The College Church Blog

2010-03-11T10:47:00.001-05:00

Health Concerns: Roger & Regina Preston, Judy Brown, Cleverson Beckedorff (Lyllian’s brother), Paul Almeida, Bill Tymeson, Edith Jarschke (Annette Siver’s mother), Rick Trott, Randi Mason (Jonathan Siver’s girlfriend), Stan Collins (Ed’s dad), Biz Reynolds (Peter Christoph’s cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh’s brother), Laura Lee Williams, Jayne Baccus-Hurley, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey, Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin).
Military Service: Kim King, Jason Currie.

EVERY WEEK Adventist World Radio receives letters of support from around the world. AWR broadcasts the message of God’s love for thousands of listener hours every day in over 80 languages, through short-wave, AM/FM, and the Internet. By generously supporting the AWR annual offering today, you will be giving hope a voice in areas where it is needed most.

FELLOWSHIP DINNER: All are welcome to join us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall for dinner after the 11:00 service for an all-church lunch of soup, salad and sandwiches. The Robertson class will sponsor next week’s dinner.

“SPRING FORWARD” Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour tonight as we switch to daylight saving time.

ALL WOMEN are invited to attend women's night this Monday at 6:30 pm in the Tea Room at the College Town Inn. Bring a friend and a dish to share.

IN OUR RECALIBRATION DISCUSSIONS (Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.) we are now seeing Jesus turning distinctly toward the cross. Let's continue the journey this week by reading Matthew 19:1 and Luke 17:11–19. All are invited to be part of this growth-time!

March Newsletter Posted

2010-03-05T09:59:00.006-05:00

MARCH NEWSLETTER: The March issue of the College Church newsletter is now available at http://www.thecollegechurch.com/newsletter.html.

Important: In Pastor Pate's column there is a reference to the survey to gauge opinons about the newsletter. It will only take 4–5 minutes, and we appreciate any input you can give. Click here to take the survey. Lack of response will be interpreted as lack of interest in the newsletter.

Key Announcements for Mar. 6, 2010

2010-03-05T09:58:00.000-05:00

This Sabbath's bulletin is ready for viewing at . Several key announcements are below; please note that they are written as if you are reading them Sabbath morning. There will be additional important announcements in Sabbath's bulletin.

PRAYER FOCUS:
Health Concerns: Roger Preston, Judy Brown, Cleverson Beckedorff (Lyllian’s brother), Paul Almeida, Bill Tymeson, Edith Jarschke (Annette Siver’s mother), Rick Trott, Randi Mason (Jonathan Siver’s girlfriend), Stan Collins (Ed’s dad), Biz Reynolds (Peter Christoph’s cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh’s brother), Laura Lee Williams, Jayne Baccus-Hurley, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey, Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin).
Bereavement: The family of Erlon Blood (Janice Kendrick’s father), who passed away Tuesday afternoon. The calling hours are this evening and the funeral is tomorrow, both in Maine. Please contact the office if you would like more info.

CARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT are on the table in the foyer. Sign them and brighten the life of a church family friend. Ministry of Nurture

FELLOWSHIP DINNER: All are welcome to join us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall for dinner after the 11:00 service, sponsored by the Gifford class. Next week’s dinner will be all-church soup, salad and sandwiches.

CLUB MEETINGS: Today at 1:15 p.m. in Primary 1. Little Lambs, Eager Beavers and Adventurers will separate into groups afterwards.

GAME NIGHT: 6:00 tonight, Fellowship Hall. Bring your snacks to share and games to play. The ping pong table will be up, so bring some comfy shoes too. Play games or just socialize with your fellow church members. See you there! The Social Committee

PATHFINDER CITRUS PICKUP: Tomorrow at the community service center (the usual place).

PASTORAL STAFF MEETING: This Monday at 4:00 p.m.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND CHURCH BOARD meet this Monday and Tuesday, respectively, at 7:00 p.m.

LUKE 16:1–17:10 are passages that many of us at times wish Jesus had left unsaid. Let's prayerfully reconsider these concepts in our Recalibration meetings this week.. Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.or 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Pate's Update, Mar. 3, 2010

2010-03-03T09:20:00.001-05:00

Dear Church Family,

I don't know if you've been staying in the loop on things throughout the church family, but I can update you on a few items.

We are, of course, concerned for the concentrated losses (3 passing in the last week or so) throughout the Montaque family. I believe they are in Washington state for the services for BJ Behrens. We'd prayed for him for months and months and he finally succumbed to the cancer. That's on top of the loss of two friends/relatives in New York last week. Our hearts are saddened for this family.

I was joking around with George Livermore yesterday... and I'm so grateful for his courage as he is now walking this part of the journey without Virginia. What a sweet man and asset to our church family he is.

We remain concerned about Judy Brown. The good news is that she's home. The concerns are for her decision process and the courage that they will all need to face the challenges that have been allowed to come their way again.

Speaking of home... Cliff Pope has decided to try that! Let's keep praying for his increasing strength and stamina.

Some of you probably got an email or two from Bob Daum. He's in Loma Linda undergoing the Proton Accelerator treatment and he's really positive about the experience on every level. We're grateful for that and have hope that this will resolve his challenges.

I know that many are praying for AUC in a special way this week. March 5 has been the target date for NEASC consderations and I know we all, first, want to pray that God's will is done in all of these deliberations. That's our highest priority.

To my knowledge everyone survived the 30-hour Famine. Pastor Heather is feeling really good about the experience for the kids (about 65 of them) and I do so appreciate the various adults who also took part and provided the leadership. I know of Dustan Cook, Jeremy and Kristen Malin, Ricardo and Sif Muchiutti and Kathy Grellman... and I'm sure there were more. (I also know that a few of us adult-types who weren't at the program but were also fasting and giving emotional support of the effort from a distance. I haven't seen Ray Williams but I assume he's doing just fine. I know it didn't at all do me any harm.)

Other issues? I don't know the details, but I have been leaning on Tom King, Don Munding and Ray Dow for wisdom on how to proceed with our oil reserve. All I know is that this morning we saw the oil tanker truck in the parking lot.

We have had some discussions of completely refilling or just adding enough to get to June or so and see what the summer prices provide. It appears that the second course of action is probably the best wisdom. At any rate, I am so grateful for this new system that you bought and that our skilled artisans put together.

We started the season with about 5,500 gallons. The last I knew we'd made it to March 1 only having used about 4,000 gallons. That's just huge! That's so much more efficient than the volume our old dinosaur used to drink I am told.

Speaking of upgrades and renovations: It is hoped that our Primary II kids may be back in their own room this Sabbath. It's been a long time coming, but that's what happens when you are doing the task with wonderful volunteers and their limited schedules.

It will be really attractive and will match perfectly with the new curriculum that Pastor Heather and the team are creating.

Of course, I need to keep reminding you that we still need to keep financially supporting as we have two layers of immediate work that need to be done late in the spring. One is the last details of trim around the crown of the church and the other is the ramp.

If you were at the "town hall" visit a few weeks ago you got the details, but the ramp component of our project bounced around at an estimated $40,000 to around $20,000 to just at $60,000 as we got deeper into the issues and challenges.

At this point we are about $8,000 short of having paid cash for all of the magnificent work we've already done. We are looking at another $60,000+ to be able to step back and take a breather for a little while.

Is there more that we could/should do? Yes, but let's finish this first. Let's then pause and reconsider what priorities should be tackled after a little break.

I know that Sandi and I keep donating to this and I'm sure that you want to, also.

Thanks so much!

I need to head toward the morning Recalibration meeting... I hope to see many of you there or at this evening's! We're going to revisit the "Raising of Lazarus" episode... good stuff!!!

'Lord Bless',

Don Pate

PS: One quick added note. Julie Willoughby went through her surgery well and
now looks forward to about four weeks recovery.

I know that Vera Davis was with Susan (Willoughby) throughout the surgery
and we'll do our best to keep you posted on this progress.

Atlantic Union-wide Call to Prayer and Fasting

2010-03-02T10:55:00.003-05:00

Please see the link below for more:

Atlantic Union Prayer Ministries - Union-wide Days of Prayer and Fasting, March 3-5, 2010

Key Announcements for Feb. 27, 2010

2010-02-25T13:09:00.000-05:00

This Sabbath's bulletin is ready for viewing at . Several key announcements are below; please note that they are written as if you are reading them Sabbath morning. There will be additional important announcements in Sabbath's bulletin.

PRAYER FOCUS:
Health Concerns: Paul Almeida, Bill Tymeson, Edith Jarschke (Annette Siver’s mother), Rick Trott, Randi Mason (Jonathan Siver’s girlfriend), Stan Collins (Ed’s dad), Biz Reynolds (Peter Christoph’s cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh’s brother), Laura Lee Williams, Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey.
Bereavement: We remember the family of BJ Behrens (Milton Montaque’s brother -in-law), who passed away Sunday. BJ’s family thanks the church family for their prayers throughout this ordeal.

DUE TO A CHANGE in scheduling, there is no fellowship dinner today so that the Fellowship Hall can be prepared for today’s Pathfinder Bible Achievement event. We apologize for any inconvenience. The Gifford class will sponsor next week’s dinner.

MANY COLLEGE CHURCH and area youth are taking part in the 30-Hour Famine until 6:30 tonight. Please pray for them as they seek to raise awareness of hunger.

AREA PATHFINDER BIBLE ACHIEVEMENT: Today starting at 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The event will cover the book of Jeremiah. The clubs participating are from the College Church, the Lancaster Ambassadors, the Leominster Wampanoags, the Marlboro Maranatha and the Leominster Tainos. Clubs earning a first place move on to the SNEC PBA, then the Union level.

CONCERTS:
• The Nashaway Trio: Pianist Roy Imperio, violinist Angel Hernandez Dominguez and cellist Caroline Reiner-Williams present their concert series finale tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The concert will feature piano trios by Haydn, Brahms, and Shostakovich. Free admission, donations accepted.

SANCTUARY CHOIR: Rehearsals resume tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in the music room.

LAST PATHFINDER CITRUS ORDER: To order temple oranges and ruby red grapefruit, call 978-422-7722 or 978-365-2692, or e-mail david@pathfindercitrus.org. Order deadline is tomorrow. Visit www.pathfindercitrus.org for more info. Please use this contact information so our Pathfinder Club will receive the benefit. Thank you!

LAST WEDNESDAY'S SNOW changed our calendar. So, this week's Recalibration meetings (Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.) will be focused on the pivotal miracle of "The Raising of Lazarus" and its aftermath. We invite you to come revisit John 11 with us at either of these appointments.

SUPPERTIME FRIDAY: This Friday, Mar. 5, at 6:00 p.m. at Pam & Bill Weisher’s home in Princeton. Hope to see you there! Bring your favorite dish to share.

Have a blessed Sabbath!

Key Announcements for Feb. 20, 2010

2010-02-18T12:25:00.002-05:00

This Sabbath's bulletin is ready for viewing at <http://www.thecollegechurch.com/ann_bul_cal.html. Several key announcements are below. They are written as if you are reading them Sabbath morning. There will be additional important announcements in Sabbath's bulletin.

PRAYER FOCUS: Health Concerns: Paul Almeida, Bill Tymeson, Edith Jarschke (Annette Siver’s mother), Rick Trott, Randi Mason (Jonathan Siver’s girlfriend), Stan Collins (Ed’s dad), Biz Reynolds (Peter Christoph’s cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh’s brother), Laura Lee Williams, Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, B.J. Behrens, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey.

ALL ARE WELCOME to join us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service for dinner, sponored by the Merriman team. Members: if you attend, make sure to bring plenty of food to share. Next week is an all-church haystack dinner.

SHARE HIM/PERSONAL MINISTRY meeting part 2 today at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Please come with updates on your team's plan for ministry next year as well as calendar planning. An update on current finances/other resources for next year will also take place. Your input is very important. Questions? contact Jackie Nosek, 978-365-4466, or Elaine Kennedy, 978-368-0603.

TOWN HALL MEETING: Today we will be having a short vespers that will lead into an open "Town Hall" meeting where members can share ideas and thoughts about the activities of our church family. Vespers begins at 5:00 p.m. and we will finish the town hall by 6:30. Your positive input is really, really desired.

COMMUNITY CAFÉ College Church members are needed to provide and serve food at the café tomorrow from 4:00–6:30 p.m. Please contact Barbara King at 978-368-8419 if interested.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST TOMORROW! All funds raised will go to the 30-Hour Famine. Come have some great food and support our kids. 9:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall.
The 30-Hour Famine starts this Friday at noon, and our kids are doing a great job raising money. Please support their efforts, and remember—your dollar feeds a child for one day. This is helping our kids get involved and stay involved in our church. A long-term investment not only for those we are helping, but for our young people as well. Thanks for all your support.

CANCER SUPPORT: This Monday at 5:00 p.m. in the Junior Room.

WOMEN'S NIGHT OUT for February is this Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the College Town Inn Tea Room. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. All women are invited; please bring a friend! It is a great chance to get to know people who you may see at church but have not had the chance to speak with.

THIS WEEK will provide two opportunities for us to "recalibrate" our lives in the middle of the week. We invite you to join us Wednesday at either 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. as we follow Jesus' logic through John 16:1–17:10.

Key Announcements for Feb. 13, 2010

2010-02-11T11:45:00.004-05:00

Key Announcements for Feb. 13, 2010

2010-02-11T11:39:00.000-05:00

TODAY'S OFFERING helps provide essential outreach funds for It is Written, Faith for Today, and Breath of Life. As these minstries labor to touch lives and change hearts, let's each lend support to our Church's media voices. Please mark your offering envelope for Adventist Television Ministries.

FELLOWSHIP DINNER: All are welcome to join us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service for an all-church dinner. Members: if you attend, make sure to bring plenty of food to share. The Merriman team will sponsor next week's dinner.

GAME NIGHT: 6:00 tonight, Fellowship Hall. Bring your snacks to share and games to play. The ping pong table will be up, so bring some comfy shoes too. Play games or just socialize with your fellow church members. See you there! The Social Committee

THE CHURCH OFFICE will be closed Monday for President's Day.

HOME SCHOOL WEEK OF PRAYER: This Monday–Friday from 1:00–3:00 p.m. in the Chapel. All home and public school students and their families are welcome.

RECALIBRATION: This week (Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.) we spend time with three of Jesus' best known parables. Perhaps we can discover new insights as we work together in Luke 15:1-32.

Key Announcements for Feb. 6, 2010

2010-02-04T14:09:00.001-05:00

Dear College Church Family,

This Sabbath's bulletin is ready for viewing at <http://www.thecollegechurch.com/ann_bul_cal.html>. Several key announcements are below. They are written as if you are reading them Sabbath morning. There will be additional important announcements in Sabbath's bulletin.

OUR HEARTS ARE FILLED WITH SORROW at the plight of our Haitian brothers and sisters following the earthquake. Today is a special offering for relief efforts there. Please make checks payable to the Atlantic Union Conference, and on the check memo line write "Haiti Relief." You may put it in the offering plate or mail it to The Atlantic Union Conference, P.O Box 1189, South Lancaster, MA 01561.

PRAYER FOCUS: Health Concerns: Bill Tymeson, Edith Jarschke (Annette Siver's mother), Rick Trott, Randi Mason (Jonathan Siver's girlfriend), Stan Collins (Ed's dad), Biz Reynolds (Peter Christoph's cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh's brother), Laura Lee Williams, Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, B.J. Behrens, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey.

CARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT are on the table in the foyer. Sign them and brighten the life of a church family friend. Ministry of Nurture

FELLOWSHIP DINNER: All are welcome to join us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service for dinner, sponsored by the Spanish Sabbath School class. Members: if you attend, make sure to bring plenty of food to share.

CLUB MEETINGS: Soup, salad, sandwich potluck today at 1:15 p.m. in Primary 2 for Little Lambs, Eager Beavers and Adventurers. They will separate into groups afterwards.

AUC'S WEEK OF SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS is this week. The morning meetings are here at the College Church: Mon., Wed., Fri. 10:00 a.m.; Tue, Thur. 10:30 a.m.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: This Monday at 7:00 p.m.

CHURCH BOARD: This Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

RECALIBRATION: This week we rejoin our progressive studies of following Jesus' life as we work with Luke 11:1–12:2. You are more than invited to be part of this growth curve on Wednesday morning (10:00 a.m.) or evening (7:00 p.m.).

-------------------------------------------------------

Ed Collins | office@thecollegechurch.com

The College Church of SDA | www.thecollegechurch.com

337 Main St., PO Box 877 | 978-368-2130 voice

So. Lancaster, MA 01561 | 978-368-2016 fax

-------------------------------------------------------

Key Announcements for Jan. 30, 2010

2010-01-28T12:40:00.001-05:00

This Sabbath's bulletin is ready for viewing at <http://www.thecollegechurch.com/ann_bul_cal.html>. Several key announcements are below. They are written as if you are reading them Sabbath morning.

There will be additional important announcements in Sabbath's bulletin.

PRAYER FOCUS: Health Concerns: Edith Jarschke (Annette Siver's mother), Rick Trott, Randi Mason (Jonathan Siver's girlfriend), Stan Collins (Ed's dad), Biz Reynolds (Peter Christoph's cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh's brother), Laura Lee Williams, Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, B.J. Behrens, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey.

FELLOWSHIP DINNER: All are welcome to join us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service for an all-church haystack dinner. Members: if you attend, make sure to bring plenty of food to share. The Spanish Sabbath School class will sponsor next week's dinner.

CALLING ALL SINGERS young and old, we need your spiritual gifts. The Sanctuary Choir is being revitalized and all are welcomed to participate. There is no age requirement. Our first meeting and rehearsal is in the Music Room tomorrow at 7:30 right after the Men's Chorus rehearsal. Robert Malin will be the director and Annette Siver the accompanist. If you love to sing and praise the Lord, come join us.

RECALIBRATION: Due to the Pastor's involvement in meetings with the North American College Church Pastors meetings, there will be no Recalibration studies this Wednesday. Next week (2/10) we will work with Luke 13:23–14:6.

Virginia Livermore Obituary & Service Info

2010-01-25T11:04:00.001-05:00

Virginia (Hutchinson) Livermore, 85, of South Lancaster, MA died on January 21 at Leominster Hospital. She was born in Pembroke, NH on December 28, 1924, daughter of the late Frank and Elsie (Wellman) Hutchinson. She moved to South Lancaster in 1942 to attend Atlantic Union College. She was married in 1946 to George Livermore and they made their home in South Lancaster for the past 64 years. She worked for Colonial Press for many years and was active in the College Church of Seventh-day Adventists at Atlantic Union College. She was a member of the Yankee Ingenui T Antique Car Club, loved photography, gardening and various handicrafts.

Virginia is survived by her husband George; two daughters, Barbara King of Clinton and Judy Stanislaw of Shirley; a brother, Malcolm Hutchinson of Lower Lake, CA; a sister, Ruth Miller of Boone's Mill, VA; 3 grandchildren, Eric Stanislaw of Shirley, Joseph Stanislaw of New Ipswich, NH and Sherri DiPasquale of Fitchburg; and a great grandson, Brian Stanislaw.

A memorial service will be held at the College Church of Seventh-day Adventists at Atlantic Union College, 337 Main Street, South Lancaster on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at 1:00 PM. Please see www.badgerfuneral.com for more.

Key Announcements for Jan. 23, 2010

2010-01-22T10:22:00.007-05:00

Health Concerns: Rick Trott, Randi Mason (Jonathan Siver's girlfriend), Stan Collins (Ed's dad), Biz Reynolds (Peter Christoph's cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Michael Hayes (Phyllis Crand's son-in-law), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh's brother), Laura Lee Williams, Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, B.J. Behrens, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey.
Bereavement: The family of Virginia Livermore, who died Thursday morning (this news did not come in soon enough to make it into the print version of the bulletin).

YOU CAN STILL give the office pictures for the new directory by today. And if you don't want a picture in the directory but would like your name, phone, address or email listed, please email it to Sif at themuchiuttis@gmail.com.

FELLOWSHIP DINNER: All are welcome to eat with us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service, sponsored by the Davis/Trott class. Members: if you attend, make sure to bring plenty of food to share. Next week we have an all-church haystack dinner.

CANCER SUPPORT: This Monday at 5:00 p.m.

TO THOSE WHO INVEST IN THEM, our Recalibration meetings are a huge contribution to ongoing growth in the Word. You're invited to discover the same thing this week at 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Our focus passage will be John 10:22–42.

NEWSLETTER SURVEY: We have created a survey to gauge opinions about and ideas for the church newsletter. Please go to <http://www.thecollegechurch.com> for more. If you would like a paper version of the survey, contact the church office.

FACEBOOK: The College Church is now on Facebook! Click this Facebook link, search on Facebook for the College Church of Seventh-day Adventists, or click the Facebook link on <www.thecollegechurch.com. Become a fan to receive updates on events.

Reminder: Communion is Tonight

2010-01-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

The table is open tonight, Jan. 15. For this quarter only we will be holding our Lord's Supper event on Friday night. We'll begin the experience at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall and all are invited to be part of the blessing.

Haiti Relief

2010-01-15T11:51:00.000-05:00

Tuesday evening a catastrophic 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti just outside the capital city of Port-au-Prince. It caused widespread devastation in this impoverished nation, with loss of life, homeless and missing persons, and estimates of over three million people affected. You can help by donating to:

The Haiti Disaster Fund
Atlantic Union Conference
400 Main St., PO Box 1189
So. Lancaster, MA 01561
978-368-8333

Adventist Development & Relief Agency
ADRA's Haiti site
ADRA's Haiti donation page

You can also mark your tithe envelope "Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund." Thank you for your support and your prayers for the people of Haiti in this crucial hour of need.

Atlantic Union Members Respond to Requests for Assistance in Haiti Relief Efforts

2010-01-15T09:48:00.005-05:00

January 14, 2010

By Ednor A. P. Davison

Assistant to the President for Communication, Atlantic Union Conference

(978) 368-8333 ext. 3028; communication@atlanticunion.org

Atlantic Union Members Respond to Requests for Assistance in Haiti Relief Efforts

A massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti, on the afternoon of January 12, 2010, leaving massive devastation in its wake. It is said to be the strongest quake to hit Haiti in more than 200 years. As a result, the death toll continues to rise and thousands have been injured and left homeless. Damage to the infrastructure—homes, office buildings, churches, schools, hotels, phone lines, power lines, and more—has been severe.

Haiti has more than 335,000 Seventh-day Adventists worshiping in 470 churches. In addition to a hospital and university, the church operates dozens of schools there. According to Larry Evans, undersecretary for the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, two of the largest Adventist churches near the presidential palace were destroyed. There are serious concerns for the children who were attending the school attached to one of those churches. One union worker was killed when a wall fell on him. Many have been sleeping on the lawns of the Haitian Adventist University and hospitals in Port-au-Prince.

Following news of the quake, administrators in the Atlantic Union and the six local conferences met individually and collectively to determine the most effective method of mobilizing members to assist the Haitian community. According to Donald King, Atlantic Union Conference president, "Union and conference administrators . . . have agreed to declare Sabbath, January 16, 2010, as a special union-wide Day of Prayer for the people of Haiti." (See www.atlantic-union.org/news_haiti-101210.html.)

Special offering days have been designated by conference officials to give members the opportunity to donate to the relief efforts. Local church leaders will be communicating information beginning, Sabbath, January 16, regarding what actions individual conferences are taking to assist in the relief efforts. In addition, the Atlantic Union Conference has designated Sabbath, February 6, 2010, as the Sabbath to collect a special offering for relief efforts in Haiti. All churches in the Atlantic Union are being asked to join together in taking a special offering on that day. "We solicit your prayers for the leaders of the country and people of Haiti as well as the leaders and members of our churches. As you may imagine, the needs are enormous, so we request your financial support in alleviating the suffering of the people," said Louis Metellus, vice president for the Atlantic Union Haitian Ministries." (See www.atlantic-union.org/news_haiti-101210.html.)

The more than 102,370 members in the Atlantic Union worshiping in about 562 churches and 62 companies are being asked to pray for the millions of people in Haiti affected by the earthquake, along with those involved in the search and rescue efforts, and the many Haitian members in the Atlantic Union Conference who are attempting to receive word about their families.

Information about the relief efforts will disseminated as it is received. If you have credible information you believe should be communicated contact the Atlantic Union Conference Communication Department at communication@atlanticunion.org.

For more updates about Haiti and related links, visit www.atlantic-union.org.

Key Announcements for Jan. 16, 2010

2010-01-14T11:50:00.004-05:00

PRAYER FOCUS: Health Concerns: Randi Mason (Jonathan Siver's girlfriend), Virginia Livermore, Stan Collins (Ed's dad), Biz Reynolds (Peter Christoph's cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Francesca Mercurio (Paula's daughter), Michael Hayes (Phyllis Crand's son-in-law), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh's brother), Laura Lee Williams, Rena Romero (Virginia Livermore's step-sister), Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, B.J. Behrens, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey.

FELLOWSHIP DINNER: All are welcome to eat with us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service, sponsored by the Sassone Sabbath School class. Members: if you attend, make sure to bring plenty of food to share. The Davis/Trott class will sponsor next week's dinner.

SHARE HIM/PERSONAL MINISTRY TEAMS 2010 jump-start meeting is today at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Please come with updates on your team's plan for ministry next year as well as calendar planning. An update on current finances/other resources for next year will also take place. Your input is very important. Questions? contact Jackie Nosek, 978-365-4466, or Elaine Kennedy, 978-368-0603.

GAME NIGHT: Bring your snacks to share and games to play to the Fellowship Hall tonight at 6:00 p.m. The ping pong table will be up, so bring comfy shoes, too. Play games or just socialize. See you there! Social Committee

WE REALLY COULD USE SOME HELP upgrading our Earliteen Room. Skilled and those of us less-than-skilled could all be part of our workbee tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.

COMMUNITY CAFÉ: Help is needed to provide and serve food at the café tomorrow from 4:00–6:30 p.m. Please contact Nancy Broderick at 978-422-6826 if interested.

THE CHURCH OFFICE will be closed Monday for Martin Luther King, Jr. day.

WOMEN'S NIGHT OUT: 6:30 p.m. this Monday at the Creightons' home.

SCRAPBOOKERS: All are welcome to join us the 1st and/or 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. at Tamara Terry's house. For more information, please contact Tamara at (978) 333-1801 or ycscmc@comcast.net.

ON WEDNESDAY we reset our Sabbath determination for the week. That's why we call our 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. meetings "Recalibration." This week we'll use Luke 13:6–17 as the tool for our readjustment in His ways. You're more than invited to join in the process!

Key Announcements for Jan. 9, 2010

2010-01-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

PRAYER FOCUS: Health Concerns: Virginia Livermore, Stan Collins (Ed's dad), Biz Reynolds (Peter Christoph's cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Francesca Mercurio (Paula's daughter), Michael Hayes (Phyllis Crand's son-in-law), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh's brother), Laura Lee Williams, Rena Romero (Virginia Livermore's step-sister), Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, B.J. Behrens, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey.

SNEC HAS DESIGNATED TODAY a day of prayer for Hartford, Connecticut. We ask all to pray for success in reaching Hartford with the everlasting Gospel. The loose offering will go for "Impact Hartford" on October 2, when SNEC youth and Pathfinders will converge on the city with outreach and community service projects. Please pray for the tens of thousands in Hartford who need to learn of Jesus.

FELLOWSHIP DINNER: All are welcome to eat with us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service, sponsored by the Robertson Sabbath School class. Members: if you attend, remember to bring plenty of food to share. The Sassone class will sponsor next week's dinner.

CLUB MEETINGS: Today at 1:15 p.m. in Primary 1. Little Lambs, Eager Beavers and Adventurers will separate into groups afterwards.

PATHFINDER CITRUS: You can pick up your orders tomorrow at the Community Service Center.

THE COLLEGE CHURCH PATHFINDER CLUB will hold registration for second semester and a meeting tomorrow from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: This Monday at 7:00 p.m.

CHURCH BOARD: This Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

JESUS CONTINUES TO STRETCH US every mid-week—are you part of the process? You are invited to be as we are "Recalibrated" this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. (No morning meeting this week due to Pastor Pate being at SNEC meetings.) This week Jesus will use Luke 12:13–13:5 as His tool.

THIRD FRIDAY: The table is open this Friday night (1/15.) For this quarter we will be holding our Lord's Supper event only on Friday night. We'll begin the experience at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall and all are invited to be part of the blessing.

FDA advises women to avoid Nzu, traditional African remedy for morning sickness, because of health risks from lead and arsenic

2010-01-04T09:39:00.001-05:00

Nzu, Traditional Remedy for Morning Sickness

Audience: Consumers, Obstetrical healthcare professionals

The Texas Department of State Health Services and FDA notified healthcare professionals and consumers, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women, to avoid consuming a product called "Nzu", taken as a traditional remedy for morning sickness,because of the potential health risks from high levels of lead and arsenic, noted on laboratory analysis by Texas DSHS. Exposure to lead can result in a number of harmful effects, and a developing child is particularly at risk of effects on the brain and nervous system. Arsenic is a carcinogen, and excessive long-term exposure to it has been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including cancers of the urinary bladder, lung and skin. Nzu, which is sold at African specialty stores is also called Calabash clay, Calabar stone, Mabele, Argile and La Craie. It generally resembles balls of clay or mud and is usually sold in small plastic bags with a handwritten label identifying it as "Nzu" or "Salted Nzu." Anyone who has been ingesting the product should contact their health care provider.

Any adverse events that may be related to use should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program online [at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm], by phone 1-800-332-1088, or by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 [which may be downloaded from the MedWatch "Download Forms" page] by mail [to address on the pre-addressed form] or fax [1-800-FDA-0178].

Read the complete MedWatch 2009 Safety summary, including a link to the Texas State Health Services press release, at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm196045.htm

Key Announcements for Jan 2, 2010

2009-12-30T12:05:00.001-05:00

This Sabbath's bulletin is ready for viewing at <http://www.thecollegechurch.com/ann_bul_cal.html>. Several key announcements are below. They are written as if you are reading them Sabbath morning.

There will be additional important announcements in Sabbath's bulletin.

PRAYER FOCUS: Health Concerns: Virginia Livermore, Stan Collins (Ed's dad), Biz Fairchild (Peter Christoph's cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin), Francesca Mercurio (Paula's daughter), Michael Hayes (Phyllis Crand's son-in-law), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh's brother), Laura Lee Williams, Rena Romero (Virginia Livermore's step-sister), Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, B.J. Behrens, Peggy Day, Amanda Bailey.

CARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT are on the table in the foyer. Sign them and brighten the life of a church family friend. Ministry of Nurture

FELLOWSHIP DINNER: All are welcome to eat with us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service, sponsored by the Gifford Sabbath School class. Members: if you attend, remember to bring plenty of food to share. The Robertson Sabbath School class will sponsor next week's dinner.

PATHFINDER CITRUS: To order navel oranges, honeybell tangelos, and ruby red grapefruit, contact 978-422-7722, 978-365-2692, or david@pathfindercitrus.org. Order deadline is Jan. 3. See pathfindercitrus.org for more info. Note: Please order from this contact information to benefit the College Church Pathfinder club. Thank you.

JESUS CONTINUES to draw us together on Wednesdays for re-focus and re-centering either morning or evening (10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.) This week we will follow Him through Matthew 12:22–45 and Luke 11:14, 29–36 & 12:1–12.

THE JANUARY NEWSLETTER is available at <http://www.thecollegechurch.com/newsletter.html>. If you would like to receive a printed copy, please call the church office at 978-368-2130.

IF ANY OF YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION has changed in the last six months—home or mobile phone number, mailing or street address, or email address— please get the new info to the church office. We would like to update our membership list.

Key Announcements for Dec 26, 2009

2009-12-23T11:22:00.001-05:00

Health Concerns: Biz Fairchild (Peter Christoph's cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin's), Francesca Mercurio (Paula's daughter), Michael Hayes (Phyllis Crand's son-in-law), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh's brother), Laura Lee Williams, Rena Romero (Virginia Livermore's step-sister), Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, Peggy Day, Neal Peisley (Kathy Grellman's father), Amanda Bailey, B.J. Behrens.

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST IN CHURCH: Bring your breakfast foods ready to serve and join us for breakfast this morning from 9:15–10:30. That is our fellowship meal for today. The Gifford Sabbath School class will sponsor next week's dinner. Members: if you attend, remember to bring plenty of food to share.

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

Once again, the bulletin deadline is Monday this week because the press needs the bulletin on Tuesday.
Playtime, children's choirs, Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, Clarion Ringers, 360º and Overeaters Anonymous will not meet again until the first week of January.
The church office will be closed Friday. Happy New Year!

RECALIBRATION: We rejoin the discussion of following Jesus through the gospels by spending time in Luke 10:38-11:8. We hope you can set the tone for the new year by making this Wednesday appointment (10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.) a priority in the calendar.

TO APPLY TO THE 2009 TAX YEAR, donations must be in by this Thursday, Dec. 31. The deadline times are as follows:

• Hand Delivery to the Church Office: 12:30 p.m.

• Online: Midnight Eastern time;

• U.S. Mail: Must be postmarked by midnight and received by Jan. 7.

Please make sure that we have your current address so that you can get your donation statement. For more details, see the Giving link on www.thecollegechurch.com, or email treasurer@thecollegechurch.com.

Donations Due by Dec. 31

2009-12-17T09:59:00.001-05:00

To apply to the 2009 tax year, donations must be in by Dec. 31. The deadlines are as follows:

Hand Delivery to the Church Office: 12:30 p.m.
Online: Midnight Eastern time;
U.S. Mail: Must be postmarked by midnight and received by Jan. 7.

Key Announcements for Dec 19, 2009

2009-12-17T09:55:00.001-05:00

IF YOU WANT to submit your own picture for the church directory, please bring it to the church office by the end of services today.

ADVENTURER CHRISTMAS PARTY: Today after church in the Fellowship Hall. There is no fellowship dinner today.

STERLING HEALTHCARE MINISTRY: Today at 2:00 p.m.

COMMUNITY CAFÉ: College Church members are needed to provide and serve food at the café tomorrow from 4:00–6:30 p.m. Please call Barbara King at 978-368-8419 if interested.

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY! Join us tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. for pizza and a movie. We'll be watching the holiday classic The Snowball Express. Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite blanket! Donations welcomed for the pizza. Kids age 6 and up. For more info contact Pastor Heather.

PATHFINDER CHRISTMAS PARTY: Tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. in the Earliteen Room.

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

• The Men's Chorus will meet tomorrow, but not again until Jan. 3.

• The bulletin deadline is Monday this week because the press needs the bulletin on Tuesday.

• Playtime, Children's choirs, Women's Chorus, Clarion Ringers and Overeaters Anonymous will not meet again until the first week of January.

• Due to the press of the holiday calendar, many appointments to be met and trips to be taken, we will not have our Recalibration meetings this Wednesday. Please enjoy this "family time" as we look forward to continuing our discovery journey on the 30th. Pastor Pate

• The church office will be closed Friday. Merry Christmas!

Key Announcements for Dec 12, 2009

2009-12-10T10:33:00.001-05:00

Several key announcements are below. They are written as if you are reading them Sabbath morning. There will be additional important announcements in Sabbath's bulletin.

TODAY'S OFFERING includes funding for Adventist Community Services, which provides elder & crisis care, disaster response, tutoring & mentoring, empowering youth to serve, and community development and inner city ministries.

PRAYER FOCUS:

Health Concerns: Grete Bae, Biz Fairchild (Peter Christoph's cousin), Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin's), Francesca Mercurio (Paula's daughter), Michael Hayes (Phyllis Crand's son-in-law), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh's brother), Laura Lee Williams, Rena Romero (Virginia Livermore's step-sister), Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, Peggy Day, Neal Peisley (Kathy Grellman's father), Amanda Bailey, B.J. Behrens.
Bereavement: Paul B. Riley, former dean of students at AUC, passed away Nov. 30 in California, and Dale McCune, former president of AUC, passed away last weekend.

WELCOME, GUESTS! Please join us downstairs for dinner after church today, sponsored by the Spanish Sabbath School class. Members: if you attend, make sure to bring plenty of food. The Weisher team will sponsor next week's dinner.

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE REVIEW: Today at 2:30 p.m. in the Junior Room (postponed from last week). This is to evaluate all aspects of this year's drive and suggest improvements for next year. All are encouraged to come.

PATHFINDER CITRUS:. To order navels and ruby red grapefruit, contact 978-422-7722, 978-365-2692, or david@pathfindercitrus.org. Order deadline is tomorrow. See pathfindercitrus.org for more info. Please Note: The new College Church Pathfinder club benefits directly from this fund raiser.

WOMENS' NIGHT OUT: 6:30 p.m. this Monday in the College Town Inn tea room with a traditional Yankee swap. Hope to see a lot of you there!.

JESUS SHOWED how relationships are supposed to work. This week during our mid-week correction that we call "Recalibration," we will observe how He did this in two reported episodes. You may join us in this important discussion of Luke 10:38–11:13 on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.

Key Announcements for Dec 5, 2009

2009-12-03T11:01:00.001-05:00

Several key announcements are below. They are written as if you are reading them Sabbath morning. There will be additional important announcements in Sabbath's bulletin.

PLEASE NOTE: There is an unexpected change in the offering from the printed bulletin, which will list the College Church Budget. The Dec. 5 offering will actually be for Atlantic Union College, and AUC Vice-president for Advancement Hebe Soares will do the offering call.

PRAYER FOCUS: Health Concerns: Cliff Pope, Juliette Willoughby, Thor Montgomery, Elle Robinson (friend of Joan Lufkin's), Francesca Mercurio (Paula's daughter), Michael Hayes (Phyllis Crand's son-in-law), Eugene Hernandez (Denbigh's brother), Laura Lee Williams, Rena Romero (Virginia Livermore's step-sister), Suzie Ruiz (Danny Sierra's cousin), Jayne Baccus-Hurley, Peggy Day, Neal Peisley (Kathy Grellman's father), Amanda Bailey, B.J. Behrens.

CARDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT are on the table in the foyer. Sign them and brighten the life of a church family friend. Ministry of Nurture

FULL CIRCLE: This student service meets today at 1:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE REVIEW: Today at 2:30 p.m. in the Junior Room. This is to evaluate all aspects of this year's drive and suggest improvements for next year. All are encouraged to come.

LIVE NATIVITY: Dr. Sauls and his family will be bringing Fatima the camel and all of her friends to the church side lawn today at 2:30 p.m. Come join in the fun and bring your neighbors.

THIS WEEK we'll have another opportunity to follow Jesus during our Recalibration meetings. Why not join us as He astounds His followers by sending them out only to surprise them when they returned. You may prepare for this by reading Luke 10:1-37 before we meet on Wednesday (10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.)

SUPPERTIME FRIDAY: Pam & Bill Weisher invite you to their house in Princeton at 6:00 p.m. this Friday (shifted this month due to the concert). Hope to see you there! Bring your favorite dish to share.