The Church Courier, June 2009

June 2009 Volume 10, Issue 6

Studies show that if the mother of a family attends worship, there’s a 16 percent chance that the rest of the family will also attend. Yet when a father attends worship, there’s a 93 percent chance that other family members will be present too. Just think, Dad, of the influence you have. Hope to see you in church this weekend!

Better late than never A few years ago, 97-yearold man became a pastor in North Carolina. When someone asked him why he waited so long to be ordained, he answered, “I wanted to be sure God was talking to me.” Christians don’t need to wait for God to tell them that they’re

In this Issue: Salvation for ········· 6 Getting to Know ···· 7 Save the Day ·······10 From the Editor ····11

needed to serve. Not only is this the day the Lord has made, it’s the day Christians have kingdom work to do.

We've all had something beautiful and exciting suddenly happen when things are rather monotonous or mundane, even boring.....We call this "serendipity." A serendipitous life is marked by "surprisability" and spontaneity. Some people don't like this unexpected element of surprise; but I think most of us either like it or most likely are amused when serendipity happens. If we lose our capacity for enjoying the surprises that come along, we can easily settle into a rut. I guess the old saying, "If we expect little, we're seldom disappointed" is probably true! Of course we might even say things don't "just happen." There may be a reason for everything that goes on. We might even say there's a God-ordained plan for our world which includes all of us----yes, even you and me. Most of us have been Christians for many years now, and we have to confess that we are still finding much about God and His plans incomprehensible and even mysterious. But this much we know: God delights in surprising us! Our God seeks us in the ordinary things of every day ---even those boring days! And His voice isn't that difficult to hear. He sometimes "shouts" through our pain, even whispers to us while we're relaxing in an easy chair, or sings to us in a song we've heard unconsciously, and even warns us in His written Word. So, through all the ordinary days and even boring moments, our Heavenly Father seeks you---all of us! The God who loves you and redeems you, is not silent......He even brings amazing serendipities into our lives! Yours for allowing God's "surprises" to bring us closer to Him, Pastor and Sharon Webb Page 2

The Church Courier

Bye-Bye Birdie by Martha Getlinger It's time to say bye-bye birdie to our snowbirds! No, I am not talking about our plumed avian friends that come and go in Florida. I am referring to our friends who "migrate" to our church for half the year, beginning around Thanksgiving to avoid the snowy winters up north and leave us in late April, early May or as late as June each year to avoid the hot summer months of Florida. Bud and Vivian Tozer left us in April for Tennessee, John and Phyllis DeLise for New Jersey and Elmer and Virginia for Michigan. This last month, we said "bye-bye snow birdie" to Dennis and Marge McNeilus going home to Minnesota; Dick and Marie Long to Pennsylvania; Gayle and Faye Uldin to Indiana and Ron and Marge VanderSchuur to New Hampshire. In June, Bob and Hilda Topel will be heading back to Illinois, Truman and Gwen Vol. 10, Issue 6

Lamson will be going to Wisconsin and Bob and Donna Weigle will be leaving us to summer in Vermont. This is a strange phenomenon which makes us happy, when they arrive, and sad, when they leave. We do not begrudge the time they spend away (well, maybe a little!) knowing they are in a cooler climate with family and friends that they have missed while they were with us. We are thankful they make their winter homes with us and are active and share responsibilities of our church when they "fly-in". It makes us long for the final homecoming that we will have in heaven when we will all be together at last and forever. Page 3

Goodbye, Best Wishes & Thank You! The Hecht family are leaving us, they are moving to Tennessee, in the month of June. Thanks for all you have done here at our Church and School. Thanks also to David for his monthly column Youth News. Wishing all the best!

Five steps to a friendlier church. 1. Speak to the other person first. Don’t wait for him or her to take the initiative. 2. If there is someone you don’t know, introduce yourself to him or her. 3. Be pleasant in your words and expressions. A great church cannot be built with frowns. 4. Invite newcomers to a worship service or to a church event and introduce them to other members. 5. Encourage people to participate in those church activities that interest them.

We want to welcome to our church Eden Noel, coming from Wesley Chapel SDA Church, Edward Borrero who is coming from Albuquerque Rio Grande Spanish SDA Church, and Richard Harrison Jr. coming from Tampa 1st. Congratulations to Eliezer Ocasio for his baptism. Page 4

The Church Courier

PIXIE PIN-UPS DO YOU KNOW ME?

If you think you know this church member, submit your guess to us, either by phone or email. You can submit your baby pix by email or directly to us. Photos can be black and white or color and will be promptly returned. For more information please contact us. May baby was: Pastor William Webb (Clue: “Always looking up!”)

Clue: Remember Alfalfa? ☺

Our winner was: Martha Getlinger Thanks for participating!

Think about it…  Be an organ donor, give your heart to Jesus!

 Seven

days without prayer makes one weak.

 Je s us

is r et ur n ing , resistance is futile.

 Two choices on the shelf, pleasing God or pleasing self. Vol. 10, Issue 6

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SALVATION FOR 80 BILLION By Gary D. Grimes Population specialists estimate 80 billion people have lived on earth since its creation. Eighty billion precious souls have lived on this sin filled orb. Eighty billion people created in the very image of God. How many will be saved? How many will be salvaged? Will you be saved or lost? God, through Jesus, provided enough salvation to save everyone—all 80 billion. So He provided ample salvation for even one and that one is YOU! Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” Salvation is broad enough to include all 80 billion that have lived on earth and personal enough to include just you. Salvation is like a free airplane ticket to heaven. Jesus purchased your ticket before you were born. Revelation 13:8. says, “. . . the Lamb [Jesus] slain from the foundation of the world.” Here’s the “but.” But you have to take the free ticket to heaven. Your part in your salvation is to receive the free gift of salvation. How do you receive the free salvation ticket? You receive it by faith in Jesus as your Savior from your sin singular and from you sins plural. Sin singular is your sinful nature. Sin singular is rebelling against God and trying to live apart from Him. Sin plural is the fruits of your sinful nature. When you receive Jesus as your Savior He begins to kill your sinful nature. As He kills (crucifies) your sinful nature the sinful fruits of your sinful nature begin to die and fall away from your life. Salvation is free in Christ, but you have to hang on to the ticket for dear life. You hang on by answering the promptings of the Holy Spirit when He presents to you our wonderful Savior. Answer the desire of your heart. You hang by getting to know Jesus better everyday with devotional prayer and Bible reading. You hang on by telling others about what Jesus has done for you. You hang on by witnessing to others and inviting them to receive their free ticket to heaven from Jesus and then hanging on to it.

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The Church Courier

This beautiful family is part of our church. Cecilia recently got baptize. They also recently got marry on a beautiful ceremony at John Sr. Chestnut Park. Powell Family Today you will have the pleasure to get to Jorden, Jasmine & Cecilia know them a little better. Q: Where were you born? A: I was born in Houston, TX, Jorden was born in Ontario, Canada and Jasmine was born here in New Port Richey, FL Q: What do you do for a living? A: Cecilia is a Certified Surgical Technologist. Currently working for Mease Countryside Hospital in the Labor and Delivery Department. Q: Pets? A: We have five fishes. Two are clown knifes named Slick Willy and F.F. Two are beta fish named T.J. and P.J, and a green sunfish named Billy Bad Bass. Q: Talents: A: Jorden is a very good dancer and Jasmine and I are very good at drawing. Q: Favorite bible verse or Bible story? A: Our favorite bible verse is Joshua 24:15 "But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods of your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Q: What do you like the best about the NPR SDA church? A: The friendly members. Thank you Powell family, God bless you always! Vol. 10, Issue 6

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Hey Dad!

Here are some advice and wishes for fathers of our Church. To Deanno Powell: “Dad, stop singing in the shower.” Dean “Pray every day.” Deandra

To Juan Rivera: “DaddyO, Happy Fathers Day! God bless you and give you wisdom on how to increase my allowance”. Justin

To: Terr y Howard : “You n work in your hig eed to h vo ice.” Brittany “Read y our bible every da y.” Ashley

Precaution during Summer Summer brings heat, vacations and the desire to spend more time outdoors. Because of that is important for everyone to take precautions. Here are some advice for the hot weather.

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Drink plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration; Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes; Protect yourself from direct sunlight by staying in the shade or by wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; NEVER leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked; Check on elderly relatives or neighbors daily; and Take it easy when outdoors. Athletes and people who work outdoors should, if possible, take short breaks if they feel fatigued. Schedule physical activity during the morning or evening when it is cooler.

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The Church Courier

What is a Christian family?

Softball fans, come cheer your favorite player or team. Whether they are bad, good, or think they are good. It’s all about having fun, and eating veggie burgers. ☺ In our School, every Sunday @ 6:00 PM, starting May 31th

A CHRISTIAN FAMILY is one in which parents so live the Christian life, and practice the presence of God that children come to accept God as the greatest reality of life. A CHRISTIAN FAMILY is one in which each member is accepted and respected as a person having sacred worth. A CHRISTIAN FAMILY is one that accepts the responsibility of worship and instruction to the end of developing the spiritual life of each person. A CHRISTIAN FAMILY is one that manifests a faith in God, observes daily prayer and grace at meals. A CHRISTIAN FAMILY is one that is committed to behavior in keeping with Christian ideals for family relations, community life, and national and world citizenship.

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PATHFINDERS...During the summer break there will be meetings at the Koch home for Swimming & Honors from 2:00-5:00 PM on May 31st, June 14th, and 28th; July 12th and 26th. Make a note of these dates. Also, Pathfinders will have one more Yard Sale to aid the Pathfinders Camporee on Sunday June 7th. Attention: There will be no Visitors’ Fellowship Meals for June, July and August except for the big Fellowship Meals of the month which will continue on the 2nd Sabbath of each month. Also there will be no Sabbath afternoon Bible studies for the months of June, July, and August.

We still have some School Yearbooks left; if you are interested to get one, contact the Church Office, School Office, or Omayra Rivera. Page 10

If you have any Church Family news (praises, prayer petitions, achievements, or want to congratulate someone), please contact the church office or us so we can get it into the newsletter.

SAVE THE DAY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN T H E N P R S D A CHURCH...our choir will be having a Patriotic Cantata. Make plans to be here and enjoy these beautiful and traditional hymns. Sabbath, July 4th @ 6:00 PM Invite a friend!! The Church Courier

From the Editors when I was a kid A few days ago I was looking thru the window and I saw how beautiful the weather was and thought to myself: “what a perfect day to go to the beach or to the park”...I stayed home. Between packing to move, doing laundry, and going thru all the treasures that I’ve been keeping during my life, the time went fast and I didn’t go out to enjoy the beautiful day. Things need to be done, and sometimes they keep us from enjoying Gods creation, gifts, and love.

and my father called me when I was busy (watching cartoons or playing games) and I responded him with a l on g “waaaaiiittt”. He always responded to me with “NO WAIT, come NOW!!”

Sometimes God calls us thru the window, not to ask us to do something, but because He wants us to enjoy a perfect day with Him. Sometimes He calls us to talk, to show us His love. Lets enjoy with the Creator, lets not make We are so busy that Him wait, we don’t when our Father calls know the blessings us we respond with, we ma y l ose. “Can you wait a minute? This reminded me Alex Ortiz

This newsletter is published monthly by the NPR SDA Church. If you have any comments to make about the newsletter, wish to make a donation, or wish to submit an article, please send it to the church or to us.

Contact Us Alexander Ortiz 727-365-2892

Omayra Rivera 727-372-0052

[email protected] NPR Seventh-day Adventist Church 6424 Trouble Creek Road New Port Richey, FL 34653 727-848-4567
www.nprsda.org/newsletter Vol. 10, Issue 6

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New Port Richey Seventh–day Adventist Church 6424 Trouble Creek Road New Port Richey, FL 34653