emmanuel newsletter 2016 ray and arch’s …...2016 ray and arch’s christmas letter??? 2016 ray...

2016

RAY AND ARCH’S CHRISTMAS LETTER???

2016


2016


Emmanuel NewsletterJanuary • February • March 2016

Dear Friends,

I sit here Monday morning aft er a busy weekend. Shane called me Saturday evening aft er the service, as is his custom, to ask how the service went and how the message was received. I told him it was okay. Anyone who knows me knows that I usually speak in superlatives about things (i.e. “It was the best ever”). Shane immediately picked up and said I didn’t sound very enthusiastic. I told him you don’t always hit a home run, sometimes it’s just a single. But either way God would use it for His Glory and His purposes. So because of this I got up early on Sunday to spend some extra time in prayer for my heart, the service, the message, etc. Th is morning he texted and asked (guess he was afraid to call) how Sunday went? I texted him back “Home Run.” What was the diff erence – not sure anything was, maybe I was preaching in the fl esh on Saturday, because the Spirit was defi nitely speaking on Sunday.

So many great things are happening here as we close out 2015. But this year has not been without its challenges and frustrations. Th ere have been several changes this year and change does not come easy. It was defi nitely a learning experience. God is always in control and we “know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” It is so reassuring that we can trust God.

Th is year has seen that all services are exactly the same. Th is has helped the choir, band, and worship teams immensely. We have added a Wednesday evening service that is continuing to grow, meeting the needs of families with crazy busy weekends. With the addition of Wednesday, we changed from 3 to 2 services on Sunday. Of course this meant time changes, but people are adjusting.

Th e biggest change came as Emmanuel West became independent as of December 1st. God continues to bless Pastor Dave and the congregation there. Th ey will be known as West Hills Community Church. Please continue to keep them in your prayers and praise God how He is using them to reach that part of Johnstown.

On a personal level, Archie and I celebrated our 42nd year of marriage. But we almost didn’t make 43 as I was in a very serious motorcycle accident in August and am very grateful to be alive. I suff ered a broken clavicle, facial fractures and a concussion. I am thankful to say that through prayers I have healed almost completely. Jared and Nicole continue to live and teach in Baltimore, MD. Kaitlynne(10) and Brayden(7) are doing well in sports, school and spiritually. We just don’t get to see them enough.

Shane and Janelle have their hands full with work, farming, family and church. Th ey really do a great job of balancing things. Tyler, who will be driving before too long, loves all things reptilian. Isaiah(10), Liam(9) and Ruby(7) are doing well in all areas as well. We are fortunate to see them oft en.

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Lastly, I could not be prouder of the great staff we have here at Emmanuel. We are continuing to learn each other’s strengths, weaknesses, passions, and frustrations. I believe the greatest change this year is how we have grown closer together. Th ank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for us, and for Emmanuel that we would become a House of Prayer.God is Good….P.Ray

Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!

2016


2016


2016


Sign-upsJanuary 17 - Feb 14th

Spring 2016

Prime Time Will resume in April.

Enjoy the holidays! Look in upcoming

bulletins for this info!

$15 fee (scholarships are available)

Prime Time Will resume in April.

Enjoy the holidays! Look in upcoming

bulletins for this info!

$15 fee (scholarships are available)

MOPS Mothers of Preschoolers

Meets @ 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

If Richland Schools have a two hour delay there will be no 633

Tuesday mornings or MOPS! If Richland

Schools cancel for the entire day all the

evening events are cancelled here!

AWANA CLUBS

RESUME ON

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY

6th, 2016

EMMANUEL PRAYER

BREAKFASTS RESUME IN

MARCH!

LOOK IN BULLETINS FOR DETAILS!

Friday, February 12, 2016

6:00-9:00 PM

Emmanuel Baptist Church The Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience for persons with special needs designed to honor our guests with amenities few of them ever experience such as a red carpet entrance and friendly welcome from paparazzi, limousine rides, hair and make up stations, shoe shine area, karaoke, photo booths, and of course dinner and dancing. Each guest will receive a corsage/boutonniere, crowns/tiaras and parting gifts.

For those who have signed up to volunteer, thank you! As you can see this will be a very unique opportunity to share God’s love with our honored guests. ALL volunteers must have a criminal background check and child abuse clearance. When you receive your clearances, please return them to the church office!

Training will take place on Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 10:00 to 11:00am and again on Sunday, January 17th, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Volunteers must attend one of the training sessions.

Please consider donating prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses and men’s suits/tuxedos. A wide range of sizes is needed.

You can bring them to the church office or

Call Tina Yoder (814-442-0080) or

Joanne Bender (814-341-2711)

Donations will be accepted now through January 8, 2016.

Our honored guests will join us January 16th to find the perfect gown/suit. If you are able to help with simple alterations, your assistance would be appreciated!

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE TIMES

1:00/3:00/5:00/7:00/ 11:00 p.m.

CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS– please keep in mind that all contributions received at the

church after December 31,2015, will be reported as 2016 contributions. The only exception to this rule (Section 1.170A-1 (b) pf the income tax regulations) is contributions that are mailed to the church and the envelopes are postmarked with a 2015 date. The date on the check is not used to determine the year of the contribution. The date the contribution is received at the church and the postmark on the envelope of the contributions that were mailed are the determining factors used to record the year of the contributions. Trust this will be helpful to those of you using our envelopes.

CHURCH OFFICES CLOSED

DECEMBER 24, 25, and 31st

JANUARY 1ST, 2016

Emmanuel Baptist Church

425 Luther Road

Johnstown PA 15904

Non-Profit

US Postage Paid

Permit # 6

Summerhill PA

Emmanuel Baptist Church

425 Luther Road

Johnstown PA 15904

Return Service Requested, dated

Material, please deliver promptly

JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH

NEWSLETTER 2016

Non-Profit

US Postage Paid

Permit #6

Summerhill PA

HAVE A MERRY

CHRISTMAS

AND GLORIOUS NEW YEAR!

emmanuel newsletter 2016 ray and arch’s …...2016 ray and arch’s christmas letter??? 2016 ray...

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