Please send an email to WCOCNEWS@aol.com if you have any questions regarding the announcements. 

Going Away Party for the Hoovers: This Friday we will be having an all church devotional/party to honor the Hoovers who have served our Worcester family during the last three years.

Ken & Rebecca Martin joyfully announce the birth of their daughter, born Friday, February 23 at 12:20 am, weighing in at 4 ½ pounds and 18 inches long.  She will be named today.

Reminder to Parents:  Please check your children out of their Kids Kingdom classes as soon after service as possible so the teachers may have an opportunity to enjoy the fellowship as well. Thank you for your consideration. 

We are still accepting application letters from any member that would like to go and serve the church in Albania in 2007.  Please forward your letters to Chris Efstathion.

Music Ministry meeting: Sunday, March 4 from 12:30 - 2:00, immediately following services. This meeting is open to any member of the church who has suggestions/ideas, or is interested in serving in any way in the Music Ministry (set-up, sound, singing, band, etc.). Please bring lunch if you want, as we’ll be able to eat while we have our meeting.

Now is subscription renewal time for www.DisciplesToday.com . US member subscriptions help 2nd and 3rd world churches have free access. It is $40 per year.

Preteen Camp:  Registration for Pre-Teen Camp, along with a deposit of $100 is due by April 7th.  Camp is scheduled for August 14 - 19.  The total cost is $320.  Please see Jerry or Lori Maday with any questions and to pay.

Prayer Requests:

Jeff Crumble & family need recuperation prayers for Jeff & his son after his kidney transplant. 

Rachel Efstathion and Molly Prince were both accepted to Hope’s Youth Core in Jamaica.  They need our prayers and support to raise funds to go.

Jayne Bartlett: recuperation prayers after a difficult test a week ago.

Honoring God in 2007

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.  Proverbs 3:9-10

It’s interesting that the tithe (giving a tenth of all you have or receive) is so prevalent throughout the writings of the Old Testament, but is rarely mentioned in the New Testament. From this fact, some have concluded that God no longer requires or expects 10 percent giving from his people. But the scarce mention of the tithe in the New Testament is evidence not that God expects less of us today, but that He envisions far more.  John the Baptist suggests 50% giving as he was baptizing (Luke 3:11) and Jesus was totally inspired by the poor widow (Luke 21:1-4) who freely gave 100% of all she had to live on.  No, the tithe doesn’t apply to us in the same way that it did in the Old Testament; it is only the starting blocks for a much more extravagant New Testament generosity.

I know that in my life, God has filled my “barns and vats” to overflowing as I strive to give beyond the tithe in all that I have.  I do not believe that God is some kind of magical investment planner.  When I stop and think about my wife, my children, a close and intimate walk with God and deep relationships in the body, I can easily say He has filled my barns to overflowing.

Sometimes I will hear, “I can’t afford to tithe; I am drowning in debt.”  Others feel that it is a sin to tithe, until they get out of debt.  We usually get into financial bondage by violating scriptural principles; it is not likely that we will free ourselves by continuing to do so.   The fact still remains that, regardless of how may bills a Christian may have, the firstfruits of his income still belong to the Lord.

For 2007, the leadership group has raised the weekly budget to $5,400 per week. This represents us moving towards the goal and expectation that we all tithe.

Honoring God comes first in everything we do.  As sons and daughters, we don’t give our Father the last, the least or the leftovers.   In 2007 and for the rest of our lives, let us decide to honor the Lord with our wealth.

Chris Efstathion

There will be a Music Ministry  meeting  on Sunday, March 4 from 12:30 - 2:00, immediately following services.

This meeting is open to any member of the church  who has suggestions/ideas, or is interested in serving in any way in the Music Ministry  (set-up, sound, singing, band, etc.) .

Please bring lunch if you want, as we’ll be able to eat while we have our meeting."

Thanks,

Rich Evans

Date of Sermon: 2/11/07

Date of Sermon: 1/28/2007

Please send an email to WCOCNEWS@aol.com if you have any questions regarding the announcements. 

Message from the Albanian Church: Hello church, In God’s name it is an honor to thank you for all the sacrifices you have done for us.  We know some of you who came to Albania, but we are grateful to all the brothers and sisters who sacrifice every day for us, and it is not about the money, but for the faith you are keeping high. You have to keep remembering that every single prayer from you to our God makes us stronger, just because we are brothers. Love, Erjon

Now is subscription renewal time for www.DisciplesToday.com . US member subscriptions help 2nd and 3rd world churches have free access. It is $40 per year.

Preteen Camp:  Registration for Pre-Teen Camp, along with a deposit of $100 is due by April 7th.  Camp is scheduled for August 14 - 19.  The total cost is $320.  Please see Jerry or Lori Maday with any questions and to pay

Prayer Requests:

• Jeff Crumble & family need recuperation prayers for Jeff & his son after his kidney transplant.
• Rachel Efstathion and Molly Prince were both accepted to Hope’s Youth Core in Jamaica.  They need our prayers and support to raise funds to go.
  

Lies of Satan - His False Beatitudes                       by Tom Caswell 

These have been around for awhile (maybe since the beginning of time) but they are still applicable and worth thinking about. Jesus preached the beatitudes at the Sermon on the Mount. Had Satan been there that day, his version of lies may have sounded more like this:

Blessed are those who enjoy noticing the mannerisms of the preacher, singers, and others in the service, and see that not all is right, for they are my best workers.

Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked, and expect to be thanked, for I can use them. 

Blessed are the easily offended and quick to criticize, who with a bit of luck may go "church-shopping" or maybe even stop going to church altogether, because they are my missionaries.

Blessed are those who have no time to pray or spend time in the book for they are easy prey.

Blessed are those who are too tired, busy or disorganized to meet with the body on Sundays AND other meetings of the body, for their heart’s are not in it.

Blessed are you when you read this and think it is about other people and not about yourself, for I’ve got you.

Please send an email to WCOCNEWS@aol.com if you have any questions regarding the announcements. 

Message from the Albanian Church: Hello church, In God’s name it is an honor to thank you for all the sacrifices you have done for us.  We know some of you who came to Albania, but we are grateful to all the brothers and sisters who sacrifice every day for us, and it is not about the money, but for the faith you are keeping high. You have to keep remembering that every single prayer from you to our God makes us stronger, just because we are brothers.

Now is subscription renewal time for www.DisciplesToday.com . US member subscriptions help 2nd and 3rd world churches have free access. It is $40 per year.

Congratulations Doug & Leila Kropp!  Elijah Warner Kropp was born on Monday, January 22nd at 4pm.  He weighed in at 8lb 4 oz, 21.5 inches.  Mom and baby are doing great.

Congratulations Felipe & Brandyn Bascones!  Their daughters Bryan Michal and Brett Malaya were born Friday January 26th at 10:47 and 10:48 am.  Bryan was 7lb 2 oz and Brett was 5lb 5 oz and both are 19 ½ inches long.  Mom and babies are doing well.

Preteen Camp:  Registration for Pre-Teen Camp, along with a deposit of $100 is due by April 7th.  Camp is scheduled for August 14 - 19.  The total cost is $320.  Please see Jerry or Lori Maday with any questions and to pay.


February Birthday’s

Laurie Morrow    Feb 1
April Elliott  Feb-6
Maria Filiere  Feb-6
Emmanuelle Jette Feb 6
Douglas Kropp  Feb 10
Nora Robbins  Feb 12
Lorena Vangjeli  Feb 12
Tim Rehberg  Feb 20
Penny McCormack  Feb 22
Yvon Arsenalt  Feb 23
Joe D’Onofrio  Feb 24
Denise Lemon  Feb 27

Prayer Requests:

• Jeff Crumble & family need recuperation prayers for Jeff & his son after his kidney transplant. He is back in the hospital at UMass(University Campus).  Jeff is in room 648 and the number there is:  508-334-4648.  It’s fine to call him and if you want to visit, please call first.
• Rachel Efstathion and Molly Prince were both accepted to Hope’s Youth Core in Jamaica.  They need our prayers and support to raise funds to go.
• Lori & Jerry Maday say thanks for all who served us during Lori’s phase 1 eye surgery. The kids are GLAD dad didn’t get to cook!
• Sue Buss’ daughter Rebecca has been diagnosed with possible cancer and is having surgery
• The Nunez family is in need of many prayers.  Ray Nunez has been recently diagnosed with a brain tumor; daughter Kaley has health problems, and son Alec has a severe form of arthritis type affliction that at times leaves him wheelchair bound.
  

   

11 days in 40 Years…Spinning Your Wheels?  Jerry Maday 

 Chris Efstathion and I were in Boston this week for a New England leaders meeting discussing the book “Breakout Churches” by Thom  Rainer. Gary Sciascia did a lesson there that gave me the idea for this article. In Moses’ account from Deuteronomy 1, the Lord records one of the most curious Bible factoids you could ever imagine. From the starting point at Mount Horeb (photo at left) to the destination the Israelites ended up 40 years later, the trip was described as “an eleven day journey”! (Deut.1:2) Wow! In other words, just past the shores of the Red Sea from Mount Horeb, to Canaan’s land is an eleven day journey by foot. And yet, the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert to get from point A to point B! Do you ever feel like that spiritually? I have from time to time! Let’s learn from Moses’ journey and see what will help us along “the narrow way.”

       I.      Dreams come true only AFTER YOU WAKE UP - Think about it. Israel was enslaved 400 years and Moses came to help them. They dreamed constantly about getting out of Egypt. And yet, until they– including Moses - “woke up” and realized God was trying to set them free, they didn’t support God’s plan! Do you see that God wants to bless your dreams? Wake up! Make your dreams align with his will. He is with you and will bless your faith as you put his will first! Wake up to the fact that God longs to use you and fulfill your life. Co-operate with his Spirit! Don’t resist. Otherwise, you will just keep spinning your wheels into the sands of time until you’re buried.

    II.      Realize the battle is raging around you – To reach their destination, the Israelites had to witness a few battles. Some were God sending plagues against Pharaoh. Some were actual battles they partook in. Some, they lost because they were ungodly. The truth be told, with Satan as our enemy, if we do not interpret all that happens around us as war, we will misinterpret reality. Why is there so much unclean trash and manipulative marketing on TV? Why is the internet pornography business raking in more money than Pro football, baseball and basketball combined? Why is gay marriage legal? The direct answer is simple. Because Satan is raging an all out war against all that is godly, pure, true and in accordance with God’s will. Do you see that and believe it? Are you fighting back with righteousness? If not, you’ll spin your wheels with the wrong perspective. Your priorities will be in the wrong place. Fight the good fight or be defeated without one!

 III.      Never give up on God’s Lead – In spite of the fact that Israel wandered in the desert “40 years on an eleven day journey”, the truth is that God was still leading them! He was with them in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night! All they went through was according to God’s plan and schedule. One scripture that has encouraged me for years and years is I Peter 5: 6: “Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” We do go through the deserts of life just by living in the world. God intends to put us through tough times and various forms of suffering to help us grow. In the darkest hours, see the pillar of fire in front of you! If you are with him, God is with you. He loves everyone and wants all to humbly accept his mercy and grace under the Lordship of Christ. God is leading you! Never give up! If you do, you will spin your wheels forever and ever. May, we, his people wake up, rise up in battle and never give up!

Date of Sermon: 1/21/2007

Please send an email to WCOCNEWS@aol.com if you have any questions regarding the announcements. 

New Evangelist & Women’s Ministry Leader:  Tom and Sydney Caswell were offered the position of Evangelist and Women’s Ministry Leader and have accepted the position.  Their expected start date is March 1.  Please pray for a smooth transition for them and the Hoovers.

Tom Caswell will be preaching next Sunday as he visits. He will e scheduled to do early communion also for Kids Kingdom. He is in town to have a home inspection completed.

Also - Now is subscription renewal time for www.DisciplesToday.com . US members subscriptions help 2nd and 3rd world churches have free access. It is $40 per year. (Graphic attached

Congratulations Doug & Leila Kropp!  Elijah Warner Kropp was born on Monday, January 22nd at 4pm.  He weighed in at 8lb 4 oz, 21.5 inches.  Mom and baby are doing great.

Congratulations Felipe & Brandyn Bascones!  Their daughters Bryan Michal and Brett Malaya were born Friday January 26th at 10:47 and 10:48 am.  Bryan was 7lb 2 oz and Brett was 5lb 5 oz and both are 19 ½ inches long.  Mom and babies are doing well.

Family Movie Night:  Family Movie Night on February 10th.  We will be showing the movie "Cars" at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall.  Tickets are on sale today for $2.00 per person.  Tickets include hot dog and popcorn.  We will have soda and water for sale.  Please bring your blankets and pillows and get ready for a great time with your family!  See Chris or Michelle Charon with questions.

Preteen Camp:  Registration for Pre-Teen Camp, along with a deposit of $100 is due by April 7th.  Camp is scheduled for August 14 - 19.  The total cost is $320.  Please see Jerry or Lori Maday with any questions and to pay.


February Birthday’s

Laurie Morrow    Feb 1
April Elliott  Feb-6
Maria Filiere  Feb-6
Emmanuelle Jette Feb 6
Douglas Kropp  Feb 10
Nora Robbins  Feb 12
Lorena Vangjeli  Feb 12
Tim Rehberg  Feb 20
Penny McCormack  Feb 22
Yvon Arsenalt  Feb 23
Joe D’Onofrio  Feb 24
Denise Lemon  Feb 27

Prayer Requests:

• Crumbles family needs recuperation prayers for Jeff & his son after kidney transplant.
• Both Rachel Efstathion and Molly Prince were accepted to Hope’s Youth Core and need our prayers and support to raise funds to go. Jamaica is the location this year!
• Lori & Jerry Maday say thanks for all who served us during Lori’s phase 1 eye surgery. The kids are GLAD dad didn’t get to cook!
• Sue Buss’ daughter Rebecca has been diagnosed with possible cancer and is having surgery
• The Nunez family is in need of many prayers.  Ray Nunez has been recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, his daughter Kaley, has health problems, Alec, has severe form of arthritis type affliction that at times leaves him wheelchair bound.