Tuesday, April 29, 2014

From the Interim Pastor

GRACE CHANGE: Enjoying the Challenge of Transformation

How Jesus came back to life matters almost as much as the fact that he did.

When Jesus came back to life, he took his time to lovingly greet Mary, casually walk with two persons who thought he was a stranger on the Emmaus Road, gracefully address Thomas's doubts, and gently encourage and reassure Peter. There is excitement in his return, but no hurry or strain. His resurrection is dripping with grace as much as it is with glorious new possibility.

The patient grace with which Jesus lived his transformation is a model for how we may live ours. In a culture characterized by doing as much as we can as fast as we can, to the point of stressing out ourselves and those around us, how soul-easing it is to know that personal transformation can have as much patience and grace in it as challenge. Change filled with grace is in the spirit of the words attributed to Jesus in Matthew 11:28-29:

Come to me, all you that are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls.

Paul reflects this notion of change at the pace of grace when he encourages us in Romans 6:4 not to sprint or strive in the newness of life, but to "walk in the newness of life.” As we walk in the newness of life, we are more likely to stick to our transformation, to be less demanding and judgmental of ourselves and others, and to savor and enjoy the change process as much as the change result. 

If we are willing, God is willing to transform us at the pace of grace.

Prayer: God,  As I suspect leaves and flowers enjoy their budding before full bloom, inspire me to more fully notice, embrace, and enjoy Your unrushed sacred grace change in me. Amen.

Rev Dr Kirk B Jones

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Sunday April 27, 2014 at Zion

Sunday School 9:30 am for all ages

Praise and Worship 10:45am

Sunday Service 11:00am

Reverend Dr. Kirk B. Jones preaching

Scripture

Romans  6:4
4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Sermon Title: "Daring to Live a New Life"

Other opportunities  to be transformed by God's Word
Women's Bible Study             Tuesday night                  6:30- 7:30 PM
Men's Bible Study                  Tuesday night                  6:30- 7:30 PM
Prayer meeting                      Tuesday night                        7:30 PM

Let us worship and celebrate the Lord together.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Easter Sunday April 20, 2014 at Zion

He is Risen!

Children's Easter Program  9:30 am

Praise and Worship 10:45am

Sunday Service 11:00am

Reverend Dr. Kirk B. Jones preaching

Scripture
Matthew 28:16-20
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Sermon Title: "A Person, A Plan and A Promise"

Other opportunities  to be transformed by God's Word
Women's Bible Study             Tuesday night                  6:30- 7:30 PM
Men's Bible Study                  Tuesday night                  6:30- 7:30 PM
Prayer meeting                      Tuesday night                        7:30 PM

Let us worship and celebrate the Lord together.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Good Friday April 18, 2014

12 noon to 3pm
Seven Last Words Service
at
Washington Street Baptist Church
256 Washington St.
Lynn, MA 01902

Preachers will include :
Rev Dr Kirk B Jones
Rev Dr Anita Farber-Robertson
Rev Eric Nelson

Liturgists will include:
Rev Richard M Shprecher
Rev Viola Morris-Buchanan

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Sunday April 13, 2014 at Zion

Sunday School 9:30 am for all ages

Praise and Worship 10:45am

Palm Sunday
Annual Diaconate Day
Theme: “Encouraging Others As We Follow Christ"

Sunday Service 11:00am

Reverend Dr. Kirk B. Jones preaching

Scripture
Matthew 21:1-3
1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

Philippians 2:3-4
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Sermon Title: "Can I Help Somebody As I Pass Along"

And come to the:
Annual Choir Spring Music Festival at 4pm
Evangelist Johnnie Shelton- Living Elevated Church, Brocton- Mistress of Ceremony
and seven choirs will lift their voices to praise the Lord

Other opportunities  to be transformed by God's Word
Women's Bible Study             Tuesday night                  6:30- 7:30 PM
Men's Bible Study                  Tuesday night                  6:30- 7:30 PM
Prayer meeting                      Tuesday night                        7:30 PM

Let us worship and celebrate the Lord together.

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Rev. Dr. Everette W. Frye Sr. (1932 - 2014)

Calling hours
Thursday, Apr. 10, 2014
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bethlehem Baptist Community Church
304 Elm Street
Holyoke, MA

Funeral service
Friday, Apr. 11, 2014
10:00 AM
Bethlehem Baptist Community Church
304 Elm Street
Holyoke, MA

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Sunday April 6, 2014 at Zion

Sunday School 9:30 am for all ages

Praise and Worship 10:45am

Sunday Service 11:00am

Please come and welcome our new interim minister this Sunday
the Reverend Dr. Kirk B. Jones who will be preaching

Scripture
Matthew 4:18-20

18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20At once they left their nets and followed him.

Sermon Title: "The Best Invitation of All"

Other opportunities  to be transformed by God's Word
Women's Bible Study             Tuesday night                  6:30- 7:30 PM
Men's Bible Study                  Tuesday night                  6:30- 7:30 PM
Prayer meeting                      Tuesday night                        7:30 PM

Let us worship and celebrate the Lord together.