Good morning church family,
As a body of believers who meet in Trumbull, we have lots happening. Remember, to rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and share in the sorrows of those who are grieving and hurting.
And always, always encourage each other and build one another up.
Thanks to all for showing love and concern to all as we live each day for God's glory, and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
CONGRATULATIONS:
* To Matthew DePinho, Kristen Hubbell's boyfriend who responded to the gospel on Sunday morning before worship. Praise God another soul has been added into the Kingdom of God. Matthew has a kind and humble heart, and is a truth seeker. Our prayers are with Matt as he begins his Christian walk with God and Jesus Christ. He shared this comment with us “I am truly overwhelmed with joy and had an amazing day! Thank you all for your love and support and for making me feel welcomed!
CONGRATULATIONS TO ABBY RUIZ !
Abby received her Dental Assistant certificate and landed a GPA of ! The next chapter in Abby's training Lord willing will be UB Dental Hygienist Bachelor Program in the Fall 2024! Abby got a Presidential scholarship of $20, every year for 4 years to attend UB's dental hygienist bachelor's program! So incredibly proud of you ABBY! GREAT JOB!!
GIVING THANKS:
* Lisa Saracino is doing much better and we praise God that she did not have a stroke. Praise God & thanks to everyone for your prayers.
* Debbie Froehlich's surgery went well. Prayers for healing and better days ahead.
* Margaret Rizzio's knee is doing much better after several weeks of intense pain.
* Kevin & Karla Jones were grateful for all of the cards and notes of encouragement after her Father's passing. Thanks to all for encouraging them as they continue to grow in the Lord.
* Luis Ruiz's co-worker's son Aiden who was so critically ill, is now out of the ICU and he is doing better. Thanks to everyone for your prayers!!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
* Toni Bonadio will have eye surgery on the 19th, prayers for all to go well.
* Desrine Forbes was discharged yesterday and moved to Ludlowe Center for Health & Rehabilitation in Fairfield. The address is : 118 Jefferson Street, Fairfield, CT 06825. She has truly appreciated everyone's visits and prayers. Continued prayers for her healing. Also, her birthday is on Tuesday, March 19th.
* Kenneth Pimpton's last Sunday will be tomorrow as he begins his retirement. We've enjoyed Ken & Pamela's membership here in Connecticut over many years. They have been a true blessing to this congregation. Prayers for his return to Texas and his upcoming retirement. They hope to continue to log into our zoom bible study on Wednesday nights.
* Margaret Rizzio shared details regarding her brother Bill Lane's memorial service which will be today from to at the Bennett Funeral Home, 91 North Cliff Street, Ansonia, CT. Lunch will follow at the Munch eatery in Ansonia. Our prayers go out to their family at this time.
* Karen Stanzione's son-in-law Jose whom we've been praying for, was re-admitted back to the hospital. Continued prayers for Jose.
* Angela Scalzo's co-worker Karen Tabor went back to Yale and the cancer is now in her brain. She will get another round of gamma knife radiation next week, and she is worried about her two young children, Caitlin (7 years) and Dylan (10 years old). Thanks to all for your prayers.
* Close friends of Simeon & Lester Beans – Robin Brown & her family – shared that her home burned down. Praise God that her husband and son are Ok, but it has been devastating for them all to lose their home. They are taking life one day at a time & truly appreciate your prayers.
COMING UP:
MARCH:
TUESDAY LADIES STUDY:
The next Tuesday morning ladies Bible class will be on March 26th at a.m. via zoom.
POT LUCK FELLOWSHIP will follow right after morning worship on Sunday, March 24th! Please plan on joining us for a pot luck lunch following worship. Bring food for yourself and others. Gluten Free food is always welcomed for those on dietary restrictions. BRING A FRIEND!
YOUNG ADULTS BIBLE STUDY – Lead by Zach & Tori Saracino
The next Young Adult event will be Friday, March 29th. Time and location is TBD, but stay tuned for more info and let Zach or Tori know if you have questions.
APRIL:
SATURDAY APRIL 13th LADIES BIBLE STUDY a.m. – at the church building.
Brother Pat would like to remind everyone to get him the list of your donations soon for SPRING GIVE-A-WAY DAY!
“Give Away Day” April 27th 2024
Please take a form on the back table to catalog your items and return your list to Patrick soon. This will allow us to know if we have enough items to make this program work. Also feel free to text or email him with the number and types of items
Trip to See Daniel at the Sight & Sound Theater in PA in September
An inquiry signup sheet and more information has been posted on the door to the auditorium to find out the best date and estimated participation. Please fill in your info ASAP so we can best know how to proceed.
NEW CHURCH DIRECTORIES:
Thanks to Patrick for putting together our new church directories. Please review your listing and contact him with any revisions
that need to be made.
APRIL TALENT SHOW – Saturday, April 6th at p.m.
There is a sign-up sheet posted on auditorium doors promoting our upcoming Talent show headed up by Lisa, Zach and Tori Saracino. Not only will this be a FUN time of Fellowship, but it will help support our commitment to Spooner House. Please sign up to share your talents, all ages welcome and bring a friend!
ADMISSION – Please bring non-perishable items for The Spooner House.
SECRET PRAYER SISTER PRAYER WALK AND REVEAL
SATURDAY, APRIL 27th a.m. at the church building. We will meet at 11AM, have a Prayer walk, then lunch and our reveal to follow. Stay tuned for more details.
REMINDER FOR THE KENT MEN'S RETREAT…
Men's Retreat – Kent Connecticut – June 14th & 15th
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!
A sign up sheet is posted for volunteers who can help in any capacity with our upcoming VBS on July 20th! VBS is a terrific outreach to the community. There is something for everyone to help with so please see Derin or Kristen Wilson for details.
WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
Isaac Watts was an accomplished composer in 1707 who wrote hundreds of hymns. Of all of the hymns he composed, one stood out. He said he would have given up all of the hymns he wrote, to have written but this one “When I survey the Wondrous cross.” Some have said that this is “the finest hymn ever written.”
The cross was an instrument of suffering and death, fear and shame. We ought to look on it with loathing, yet through the suffering of Christ, the “Prince of Glory”, the cross is “Wondrous” and transforms us from being worthless to worthy. The cross pours contempt on all of our pride.
was the scripture that inspired Isaac Watts to compose this hymn. The apostle Paul wrote:
“May I never boast
except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.”
The words to this hymn vividly depict the scene at Calvary and our dying savior. The melody to this hymn reaches into our hearts and souls with the seriousness of Christ's sacrificial death. This hymn ends with our gift in return.
All that we are and all that we have, is but a small offering in return for such a great love.
WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
- When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride. - Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
- Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood. - See from His head, His hands, His feet,
- Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown? - Were the whole realm of nature mine,
- That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
The words to this song sum up everything about our Faith….
The Love of God for us –
“But God, being rich in mercy,
because of the great love with which he loved us,
even when we were dead in our trespasses,
made us alive together with Christ –
by grace you have been saved.”
The Love of Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us and suffered a brutal torturous death, demonstrated His great love and obedience to His Father by death on the cruel cross.
“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,
through faith in his blood.
He did this to demonstrate His justice,
because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand,
unpunished –
he did it to demonstrated His justice at the present time,
so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.“
Our love for Christ with our obedience and service in glorifying Him, demands our life, our soul, our all.
“You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
The suffering Savior became sin, for all of us.
The Prince of Glory, humbled himself even unto death on a cross. &
In the Gospel of John chapter 20 scripture tells us of Jesus's resurrection. Jesus conquered death and reigns as LORD OF ALL.
Let's survey the wondrous cross…. to see, to understand and fully appreciate what it represents to our life and soul.
Let us count worldly greatness as nothing, because we have CHRIST who is infinitely greater than anything in this world.
Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
To Him be the glory, both now and forever, Amen.
Bruce & Paula
