Summery of Church Rate

Ash Wednesday Service
March 19, 2011

My husband and I serve on the Coventry/Warwick Ministerium. This review is from Ash Wednesday Service which was held on Wednesday, March 19, 20011.

Being raised in the Assemblies of God I truly knew nothing about Ash Wednesday. So, I will give a back ground before giving my review.

What is Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday is the day Lent begins and it occurs forty days before Good Friday. During which time people will receive ashes from burnt palm fronds, which have been saved form the previous year’s Palm Sunday. The ashes are placed on the receivers
forehead in the symbol of a cross.

This year’s theme for Ash Wednesday is, “At the Foot of the Cross.” The messages are designed to consider Jesus from the viewpoint of various person who were there: 1) Adam the first man, Jesus the second Adam; 2) *Mary, Jesus’ Mother (I preached this Wed. and my title: Mothers, We Are Never Off The Delivery Table.); 3) Mary Magdalene; 4) The Beloved Disciple, John 5) the Centurion; 5) the Crowd.

The following is a layout of the evening’s service: (Italicized is my comments)

PRELUDE “When It’s All Been Said and Done”
A slide show presentation was given while this song played in the back ground.

Please take this time to silently pray for — God to bless this worship
service, that God would be glorified in it, that people would be changed
by it, and anything else on your heart.

I wonder how many were really praying...I confess, I wasn't since I was wondering if others were.

GREETING (Book of Worship # 322)
Leader: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
Leader: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
All: God’ mercy endures forever.

*OPENING PRAYER “Ash Wednesday” (Hymnal #353)
O God, Maker of everything and judge of all that you have made, from the dust of the earth you have formed us and from the dust of death you would raise us up.

By the redemptive power of the cross, create in us clean hearts and put within us a new spirit, that we may repent of our sins and lead lives worthy of your calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

* OPENING HYMN #357 “Just As I Am, Without One Plea”
My mind went to the close of every Billie Graham crusade. I must say it sounded lovely in that old church, with it’s wooden pews and hard wood floor that made music itself as people walked upon it.

SCRIPTURE LESSON 1 Corinthians 15:21-26 (N.T. Page 176)

SCRIPTURE LESSON Genesis 3:8-19 (O.T. Page 3)

SERMON “The Dust of Adam” (We Are The Children of Adam)

Notes from the message:

What is our roll in sending Jesus to the cross? We’ve come here tonight to receive a cross of ashes on our forehead — is that done so others can see? Is it all a show? Jesus said some things should be done in secret.

It almost seemed as though the minister was starting his message putting down Ash Wednesday. I must say, even though we as A/G do not practice this ritual I was surprised that he seemed to be coming down so hard on it. However, as he continued I realized that he was saying, we shouldn’t be doing this for a show but it should be done with a heart of repentance, prayer, fasting and self denial.

His message was divided into two parts:
1) In Adam we all die.
2) In Christ we all live.

His message was somewhat difficult to follow. Here are some of the things I was able to get from it.

We are all guilty, disobedient, sinners. We try not to sin but fall into it anyway. We are all going to die according to the Gospel of Adam. But in Christ Jesus we all are made alive. Jesus has made us His through forgiveness. Everything has been promised for us we will get there. The way it was suppose to be. Death becomes the greatest adventure in this life.

Ash Wednesday with Adam is a funeral. But with Christ it is a celebration. Tonight we have come to mourn. To be reminded of how much of the old Adam we have. We must confess, repent and over come!

I’m not sure what I felt after his message was over. As I sat in the old wooden pew I remember taking a deep breath and saying, “Oh, thank you Jesus for all you have done for me.”

Next in the ‘Order of Service’:

GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 6:1-6 ~ 16-21

ANTHEM “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” Senior Choir

INVITATION TO THE OBSERVANCE OF LENTEN DISCIPLINE
After the song was over everyone sat quietly as the minister came off the platform. It seemed that the service was over. Until the minister began to read the following:

The early Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church that before the Easter celebration there should be a forty-day season of spiritual preparation. During this season converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.

It was also a time when persons who had committed serious sins and had separated themselves from the community of faith were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to participation in the life of the Church.

In this way the whole congregation was reminded of the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the need we all have to renew our faith.

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to observe a holy Lent:
by self-examination and repentance;
by prayer, fasting, and self-denial;
and by reading and meditating on God's
Holy Word.

THANKSGIVING OVER THE ASHES
A prayer was given over the small bowl of ashes. And complete silence once again fell upon the congregation.

IMPOSITION OF ASHES
All of a sudden a couple of people a few rows up from us rose from their seat. At first I thought they were leaving.

The old wooden pew and floor began to creek loudly as they stood. When they began to walk the floor had it’s own unique sound. No one could ‘sneak’ out of a service in this church as the floor would give them away the moment they stood to their feet.

In a few moments I began to realize they were not leaving but were headed to the back of the church where they turned to head down the other aisle and toward the front of the church. It was as though they were waiting for someone to be the first person. Once the first group made their move it was as though the rest began playing ‘follow the leader’. For the next twenty minutes we sat as one by one they left their seat to have ashes placed upon their forehead.

Everyone was so solemn and they slowly made their way around the sanctuary and back to their set. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through their minds.

CONFESSION AND PARDON
During this time a prayer was prayed; confession sins and asking God to pardon us once again as we remember all Jesus did for us by going to the cross.

Psalm 51:1-17 Hymnal #785

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

OFFERING

OFFERTORY “Create in Me A Clean Heart” Senior Choir

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
After the offertory A prayer was read as the offering was lifted to heaven.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed by thy name.
Thy Kingdom com, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,, and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

*CLOSING HYMN #354 “I Surrender All”

*BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “Benedictus”

*Please rise, if able

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We have build great friendships through the Ministerium. Many are truly born again. Each year as I set in services like these I am once again reminded of how thankful I am for Pentecost and the reality of know I can have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. That I am able to come before Him any time and pour my heart out to Him with out having to look for the right prayer from a book.

I pray for the churches in our area and their pastors.

Video Interview with Mr. Richard Curtis

I have so enjoyed every interview we have had in the class. This past Tuesday the video interview with Rowan Atkinson truly ministered to me as well.

Rowan Atkinson is a comedy writer. One of his success is the Mr. Bean clips. He says: “Comedy brings relief to people.”

He talked about how traveling with his parents, as a young boy, opened his eyes to severe poverty in other countries. When asked what from the Bible inspired him to do what he does. He replied by saying, “The Sermon On The Amount is what I live by. It is powerful.”

The following are notes I made through out the interview:

Mr. Atkinson: Give people a change to fix things themselves.

When leading others...”Everybody need to know what you are trying to achieve. They need to know you are all going in the same direction. Don’t judge people of their past.”

Host: How do you resolve conflict?

Mr. Atkins: I just step back and evaluate the situation. The key is to keep your cool and do your home work.

Just because things go wrong it doesn’t always mean it is a disaster. Don’t panic and don’t get emotional. Just because something is a failure doesn’t mean it will not bring success down the road.

Host: Some may say that you can do anything you want with all the money you have. However, churches don’t have that kind of money and it’s hard to do things.

Mr. Atkinson: Make do with what you’ve got. Nobody ever thinks they have enough money to do what they want.

Just because we don’t have the money to do the BIG things doesn’t mean can’t we can’t do nothing!

People all have a name, a story, a back ground and a future. They are looking for an opportunity to do things that help others.

If I pray for people at night I must be willing to do something for them the next day.

In the past several years Mr. Atkinson has worked hard raising money to feed the poor in Africa and India. His campaign has raised thousands maybe millions of dollars to feed many.

The United Kingdom now has what is called, ‘Red Nose Day’. A day set aside for raising money for Africa. On this day every one purchases a red nose which cost only a pound, which in US currency is around $2. Along with wearing their red nose many business and individuals do other fun things throughout the day to raise money.

Host: What advice would you give the church?

Mr. Atkinson: People shouldn’t die when I have so much to give.

There can’t be to much the church can do. If we want to hold the enthusiasm, the excitement of those in the church we have to keep reaching out and doing for others.

Host: Have you thought of others things you could do?

Mr. Atkinson: I only do one thing well. But I’ll ruthlessly do that one thing to rectify the injustice.

I found it amazing that Mr Atkinson is doing so much to make a difference in the world, yet he has not figured out his faith. I pray for this man that through all he is doing that he will have a revelation of Jesus that will truly change his personal life for all eternity.

Interview With Pastor Steve DeFrain

Steve grew up on a pastor’s home in Boyertown, PA.

“Growing up in the church didn’t do me any favors, he said. Let’s face it church people are mean, they are complainers and they cause problems. They fight music and who to dress and a lot more...It wasn’t until I got away from the church that I got saved.”

At the age of eighteen Steve felt the call into ministry at a youth convention. However, when he went to South West Bible College, in Texas he didn’t go to be in ministry.

“I only attend South West because my parents said they would pay for it, he said. I didn’t take college seriously until my senior year. It wasn’t until the age of twenty-one that I knew I was suppose to be in ministry so I got really involved in a church for the first time.”

“I started by being the janitor, cleaning toilets and felt this is not ministry! From being janitor I began to work with the children and Jr. High kids, I love it, I got to play games and hang out at Chuck E. Cheese. I loved ministry. I just didn’t like church.”

“Like I said, I love ministry but didn’t like church. The church I worked in couldn’t decide if I should wear a tie or not on Sunday mornings. So I started attending a different church on Saturday nights, called Life Church.”

Question: What was it life going to Life Church?

Answer: It was excellent music, message, kids church, everything was planned out. People wanted to be at church. The first message I heard there was titled ‘Dangerous Church’. Saturday nights I would get fired up and Sunday morning would go back to the traditional church. It was very frustrating. Sometimes it felt as though I was just treading water. But I still worked hard until I got an offer somewhere else.”

His dad, who pasotrs Morning Star Fellowship in Bechtelsville, PA wanted to start a Saturday night service for college age. However it did not go well as there were no college age people. “It was a depressing time, Steve said.”

Question: How did it change?

Answer: I was ready to move back to Oklahoma when my dad received a call from a Mennonite church called him to buy their building. It ended up that the congregation gave us the building and seven acres of land. After making some changes to the building we opened Journey Church.

Question: Did any of the Mennonites stay at the church?

Answer: There are a couple that come and they are supportive and positive.

Two months after they were in their new building Donnie gets saved.

Donnie ~ “I was the town trunk. A dead beat dad. I was into porn and drugs. I went around bragging how I left my wife and was living with a girl.

It wasn’t until I went on vacation to North Carolina that God began to get a hold of my heart and I was raised Catholic and wasn’t sure what was happening to me. On the drive home I cried out to God and He saved me on the highway. Once back in PA I went to recovery but from day one I didn’t struggle. Shortly after I was invited to Journey church, the first message I heard was ‘Tatoos and Sex’. From that day on I went after Christ. I knew God hated divorce so I left the girl I was living with and went back to my wife, who hated me. I got on my hand and knees and told her what God had done for me. God restored our marriage and on February 14 I moved her into my home, six months later she gave her heart to Jesus.”

Donnie now serves as the Campus Pastor in Phoenixville. He sees his ministry as doing everything possible to make it easy for Steve. “I submit to his authority. I have his back. When he comes in to preach all he needs to do is pick up the mike and preach the Word.

Question: How long did it take you to out grow the one hundred fifty in attendance?

Answer: Well we have parking for 130. We were running between 130-150 but when we went to two services we then went to 250. The key to growth was simple, I did a sermon series on ‘Jesus’. We also brought in a worship pastor, who just moved to the area.

Steve made a powerful statement, “There is always one more to get saved. Ninety-nine doesn’t impress me. We exist for those who are not yet here.”

Relating to services:
* Christmas Eve Service in Phoenixville - we tried the traditional candle light service and quickly realized that was not for us. Our second Christmas Eve Service rocked. We even had santa playing the organ.
* Easter - he held two services.
* We are now looking at an online campus.

Dealing with older pastors. “Never Judge A Book By It’s Cover”

* Jack Mason - My dad told me to give him a call. Which I did. He said he wanted to meet with me. I went to that meeting things that he was going to put down what we planned to do. Instead he blessed me, prayed with me and gave us $31,800 and the first month’s rent for the Phoenixville site.

“I want to be like Pastor Mason when I grow up.”

When asked what their prayer is:
Steve answered, “That I would stay out of the way.”
Donnie answered, “There are 18,900 people in Phoenixville, my prayer is to reach them all.”

Intervies With A Community Leader

Interview With Police Chief Robert Schurr

*Note: All quotes are from Chief Schurr with the exception of those that are italicized. These quotes are my own.

Police Chief Robert Schurr
Has served our community for the past 21 years. He is a husband and father of two boys who are very involved in sports. Chief Schurr is also a part time professor at Alvernia College. He is a certified referee for Lacrosse and he coaches little league for his youngest son along with coaching other sports events with his sons. Family if very important to Chief Schurr.

1. What do you think is the greatest thing about our community?

Answer: I think the greatest thing about our community is the willingness that people have to help others in the time of need. The 2006 flood was a prime example of what can happen when a community comes together. People of all ages and all walks of life gave of their time and finances toward the clean up.

* What part do you see volunteers making in our community?

Volunteers play a vital part in our community, whether it is through working through ‘Parks and Recreation’ or giving to the food pantry, we all can make a difference.

2. What do you feel is the greatest challenge in our community?

Answer: The greatest challenge we face as a police department is the funds. With the economy going the way it is, and with no relief in sight, it is challenging because there is more that needs to be done on a lot less.

The challenge comes when we have to provide the same amount of service no matter what our funding may be. Because as the economy goes now crime goes up.

What areas of crime do you predict will increase the most if the economy continues down this same path?

Answer: As more and more families find themselves without a job, they could possibility be facing the threat and even reality of having their cars repossessed and even foreclosure on their homes.

A lot of the times, even the stress of the possibility of these things happening, we will begin to see a rise in domestic violence. And that opens up a vast of other problems.

We are already seeing this happen as some homeless people have set up tents just off High street on the border of Pottstown and North Coventry.

What do you think the answer is to helping those who are facing foreclosure on their homes?

Answer: I’m not sure what the answer is to that. As a police department there is very little we can do. We can direct them to county resources and services. Through these government agencies they can received counseling...I’m not sure what the answer is...I don’t want to be doom and gloom but I don’t see it getting better anytime soon.

Have you heard that 1 our of 5 children in America go hungry?

Answer: No, I have not heard that. ~ “My husband just heard that on the news.”

What is the average income and population of North Coventry?

Answer: In the past 21 years growth in our community has been under control compared to the areas around us. At this point the average income is somewhere between $50-$60 dollars a year. With a population of around 8,000. However, we are beginning to see an increase in the past few years and with them an whole new set of challenges arise.

What other challenges do you for see as the population continues to increase?

Answer: Crime will increase. Then there’s the traffic and with that comes speeding, road repairs. Then there’s the challenge with water drainage and road crews trying to keep up with it all.

3. What is one thing that would make family life better in our community?

Answer: We see a lot of building but it would be nice if we could provide more things for families to do together.

How can you see this happening?

Answer: Well ‘Parks and Recreation’ has been trying to get people out to the new park.

It would really be nice if we could have an outside movie for the community.

“You aren’t going to believe this...we planned this at the church two different times. The first time we advertised Pottstown’s largest bowl of popcorn...the night of the movie we have a sever thunder storm with lightening and the work. So, a couple of years later we planned another movie night and the exact same thing happened again.” LOL Chief Schurr said, “Oh No!” My response, “Maybe we need to try this again!” I believe we will!!!

4. Is there anything you see happening in the future that you are concerned about?

Answer: I look at what is going on in Iraq with the war at and all and I am aware that there are those who could be planning to bring harm to North Coventry. As I look at Rt. 100 being a major highway in PA; North Coventry boarders two major counties. We also have the power plant, however, that doesn’t concern me as much as having the mall and the schools. They are more of a concern for me.

Can you tell me what the security is like in the schools?

Answer: Security in the school has increased a lot over the past few years. At this point you can not just walk into a school in North Coventry. The buildings are kept locked at all time. Once a door is opened for a visitor they must report to the office where they will talk through a protective glass and from there will be issued a badge to be in the building.

Owen J. Roberts High School has two officers that carry firearms. Along with that our department does random patrols. It has been proven that having just having a presence it a great deterrence in keeping order.

What do you think the percentage is of those who would be qualified to assist in the event of a tragedy in our community?

Answer: That would be hard to say. There may be people we are not aware of. As I think about the fire company - there are 50-60 members. But then it would depend upon the size of the emergency. If the emergency is small the more qualified people we would have. If the emergency is on a larger scale the number qualified would be a lot less. Out of the 8,000 residence I would assume maybe ten percent of our community would be qualified to assist in a tragedy.

“Ten years ago we had a group scheduled to come to the church to offer training for such happenings. Then September 11 hit and it was canceled. With all that was going on in our world at that time this slipped pass us and never happened.”

Do you feel that offering training would be beneficial for those in our community?

Answer: Yes

Who would you suggest we contact for such training?

Answer: Red Cross. West Mont Christian School here in North Coventry is a Certified Red Cross Shelter. Again working through the school systems is a good way to go.

5. What is a new affordable service that would really help our community?

Answer: The first thing that comes to my mind is the need for two ATV four wheelers. With the purchase of the new park and the push for getting the community back to the nature, many have begun to walk the trails. We also open the park for a short time each year for dear hunter, to help keep the population down. My concern is, if something were to happen while people are on the trail we have no way of getting to them. We would also use the four wheelers to patrol all
the open space.

What is the cost for two ATVs?

Answer: We can get two four wheelers, loaded with the needed equipment and a wagon for 20 to 25 thousand dollars.

Has money been placed in the budget for these vehicles?

Answer: No! With the economy and staffing the department some feel those are more of a wish rather than a need.

What other services do you think would be helpful for the community?

Answer: I think inviting the community to an open forum to express their concerns would be a great place to start.

Where do you see something like this taking place?

Answer: The schools is a good place because it is the easiest and most effective way to advertise any event.

These could be held as to two day seminar, one evening class or one class on early Saturday morning...with each class lasting one to two hours.

What topics would you like to see covered?

Answer: There is always a need for the following: Child Seat Safety; Drug and Alcohol Use among teenagers; Internet Safety; Bring in someone to talk to teens about suicide.

“We at Calvary have worked with your department in the past, hosting Internet safety classes to educate parents on how to protect their children. Even with all the promotional avenues we used there were only a handful in attendance.”

Answer: I remember that. I believe we all face the challenge of getting others to see the importance of being educated in these area. Let’s face it everyone knows a child needs to be in a car seat however, they don’t always know there is a proper way to make sure the seat is secure properly.

6. What is a service that really needs to be improved?

Answer: The biggest need I see at this point and time is the need for mental health services. We receive calls all the time from those who are challenged in this area. Those who think someone is out to kill them. They see things and hear voices.

We have one person that calls 911 at least ten times a month. Because it is a 911 call we and the fire company must respond.

How do you handle these calls?

Answer: It’s challenging because there is really nothing we can do. We call the mental health services and are told if the person is not harming themselves or not a harm to others there is noting they can do. It’s sad to think that something really bad has to happen before anything can be done to help these people. If there was some way to provide early identification, early intervention it would same them a lot of trouble later in life.

7. Are you hiring?

Answer: We are not hiring at this time. At this time we have a total of fourteen officers; twelve men and two women. If I could I would hire tomorrow. However, right now we are facing budget cuts and threats of lay offs.

~ ~ ~

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and I am looking forward to what is in store for us and our community. May God help us to make an even great impact!

Daniel R. Schafer

Reverend Schafer, has served in ministry for the past forty-sever years.
He has been married for forth-six of those years and has two grown children and five grandchildren. at the present time he serves as Senior Pastor at Calvary Assembly of God in Hightstown, New Jersey. Along with being Senior Pastor he also is a Chaplain for the Assemblies of God and serves as Chaplain for three police departments, two fire stations, EMT drivers, and Nas Car drivers.

Although his church is small in number that hasn’t stopped them from making an impact in the Kingdom of God. Some special events they do every year are:

Racer’s Sunday - The day starts with a free breakfast for race car drivers and their families. Following by a car show in the church parking lot. Trophies are given out for different things. They close the day by praying over the drivers and their cars.

He has also served as Chaplain for the Dover Race Track. Prayed to start Daytona 500, and is not the Chaplain for the race track in New Jersey where he lives. "My goal, he said, is to mention the name of Jesus."

Blessing of the Bikes - Bikers come from all over to received prayer at the beginning of the season. "If it rains they come in their cars. Instead of praying over the bikes we pray over their keys. Of course there is food. You always feed people. He has been made an honorary member of the Blue Knights (a motor cycle biking club).

Through out his many years of being a Chaplain he has experienced many tragedies: plane crashes, car accidents, shooting, suicides, and even September 11, 2001 --- where he was called to New York City by the Port Authority to mobilize Chaplains at various locations throughout the city.

He talked about the importance of helping the police officers and others emergence workers deal with the stress of what they see. "If they don't talk about it they stuff it and eventually it will come out. And when it does it will be in the form of great anger. "I also have to do the same, and I have a couple of people I go to just to talk."

Three things that ministered to me the most:

1. The Ministry of Presence
* We can’t have an answer for everything.
* For when tragedy strikes we don’t always have to say something. Just your presence speaks volumes.
* Ministry of people is more valuable.
* People never get back to normal they only find a new normal.
* People will forget your words, but never your presence.
* You don’t know people till you touch them.
* People want to feel worth.

When asked, “What do you say at a funeral?” He replied, “This is the greatest opportunity to minister. The best thing to say is, 'He/She is in the Lord's hands.' You always want to give them hope."

2. Three Basic Truths for Ministry:

* Be A Man/Woman Of Truth - John 7:17-18 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who speaks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

* Trusting The Lord To Open Doors - Proverbs 18:16 A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

* Promotion - Psalms 75:6-7 - No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, He exalts another.

3. Just because someone says they are fine, doesn’t mean they are really fine.

Frustrated
Insecure
Neurotic
Explosive

I thoroughly enjoyed this class!