The Lamplighter...doing the work He is doing in the world...

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Dale Wheeler
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1 The Lamplighter...doing the work He is doing in the world... In This Issue: Pastors Page God with us What else does manna teach us? New Year, New you! Question of the month VBS FCC Hospitality events Birthdays & Anniversaries Up-Reach In-Reach Outreach, Bathed in Prayer Calendar of Events Pastor s Page God with Us January 2017 Emmanuel. No this column is not a month late. But as we begin 2017, it is a good time to remind ourselves that the God who came and dwelt with us at Christmas is the same God who will be with us throughout the whole year. God s provision and presence is with us throughout all the changes a new year brings, and believe me there will be changes. I became a double Grandpa last year! That was easy. The Page family felt the joy and presence of the Lord. It is the changes that are not so easy, but complicated or even gut-wrenching that challenge our faith. The story of manna in Joshua 5 teaches us the lesson of God s provision and presence. NKJ Joshua 5:11 And they ate of the produce of the land on the day after the Passover, unleavened bread and parched grain, on the very same day. 12 Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year. Manna was this wafer-like substance that showed up on the ground in the morning, sort of like you see the frost on the grass in the winter. They would collect it and it was their food source for the day. On Friday morning they would collect twice as much because there was none on the Sabbath. This was the pattern for 40 years. When the provision of manna ceased, this was no small thing. Change had come. Change affected them just like it affects us. This is an important subject because new years bring about new changes. I might also add that after this point in time there is no mention of the cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night that had guided the nation through the wilderness. These are profound new things. This is the diet that these folks had known. Think of it - for some, they had eaten little else in their entire life! Some quail here and there. And maybe an occasional hunting find, I suppose. No doubt some welcomed the introduction of tasty new food. But it was not just new food, it was also the manner in which that food would be gathered.

2 Pastor s Page (continued) Lesson #1 - moving forward for God includes change. Truth does not change, but methods do. The truth is they still had to eat. The method of collecting food would be different. Lesson #2 - Change is a fact of life. Lesson #3 - God will be with you and give you grace to face that change. 2 points about manna: a. (Positive): It was the grace of God s miraculous provision. It came after they originally complained. Parents, are you excited to provide your children s need when they start complaining? I know I am not. Well God graciously provided sustenance to this oftentimes complaining people. b. (Negative): It was not the fruit of the land flowing with milk and honey. Do you remember when the 12 spies brought back the cluster of grapes from the promised land with the figs and pomegranates? The nation saw a luscious sample of the land s bounty, but chose to stick with manna instead. They were afraid. How sad. There are so many of us today that are choosing to eat manna when God wants something better, more filling, and more wonderful, but because we are afraid to do something different in our lives, we stay in one place eating manna. When God has a plan for your life, don t settle for manna. There may be giants in the land but the greatest accomplishments come through hard work and much effort. Pastor Keith Edwards The long-awaited Promised Land brought about many not so easy changes in their lives. They were to be a holy nation even though they were surrounded by unholiness. They would now have to make clothing and shoes (God had miraculously preserved their clothing all these years). They had to go work for their food; plant, nurture, and reap from the land. They had to capture new land and then they had to protect it. Talk about your daily routines being turned upside down! That s a LOT of change in a short amount of time. Can you imagine their reaction? Today our responses to change can be to- dig in our heels and resist, grit our teeth and endure it, or actually open ourselves up to the possibility that God has a purpose behind it. May the Lord give us wisdom and strength as we navigate change, amen? Manna s coming and going teaches us that God s provision and presence will be with us throughout all the changes of life. What changes are you facing? What changes are you fearing? What potential change do you absolutely dread? I am here to tell you that God is faithful. Seven years ago last month I kissed my bride Bernadette for the very last time in this life. She died of lymphoma at age 45. It was my worst fear come true. A change I dreaded. She was and is the absolute love of my life. I still wear her ring. If you had asked me 7 years ago if I would still be a Pastor, I would say absolutely not, not without my wife. I want to tell you that God is faithful. His provision and presence will be with you throughout all the changes of life. Manna teaches us that. May the Lord Bless you and your family this year, Pastor Bill

3 What else does Manna teach us? Pastor Page Manna was also a symbol of what was to come - Jesus responds to the mention of manna- NKJ John 6:31 "Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' " 32 Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always." 35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Jesus is God s provision to us. Not provision for our stomach necessarily. He is talking about the soul; the real you. That hunger deep in your soul can only be satisfied by being brought into a right relationship with God. Can I be brought into a right relationship with Him? The answer is YES! Jesus suffered the wrath of God against sin on our behalf on the Cross of Calvary. He paid the price for our transgressions. God will forgive your debt based upon the merit of Jesus. All you must do is accept the forgiveness of God, repent of your sin and receive Him as your Savior and leader of your life. Will you give your heart to Him today? Like manna, God has provided a savior for you.

4 New Year, New YOU!! By Jessica P. We start the end of every year saying, this has been the worst year yet. But did you forget about those blessings that the Lord has given you. Like waking up every day? Having a roof over your head? Food in your belly? The ability to call a friend when you need someone to talk to. We have made new friends. Gotten to celebrate birthdays. We tend to focus on the bad, but forget the amazing! Lets change our outlook for 2017! Grab yourself a mason jar, piece of paper and pen. Every time something good happens write it down, and stuff it in there. When something bad happens just grab a piece of paper out that jar to remind yourself, this is not as bad as I think it is. We tend to say this will be the best year yet, but once one thing happens that we don t agree with. We have a melt down. Question, why did you let this happen to us Lord. Remember, just because we write in our planner it shouldn't be in pen. Because God clearly is in control and he is the ultimate planner. Life could always be worse. It is truly what you make of it. Make time to read the Bible more. Make time for Sunday School. Make time for Church. Life comes with many obstacles. With that comes negativity. Its what you make of those obstacles. As mom always says there is no use crying over spilled milk. It happened. So you have to just mop it up and smile. Imagine if God would have given up on us, where would we be. I am sure he had some horrible days. We know that with people not believing in him, the traitor that he thought was his friend, Martha not believing that Lazarus would come back from the dead. But what did Jesus do, he smiled and said believe in me. So that s what we must do. BELIEVE IN HIM!!!! Regardless of your struggles, because it is happening for a reason. We do not know why. But it is shaping us for our future. Shaping up our faith. With that, lets lean on HIM more and lets make 2017 the best yet!

Question of the Month: Please join in answering this months Lamplighter question. You can send your response to Jess_pratt@outlook.

5 Question of the Month: Please join in answering this months Lamplighter question. You can send your response to Looking back on your life, what would you do more of?... This years series of questions are taken from a book called If I could Do It All Over Again by Jon Gauger

Colossians 1:15-16 As kids focus their telescopes on the marvels painted in the sky by the Creator, they will discover the wonder among all wonders that the God who created everything there is the

6 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15-16 As kids focus their telescopes on the marvels painted in the sky by the Creator, they will discover the wonder among all wonders that the God who created everything there is the knowable and unknowable, the visible and the invisible wants a personal relationship with them! VBS 2017 will show them the God who is over the moon in love with them! As we begin a new year, may we also begin to prepare our hearts for the upcoming VBS! Please begin to pray and ask God where He would want you to serve in this ministry. No job is too small! Each and every one of you plays a vital part to the lives of every person who walks into our church! Pray how you can help~ Our dates for this year are: June 26 th -June 30 th ~ 9am to 12pm More details to follow! Any questions please let me know: spring.casterlow@gmail.com Call/Text

Join us every Sunday at 12:45 600 Cleveland Ave., Plainfield Pastor Ryan Moore Prayer is one of our roots here at Focus Community Church.

7 Join us every Sunday at 12: Cleveland Ave., Plainfield Pastor Ryan Moore Prayer is one of our roots here at Focus Community Church. Pray as we enter a new season of ministry for FCC. May God use this church and the people who will call it home, to connect people to Jesus for life change.

Hospitality Calendar of Events 2/8 Wednesday night supper 3/8 Wednesday night supper 4/12 Wednesday night supper 5/10 Wednesday night supper 6/14 Wednesday

He who prays little will pray less, but he who prays much will pray more. - C. H. Spurgeon Lucas P. and Katelyn D.

8 Hospitality Calendar of Events 2/8 Wednesday night supper 3/8 Wednesday night supper 4/12 Wednesday night supper 5/10 Wednesday night supper 6/14 Wednesday night supper The more we pray, the more we shall want to pray. The more we pray, the more we can pray. The more we pray, the more we shall pray. He who prays little will pray less, but he who prays much will pray more. - C. H. Spurgeon Lucas P. and Katelyn D. are going to the Dominican Republic in March, which means it s time to make some pillowcase dresses for them to take for the needy. Volunteers are needed to help ~ please see Matie O Brien if you can help.

9 Take time to read a book.. Or two.. Or maybe three.. If you re like me, I spend most of my down time reading these days. What a better way than to fill your heart with the gospel. Whether it be through cheesy Christian novels or a new Bible Study. A book that my husband and I recently picked up was 31 Prayers for a husband and 31 Prayers for a Wife. Join us on our journey. Christian Romance Novels: Amongst the Flames Out of the Ashes For Couples: Husband after God Wife after God Bible Studies: Breaking Free The Armor of God For Her: Unveiled wife The Heartache No One Sees For Him: Unashamed Man of God For Young Adults: The Chase Boundaries

Casterlow 14 Joan Swearer 17 Nicole Caruso 25 Joey Caruso 26 Joy

10 January Birthdays and Anniversaries! BIRTHDAYS Rachel Morales 2 Tom Cole 4 Karen Thomas 13 Ayanna Casterlow 14 Joan Swearer 17 Nicole Caruso 25 Joey Caruso 26 Joy More 27 Elena Farrell 28 ANNIVERSARIES Mike & Lisa Billian 1 John & Madeleine Farrell 23 Rita & Steve Vorrius 31

The Lamplighter Terrill Road Baptist Church is a Bible-believing Church where people connect with God, each Sunday Phone: Bible

org E-Mail: Terrillrd@aol.com Church Website: trbc4him.

Terrill Road Baptist Church, Scotch Plains, NJ TRBC Sound Booth Schedule January 1 ~ Trudi Karpel & Samuel Farrell January 8 ~ Spring &

12 The Lamplighter Terrill Road Baptist Church is a Bible-believing Church where people connect with God, each Sunday Phone: Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship Terrillrd@aol.com Service 10:45 a.m. Website: Phone: TRBC4him.org Terrillrd@aol.com Church Website: trbc4him.org other, and influence our world for Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Find us on Facebook! Terrill Road Baptist Church, Scotch Plains, NJ TRBC Sound Booth Schedule January 1 ~ Trudi Karpel & Samuel Farrell January 8 ~ Spring & Alexis Casterlow January 15 ~ Tristan More & Lucas Page January 22 ~ Barbara Longo & Samuel Farrell January 29 ~ Trudi Karpel & Lucas Page Scan this into your smart phone for instant access to TRBC s website. Thank you for reading this months edition!! -Jessica Pratt, Editor

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. Congratulations to our Newly Elected Deacons. Welcome to Joseph Jackson and Marc Dyer!

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. Congratulations to our Newly Elected Deacons. Welcome to Joseph Jackson and Marc Dyer! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING If you are a member of Terrill Road Baptist Church, please join us on Wednesday, January 10th at 7:00 p.m. for our Annual Business Meeting. January Question