Compassion international:

The opportunity afforded us to go to El Salvador was one that will have a lasting impact on Patty and me. To experience a new culture is always important, but the way we experienced the culture had a profound impact.

We started our trip by going to five different projects set up by the local church. These are places that provide for the spiritual, physical, emotional health for the children, along with education up to the twelfth grade. These projects are part of the church’s ministry and completely run by volunteers. When you see children getting food, education and hearing the Gospel about the Lord, it is exciting to see the smiles on their faces. Many testimonies were given how the children have led their entire families to Christ. To our surprise, we were hugged, asked for our autographs, given pictures and gifts made by the children and just plain loved by them unconditionally.

I would like to tell you how the simplicity of life for these children teaches them to be thankful for everything they receive. These families are the poorest of the poor and live in shacks usually without a father. Their diet consists of a little rice, beans or papusa -a corn filled tortilla with cheese and beans. Their homes are infested with insects and they drink water from the same river they bathe and wash their clothes. Most do not have electricity and the dampness and smell is unbelievable. You would think they would be angry, bitter people and children. What we saw was the most gracious, kind and giving people Patty and I have ever met. They had smiles on their faces and were so thankful for the help we were giving their children. The children were so happy we were there and just wanted to spend time with us. Sometimes just hugging them made all the difference in the world. We were especially touched by Jasmine a little girl who had nothing, but was so loving and kind; and Katyn who we sponsored, was just so thankful for the little things we gave her. Our love and time spent with them meant more than anything we gave them materially. What a lesson for us to learn.

It would be so easy to return and forget all that we experience, but our prayer is that these pictures of children, smells and experiences will continually change our lives each day. Patty and I can say with confidence, we will never be the same and we thank the Lord for the experience.

Pastor Mike Hengle

KEMPO MINISTRY

The North Avenue Alliance Kempo group has been officially active since March of 2005.We meet twice each week; Wednesday evening at 5:30 PM and Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM. Classes are held in the Church Gym for each hour long session.

We are a Christian-based club and incorporate a short devotional and prayer into each lesson.It should be understood that, in addition to Kempo karate, students will be taught basic biblical principles, and bible verse memorization is a requirement to advance in belt ranks.

As a martial arts school, our primary focus is on self-defense. style is primarily Kempo karate, but we mix in other forms of Martial Arts that blend well with kempo. In addition to Kempo, students will be taught elements of Judo, Aikido, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wing Chun and Arnis.We also try to focus on increasing physical fitness, daily learning, growing together and having fun!As we grow as a school; we hope to attract students from outside the church and, especially, to reach unbelievers through our ministry.

Anyone age 13 and older is welcomed to visit and participate.While it is not mandatory, we encourage families of a student between the ages of 13 and 16 to have a parent join, or at least be present during the class.

Because we need to purchase equipment; there is a small cost to attend.Each student is asked to pay $5.00 per month; the price is capped at $10.00 per family, though.

Bruce Crady and Bob Walker are our two instructors.Bruce and Bob have over 45 years of combined Martial Arts experience. Bruce has focused his training on Kempo and holds a 3rd degree black belt in the style, while Bob varied his training and holds a 1st degree black belt in Kempo Karate, a 1st degree black belt in Moo Gong Do (a Korean style similar to Tae Kwon Do) and a brown belt in Aikido. Any ranks obtained from us are officially sanctioned and recognized by the Martial Way Self-Defense Center in Colchester, VT; where the senior instructor/owner is a 5th degree black belt in Kempo.

For more information about our ministry/program, please come visit one of our classes and/or contact either instructor. Bob Walker 893-1632 Bruce Crady 862-3401

Operation Christmas Child

When our missionary Amy Nehlsen was here in September she translated a letter to the girl from English to French and took it along with a small package to mail to Tadampua Onacha when she got back to Burkina Faso.

I can’t tell you how happy SHE made ME with her sweet letter. I hope this year your heart will be blessed as mine was for being a part of this ministry!

I thank Thee Lord

The very air I’m breathing now,
The flowers, birds, and trees-
The beauty that surrounds us all,
I thank Thee, Lord, for these.

For all the friends and loved ones
I met on life’s pathway,
And especially for Thy endless love,
I thank Thee every day!

Doris A. Orth

SUE’S VIEWS:OF RECENT SPECIAL EVENTS

What did you think of our Family Fun Day held on August 5? Missed it? Well, put it on your calendar for next year. Our church is making this an annual outreach event for our community. There were over 250 in attendance this year. This free event included; hot dogs, popcorn, cookies, and various drinks . There was a bounce castle, miniature pony rides (loaned by the Green Mountain Mini Horse & Donkey Association), basket ball jump & hoop trampoline, a ring toss, a bean bag toss, water pistol shoot, a shallow pond of Yucky “Yuck” with marbles for your toes to find, and other games. We even had a pirate (Bob Vautier) with his trusty first mate walking around. There was also an official Burlington Fire Truck for the kids to climb and explore. Prizes such as necklaces, stuffed animals, and plastic frogs were given to everyone. Plan to be there next year to help and join the fun on the first weekend in August. We are grateful to everyone who planned and helped this year and a special thanks to the coordinators; Sarah Couture, Kay and Pat Shut.

The week of September 17 - 24 was NAAC’s Missions Conference. We heard reports from the missionaries we support of what they did in their respective fields. We had the joy of having Bryon Butler preach on Sunday and he also was interviewed on WGLY radio by Carlo. He shared a VERY interesting talk about Argentina, in South America where he ministers.

When we went to the Hengle’s on Monday night, Todd Adams told us about Indonesia in Southeast Asia where he ministers. He pointed out how 21st century missionaries would be ministering to people who were so poor that they wouldn’t have electricity in the house and yet they would have a cell phone to communicate with. Or they would be cooking their food over an open flame (like an outdoor barbeque) and work with a laptop computer. Such incongruities occurred so often that they ended up seeming normal. He then gave us a message using the parable about THE ONE who sowed seeds and the increase of the crop depended on the ground where the seeds were planted. He talked about his family of four, Sullivan, Emily, Jordan, Beau & his wife Debbie. He was very interesting and each one of us could take something from his talk and apply it to our own lives.

On Tuesday, when we went to the Senior Adult Ministry at the Sanborn’s house it was exciting to meet Amy Nehlsen, and find out about her work in Burkina Faso, Africa. There were about 20 of us and we got to know Amy & her friend Nyagali Traore who is the head of the Alliance women in Africa, as we had lunch together. It was encouraging to me to find out how Amy works with Peggy Drake, whom we met last year. She told us of her family, Abigail, Kari, and Peter, and her husband Steve who is C&MA director in Africa. She played her guitar and sang a song that she wrote. Steve Carlsen then played and sang “This is my Father’s World”. We all sang along with him before hearing how peoples’ lives were changed by the power of God through Amy’s work. Amy introduced us to Nyagali and translated into English what Nyagali said when she told us of how they are building a “Dorcas” house for African girls in want. She was excited to be able to share this dream with us of providing for the spiritual, and physical needs for these exploited girls of Burkina Faso .

On Wednesday there was the potluck dinner at the church where we had a chance to hear all three missionaries share briefly. It was impressive to see our missionaries as just ordinary people who God has called to work in a foreign land. As a matter of fact, Todd Adams said that he considered himself to be an extension of our church working in Indonesia and that 8% of the world’s languages could be found in Indonesia. To me that’s an impressive statistic telling of how many languages there are in the world when you consider that someplace like North America has less then 1% of the world’s languages. The smallest people group with their own language could be about 250 people.

Byron went on to tell us what the ‘love of Jesus Christ’ looked like and he gave example after example of people helping people. This was God showing HIS love. We too should be Christ’s hands demonstrating God’s love to others in our world.

It was a very informative and interesting Missions Conference. We are continually learning how to be Christ like in our individual part of the world. If we all work together we help the world to be ready for Jesus when He comes back.

On September 29th we had “Mark Jackson and Final Call” at our church for a Multicultural Gospel Concert with Cam Cross. It was wonderful Gospel & Soul music. The music was so uplifting and varied, it was as if we were experiencing a little bit of heaven. Being multi-cultural we could forget our differences and all be united praising Jesus.

Kara is bringing us a fantastic variety of music groups and we should all be bringing friends to our next one.

Another great program that we held October 14th was our Fall Harvest Festival. We had around 100 attendees and many were first time visitors. Some of whom returned the next day to join us for Sunday worship. Lots of children and adults played board games, three legged races, toy car races which were propelled by balloons, and bobbing for apples. Dave Fox & ‘The Westerners’ serenaded us while we ate the great food which included salads and desserts brought by church members. Pastor Mike made his yearly appearance in his nifty Jeans. We look forward to reaching out to the community with the Harvest Festival again next year.

By Sue Carlsen

Costa Rica mission trip

The Fanbergs had been missionaries in Peru for 15 years. They were instrumental in equipping the churches in Peru to stand on their own. The Christian and Missionary Alliance is now relocating missionaries from Peru to other countries.

Imagine working in a mission field that you love. Imagine the excitement of seeing a country equipped in the ministry of bringing people to Christ. Imagine the sadness of leaving the people you love and the uncertainly of beginning a new ministry in a new country.

We met the Fanberg family on our trip to Costa Rica. They have been in Costa Rica since February. They are loving family eager to serve God in their new adventure. Chuck is the field director for Costa Rica. His job is to equip the three Alliance churches there to plant new churches and to help transition students attending the language school in San Jose. Robbi grew up in Indonesia with her missionary family. She has a degree in pastoral counseling and administrates the field office. Their daughter Melanie is a junior at the international school in Ecuador. Their two grown sons, Ryan and Drew live and work in the United States.

Our church, has decided to partner with the Fanbergs by investing into their lives and ministry in Costa Rica. This year we are encouraging everyone to pray for the Fanbergs as well as help support them financially.

The monies we raise will allow us to bring Chuck and Robbie here once a year to encourage, equip and partner with us in missions. We are also committed to raising the funds that will allow them to visit their daughter Melanie twice a year at her boarding school in Ecuador.

Prayer requests are available under their picture in the lobby. Donations can be made by putting the Fanbergs name on the other line on your offering envelope.

North Avenue Christian School

Sue Comeau,
Preschool Director
Terri Gozza,
Principal K-5

HOW YOU CAN SUPPPORT OUR SCHOOL:

Pray for our students and staff that we may have a successful and blessed year.

Volunteer your time in the classrooms or in the office.

Make a donation towards our scholarship fund.

Become a “Foster Grandparent” in the classroom.

Help us to organize the hot lunch program, which will start in January.

Be a "Planning Room" volunteer.

Read to a Preschooler.

Come visit us and see for yourself what a wonderful school we have!

North Avenue Alliance Church - Christmas 2006

This season our church will be filled with holiday music! Mark your calendar for the following events:

Friday, December 8 7 PM
Midwinter Madrigal Festival
The performance will feature select choirs from high schools throughout northern Vermont.

Saturday, December 9
1-3 PM
Mother/daughter
Christmas Tea

 

NAAC CHRISTMAS CANTATA

Thursday, December 14 7 PM
Cantata A Christmas Tale Dress Rehearsal

Sunday, December 17
10 AM & 6 PM
Cantata A Christmas Tale

 

Sunday, December 24
10:30 AM Morning Worship
6PM Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service

Notes from Kara:

"There is a divine storywriter who writes the narrative of the world. This narrative is a cosmic drama of how the Creator’s world has been made dysfunctional by the sin of its inhabitants writing a history other than God’s creational intention. These people have written a history of hate, greed, war, lust, murder. There is little justice as the poor, the needy and the weak are dehumanized, controlled and used.

But in the midst of all this chaos, there is a story of the God who gets involved with His creation to redeem it, restore it and return it to the purposes for which He created it- a habitation for Himself, a theatre of His glory, a people among whom He will dwell. This is the story of the Bible." (Robert Webber)

This Christmas season, the Adult Choir and actors will present the story of God coming to earth in a musical entitled A Christmas Tale. They will be playing the role of storytellers who convey the tale of Christmas through music and drama. The performance will take place on Sunday December 17 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. This year you are also invited to the dress rehearsal on Thursday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. The musical is a wonderful chance for you to invite friends and families to hear the Christmas story through drama and song.

We will also host the midwinter Madrigal Festival again. It will take place on Friday, December 8. The event features select choirs from about 11 high schools in northern Vermont. There are at least 150 students here during the day to rehearse, and then they perform a concert in the evening. Hosting this concert is a great way to reach out to our community.

At our annual Christmas Eve service on the 24th, the choir will sing, and we will hear from various musicians as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

As you enjoy the concerts, services, and holiday festivities, may you embrace with wonder the story of the incarnation and the hope that it brings.

Check out this new website.

Fellowshipping.ORG was created by Justin Carboneau and Corey Wright. They established Fellowshipping.ORG for the following purposes:

• To help people connect with other members in their church who share similar interests or situations.
• To help people keep in touch with their church's members and leaders throughout the week.
• To help people share their knowledge and experience with others through online journals.
• To build online communities based on real life Christian church communities.
• To create a fellowship where both Christians and non-Christians feel welcome and can discuss and learn more about God.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

October of 1777 marked the first time that all 13 colonies joined in a thanksgiving celebration. It also commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga. But it was a one-time affair. George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, although some were opposed to it. There was discord among the colonies, many feeling the hardships of a few Pilgrims did not warrant a national holiday. And later, President Thomas Jefferson scoffed at the idea of having a day of thanksgiving. It was Sarah Joseph Hale, a magazine editor, whose efforts eventually led to what we recognize as Thanksgiving. Hale wrote many editorials championing her cause in her Boston Ladies' Magazine, and later, in Godey's Lady's Book. Finally, after a 40-year campaign of writing editorials and letters to governors and presidents, Hale's obsession became a reality when, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was proclaimed by every president after Lincoln. The date was changed a couple of times, most recently by Franklin Roosevelt, who set it up one week to the next-to-last Thursday in order to create a longer Christmas shopping season. Public uproar against this decision caused the president to move Thanksgiving back to its original date two years later. And in 1941, Thanksgiving was finally sanctioned by Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November.

Slide show script provided by Dynamic Drive