October 2013 T he Musta rd Seed

Serve with Gladness

Which would you rather: a wait person in a restaurant who acted as though it was a chore to serve you or one that served you with great joy, a plumber who came to your house in an emergency who conveyed that you had spoiled his weekend plans or one who gladly fixed your problem, or a child who complains as they clean their room or a child who cleans their room cheerfully? Considering what attitude you prefer, what attitude do you have? A cheerful, joyful attitude of the servant is much

appreciated by the one served. So, are you cheerful?

As a child of God you are a servant. The Psalmist exhorts us to “serve Yahweh with gladness” (Psalm 100:2). The children of Israel were cursed because they “did not serve...with joy and gladness” (Deuteronomy 28: 45 – 48). The exhortation to “serve Yahweh with gladness” is from the one Psalm bearing the description “A Psalm of Thanksgiving”. Since we are enjoined to “rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice” and another exhortation is “in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you

in Christ Jesus”, it may be prudent to meditate on Psalm 100.

The first verse is a repetition of Psalm 98: 4. The “joyful noise” (“shout joyfully”) is to be the glad shout of loyal subjects when their king appears. Never will men be in their proper condition till they, with one unanimous shout, adore the King of all the earth. Sadly the World resists and rebels against the Righteous King (Psalm 2). A joyful / cheerful spirit is consonant with Yahweh's nature and His acts. His mercies are new every morning. He provides bread for the eater and seed to the sower.

In Him and Him alone is life.

Yahweh is our King, and therefore He is to be served. He is our gracious King, and therefore to be served with joy. It has been said that our service is to be “glad homage paid with awful mirth”. The invitation to worship is not melancholy, but a cheerful gladsome exhortation, as though we were bidden to a great feast. Singing, as it is joyful, and also devout, should be a

constant form of approach to God.

Such joy ought to be intelligent joy, not emotional and visceral, but with wisdom. We ought to know who we worship and why. The oft quoted phrase “Man, know thyself” may be wise, but knowing Yahweh is truer wisdom. It is highly doubtful that a man can know himself unless he knows the God who made him. Only those who know Yahweh are able to offer acceptable praise (Romans 8: 1-8). How sad is the man who considers himself “self–made” or those who think another to be “self-made”. Disclaiming all honor to self is necessary if we are to ascribe the proper honor and glory to the God who has made us and sustains us. The Christian is not only fashioned by God in creation, but also in redemption. Thus the intelligent Christian under-stands his origin and daily dependence upon the Creator / Redeemer. Thus the wise Christian “enters His courts with praise”

and “His gates with thanksgiving” (see Philippians 4: 4 – 7).

Sacrifices that address the sin problem are done, fully fulfilled by Jesus at the cross. But, sacrifices of praise will never be out of date. The rendering of praise and thanks is like the sweet incense that filled the Temple with sweet aroma and smoke. So long as we are beneficiaries of the grace and mercy of God, we must be givers of thanks. The person and work of Jesus, the Christ, gives us access to the Holy of Holies and we are bid to approach boldly. Thus we are richly blessed. As we have been blessed we ought also to bless. We ought to bless: His name, His character, His person. Whatever He does He does for His glory, His pleasure, and for the benefit of His people. Therefore, with joy, we ought to say “The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh

away, blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1: 21).

Psalm 100 closes with three statements that should provide motive for loud, boisterous, raucous praise. Our King, our God, the lover of our souls is good. The one who does not praise the One who is good cannot do that which is good. The one who is good extends His lovingkindness (mercy, covenant love) throughout eternity. Our God is not stern, cold, nor merely just, but He has compassion, pity, and mercy upon all men. Toward His own people His compassion, pity and mercy are more conspicuously displayed for His people are beneficiaries of His compassion and mercy throughout eternity whereas the wicked are not. Everlasting mercy / covenant Love is a glorious theme for songs of praise. The one who is good extending covenant love to His people is faithful. He is not fickle nor capricious. As Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the Saints throughout history found Him to be faithful so will the saints who follow (Hebrews 13: 8). If God's word were not true, nor God faithful, God would cease to be God (Genesis 15; Psalm 31: 5; 86: 15; Romans 3: 1- 4 ). Our heart ought to leap for joy before the one who has never

broken His word nor changed His purpose.

Therefore, do you “serve the Lord with gladness” and do all things without grumbling (James 5: 9; Jude 16;

I Peter 4: 9 – 11; Philippians 2: 14, 15)? Let us rejoice, give thanks, and sing!!! Pastor Russell

PAGE 2 THE MUSTARD SEED

Our theme this year “Service & Unity” based on Romans 12: 4-6a

“For as we have many members in one body, but all the

members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body

in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts

differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them”

YOU ARE INVITED! MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Chosen People Ministries has been bringing the Gospel of Jesus the Messiah to Jewish people for over 100 years. Come explore the Jewish roots of your faith.

MESSAGE: Messiah in the Fall Feasts of Israel

SPEAKER: Mitch Forman

PLACE: Congregational Church 220 Middlesex Avenue Wilmington, MA 01887

978-658-2264

TIME: 7:00 pm

DATE: Friday, October 25, 2013

Come and bring a friend A love-offering for Chosen People Ministries will be received

Fall Church Clean-up, Saturday, November 3rd at 8:00 am

Please come help spruce up the building and grounds. Plenty of tasks both inside and out. The Scouts will be assisting with the outside work. Join us, many hands make light work.

Thank you, Stewardship

PAGE 3 “Growing In Our Faith In Jesus Christ & Sharing It With Others”

Church Theme for 2013-14: Service and Unity

Verse: Romans 12:4-6a 4 “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members

do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in

Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then

gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,

let us use them”

What is your gift? A Series on The Gifts of the Holy Spirit. One of the gifts of the spirit is prophecy. Prophecy is God’s word spoken to man about

man and/or to a nation. It is a “forth telling” statement of “God’s word as an encouragement or

exhortation.”

We all know of John 3:16-17 which states “For God so loved the world that He gave His only

begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send

His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved”. Once the

believer believes this, he is not condemned. “…but rather rejoice because your names are written in

heaven." (Luke 10:20). This gives the believer knowledge and assurance that once he accepts Jesus as

his LORD and Savior that he/she is truly saved from their sins. This is an example of prophecy as a

forthtelling statement.

The idea that prophecy is forthtelling and not a prediction (foretelling) of the future is

documented in 1 Corinthians. "he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and

comfort" (I Corinthians 14:3). There is no mention of the word prediction here.

To determine if someone demonstrates prophecy, nine questions/tests need to be considered

(bible.org): 1) Does it glorify Christ 2) Does it edify the body of Christ 3) Is it in accordance with the

scriptures? 4) Is the prophecy given in the spirit of love? 5) Is Jesus lord of the speaker’s life? 6) Does

the speaker submit to the church leaders? 7) Does the speaker allow others to judge the prophecy

8) Is the speaker in control of himself when speaking, i.e. not from an evil spirit and 9) Is the proph-

ecy fulfilled, if it speaks about some future event?

Another aspect of the gift of prophecy is that it is a motivational gift concerned with speaking forth

the truth. Characteristics of someone who has the gift of prophecy include:

A strong need to express oneself verbally. Extremely loyal.

Wholehearted involvement in whatever he is doing. Very open to correction.

Willingness to suffer for what is right. Persuasive in defining truth.

A strong ability to discern the character & motives of other people.

Do you have or know anyone who has the gift of prophecy?

Diaconate: John Kunze, Nina Miranda, Helen Palmer, Hartwig Schmidt,

Karen TenDyke & Pastor Kent

Sources: www.bible.org/illustration/tests-prophecy

http://www.intouch.org/you/article-archive/content?topic=the_gift_of_prophecy_article

http://www.christcenteredmall.com/teachings/gifts/prophecy.htm

PAGE 4 THE MUSTARD SEED

Greeting from the Missions Committee!

The new Missions Committee has been in effect since February. The Committee members are - Marcia Armstrong, Ruth Reed, Kim Connelly, Jodi Silverio, Louise Jenkins and Lavern Forrest. Most of the members are new to the Committee and we have spent the last few months getting acquainted with Ministries supported by the Church.

The following are the list of Ministries that we support on a regular basis:

Daybreak Pregnancy Resource Center

Pioneers, Arab World Ministries - John & Marion Andrews

Pioneers - Franki Kam

The Fold Family Ministries

International Students, Inc. - Margaret Leavistar

Mercy Ships - Ebenezer & Comfort Yeboah

New England Aftercare Ministries

New Life Home for Women & Children - George and Grace Rosado

One Heart International Mission - Steve and Pam Hill

United World Mission - Daniel & Myriam Liberek

Zoya Ministries - Ministry of Mercy (MOM) Orphanage

In the upcoming months we will provide updates on these Ministries. We ask the entire Church to pray for these Ministries in their mission of sharing and spreading the gospel all over the world, and doing the work of the Lord both here at home, and across the world.

We have had the pleasure to hear from a couple of other Ministries that are do exciting work sharing the gospel in Middle-east and in South America. We met with Miguel DeMarco of ReachGlobal. ReachGlobal is involved with equipping and training Missionaries in South America and Spanish speaking countries. ReachGlobal is also an EFCA supported Mission. Bruce and Janet Farra also shared with us about their Ministry, Forgotten Ministries Interna-tional (FMI). FMI supports indigenous pastors in Indonesia, Malaysia & Pakistan. We again ask for prayers for these Ministries, as the Committee review resources to determine if we can offer financial support in addition to Prayers.

Thank You,

Your Missions Committee Marcia Armstrong, Ruth Reed, Kim Connelly, Jodi Silverio, Louise Jenkins and Lavern Forrest

PAGE 5 “Growing In Our Faith In Jesus Christ & Sharing It With Others”

Source: NewsletterNewsletter, October 2013

Fall Church Fair - Saturday, November 9th, 9 am - 2 pm!!

Next fair meeting is October 6th following service. Bring your ideas of items to sell, volunteer to help set-up, work at a table or in the kitchen. Looking for volunteers to help out and coordinate the various areas. We will meet in the Edna Lowe Room. We will feature the Café with breakfast items and a luncheon, Baked Goods/Baked Beans, Crafts, White Elephant, Grandma’s Attic, Fresh Popcorn, Children’s Games/Activities.

See the bulletin insert for specific items needed. Do you have a new idea? Bring it!! Any questions, please let me know. Email: magimae913@hotmail.com

Maggie Baldasaro Fair Coordinator

2013 New England District Conference October 17 - 18, 2013

Camp Spofford in NH

Interested in finding out more about our fellow EFCA churches in New England? Looking for encouragement from God’s people? Consider attending the annual business conference at Camp Spofford. The theme is A Biblical Engagement with Culture: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Contemporary Issues - Genesis 1-3, the featured speaker, Dr. Dennis Hollinger. We should send at least two people to vote on business and represent our congregation. Accommodations will be at Camp Spofford, all meals are provided with registration which will be funded. Deadline is October 10th. Please let the office know if you would like to attend. Thank you.

How's your path? Some Christian converts in an African village were diligent about daily prayer. In fact, they each had a special place in the thicket outside town where they prayed in solitude. Over time, they wore pathways through the brush to their private prayer areas. If someone neglected his or her prayer life, it was evident because fresh grass started growing on that particular foot-path. Out of concern, fellow Christians offered this loving reminder: “Friend, there’s grass growing on your path.”

How worn is your own path to prayer? Are you persistent when answers don’t seem to come? Do you trust that God will answer your prayers, according to his good and gracious will?

Don’t abandon your pathway to prayer. When you grow weary, remember Galatians 6:9, which promises that “...for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

PAGE 6 THE MUSTARD SEED

Red Cross Community Blood Drive

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 - 2:00 - 7:00 pm

Blood Donors needed, walk-ins welcome or to call and make an

appointment, 1-800-REDCROSS. We also need volunteers to assist with set-up/

break-down, handing out forms, snacks, water & juice. If you are able to

volunteer, please talk to Peter James.

Hello! If you are interested in ordering flowers to help beautify the church sanctuary, there are still open dates.

October - 6

December - 1; 22; 29

January - 5; 26

February - 9; 23

March - 2

April - 6; 27

If you would like to have an arrangement made in a container(s) or vase(s) provided by you, please bring to church minimum of 2 weeks prior, and leave under flower committee mailbox.

Please let me know if there are SPECIAL DIRECTIONS FOR FLOWERS (i.e. if you will not be taking your flowers home and would like for them to

be given to someone else; if you plan on using arrangement in a specific fashion afterwards i.e. cemetery arrangement, dinner centerpiece, mantle arrangement, etc.)

Please write out your dedication for the bulletin.

The cost for arrangements is $35 for one center arrangement, or $55 for two side ar-rangements.

Contact Jenn Coviello at gustycane1@hotmail.com or 978-455-3088. Thank you!

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Congregational Church in Wilmington (EFCA)

220 Middlesex Avenue Wilmington, MA 01887

Moving?

Please notify the church office of any address change. Please help us

keep our mailing list up-to-date. Thank you!

Pastor: Russell Kent Secretary: Heidi Kumm

Office Hours Mon.-Thurs. - 9:00- 3:00 pm

Phone: 978-658-2264 E-mail: office@wilcong.org

www.wilcong.org

The Mustard Seed-A publication of the Congregational Church in Wilmington, 220 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, MA 01887.

Editor: Heidi Kumm. The Mustard Seed is published monthly, excluding the month of August, to keep members and friends informed of programs of the church and to report news about the congregation. Deadline for copy: Third Wednesday of the month.

November Newsletter Deadline October 23, 2013