Plainfield First Church Of God
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Monthly ECHO

The ECHO

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April 2017

Volume 30, Issue 4

Plainfield First Church of God

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“Loving All, Serving All, Inviting All to Christ”

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Worship With Us Each Week

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Sunday

9:00 a.m. Worship

10:30 a.m. Sunday School

Jr. Church is held during the Worship Service

Tuesday

6:00 p.m. Prayer Ministry

Wednesday

5:00 p.m. Worship Team

5:45 pm Wednesday Night Meal

6:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study,

Ladies Bible Study, PLAIN Truth Youth Ministry,& Faith Weaver Friends

7:45 p.m. Adult Choir

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Brothers and Sisters in Christ—Greetings!

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         Last month I wrote to you about how we sometimes feel we just don’t measure up to our fellow believers. I quoted you some lyrics about how we sometimes don a mask when we come to worship so we can pretend we have our act together even when we don’t. While we can fool one another most of the time, there is one who knows the real you—has known you since before you were born. In Psalm 139:13-16, David reflects on how closely God really knows him:

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        “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body;the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

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         God loves us more than we could possibly ever know or understand. He is not concerned with our outward appearances or public shows of devotion. He wants us to come as we are and give him our all. He gives us the strength we need to become what he wants us to be. He sent the Holy Spirit to us to indwell us and guide us through our daily journey of spiritual growth towards Christ-likeness. If we view ourselves as unworthy of the love of God, we are in disagreement with everything he tells us in his Word.

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         In session two of our Wednesday evening series, I asked the question, “Is there anyone who is not important to Jesus?” The video looked at the demon possessed man on the other side of the Sea of Galilee and questioned why Jesus would be interested in someone so clearly worthless by both Jewish and Greek standards. The answer is that Jesus saw value in the man that nobody else did. After Jesus saved him from his bondage, the recovered man went into all the Greek cities on that side of the sea spreading the good news of Jesus. The next time Jesus came to that side of the sea years later, there were Greek believers there to meet him. God knew this “worthless” man was capable of great things in Jesus’ name. He was worth the love of God.

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         If Jesus saw this much worth in a man in such a low state, how much more potential might he see in you or I? Who are we to say what God can and can’t do through us if we are willing to submit to his plan for our lives? When we downgrade our own worth, it is like we are putting God in a box and telling him what he can’t do. God may have hugely dramatic plans for your life or he might have planned a life of quiet faithfulness in the background. Both can be used to accomplish great things for his kingdom. Our job is to trust in his plan and do our part to grow in our spiritual knowledge and wisdom so that we are ready when he calls us to do more.

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Remember, God doesn’t call the equipped to serve him—he equips those he calls into service. I pray that we will be willing to see ourselves through the eyes of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit work out God’s will for our lives. You are his precious possession—his dearly loved child.

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All glory and honor be to Jesus Christ our Lord—Amen.

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Upcoming Events

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At A Glance

  • 2    5th Sunday in Lent

  • 3    Commissions

  • 4    Prayer Ministry, Elders’ Meeting

  • 6    Evangelism Commission

  • 7    Ladies’ Bible Study

  • 8    Easter Egg Hunt

  • 9    Palm Sunday

  • 10  Administrative Council

  • 11   Prayer & Visitation,  Food Pantry

  • 13   Maundy Thursday Service

  • 14   Good Friday Service

  • 16   Resurrection Sunday

  • 17   Brotherhood

  • 18   Prayer Ministry

  • 20  Ladies’ Craft Night

  • 21   Ladies’ Bible Study

  • 24   Worship Commission

  • 25   Prayer Ministry

  • 28   Ladies’ Bible Study

  • 30   Youth Sunday

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Carlisle Cares

All Of April

Our church is planning to host Carlisle Cares during the month of April. This ministry, through the help of local churches, provides a place for the homeless to sleep each night.  Please prayerfully consider being a part of this ministry and sign up to help! We need two people each night from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm to unlock the doors, prepare the water, and answer questions. A sign-up sheet will be posted closer to the event. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Pastor James.

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Easter flowers

It’s that time of year again! Easter flowers will soon be available for ordering. Prices are:

6” tulips                       $8.00

6” hyacinth                  $8.00

5” mini daffodils          $5.00

6” Easter lilies              $9.00

Orders will be due no later than April 10 so the flowers will arrive in time for Easter. If you have any questions, see Laurie.

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Easter Egg Hunt

April 8

Mark the date on your calendars! The Plainfield First Church of God Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 8, 2017 at 1 pm. We are also collecting candy for the event. Donated candy may be placed in the bin located in the glass lobby by April 5.

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Easter Services

Our services scheduled for the Easter Season are as follows:

April 9—Palm Sunday (9 am)

April 13—Maundy Thursday (6:30 pm)— there will be feetwashing and communion during this service.

April 14—Good Friday (6:30 pm)

April 16— Sunrise service at cemetery                                     (6:30 am)

                 Worship Service (9am)

Please join us to worship the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior!

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Attention!

April 12

 There will be No Wednesday Night meal, Bible Studies or children’s programs on April 12.

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Carlisle Cares

April 17

The men’s Brotherhood ministry will be meeting on Monday, April 17 at 6:00pm. The meeting will be at Clarence’s home. If there are any questions about this ministry, or if you need directions, please see Clarence or Paul.

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Ladies Craft Night

April 20

Thank you to all of the ladies that joined us for our first craft night last month. There was a lot of fun learning and laughing together! Our next Ladies’ Craft Night is on April 20 at 6:30 pm. We will continue to work on our crochet and knitting projects. Please join us!

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Christian Education Corner

Beat the Clock

By Jan Cagno

Christian education has fallen behind secular education in methods and techniques in many of today’s Sunday schools. A good teacher must be aware of the importance of catching and holding the attention of ALL the students in the class, and this usually requires the use of audio visuals, learning and review games, and other special activities that will involve the students in the learning process. This is true for the adult departments of the Sunday school as it is for the primaries, although few adult departments practice these teaching techniques.

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The question that arises most often when the use of supplementary activities is discussed with teachers is, “How can we find time to include these ‘extra’ things in our lesson?” There always seems to be a problem of too little time. How can teachers “beat the clock?”

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The answer lies in you schedule for each Sunday’s class period. First, perhaps you will need to talk to your superintendent or department leader about shortening the departmental worship time or opening exercises if they are taking too big a bite out of the class time. These are important periods of preparation for the lesson to follow, but they should be kept brief.

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Then, no matter what age level you are teaching, it is important for you to carefully set your priorities for each lesson. Remember that teaching has not taken place until the learner has really learned something. Therefore you must decide what the learner needs to learn from a particular lesson and then decide how the age level you are dealing with can most easily understand and learn that lesson. You must keep in mind that most learning takes place when the student is involved in the process. Therefore, if you consume 30 minutes of your time “telling” the lesson, before you begin to help the students “experience” the lesson, you are not allotting your time wisely. Try to present the facts of the lesson as clearly, concisely and in as little time as possible.

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Be a clock watcher. Don’t get side-tracked with too many illustrations of your own experiences, etc. After the facts have been presented (5 to 15 minutes, depending on the age level), the next step is “discovery or experimental” time. This should involve discussion, games, object lessons—everything that involves the student in understanding and APPLYING the truth of the message to their personal lives. Again you must watch the clock and keep things moving. Plan a schedule for each lesson and, although you may not always adhere rigidly to your schedule, you will have a guide to help you accomplish the most in the time you have at your disposal. Set your priorities prayerfully, remembering God’s Word that He has promised to bless and that is the most important element of your lesson. Then carefully divide your time according to the priorities you have set. The final step is to watch the clock as your Sunday school hour progresses and learn how to keep things moving smoothly. You can “BEAT THE CLOCK!”

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Vacation Bible School

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Hey kids, you are invited to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a unique culture at PASSPORT TO PERU VBS, June 4-8 each evening from 6:30 to 8:45 pm. Where kids discover how much God loves the world!

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Day 1: Lola

Bible Point: God gives us comfort.

Key Verse: He comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

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Day 2: Rico

Bible Point: God gives us patience.

Key Verse: Wait patiently for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

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Day 3: Senor Pescado

Bible Point: God gives us peace.

Key Verse: And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. (John 14:27)

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Day 4: Charo

Bible Point: God gives us love.

Key Verse: The greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

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Day 5: Paco

Bible Point: God gives us joy.

Key Verse: The joy of the Lord is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)

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Youth Activities

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The Plain Truth Youth team is hoping to plan a Friday night event in the upcoming weeks. Please stay tuned for additional information as details are planned

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Youth Sunday

April 30

Join us in our Youth Sunday service! On April 30, the youth will be in charge of the Sunday worship service. Please plan on participating with us and leading the congregation to worship in God’s Word.

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Student of the Month

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The student of the month for April is: Meredith Shriner

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Care package ideas: Starbuck’s Iced Coffee– Vanilla flavor, apples and peanut butter, Smarties candy, gift cards.     Cards and letters are also appreciated

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Plain Truth

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Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

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In 2 Timothy, Paul gives some very important instructions to his young friend. “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” This, of course, is one of many scriptural directives based on Jesus’ final instructions:   “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

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We’ve been talking a lot about this in Plain Truth and in Junior Church - “You guys are the next generation of teachers” – and at first, this topic met with some pretty confused looks. If I think about it, I would have had the exact same look on my face at that age. Even my most admired Sunday School teachers wouldn’t have been able to convince me that I would ever be sitting in their seat, and until I was 30, that’s still the way I felt. My job was to learn. Somebody else was meant to teach. Little did I know that the real learning didn’t even start until I was faced with telling somebody else about the Bible.

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Some of our kids aren’t waiting that long, and the things that we’ve seen recently have been very cool to watch. For example, not long ago, we had a guest in Plain Truth who introduced himself by telling me that he knew “nothing about this stuff.” I reassured him that what he said was a perfect reason for being here, and he took his seat. As the lesson went on, I got a little choked up as I watched one of our regular members patiently help our guest to find each scripture passage. Can you imagine one teenager passing up an opportunity to make fun of another teenager and, instead, quietly helping him so that he didn’t have to be embarrassed? It’s not natural… in the world. Of course, it’s perfectly natural in Christ.

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Another Plain Truth member recently volunteered to be a guest speaker in Junior Church, and I didn’t do a thing to prompt it. In fact, when he said he was going to do it, I thought he was joking, but then he showed up. And I’ll bet if you ask him, he would tell you that he learned way more while he was preparing his message than he ever did while he was listening to me drone on. He did a great job, and I know it made an impression on our younger kids. And by the way, he’s in eighth grade.

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In His service and yours,

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Jana, Vickie, Steve and Eric

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Evangelism Corner

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Missionary Focus for April– Stephen & Ubah Carlton .

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Stephen was born and raised in Oregon, U.S. Ubah was born and raised in Ethiopia. They met in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, where Ubah was living and Stephen was serving at a children’s home.

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While in Ethiopia, God opened the doors for them to adopt their daughters Tarik and Saba. Ubah’s brother, Farhan, was also able to move in with them. Shortly after, Jacob was born. They enjoy living in a multicultural and multilingual home. After a couple of years serving in Ethiopia, expanding their family, and building life-long relationships God moved their family halfway across the world to Haiti.

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The Carltons are serving as Guesthouse Managers at Pierre Payen, Haiti and oversee the medical ministries there. They are grateful for the opportunity God has given them to serve the amazing people of Haiti and host visiting teams.

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Birthdays

  • Stephen – May 19

  • Ubah – September 11

  • Tarik– june 21, 2000

  • Saba – May 19, 2010

  • Jacob – April 7, 2015

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Anniversary

February 2

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Prayer Focus

  • God’s continual guidance for their lives

  • Health and safety for their family

  • Focus on God through the “storms” of life

  • Positive school transitions for Tarik and Saba

  • Farhan (Ubah’s brother) as he furthers his education.

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Contact:

Haiti Mailing Address:

Project Help Haiti

Unit 2063-Proj 3170

Airmans Dr.

Ft Pierce, FL 34946

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Emails: moc.n1498528817otlra1498528817cnehp1498528817ets@s1498528817notlr1498528817ac1498528817

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To contribute

Make check payable to CGGC and mailed to PO Box 926, Findlay, OH 45839. Please indicate your preference for funds to go to CC2737.

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Upcoming events from Evangelism

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Serve Fest

We will once again be participating in Serve Fest this summer. The event will be held on August 9-12 so please take the time now to set aside these dates to serve our community with a variety of meaningful service projects along with brothers and sisters from other churches in our area. August 9 will be the official kick-off and August 10-12 will be for the service projects, evening worship services, and sharing the day’s experiences. You can help by giving a name of someone or family who could benefit with some help from a ServeFest team. If you have questions regarding this event, please see Greg, Darlene, Paul, or Joyce for more information.

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Yard Sale

Our church Yard Sale is scheduled for May 20, 2017. Our church family and extended family are welcome to participate. Ten percent tithe of total sales and a food stand will benefit the Paw Packs program to help the children in the Big Spring School District with needed weekend meals.

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Wednesday Night Meals

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Wednesday night meals are held every Wednesday night starting at 5:45 pm. Immediately following the meal at 6:30 pm are our adult Bible study programs and children/youth activities.

The meal schedule for April

  • April 5– Spaghetti

  • April 12 —No Meal

  • April 19 — Chili

  • April 26 – Chef’s Choice

This is a general meal schedule that will repeat each month throughout the school year, though changes may be made at any time at the discretion of the Body Life Commission. Please join us for a time of food, fellowship, and bible study!

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Camp YoliJwa Update April 2017

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Counsel

Mission trip to Camp Yolijwa? Here’s an opportunity to serve the Lord locally. Volunteer for a week as one of 350 persons who serve on Yolijwa’s staff. Counselors are needed for every camp week! Applications available at www.campyolijwa.org Apply today!

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Wilderness Cabin Camps

Looking for adventure? Attend one of our Wilderness Camps! Week long programs for Jr. High and Sr. High! Come and enjoy a stay in our wilderness cabins along with exciting outdoor programming!

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Hike or Rock

Hike-N-Rock-R-Thon Saturday afternoon, May 13. Hike 6 miles or rock 4 hours to support the Camp and you could earn up to a free 2017 week of camp!

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Volunteers Open House

Camp is looking for volunteers to help with carnival games at June 10th’s Open House. Take an hour and a half shift and earn a free chicken BBQ meal. Email gro.a1498528817wjilo1498528817ypmac1498528817@marg1498528817orp1498528817

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Family Camp

June 25-July 1

Need s’more family time? Come to camp! Enjoy a time of rest, relaxation and fun! Programs offered for all ages. Call the Camp for s’more information. Limited spaces available

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Back Page

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 Body Life: Did not meet this month. Mid-Winter Picnic was well-attended and everything went well. Brotherhood started up again on February 20, 2017.

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Christian Education:   VBS: June 4-8, 2017—Karen Barrick and Sarah Miller coordinating. Carol Shriner introduced RightNow Media and benefits of using the service.

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Evangelism: March 17-18, 2017—Clothing Drive event. Serve Fest scheduled for August 9-12, 2017. Dave Broose from the Dominican Republic missions trip will speak during the Sunday school hour in the summer.

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Property:  A/C and heating units in the kitchen have been fixed. Dave Baum looking into cleaning the nursery and toddler room carpets. Spring Work Day scheduled for March 25, 2017 with work starting at 9 am. Men’s Breakfast at 8:00 am.

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Stewardship: Church audit being completed by same outside company as last year. Cemetary, youth and women’s ministries book will be needed for the audit.

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Worship: Began planning for the upcoming Lenten season– mini-cantata, hand bell choir, Easter flower ordering, Maundy Thursday (feet washing & communion) and Good Friday service.

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Miscellaneous:   The new church website is currently being set-up by Victor and will soon be active.

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Comming In May

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  • 1-3 Eastern Regional Conference

  • 1 Commissions

  • 2 Prayer Ministry Elders’ Meeting

  • 4 National Day of Prayer Evangelism Commission

  • 5 Ladies’ Bible Study

  • 8 Administrative Council

  • 9 Prayer & Visitation Food Pantry

  • 12 Ladies’ Bible Study

  • 14 Mother’s Day

  • 15 Brotherhood

  • 16 Prayer Ministry

  • 17 Congregational Meeting

  • 18 Ladies’ Craft Night

  • 19 Ladies’ Bible Study

  • 20 Yard Sale

  • 21 Graduate Recognition

  • 23 Prayer Ministry

  • 26 Ladies’ Bible Study

  • 29 Memorial Day 30 Prayer Ministry Worship Commission

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(Carlisle Cares will be held throughout the month of April)

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(Keep up with announcements in the bulletin and on the church’s facebook page to make note of any changes as some dates are tentative.)

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