Friday, July 30, 2010

A Valuable Woman

"And the LORD said to him, 'What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them.'" Numbers 27:6-7

Do you sometimes think that God is limiting you rather than opening doors of opportunity because you are a woman? Then you believe the wrong press about him. God is the one who allowed women to inherit the land. God is the one who put the Savior of the world into a woman's womb. Jesus is the Lord who appeared to women first after his resurrection. God is not biased toward men; on the contrary, he teaches us that men and women have equal value in his sight. When you give him your devotion, when you sit at his feet and learn from him (see Luke 10:38-42), he'll treat you with dignity and give you the delights of your heart.

As a woman, are there particular qualities of God that you relate to differently than a man would? What is your view of how God treats women?

An excerpt from the Busy Mom's Bible

School Supply Drive

Please go to Tropical Smoothie Cafe Monday, August 2nd from 5-9 pm. They will donate up to 20% of all proceeds during those hours to Bethel Assembly of God's School Supplies Drive! We are trying to make sure local students have everything they need to start the school year prepared. There is no flyer! There is nothing special you have to say...all you have to do is go out to eat! They have a terrific menu of food to choose from AND of course their famous smoothies! Thanks!

Any questions contact, Amy L. Brooks. amysstadiumshere@aol.com :>)

Events for August...

Lisa's favorite quote of the week: The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Tuesday, August 3 Cunningham Falls, Thurmont, MD. Meet at the church at 9:15 AM to caravan together or meet us there at 10 AM.

If you are planning to join us bring a packed lunch, a beach blanket, sunscreen and the kids toys. Then head to the lake for a day of playing in the sand and swimming. The lake has many shallow parts which are perfect for young children, but also has deeper areas roped off for older children.

There is a snack pavilion for those of you that hate to pack a lunch and bathrooms right off the beach. It costs $4 per person, however anyone in a booster seat or car seat is FREE!

Tuesday, August 10 Discovery Museum in Hagerstown, MD has been canceled. Another event will take it's place to be announced.

Monday, August 16 Back to School Bash- Meet us at War Memorial Park Pool in Martinsburg, WV from 6:30-8:30 PM. Invite your whole family to join us!

For more information, contact Amanda Dagostino at aeasunshine@verizon.net.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Ignyte Ladies Brunch has been cancelled....

The Brunch event has been cancelled for this Saturday and will be rescheduled at a later time.

Ignyte Ladies Brunch

All ladies (not just moms) are invited to a brunch this Saturday, July 24 at 10 AM at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, room 109!

Come out, bring a brunch food item to share and enjoy the company of some of the greatest ladies in the world, YOU! There will be a jewelry and purse auction so please bring any of your jewelry or purses to donate and look for something new for yourself.

Childcare will not be available during this event. If you have any questions,
call 304-267-8694. Ignyte is the Women's Ministries at Bethel A/G

Friday, July 16, 2010

Have Fun at Family Camp!

Family Camp at the Potomac AG Campground located in Falling Waters, WV is next week beginning Sunday, July 18 at 7 PM with a concert with The Couriers! Then continuing Monday through Friday at 10 AM with classes for all ages (Nursery - Adult). Bible Teacher Brenton Osgood will be ministering to the adults. Afterwards pack a lunch to eat on campus or eat in the cafeteria then stay to enjoy the playground and large in ground pool (opened 1-5 PM daily).

Come back each evening for the 7 PM service with Evangelist and Pastor Sam Rijfkogel. Music ministry each evening will feature district churches.

All events are free for everyone including the playground and pool. For more information contact the Potomac AG Campground at 304-274-2700.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

A Chance to Give...

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13:9

Bethel Assembly of God, in being good neighbors with our friends in the Martins Landing Community, is having a Back to School Bash on Friday, August 13 at 5 PM where school supplies will be distributed along with pizza and refreshments.

In order for this to be successful, school supplies need to be purchased and donated. There are several ways we can help! You can purchase school supplies and bring them to Bethel A/G. Come out to Five Below in Martinsburg, WV this Friday evening or Saturday between 10 AM- 2 PM to purchase and donate school supplies. Or if you shop at Five Below beginning this Friday, July 16 through July 26 and present a Bethel flyer, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to purchase school supplies!

Also on Saturday, July 31 Bethel is having the Martins Landing Community a Cook Out/ Block Party beginning at 10:30 AM. If you would like to participate in either event, please contact Amy Brooks at amysstadiumshere@aol.com or call 304-279-0347.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Events for July...

"If we meet all our children's needs all the time, they will not develop coping strategies of their own." Allie Pleiter

Saturday, July 24 Ignyte Ladies Brunch at Bethel Assembly of God in the Mace building, rm 109 at 10 AM. A wonderful morning of good food and getting to know each other which will include a jewelry and purse auction.

Monday, July 26 Restaurant-Hopping beginning with appetizers at Glory Day's Grill in Ranson, WV at 6:30 pm, then main course at Paneri Bread in Ranson, WV and concluding with dessert at Ruby Tuesday's in Charles Town, WV. Meet at the first restaurant or at Bethel Assembly of God at 6 pm to carpool together.

Tuesday, July 27 Hagerstown City Park in Hagerstown, MD at 11 AM. For lunch, buy or pack.

Any questions or concerns, contact our Event Coordinator, Amanda Dagostino at aeasunshine@verizon.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Plowing the Field

"One day in early summer I walked past a lovely meadow. The grass was as soft, thick, and beautiful as an immense green Oriental rug. At one end of the meadow stood a fine old tree that served as a sanctuary for countless wild birds, whose happy songs seemed to fill the crisp, sweet air. I saw two cows who lay in the shade as the very picture of contentment. And down by the road, eye-catching dandelions mingled their gold with the royal purple of the wild violets. I leaned against the fence for a long time, feasting my hungry eyes and thinking in my soul that God never made a more beautiful place than this lovely meadow. The next day I passed that way again, and to my great dismay, the hand of the destroyer had been there. A farmer with a large tractor, which was now sitting idle in the meadow, had in one day inflicted terrible devastation. Instead of seeing the soft, green grass, I now saw the ugly, bare, and brown earth. Gone were the dandelions and the pretty violets. And instead of the multitude of singing birds, there were now only a few, who were industriously scratching the ground for worms. In my grief I said, "How could anyone spoil something so beautiful?" Then suddenly my eyes were opened, as if by some unseen hand, and I saw a vision. The vision was that of ripe corn ready for harvest. I could see the giant, heavily laden stalks in the autumn sun, and I could almost hear the music of the wind as it swept across the golden tassels. And before I realized it, the bare earth took on a splendor it did not have the day before. Oh, if only we would always catch the vision of the abundant harvest when the great Master Farmer comes, as He often does, to plow through our very souls----uprooting and turning under that which we thought most beautiful and leaving only the bare and the unlovely before our agonizing eyes." selected

Why should I be frightened and surprised by the plow of the Lord, which makes deep furrows in my soul? I know He is not some arbitrary or irrational farmer---His purpose is to yield a harvest. Samuel Rutherford

With all the changes taking place in our church this passage spoke so clearly to me about where we are. Sometimes we cling to things in our personal lives and in our church that we feel are most beautiful, just like that beautiful meadow the traveler described. But what does God, "The Master Farmer", see when he looks at that same meadow. He sees that though it is beautiful to look at it is wild, untamed, and accomplishing very little. But He also sees its great potential. That if plowed down to the fertile soil, turned over and over until it is ready, planted with new seeds, watered and cared for, one day it will produce a bountiful crop capable of feeding a multitude.

We need to allow God's Holy Spirit to expand our vision beyond what is on the surface in order to think in line with the bigger things He desires to accomplish in and through us. That starts with allowing God to do some plowing in our own souls so we are ready and prepared to share in His vision for our church and the role He desires us to play in the accomplishment of that vision. As James 3:17 & 18 says "But wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Kim Ratcliffe

Monday, July 5, 2010

Making Room In Our Heart

Robert Boyd Munger, author of the book "My Heart Christ's Home" describes his relationship with Jesus in terms of various rooms in a house. When referring to his time with God he compared it to entering the drawing room. Here is an excerpt:

"We walked next in the drawing room. This room was rather intimate and comfortable. I liked it. It had a fireplace, overstuffed chairs, a bookcase, sofa, and a quiet atmosphere. He also seemed pleased with it. He said, 'This is indeed a delightful room. Let us come here often. It is secluded and quiet and we can have fellowship together.' Well naturally, as a young Christian I was thrilled, I could not think of anything I would rather do than have a few minutes apart with Christ in intimate comradeship. He promised, 'I will be here every morning early. Meet with Me here and we will start the day together.' So morning after morning, I would come downstairs to the drawing room and He would take a book of the Bible...open it and then we would read together. He would tell me of its riches and unfold to me its truths... They were wonderful times together. In fact, we called the drawing room the "withdrawing room". It was a period when we had our quiet time together."

"But little by little, under the pressure of many responsibilities, this time began to be shortened... I began to miss a day now and then... I would miss it two days in a row and often more. I remember one morning when I was in a hurry... As I passed the drawing room, the door was ajar. Looking in I saw a fire in the fireplace and the Lord sitting there... 'Blessed Master, have You been here all these mornings?' 'Yes', He said, 'I told you I would be here every morning to meet with you.' Then I was even more ashamed. He had been faithful in spite of my faithlessness. I asked His forgiveness and He readily forgave me..."

"He said, 'The trouble with you is this: You have been thinking of the quiet time, of the Bible study and prayer time, as a factor in your own spiritual progress, but you have forgotten that this hour means something to me also.'

When I read this I was given a renewed sense of the importance of prayer. Prayer is a privilege. Prayer is a time for me to grow, to make my needs known before God, but most importantly it is fellowship with God. It is a time to draw near to Him in an intimate relationship. He created us for this very reason, to have fellowship with Him. I never thought about our time together being as important to Him as it was to me or even more so. I am continually astounded by His love for me and the desire He has just to meet with me and talk with me, to tell me all about Himself and reveal to me His desires for my life and my future, and to just shower His love on me. John 15:15 says "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." This scripture speaks to the Lord's heart towards us and His desire for intimate friendship and fellowship with us, to make known the mysteries of heaven to us. Have you made room in your heart for Jesus today? In your busy schedule have you made time to stop by the drawing room and sit and talk with the Lord? He is waiting there for us desiring to meet with us. Don't miss out on the opportunity to sit in an overstuffed chair by the cozy fire and share quiet time with Him.

Kim Ratcliffe

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy Independence Day!

227 years ago...
on July 4th, 1776
This great nation, the United States of America,
In a struggle for what was right and free,
Was proudly born...
May we celebrate that precious freedom
For which our forbears fought so bravely...
The freedom that is inherent
In the Stars and Stripes,
our revered flag...
Celebrate Freedom
This Fourth of July!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Special Announcement

Amanda Dagostino would like all her friends
in Mom's Connection to know
she is expecting a GIRL!

Let's continue to pray Amanda
will have a healthy pregnancy and safely
bring this baby girl into the world in November.
Congrats Amanda!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Activities for Independence Day!

In celebration of Independence Day, the following activities will be held in Martinsburg and surrounding areas:

Saturday, July 3 from 1-6 PM Jefferson Memorial Park Pool in Charles Town WV- Admissions $5 per family with free lemonade and popsicles.

Saturday, July 3 at 7:30 PM Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, MD, will have a concert featuring the Maryland Sympony Orchestra performing their "Salute to Independence" and fireworks at 9:30 PM. The event will take place behind the park's visitors' center in an open field area. Those who attend should bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic, water, bug repellent, and a flashlight for getting back to their cars. There will be concessions for concertgoers.

Saturday, July 3 The Blue Ridge Patriots of Berkeley County and We The People of Jefferson County will hold their second annual "Tri-County Patriot Picnic- In Honor of Those Who Serve" from 11 AM- 5 PM at Poor House Farm Park. An honor ceremony will be held at 1 PM. The event will feature live music, children activities, and more.

Sunday, July 4 from 1-9 PM War Memorial Park. Activities include a moon bounce, face painting, mini-train, pony rides and fireworks.

Sunday, July 4 at Bethel Assembly of God parking lot free drinks and hotdogs will be given out and a great view of the Martinsburg fireworks beginning at 8:30 PM.

Sunday, July 4 parade and community picnic in Shepherdstown, WV beginning at 3 PM. The parade begins at the top of German Street and proceed to Rumsey Memorial Park with picnic at Rumsey Park. Admission is free. The event will feature a water slide, three-legged race, leap frog races, live entertainment and more.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

More Family Free Movies...

Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 10:00 AM at the Berkeley Plaza Theaters, you can view the following movies for free until the end of summer:
 
July 5 - 6 - 7, 2010
1. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (PG)
2. Aliens in the Attic (PG)

July 12 - 13 - 14, 2010
1. Kung Fu Panda (PG)
2. Planet 51 (PG)

July 19 - 20 - 21, 2010
1. Pirates who don't do anything (G)
2. Bandslam (PG)

July 26 - 27 - 28, 2010
1. Monsters Vs. Aliens (PG)
2. Night at the Museum II (PG)

August 2 - 3 - 4, 2010
1. Tale of Desperaux (G)
2. Alvin and the Chipmunks:The Squeakquel (PG)

August 9 - 10 - 11, 2010
1. Madagascar 2 (PG)
2. Hotel for Dogs (PG)

August 16 - 17 - 18, 2010
1. Muppets in Space (G)
2. The Spy Next Door (PG)