The Church Courier, September 2008

The Church Courier Vol. 9, Issue 9

Mexico Mission Trip

What a tremendous opportunity our youth had this summer. An opportunity to visit another country but also help God’s work by helping to build a church. They were asked about what they enjoyed the most during the mission trip? What impressed them the most and ... Continue on page 3

In This Issue: Pixie Pin-Ups…………5 Invitation……………...7 Praise……...……..........9 Church @ Work……..10

September 2008

Celebrate Labor Day Labor Day, first celebrated in 1882, provides a day of rest for working Americans, showing their importance to the country’s well-being. Christians see work as a gift and command from God. Adam was put in the Garden to “till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15, NRSV). Even Jesus chose workers to help carry out his mission. Rest is just as significant as work. God commanded us to rest one day each week (Exodus 20:10). The Sabbath is a time for worship, dedication to God, renewal and recuperation. Labor Day is a reminder to be grateful for the creativity, ingenuity, minds and muscle power of countless workers — all gifts of God. That’s worth setting aside a day to appreciate.

Two friends operated a service station in central California. The two men were Sabbath-keepers, buy since the oil company they actually worked for insisted the station be kept open seven days a week, they hired another man to operate their business on Saturdays. But business started falling off. It was then that a regional company official came to investigate the problem. He told the two friends that they really weren’t loyal Sabbath-keepers, because if they were they would have closed the station on Saturdays!! Wow, what a tongue-lashing from someone who wasn’t even a Sabbath-keeper! So, after a few more thoughts, he took away their franchise! Two new manages were brought in to take over the service station—and, you guessed it—they were Sabbath-keepers also! But with one difference—they closed the station on the Sabbath hours, and the business prospered! In fact, it prospered so well that the regional manager called on them to say their sales were the highest sales ever for that service station! What about us, brothers and sisters? Are we as faithful in our Sabbath-keeping? Do we guard the “edges” of the Sabbath, that is, Friday evenings and late Sabbath afternoons? What has our attention on the Sabbath—the whole twenty-four hours? Are we laying aside the newspapers, the secular magazines, the secular music, the TV? Do we frequent restaurants on the Sabbath when we could easily eat at home with our families? (If we wouldn’t buy our groceries at a grocery store, then why would we buy “prepared” groceries at a restaurant?) And just like the two friends in our story, would others looking on question us on our Sabbath-keeping if we say we’re honoring God’s Sabbath while doing other things? There’s much for all of us to think about, and even make some changes about! Please read Isaiah 58:13, 14. Yours for honoring God by honoring His Sabbath, Pastor and Sharon Webb. Page 2

The Church Courier

Mexico Mission Trip cont. from page 1

...what would they change about the mission trip? Here are some of their answers… Timothy Gosser: “What impressed me the most was that everybody worked very hard until they had no more left in them. From the youngest, Liam to the oldest, Mr. Schiefer hehehe”  Jacob Cripe: “What I enjoyed the most was meeting new people. What I would change?….A b i g g e r plane.” Terry Creamer: “What impressed me the most was the ability for such a large group to learn to work together so fast.” Gabriella Menendez: “I really enjoyed this great experience. What impressed me the most was that when we were done building the church, people came so grateful and they thanked us, with food and kindness.” Daniel Hecht: “I enjoyed the group devotionals. What impressed me the most was how simple the people lived.”

with two words their experience and here are some of the answers. Lynn Hecht: “Fan-tastic and great.” Lean Hecht: “Awesome and spiritual.” Jake Hecht: “Absolutely amazing.” Pablo Montanez: “Outstanding and wonderful.” Liz Montanez: “Eye opening” Christie Rodriguez: “Love and friendship.” Aldyth Marshall: “Very rewarding.” Martha Getlinger: “Wild and wonderful” Thanks for supporting our youth and the mission trips of our church! Now you can see pictures of all our activities on your Church web page: www.nprsda.org/photogallery

We also asked the adults to describe Vol. 9, Issue 9

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Mexico Trip This Summer I went to Cancun, Mexico for a mission trip. It was a lot of fun I met a lot of new people. We worked so hard one day we even By David Hecht worked in the rain while we were digging and mixing cement. We painted one church and laid a cement floor and ceiling in another one. We even had time to have fun. We went to X-caret, its like Sea World, went to a flea market, Mayan ruins and a snorkeling trip. I really enjoyed spending time with my new friends. But most of all I am glad I was able to help the churches.

Youth Events

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September 5,6 & 7 Pathfinder Camp In.

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September 13 7:30pm Youth 13 and up Game Night in the Church Fellowship Hall.

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September 27 West Area Youth Rally 10am to 3pm Community Plunge 8th grade to Young Adult New Port Richey SDA Church. 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. First 3 correct responses will receive a prize! You can submit your baby pix by email or directly to us. Photos can be black and His first baby food was Sauwhite or color and will be promptly re- erkraut. He also enjoys turned. For more information please con- riding his motorcycle.  tact us. August baby was: Alan Hecht (Clue: His favorite hymn could be “Crown Him with many crowns.” (Alan is a dentist) Our winners were: Caroline Schryer and Martha Getlinger

Think about it…  A genuine Christian is the best evidence of the genuineness of Christianity.  More time in God’s house will bring better times in our house.  Whatever your past has been, you have a spotless future.  For a healthy heart, exercise your faith. Vol. 9, Issue 9

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School Fundraiser Please remember our School fundraisers. Clip Box Tops from your favorite products. Look for the 10¢ Box Tops on brands like Ziploc®, Kleenex® and HUGGIES®, too! Visit: www.boxtops4education.com for more info or contact Leann Hecht. Page 6

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A wonderful opportunity has arrived, 3ABN will be presenting a live evangelism series for kids ages 8-12. I’m opening my home to parents and kids that want to participate in this evangelism series. So join us and Pastor Doug Batchelor in this Amazing Adventure. Space is limited, so if you are interested please contact me soon. Omayra & Juan Rivera (727) 372-0052 or [email protected]

Congratulations Dodgers! After weeks of fun and excitement the Softball season has come to an end. Congratulations to all the teams, especially The Dodgers Not in this order: Capitan: Christie to the blue team - The Rodriguez, Co-Capitan: Lynn Hecht, Adiel Paulin, Al Dodgers, for winning this Cruz, Bernie Koch, Bobby Walker, Brock Wildey, season.

Cody Wildey, Daniel Litardo, John Stoehrer, Kassidy Neptune, Katie Koch, Omayra Rivera, Richard Nep- If you didn’t have a tune, Robert Walker, Tim Gosser. Not all players chance to see them in pictured.

action, www.nprsda.org/softball and see the photo album.

go

to

Thanks to all who made this season another successful one! See you at the field next summer! Vol. 9, Issue 9

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September is the National Hispanic Heritage Month. Here is a good recipe to get you in the mood of celebration.  Pastelon of Ripe Plantain Easy recipe . . . The plantains are already cooked, all you have to do is smash them down a bit and put in the pie. Use ready made sofrito and you are done..... 1 box (Goya ripe sliced plantains) 1 bag of ground veggie meat ¼ cup ready made Sofrito 2 tbs. vegetable oil ½ can tomato sauce 1 tbs. sliced olives and peppers 1 tsp. capers 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper ½ cup shredded cheese 2 eggs, slightly beaten with 1 tsp. water In a skillet heat up the oil, add the veggie meat and cook for about 4 minutes, then add the tomato sauce and cook another 5 minutes or so breaking down the meat. Add the olives with peppers and the capers, and the salt and black paper. Stir and set aside. Heat up the plantains in the microwave until hot. Then mash them down slightly using a fork. Layer the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate with slices of plantain (these come already cooked) - about half the box. Layer half the meat over that, then more plantains and then meat. Sprinkle cheese over the last layer. Pour the egg and water mixture as evenly as you can over the cheese. Cook at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes until egg is cooked and cheese is melted. Serve warm. This is a delicious side dish with rice or a great lunch with a salad. Sabroso!

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National Grandparents Day September 7th My Church My church is composed of people like me. We make it what it is. It will be friendly, if I am. Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them. It will do great work, if I work. It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver. It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I bring them. My church will be a church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, and a church with a noble spirit, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with those things. Therefore, with the help of God, I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my church to be!

The Church Courier

In this section you will see interesting facts and figures. Got some? Send it to us. ife ge housew The avera es a und 10 mil o r a s lk a w e d the hous day aroun rk. wo doing her

You need to use 200 muscles in your body to walk.

The best way of getting rid of water retention is to drink a lot of water.

After months of preparation a Randi Odierno idea came to reality. A Bible Study Group for outsiders. With many prayers and great expectations we started our monthly meetings Thursday, August 7th @ 7:00 PM. Our first study was The Bible and the teacher was Gary Grimes. Our second meeting will be Thursday, September 11 @ 7:00 PM. So spread the good news in your neighborhood and pray so more people can come to this wonderful study. Vol. 9, Issue 9

Butterflie s with the taste ir feet

Philippians 4:13 --- I can do all t h i n g s through Christ who strengthens me. The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success. (submitted by Barbara Stricker) Page 9

Mark your calendar!

Are you READY FOR the FUN this Fall?

Sabbath, September 20th the Quartet, Beloved, will have the Special Music and Offertory for our church service and then have an inspiring musical Vespers program for us starting at 6:30 PM that evening. Join us! CHURCH FAMILY CRUISE

Bowling Season starting soon!

If you have an interest in going on a cruise with other members of the NPR SDA Church Family, please fill out and turn in the “Cruise Survey” or call Martha for more information. Fun, fun, fun!

Music and the riddles of life The author of the 49th psalm developed a wise practice as he contemplated the problems he faced. 'I will solve my riddle to the music of the harp' (Psalm 49:4 ), he wrote. He found encouragement to meet life's difficulties by getting involved with music. Good music does indeed help our mind and spirit. Good music imparts inspiration and grace to the fretful spirit. Think about this: if music is so beneficial for the human spirit, shouldn't those of us who are musically talented use our voice or musical instrument to aid others in worshiping God? This is a challenge to you who have been given the gift of a good voice, come and... ...Join our Choir’s new season! Staring Saturday, September 6th @ 4:00 PM Page 10

The Church Courier

This past month while looking for quotes for the section Think about it (page 5) I found one quote that caught my attention, it said: “Whatever your past has been, you have a spotless future.” Satan likes to use our past record against us, sometimes he succeeds in making us feel inadequate and ashamed, and when we feel like that we don’t want to be productive and active in God’s work. But if we remember God’s Word, He has told us that the devil was a murder from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is not truth in him. Please read John 8:44. While thinking on that, I went and started hearing my new music for the Choir. What beautiful music!, and started reflecting on the lyric’s of one of the hymns that said: “I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in and then a little light from heaven filled my soul. It bathed my heart in love and wrote my name above and just a little talk with Jesus made me whole.” How beautiful, just confess your sins and believe. Please remember that you are not defined by anything that happened to you or anything you’ve done. You are defined by who you are in Christ. And remember also that Jesus loves you so and He died for you!  Omayra Rivera 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 Visit us on the web: www.nprsda.org/newsletter Vol. 9, Issue 9

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