Monthly Planner - March 2013

1 - 
2 - LIVE Worship @ 6PM
3 - Sunday School @ 9AM - Worship @ 10AM - Spring Revival Small Group @ 6PM
4 - Weight Watchers @ 5:30PM - Men's Bible Study @ 7PM
5 -
6 - Lenten Service w/Pastor Bruce @ Noon - Spring Revival Small Group 
7 -
8 - Girl's Nite Out (Youth Girls 7 - 12) 5PM until 9AM Saturday - this is an overnight activity
9 - LSCoG Cares Meal Making @ 10AM - LIVE Worship/Communion @ 6PM
10 - Sunday School @ 9AM - Worship/Communion @ 10AM - Spring Revival Small Group @ 6PM
11 -  Weight Watchers @ 5:30PM - Men's Bible Study @ 7PM
12 - Play Grp. @ 10AM - Gideon's @ 6:30PM - Business Dept. Mtng. @ 7PM
13 - Lenten Service @ Noon @ Presby Church - Spring Revival Small Group 
14 - Growth Dept. Mtng. @ 7PM
15 - Parent's Nite Out @ 6 -10PM - sign up in the Welcome Center
16 - LIVE Worship @ 6PM
17 -  Sunday School @ 9AM - Worship @ 10AM - Spring Revival Small Group @ 6PM - Youth Bowling Tournament @ 6PM
18 - Weight Watchers @ 5:30PM - Men's Bible Study @ 7PM
19 - Anderson University Chorale @ 7PM
20 - Lenten Service @ Noon @ Presbyterian Church - Spring Revival Small Group @ 7PM @ the Church
21 - AAA Lifeservice Banquet
22 - Play Group @ 5PM
23 - LIVE Worship @ 6PM
24 - Palm Sunday - Sunday School @ 9AM - Worship @ 10AM - last Sunday night Spring Revival Small Group @ 6PM @ the Parsonage - Youth @ 6PM
25 - Weight Watchers @ 5:30PM - Men's Bible Study @ 7PM
26 - Play Grp. @ 10AM - Ladies Nite Out @ 6PM
27 - Lenten Service @ Presby Church @  Noon - Spring Revival Small Group @ the Church @ 6:30PM (last night)
28 - Maundy -Thursday Service @ 7PM/Seder Meal & Footwashing & Communion
29 - Good Friday Services - Youth @ Joe's Gym/Lock-In
30 - LIVE Easter Worship @ 6PM
31 - Sunrise Service @ 7AM @ Trinity Point - Sunday School @ 9AM - Easter Service @ 10AM - No Youth

Trinity Point Project - Update March 2013

We want to give an update on the Trinity Point Church of God project starting with a recap of some of what had been discussed up to this point in time. 

Since this building project began we have been able, by the grace of God, and along with your generosity and sacrifice, to pay cash for the purchase of the property, blue prints, site development expenses, garage, and all that has been a part of getting to where we are today in the development of the Trinity Point Church of God with our own funds still available.

Since we made the announcement in May 2011 of the total cost of the project, the Finance Team has been exploring all kinds of options and looking for creative ways to finance this project.

The Bible says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (Prov 16:9 NIV) Since the discussions started several years ago, we have been intent on following God’s direction and many times we have had to assess and reassess our thinking and seek out and cry out to God for  direction. We indeed want God to determine our steps and He has and continues to do just that.

Several times we’ve changed our thinking and timeline for building based on seeking out the will of God. The Scripture says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Prov 15:22 NIV) 

In their meeting on January 19, 2011 the Finance Team along with the Building Committee came to this conclusion:

1). We need to be fiscally responsible.  With the money we currently have available from savings and what has been collected in the “New Building Fund” we should start the project and go as far as we can with the money we have, doing it in 4 phases. This was suggested and recommended by  Delta Contractors as well and agreed upon by the Building Committee.

Phase 1): Pad ready, all the site preparation done in first phase and paid for.  (90%complete as of February 2013)

Phase 2): Get building up and under roof and paid.

Phase 3): Complete interior of building. This will add time to the project, but will help us to save a significant amount of money based on our “sweat equity.” The more we can pay as we go, the more we will all save in interest on a loan and also could eliminate the need for ongoing  “New Building Fund” commitments that would stretch out 15 – 20 years. Please be advised, however, this timeline has to be flexible based upon our ability to raise the necessary funds to build and that, in turn, will determine also if we need to borrow money to complete the building project. 

Phase 4): Paving of the parking lots and driveways, landscaping and all necessary finish work for completion of the site.  

2). Ground Breaking Ceremony: We broke ground on June 10, 2012. A great day of celebration and encouragement for our Church Family.  

3). Borrow, only if necessary, we will be assessing carefully all the way through the project to make the necessary arrangements, and if necessary, do a conventional loan to work on the project.  We will be working on this as we are starting into phase 2 and preparing for phase 3.

4). Go into another “New Build Fund” Campaign that has begun in October 2012 and will run through October 2015. We have had committed for these three years $644,000. Knowing what the commitment is helps for the planning and management of the project. It also gives the Finance Team and the Business Department the ability to get a timeline together for financing and working with the banks.

5). Savings realized: Simply put, the more we are able to pay cash for the project, the more savings we will realize from interest and all that we are able to save are “ministry dollars” that can be used for other ministries in our church. The Finance Team believes that we should do all we can to keep interest dollars to a minimum and to be fiscally responsible even during the negotiating to secure a loan from a bank. 

This project and direction from God will take all of us sacrificing to make this a reality. I can promise you that God will bless each one who is willing to make the sacrifices necessary in their lives to labor toward expanding the Kingdom of God. We have collectively among us great resources that we can use sacrificially for the Lord. 

I want to thank the Building Committee and the Finance Team for all their prayers, seeking out the will of God, and the sacrifice of their time and talents. They are doing an awesome job and we still have a long way to go. However, we are definitely going in the direction that God wants us to go.

I want to also thank you, our Church Family, for all your support both financially and spiritually. Your willingness to give sacrificially over and above your tithe will not go unnoticed by God. We have a long way to go but God is faithful and will bring to completion what He calls us to do.

The Liberty Street Church of God is definitely on fire for the Lord and His Kingdom, we need to keep the momentum going and keep moving forward with this building for the sake of our community and the opportunity to better minister to those around us.

Please keep praying and sacrificing as we plow the fields of Clarion.

(Mat 9:37-38 NIV)  Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. {38} Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Building Committee Finance Team

Clyde Bish: Chairperson 
Brent Long: Chairperson

J.J. Ferguson  & Jim Kriebel: Co-Chairperson

Joe Ferguson - John Rupert - Jim Christie - Matt Lerch - Brent Long -Brian C. Burford

Judy Wilson - Shane Kriebel - Pastor Jonathan Spencer - Scott Allen - Nancy Jeannerat -     Mike Johnston - Pastor Bruce Wilson

God bless you all as we step into the water together (Joshua 3:13),

Pastor Bruce

Birthdays & Anniversaries - March 2013

Birthdays

3/2 - Matt Conner & Michael McCloskey

3/4 - Betty Wood

3/5 - Bridget Thornton

3/7 - Betty Barger

3/9 - Shawn Miller

3/14 - Melissa Whitling

3/15 - Sonny Cicero

3/16 - Brian Burford & Cameron Girt

3/17 - Edna Burford

3/18 - Cheryl McNany

3/19 - Mason Burford, Kelsey Martin, Collette Vickers

3/22 - Sandy Snell

3/24 - Logan Emings

3/26 - Zelda Smith

3/27 - Anna Kriebel

3/29 - Jim Thornton

3/30 - Richard Pyne

Anniversaries

3/6 - Fred & Phyllis Traister

AAA Lifeservice Newsletter - January 2013

January 

Dear AAA Friend:

An out of the blue blessing arrived recently that we are praising God for.

             The month of January provides AAA Life Services with unique opportunities to speak in some of our supporting churches, as we once again acknowledge another year of legalized abortion in America. January is not the only time we communicate our mission, but on this 40th anniversary AAA and millions of others across our land commit once again to upholding the sanctity of all human life.

             Because of our supporting churches and the people that attend them the doors of this ministry stay open year after year. As we steward the financial resources that God provides we appreciate the chance to articulate how those resources are put to use and how that results in impacting lives with His truth. I think it is called being accountable.

             It was while I was at one of our supporting churches and sharing an update that I thanked this church for a recent donation. The decision to send us this donation came after a discussion at the church council meeting on our plans for a new partnership in 2013 to increase our impact with Clarion University students. I said it was our desire for this gift to be designated as seed money for that partnership. My hope was that we wouldn't need to use it for our mortgage or electric bill.

             Interestingly, I later had someone ask me how much our mortgage is, which I readily told them.  A few weeks later a note and check arrived for that very amount. The note explained that when this individual drove by our building they felt God was telling them to make a donation. As they prayed the amount they felt God was communicating was a mortgage payment, but they didn't know how to go about finding this out. That day God put all the details together. How amazing is that!

             Additionally, January is also the month we launch both of our major fundraisers. We begin the plans for our Fundraising Dinner and we start the first round of the Baby Bottle Boomerang Fundraiser. During this month a huge amount of our time is spent on these two projects because their success significantly affects what we can and cannot do the rest of the year. Then in the midst of what feels like a daunting task, God blesses us with this gift from heaven.

             In case you're wondering, our mortgage payment is $678.38 and we would be humbled to have others come forward and do what this friend has done. However, we are certainly grateful for each and every donation that we receive. At the end of the note that accompanied the check are these words:

Giving glory to God,                                                                                                                                          Diane Fagley Executive Director

P.S. Details on the new partnership for AAA in 2013 will be shared at the Fundraising Dinner on Thursday, March, 21st at Gemmell Multi-Purpose Room on Clarion Unversity.

Bulletin Announcements - March 2013

If you are new to Liberty Street C.O. G. (in your mailbox is a blue sheet with needed family information). Please place these in the secretary's mailbox.  The church mailboxes are located in the Narthex & arranged alphabetically.  Please check your mailboxes for information we may have placed in there.  If you are unsure if you have a mailbox, or you do not have a mailbox & want one, call Tammy @ 814 - 226 - 8672. You are important to us & we need to keep you updated on all activities!
Also, we have Sunday School classes for all ages.  Nursery , Preschool, K-2nd, 3rd - 5th, Jr. Youth, Sr. Youth & 3 Adult classes... check us out today!

For all that have email availability... go to the Church Blog for your February Newsletter.  You can find us @ www.clarionchurchofgod.blogspot.com

We are offering a "Live Worship Telecast" in the Fellowship Hall to help accommodate the seating needs of our growing church!  Praise the Lord!  Anyone is welcome to check it out & share in this new Worship extension.   With video recording of the service in this way, we will also be able to improve our outreach to our shut-ins by giving them our worship on DVD.  Finally, if you are absent from church on Sunday & would like a copy of any of our Sunday morning sermons, please call the church office. We would be happy to send you one. 

WWCH Channel 1300 on AM Broadcasting @ 11AM every Sunday...  The first Sunday if every month a pre-recorded service from Liberty Street Church of God with Pastor Bruce will be heard.  If you are unable to attend church on any Sunday morning, tune in to AM 1300.

Come to Prayer Meeting!!  Update:  Prayer Meetings  -- the first Wednesday night of each month.
As a church body, we have just finished studying the Holy Spirit, & what the role of the Spirit should be in our church & in our lives.  Jim Cymbala, the author of When God's Spirit Moves, says "The power of the Holy Spirit comes when people pray."  
We have an opportunity now to put this into practice corporately at our monthly prayer meetings on Wednesday nights @ 7PM here @ Liberty Street. 
Let us seek together His will for us, His healing, His hope, & His power.  As Cymbala encouraged us, "God's not dead; he's still alive.  And what he's done through the centuries when people have prayed, he can still do today.  Let's ask the Holy Spirit to come & grant us a new spirit in our churches, in our small   groups, & in our individual lives."  "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people..." Acts 2:17  "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us..."  Romans 8:26

Saturday Nite "LIVE" Worship @ 6PM - If you have unchurched friends or relatives, please invite them to our brand new worship service that started Saturday, October 13th.  Nursery will be provided & we hope to have Sonshine Club.   This is also an alternative for those who work shift work or who are unable to attend Sunday Morning Worship.  

Group Activities:
Men’s Bible Study - Every Monday evening @ Joe’s Gym @ 7PM.   Currently the group is studying the "Truth Project" from Focus on the Family.  This is a great time for men to come together to grow spirtitually & to pray.  All men are invited to attend!
Women's Bible Study - We have concluded our Bible study on the book of Esther by Beth Moore.  We will keep you informed of a new study & when it begins.
Women's Prayer Trio - There are several trio's that meet weekly & monthly.  Any women that are interested in being in a Prayer Trio please see Judy Wilson.  Ladies NIte OUt - 4th Tuesday nite 6-8PM.  Watch for details!
Youth Group - 7-12th grade... every Sunday night @6PM
Jr. Youth Group - 4-6th grade... every Sunday night @ 6PM

General Announcements:

Spring Revival Bible Study - The Culture of God’s Kingdom: A study of the Beatitudes by Nick Wilson.  This well-written book focuses on Matthew 5:1-12.
     Sunday Nights - Pastor & Judy's Home from 6 - 8PM
     Wednesday Nights - Mike & Wendy Ferguson's Home from 6 - 8PM w/Pastor Jonathan   
     &amp Blair leading
     Wednesday Nights - @ the Church 6 - 8PM w/Pastor Bruce leading
     Wednesday Nights - @ Whitehall Camp @ the Fallen Oak Lodge from 6 - 8PM w/Shawn 
     &amp Jennifer Morgan leading

Tithing Envelopes - If you are in need of tithing envelopes please see Diane Gross or call the Church Office @ 814-226-8672.

CANCELLATION DUE TO WEATHER - if we have bad weather or if it is calling for bad weather, please go to radio station WCCR  1300 AM for church cancellations.  We will also put out cancellations by email.

The Bible Study Sunday School Class that meets up in the prayer room beside the library is beginning the study of Hebrews.  Anyone of any age is welcome to join us at 9:00 every Sunday morning.   Any questions call Beth Henry at 797-5962.

We have had many of you wanting to send Don Barger a Get Well card.  His address is:   Don Barger - 2950 Panther Springs Road - Emlenton, Pa. 16373

Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead on March 9th... Jump into Spring!!

Communion - Saturday, March 9th & Sunday, March 10th

We will be making meals for those who are recovering from surgery or illness on March 9^th @ 10:00 a.m.  Anyone wanting to come and help please see Judy Wilson.

Parent's Nite Out - March 15th.  Please sign up in the Welcome Center.

March 16th - Jr. Youth Group (grades 4 - 6) going Bowling.  Meet @ the Church @ 4:30PM.  We will be returning @ 7:30PM for pickup.  Cost is $10.   See Mary Beth for any questions.

YOUTH Wii Bowling Tournamant -- Sunday, March 17^th @ 6:00 pm.

Anderson University Chorale - will be with us on Tuesday, March 19^th @ 7:00 p.m.  This is an honor to have them but we need your help.

We are in need of housing for 54 students for one night stay.  If you are willing to keep one or more students please sign up in the Welcome Center or see Bonnie Ferguson for details.    Remember to invite your friends & family to a night of beautiful music by very talented young adults.  You will be blessed!

CHRISTIAN COMEDIAN-

Ken Davis will be at the Marwick Boyd (Clarion University) on Saturday, March 23^rd at 7 pm.  For tickets call 1-800-927-9083 or fln.org/tickets     Come and LOL (laugh out loud)

March 24th - Palm Sunday
March 26th - Ladies Night Out from 6-8PM in the Fellowship Hall.  All ladies college age & up are welcome to attend.  Friends are welcome, too!
March 28th - Maundy Thursday Service @ 7PM - Seder Meal/ Communion/ Footwashing -   Sign up in the Welcome Center or Liberty  Street entrance to give us a count on preparing for the Seder Meal. 

March 29 - CLARION MINISTERIUM -- Good Friday Services 2013

 Theme: Faces of the Cross

1. (NOON – 12:25PM) Jesus & Mary

IC Church Speaker: Monty Sayers

2. (12:30PM – 12:55PM) Jesus & John the Beloved

First Baptist Speaker: Jonathan Spencer

3. (1:00PM – 1:25PM) Jesus & the Two Thieves

Grace Lutheran Speaker: Katelyn Henderson

4. (1:30PM – 1:55PM) Jesus & the Crowd

Church of God Speaker: Deryl Larson

5. (2:00PM – 2:25PM) Jesus & the Soldiers

UMC Speaker: Jake Jacobson

6. (2:30PM – 3:00PM) Jesus & the Centurians

First Presbyterian Speaker: Scott Hauser

March 30 - Easter Service - Saturday LIVE Worship   

March 31 - Easter Service - 7AM @ Trinity Point - bring a lawn chair 
March 31 - Easter Service - Sunday School @ 9AM & Worship @ 10AM Worship

One Black Day (By: Ann Bailey)      

The crowds were shrieking      

It’s His blood we’re seeking

This man who calls Himself God

His back became mush

From the flogs cruelly thrust

Rivers of blood rain down

That day He was led

A crown of thorns on His head

Up a long dusty road

To a cross

A lamb slain on a tree

Sacrificed for you and me

He didn’t deserve such a death

The only way that

We can repay

Such a sacrifice freely given

Is

Dying out to sin

And giving to Him

All of our lives

Unconditionally

Women's Prayer Group...
The Women;s Prayer Ministry (Prayer Trios) are reorganizing.  The groups will be meeting bi-weekly, here @ the church in the prayer room.  We have 5 different options for you.  They are:
Sunday @ 6PM w/Leader Karen Hazlett - Monday @ 3:30PM w/Leader Wendy Ferguson - Wednesday @ 10AM w/Leader Laura Burford - Wednesday @ 6PM w/Leader Jenny Bates or Friday @ 10AM w/Leader Judy WIlson.  Please sign up in the Welcome Center by March 24th or call Judy Wilson @ 814-227-8910.  

STOP “NOT In My Church” – Facing Abuse in the Local Congregation      Educational Seminar and Panel Discussion

 Place:  North Main Street Church of God-Butler

Some things can’t be healed with bandages …abuse touches every family in your congregation.  ...our congregation is not the exception.  All information is on the bulletin boards.

Parents: Do you have some "gently used " kid's clothing taking up space in closets or drawers that your children have out grown? The Baker Street Church of God in Rimersburg offers a Kid's Closet ministry where families in need are able to receive free clothes for their children. This ministry is held every other month with the next Kid's Closet to be held in March. They are especially in need of sizes infant to children's size 12. Please, consider this ministry and .bring any children's clothes donations to church by March 3rd. Your donations will be greatly appreciated.

We are in need of additional Nursery Workers.  We are so blessed with lots of babies that we need more adult help.  Please see Michelle Aites if you are interested in helping w/Sunday School Nursery or Worship Nursery.

Volunteers Needed for SonShine Club ... We are being blessed with more children in our Sonshine Club Ministry!  If you would llike to spend som time with a bunch of great kids, please see Hayley Jeannerat or email her @ hayleydj@windstream.net.  There are 2 groups - Younger (3yr. - Kind.) & Older (1st - 3rd gr.).  Because of age, helpers are placed with the younger group.  No need to worry about preparing a lengthy lesson.  Hayley makes a 6 month rotation schedule & currently teachers are teaching every 5 - 6 wks., but if there were more volunteers you would teach less often. 

We Need Volunteers…The Welcome Center is looking for more Volunteers!  Please see Tammy Lerch or call 226-9680 if you are interested.

The Counseling Center is in need of a small couch or love seat that is gently used - anyone who can help them, please contact Tracy Miller @ 814 - 223 -  4717.

Watch fort updates & events on the Church's or Youth Group's Facebook page -- http:www.facebook.com/groups/173856376044348 -- Liberty Street Church of God Youth Group.

Check out these exciting stories on Clarion Sports Zone (http://www.clarionsportszone.com/).   --- this site is taken care of by Dave McClaine ---

 Leap Of Faith Gymnasts Perform With USA Olympic Team Members (Community/Elementary page) - Camron Kirkland Reaches Major Milestone (Varsity page)

Coming up.....

April 2 @ 5PM - Finance Team Meeting
April 2 @ 7PM - Church Council Meeting

April 4 - Divorce Care Ministry - 13 week cycle.  Questions or to register... call Jacqueline Morrone @ 814-226-4035 by March 31st.

April 19th 6-10PM - Parent's Night Out - Sign up in the Welcome Center

April 22 - 27 Men's Fishing Trip @ Pymatuning State Park - Great fellowship w/other Brothers in Christ - See Jonathan for details.

April 26 - 27 LADIES RETREAT AT WHITEHALL CAMP – Speakers & Worship Leaders -  “Alanna Story” -  For more details see Blair or go to www.whitehallcamp.org

APRIL 27^th –Saturday @ 7:00 P.M. - REDBANK VALLEY BIBLE CLUB  will have their

Open House @ the Redbank Valley High School.  Free Event with speaker Steve  Fitzhugh  and bbc worship band Rise.  Be Transformed  -  Romans 12:2 - All are welcome.  Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Mission Trip to Jamaica 2014

Have you ever wanted to go on a mission trip but have never had the opportunity? This may be your chance! Matt & Jenny Bates are working with an organization called Won by One to Jamaica to plan a trip for our church to the town of Harmons, Jamaica during the summer of 2014. Anyone age 13 and over is welcome on the trip. On Sun., Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall, Josh Shaffer from Won by One will talk about the mission at Harmons. If you are interested, please join us for this presentation. No commitments will be required at this time – the meeting is just informational. Come and learn about this exciting chance to serve God! If you have questions, contact Matt & Jen at 814-764-6056 or at mrbates_2000@yahoo.com. 

Truth in HD February 2013 

Truth in HD December 2012 

Truth in HD November 2012 

Truth in HD October 2012 

Truth in HD September 2012