PASSAGES. The Congregational Church of Goffstown. Oct 5th. Love in Motion Haiti Bridges of Love. Day for the Hungry

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OCTOBER 2014 FREE PASSAGES The Congregational Church of

Day for the Hungry Oct 5th This month our Mission highlight

through Monadnock Bible Conference in Jaﬀrey, NH.

for a $20 donation that you can decorate with encouraging

These bags will be filled with rice, beans and other food

1 OCTOBER 2014 FREE PASSAGES The Congregational Church of Goffstown Love in Motion *Haiti* Bridges of Love. Day for the Hungry Oct 5th This month our Mission highlight is Love in Motion ministries - Haiti- Bridges of Love, through Monadnock Bible Conference in Jaﬀrey, NH. On October 5th we will have large colored bags available for a $20 donation that you can decorate with encouraging messages in Creole. These bags will be filled with rice, beans and other food items and delivered by Monadnock Bible Conference volunteers directly to Haitian families at Christmas and Easter time this year.

2 Pastor s Letter Pastor Le*er October 2014 Beginning and the End For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. ( Behold, I am coming like a thief Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed ) And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. (Revelation 16:14 16) The Islamist State s genocide of Christians in the Middle East, Vladimir Putin s escalation of con<lict in Europe and the rapid erosion of Christian morals in America; many Christians are beginning to ask, Is the end near? The disciples, preoccupied with this question, asked Jesus similarly, What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age? (Matthew 24:3) Many have tried to predict the end of the age and Christ s return, but spending time debating such things is futile and unfruitful. Jesus said, But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36) You are encouraged, rather, to be watchful of your faith, ready, and a faithful servant of Christ (Matthew 24:42-45). Jesus point is, don t spend your time wondering, Is the end near?, when it s planting, watering and harvesting time in the kingdom of God. You were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10) You were created for good works, not good speculations. You were created to put your faith in action, not for building up a storehouse of Christian knowledge and conjecture you never put into practice. Perhaps a better response to the signs of the times, is to look straight into the very heart of God through the Apostle Peter s declaration in 2 Peter 3:7-9, But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for <ire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to ful<ill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. God would be perfectly justi<ied in judging the world today. Who could <ind blame with such justice? Yet, God, rich in mercy, is allowing more time for those lost in darkness to turn into the kingdom of light in His Son through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the work of His Spirit.. We should not be caught up speculating about the end, but rather for the beginning. We should be praying and working for salvation that brings new life to those dead in their trespasses and sins. We should be praying for the beginning of a revival and awakening of faith in our town, country and the world. We should be faithfully at work planting and watering seeds of the Gospel, and patiently waiting for God to bring the growth. This is what we are called to do in the present age.

Pastor s letter continued Just prior to the two Great Awakenings in our country, mankind had fallen so far from God and their depravity seemed was at what appeared to be at a new low.

3 Pastor s letter continued Just prior to the two Great Awakenings in our country, mankind had fallen so far from God and their depravity seemed was at what appeared to be at a new low. Even the majority of churches began to re<lect the culture, rather than the Lord and what He called them to be. The late Dr. Harold John Ockenga, writing on revival said, revivals are preceded by pitiful de<lections of the church, which in those times is the ebb tied when worldliness, impotency, lethargy, and deadness overwhelm the church members and hope for revival apparently dies out. Yet even in this condition the heart of man turns with dissatisfaction with worldly pursuits, cries out to God for true life, and has born in it an expectancy of better days. This is the <irst harbinger of revival. If past history, and what we see in Scripture (think Judges Everyone did evil in the sight of the Lord. ), is any indication, we may very well be at the precipice of the beginning of something, rather than, or as well as, the end. What a shame it would be to sit in worldly comfort, chewing on useless speculations and critiquing the culture, rather than keeping our hands to the plow and seeking a surprising work of the Holy Spirit. We are, once again, at what seems to be at a new societal low. Perhaps we are nearing a time when the condition of many hearts will turn with dissatisfaction with worldly pursuits and cry out to God. I just hope we, as a church and individual Christians, will be there to show them Jesus. May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God the Father, who has loved us and given us an eternal comfort and a good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) Grace fully, Pastor Bob Missions Ministry News Love In Motion Ministries presents Day for the Hungry October 5, 2014 This year Goffstown Congregational Church will again be participating in A ONE DAY EVENT TO FEED THOUSANDS FOR CHRISTMAS AND EASTER IN HAITI We will have colorful bags available on October 5 th which you can decorate and write encouraging messages to the families that will receive them at Christmas or Easter. The $20 contribution with each bag will be used to fill the bag with food. Pray that the Lord will use your bag to touch the lives of a Haitian family and will receive the Love of Jesus Christ through this ministry. See Jim Donison for more information.

4 Ministry of Discipleship News But Jesus called the children to him and said Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16 Sunday School On Sunday September 7 th our Christian Education year began with a kick off breakfast, thanks to Kathy Sargent and her dedicated helpers. This years classes again offer educational opportunities from the youngest to the oldest. In addition to classes developed from His Word, classes are offered in Strengthening Your Marriage and Divorce Care. Finally, fellowship and prayer groups for men and women continue to be offered. For more specific information about each class or group, please refer to the fall Christian Education (orange colored) brochure. All books and materials are available at no charge. On Sunday September 14 th a well-attended teacher s meeting was held. After grace was said we enjoyed a light lunch and Pastor Bob offered a devotional minute. Various administrative topics were discussed. The primary focus was the re-instituted monthly music in our classrooms program through the dedicated efforts of Bonnie Bastian. Curriculum Change Starting with this school year, a new curriculum was instituted for all three youth classes. The Gospel Project for Kids from LifeWay Christian Resources is a Christ-centered Bible study that follows a chronological timeline of Bible events. It presents the story of redemption through Jesus. Each week, these stories come to life through video, music, activities, and more. Building and Room Upgrades Over the summer, parts of our Sunday School areas have been upgraded. The Sun Room and the old Education Office have been repainted. In Addition, the upstairs and annex hallways have been painted. Thanks to Marilyn and Daniel Nolan for a job well done. In the chapel, a permanent air conditioner was installed by Phil Beaudoin. Finally, electrical lighting upgrades with light censored fixtures were installed to the entrance to the Parish House and Stark Hall. Stewards of Children On Aug 20 th, 16 church members attended a two-hour presentation by 2 members from the Granite State Children s Alliance to discuss child sexual abuse and the 7 steps to protect our children. A follow up meeting will be held on Oct 12th following worship. The meeting is open to all, even if you did not attend the earlier meeting. For more information, please see Pastor Bob or Deacon Terry. Upcoming Events: November 29 th No classes Thanksgiving Break Openings For the upcoming school year, we have the following opening: Pre k -2-1 Part time teacher (2 Sundays each month)

5 Putting our faith in action while loving and serving our neighbors

6 Congregational Care News The Congregational Church of Goffstown Dinner Group Italian Night is Saturday, November 8 th at 6:30 p.m. at Rob & Stacy Bruckner s house. Dinner is buffet style, casual, bring your own beverages. Everyone keeps track of expenses as we all share in costs. This is an inexpensive, fun way to get together Don t like to cook but like to eat? Bring something simple. Those that enjoy cooking can make more elaborate dishes. Everyone is welcome For questions or to R.S.V.P Call or Stacy Borden at sborden@hotmail.com or Kristie Palestino Himsel at kpalestino@gmail.com Church Family News: *Henry Hunter has moved to the Veterans Home in Tilton, NH. If you are in the area, please consider stopping by for a visit as he loves to be remembered by his church family. *Congratula?ons to Ainsley Miles who recently qualified and competed in the Big E horse show in Springfield, Ma. There are Church Directories available in the back of the sanctuary. Please take one and use it when you need to contact others in our church family. If needed, please update any informa?on, especially cell phone numbers, with the church office. Do you like to quilt? Please join us Monday, Oct. 27 at 7pm at Ann Beltz s house, 602 North Mast Rd. for an evening of Chris?an women s fellowship while sharing our love of quil?ng. Skill level doesn t maser We plan to meet about once a month. Talk to Norene Rash, Janet Stevens, Donna Reeder or Ann for more info. Mission Outreach We will be hos?ng our first Joni and Friends Mom s Morning Out event in Stark Hall on Wed, Oct. 15 from 9:30am- 12noon. If you know any moms or caretakers of those affected by disabili?es, please invite them Besides hos?ng the site, we are responsible for refreshments and childcare. If you are available to help, please contact Ann Beltz at ann.beltz@comcast.net or # One thing EVERYONE can do Pray for this mission outreach October Birthday s 10/1- Joan Glen 10/21- Scott Cupples 10/2 - Chuck Karpf 10/23 - Faith brooks 10/3- Sophia Hamel 10/24 - Anna Chabot 10/4- Peter Falagario 10/29 - Tracy Cullen 10/5- Clara Falagario 10/29- Steven Mcaninch 10/11-Kiersten Woods 10/31- John Miles 10/12- Ainsley Milkolyski 10/13- Dan Martel 10/20- Richard Duclos 10/ 21- Ivy Brooks

7 Lost and Found Fall Clean up Day Saturday, October 4th, 8am- 12noon followed by lunch (raindate Saturday, November 8th) Speak with Marilyn or Dan Nolan for more information. We need STRONG BACKS for lugging and digging and Pick-up Trucks for transporting. Please bring along your own shovels, rakes, weed-wackers and join us as we keep our buildings and grounds in order WOMENS MONTHLY BREAKFAST Join us for our first one on October 18th. We will have these every 3rd Saturday of each month from 9-11am Stark Hall Dining room It s a pot providence so please bring something o share with others. This will be a special time of fellowship, devotion, prayer, worship and encouraging one another. On the 18th we will all discuss & brainstorm what we would like to do when we gather together each month. Joni & Friends offers BEYOND SUFFERING An introduction to the groundbreaking course created by the Joni and Friends International Disability Center. Led by Dr. Kathy McReynolds, Director Academic Studies, The Christian Institute on Disability at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center Columbus Day Weekend October 10-12, 2014 Cost: $75 for Friday Sunday Friday Only: $25 (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.) All HS and College students $10 To register contact Molly Vazquez at mvazquez@joniandfriends.org Hello from the editor: Thank you for looking at our monthly Newsletter Please check out our website at goffcong.org for up- to- date sermons, videos, & notices. Also, check out our church Facebook page at for a weekly preview of the sermon and current events. If you would like to share a notice or article for the November Passages issue please submit your info via to cat.conley@comcast.net by the deadline of October 23rd. We will be folding the Newsletter on Thursday, October 30th at 9am in the Parish House chapel. Please join us if you can As we grow together in the Lord, may His grace be upon you, Catherine Conley

The Congregational Church of Goffstown 8 & 10 Main Street Goffstown, NH 03045 THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF GOFFSTOWN 8 & 10 Main Street Goffstown, NH 03045 Tel: (603) 497-2365 Web Site:

8 The Congregational Church of Goffstown 8 & 10 Main Street Goffstown, NH THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF GOFFSTOWN 8 & 10 Main Street Goffstown, NH Tel: (603) Web Site: goffcong.org pastorgoffcong@gmail.com Facebook: 9:15am-10:15am Adult & Children s Sunday School 10:30am 11:45am Worship Service Coffee, Snacks & Fellowship

PASSAGES. The Congregational Church of Goffstown

PASSAGES. The Congregational Church of Goffstown NOVEMBER 2014 FREE PASSAGES The Congregational Church of Goffstown Samaritan s Purse OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD shoebox collection 2014 Fill up time! This month our Missions highlight is Samaritan s Purse