Blessings in our midst

One of the most exciting things about North Avenue Alliance Church is that we really are an intercultural church. Some Sunday just look around and see all the cultures that are represented in our church. We have people from Romania, Ireland, Ethiopia, Gabon, several other countries in Africa, people of Asian descent and some from Wales. You ask why this is so exciting; because we are a church that is able to experience different cultures without even taking a missions trip. Our carry in dinners have an array of different foods, spices and vegetables that many of us tasted for the first time. We experience people praying and singing in different languages and yet sense we are all worshipping the same Lord. These cultures show us ways of worshipping that we may never be able to otherwise experience. Our missionary conferences have been energized as we hear the music, testimonies and prayers of these saints. We should be thankful to God for allowing this to take place and for all the ways that these families are a blessing to us.

We observe and experience in a very small way what our missionaries see on a regular basis. I pray that you have made it your mission to reach out to all these families and see if we can make their adjustment to the United States just a little easier. I am sure they have needs, especially those who may be here for reasons of the turmoil in their lands. Those who are here for educational purposes we can help by befriending them and becoming their family which I am sure they miss. Invite them over to dinner, pray for them, introduce yourselves to them and let them know how thankful we are they chose NAAC as their church family. This year I hope all of us will take the opportunity to get to know these families and allow them to bless our lives and then use the time to bless theirs.

We are a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in many ways that others are not able to experience. Let us take every opportunity to bring glory and honor to the Lord for this Blessing.

Pastor Hengle

Student Ministry Winter Retreat!

Each year students have an opportunity to attend Camp Berea in Hebron, New Hampshire. Camp Berea's mission is to create and continuously develop programs which appeal to children, teens, adults and families such that they respond to the message of Jesus Christ within the context of meaningful relationships and memorable experiences. In short, their goal is to change lives for Jesus Christ!

In 1945, fifteen churches joined together to purchase the property to operate a Christian camp and conference center.The original land area was about 25 acres and had a few cabins, a dining hall, a lodge and about 40 tents. Since then, quite a bit has changed.All of the original buildings have been renovated or replaced, and they’ve added a full-size gymnasium with conference rooms and a welcome center that holds the office. They doubled the size of the property in 2004 when they purchased the 25 acres adjacent to the original property.

Camp Berea offers a variety of activities: paintball, a climbing wall, inflatable games, carpet ball, pool, ping pong, a tubing hill, crafts, all kinds of sports, a snack bar and a book store.

They recruit some of the best speakers and bands from across the country. This year 300 students from across New England were spiritually challenged by our speaker Kent Julian, the CM&A National Youth Director. The worship band was Grammy nominated December Radio.

The overall theme of the weekend was Flashpoint. The definition of a flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which the vapor of a combustible liquid can be made to ignite momentarily in air. Spiritually, a flashpoint is a time in one’s life where God ignites in our hearts a new passion for Him, a time where we can see God’s Spirit changing our heart, attitude and love for Him.

On Friday evening, Kent used John 13: 34-35 to illustrate Christ’s love for us. He told the disciples, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” He didn’t put any conditions on His love for the disciples. He loved them just as they were. He loves us this very moment just as we are. Kent reminded us that Christ has a huge crush on us. He wants us to experience and realize that love here on earth. We may never experience a transformational flashpoint in our lives, if we don’t first understand His unconditional love for us.

On Saturday morning Kent shared the story from Matthew 16:13-20. Jesus reveals to the disciples that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This is where Jesus empowers Peter to lead the church. Peter hadn’t earned the right to lead. He hadn’t jumped through any hoops. Jesus believed in Peter. Kent reminded us that Jesus loves us so much that He believes in us even when we haven’t done anything yet. He challenged us to imagine that type of love.

On Saturday evening, Kent retold us the story of the Good Samaritan. He reminded us that our character is defined by who we are when no one is looking. And that our relationship with God isn’t about what we do, but who we are. The priest and the Levite did lots of things for God, many of them daily rituals. They chose not to act on their faith when no one was looking. Our relationship with God isn’t about what we do, but about who we are. It’s not about doing…it’s about being! It’s easy to communicate what to do to be a Christian…hard to communicate how to be a Christian.

Nat Park, Kent, Julian and December Radio

On Sunday morning, Kent challenged our hearts with the story of Peter walking on water. Peter learned two things. First, he stayed focused on Jesus and second, he was willing to take a step in faith toward Jesus. We were challenged to focus in Christ in our everyday lives and be willing to constantly take steps towards Christ.

After each session we had time in our cabins to think about the things God taught us through Kent, the Word and through the music. We had some pretty incredible discussions and times of prayer. We had the privilege of calling out to God together as he challenged our hearts. I am so thankful for the staff of Camp Berea. Praise God for retreats and a great youth staff willing to spend lots of hours with your kids. Also praise God for our volunteer staff willing to give up their weekends to be with our students.

NEW ROOF AND CUPOLA COMPLETED!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE!

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW………...

THANK YOU! FROM THE FANBERGS.

The Fanbergs are excited about the relationship we are beginning to build with them. They appreciated the Thanksgiving and Christmas plates, napkins and tablecloths that were sent to them by members of our congregation. Chuck said that they had their language students over at Thanksgiving and entertained the Pastors of the National Church for Christmas. Robbi made use of all of the items sent and was very glad to have them. They also appreciated the generous gift of Spanish CD’s of Steve Green they received as a gift. Melanie appreciated her package of goodies from the youth ministry.

Chuck said that although the gifts have been very generous, the greatest gift we have been able to give them is prayer support. Here is a list of praise and prayer requests from Chuck and Robbi:

1. Thanks for your prayers for Melanie studying in the Alliance Academy International in Quito, Ecuador. She went through some difficult times last semester but is doing very well now.

2. For our ministry to the new missionaries studying Spanish language. That we will know how to encourage them in this frustrating and difficult process. We have two couples and one couple seems to be very stressed and the other is having a difficult time in the language.

3. For my ministry in Central America. I will be traveling this week to El Salvador and Honduras. In El Salvador I will be helping some pastors work through some issues. Pray that I will have wisdom in this situation. In Honduras I will be visiting to encourage the pastor and his wife who pastor the only Alliance Church in the country.

4. For the OnMission internship program. Our OnMission intern is doing very well here. We need wisdom as to how to promote the program for the next year.

5. For the possibility of working with the national church to plant a new congregation in San Jose.

We look forward to the Fanberg’s visit with us at NAAC in April.

Pastor Steve

Sue’s Views: Mother/Daughter Victorian tea party

Did you all have a great Christmas? Didn’t it just fly by? It seems like I’m writing about ancient history, so why bring it up now? I just wanted to bring your attention to the Mother/Daughter Victorian Tea Party that was held on December 9th, just before all the festivities started for the Christmas season. If you missed it, plan to come to the next tea that is planned by Helen Holden, Barb Senesac, Ellen Zak, and Sarah Couture.

It was a fun start to the Holidays because the planners asked all to wear a hat. There appeared a great variety of hats from a baseball cap, to a Santa’s hat to a truly Victorian hat which was the theme of the Tea. Prizes were given out to many of the ladies. Arlene Tetreault’s hat was the most authentic, Liz Arena won a prize for the most original and Liz Oostermann’s was decidedly the prettiest of them all.

We have many talented people in our church, who give their time, share their talents for great events that are enjoyed by congregants and guests.

The Tea was delicious and there were many savory tidbits . Over 60 ladies attended, and a several of them shared with us how Christmas is celebrated in their home countries. We started with Anca Ion who told us what was done in Romania to celebrate Christ’s birth, Ruth Stewart shared with us her family traditions in Germany, and Linda Paroline told us about Christmas in Poland.

Brenda Hall and her daughter Blaize led us in Christmas Carols which included Deck the Halls, Good King Wenceslaus, O Come All Ye Faithful and others. It was a wonderful start to the Holidays putting us all in a festive mood to be able to celebrate Christmas with our family and friends.

Susan Carlsen

On Tuesday, March 13th at 6:30 pm,will haveannual Spring Open House. It is open to the public and all are welcome. We invite you to join us and bring a friend. See for yourselvesa wonderful and ministry we have at NACS. There areSeptember 2007all classes, toddlers through 6th grade.

We have begun our new Hot Lunch Program. With the help of volunteer parents and Mrs. McNayr, the lunches are prepared by the Principal, Ms. Gozza. How many students in Vermontsay that their Principal cooks their lunch? The students give this new undertaking "two thumbs up"!

On Friday, Feb 2nd, the K-5 classes will be hosting a Multicultural Pot Luck luncheon to go along with our ACSI inspired "Day of Hope". Parents and students will bring in a special family recipe to share what is unique to their heritage. Pastor Steve will speak about the children from Compassion International. Ms. Gozza and Mrs. McNayr will share information with the students regarding their "adopted" girls from Columbia, and El Salvador.

WCAX donated a huge box of hats, gloves and mittens to all of our students. They were able to "go shopping" and chooseitem they. Making a choice wasn't easy with so many beautifully made items.The students made cards to send as a thank-you

Notes from Kara:

Even now, I still hear people talking about how much they enjoyed Cabin Fever last year. Despite my botched attempt at an illusion, the evening was enjoyable and entertaining. We heard the choir, soloists, jazz, show tunes; we watched video clips and drama. This year we will again experience an evening of entertainment guaranteed to help break the winter doldrums. The program will feature the choir, Cam Cross, Dave Fox, and a flute trio, to name a few. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a variety show filled with talented musicians and entertainers!

Simon Says presents New Testament characters with a modern day twist and loads of fun! The musical opens with Simon Peter in the courtroom; he’s charged with fraud for preaching that Christ is the Son of God and the Messiah. He must either prove himself truthful or cease and desist preaching. Eyewitnesses are called to present overwhelming evidence that Jesus is exactly who “Simon Says.” This musical is so much fun for the kids, and you’ll enjoy it too. The performance includes drama, costumes, solos, and choreography.

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen

Hebrews 13:20-21

Happy new year - How to be happy

Everyone wants to be happy. But many fail in their quest to find that elusive prize because they are looking in the wrong places.

Proverbs 16:30 tell us, “Whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” And Psalm 146:5 indicates that happiness come to whose who find their help and hope in God.

The foundation for happiness is a proper relationship with the Lord. But to fully experience that happiness, we must build on that foundation in practical ways. Try the following :

1. Give something away.
2. Do a kindness.
3. Give thanks always.
4. Work with vim and vigor.
5. Visit the elderly and learn from their experience.
6. Look intently into the face of a baby and marvel.
7. Laugh often-it’s life’s medicine.
8. Pray to know God’s way.
9. Plan as though you will live forever.
10. Live as though today is your last day on earth.

These are excellent ideas for living a happy life. Under gird each of these rules with praise, and your happiness will be complete. “Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord” Psalm 146:1-2

Richard DeHaan

Stanphill

Slide show script provided by Dynamic Drive