MSBC CHURCH UPDATE for Jan 7th, 2025 Happy New Year!
Please pray for Louise Grant who is recovering from a fall. She was in the hospital but is now home. 10 Lee Ct. Apt 2, Houlton, ME 04730
MEMBERSHIP CLASS:
Interested in becoming a member? Want to find out about our heart and mission? Join us on Jan 11th, right after service in the double classroom.
GIVING FUNDS UPDATE:
For 2026, there is no longer the option to give to Missions & Growth because these line items are being folded into the budget. New envelopes were shipped but the company incorrectly printed them so the corrected ones will not be here for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, the previous envelopes in the sanctuary have those two funds crossed out.
DOUG HERSHEY: This Sunday!!
Doug will be here to explain the truth of Israel from the viewpoint of real life experiences. We will be taking up a love offering to help him with his missional work. Please write any checks out to Doug Hershey.
ELDER BOARD:
Join us Sun, Jan 18th, immediately following the service for a Church Elder Candidate Panel. This is a great opportunity for the congregation to meet the elder candidates, hear their hearts for ministry, and ask thoughtful questions in an open and welcoming setting. We encourage all to attend as we prayerfully discern leadership together.
MSBC ANNUAL MEETING:
Sun, Feb 1st right after service. We will be voting on the 2026 church budget and four Elder board positions. All are welcome to attend while only members can vote. The budget draft will be available on Jan 18th at the back of the sanctuary.
BEACON YOUTH:
For anyone interested in providing a snack for the Youth Group, the sign-up sheet will be at the Welcome Center for the next 3 months. We typically provide food for about 40-50 youth on most Sundays at 5pm. For more info, reach out to Erin Mitchell at (207) 267-0156 or Micah Goetsch at (207)694-6225.
MSBC LADIES:
There are 2 events coming up that will take place here at the church so mark your calendars!
Feb 27th – “IF:One Night”, live simulcast featuring Christine Caine, Francis Chan, Lauren Chandler, Jennie Allen and many more!
May 2nd – Ladies Retreat featuring Melissa Nataluk.
All the details are in the planning stage so stay tuned for more info.
WOMEN’S EVENING BIBLE STUDY:
Thursdays starting Jan 15th, 6pm at MSBC. “The Way of Wisdom”, a study on the book of Proverbs. Study guides can be purchased on Amazon or Christianbook.com. Sign up at the Welcome center.
WOMEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY:
Thursdays starting Jan 22nd, 8:30am in the double classroom. “Jesus in Me” by Ann Graham. Study guides can be purchased on Amazon or Christianbook.com. Sign up at the Welcome center.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & POTLUCK:
Wed, Jan 14th, 6pm. Please note that the meetings will be returning to the normal schedule of 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of every month.
ADOPT A BLOCK:
Clothing Giveaway: Jan 17th, 10am.
Seedtime & Harvest Class: The soap making class is full and now closed.
Food Giveaway: Feb 7th, 10am.
STRONG TOWER HAITI:
The leadership of Strong Tower Haiti sends their gratitude for your faithful and generous giving throughout 2025. You are a tremendous blessing to the ministry; to the girls who live at STH and to our brothers & sisters in Christ at Church of the Redeemer. We could not do what God has called us to do in Haiti without you, our Champions. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you are not currently a giver, would you prayerfully consider becoming a monthly donor? Go to www.strongtowerhaiti.com. There are many opportunities in this new year for you to be involved with Strong Tower Haiti.
Prayer: Would you commit to pray for Strong Tower, the girls, the Church of the Redeemer, the village of Caracol and the nation of Haiti in this new year?
Missions: Is God calling you to missions? Is He encouraging you "to Go"? STH has some wonderful opportunities coming up this year.
March 18-27 - Building and Maintenance.
As part of this mission team, you will have the opportunity to do plumbing, electrical & roof work at the STH facility. No experience in these areas? That's ok - there are lots of projects that need attention. Please see Matt Swallow for more info. Go to www.strongtowerhaiti.com to apply. Deadline is Feb 1st.
July 15-24 VBS - Kings and Queens of the Bible
This mission team will partner with the local church's Children's Ministry to share the love & truth of Jesus through games, stories, songs, crafts and a meal with 600 children at two different locations. If you love children, this is the mission for you! See Sonya Swallow or Chelsea McKay for more information.
Oct 21-30 - Marriage or Women's Conference
Come experience the joy and abundant life found in caring for others. This team will work with Pastor Payot's wife, Sainjela, and other local leaders of women's ministry to host a conference for women/couples in the area. Our first women's conference last year was a huge success and such a blessing to the women of Caracol. See Sonya Swallow or Chelsea Mckay for more information.
Serving Opportunities: Would you like to be more involved with Strong Tower Haiti? We would love to talk with you and show you how you can use your gifts and talents for the Lord through this ministry. We especially have a need for a graphics person - someone who can manage the social media/advertising aspect of the ministry. For more information, please contact Lorie Holt, Founder and Executive Director at 660-620-0866.
GET CONNECTED:
Has your contact information changed or would you like to sign up to serve on a ministry team? We’d love to be able to connect with you! Head over to our website at houltonmsbc.org and click the “Get Connected” button to provide the staff with up-to-date contact information for you! There are 2 ways you can support the missions of MSBC. Scan the QR code or drop your offering in the box located at the back of the sanctuary.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS:
Interested in becoming a member? Want to find out about our heart and mission? Join us on Jan 11th, right after service in the double classroom.
GIVING FUNDS UPDATE:
For 2026, there is no longer the option to give to Missions & Growth because these line items are being folded into the budget. New envelopes were shipped but the company incorrectly printed them so the corrected ones will not be here for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, the previous envelopes in the sanctuary have those two funds crossed out.
DOUG HERSHEY: This Sunday!!
Doug will be here to explain the truth of Israel from the viewpoint of real life experiences. We will be taking up a love offering to help him with his missional work. Please write any checks out to Doug Hershey.
ELDER BOARD:
Join us Sun, Jan 18th, immediately following the service for a Church Elder Candidate Panel. This is a great opportunity for the congregation to meet the elder candidates, hear their hearts for ministry, and ask thoughtful questions in an open and welcoming setting. We encourage all to attend as we prayerfully discern leadership together.
MSBC ANNUAL MEETING:
Sun, Feb 1st right after service. We will be voting on the 2026 church budget and four Elder board positions. All are welcome to attend while only members can vote. The budget draft will be available on Jan 18th at the back of the sanctuary.
BEACON YOUTH:
For anyone interested in providing a snack for the Youth Group, the sign-up sheet will be at the Welcome Center for the next 3 months. We typically provide food for about 40-50 youth on most Sundays at 5pm. For more info, reach out to Erin Mitchell at (207) 267-0156 or Micah Goetsch at (207)694-6225.
MSBC LADIES:
There are 2 events coming up that will take place here at the church so mark your calendars!
Feb 27th – “IF:One Night”, live simulcast featuring Christine Caine, Francis Chan, Lauren Chandler, Jennie Allen and many more!
May 2nd – Ladies Retreat featuring Melissa Nataluk.
All the details are in the planning stage so stay tuned for more info.
WOMEN’S EVENING BIBLE STUDY:
Thursdays starting Jan 15th, 6pm at MSBC. “The Way of Wisdom”, a study on the book of Proverbs. Study guides can be purchased on Amazon or Christianbook.com. Sign up at the Welcome center.
WOMEN’S MORNING BIBLE STUDY:
Thursdays starting Jan 22nd, 8:30am in the double classroom. “Jesus in Me” by Ann Graham. Study guides can be purchased on Amazon or Christianbook.com. Sign up at the Welcome center.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY & POTLUCK:
Wed, Jan 14th, 6pm. Please note that the meetings will be returning to the normal schedule of 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of every month.
ADOPT A BLOCK:
Clothing Giveaway: Jan 17th, 10am.
Seedtime & Harvest Class: The soap making class is full and now closed.
Food Giveaway: Feb 7th, 10am.
STRONG TOWER HAITI:
The leadership of Strong Tower Haiti sends their gratitude for your faithful and generous giving throughout 2025. You are a tremendous blessing to the ministry; to the girls who live at STH and to our brothers & sisters in Christ at Church of the Redeemer. We could not do what God has called us to do in Haiti without you, our Champions. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If you are not currently a giver, would you prayerfully consider becoming a monthly donor? Go to www.strongtowerhaiti.com. There are many opportunities in this new year for you to be involved with Strong Tower Haiti.
Prayer: Would you commit to pray for Strong Tower, the girls, the Church of the Redeemer, the village of Caracol and the nation of Haiti in this new year?
Missions: Is God calling you to missions? Is He encouraging you "to Go"? STH has some wonderful opportunities coming up this year.
March 18-27 - Building and Maintenance.
As part of this mission team, you will have the opportunity to do plumbing, electrical & roof work at the STH facility. No experience in these areas? That's ok - there are lots of projects that need attention. Please see Matt Swallow for more info. Go to www.strongtowerhaiti.com to apply. Deadline is Feb 1st.
July 15-24 VBS - Kings and Queens of the Bible
This mission team will partner with the local church's Children's Ministry to share the love & truth of Jesus through games, stories, songs, crafts and a meal with 600 children at two different locations. If you love children, this is the mission for you! See Sonya Swallow or Chelsea McKay for more information.
Oct 21-30 - Marriage or Women's Conference
Come experience the joy and abundant life found in caring for others. This team will work with Pastor Payot's wife, Sainjela, and other local leaders of women's ministry to host a conference for women/couples in the area. Our first women's conference last year was a huge success and such a blessing to the women of Caracol. See Sonya Swallow or Chelsea Mckay for more information.
Serving Opportunities: Would you like to be more involved with Strong Tower Haiti? We would love to talk with you and show you how you can use your gifts and talents for the Lord through this ministry. We especially have a need for a graphics person - someone who can manage the social media/advertising aspect of the ministry. For more information, please contact Lorie Holt, Founder and Executive Director at 660-620-0866.
GET CONNECTED:
Has your contact information changed or would you like to sign up to serve on a ministry team? We’d love to be able to connect with you! Head over to our website at houltonmsbc.org and click the “Get Connected” button to provide the staff with up-to-date contact information for you! There are 2 ways you can support the missions of MSBC. Scan the QR code or drop your offering in the box located at the back of the sanctuary.