Weekend Coming ... New Chapter!

New Years weekend is coming up quick.  The eve will be a night to remember everything from 2010.  The way our lives have traveled to this moment.  How God is a great God to us!  He makes all things work together for good for those love Him!  The first of the year bring forth a FRESH START in many ways.  New day, new year, new resolutions, new diet plans, new reading plans, etc...

There is also a new beginning, a new chapter that's about to be written in the history of First Church of God in Elmont, NY.  A new worship service that is multi-faceted, multi-ethnic, and multi-generational will launch this Sunday!  Personally speaking, this responsibility is great but its exciting and challenging.  There's a great team in place in areas they are "called' and gifted to serve.  (I just got a note from a young person on the team initiating a 24-hour chain prayer!)  People are already excited and sharing ideas how we can serve our community.  2011 will be a new year and a new beginning to a great story!  Be a part of it! 

Enjoy the Ride,

Cecil

Weekend Past ...

Christmas away from home was definitely different! But we were with family in Virginia so that was great! It was a great time to spend with everyone there and to just relax for a few days. No appointments, no meetings, just family time at home.

Played some football (even little Abi played) - proud Daddy here!  Went to the local mall.  Drove by Liberty University.  Ate a whole lot of good food!  And even built a bonfire in the huge backyard in the middle of snowfall... which usually can't do here!

Then the drive back was fun!  An 8 hour trip took almost 30 hours and a hotel stay due to this blizzard!  But it was a safe, great, and memorable experience for all!  I think we know the Nativity Story DVD by heart thanks to Abi wanting to watch it! 

Enjoyed The Ride (definitely),

Cecil

p.s. A new weekend is coming!

Planting New Service - Updates

For those that have been asking and keeping up online, here are a few updates for the launching of new services ...

1. Starting a new series:  FRESH START - STRONG FAITH!  With the new year lets have a fresh start in walk with Christ and ensure our faith is strong to lasts thru the tests of life.  Without the grace of God and the power of God we might be in for a rude awakening.

2. We have the privilege of having Rev. Andrew Binda, NY Church of God Administrative Bishop, come to minister from the Word on Sunday, January 9th, 2011.  He will also be dedicating the new worship service to God for the Great Commission and Commandment to be lived out thru the lives of the people.

3. January is "Bring your Friend to Church Month".  Better yet, all of 2011 is "Bring your Friend to Church Year".  =)  Everyone that attends is encouraged to come accompanied with a friend, relative, neighbor, co-worker, classmate, stranger, etc...

4.  Launching in January and quickly the church is going to serve the community in February.  The annual Winter VBS will be during the school recess for elementary and high school kids.  If you want to have children registerd or want to volunteer, please contact us.  37 little kids and whole lot of "big kids" were impacted for life last year and expecting great things yet again! 

Enjoying The Ride,

Cecil

One Year @ QCC

The doors were open to voluntarily minister at QCC - a children's hospital in Queens about over a year ago.  Every month a dedicated team goes to the hospital to spend about an hour with the kids and staff there by sharing stories, singing songs, acting out short skits, etc...

The following is what one of the team leaders shared:

"This has been an amazing year with QCC! In the very beginning of this endeavor, last year (can't believe its been over a year), we had some restrictions in how much we can say about our faith, limitations in using the Bible, and saying the name of Jesus BUT by HIS grace things have really changed!!! Over some months, children started to view our program as "church time" and we have had full reign to speak from the BIBLE, quote scripture, sing praise and worship songs, pray with them, and say the name of JESUS! It's been an amazing journey! We even distributed Bibles two months ago, with the Director's permission, to all the children that came. A day we never thought would come! It really is the most amazing feeling to look into their young faces and say, "JESUS loves YOU!" =) Not only have the children been blessed but the staff and even the security guards have really enjoyed the services. All glory to GOD!"

This past Monday - 12/13, there was a celebration at QCC.  Gift packages that contained board games, books, etc... were given to each unit at the hospital.  And a great drama team - Restored - came out and amazed the crowd with a portrayal of God's love. 

Redeemed & Restored ministers @ Queens Childrens Center...
Merry Christmas to all!

Keep the children and staff at QCC in prayer! 

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil

Free Christmas Concert

BRING YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS OUT TO THIS FREE CONCERT!

Great time to relax with some music and refreshments.  There will be a short play for the enjoyment of the entire family.  Invite a friend and come out tomorrow night!

Enjoy The Ride,

Cecil