First Baptist Church of Pocasset

Dear Friends,

When you are concerned about a decision that you need to make, or when someone speaks to you angrily and all you want to do is respond in kind — what happens next? We all know “stuff.” We have facts on our side and Bible verses in our back pockets. We all have knowledge. We all have expertise in one area or another. But do you have experience in receiving revelation from God? For the Christian, that is a very important question. I think many people never give prayer a serious thought and, when faced with a situation, they simply act on impulse. They may think that prayer is for when you need something — but is it for wisdom? Is it to receive a word from God? And, if we did pray, if we asked God for specific direction, how would we know if He answered?

How do you connect your faith — your relationship with God — with what the Holy Spirit is doing in your heart and mind? And then, are you enabled to do the right thing in the eyes of God? How do you make decisions so that you can have confidence that what you are doing is what the Lord would have you do?

* * * * *

This Week @ Pocasset Baptist Church

Sunday, February 19

• 7:00 P.M. We lead worship at Cape Cod Senior Residences.

Tuesday, February 21

• 7:30 P.M. Men’s Ministry in the Alpha Room is a time of encouragement, prayer and Bible study in the Gospel of Mark, specifically designed for men.

Wednesday, February 22

• 6:30 P.M. The Glory of God on Cape Cod regional prayer meeting at Falmouth Church of the Nazarene, 292 Brick Kiln Road, East Falmouth. Our worship team will lead worship. Please come and join with Christians from all over the Cape to seek the Lord together with us.

Thursday, February 23

• 7:30 P.M. Our Ministry to the children of the families of Primary Purpose. Jonathan Jensen, Liz de la Cour, and Lisa O’Reilly will be on hand to bless the kids. Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who took a baby bottle home to fill with loose change in support of A Woman’s Concern in Hyannis. It’s time to turn over those couch cushions, grab the coins hidden there, empty those pockets, and fill your bottles, as the day to return the baby bottles has arrived. Please bring your filled baby bottle with you to worship this Sunday! Thank you.

The Lord has been blessing our ministry to the children of Primary Purpose families! Please join us at 7:30 P.M., on Thursday nights and help us love the kids for Jesus’ sake. There’s a sign-up sheet so we can know we can count on you!

A special word of thanks to you who are praying faithfully for the recovery groups that meet in our church and for the prayer needs that are shared with us. Keep praying and keep believing — God is moving in the lives of those for whom you are praying!

Testimony Night: We’re planning a night of testimony before Easter, consisting of 4-6 brief personal stories about how YOU found Jesus, had a prayer answered, or other significant spiritual experience intended for people who don’t know God. Each speaker would work with the team to prepare their talk. If you are interested in participating, please email Laura at mysterywench@gmail.com.

The Membership Covenant is available on the Information Table for you to sign if you are committed to our church’s Mission and Vision. Whether you are able to sign or not, we welcome you to walk with us as a church!

* * * * *

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. — Romans 12:12

I underwent minor surgery last Friday, for my foot. The surgery wasn’t bad but the recovery is very trying — especially as I’m hobbled by a big, inflexible boot for the next month!

But at least I know my affliction is only temporary, and that in a few weeks I’ll be walking normally again. As I struggle to go a few steps, I think of people who have lifelong afflictions for which there is no cure. And I feel very blessed!

We could look at our lives here on Earth that way as well — a temporary affliction. Someday God will wipe away our tears, heal the wounds in our bodies and our souls, and we will see the realization of our “joyful hope.”

What better reason could there be for use to be patient and faithful, and to spread the word of God’s great love for us?

In His Precious Name,

Laura

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday, we were joined by representatives of The Glory of God on Cape Cod: Dr. Mamdouh Riad, Pastor Tom Clark, and Pastor Stephen Russell, who shared the urgency of the hour and encouragement for us to be involved in what God is doing in this region. We were also given a copy of the DVD of the mutual vision shared by a number of Cape Cod pastors. The talks that were given will soon be posted on the sermons page of our church’s website and the video is available for download at The Glory of God on Cape Cod.

As the talks progressed, though, I found myself being challenged by the Lord. Scripture was read and interpretations were given based on personal study and reflection. In fact, Dr. Riad more than once suggested we make a personal study as a way to discovering what God means by the “glory of God.” That is when the Lord challenged me with the message for this week: How do you receive from the Lord? Do you depend only on what your pastor presents on Sundays? Do you have a regular time where you are seeking the heart of God, getting to know Him and His purpose for your life? How do you know when God is speaking to you? Can you sense the voice of God amid the clamor of life? How does the Spirit of God interact with us so that we are able to receive from Him, and not have always to depend on being fed by someone else?

Join us this Sunday, and let’s worship, let’s seek the Lord, and let’s allow Him to feed us and refresh our hearts as we open His Word. To prepare, meditate on Ephesians 1:15-21, and be ready for a message entitled, “Stay Thirsty, My Friends.”

* * * * *

This Week @ Pocasset Baptist Church

Sunday,February 12

• 11:30 A.M. Immediately following worship, everyone who is involved, or wishes to be involved the ministry to the children of the families of Primary Purpose is invited to the Blue Sunday School Room for a planning meeting. God is blessing this ministry and we need your ideas!

Tuesday,February 14

• 7:30 P.M. Men’s Ministry in the Alpha Room. Men – join us for a Bible study in the Gospel of Mark!

Thursday, February 16

• 7:30 P.M. Our Ministry to the children of the families of Primary Purpose. Dana Pruett, Ruth Leech, and Liz de la Cour will be on hand to bless the kids. Thank you!

A sign-up sheet will be offered so you can have a part in our ministry to the kids of Primary Purpose. Please say you’ll be here to bless the kids and their parents!

Please pray for for God’s anointing on the ministries of Dereck and Lea Plante (Kompong Thom, Cambodia) and Timber Leech (Sendai area, Japan).

Our worship team has been asked to lead worship at the next regional prayer meeting of The Glory of God on Cape Cod, at 6:30 P.M., on Wednesday, February 22, at the Falmouth Church of the Nazarene at 292 Brick Kiln Road. Put this date on your calendar and join us!

Baby bottles are available on the Information Table. Please take one home and fill it with your spare change, bringing it back on February 19 in support of A Woman’s Concern in Hyannis.

Testimony Night: We’re planning a night of testimony before Easter, consisting of 4-6 brief personal stories about how YOU found Jesus, had a prayer answered, or other significant spiritual experience intended for people who don’t know God. Each speaker would work with the team to prepare their talk. If you are interested in participating, please email Laura at mysterywench@gmail.com.

The Membership Covenant is available on the Information Table for you to sign if you are committed to our church’s Mission and Vision. Whether you are able to sign or not, we welcome you to walk with us as a church!

* * * * *

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. — Mark 1:35

Sometimes it feels like the only peaceful place is in bed, with the lights out. And when there’s a lot going on in your life, even that can feel too busy, as your mind flips from problem to problem looking for solutions.

This world is way over-stimulating. So much going on all the time… little screens and big screens that want our attention, little crises and big crises that need to be solved, nonstop input that needs to be processed and dealt with in some way. Emails, texts, cell phone calls, news alerts… our lives are like a CNN screen, crowded with banners, feeds, images, and noise. No wonder we’re such an ADD culture!

Jesus wisely rose before everyone else and slipped off to a quiet spot to pray. But even if you can’t get away, you can find the peace of God deep within you. Take a moment to focus on that, reminding yourself of what’s truly important. You will find a sweet, soul-cleansing oasis in the midst of chaos.

In His Precious Name,

Laura

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, February 5, 2012, is not only a Communion Sunday for our church, but it is also Cape Vision Sunday. What is Cape Vision Sunday? A number of years ago, the Lord began to speak to some pastors on the Cape about the lack of any real sense of God’s manifest presence in this region. Yes, from time to time people would be saved and Christians were growing in their faith. But there is no sense that God is moving in a mighty way or doing great and awesome works in this region. Divorce, drug and alcohol addiction, and the associated criminal behavior increase unabated, along with poverty and homelessness. Also, within the Cape’s population there is a growing sense of, if you think God is so great, where is He? Where is your God?

That question and the accompanying conviction that this spiritual void ought not remain, led pastors to meet for prayer and fasting. Finally, an invitation went out for a Cape-wide Sacred Assembly that was held on Yom Kippur, September 22, 2007. Since then, we have continued to meet regularly for prayer and worship and to seek God, that He might reveal Himself in a mighty and wonderful way to all the churches on Cape Cod that name the Name of Jesus.

On Sunday, Pastor Tom Clark and Pastor Stephen Russell, along with Dr. Mamdouh Riad, will represent The Glory of God on Cape Cod to our church family. We will see the new high-definition video that tells the story through the words of a great number of Cape pastors. You will have a chance to hear and see what God is doing, not only in our own fellowship, but throughout Cape Cod. Don’t miss this Sunday!

* * * * *

This Week @ Pocasset Baptist Church

Tuesday,February 7

• 8:30 A.M. Leave PBC for The Glory of God on Cape Cod prayer breakfast in Dennis.
• 3:30 P.M. We lead worship at Bourne Manor Extended Care Facility, MacArthur Blvd, Bourne.
• 7:30 P.M. Our Men’s Ministry meets in the Alpha Room and will begin a new Bible study in the Gospel of Mark. If you are a man, who is not currently involved in a group Bible study, we cordially invite you to join us!

Thursday, February 9

• 7:30 P.M. Our ministry to the families of Primary Purpose. Our ministry to the families of Primary Purpose. Mike, Samantha, and Zoe Mahony are signed up to help. Thank you!

If you were not able to sign the Membership Covenant for 2012 last Sunday, copies are available on the Information Table. Please complete the page with the requested information and leave the form on the Communion Table.

Please remember to pray for Timber Leech, serving with Samaritan’s Purse in the Sendai area of Japan, and for Dereck and Lea Plante, serving with YWAM in Cambodia.

Thank you for your generous offering of $661.00 to help Casey Clough go to Israel this May.

Baby bottles are available on the Information Table. Please take one home and fill it with your spare change, bringing it back on February 19 in support of A Woman’s Concern in Hyannis.

Testimony Night: We’re planning a night of testimony before Easter, consisting of 4-6 brief personal stories about how YOU found Jesus, had a prayer answered, or other significant spiritual experience intended for people who don’t know God. Each speaker would work with the team to prepare their talk. If you are interested in participating, please email Laura at mysterywench@gmail.com.

Upcoming

• Our Men’s Ministry will offer a new Bible study in the Gospel of Mark, beginning on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 7:30 P.M.
• Re: our Ministry to the families of Primary Purpose: We have no one signed up to minister to the kids on February 23. Please make a point of adding your name and giving of yourself in this needed and much-appreciated way.

* * * * *

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. — Psalm 23:4

Being ill isn’t all bad.

That might sound a little crazy, but I find during illness that God draws me closer. If I’m so sick I’m unable to do anything but lie very still, it’s so much easier to hear him than it is when I’m surrounded by busy-ness and distraction.

This week I was pretty well flattened. But I found great comfort in God’s presence, and the verse above kept sounding in my head. I was nowhere near death (although I felt like I was!), but I trusted God and knew he was with me. And that’s the point.

My favorite hymn says it best:

“When peace, like a river attendeth, my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say:
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”
– Horatio G. Spafford

In His Precious Name,

Laura

Dear Friends,

Making a commitment is a scary prospect for many of us — whether in romance, finance, or with respect to our relationship with the Savior. We’d like to slide through life easily, with few struggles and fewer difficulties, the wind always at our backs. Truth is, without making commitments, we will languish in the doldrums of mediocrity forever. When we married, it was because we did not want to simply “live” with someone; we wanted life-long commitment and love, and we took the necessary steps to secure those.

On Sunday, January 29, 2012, each one of us who has been seeking the Lord over recent weeks, will come together to say, “Yes!” to the Lord and to each other.

We will also gather around Timber Leech, as this week he will leave for the Sendai area of Japan to be a much-needed volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse, in the reconstruction of the area devastated by the March 11, 2011 tsunami and earthquake. For those of you who live far away from the Cape, please remember to pray for Tim’s safety and for his ministry in Japan.

Also, Dereck and Lea Plante are in Kompong Thom, Cambodia, teaching English to the people, and sharing the love of God, while on the outreach phase of their discipleship school. Please be praying for God to use them to make a positive impact for Jesus.

These are people who are answering and discovering God’s call on their lives, taking risks, seeking to be obedient to God’s invitation to follow Him into the world. They are examples to us of what it means to be a Christian wherever we are located.

* * * * *

This Week @ Pocasset Baptist Church

Tuesday, January 31

• 7:30 P.M. Men’s Ministry in the Alpha Room, offering fellowship, Bible study and prayer for the men of our church. This week, we will study Psalm 105.

Thursday, February 2

• 7:30 P.M. Our ministry to the families of Primary Purpose. Judy Plante, Michael and Dana Pruett will minister to the children. Thank you very much!

This Sunday is Covenant Member Sunday. We appreciate that you’ve been praying about your commitment to the Lord and to our church. The Membership Covenant is enclosed in your bulletin and you will be asked to sign it during our service.

Last Chance: If you were not prepared to give an offering last Sunday to bless Casey Clough and his study trip to Israel, please give this week. Make your check out to our church and we’ll send one large check on Casey’s behalf. Thank you!

Baby bottles are available on the Information Table. Please take one home and fill it with your spare change, bringing it back on February 19 in support of A Woman’s Concern in Hyannis.

Testimony Night: We’re planning a night of testimony before Easter, consisting of 4-6 brief personal stories about how YOU found Jesus, had a prayer answered, or other significant spiritual experience intended for people who don’t know God. Each speaker would work with the team to prepare their talk. If you are interested in participating, please email Laura at mysterywench@gmail.com.

Upcoming

• Next Sunday, February 5, is Cape Vision Sunday. Pastors representing The Glory of God on Cape Cod will worship with us and share the vision God is giving to see the manifest presence of God come and Cape Cod won to Christ.
• Our Men’s Ministry will offer a new Bible study in the Gospel of Mark, beginning on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 7:30 P.M.
• Re: our Ministry to the families of Primary Purpose: We have no one signed up to minister to the kids on February 19 and 23. Please make a point of adding your name and giving of yourself in this needed and much-appreciated way.

* * * * *

One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” — Matthew 22:35-37

I wrote a love letter to God this week. Here’s an excerpt:

“When all is quiet and I can be myself, I know that all I really want is to be with you, to be all yours. I know I don’t deserve all the love and care you lavish on me, but it doesn’t matter. You accept who I am and help me to grow ever better and stronger.

“All those years I spent looking — even after I first met you and knew, deep down, that you were The One — you stood by me. When everything fell apart, you picked me up. Over and over again, you were there — no matter how far I strayed and what shameful things I did while I was away from you, you took me back without even a scolding. Your love and kindness were reprimand enough.

“I’m back out in the world today, busy with work and theater and life in general. I want to carry you with me to keep my heart open to those around me — as open as yours has been to me. I can never love or serve you enough to thank you for what you’ve done for me. I need nothing but you.”

In His Precious Name,

Laura

Dear Friends,

Making a commitment can be a frightening thing! Yet, many people want to give themselves to have a life of significance. We don’t want to just limp through life, wishing we had taken a stand that meant something. Well, as Christians, that never should have to be a problem. God has planted you here. In the Bible, God has provided us with plenty of incentive to see our families, friends, co-workers, neighbors — and the people who live on the other side of the globe — find the love of God for them. Our significance is in Christ alone.

As we prepare our hearts to make a commitment to the Lord that we will be His church in the Upper Cape, we are seeing how the Bible supports our covenant. This Sunday, January 22, 2012, we will look at the next two commitments regarding serve in the ministry of our church and supporting the ministry of our church. It is exciting to me, as a pastor, to see the way God is working in our church. It is almost as if God wants to see people coming into a saving relationship with Himself!

* * * * *

Casey Clough will share this Sunday concerning his trip to Israel this May. We are going to receive and offering this week to help him make this dream a reality. He needs $3,700 to be raised and be sent to Springfield, MO by February 3. If you can help him, it would be a wonderful way of saying “Thank you” for Casey’s service to our church over the last several years. If you will not be in worship this week, please make your check out to the Center for Holy Lands Studies, including only 2012 Bible Lands Study Trip in the memo, and send your gift attention: Sheila Mixer, 1445 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802. If you will join us this Sunday, we will receive a special offering.

Men, you’re invited to the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship of America. Starting January 21, 2012, we will be holding monthly meetings on the third Saturday of every month at 8:00 A.M. at the Hyannis Golf course on Route 132. There will be breakfast, worship and a guest speaker sharing a testimony of how God transforms lives that are yielded to Him. This is a great tool for evangelizing and an opportunity to hear the gospel in a way that is often more personal and effective than in our church settings. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Charles McLain at 508-444-6856, or cmclain_2000@yahoo.com.

This Week @ Pocasset Baptist Church

Tuesday, January 24

• 3:30 P.M. Bourne Manor Extended Care Facility Worship Service.
• 7:30 P.M. Our Men’s Ministry offers encouragement, Bible study and prayer for the men of our church. This week, we will study Psalm 104.

Wednesday, January 25

• 6:30 P.M. The Glory of God on Cape Cod regional prayer meeting will be held at Gateway Christian Center, Route 28 in Cotuit.

Thursday, January 26

• 7:30 P.M. Our ministry to the families of Primary Purpose. Only Ruth Leech is signed up to help with the children — please say you’ll be there to be a blessing to the kids.

Upcoming

• We will distribute baby bottles to fill with loose change to benefit A Woman’s Concern in Hyannis. Please bring your bottles back in four weeks, February 19, filled with change, in support of this worthy ministry to women here on the Cape.
• Next Sunday, January 29, is our Covenant Member Sunday. We will ask the congregation to sign the Membership Covenant and decide to be the Church of Jesus Christ! We will also pray for Tim Leech as he prepares to leave for five weeks of ministry to Japan with Samaritan’s Purse, in support of churches in the region of last March’s earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disasters.
• February 5 – Cape Vision Sunday. Pastors representing The Glory of God on Cape Cod will worship with us and share the vision God is giving to see the manifest presence of God come and Cape Cod won to Christ.
• Our Men’s Ministry will offer a new Bible study in the Gospel of Mark, beginning on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 7:30 P.M.

* * * * *

I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. — 2 Timothy 1:6-7

I don’t believe God wants a fearful obedience, following the law to the letter to avoid dire consequences. Jesus tells us that all the “thou shalt nots” of the ten commandments are summed up in two great commandments: love God with all your being, and love your neighbor as yourself. Where is the fear in that?

All we need to do is choose God’s love over our own cowardly, petty ways. To use the vernacular, “Well, duh!” It’s a no brainer — but in the heat of day-to-day life it’s so easy to stray. Isn’t it wonderful that God lovingly reels us back to Him, if we let Him?

In His Precious Name,

Laura

Dear Friends,

My family and I have a treat in store for us this weekend. My sister-in-law Faith will visit us and will be here for Sunday morning worship. Please join us in worship, and while you’re here — stop and say, “Hi!” to Faith. Stan and Faith’s mission, Asian Access, recently entered into a strategic partnership with SIM USA. Their responsibilities will remain the same, but SIM will handle recruitment, training, and financial accounting for Asian Acess (A2). A2 will be free to engage the Asian culture and the Asian church for Christ.

This Sunday, January 15, 2012, falls on the Martin Luther King weekend. Former WBZ-TV news anchor Liz Walker will be the featured speaker at the MLK Service of Remembrance at the Federated Church of Hyannis, 320 Main Street, at 3 PM.

More than a year ago, we made a decision to be a church that takes seriously the invitation of the Lord Jesus Christ to serve Him and to call the Upper Cape community to worship Him as Lord. We formally accepted the fresh vision God gave us, and we received our mission to reveal the saving love of Jesus Christ as a Safe Harbor.

To prepare us for Covenant Member Sunday on January 29, we will engage in a review of some basic discipleship material between now and then. These are truths we never outgrow, and also never really master — which means we all will benefit from these studies. It is a Biblical mandate for the church to teach the basic truths of the Christian life so we are always learning and always seeking to defeat our sinful natures, depending on God’s grace to lead us to maturity. Our scripture references will come from a variety of places throughout the Bible, so please bring your own Bible and dig deep with us this week!

* * * * *

This Week @ Pocasset Baptist Church

Sunday, January 15

• 7:00 P.M. We will lead worship at Cape Cod Senior Residences. Please come out and support us!

Tuesday, January 17

• 7:30 P.M. Our Men’s Ministry meets in the Alpha Room as we offer encouragement, Bible study, and prayer for men. This week, we’ll study Psalm 103.

Thursday, January 19

• 7:30 P.M. Our ministry to the families of Primary Purpose. Samantha Mahony, Zoe Janicki, Mike and Dana Pruett will be on hand to care for the kids. Thank you!

Upcoming

• Timber Leech will be headed to Japan for his winter mission trip early next month. Before he leaves, we’ll have an opportunity to hear his vision for what he’ll be doing.
• Dereck and Lea Plante are asking for prayer as they serve in Cambodia. They are seeing a heightened level of spiritual warfare, and need an increase in prayer support.
• On January 22, we will receive an offering to help Casey Clough with the expense of his Holy Land Tour with Zion Bible College. Please pray for him to reach his goal, and then let’s do what we can to help him!
• The next Cape Cod regional prayer meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25 at 6:30 at Gateway Christian Center on Route 28 in Cotuit.
• Our Covenant Member Sunday is January 29.
• A Cape Vision Sunday for our church is set for February 5.

* * * * *

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace. — 2 Corinthians 1:12

People certainly do not expect holiness and sincerity these days. Long experience has prepared them for sarcasm and hostility. If we operate according to worldly wisdom — which prompts us to “look out for Number One” — no one will be surprised. Most likely, no one will even notice.

Imagine co-workers’ surprise when, instead of becoming defensive, someone confesses a mistake and apologizes sincerely. Imagine a family member’s surprise when they’re listened to with respect and sympathy rather than ridicule and impatience.

Now imagine the world’s surprise when all Christians behave this way!

Jesus modeled patience, kindness, sincerity, holiness, and great listening skills. Isn’t that what we should be modeling? And, best of all, wouldn’t that make everywhere we go a holy place?

In His Precious Name,

Laura

Dear Friends,

Casey Clough will lead worship this Sunday, January 8. Part of his music studies at Zion Bible College entail leading worship at one of our services of worship. You may not know this, but Casey has been working as a music intern for our church for the last several years, all at his own expense, and with very little help from us. Also, Casey now has an opportunity to travel to the Holy Land this spring. His funds for that trip are due in less than a month and we would like to have a chance to help him. Over the next few weeks, we will receiving offerings to help pay Casey’s airfare to Israel. Please pray and please help!

A Big Thank You to Vivian Ellis for organizing last Sunday’s dinner following Gabe Brunelle’s baptism service! It was wonderful in every way.

Once in a while there is a word that is given, which is not just for me or for you, but is for us, as a church and for us as a region. During this past week, I attended a prayer meeting for area pastors where we studied Jude 17 – 25 in the context of our calling to Cape Cod. I don’t know how all the other pastors may feel, but I believe that we are invited to benefit from this word from the Lord found in that passage of Scripture. Our new year has begun and we have most of the next twelve months to discover and walk in God ‘s purpose for us. We should not delay or while away the opportunities God has for us. Let’s decide to move forward together.

We will renew our covenant with the Lord and with each other at the end of January. If you will be away on January 29, or unable to attend worship on that day, please let me know and we will supply you with a covenant for 2012 that you can sign.

* * * * *

This Week @ Pocasset Baptist Church

Tuesday, January 10

• 7:30 P.M. Men’s Ministry meets in the Alpha Room, providing fellowship, Bible study and prayer for the men of our fellowship. This week we will study Psalm 102.

Wednesday, January 11

• 8:15 A.M. Leave for the Glory of God prayer breakfast in Dennis.
• 3:30 P.M. Bourne Manor Worship Service
• 7:00 P.M. All who helped us put on the Alpha Course — please come to an Evaluation of our Alpha Experience in the Alpha Room. We need to hear your voice!

Thursday, January 12

• 7:30 P.M. Our ministry to the families of the Primary Purpose AA group. Tim Leech is signed up, but he’ll need help! Please say you’ll be there!

Sunday, January 15

• 7:00 P.M. We lead worship for the residents of Cape Cod Senior Residences.

Upcoming

• The next Cape Cod regional prayer meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25 at 6:30 at Gateway Christian Center on Route 28 in Cotuit.
• Our Covenant Member Sunday is January 29.
• A Cape Vision Sunday for our church is set for February 5.

* * * * *

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. — Philippians 4:8

This verse is so popular, so well-worn, it may seem hackneyed. But I frequently turn to it when I need to get back on track.

Even in something as simple as watching TV or choosing a book to read, it’s tempting to go for the thriller or comedy or some kind of mindless entertainment. But a steady diet of things with no content can weary your spirit. Turning to wholesome, inspirational fare clears your mind and nourishes your soul.

Likewise, steering your mind toward holy thoughts and prayer is a much healthier decision than letting yourself get caught up in the world.

In His Precious Name,

Laura

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to everyone! There are many opportunities for parties this week, so please, friends — drive carefully and use a designated driver. Marian and I are actually looking forward to staying home and enjoying some time together. Staying up to midnight is my usual modus operandi, so there’s not much of a thrill in doing it just to see a ball drop!

However, as we get this New Year of 2012 underway this Sunday, there are a couple of items need to be mentioned first:

Thank you all for the Christmas gift Marian and I received on Christmas Day! As Marian will be out of work for more than a month after her back surgery, that gift will be a huge help in keeping us afloat until she is able to return to her jobs. We deeply appreciate your generosity and love!

Second, many — indeed, MOST — of the members of our church are deeply involved in one ministry or another, true to our commitment to be a ministry-focused fellowship of believers. Thanks to all of you for your faithfulness and your perseverance during 2011. A lot of American churches are happy to have 80% of the ministry performed by 20% of the people — not so in our church. I am so proud of you!

Last year, as a result of our church’s involvement in the Center for Excellence in Church Leadership (CECL), we initiated a Church Membership Covenant, discarding all of the old definitions on membership (e.g., “My parents belonged to this church and so I’m a member, too.”). Now, if we want to belong to this church, we require each of us to make a conscious choice to be a member. Belonging means agreeing to support the purposes of our church, the leadership of the church, and becoming personally committed and involved in the ministry of the Gospel. While we are by no means a big church, we are by any definition a church that is engaged in ministry and in reaching our community.

Having a baptism this week is an excellent opportunity for us to examine the reasons why we are here, to whom we belong, and to what we are called. While that might be a frequent topic for us, it is really important that we be very clear about our purpose as a church. A great place for us to begin is to examine the last words of Jesus as He left His disciples in Matthew 28:16-20, in a message titled, “Re-Membering.”

We will renew our covenant with the Lord and with each other at the end of January. If you will be away on January 29, or unable to attend worship on that day, please let me know and we will supply you with a covenant for 2012 that you can sign.

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This Week @ Pocasset Baptist Church

Tuesday, January 3

• 7:30 P.M. Men’s Ministry meets in the Alpha Room, providing fellowship, Bible study and prayer for the men of our fellowship. This week we will study Psalm 102.

Thursday, January 5

• 7:30 P.M. Our ministry to the families of the Primary Purpose AA group. This week, Judy Plante, Michael and Dana Pruett are signed up to minister. Thank you!

Upcoming

• Our next worship service at Cape Cod Senior Residences will be Sunday, January 15 at 7 PM.
• The next Cape Cod regional prayer meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25 at 6:30 at Gateway Christian Center on Route 28 in Cotuit.
• Our Covenant Member Sunday is January 29.
• A Cape Vision Sunday for our church is set for February 5.

Dear Friends,

Last Sunday we sang a worship song we haven’t sung since probably last Christmas, and it’s one I really love, based on Isaiah 60: 1, which says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” The song and the scripture really forms the nucleus of what I feel the Lord would have me share on Christmas morning. Christmas is the story of the light of God overcoming darkness. When the windows of heaven opened and the glory of the Lord was so brightly revealed, no wonder the shepherds were terrified.

I want to encourage you to invite your family and your friends to join you here on Christmas Eve for coffee and desserts at 6:00 P.M., in Fellowship Hall, and our Service of Carols and Candle Light to follow at 7:00 P.M.. Part of the service will feature a slide presentation, written and produced by Judy Plante, set to music and starring members of our church. We’ll enjoy the traditional carols, hear a Christmas message, and close the service quietly singing “Silent Night.”

On Christmas Morning, I encourage you to come to worship. The temptation to stay home will be huge: you figure that you’ve worshiped already on Christmas Eve; there’s a dinner to prepare; and, there are children anxious to open presents. But, why not decide to give Jesus His present — your unfeigned worship — before you give way to everything else? Come on Christmas Day dressed comfortably and give Jesus the honor and praise He deserves to receive from those His love and His death on the cross has saved — that’s us!

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There are openings on the schedule for ministering to families with children who attend the Thursday evening Primary Purpose AA group. Please sign up and help!

This Week @ Pocasset Baptist Church

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24

• 6:00 P.M. Our Christmas Eve will begin with dessert and coffee in Fellowship Hall, followed by Carols and Candlelight in the Worship Room — and a nativity slide show!

Christmas! Sunday, December 25

• 10:00 A.M. Join us for a joyous time of worship and carols, giving God praise for our Savior, Jesus!

Tuesday, December 27

• 7:30 P.M. Men’s Ministry meets in the Alpha Room, providing fellowship, Bible study and prayer for the men of our fellowship. This week we will study Psalm 102.

Thursday, December 29

• 7:30 P.M. Our ministry to the families of the Primary Purpose AA group. We need your help! We have no one signed up to minister to the kids for this evening. Lord, provide willing workers, in Jesus’ name!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

• At our morning praise and worship service, we will have a time of Communion and also observe the Ordinance of Baptism as Gabe Brunelle is baptized. Invite family and friends to witness this act of faith. Following the service, lunch will be offered. Please speak to Vivian Ellis and see how you can help.

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He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” — Revelation 2:15

For many people, Christmas is a difficult time. All the emphasis on happiness and family has an adverse effect, because either their experience of family was not a happy one or because their family has gone or changed. TV ads, movies, and songs make them feel like freaks because their Christmases are bleak and sad.

I’m not saying they’re wrong to feel sadness. For many years my Christmas depression began in August! My family holidays were nightmarish and best not recounted. But when I found what was truly behind Christmas — the peace and humility in that stable — God changed my heart and helped me feel the blessing of the season.

At first it was hard for me to let go of all the bad memories because they had made up my identity for so long. But when I finally realized I had a choice and could embrace a new idea of Christmas, the pain was washed away.

God truly makes all things new, inside and out!

In His Precious Name,

Laura

Dear Friends,

Laura