2009q4

Christmas 2009 • Volume 56 No. 4USPS 165-700

2 Connexions Christmas 2009

Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network4651 Westport Drive

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Editor: Stephen R. TourvilleManaging Editor: Carole Bongiorno

Phone (717) 795-5921Fax (717) 795-5928

Email: [email protected]: www.penndel.org

ExEcutivE PrEsbytEry

Stephen R. Tourville, SuperintendentPaul Grabill, Assistant SuperintendentDavid Crosby Sr, Secretary-Treasurer

Jonathan Baker, NC SectionJames Balzano, SCW Section

Christopher Clark, NCW SectionDaniel Clark Sr., GPA SectionSteven DeFrain, EC Section William Ellis, SWM Section Donald Immel, SWS Section Jeffrey Kettering, SC Section Kenneth Martin, NW SectionRandall Rhoads, SCE Section

James Rugg, NE Section Timothy Satryan, DEL Section

GEnEral PrEsbytErs

Stephen R. TourvilleDavid Crosby Sr

Bryan Koch

Honorary GEnEral PrEsbytErs

Philip Bongiorno, PennDel Superintendent Emeritus

James E. MorrisPennDel Assistant Superintendent (Retired)

ConneXions

ConneXions (USPS 165-700) is the official periodical published quarterly by the Pennsylvania-Delaware District

Council of the Assemblies of God. Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Circulation stands at approximately 7,500

Christmas 2009

POSTMASTER:Send address changes to:

Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council4651 Westport Drive

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887

We are a culture that loves to party. Some work all week so they can party all weekend. Monday Night Football has provided an opportunity for a Monday evening party. Hedonism (the devo-tion to pleasure as a way of life) has taken root in American culture in ever increasing measure.

We must be aware of the direction culture is moving and not become trapped by its pitfalls.

Celebration, however, should not be rejected as inappropriate. If any people have cause to rejoice and celebrate, it is those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We have much for which to be thankful and many reasons to celebrate the blessings of the Lord. The challenge comes when we no longer place the things of the Lord at the center of our celebration. When that occurs, Christmas is secularized, Easter is no longer about the resurrection and Thanksgiving becomes Turkey Day.

As you and your family plan for the holiday (holy day) season that is approaching, resolve that Jesus would be the focus and the center of your celebration. Turn from the materialism propagated by the media and renew your mind toward a celebration of the Creator rather than the pleasures that last only for a season.

Celebration

From The Tourvilles

Merry Christmas

PASTor STEPHEN, D.MIN. Superintendent

[email protected]

Connexions Christmas 2009 3

Welcome to the Tourville Christmas

Pageant!

What better way to remember the real meaning

of Christmas than to have our grandchildren and

nieces/nephews act out the nativity as it is being

read from the Bible! We have been blessed to

have real babies to portray Jesus. The 3 kings often

wear “Burger King” crowns, but everyone enjoys

the reenactment and festivities.

MArJIE TourvILLE Guest Contributor

International Dinner scripture: Ps. 2:8 “Ask of me, and I will make the

nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”

Menu: A seven course dinner – each course represents a difference continent.

Decorations: Anything from another country.

Hawaiian Luau scripture: Ps 92:12,13 “The righteous will flourish like

a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.”

Menu: Hawaiian recipes from your local library or internet.

Decorations: Pineapples, coconuts, palm trees, sunscreen, sunglasses, anything beach.

Rocks of Remembrance scripture: recap story in Joshua 3 & 4, then everyone

reads a Scripture about the Lord being our rock. (i.e. Ps. 18:2)

Menu: rocky road ice cream, chicken with nut sauce.

Decorations: Everyone brings a rock with them. As they read their Scripture, they place their rock in a pile which forms an altar. We then pray for the coming year.

Scriptural Dinner scripture: Everyone shares their favorite Scripture.

Menu: AbrahaM, baked Cornelius, heavenly hash, angel food cake.

Decorations: Bible, cross, etc.

When our family gathers for Christmas dinner, we have chosen to

select a theme each year to help us remember the goodness of the Lord in the

past months. It creates fun past the meal and allows for creativity to blossom!

Following are a few ideas we have developed. I trust they will spark new ideas

for your family celebrations.

From The Tourvilles

Merry Christmas

PAuL E. GrABILL, D.MIN.

Assistant Superintendent

[email protected]

I grew up in a Pennsylvania German culture. We valued honesty, hard work, fairness, steadfastness, punctuality and cleanliness. Celebration, not so much.

Birthdays, 40th anniversary of this, 125th anniversary of that, baby dedications, graduations, engagements…most of these things would evoke the reaction of “Fine; just get on with it.”

on the other hand, since both my new “daughter-in-grace” and administrative assistant are Latinas and like to celebrate just about everything, I’ve been challenged to reexamine the biblical, New Testament culture, not just my own culture.

Yes, the Bible is absolutely full of celebrations. It was God himself that ordained the feast days. Lots of them, in fact. It seems that godly celebrations are more “next to godliness” than cleanliness (boy, that’s hard for me to say).

one of my regrets over the years is that I didn’t have our congregation pause enough to celebrate the things God has done for us. It should be more than a 30-second ovation to God.

God usually includes food in the celebrations He designs. It’s not just Passover and the Agape Feast (which we reduce to a wafer and tiny cup), but think of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. What a blow out party that will be!

It seems God is like a grandparent at a Thanksgiving celebration. He loves to see His children having a good time together, especially if the occasion is to celebrate what He has done.

Maybe a lot of us are like whiny children on a family vacation where Dad says, “Guys, we are going to have a good time, whether you like it or not!”

So, enjoy the holidays; make them holy days. And bring a smile to our Father’s face. oh, and make sure you’re on time, sit at your assigned place, pass the family-style dishes to your left, share with your siblings, chew with your mouth closed, clean your plate, wipe off your mouth, speak when spoken to, help wash the dishes…

Whether You Like it or Not Celebrate,

Connexions Christmas 20094

Happy Holy Days!

From all five Grabill’s! (Ryan not pictured, for some reason.)


Around the District

FIrST ANNIvErSArYPastor Jim & Debbie Grovereal Life Assembly, Erie, PA

C3 MEETING AT PBCC

PASTorAL INSTALLATIoN/CoNSECrATIoN

Pastor Joe Beadle, Lead Pastor

Pastor Craig Schaefer, Associate Pastor

Williamsport Assembly of God

DEDICATIoN oF WorSHIP CENTErPastor Bryan Kochrev. Steve DeFrain (Presbyter)Glad Tidings Assembly of God, reading, PA

PASTorAL INSTALLATIoN/ CoNSECrATIoN

Pastor Kevin & Joann Garmanrev. Howard & Arlene Garman

Pleasant valley Assembly of GodBrodheadsville, PA

100th AnniversaryPastor Ken & Jessie Meyer

First Assembly of GodNew Castle, PA


DAvID CroSBY Secretary and Treasurer

World Missions

[email protected] Ministers Transferring Out:DUTKo, hanna e (Licensed) – To Canada

DUTKo, Joseph L (ordained) – To Canada

GUiTerreZ, Mario a (Certified) – To New Jersey

harLan, Benjamin L (Licensed) – To Southern New England

heisT, Timothy r (Licensed) – To rocky Mountain

herron Jr, robert (ordained) – To Louisiana

hooPs, ashley r (Licensed) – To Potomac

JaYne, Lisa e (Licensed) – To Southern Missouri

saBeLLa, Philip J (Licensed) – To New Jersey

sCriMaLe, Charles (ordained) – To New Jersey

sCriMaLe, Jean (Certified) – To New Jersey

searLes, Tony s (ordained) – To Northern New England

Visser, Virginia L (Licensed) – To Southern Missouri

WaTKiss, Brandon (ordained) – To Southern Missouri

WeaVer, Kevin C (ordained) – To Kansas

Ministers Transferring In:BraDshaW, steven W (ordained) – From Southern Missouri

CraWForD, edward M (ordained) – From Arkansas

CULLen, Joseph (Licensed) – From Southern New England

PaLisoC, nathan s (Licensed) – From Northern Missouri

snYDer, Domer (ordained) – From Tennessee

sTreeT, Jack (Licensed) – From Kentucky

ThoMas, Jack L (Licensed) – From Potomac

WiLLiaMson, Beau a (Licensed) – From Michigan

Church Transitions:Joseph Beadle to Assembly of God, Williamsport, PA.

Kevin Garman to Pleasant valley Assembly of God,Brodheadsville, PA

Jared Bellan to Assembly of God, Pleasantville, PA

With The Lord:alexander ortiz, age 38, died on Saturday, July 28, 2009 due to complications from diabetes. He is survived by Kimberly, his wife, and Taylor, his daughter. Alexander was a 2005 graduate of valley Forge Christian College and served on the pastoral team at the Spring valley Community Church. He was an avid New York Mets and Giants fan. A celebration of life service was conducted by Dr Daniel McNaughton and Pastor Timm Zeigler.

2010 Ministerial Credential InterviewsMinisterial credential interviews will be conducted at the PB Conference Center, Carlisle, PA, in conjunction with quarterly Presbytery Sessions. Credential applicants should plan to have their file completed for the interview about four weeks before the scheduled interviews of January 12 – March 23 – September 14.

About People

New and Upgraded Credentials:Certified Minister:BruSH, AnnetteD’AMBroSIA, DebraFEKuLA, BeverlyGIBBoNS, JohnGILL, CarltonPIErCE, LesTIBErIAN, Shahan

Licensed Minister:ALDAY, TylerCLoEN, DonaldELLIoTT, NathanHECKArD, TiffanyKIrIK, JobinLEAKE, MelodyLIPLES, ronLuCAS, MariannSHAW, JoshuaSProWLS, BettySTEPP, Kay

ReinstatedDoug Littleton, ordained

Special RecognitionCongratulations to these churches that are named in the “Largest 100 AG Churches for 2008” of Sunday morning worship attendance as reported on the ACMr.

rank 28. Christian Life assemble, Camp Hill, PA Attendance 2,682

rank 56. Glad Tidings assembly, reading, PA Attendance 2,017

rank 80. south hills assembly, Bethel Park, PA Attendance 1,637

Aged Ministers Assistance (AMA):Assembly of God ministers have served faithfully and sacrificially to build our Fellowship, yet in retirement many need financial assistance because they earned so little during their ministry. In 2008 PennDel churches contributed $32,250 to the AMA fund to help these who gave so much for so long for so little. Do you know of one of our retired ministers that needs finan-cial help? How to apply for AMA: A letter of inquiry should accompany an application to the AMA Depart-ment at headquarters in Springfield. The letter may come from the minister himself, concerned friends, or from his/her presbyter or district superintendent. For more information, check it out at www.ama.ag.org.

PennDel Missionary Family NewsJerry and Paula ireland are involved in the making, teaching and training of disciples in Zambia. They are accomplishing their mission by teaching Bible school classes and launching Bible Quiz.

Joseph and ellen anonby are pleased to announce a new church structure is built and in use in the Dominican republic. Some items remain on the “to do” list but the building is being used for meetings.

Gary and Cindy higgins are making a difference in the world through Convoy of Hope. Each week they are feeding and sharing Jesus with 26,000 children in the Philippines. A water system was installed at a church in El Salvador providing 300 families in the community with clean water.

rick and Lori Wislocky celebrated a full year of ministry at the International Christian Fellowship, Athens, Greece. Each Sunday there are 5 separate churches using their facilities with more than 25 nations represented in the church.

Pat and Brenda Mahar report that 2 tabernacle structures have been built in remote villages of Botswana, Africa, replacing temporary structures used as churches. The church continues to thrive as lives are being changed by the gospel.

2010 District World Missions Project Rajasthan, IndiaMissionary David Cawston has extended an invitation for PennDel churches and ministers to partner in opening a new frontier in rajasthan, India. This is a district wide project for 2010-2011 with a goal of raising $500,000 for the construc-tion of an evangelistic center in Jaipur, construction of a Bible School to train rajasthanis to become church planters, and to establish 10 new churches in the state. More information will follow in Sectional Councils.

MA2GO PennDel World Missions has launched a Missionary Associate senders fund known as MA2Go. The Missionary Associate program is designed to link people gifted in various skills with career missionaries to share the workload on the field. out of this one to two year commitment many MAs confirm a “call” to missions and give the rest of their lives as missionaries. The initial goal is to build a monthly support base of $5,000. If you would like to participate, speak with Dave Crosby Sr at 717-795-5921.

This new generation holds great promise. our network needs to mobilize the energy of these younger Christians and use their gifts in missionary work. I believe this new generation will establish a missiological pattern that will propel the ministry of missions for many years to come. I hope to see a tidal wave of engaged missionaries unlike anything I’ve seen in my lifetime. It is up to the church to equip these World Changers for Christ!

We send our greetings to the great PennDel Fellowship at this special time of year. May God grant you peace and joy in the celebration of Christ’s birth! In the coming new year we pray that God will bless you with good health and prosper you in all things. ~ Be blessed – Dave and Betty Crosby

Christmas and New Year Greetings!


ToM rEES Assistant to the Superintendent

HonorBound Church Planting

and Development

[email protected]

Bethany Beach/ocean view, Delaware (Tim Satryan)

Braddock (Brian Bolt)*

Cranberry, venango County (Chris Clark)

Downingtown (Sam Masteller)*

DuBois (Chris Clark)

Elsmere Hispanic, Delaware (Tim Satryan)

Fogalsville (Mark Caston)

Frackville (richard Earl)

Gettysburg (Gerry Stoltzfoos)*

Greensburg (Don Immel)*

Hanover (Gerry Stoltzfoos)

Inner city/South Side Wilmington, Delaware (Tim Satryan)

Lewisburg (Paul Grabill)

Marshall’s Creek (Jim rugg)

Milton (Jon Baker)

New Castle/Minquadale, Delaware (Tim Satryan)

Philadelphia (Dan Clark)

Pottstown (Steve DeFrain)

Southside Pittsburgh (Jeff Leake)*

Three Springs (Dan Fox)*

York (Gerry Stoltzfoos)

We are targeting 20 areas for church planting in 2010.

If you have a passion for one of these areas, please contact the leader listed or give me a call.

20 in 10

*Church Planter has been identified and in process.

Valley Forge Ministry ForuM“reaching MusliMs”

Thursday, February 11 • 8:30 am – 3:30 pmlunch included

LOCATiOn: SOLOMOn’S PORCh VALLEy FORgE ChRiSTiAn COLLEgE

REgiSTRATiOn AnD inFORMATiOn AT WWW.VFCC.EDu/MiniSTRyFORuM OR 610.917.3947

PRESEnTED By gLOBAL iniTiATiVE” REAChing MuSLiM PEOPLES8 Connexions Christmas 2009

9Connexions Christmas 2009

Christmas in the Rees Home

Tom’s HonorBound Antipastosurprise your family this holiday with this amazing antipasto!

Sherry and I love having the girls home for Christmas! Britney is a sophomore at valley Forge Christian College study-ing early elementary education and Courtney will graduate with a degree in English from vanguard university of Southern Cal this spring.

As we celebrate Christmas, Sherry will have the house warmly decorated, my mom and sister bring the homemade raviolis and Italian Wedding Soup and I will make the antipasto. Then comes dessert! Come on over, we have plenty! As we sit around the table with family, we take time to go around and talk about what we appreciate about each other. It is special and fun. Last year was the first time I was ever asked the ques-tion: “Do bees poop purple bubbles?” Got to love young nephews!

May your Christmas

be fun and delightful.

Merry Christmas!

- The Rees’

It is a variety of cheeses and deli meats that is layered with lettuce, vegetables and peppers to create a mighty platter that’s filled with exciting flavors.

sTeP 1Go to a supermarket that has a deli and salad bar and bring this list along.

sTeP 2Layer a large serving plate with the following rolled deli items:• 1 pound peppered ham, thinly sliced• 1 pound sliced provolone cheese• ½ pound Genoa hard salami, thinly sliced• Sprinkle with balsamic Italian-style salad

dressing

sTeP 3Toss a bag of leafy lettuce in a bowl with balsamic Italian-style salad dressing and then add as a layer to your antipasto.

sTeP 4Layer with the following items from your favorite supermarket salad bar:• Fresh mushrooms• Marinated artichoke hearts• Plum tomatoes• Onion• Cauliflower• Broccoli• Peas• Roasted red peppers• Olives• Pepperoncini peppers• Mozzarella cheese balls (small)• Sprinkle with balsamic Italian-style salad

dressing and grated Parmesan cheese

sTeP 5Cover and chill in the refrigerator until serving. Serve it along with fresh Italian bread.

sTeP 6Send Tom an email and let him know how it turned out ([email protected])!



12 Connexions Christmas 2009

$125 per person (single occupancy) $120 per person (double occupancy) Postmark deadline: January 15 (add $10 late fee after 1/15/10)

registration includes: one night’s lodging, one BGMC banquet, one breakfast, one lunch and $40 in Children’s ministry resources.

registration:

An equipping and connecting event for Children’s Pastors/Leaders, especially the key leaders, who make children’s ministry happen in your local church. See you there!

Want to be a part of the team! High impact leadership!

January 25-26 Philip Bongiorno Conference Center

Move into first place – Gain skills for life long ministry

Children’s Ministry leadership suMMit

GEorGE KrEBS Christian Education

[email protected]


on July 20, 1969 Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong landed the Apollo 11 rocket ship on the moon and Captain Armstrong was the first to set foot on the rock surface. That image is likely emblazoned on your memory, as is the famous quote by Armstrong, “That’s one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind.” President richard Nixon later made this statement about the first moon landing, “This is the greatest event in all of human history.” Not long after that Billy Graham respectfully corrected President Nixon in saying, “The greatest event in all of human history was NoT man setting foot on earth, but God setting foot on earth in Jesus of Nazareth.”

Talk about a “giant leap for mankind!” That one small step for God not only changed the course of history for every living soul, but changed the course of mankind for eternity. As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we think of it as so much more than a historical event, more than a time to exchange gifts and spend time with family, but may we think of it as the greatest event in all of human history when the great God of the universe “fixed His tent of flesh” (John 1:14) on this earth. This created the potential for man to walk the narrow path into eternity and set foot on streets of gold one day. Now that’s an event worth shouting from the rooftops.

Merry Christmas

from George &

Debbie Krebs and the entire

Christian education

Department

KrISTIAN WALKEr

District Music & Worship Liason

www.kristianwalker.com

Greatest Event

From our family to yours, we pray you have a blessed,

peaceful and joyous Christmas celebrating

the greatest touch-down of all time…

Kristian, Aria, Elise, & Shannon

Kid’s Fun ArtsSaturday, May 22nd

instumentals

human video

puppetery vocals

artpoetery

An opportunity for children (grades 4-6) to showcase their ministry gifts.

• Stress free

• Non-competitive

• Human video, puppetry, vocals, instumentals, art, poetry and more

• Registration information coming soon to your church!


2010

DouG SAYErS Youth

www.penndelyouth.com

We are proud to announce the names of our PennDel students who received the Award of Merit for placing first in their category:

Important Dates:January 18 – Deadline for all Creative Writing, Short Film, and Website entries (postmarked)

February 1 – Final registration postmarked Deadline for Sectional Fine Arts Festival

February 20 – Sectional Fine Arts Festival

March 1 – Final registration postmarked Deadline for District Fine Arts Festival

March 31-April 2 – District Fine Arts Festival

August 2-6 – National Fine Arts Festival

National Fine Arts Festival 2009

Each church will soon be receiving information

to register for the 2010 Sectional Fine Arts Festival. visit

www.penndelyouth.com for eligibility

requirements, prices, and all of the details!

Alexandra Gonzalez

Spanish Female vocal Solo

Award of Merit Emmanuel Assembly of

God, Allentown PA

Janell Koos visual Art, Three

Dimensional Award of Merit

Assembly of God, Allison Park PA

LeQuan Chapman

rap Solo Award of Merit

Glad Tidings Assembly, reading PA

Congratulations to the students who placed in the Top Ten in their category!ParticiPant/GrouP church cateGory PlacementDylan Harvey Mount Morris Gospel Tabernacle, Mt. Morris rap Solo 2nd place

out Numbered Group Glad Tidings Assembly of God, reading Large vocal Ensemble 2nd place

real Life Youth Choir Glad Tidings Assembly of God, reading Youth Choir 2nd place

Saved by the Bells Group Shrewsbury Assembly of God, Shrewsbury Traditional Percussion Ensemble 2nd place

In Awe Group Assembly of God, Allison Park Worship Team 3rd place

Melissa Tokarsky Pitcairn Assembly of God, Pitcairn T-Shirt Design 3rd place

David Brock Christian Life Center, Bensalem Graphic Design 4th place

Julia Paganelli Grace Assembly of God, Spring City Poetry 4th place

Sanctified Group Glad Tidings Assembly of God, reading Worship Team 4th place

Leslie Salyards Pleasant valley Assembly of God, Altoona Puppetry Solo 5th place

Not Just ordinary Group Assembly of God, Allison Park Large vocal Ensemble 5th place

TNT Group Glad Tidings Assembly of God, reading Percussion, unconventional 5th place

Crosstown Group Assembly of God, Allison Park Children’s Lesson Group 6th place

Destiny Group Glad Tidings Assembly of God, reading Small vocal Ensemble 8th place

Lost and Found Group First Assembly of God, Greencastle American Sign Language Group 9th place

Madz Jvarcs Group Grace Assembly of God, Spring City Large Drama Ensemble 9th place

Happy Holidays The Sayers


JASoN LAMEr Youth Alive

[email protected]

Christmas a number of years ago, I was 11 years old and my family had just left my Grandparent’s home. It was Christmas Eve and the traditions were in full swing. After a meal and a gift exchange with Grandma & Grandpa, we were off to church for the candle lighting & communion service. While sitting in the back seat of the blue Plymouth station wagon and looking out the window, my eyes caught sight of a star. There were so many in the dark mix, but one stood out. I remember fix-ing my eyes on that one star and as Dad drove along I never lost sight of it. In fact it seemed as if the star was following us. It didn’t matter how far down the road we went, I could see that star so clearly following us all the way to church. As an 11 year old it stirred my curiosity as I tried to understand how that star could keep up with our fast moving Plymouth. The older I got and the more I learned about distance and the position of the stars, the more sense it made. Here it is more than 20 years later and still when I drive down the road and catch a glimpse of a star I remember that childhood experience. That Christmas Eve and every one since, I think of the Wisemen who traveled so far, all at the leading of a star. It was one star among the many, but the only one that could lead them where they were going. What we follow affects our destiny. What is it that we are looking up to and going after? It’s too easy to make the marker something that changes or lasts only for a while before fading into the darkness. In youth ministry we are not striving for a great program, building or crowd. We are striving for HIM, His pleasure and His purpose. Some Youth Pastors run after the heart of teens, others run after the heart of God and take teens along. Keep following “the star.”

CM’s 2009 DYD CM Merit Award Recipient:

Courtney FarabeeAge: 17

Senior @ Waynesburg Central High School

activities: FCF, Youth Alive, Campus Missionary, National Honor Society, volleyball, Softball, Member of two-twenty youth - Mount Morris, PA

Courtney has exhibited outstanding ability in academics and athletics. She has a strong faith in Christ that leads her when troubles come her way. She has incredible maturity and strength through

adverse times throughout her life. She is dedicated to seeing others become Christ followers and has modeled how to live that life in front of her peers. She is truly an exemplary person and a blessing to those in her youth ministry including her Youth Pastor, Carl redding. For her outstanding commitment to Jesus Christ and for her passion to reach her school with His love, Courtney is our 2009 DYD CM Merit Award recipient. Congratulations Courtney and thanks for being a Campus Missionary to your school.

The Followers

Christmas GreetingsWe pray you experience the warmth, joy & peace that is all wrapped up in Christmas. may God’s best be yours in the New Year to follow.

The Lamers



GrEG SCoTT royal rangers

[email protected]

on September 10-13, 2009, Christmas came early for fifty-eight royal ranger leaders who joined together at Camp roosevelt in Elmer, NJ, in order to experi-ence the final National Training Camp (NTC) ever to be held in our region. There were many testimonies following the training camp and many reasons to celebrate, but I’ll let one of the trainees tell his story.

From the moment I stepped out of the car, I felt strongly that this weekend was going to be special. I looked around at all the commanders (58 to be exact) who came to learn how to become more ef-fective as a royal ranger Leader. What we were about to encounter would go far beyond ministry. It would change our lives forever.

The anxious excitement of the unknown filled my heart as I wondered what would happen the next three and a half days. I took a walk through the woods and began to pray against the anxiety that began to swell in my heart. The gentle touch of the Holy Spirit then began breaking this fear that had gripped me. I started weeping as I thought about the incredible journey that brought me to this place. I knew there were many mighty men of God praying for this event.

As I stood there at NTC with no patches, no belt, no outdoor skill and a heart full of fear, I was intro-duced to the first commander of the weekend: Commander Paine! PAIN! - God DoES have a sense of humor! our Lord knows exactly how to put us in the most challenging situations so that God can get the greatest glory! What followed was torrential downpours, intense training, and endless hiking; all a part of God’s plan to break those strongholds off of my life. He also showed me many of the mistakes I made with the young men in Camden outpost 149. The greatest perhaps is that I wasn’t always showing them the unconditional love of God through my life. I was telling them about it, but my words and actions weren’t always lining up.

I learned many lessons over that weekend. I learned about persevering and pushing my body and mind past the quitting point. I learned that the spirit man, when allowed, can push the natural man to do extraordinary things. I learned that there are no mistakes in life, only teachable moments! I learned that a gentle word spoken in love and encouragement is far more powerful than a million words spoken in fear and intimidation. I learned that having things well planned out, organized, and visually displayed make learning more effective and lasting. I learned the importance of “spare-time projects.” My time is not my own to do with it what I want. As a leader, every moment needs to be spent doing my best for others. I learned the importance of earning an advancement. Advancing in the Kingdom of God is going to take uncompromised hard work and sacrifice, but the benefits are worth it! The greatest lesson perhaps is found in Hebrews 13:6:

“So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

That weekend, God used every commander to chip away at the shack-les of fear and intimidation that had bound me since I was a boy. I thank God for all of the commanders that demonstrated the love of Christ to me and the 57 other men that joined me. I am privileged to be a part of the Final 7: The last seven patrols of NTC in the Northeast region. We will forever be God’s divine number of completeness and perfection! I have been retooled, refueled, and redirected to pursue the high calling of our Lord Jesus Christ. That call is to seek and save the lost and to direct them to the one who loves them!

Keith Carpenter Senior Commander Outpost 149 - Camden, NJ

The Scotts

May your holidays be blessed!

Coming Events in 2010:JLTA Junior Winter CampPenn-Del Royal Ranger Camp BerryHoney Grove, PAJanuary 22-24

Northeast Region Leaders ConferenceWillow Valley ResortLancaster, PAFebruary 5-6

Penn-Del District Leaders ConferenceFirst Assembly of GodYork, PA March 27th


ruTH PuLEo Women of Purpose

ruth@penndel womenofpurpose.org

presents

Our Spring Fling

Unit

ed

For A Purpose

Ph

ilip

pia

ns2 :1 , 2 B e in

gunitedin

Ch

ris t

. . .uB e

si

in g one n p i rit a n d p r pose .”

Cost $25per person includes brunchLIMITED REGISTRATION AT EACH LOCATION

Memorable Moments...

This Christmas, as you consider all the awesome things that have come to you through Jesus, God’s perfect gift, remember that it is but a taste of all the good things that are yet to come. This brings a prayer at Christmas time that God will always bless your home and you and those you love with lasting happiness. May the special gifts of Christmas be yours to treasure this holiday season. With love and thankfulness, John and Ruth Puleo

The holiday season has the potential to provide many Kodak moments or to create total chaos for those who have expectations that are impossible to fulfill. I will admit that my thoughts on this have been a metamorphosis of theory that has evolved from years of trial and error. Good food, family gather-ings, holiday decorations and special church events always held a place of significance in my family history. For the most part, John and I incorporated similar practices while raising our three children. Because all of my family (parents, sisters and their husbands) were all pastors, we learned that focus and flexibil-ity had to be our motto in order to facilitate getting together to celebrate. Now that our children are all married, on staff as pastors and having children of their own, once again focus

and flexibility must rule. A favorite family tradition that we started with our children was to have my husband, now affection-

ately known as Papa John, read the Christmas story. of course, the version of the Christmas story being read depended on the youngest age of the listeners. When our children were in their teens, we found one that fit them. Now with grandchildren snuggled into Papa’s arms, John reads from a book appropriate for them. our focus is on Jesus, not the gifts. In fact, our chil-dren have requested that we keep our gifts limited to one per grandchild in order to remove the impression that our focus in the celebration might be gifts rather than the giver of all gifts. Because of schedules, births of babies and distance between us all, we have to be flexible in when we can get together. Some years it works out for everyone to meet in one place, but not always. The goal is to enjoy the gift of family and celebrate the relationships we share. our favorite family time together is a special breakfast of Belgian Waffles, strawberries and home-made whipped cream, bacon and eggs. I have memories to last a life time and hope to keep making more memories until the Christ of my Christmas comes to take me home.

northwestHermitage, PAMay 1

north CentralState College, PAApril 24

north Central WMount Jewett, PAMarch 27

north eastWilkes BarreApril 17

east CentralBechtelsville, PAMarch 20

south eastWyncote, PAMarch 20

DelmarvaDover, DEMarch 12

south Central eMiddletown, PAApril 24

south CentralGettysburg, PAApril 10

south Central WAltoona, PAApril 10

southwest MetroAllison Park, PAMarch 20

southwest suburbanMonroeville, PAApril 10

Save The DaTe:

SHAroN PooLE Girls Ministries

[email protected]

CELEBRATE!

UPCOMING EVENT

GIRLS MINISTRIES IMPACT

april 16-17, 2010

intentional Women:

Purposeful Girls

Keynote Speaker:

ruth Puleo, Women of

Purpose Director

Special Music:

Tim and Katie Bennett

PBCC

In Genesis 39:11 Jacob has just finished listening to his son, Joseph, tell of a grandiose dream that he had of how he would rule over not only his brothers, but also his parents. Immedi-ately the brothers become jealous and Jacob rebuked Joseph. However, after the rebuke, God’s Word says that Jacob “kept the matter in mind” (NIv). I am sure that this story played over in his mind many times in the following years.

Luke 2:19 tells of another parent who heard something about her child, and kept it in her heart. “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Mary heard many things concerning Jesus in His early years. When the Christ Child was presented at the Temple, both Joseph and Mary “marveled at what was said about Him.” Some years later, Jesus stayed behind at the Temple in Jerusalem to listen, ask questions, and to share His own ideas. When Joseph and Mary finally found Jesus, their anxiousness at Him was apparent. Jesus confidently told them that He had been about His Father’s

business. once again, “His mother treasured all these things in her heart.”

As parents and as Pastors, teachers, leaders of young children, we use the gifts that God has given us to minister to them. But our gifts are not enough. We must rely heavily on the Holy Spirit to complete the work. And in spite of our inadequacies, the “youngsters” amaze us at how God speaks to each. And the plans that God has for each child (Jeremiah 29:11), astound us. That is exactly as God intended it to be. And He intended for us to “treasure” and “ponder” these thoughts in our hearts.

As difficult as ministry to children can be, God intended for us to treasure the marvelous things that He has in store. This Christmas Season, allow yourself the freedom to celebrate what is happening. Look for those special things, ponder them, and CELEBrATE! You are a part of something so much bigger than you or me!

Merry Christmas

Hot Christmas Wassail2 qts. apple juice2 ¼ c. pineapple juice2 c. orange juice1 c. lemon juice½ c. sugar1 (3 inch) stick cinnamon1 t. whole cloves

Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil. reduce heat and cover. simmer for 30 minutes. Uncover and simmer for an addi-tional 30 minutes. strain and discard the spices. serve hot.

this is excellent served hot and fresh. it cannot be kept overnight. the spices cause it to become very bitter.

- The Pooles


4651 Westport Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887

Dear Investors,Christmas season always reminds us of the wonder of the Son of God being born to a humble virgin in Bethlehem. The mystery of God being manifest in the flesh never ceases to bring a renewed sense of awe and a desire to worship Him. Christ’s coming is indeed good tidings of great joy because on that day, our Savior was born.

The Board of Directors and staff of HIS FUND are grateful for your commitment to the Kingdom of God. Your investment is working to build churches and advancing the Church of Jesus Christ. May you and your families have a blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year.

PHILIP BoNGIorNo Chairman and [email protected] DENISE FoLK Administrative Assistant [email protected]

MICHAEL BoNGIorNo Chief Executive officer [email protected]

HERITAGE INVESTMENTSERVICES FUND

An investment that works

HERITAGE INVESTMENTSERVICES FUND

An investment that works

Interest rates are subject to change without notice. Please visit our website or call for current rates. The initial interest rate on all notes will depend on the effective interest rates at the time of purchase. Term notes pay interest at a rate fixed at the time of issuance. once fixed, the interest rate on a term note will not be changed until the note matures. Demand notes pay interest at a variable interest rate. At least thirty (30) days prior to any decrease in the interest rate on a demand note His Fund will notify the investor of such change.

This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities. The offering is made only by the prospec-tus. These unsecured debt securities are NoT available to residents outside of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida or New Jersey. The notes are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of a bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, any state bank insurance fund, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation or any other governmental agency.

HIS Fund-An investment that works! For additional information, contact us at 717-796-9784 or toll-free at 1-866-219-0820.

Visit our website at www.hisFund.com.

Merry Christmas,From Bro B, Michael,

Denise, & Tori

Demand Note.................................. 3.25%6 Month Note .................................. 3.50%1 Year Note ....................................... 3.75%2 1/2 Year Note ............................... 4.25%4 Year Note ....................................... 4.75%5 Year Note ....................................... 5.00%

Current Rates ($500.00 Minimum Investment)

2009q4

Documents

connexions christmas

tourville christmas

real meaning of christmas

scw section christopher

sws section jeffrey

swm section donald immel

sc section kenneth martin

ec section william ellis