’ll find us downstairs in the fellowship hall. Please, if there is anyone in the congregation in need of food, or if you know of someone in the community who is struggling to make ends meet, just call the church office and let us know. We are here to help. After taking the month of January off to restock and recharge, we have since been “full steam ahead” on our regular monthly schedule! We are privileged to be the heart and hands of Jesus to approximately 40 families. We’re trusting the Lord for another wonderful year filled with His grace and provision and we’re praying for even more opportunities to be a blessing to those in need. Thank you to the many faithful volunteers who give of their time and talents each month to serve in this ministry. We want to thank as well those of you who donate money and/or groceries to help fill our pantry. In this regard, we would like to express our appreciation to both Joanne Raimo and Diane Dybus, who are graciously giving the proceeds of the wonderful books they have authored to the Operation Blessing ministry. “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Heb 13:16 Marguerite Monastero & Michael Micheletti 5 Spanish Ministry of Bethpage Hope that delay is torment of the heart, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12) The desire of many of us has been met. After a long winter, we have started to enjoy the beautiful spring and with joy and anticipation, we await the summer. It is our desire that you and your family enjoy this wonderful season of the year. As a Christian family, our Ministry also conducts many activities inside and outside our local church. We would like to share them with you hoping you will join us at any time. Rev. Carmen Garcia. Pastor. In addition to our regular activities on Sundays at 1:30pm, where we celebrate with a Service of Worship and praise, and Tuesday at 7:30pm with our time of prayer and Bible study, in the month of May on Saturday 9 at 6:00pm, we will celebrate a banquet in honor of Mother’s Day. On Saturday the 16th at 5:00pm, our children will celebrate their service and time of fellowship. On Saturday May 23 in the evening, our Couple’s Ministry will have their bimonthly meeting. During the months of June, July and August, we will celebrate specially scheduled services only on June 14, July 19 and August 16 at 7:00am until 8:30am. On those dates, we will have no service in the afternoons. These days we take advantage of the summer weather especially for recreational activities such as Picnics, pool days, trips to the beach, and BBQs. We are confident that with the favor of God we can all take advantage of this wonderful time of spring and summer and that in the midst of our enjoyment we always remember that everything we have comes from God and has been granted to us by Him. For this reason, we should take the time to come and praise Him in His house of Worship to thank Him for His many blessings toward us and for His immense mercy. We pray that all the blessings of God reach you and your family, and also that we can have the joy of seeing you at one of our services and meetings. I assure you that you will be very blessed and you will be always welcome. For more information on other activities feel free to contact us at (516) 934-0778. God bless you richly and abundantly Rev. Carmen Garcia. Pastor Life Groups Enjoying the Fellowship and the Studies needs and seeing answers to those prayers. We continue to hear wonderful testimonies come out of the group prayer sessions, proving that there truly is power in communal prayer! We are currently in the middle of our Winter/Spring 2015 Life Group semester and everyone is really enjoying this study of Revelation. We are using Dr. David Jeremiah’s “Agents of the Apocalypse” book as our guide and Pastor Sal’s Bible Study on Revelation also coincides well. We have some new people attending Life Groups this time around and it’s always nice to get others’ insight gleaned from their personal study of the Bible. The Book of Revelation has always been thought of as one of the more difficult books in the Bible to study, but everyone is getting a lot out of this Life Group semester and our meetings have been very engaging. If you have never participated in a Life Group, we strongly encourage you to join our next session. We will resume with a new book starting in late September 2015. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, we think it’s important to travel with others as we go through life’s trials. Life Groups represent the fullest expression of the church, where lasting friendships and life change happens. If you have any questions regarding Life Groups, not sure what they’re about, etc., please contact us at lifegroups@godisable.org. Best Regards and God Bless… Joe and Linda Nardulli One of the more powerful experiences in Life Groups is praying for each other’s GREETINGS from RIKERS ISLAND! The Bethpage Assembly of God Prison Ministry, in partnership with the Reach Out and Touch Prison Ministry (www.rotpm.com), continues to deliver the message of Jesus Christ to the incarcerated men and women of the NYC and NYS correctional systems. Through one-on-one mentoring, preaching, letter writing and bible study correspondence courses, ROTPM has seen amazing transformation in the lives of even the most hardened criminals; all the through the love, mercy, forgiveness and hope of our Savior. We have found the desire for Jesus to be nearly insatiable behind prison walls and we need workers to assist with the harvest. Won’t you please join us in the fight against the darkness? We understand the fear that prison garners but we promise that you will be blessed beyond measure. We need mentors, letter writers, website and media managers, and administrative support but more than anything we need your prayers! Please see Michael Luciano to understand how you can become involved. Be a Light! Welcome to 180 Youth Spring has finally arrived, and we are excited to expand our role within the church and the community. The Youth group just came back from the District Youth Convention and Fine Arts Competition in Syracuse, NY. We had 14 kids compete in different categories including Short Sermon, Dance, Vocal, Human Video, Drama, Photography among others. Our students put in a lot of hard work during practice and this lead to 13 of the 17 categories advancing with invitation to Nationals this summer. Our kids were so supportive of one another and could frequently been seen praying and encouraging the competing students. This attitude carried over into the nightly services as they opened their hearts to receiving God’s word. Overall, it was a fantastic trip and a great atmosphere. God truly blessed us. The leadership team has created a three-pronged approach for the upcoming months to give our youth maximum opportunity to grow. We will continue our Wednesday Bible Study from 7:30 - 8:30 PM to teach the word of God. We are going to continue our Friday Activity nights, and plan more group outings with our fellow Assembly of God Youth Groups. This will provide the children opportunity to share their ministry as well as meet other Christians their age and build friendships. Finally, we want to organize different community service events, so our youth can go out into the world and do the work Jesus has called us to do. Our group is open to all students in Middle and High School. If you are a parents and would like to receive more information about upcoming events, you can join our Facebook Group 180 Youth or email Steve Nichols at SLNichols5@yahoo.com to get email announcements. This is a very exciting time for our kids as they grow closer to the Lord. Thank you and God bless you, Steve Nichols 6 3