Summer, 2014 - Bethpage Assembly of God

Bethpage Assembly of God Church
P. O. Box 429; 362 Stewart Ave.
Bethpage, NY 11714
US POSTAGE
PAID
NONPROFIT
PERMIT No. 429
Bethpage, NY
Summer 2014
A Place where
God is Able!
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B I B L 14 - 378
Lead Pastor:
Rev. Sal Bennardo
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J u ly -931- i ls .
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det a
C a l l m o re
fo r
Spanish Pastor:
Rev. Carmen Garcia
Student Ministries &
Worship Directors:
Rob & Kristen Taormina
Kiddie Kollege Director:
Darlene Bennardo
Children’s Ministries
Director:
Stephanie Jurado
Interim Director Lisa Barrick
Church Secretary:
Annmarie Faggione
LIFE GROUPS • SEASON WRAP-UP
Church Administrator:
Carol Eppolito
Dear Family of Faith,
We had a great Winter/Spring Life Group
session, covering Francis Chan’s “The
Forgotten God” – a book about rekindling
our walk with the Holy Spirit. This book
included a companion DVD and the video clips we watched before
each meeting provided thoughtful, engaging insight into each chapter.
We forged new relationships, prayed for each other and enjoyed
fellowship on a different level in the intimate Life Group setting.
One of the more powerful experiences in Life Groups is praying for
each others’ needs and seeing answers to those prayers. This season
a member of our Life Group, Joanne Raimo, received a miraculous
healing from cancer! A healing that she feels, “would not have
happened had I not been part of a Life Group. The group has had a
tremendous impact on my life.” Other prayers were answered as well
- There truly is power in communal prayer!
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
the week of September 22nd, 2014. No matter where you are on your
spiritual journey, we think it’s important to travel with others as we go
though 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 atlifegroups@godisable.org.
Best Regards and God Bless…Joe and Linda Nardulli
Bethpage Assembly of
God Church
P. O. Box 429;
362 Stewart Ave.
Bethpage, NY 11714
(516) 931-2378
www.godisable.org
From My Perspective
Pastor Sal Bennardo
I hear some people say, “Who needs the church!” My response to that is, “I do!”
WHY I NEED THE CHURCH
1. It keeps my life in perspective and it helps me answer “Who am I?”
2. It lets me say “yes” to God in the middle of a “no” world.
3. I draw strength and encouragement from the atmosphere of worship, the teaching of the word, and the presence of the
Holy Spirit.
5. It shows my family what is of greatest value to me.
6. It says to my friends & neighbors that I am a person under authority.
7. It puts me in an intentional place where I can know God and learn more about His ways and His will for me.
8. It lets me hear again and again, that God loves me from people I love and respect.
4. It sends a clear and positive message to all 9. It allows me to meet God in a place that welcomes Him wholeheartedly.
the negative messages that try to invade my space every day.
10. I happen to like the pastor’s wife…
Please come to one of our many events throughout the summer. After all, in the final
analysis, who needs the church? We all do!
Dear Friends & Neighbors,
Join us for Sunday Services:
9:00am & 10:30am including Children’s Services
Spanish Services: 1:30pm
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
Carol Eppolito, Editor
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“LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE AND IN OUR LIKENESS...” (GEN 1:26)”
Part 2 by Elder Dan Buttafuoco
The rest is history. The
following is excerpted
from one of many
histories of George
Washington Carver’s
life readily available
on the Internet:
Cotton had long been the South’s primary
agricultural crop. But planting cotton
decade after decade, without rotating
crops, depleted the soil. Mounting debts
plagued farmers. George urged farmers
to reinvigorate their soil by planting
peanuts and sweet potatoes. After some
persuasion, farmers made peanuts and
sweet potatoes number one in the South
by devoting more and more acreage to
these crops. The trouble? No real markets
existed for peanuts or sweet potatoes.
No one wanted to buy the product, so it
rotted in the fields, and farmers lost even
more money. This disaster nearly crushed
George. Deeply concerned, he prayed to
God: “Mr. Creator, why did you make the
peanut?”
…And an inspiring answer…..
George later wrote that God led him back
to his laboratory. There, through hard work
and persistence, he discovered that some
300 valuable products could be made—
and marketed—from the peanut. Among
them were cooking oil, mayonnaise,
cheese, shampoo, instant coffee, flour,
soap, face powder, plastics, adhesives,
axle grease and pickles.
From the sweet potato, Carver derived
more than 100 products such as starch,
library paste, vinegar, shoe polish, ink
and molasses. As a result of these new
products, the demand for peanuts and
sweet potatoes soared. Economists and
agriculturalists agree: George Washington
Carver did more than any other person to
revive the South’s economy.
When he died in 1943, Carver’s epitaph
read. “He could have added fortune to
fame, but caring for neither, he found
happiness and honor in being helpful to the
world.”‘
Mr. Carver was honored for his life and
contributions by the President, political leaders
and the major business leaders of the day,
including Henry Ford. He was a remarkable
man all because of a simple prayer and a
simple desire to help others. HE PUT HIS FAITH
INTO ACTION!!
I believe strongly in that way of life. Young
Christian Leaders Scholarship Program is
a scholarship offered by Buttafuoco and
Associates, a Christian personal injury law firm,
to potentially great young Christian believers
of college age with the ability and potential
to reach the world in a significant way for the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is not only
to be preached (something Evangelicals do
constantly, but not always effectively) but it is
also to be lived (something that we need to be
more effective at). The world will only listen to
our testimony if they observe the love of God
at work in our lives. The Example of George
Washington Carver provides a clear guide as
to how the world can be served, the Kingdom
of God can be advanced and the God of all
wisdom and love can be glorified. It presents
Christians in a positive light as world changers,
responsible adults and as people who care to
right wrongs, live pure and love others. That is
Christ’s command, is it not?
Operation Blessing
LETTER FROM STEPHANIE
Food Pantry
My dear family & friends,
God bless you all! It is my great blessing to share with you how amazingly faithful God
has been to me. I finally have met my Africa, my children, the ones I have loved from
long ago. Thank you for your prayers. Know that I am well and that you, family, church,
friends, children’s ministries, job, are also in my prayers.
I came to Africa to learn how to love and I have started this beautiful journey with the
best teachers, my children. Three months will not be enough. I am working in a project
with nearly 100 children. I directly serve 22 orphan children. I am also teaching math
and English in the nearby school. To know these kids and their families is to know real
love, love that is not subjected to things or what one can get, but in giving and in unity.
They might eat from the same plate, but they don’t see it as food shortage or a reason
to complain, but as a reason to love one another.
I thank you for your support and words of encouragement while I was getting ready to
start this time in my life. It is because of you that I am here, too. God bless you!
Stephanie A. Jurado
WE ARE SO EXCITED TO BE
LAUNCHING OUR NEW WEB SITE!
PLEASE VISIT US AT
Girls Ministries
As the year comes to an end, we have enjoyed watching the girls grown in their relationship
with Jesus. Throughout the year, the girls enjoyed many fun activities and helped others
along the way: we made blankets for abused children, brought in food for Thanksgiving
baskets, attended bully prevention classes, attended a concert by Evangel University, had
an Easter egg hunt, had a bake sale, a fun father/daughter night and an end of the year Ice
Cream Sundae party! The middle school girls in the Friends group got together at church
a few Friday nights to bake items for the bake sale, make crafts together and fellowship. On June 4th 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
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We currently have approximately 60 families on our list
and that number is always growing. People from the
community contact the church on a regular basis to ask
to be added to the list of people who receive food every
month. If anyone in the congregation needs food, please
let us know; we are here to help when the going gets
tough.
And finally, thank you to those who donate money to help
purchase the food and to those who pray for the recipients
of the food and the helpers on the team. We are all on the
team to bless those in need. “A generous man will
himself be blessed for he shares his food with those
in need.” Proverbs 22:9
Editor’s Note: If you did not read Part 1
of this message, please call the church
office and we will be happy to get you
a copy.
Girls Ministries is a club for girls of all school ages 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.
We distribute food to needy families on the first Saturday
of every month. Thank you to everyone who currently
helps out with this ministry; We couldn’t do it without the
many helpers who volunteer their time and talents every
month as well as their willingness to help. We are in need
of additional helpers to carry food to the cars and help with
a few deliveries. Again, it’s only once a month for a couple
of hours. If you are able to help out, please contact the
church at 931-2378 to let us know.
WWW.GODISABLE.ORG
AND SEE WHAT’S NEW!
More photos on page 4
HELPING HANDS MINISTRY
Helping Hands Ministry continues to be a blessing to both the people it serves and to the people serving. we started this ministry about two years ago in hopes of lightening one another’s burdens in their everyday life as well as in difficult times. it is simple one hand helping another.
We offer meals for people who may have recently gotten out of the hospital or who are
having health issues. we also offer meals to families who have had a new addition and
just need a helping hand! we have been continually growing and have branched out in
many different ways. Where there is a need...we try to meet it.
if you or anyone you know has a need and would like a fellow Christian to come along side
you, please let us know and we will do our very best to help you. you can simply call the
church office or call/email me directly at
516-447-1562 orconnieluciano@aol.com
God Bless You, Connie Luciano
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REGULAR
WEEKLY EVENTS
Sundays:
Worship Services at 9am and
10:30am (Nursery provided for
both services)
Spanish Services at 1:30pm
Tuesdays:
10:00am: Intercessory Prayer at the
Ministry Center
1st & 3rd mornings: Bible Study at
Riker’s Island
Wednesdays:
7:30pm: Mid-week Bible Study
& Service
7:30pm: Youth Bible Study
7:30pm: Royal Rangers &
Girls Ministries meet
7:30pm: Mid-week Spanish Service
Fridays:
Mornings at Riker’s Island
7:30pm: 180 Youth Group
Saturdays:
1st Sat. of Each Month:
Operation Blessing
3rd Sat. of Each Month:
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
KIDS POWER AND LIGHT
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
The Kids Power and Light Ministry is growing
every week and God is doing wonderful things
in our children’s lives! It’s hard to believe that
the school year has come to a close and we
have come into the summer season. I am so
blessed to once again have the opportunity to
act as the Interim Children’s Ministry Director
while our dear Sister Stephanie Jurado has
gone on a missions trip to Africa. Stephanie
is doing the thing that is closest to her heart,
teaching children about Jesus. Please remember
to pray for her and the children she is caring
for in your daily prayers. Our children here
at Bethpage will be participating their own
summer home missions project for Stephanie’s
children in Africa. They are so excited to once
again have the opportunity to send their love to
another continent. Details for this project will be
announced soon.
We are so very blessed to have such wonderfully
dedicated K.P.L. teachers. There is a Sunday
School class for every age group from birth
to middle school. Our classes are fun and
interactive! Sunday School classes are available
for the 9:00, 10:30 and 1pm Spanish services
and they run continuously throughout the year.
Parent volunteers are always needed and most
welcome. If you are interested in lending a hand
with this incredible ministry, please see Lisa
Barrick. We are so proud to announce that 2 of
our children, Timothy and Annika Weber, were
water baptized this Spring. We are very proud
of these two young people who have made this
incredible decision to follow Jesus through the
waters of baptism. May God continue to always
bless them.
I am always so thankful, week after week to
hear the testimonies of God’s faithfulness to
our children and their families, prayers are
answered, people are healed. These children
know that God is able to do anything. Please
continue to pray for this ministry. These children
are not just the church of tomorrow, but they are
the church of today!
But Jesus called unto him and said, “Suffer the
little children to come unto me, and forbid them
not: for such is the kingdom of God.” (Luke
18:16)
Lisa S. Barrick, Interim Children’s Ministry
DirectorDirector
Women of Purpose The spring season for women’s ministry here at Bethpage Assembly of God
was filled with some wonderful events. Just to highlight a few: our LI Section
Spring Rally was held in April where they announced that Clara La Port, a
member of BAG, will be the new Section Representative for Long Island. Clara
is a precious sister in the Lord and has many gifts the Lord will use to further
His Kingdom. We congratulate her and will uphold her in our prayers as she
begins this new position.
Our Senior Connection Small Group, led by Tricia Simonson, enjoyed many
activities. In March they were blessed by Betty Collin’s sharing her testimony,
and in April, they enjoyed a Passover lunch. It was a catered event with the
help of Gloria Projan, who is a Jewish believer. Tricia shared that the Senior
Connection small group has been a blessing to her and all who attend. Every
month they do something different, and it is always fun and exciting. The Lord
always shows up and blesses the ladies. In May they discussed nutrition, and
in June, they will be going to the Milleridge Inn for their annual luncheon.
End of Summer Social:
Tuesday, August 26th @ 7 PM
(Rain date: 8/28/14)
Details to follow shortly
Convention:
September 25 – 27
Women’s Retreat:
October 10 – 12
Kay Arthur Conference: Hawthorne Gospel Church
Saturday, November 15th
Christmas Brunch: (With speaker)
Saturday, December 13th
Most of our small groups will be off for the months of July and August and will
resume in September. However, please mark your calendars
for the following upcoming events:
Pat Kaminsky | Coordinator for Women of Purpose
KIDDIE KOLLEGE News
Several years ago, I shared a message with our community of faith entitled,
“Preparing Our Children For the Future”. It was based on the story from John 6 of
the young lad who shared his lunch with Jesus and subsequently He was able to
feed 5,000 + people. Now, I know that the scripture doesn’t say where that lad’s
lunch came from. But, I believe it’s safe to assume that his mom prepared that meal
for him.
As parents, we need to take note of the small truths that the scriptures imply to
us. We must prepare our children for what lies ahead of them in this life which
begins at a very young age, doing some very basic things. Kiddie Kollege Pre-school
is a part of that “preparing”. As the youngsters attend, day after day, they are
instructed academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually all in an effort to help
them become well-balanced and achieve their God-given purposes. Did you know
that God has a plan for your child’s life?
We are ending our year come June 20th. It’s been exciting to see the growth in
each child from the first day of enrollment until the last day of Graduation. We are
truly blessed to be a part of the “preparing” process.
The dates of our Summer Camp program are July 8th - August 21st. This is a great
way to keep your child active through age appropriate enrichment, arts & crafts,
music, indoor, outdoor and sprinkler play and, of course, the faith element. It’s
offered 3 days a week (TWTh) 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for ages 3 - 6 and 10 a.m. - 12
noon for age 2 .......with affordable rates.
More photos and
letter from Stephanie
on page 7
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And, before you know it, September will be here and the children will be returning
to school. We still have availability in our 10 month school year program for
2014/15. So, don’t delay! Give us a call at 516-822-4241, whether it be for summer
or September, and let us join you in preparing your child for the future.
A happy and healthy summer – Darlene J. Bennardo Director
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Spanish Ministry
of Bethpage
“There is a time for
everything and a season
for every activity under
Heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Greetings and Happy summer to all members of
the family.
What a wonderful opportunity the Lord has
given us to receive (and enjoy) this longawaited season once again. Finally “Summer”
is here and as the Bible says: Everything has
its time” It’s time for Vacationing - Some will
travel abroad; others will travel here in the
states and some will vacation locally, sharing
time with friends and family --- going camping,
to the beach, BBQ and much more.
The Spanish Ministry as a Family of Faith has
prepared a special program for the months of
June, July and August aimed at promoting and
maintaining unity among brothers and sisters.
Part of this program includes one service in
each summer month from 7:00 am to 8:30 am
instead of our regular service at 1:30 pm. The
first service will take place on Sunday June 8th,
the second will be held on July 10th and the
third will be on August 10th. This change will
take place only for the Sundays listed above
and we have no afternoon service that day.
Rev. Carmen Garcia. Pastor.
For more information,
please call (516) 934-0778
For the month of June “Women of Faith”
and “Men of Valor” Ministries will have their
customary meetings on the first and third
Saturday of the month respectively. On July
4th we will have a congregational picnic and
on Saturday July 19th an afternoon BBQ will
be prepared by the men. Additionally, for the
whole Church of Bethpage and surrounding
communities, beginning Monday July 14th to
Friday July 18th the long awaited ‘Vacation
Bible School “ week for both children and
adults: For the month of August the various
ministries of the church will conduct their
meetings outside to take advantage of the
summer weather. On Friday August 29th
couples reunion and on Sunday August 24th we
celebrate “Family Sunday “ .
We trust the in the Lords blessing as we enjoy
this time while meeting our commitment to
Christian worship in the house of our God. We
hope you and your family have extraordinary
summer and have the blessing of visiting some
of our meetings. For more information please
contact us at (516) 934-0778 . Thank you and
God bless you abundantly.
Regular
Schedule of Activities
➢
Sunday 12:00pm / Discipleship
1:15pm / Worship Service
➢
Tuesdays 7:30pm / Prayer and Bible Study
➢
Thursdays & Fridays 7:30pm / Life groups
➢
2nd Saturday of each month
9:00am / Fasting and prayer retreat
➢
3rd Saturday of each month
7:30pm / Men’s Meeting
➢
Bimonthly Vigil
Bimonthly Women’s Meeting
The Bible and Personal Change
through Counseling
Eugene Simonson, LMHC
“…one thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” John 9:25
Even as Christians, we can be struck by
certain kinds of blindness that can affect
our walk, our relationships, and rob us
of our joy. One type of blindness is to
our identity. We may underestimate the
presence and power of our indwelling sin,
or that we can become overtaken in our
sin (Gal. 6:1). This blindness may cause
us to go after ‘God replacements’ in our
life compounding the problem. The other
side of our identity is the one we have
in Christ. As a believer we are a new
creation, with a new identity, in a new
family, and with all the privileges and
power that goes with it.
Understanding these conflicting identities
is important, because we are going to
live out one or the other. Sometimes our
sinful identity has roots that entangle us
and seem to hold us in bondage as we
endeavor to live out our Christ identity.
These roots may be watered by memories
of trauma, unhealthy coping mechanisms,
anger, or a host of other reasons. They
can create difficulties in our life that can
cause us to become confused about, and
perhaps even doubt God’s promises.
Through Bible-based Counseling, we can
explore and apply God’s word to these
issues. It can be a process in which we
can understand God’s perspective and use
it as an opportunity for God to increase
our Christlikeness and continue the
process of growth in our lives. If you or
anyone you know would like to know more
about the Counseling services at Bethpage
Assembly of God, please contact the
church office or call 516-780-0444.
Prayer Chain
Ministry
To our family of faith,
Daisy and I are excited to report to you the
overwhelming response we have received to the
Prayer Chain Ministry.
We currently have approximately 60 volunteers
serving in the ministry. On average, we receive
about a dozen requests per week either by a
phone call (to the church during normal business
hours) or via email or a call to us directly. The
request is then distributed either by a calling post
message or via emails & texts. At times we use
all means available to communicate the prayer
request. God is answering prayers as people are
experiencing the healing touch of God.
Often times we hear many “thank you’s” for the
comfort that this ministry provides, as the family
of faith has direct access to a group of dedicated
Christians who go boldly before the throne of grace.
We are grateful for this opportunity to serve and if
you would like to participate in this ministry please
let us know.
God bless you, Art & Daisy Jimenez
MEN’S MINISTRY / NEWS
SUMMER 2014
The last time I sat down to write for the spring newsletter there was snow still on the ground and
we were looking forward to nice weather. Well, God is faithful and summer has arrived just as he
planned it. He is always right on time.
Speaking of being on time, for those of you who signed up for the Men’s Retreat - the deposit of $100
is due. Please see me with the deposit so that you get credit for it. If you are interested in going but
have not signed up yet, it’s not too late. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow in Jesus.
We will continue to enjoy our monthly men’s breakfast on the 3rd Saturday of the month during the
summer. I look forward to seeing you there.
Remember Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another.”
Be blessed.
Elder Dan Collins
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