Thursday, November 22, 2007

Bountiful Blessings!

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. I hope you had a happy and blessed day spent with those you love. We have so much to be thankful for. A roof over our heads, food to eat, clothes to wear, a vehicle to drive, a means of heating & cooling our homes, and the list goes on and on. We have been blessed with families near and dear to our hearts; not only biological families but a family of brothers and sisters-in-Christ. I encourage everyone to take a moment and think of all the blessings we have and how fortunate we are to live in a country where we are free to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Many folks this holiday season will be without the warmth of a home, a job, or good nutritious food to eat. Families will have loved ones far away from home as he or she serves in our Armed Forces. Please remember them in your prayers (as I am sure you already do).

This year has certainly been a roller coaster of sorts for me. I was promoted to Business Manager at work back in April and it has been quite the challenge. I am thankful though that God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I hope and pray each day that I will do the best job I can and will manage as effectively as I can. Unfortunately, it hasn't been easy. There have been bumps and turns along the way that have required extra patience and energy. There have been times when I wonder if I did the right thing by accepting the position. Never the less, if those who elected me person for the job, I am sure they had enough confidence in me to do so. I just hope I don't disappoint them or God. It is also especially challenging in that I do have a quick temper at times, I tend to over-analyze everything and am a perfectionist to a certain degree. It takes some "adjusting" of the thought process to accept that not everyone does every task the same. If God intended for us to all be just alike, He wouldn't have created us the way He has.

There are times when it feels as though everyone is pulling in all different directions and there isn't enough of me to go around. Unfortunately, due to the stress involved with the situation (as with any job) and "retreating" unto myself, some things have gone lacking. One thing being my attendance in church. That should be a top priority and I am sad to say that over the past months, it has not been. I still read my daily devotion and don't intend to stop doing so. I need to be back in church so it can help me keep a better frame of mind. Please pray for me that God will grant me the peace, patience and understanding to do my job and that it doesn't take a toll on my health. Please pray for me in that I will soon return to His house to worship with His children.

In other news (and as this blog isn't meant for me to unload my personal problems), we have a few activities taking place within the next week. Remember to mark the dates on your calendar so you don't miss out on anything!

The youth will be sponsoring a chili/baked potato luncheon this Sunday, Nov. 25th immediately following the morning worship service. Donations are being accepted and are greatly appreciated!

The deacons are asking for our help in meeting the church goal of $60,000.00 for a new church bus. We currently have $25,675.12 (as of Nov. 11th's bulletin). Please give as God leads you in contributing to this need.

The annual North Town Parade/Tree Lighting will be held this Sunday, Nov. 25th. The parade is scheduled to begin at 4pm. The tree lighting will begin at 5pm (with fireworks after the tree lighting). Evening worship services at our church have been cancelled so that everyone is able to attend the parade and tree lighting. Come out and enjoy this time of fun and fellowship with others in our community!

Anyone wishing to place flowers in the church in honor or in memory of, is welcome to do so. If you are interested, please write your name on the flower calendar located on the bulletin board by the counting room.

I imagine the youth will continue their annual Christmas card delivery. The time will soon arrive that cards will need to be addressed and stamped for delivery by the post office as well as for delivery at church. Help support our youth with this inexpensive way to have cards delivered to those in our church. The cost of delivering each card has been $0.25 in years gone by. I imagine it will be the same this year. When I have more concrete information pertaining to this, I will be sure to post it here!

I believe that covers all I have for now. If I have overlooked anything, please let me know. My email address is: nricha4903@hotmail.com.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)

Monday, November 12, 2007

Hello! I hope everyone has been doing well. We have several activities that will be taking place over the next few weeks.

First of all, Men's breakfast will be Sunday, Nov. 18th. Breakfast will be served at 8am in the fellowship hall. Men of all ages are invited and encouraged to attend. Invite a male relative or friend to join you this Sunday!

We also need to remember our pastor in our prayers as he is away at a conference for a couple of days. Our Minister of Students will be attending the National Youth Worker Convention from Nov. 15-17th. May they have a safe journey going to and returning from the conventions.

The Community Thanksgiving service is being held at North Pentecostal Holiness Church with our pastor as the guest speaker. I believe the service will begin at 7pm, but I am not 100% positive. I will find out and post that information once I have it.

The church office will be closed Thursday, Nov. 22nd in observance of Thanksgiving. Remember to count your blessings and offer up your thanks to God for the opportunities we face to tell others about Jesus.

Crafts galore: don't forget to pull out your checkbook and head for the church this Sat., Nov. 17th. The craft bazaar is being held from 9am until. I have to work that morning, so I may not be able to see all the wonderful things that made by those that participated in this activity. I am sure everyone did a good job and those who purchase items that day will receive a craft that was made with much love. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a new church bus.

Flower committee: those who would like to place flowers in the sanctuary in honor or memory of a loved one, please put your name on the calendar by the counting room.

The Annual North Christmas parade and tree lighting will be held on Sunday, Nov. 25th. I believe the parade starts at 4 and the ceremony and tree lighting will begin at 5pm. I will find out more information pertaining to this as well and will post that information here as soon as I receive it.

I think that covers all I have for now. If I have left something out, please email me and let me know. My email address is nricha4903@hotmail.com.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)

Friday, November 02, 2007

Time Change

Good Friday evening to each of you. I trust that your week went well. We have lots of things happening around our church over the next few weeks. So get your pen and calendar and mark the dates!

First off, don't forget to "fall back" Saturday evening before going to bed. That way you can make sure you arrive on time.

There will be a XYZ meeting Friday, Nov. 9th. The meeting will be held in the fellowship hall at 6:30pm. The whole church is invited to this function. Entertainment will be provided by "The Edisto Singers". A meal of turkey and dressing will be provided. So come on out and join in the food, fellowship and fun! Don't forget to invite a friend or two to join you!

The first annual craft bazaar will be held on Sat, Nov. 17th from 9am-until. I am sure we are all in for a treat with the crafts that have been made. Come out and show your support. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a new church bus. Items such as Christmas decorations, craft, gifts, etc. will be for sale. There will a soup and cornbread lunch available that day as well.

Flower Committee: anyone wishing to place flowers in the church in honor or memory of a loved, please put your name on the flower calendar locaoted on the bulletin board by the counting room!

Attention youth and children: you have many activities planned for the next few weeks. The youth will have a chili/baked potato fundraiser Sunday, Nov. 11th immediately following the morning worship service. There will be a Youth Committee meeting after the fundraiser.

Also, SNAC will take place after the evening worship service on Nov. 11th. Then on Nov. 30th the youth group will go ice skating.

If you have a child (or if you know of another child) who wants to participate in the children's activities, make sure you listen out for information pertaining to upcoming events for your child.
They don't want to miss out on the fun and fellowship!

The Community Thanksgiving Celebration will be held at North Pentecostal Holiness Church Wed., Nov. 21st. Tis a wonderful time to come together with our brothers and sisters-in-Christ to give thanks to the One who makes it all possible!

The Community Tree-Lighting and Christmas parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 25th at the town square.

Our pastor will be attending the South Carolina Baptist Convention in Florence, SC. Let's remember him in our prayers as he travels to and from the convention.

The fall associational revival will be held Nov. 4-6. The services will be held at First Baptist Church of Orangeburg. The Director of Evangelism at the South Carolina Baptist Convention will be the guest speaker.

And two other very important things taking place this month is Homecoming and Thanksgiving. Homecoming is this Sunday, Nov. 4th. It's always a good time to catch up with those who have moved away and come back just for homecoming. There is always lots of good food and desserts to partake of. And the fellowship is wonderful as well. So if you know of anyone who would be interested in attending, make sure you get in touch with them soon. There will also be special during the service. The children, youth and adult choirs will be joining together for a special performance. It isn't every day that the three groups get to perform together. Am sure everyone will have a wonderful time (as always).

We must remember to give thanks for all that we have been blessed with. Thanksgiving is a day that provides that opportunity. Although we shouldn't wait until Thanksgiving to give our thanks to the Creator and Lord. He has so richly blessed us and deserves the credit for our blessings. Nothing would be possible without Him.

I believe that covers all I have for now. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)