HOLIDAY 2014 | USPS 165-700
Connecting Around the Network 60th Anniversary Pastor Johnny & Patricia Blake Mifflinburg AG, Mifflinburg, PA
Pastoral Commissioning Pastor Tim & Melody Beitzel Full Gospel AG, Indiana, PA
100th Anniversary Pastor Kris & Darleen Newman First AG, Lancaster, PA
100th Anniversary Pastor Martin & Patricia Koss Jeannette AG, Jeannette, PA
Pastoral Commissioning Pastor Shane & Heidi Wilson Christian Life Assembly, Camp Hill, PA
100th Anniversary Pastor David & Laura Twiss Green Ridge Assembly, Scranton, PA
Pastoral Commissioning Pastor Frank & Angela Nemeth First AG, Waynesburg, PA
Te e n C h a l l e n g e Tr a i n i n g C e n t e r, R e h r e r s b u r g , PA
Christmas on God’s Mountain Join us this Christmas Season in blessing the students of TCTC with gift bags! Donations Due by December 10th — Packing of Bags: December 18th To make a donation or request info, contact our Christmas Bag Project Coordinator: Gloria Snyder at 717-933-4181, ext. 1116 or gloria.snyder@teenchallengetc.com Donations Accepted: Clothing Items: Hoodies, Shirts, Underwear, Socks Stationery Items: Tablets, Envelopes, Pencils, Pens, Stamps Hygiene Products: Shampoo/Conditioner, Shaving Cream, Aftershave (non-alcoholic), Deodorant, Body Wash
SUPERINTENDENT
Pastor Stephen Tourville, D. Min. 717.795.5921 supt@penndel.org
The Christmas
Gift
Chris
t
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”
T
his issue of Network ConneXions talks about Gifts. Gifts are fun to give and fun to receive. The favorite gift I have ever given was on one Christmas morning as a junior at the University of Valley Forge. I left my parents home in Green Lane, PA to drive to the home of Marjie’s parents to spend Christmas day with her family. Driving northbound on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on the Northeast Extension (I-476 more recently) there is a tunnel through the mountain. It was there, in the middle of that tunnel that my car quit running. It just stopped! I was able to get it to coast to the end of the tunnel and pulled to the side of the road. Oh my! What do I do now? As a young man preparing for full gospel ministry and not being very mechanical, my first thought was to pray for the healing of my car. After pleading with God, commanding restoration, and quoting Scripture after Scripture, the police showed
(2 Cor. 9:15)
up to offer help. Finally, I called Marjie’s house to explain my predicament. They were so gracious and understanding! Marjie and her dad got in their pick-up truck with towing chains in hand and came to my rescue. (He ran his own used car lot so this was not difficult for him.) If you can picture this, Marjie’s dad driving the truck, chains connecting to my car (this was still legal in those days), me steering the car trying to keep just enough tension on the chain but not too much, and Marjie sitting next to me. So romantic!! It
seemed to be the perfect moment to reach into my pocket, pull out my Christmas gift for her, and present to her my gift – the engagement ring!! Yes, I was a
Suddenly, the car problems didn’t really matter because the ring represented something far more important. The gift spoke of our future together and our hope of the days ahead. She would soon be my bride, the love of my life. She accepted the gift, and the rest, as they say, is history. Awesome! Christ has offered us the gift of salvation. When we receive Him, we receive the gift and the Giver. We, the church, become the bride of Christ, and the future is filled with hope and anticipation because of His love for us and our love for Him. The amazing thing is, it doesn’t stop there! God also offers gifts of LOVE, JOY, PEACE, HOPE and so many more.
Merry Christmas and a gift filled New Year!
true romantic!
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The Gift of
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
Vision
Bryan Koch 610.678.0266 ext. 224 bryankoch@gtaog.org
As we near the Christmas season and think about all the gifts that we will receive and give; it causes me to reflect on one of my favorite people in the Bible and his story in Luke 2…his name is Simeon. “25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” Simeon had lived a lifetime with the promise from the Holy Spirit of seeing the Messiah before his death. What a gift spiritual “vision” is to all of us as the people of God, and it is especially important to us as ministers as we lead in the local church. I like this DEFINITION OF VISION…. vision is aligning your heart, mind, and actions with God’s desires and intentions for ministry. It’s encouraging that we don’t have to make things up as we go, but rather we can trust God’s Word and Holy Spirit to guide us. Vision is vitally important because it brings life and boundaries to us. Proverbs 29:18 says
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” We need to allow God to use us to bring this gift to the people we lead. Of all the things that demand a pastor’s attention, none are as important as knowing the vision God has for your congregation and communicating that vision effectively. Simeon’s vision led to a powerful and prophetic word for Israel and the world. “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32
The keys to sharing the gift of vision are knowing it, communicating it, and living by it. The GIFT OF VISION cannot be dismissed. A clearly defined vision brings with it many incredible blessings. UNITY – A strong vision brings the people of God together to serve. DIRECTION – The gift of vision leads the way in all we do. PRIORITIES – Vision dictates what we will and what we won’t do as a ministry. ACCOUNTABILITY - True vision works toward real ministry effectiveness.
Church Planting Dates for 2015 March 15, 2015 September 20, 2015
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Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a peaceful new year.
~ The Koch Family
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Donald J. Immel 717.795.5921 don@penndel.org
About People: New and Upgraded Credentials:
Christmas is all about giving! Although John 3:16 isn’t typically viewed as a Christmas text, it captures the essence of the celebration: “God so loved that He gave.” Rick Warren said “you can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” God so loved that He gave His Son. We so love God that we reciprocate in our giving!
Certified Minister Baldwin, Joshua Grylls, Steve W. Lane, (James) Alan Openbrier, Matthew T. Revilak, Michael D. Roadman, Tamara A. Smack Jr., Paul Warren, John M. Woods, Loren D. Licensed Minister Allen, Shelly Balban, Isaac J. Getchell, Sophia Giles, Janet Hayes, Sierra R. Heuer, Sean Horst, Brandon D. Johnson, Ebby Jordan, Andrew D. Jordan, Megan B. Kolarik, Sage R. Kollar, Joshua Miller, Karen J. Mitchell, Victoria L. Robinson, Andrew Rodriguez, Lisa F. Scott, Robert Wilson II, Robert S. VanHouten Jr., John Ritenour, Jonathan
With the Lord
Credentials Reinstated Adams, Jeryl L. (Ordained) Bupp, D. Mark (Licensed) Horst, Hanna J. (Licensed)
Have a blessed Christmas! Ministers Transferring In: Bachman, Joseph (Licensed) Brockmeyer, Joseph (Licensed) Christy, Danielle (Licensed) Christy, Keven (Licensed) Clark, Lance D. (Certified) Harlan, Benjamin (Licensed) Juan, Chow Yong (Ordained) Salerno, Kathy M. (Ordained) Scafidi, Mark (Ordained) Simpson, Joshua (Ordained)
from Kentucky from Appalachian from S New England from S New England from Potomac from Kansas from Illinois from Peninsular Florida from New Jersey from Potomac
Ministers Transferring Out: Adams, Jeryl L. (Ordained) to S California Bartels, Corbyn (Ordained to S Missouri Bartels, Paul (Certified) to S Missouri Bradshaw, Steven W. (Ordained) to S Missouri Johnson, Ebby (Licensed) to N California/Nevada Kallio, Tracy (Ordained) to Ohio Lemois, Brandon R. (Ordained) to S New England Lewis Jr., James D. (Ordained) to N New England Meidlinger, Mark (Licensed) to Rocky Mountain Vogelezang (Lintz), Jennifer L. (Licensed) to New Jersey
Pastoral Transitions: Shane Wilson to Christian Life AG, Camp Hill, PA Adam Barnes to Radiant Light AG, Muncy, PA Ben Grenier to Full Gospel AG, Brookhaven, PA
Joyce B. Bupp, 68, of Dickinson Twp., Gardners, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2014. Joyce was the wife of Reverend Dale Bupp for 45 years. Together they ministered in Northern New England, Colorado, and Carlisle, PA. Patricia M. (Nicholls) West, 76, Waynesboro, passed away on Friday evening, August 22, 2014. Pat was born in Birmingham, UK. She and her husband of over 42 years, Rev. Neville H.V. West, pastored Glen Furney Assembly of God from 1987-2006. Roger I. Pence, 93, passed away August 29, 2014. Roger and his late wife Betty helped start the Assembly of God Church at Adrian and in 1965, Roger became Pastor of Melcroft Assembly of God in the Laurel Highlands. His ministry there continued for 26 years until his retirement in 1991.
About Churches: General Council Affiliated: The Father’s House Fellowship – Blairsville, PA George Prior – Lead Pastor
Parent Affiliated Assembly: City Life Church – Napali, Pittsburgh, PA Brian Bolt – Parent Church Lead Pastor Aaron (Dal B.) Satshankar – PAC Pastor Confident Life Assembly – Scranton, PA David Twiss – Parent Church Lead Pastor Lucky Tuleman – PAC Pastor Encounter Praize and Worship Center – Laurel, DE Gerry Stoltzfoos – Parent Church Lead Pastor Greg Crothers – PAC Pastor MarketPlace Church Park Slope – Brooklyn, NY Gerry Stoltzfoos – Parent Church Lead Pastor Eric Pierre – PAC Pastor Community Church – Stroudsburg, PA David Crosby, Jr. – Parent Church Lead Pastor David Crosby, Jr. – PAC Satellite Pastor Journey Church – Plymouth Meeting Campus Steve C. DeFrain – Parent Church Lead Pastor Steve C. DeFrain – PAC Pastor Burrell Community Church – Lower Burrell, PA Lance Lecocq – Parent Church Lead Pastor Lance Lecocq – PAC Pastor
Gayle A. Brostowski, 51, of Taylor, went home to be with her heavenly Father September 12, 2014 after fighting a courageous battle of cancer. Gayle was a youth pastor in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York and since 1994, Gayle has served as a full-time evangelist and as the Staff Evangelist at Green Ridge Assembly of God in Scranton. Linda M. Watters, 67, wife of 47 years to Pastor Milford J. Watters, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, passing away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 28, 2014. Linda was born in Gulfport, Mississippi and had a special servant’s heart, serving as the church secretary for over 18 years.
Willliam Hilliard, 88, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2014. Willliam served as lead pastor at Marstellar, James City, Knoxville and Orbisonia. Dean H. Ash, 83, passed away on October 4, 2014. He was the husband of Rev. Yvonne J. (Blount) Ash of Lakeland, Florida. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on June 7. During his ministry in the PennDel District Dean served as lead pastor of the following churches: Bradford, Phillipsburg, Peckville, and Wrightsville until his retirement. Lois E. Hayes, 91, went to her eternal reward on October 3, 2014. Lois was married to Rev. Parker Hayes, one of our PennDel Ministers & former District Home Missions Director. Network connexions | Holiday 2014 | 5
WORLD MISSIONS David Crosby Sr. 717.795.5921 dcroz@penndel.org
A Gift of By J. Book
Christmas and New Year Greetings! We send our greetings to the great PennDel Network at this special time of year. Thank you for your gifts of hope to a hurting world. All of life’s special occasions are celebrated with gifts: birthdays, marriages,
Hope
TONY TAN was born blind and abandoned by his
parents. Growing up in the orphanage, Tony was a bitter, angry, and hopeless child. When he attended blind school, Tony did poorly, not for lack of intelligence, but because he didn’t care. Tony took to the streets as a beggar—angry, sad, and hopeless. We continued to do our best to love Tony, spending time with him, helping him, sharing the story of a loving God. Little, it seemed, had any affect. Then, seemingly overnight, Tony changed. He was now cheerful, kind to others, and talked of God with a true understanding. He was going to church. When I asked Tony about the radical change, his voice began to quiver. “I had a dream, in the dream I could see. I saw Jesus and he talked to me.” When I asked Tony what Jesus said to him, tears welled up in Tony’s sightless eyes. “Jesus told me that he loved me.”
graduations, and holidays. Your gifts to missions are expressions
Blind, rejected, and looked down on by society, Tony had met Jesus—
of joy to the ones you love most.
The One who opens blind eyes, changes lives, and gives hope.
Your gifts are being used to plant churches, build schools, church buildings, orphanages, and to purchase Bibles in printed and digital formats. Your gifts are transforming lives as you give health to communities, shelter to orphans, education to children, support to churches, and opportunities for generations to come. Thank you for your gift of HOPE to the world!
-Dave and Betty Crosby
HOPE
East Africa Update Madagascar – The selection of church construction projects is proceeding. Funds to construct 4 churches has been deposited in the East Africa account. Because the building sites are remote and deep in the bush, time and patience are needed as the construction process proceeds.
Zanzibar – A container of 10 tabernacles is en-route to Zanzibar and construction will begin once the container clears customs. The 10 metal buildings will be used as dormitories and classrooms for a church planting school where believers will be trained to launch new churches.
Fishing Boat – Recently one of the team members led a colleague to the Lord!!! That is what it is all about. We celebrate with heaven that one more person, from a dark place, has come into the family of Christ. Forgotten Island – After a long process, the team has finally been granted their business license. This legalizes their presence in the country and gives them a platform to begin establishing relationships so they can share Christ more effectively. Swahili Coast – They are getting ready to launch a new center in the northern part of the island. It is one of the most resistant places on the main island. Please pray as they look for the right person to lead this new venture.
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US MISSIONS HONORBOUND Tom Rees 717.795.5921 tom@penndel.org
s e v li d ie rr u h r u o to E C A E P Bringing Several years ago I was under a lot of stress due to a hurried schedule. The result was that I found myself with my weight ballooning, addicted to caffeine, living on the adrenaline rush, and struggling to be still in God’s presence. I needed to make some changes, take back my schedule and move towards wholeness.
As we start 2015, here’s some ways to bring more peace into our lives… TRIM YOUR THIRD TIER
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness… Matthew 6:33
I began by listing everything I was doing and placed it on three tiers. The top tier was my relationship with God and my family. The second tier was my primary ministry/occupational objectives. I began to peel away what was left, which included many good things (i.e. committees, fantasy football, etc.) that I enjoyed, but realized I didn’t have the time for. What are some good things that you may need to give up to provide margin to your life and peace to your spirit?
UNPLUG
I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting… Daniel 9:3 I took a two-year hiatus from Facebook and lived to survive. By detoxing, it helps to control technology rather than having it the other way around. Personally, I also found too much cable news (even Fox News) didn’t result in peace, but actually added more stress. When you start the new year, how about trying a technology or media fast?
PRACTICE PATIENCE
Be anxious for nothing… Philippians 4:6
When I was seven, my stepdad quietly locked me in my bedroom in the middle of the night so that I would not get up super early and discover my new bike underneath the Christmas tree. The next morning
I discovered that my door wouldn’t open, so I proceeded to break the door down! That Christmas, I learned how anxiousness backfires… I am no longer seven years old, but realize that we can still destroy things and relationships when we choose to walk in anxiousness instead of patience and peace.
BECOME A PEACEMAKER
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 Conflict can hijack not just our calendar, but our emotions. Years ago, right before Christmas, I received a phone call from a church in crisis. I remember preaching at the church the following Sunday and then leading a spirited business meeting that afternoon. I wondered what happened to, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men?
CULTIVATE STILLNESS
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Often we want those around us to give us peace. We look for it in our spouse, our children and our jobs. These are not realistic expectations. As Christ followers, Jesus has given us peace. In John 14:27, He told the disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” When we make time to be still and keep our mind stayed on God, He promises to keep us in perfect peace!
May you and your family have a stress free Christmas and a peace filled New Year! Tom, Sherry, Courtney, Britney and Brandon
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GUEST CONTRIBUTOR Jeremiah Herbert Lead Pastor Intersection Church Gettysburg, PA
The Gift of
Prayer
A semi-truck pulled out in front of Pastor Gerry…leaving him in the ER with bleeding in his brain and an unclear future.
O
n August 25th, I set out with a group of church planters and bikers on an exciting 7,000 mile, church planting road trip that would take us from Pennsylvania to Seattle and back again. We set off with the goal to encourage church planters all around the nation to make the leap into starting a new, local church. Two days later, on August 27th, our goals became very different as we found ourselves praying for God to spare the life of our friend and pastor, Gerry Stoltzfoos. The morning of the accident, we had split up (as any Scooby Doo gang would) to complete some repairs on one of the other bikes that was having trouble. Gerry had gone to the local motorcycle dealership to pick up a part that we needed to finish the repairs, but as we waited for Gerry to meet up at the agreed upon rendezvous, we began to be concerned. We began tracing any possible route Gerry may have taken because we had no idea where he may have gone. With God’s help, we came upon an intersection filled with police cars where we found his bike, lodged under a tractor trailer. Gerry had already been taken by ambulance to the hospital. We were given very little hope for him. We serve an amazing, miracle-working God who did miracles left and right as His people began praying!! The night before his accident, I felt impressed to snap a picture of each of the riders that were on the trek with us. In Chicago’s setting sun, I snapped a picture of each bike and rider. I managed to capture an epic picture of Gerry riding his signature Harley with his finger pointing directly at the camera. Little did I know that that picture would become a flash point for so much prayer in the days and weeks of recovery that laid before him.
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I recall that my very first discernible prayer was “Please God, don’t let that picture be the last picture of Gerry on earth!” I believe God took that prayer very seriously as those first few moments passed. Within minutes, family and church staff were notified of the accident and in a very short matter of time, people all across the country began to lift Gerry up in prayer with great passion and precision! Julie, his wife, hurriedly joined us in Chicago and kept a constant prayer vigil at his hospital bedside. His immediate family quickly followed Julie and the remainder of what came to be called, “The Furious Five,” stayed on to assist Julie and the Stoltzfoos family with encouragement and care. I cannot adequately describe the intense reality of living under the prayer covering all of you were producing in those days directly after the accident, but each of us knew that God was restoring Gerry with miracle after miracle. Each day brought encouraging news in spite of the possibility of long-term brain injury.
The picture I had snapped quickly made its rounds on Facebook as people posted and reposted it as a reminder to pray for complete healing. Many churches in Gettysburg prayed together for Gerry the following Sunday. His own church family and network, Freedom Valley, organized an overnight prayer vigil to cry out for the completion of Gerry’s healing and restoration, physically, spiritually and mentally. I am pleased to report that as of the end of September, Gerry received a clean bill of health from his physicians and is back in the pulpit, teaching God’s Word with passion and integrity! It is my conviction that without the prayers of God’s people, the outcome could have been very different. James 5:16 assures us that, “The
earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” I had the privilege of having a front row seat for a spectacular show of God’s power that came through the earnest
prayer of righteous people who love Pastor Gerry. I will never stop thanking God for the wonderful results those prayers produced. On behalf of Gerry, the Stoltzfoos family, and every Freedom Valley Network pastor and partner, allow me to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Network connexions | Holiday 2014 | 9
From all of us at the PennDel Ministry Network... Our hope for you and yours is that 2015 will be filled with health, happiness, and God’s continued love!
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“Thanks be to God for His indescribably gift.” (2 Cor. 9:15)
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YOUTH ALIVE MISSIONARY Lee Rogers 717.795.9780 lee@reachtheschool.com
reachtheschool.com twitter.com/reachtheschool facebook.com/reachtheschool
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”
-Buddy the Elf
The Gift of Joy
Sharing Jesus This Christmas In the movie Elf, one of Buddy’s favorite things to do is to sing Christmas Carols. Buddy spreads the gift of joy to everyone he meets, and singing loudly is one way he goes about it. Caroling was a part of my family’s Christmas traditions each year. Every Christmas Eve my family attended the service at our church, drove around and looked at Christmas lights, and then we would visit one or two friends and sing a few carols as a family. This was a special time of bringing joy through visitation, taking notice of those who were important to us through a personal visit and a song. It always served as a reminder of the power of friends, family, and the joy that comes through meaningful relationships.
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Have you ever been visited by Christmas carolers unexpectedly? Christmas caroling can sometimes come as an interruption, but it’s the pleasant kind that brightens your day through the joy of friendship, reminding you -Buddy the Elf that someone cares enough to notice you. There is a joy that comes in being noticed, in being reminded that you are significant and that another person or family cares enough to spend time with you in conversation. In a sense, that is what Christmas is all about. God took notice of man and his suffering and sent His Son, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to dwell among us. For the first time in history, God began a long-term conversation with man in the physical form of Jesus. He became Immanuel— God with us.
“We are buddies!”
The significance of this conversation cannot be overstated. God created the heavens and the earth, made everything that we see, lived in heaven, but chose to come to earth and pitch his tent alongside ours. He came to us. He experienced the story of man. He learned life as man saw it. He came to earth and got to know us. He learned our stories. And in doing so, he brought joy to those around him, and to those who would believe in him for the rest of time. He brought joy to us by noticing us, and he brought joy to those around Him by spending time with them in meaningful relationship. God gave us the gift of joy, and it came through a conversation in the form of Jesus. If we are going to be fully formed disciples of Christ, we must do the same thing.
“Does someone need a hug?”
Have you considered that you should be giving the gift of joy to those around you? -Buddy the Elf I’m not just speaking about your family and friends, but of those co-workers, neighbors, and connections that remain apart from God’s salvation. Being a joy-giver is not about having a big personality, or even being a “people person.” Giving the gift of joy is as simple as noticing someone around you by caring enough to have a meaningful conversation with them. There are many people around us who are simply looking for someone willing to hear their story, to notice them, and to have a conversation with them. It’s a universal truth of humanity that we need to be heard. To be heard is to be acknowledged; to be acknowledged is to be valued; to be valued is to be loved; to be loved is to be human. We know that ultimate joy and fulfillment comes through a life fully submitted to God. We also know that no one can come to God unless they’ve heard about Him, and no one can hear about Him unless someone starts a conversation. If there’s a person or group you want to share the Gospel with, go and dwell among them by starting a conversation. Spend your time on them—sing a Christmas carol, serve them, have a meaningful conversation and learn their story! Give the gift of joy by noticing them, earn the right to be heard by listening to them, and share the ultimate gift of Christmas—Jesus—through the context of your relationship. Buddy the Elf spread the gift of joy through song and enthusiasm. How will you spread the gift of joy this Christmas?
Merry Christmas Lee & Kiki Rogers... and Alice & Eleanor
“You did it! Congratulations! ‘World’s Best Cup of Coffee’! Great job everybody!”
-Buddy the Elf
For more on having meaningful conversations with the lost, check out Initiate: Powerful Conversations That Lead to Jesus. Available on Amazon.com and Kindle. Network connexions | Holiday 2014 | 13
YOUTH MINISTRIES Doug Sayers 717.795.5921 dyd@penndel.org
The Gift of
Faith
This holiday season will be marked by the giving and receiving of gifts. Many students received gifts to go to PennDel Youth retreats, camp or convention this past year and they have expressed how their lives have been changed. These expressions have been verbalized as a gift of faith (1 Cor. 12:9). The gift of faith is the ability to envision what needs to be done and to trust God to accomplish it, even though it seems impossible to most people. Here are just a few:
“I felt called to lead those on my football team to Christ.” Joshua “I feel called to rebuild my father’s village (He’s a refugee from Nicaragua) that was destroyed in the war.” Olivia
May the gift of family be with you this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
~ Doug and Susan
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“God directed me to become a campus missionary and spoke to me that our youth group would grow. I had a vision of all the chairs at our youth group filled and people were on their knees crying out to God!” Emily These students with the gift of faith, trust God in difficult, even impossible situations when others are ready to give up. They are visionaries who dream big dreams, pray big prayers, and attempt big things for Jesus. They also tend to be optimistic, hopeful, persevering, change-oriented, and future-focused. Students moving with a gift of faith also tend to be very convincing about truth of Scripture because they themselves are so convinced of the truth, and of the power of God and His Word. Thank you for sharing the gift of faith and building a legacy by sending your students to PennDel Youth Events this past year. This next year will be just as powerful as we pursue “The Human Right! - to know Jesus!”
Warmest Christmas greetings from all of us at the University of Valley Forge! It is because of Jesus and His birth, life, death and resurrection that we are here to prepare individuals for a life of
E
ffective Sept. 16, 2014, Valley Forge Christian College officially changed its name to the University of Valley Forge (UVF). The Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE) approved the name change on Aug. 27 but state processes appointed the formal recognition date as Sept. 16. President Don Meyer, Ph.D., shared, “As we walk through this transformational doorway, we acknowledge a new name, but same mission,” he said, “A mission to, ‘prepare individuals for a life of service and leadership in the church and in the world.’” The name change to the University of Valley Forge ushers in a new era in the life of the institution, signaling exciting new curricula, enrollment growth, campus development, and an ongoing commitment to increase the quality of academic programs, which now includes
service and leadership in the church and 67 undergraduate majors and 7 graduate programs. The new name will help students obtain entrance into graduate schools and make it easier for alumni to enter foreign countries where religious freedoms are restricted.
in the world. May you be refreshed and filled with joy this Christmas season because of His “indescribable gift.”
University rebranding launched a new logo and seal, as well as a new athletic logo. Signage, marketing materials and other items will be rolled out in the coming months. Students, faculty and staff are excited and look forward to the future of UVF. The university will continue to be regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university is endorsed by the Alliance for the Assemblies of God Higher Education, a group of 16 institutions serving approximately 3 million Assemblies of God adherents in the United States.
Blessings, Dr. Don & Evie Meyer and your friends at the University of Valley Forge
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BONGIORNO CONF. CENTER George Krebs 717.795.5921 george@penndel.org
The Gift that Keeps on
F
or many years there was a running joke among my friends about the gift that keeps on giving...fruitcake. We would re-gift the same fruitcake to each other for a Christmas gift exchange (they do last for years). There is another gift that also gives back, the gift of serving. Jesus said, “Just as the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve.” Serving is at the core of what Jesus did, and what he expects of us. When we give the gift of service, it comes back to us; it’s the principle of reaping what you sow. It seems that the more you serve others, the more they serve you. Let’s remember the difference between
Merry Christmas from the Bongiorno Conference Center Staff Serving PennDel since 1984
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Giving
serving and being a servant. When serving, we choose what we want to do. But when we are a servant, the one we serve chooses what we should do. This Christmas season, lets choose to be a servant and serve with a joyful heart. Remember serving people earns the right to share the one who came to serve us.
May God bless you with the desires of your heart this Christmas season.
~ George & Jan
ROYAL RANGERS
The Gift of
Serving
T
his Christmas, I am grateful for the Royal Ranger Leaders that serve every week throughout PennDel and teach our boys to serve their family, community, church and the Lord.
In Romans 12:7 Paul writes, “If
it is serving, let him serve” (NIV). Service
benefits others. It is helping with those unfinished often-thankless details as a servant of God and the church. It is volunteering to get the job done. It is sticking in there doing what God has called you to do year after year, through the good times, the bad times, and all of the ups and downs. A server’s attitude is, “I’m
happy to serve Jesus and the church. Someone has to do it; it might as well be me.” Those with the gift of service are committed to the spreading of the Gospel. Servers, you know who you are and others know who you are also.
Greg Scott 302.697.2313 gscott@pdrangers.org www.pdrangers.org
Coming Events in 2015: Northeast Region Leaders Conference Holiday Inn East Harrisburg, PA January 23-24 PennDel District Leaders Conference Newport AG Thompsontown, PA Campus March 27-28 PennDel RR Camp Work Day Honey Grove, PA April 11th
Are you a server? General Characteristics of a Server: • Expresses themselves most satisfactory by doing tangible work • Prefers short-term tasks • You can count on them • Would rather carry out responsibility than assigning the tasks to others A Server’s Strengths: • Tend to be one-man armies • Exercise humility • Always available • Desires order, but will sacrifice that temporarily in order to get the job done • Has God-given strength to do physical tasks A Server’s Weaknesses: • Has to deal with the temptation to become over-committed • Easily becomes frustrated by time limitations • Can quickly become bitter or resentful if they feel unappreciated • Desire to serve makes them a poor delegator • Sometimes get their priorities out of order • Tend to be demanding of others who are supposed to be helping, but aren’t • Tend to be perfectionists, drives others crazy
As we cultivate the gift of service, may the gift of love, the gift of peace, and the gift of happiness be all yours at Christmas. Carol and I wish you a Merry Christmas touched with wonder and filled with love.
Greg and Carol Scott
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WOMEN OF PURPOSE
Ruth Puleo 717.795.5921 ruth@penndelwomenofpurpose.org penndelwomenofpurpose.org
Wishing you the Joy of Family, the Happiness of Friends, and the Wonder of God’s love.
The Gift of
Encouragement “Giving encouragement to others is a most welcome gift, for the results of it are lifted spirits, increased self-worth, and a hopeful future” by Florence Littauer. The gift of encouragement is one of those essential spiritual gifts that people don’t realize are lacking until they receive it. The person with this gift has the ability to sense those in need and lift their spirits. They are cheerleaders motivating individuals to use their God-given gifts and urging people to overcome in difficult times. Paul expressed the value of this spiritual gift when he said, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…if it is encouraging, let him encourage” (Romans 12:6-8). Barnabas exemplified this gift by mentoring John Mark when others felt he was unlikely to succeed in ministry. Some have received this spiritual gift from God, for others it comes naturally, while the rest of us must make it a daily discipline. Take time to encourage those in your home with special notes tucked in their lunch box, messages of love hidden in a sock drawer or written on the bathroom mirror. These are gifts they will never forget. Taking a special interest by giving cards, gifts and words of appreciation to your friends, co-workers, and leaders will speak value over their lives.
John & Ruth Puleo
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Those around you will be built up in faith as a result of your intentional use of the gift of encouragement.
The Gift of
Love
In his book, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, “Do not waste your time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor, act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less.” If you want to be like Jesus, you must love others. It is a simple fact that over the centuries it has been distorted, watered down and misrepresented. Just love others. However, we do need to define how loving looks. Statistics show that as the divorce rate increases, so do toy sales. It appears that some attempt to fill the regret and pain of a broken family with material possessions. While not all
GIRLS MINISTRIES
Sharon Poole penndeldmc@yahoo.com penndel.org/girls
parents are misguided in this way, it does speak to the state of our society. Material gifts do not replace the love of a person. Loving others is a choice and requires action. As believers, we must choose to love our family and our neighbors. And we must choose to love those who are unlovely. Our choices lead us to take action — action that requires sacrifice on our part. Our sacrificial giving is love in action.
May this Christmas be filled with the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas!
“For God so loved the world that He gave (chose to give) His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.“ John 3:16 NIV “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” I John 3:16
Executive Presbytery Superintendent . . . . . . . Stephen R. Tourville Assistant Superintendent . . Bryan Koch Secretary/Treasurer . . . . . Donald J. Immel
Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 4651 Westport Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Read online: penndel.org/connexions
Editor: . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen R. Tourville Managing Editor: . . . . . Carole Bongiorno
Volume 60 Number 1 - (USPS 165-700) is the official periodical published quarterly by the Pennsylvaina-Delaware District Council of the Assemblies of God. Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Circulation Stands at Approximately 7,500 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council 4651 Westport Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887
Timothy Bunney Southwest Suburban - SWS Christopher Clark North Central West - NCW Steven DeFrain East Central - EC Stephen Getchell Southwest Metro - SWM Jeffrey Kettering South Central - SC Robert Novak Greater Philadelphia Area - GPA James Pentz North Central - NC Randall Rhoads South Central East - SCE Roland Coon Delaware - DEL Walter Smith South Central West - SCW Allan Thorpe Northwest - NW David Twiss Northeast - NE General Presbyters Stephen R. Tourville Donald J. Immel Bryan Koch
Honorary General Presbyter Philip Bongiorno PennDel Superintendent Emeritus
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Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network 4651 Westport Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Find us online: penndel.org
“…The gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23b
As we approach the Christmas season, our hearts are touched as we consider the Son of God as a humble babe. Isaiah said it well, “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given …..” Amazing love that God should give His only begotten Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins so that all who believe in Christ would receive eternal life! Sweet mystery of love!!!
The board of directors and staff of HIS Fund wish you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
~ Philip Bongiorno,HERITAGE Chairman and President INVESTMEN
SERVICES FUND An investment that works www.HISFUND.com 866-219-0820 (toll free) 717-796-9784 current interest rates ($500.00 Minimum Investment)
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OFFERED 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 THE SECURITIES ISSUED BY HIS FUND. THE OFFERING IS MADE ONLY BY THE PROSPECTUS. THE UNSECURED SECURITIES OF HIS FUND ARE NOT OFFERED OR SOLD IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE NOT PERMITTED. 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.
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