SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011
Fourth Sunday in Advent: LOVE
TODAY WE DEDICATE THE SANCTUARY. THANK YOU to all who donated time, materials, and funds to this renovation project. And thank you to all who helped clean and decorate the church – it looks beautiful!
From the first discussions, through church approval, decorating committee meetings and fund-raising to the physical work of the past eight weeks, we have all been part of the stewardship and upgrade of God’s house. Many volunteered time, labor and skill every day; Bible study groups came evenings; women made lunches and dinners and helped clean up; some sacrificed weeks of paying jobs to lend their skilled expertise; and prayer warriors supported the effort with their petitions. Thanks go to those who dismantled, ripped up, scraped, sanded, vacuumed, constructed, puttied, painted, stained, installed, moved furniture and put it back.
Special thanks go to Trustee chairman Tim Beck who coordinated and oversaw the project, Dan Cusumano who worked long hours every day for a month, Paul Golden who was here every night into the wee hours, Shaun and Mike Cusumano who offered their labor to insulate the ceiling, and Sam Michael who did the electrical work. The thanks would fill this entire newsletter! God knows the efforts of all who helped, and we pray He is pleased by the selfless offerings of volunteers to improve the home for the ministry of Boothbay Baptist Church, now 202 years old. (The history of the current sanctuary is printed in the bulletin.)
We praise Him that it has been a unified effort with eternal significance, providing a place where God’s word is proclaimed and believers are received and loved as He would have us love one another. May He be glorified and honored.
A LIGHT LUNCH is being provided downstairs in the fellowship hall after the morning service, in celebration of the sanctuary dedication.
PLEASE HELP KEEP THE SANCTUARY in excellent condition – no food or drinks, except infant formula, should be brought into the church. This includes coffee cups. Items may be left on the shelf in the main entry or downstairs. Let us respect the hard work and financial resources that went into creating this welcoming, safe, and God-honoring house of worship.
THE CHRISTMAS TREE at the back of the sanctuary is an opportunity to show Christ’s love to a needy local family. There are still a few ornaments left on the tree that represent a girl or boy and give their ages; perhaps you can help by taking an ornament off the tree and bringing a gift and placing it under the tree tonight; the gifts are to be delivered this week.
TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. – One Bethlehem Night, a Broadway-style Christmas musical featuring the adult choir and directed by Becky Roberts. Bring your families and friends to this meaningful and entertaining production! It stars many of our talented (and witty) members who have been rehearsing for weeks. The music is catchy and the story amazing—come and be blessed!
CHRISTMAS GIFT BASKETS: The delivery of the gift baskets for our local emergency responders and public servants will be this Friday, Dec. 23. Bring homemade goodies and meet here at the church at 9:30 when the baskets will be filled, and then join in the delivering of these love offerings around town, complete with singing of carols and words of gratitude, to the hospital, Coast Guard station, police and fire stations, etc. ’Tis the season to thank those who serve and spread tidings of cheer.
WORD OF LIFE kids, their parents and other adults went Christmas caroling last Wednesday at the Gregory Wing and Safe Havens in St. Andrews Village. The residents, especially those in our church family, were blessed and encouraged to hear their favorite songs sung by the enthusiastic group. The young carolers enjoyed refreshments afterward. Word of Life youth group meetings will resume on Wednesday, January 3.
COMING EVENTS:
Saturday, Dec. 24, 6:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve candlelight service in conjunction with the Boothbay Region Community Fellowship at the Fellowship in the American Legion Hall, Industrial Park Road, Boothbay.
SUNDAY, DEC. 25, 10:00 a.m. – Christmas Day worship service (note change in time). No Sunday School or Junior Church.
Saturday, Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m. – New Year’s Eve service, with communion, prayer and fellowship. A great way to usher in the year 2012.
Merry Christmas!
