Archive for December 2008

December 27, 2008 Posted by pughda in Church News, Pastor David, Sunday Schedule

Playing with the empty boxes

I trust that you had a wonderful Christmas!

When my kids were younger, I began to think that I could save some real money, and instead of buying presents, just get them all empty boxes, since that's what they seemed to play with all day on Christmas, anyway!

That's what I'm going to be speaking on tomorrow morning here at First Assembly. "Playing With the Empty Boxes" is a message that I feel is so timely and urgent for believers today. I encourage you to join us in the morning.

Until then, have a wonderful Saturday!

Pastor Dave Pugh <><

Acts 4:13

December 21, 2008 Posted by pughda in Pastor David, Sunday Schedule

"Wise Men Still Seek Him"

Matthew 2:1-12 Who were these "magi" -- these wise men? They weren't kings, they weren't from the Orient, and we don't know that there were three of them! Most Bible scholars tell us that they were Persian astrologers (those seeking direction from that stars, rather than from the One who made the stars.) According to the Old Testament, astrologers were accursed. But we have already seen that Christ didn't come to the ones who already had it all together! I. They were seekers -- verses 1,2,8 We don't know what prompted them to follow this star -- we don't need to. Why do some people wait for the bottom to drop out of their lives before they will seek God? The Bible says that "today is the day of salvation" -- if you're not ready to accept Christ, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? We're not guaranteed a tomorrow, nor are we guaranteed that the Holy Spirit will even draw us to Christ tomorrow (this is necessary for salvation). Besides, Jesus came to give abundant life -- why dwell in sin and despair? II. The were worshippers -- verses 10,11 In attitude -- "they were overjoyed" -- their emotions were touched, because they found what they were looking for -- in a child! In action -- "they bowed down" -- true worship proceeds from the heart to the hands! In actuality -- "presented him with gifts" -- this is where the rubber meets the road. Many sermons have been preached on the significance of the gifts, but it still remains that a 2-year old little boy doesn't need gold, incence or myrrh! These gifts are important because they represent the best these men had to offer. Guess what? Jesus doesn't need your gifts, either -- he doesn't need your time, your talent or your treasure, but we offer Him our BEST, and that is what pleases His heart! III. They were changed -- verse 12 They "went home a different way" -- never the same again! In my favorite gospel account of the woman caught in the act of adultery, Jesus indeed forgave the woman, but then He told her something very important: "Don't do it again!" He says to us the same: "Go and sin no more." Now that we have seen Him, let Him change us. So, friends, don't be foolish -- be wise! Seek Jesus -- you'll find Him! Worship Him -- you'll experience Him! Allow Him to change you!

December 20, 2008 Posted by pughda in Church News, Kids Church, Kidz Corner, Nothing's Too Hard For God, Sunday Schedule

Christmas program

I wanted to remind you all, and invite you, to our Kids Church Christmas Program tomorrow morning at 10:30, here at First Assembly. The location is a change from what was published in 1st Assembly Lines. We were originally planning for the Huck Boyd, but in light of tight economic times, have decided to hold the program here at the church instead. The program, under my wife's direction, is called "Once Upon a Christmas", and I believe you will enjoy it!

Then at 6:00 tomorrow evening, we have a very special service planned. There are many among us who struggle to have a merry Christmas, whether it is because of grief, loneliness, financial difficulties, sickness or the like. Our service tomorrow night, on the first night of winter, the longest night of the year, will be designed to minister to people in such circumstances. We invite EVERYONE to join us for our "Longest Night Observance", and if you know someone especially struggling at Christmas time, bring them with you! This special service is the culmination of our outreach this fall to those dealing with loneliness, but all who come will be greatly ministered to!

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow for our Christmas Sunday celebrations!

Pastor Dave Pugh <><

Acts 4:13

December 14, 2008 Posted by pughda in Church News

Homegoing

For those who were not in service this morning, I first need to tell you that Wallace Hanchett, a dear friend and charter member of our church went to be with the Lord early this morning. Wallace had battled cancer for about 17 years, and finally was welcomed home at a little after midnight. He leaves behind a family and a church that greatly mourn his passing. Words are inadequate to describe the incredible impact Wallace has had on First Assembly of God the last 43 years.

Will you please remember his wife, Ruth in prayer, as well as their children (Leland, Warren and Cheryl) their daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and so forth? This is an awesome family, and you can only imagine how difficult these days are for them.

Services will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30, at Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, with interment to follow at our local cemetery. In the mean time, a call or a visit would mean much to the family, I assure you.

God's blessings on you today,

Pastor Dave Pugh <><

Acts 4:13

December 12, 2008 Posted by pughda in Pastor David, Sunday Schedule

Wise men still seek Him

I hope that your week has gone well, and that you are ready to gather as the body of Christ to worship the Savior this Sunday morning!

Last week, we looked at the shepherds, and this Sunday my remarks will be on "Wise Men Still Seek Him". Come find out who these "wise men" of the Nativity were, and what it means for us today.

Then, at 6:00 Sunday evening, we will be Christmas Caroling. We will gather at the church for prayer and instruction, then we will minister at the nursing homes and possibly the homes of some shut-ins (the forecast is COLD Sunday, so we'll have to see what we can do), then will return back to the church for coffee, hot chocolate and some snacks. I would like to ask everyone to bring some simple finger foods that night to share, if at all possible.

The caroling has been such a powerful time of ministry the last couple of years, plus it's been a whole lot of fun, as well! I hope you'll join us!

Finally, let me put in a plug for the Community Christmas Cantata, "An Evening in December", being presented at the Huck Boyd Center tomorrow night at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon at 3:00. Several from our own congregation are involved, including Debby Cooper, Mike Erhart, Julie Glennemeier, Kenny Glennemeier, Elaina Mendoza, Shirley Mendoza, Pat Nierson, Hannah Pugh, Jessica Pugh, Don Smith, Mary Smith, and myself.

I look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus with you all this weekend!

Pastor Dave Pugh <><

Acts 4:13

December 8, 2008 Posted by pughda in Church News, Kidz Corner, Mpact Girls Club, Royal Rangers

Royal Rangers moves to Fischer Building

Beginning Wednesday night, December 10, Royal Rangers Boys Ministries will be moving to the Fischer Building, 205 F Street, in Phillipsburg. Royal Rangers has been meeting at the Community Building since its inception in September of 2007. The move is being made in an effort to find more up-to-date and efficient heating. The church bus will continue to run its normal route, and will drop the boys off and pick them up at the Fischer Building each week. In a related story, the adult Bible Study is moving to the church auditorium also beginning Wednesday, December 10. This had been a home Bible study during the school year, but is now being moved back to the church, to accommodate any adult who would like to join us. Rock Solid Youth Ministries will continue to meet in the gym at the Community Building, and Mpact Girls Ministries will continue to meet at the church.

December 8, 2008 Posted by pughda in Pastor David, Sunday Schedule

"Calling All Shepherds!"

Luke 2:8-20 The shepherds were not the elite of society, but were young, poor, not respectable, etc. Did you ever wonder why the shepherds were the very first in the world to hear the good news that Jesus had come? First, this is who Jesus came for -- He didn't come primarily for prophets, priests and kings -- he came for those who had nothing! Second, it was the shepherds that Jesus identified with, for as an adult, He would call himself the "Great Shepherd". Let's look at these young men today. I. They Went! -- verses 15,16 They overcame the great fear that had gripped them, to obey. Some people today are kept from obedience to God because of fear. They obeyed without analysis; they didn't stop to consider the possible negative ramifications of their actions -- they simply obeyed. They obeyed without delay; their was no hesitation on their part. Finally, they obeyed without regard to economic circumstances. This is what God is looking for -- obedience. The Scripture declares that "to obey is better than sacrifice". II. They Witnessed! -- verses 17,18 "When they had seen him, the spread the word" -- an encounter with Jesus will change you! "All who heard it were amazed" -- why? What's so amazing about a baby? There was nothing about this baby that would attract attention; it was the message that was amazing! And, it's still amazing today to think that GOD, the Creator of the heavens and earth, would become one of us in order to save us! III. They Worshipped! - verse 20 Seeing Jesus will cause you to worship! They glorified God, meaning they magnified Him. To magnify is to make bigger. Now, we can't make God bigger than what He already is, but much of the time we spend magnifying our problems, making them bigger in our perception than God Himself. Stop magnifying your problems, and start magnifying Jesus! They praised God, giving verbal expressions of love. We need to get in the habit of verbally expressing our love to Him. God is calling you and me, all shepherds, to obey, to witness and to worship!

December 5, 2008 Posted by pughda in Pastor David, Sunday Schedule

Calling all shepherds!

I trust you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I believe my family and I did -- we enjoyed a nice little break before the rush of Christmas season!

I am very excited about this time of year; you can say that I've never grown up if you want to, but honestly, every follower of Christ should feel the thrill of amazing grace when we celebrate the incarnation of God Himself! This month, join us at First Assembly for this celebration.

This Sunday morning at 10:30, I'll be speaking on "Calling All Shepherds!" No, this is not a casting call for the upcoming productions we are doing, but we'll find out why the first announcement of the birth of Jesus came to the shepherds, and why that's good news for you and me!

Then, from 6:30-8:30 Sunday evening, we will be presenting "The Living Gospel" in our church parking lot. This is the life of Christ in four scenes, including the Nativity, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Second Coming. We are inviting our community to either drive by the scenes or park and walk through. Those who choose to walk through will receive a free gift of a candy cane and a flyer explaining each scene, with an opportunity to accept Christ at the end!

We need all who are participating to be at the church no later than 5:30 Sunday evening for final set-up, instructions and prayer together. Food will be provided downstairs for the church throughout the entire production. Kudos go to this year's committee who have put it all together: Mary Smith (promotion), Sandy Jennings (food), Julie Glennemeier (costumes), Michael Jennings (sound/music), Leland Hanchett (set construction), Dave Jerby (lighting), Steve Bruning (greeters), Vonnie Younts (child care) and Shirley Mendoza (prayer).

I leave you with a quote from humorist Dave Barry: "These days we tend to mush the religious observances together and say 'Seasons Greetings,' which, when you stop to think about it, means absolutely nothing. It's like walking up to somebody and saying 'Appropriate Remark' in a loud cheery voice."

Hope to see you Sunday!

Pastor Dave Pugh <><

Acts 4:13

December 2, 2008 Posted by pughda in Pastor David, Sunday Schedule

Happy Thanksgiving

This evening, my family and I will be leaving to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families in the Hawkeye State. I love this holiday, don't you? Nita and I pray for God to bless you this week, and the times that you will have with family and friends. If you are also traveling, we pray God's mercies and protection upon you, and covet your prayers as well.

Sunday morning at 10:30, Pastors Todd and Donna Toomer will be speaking at First Assembly on "The Joy of the Lord". I encourage you to be here if at all possible. There will be no evening service.

In the meantime, have a great Thanksgiving, and try not to eat too much -- who knows? I may preach on gluttony when I get back?!?!

Pastor Dave Pugh <><

Acts 4:13