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 3/21/2026
Good morning church family,
Goodbye winter and HELLO SPRING!
Revelation 21:1-8
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth;
for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,
and the sea was no more.
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband;
and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“Behold, the dwelling of God is with men.
He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more,
Neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more,
for the former things have passed away.”
And he who sat on the throne said,
“Behold I make all things new.”
Also he said,
“Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true”.
And he said to me,
“It is done!”
I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the beginning and the end.
To the thirsty I will give from the fountain of the water of life without payment.
He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.
But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for
murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur,
which is the second death.”
GIVING THANKS & PRAISE:
Thanks to Tammie Carey for an outstanding job in teaching the Ladies bible class last Saturday. She shared about how her faith helps her in her job as a Pediatric hospitalist and how prayer helps her get through her most challenging moments.
Thanks to our Elders and Deacons for sharing what they do for this church with the first grade Bible class last Sunday. The class is finishing up the New Testament and learning about how God established and set up the church.
Thanks to Ron for leading a great study of the minor prophets on our Wednesday night zoom studies. The next book we will be studying is MICAH. Please be sure to invite friends and neighbors or anyone who might like to learn more about God's word.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Prayers for the family of Zesa Morias the close friend of Jess Taylor's family, whom we have been praying for. She passed away from cancer this past week.
Dorothea Cooper asked for prayers for Noah and Canaan whose cousin was tragically killed in a drive by shooting. Also, her son David is now in rehab at Gaylords in Wallingford as he recovers from his cardiac surgery. Thanks to all for your prayers.
Pat and Henry Yaglowski continue to struggle with health challenges.
Prayers for Nancy Melson as she deals with back issues and caregiving her husband.
Debbie Christy asked for prayers for her brother Pearson who is still grieving over his daughter Carrie's death.
Prayers for our Sister Beulah whose leg is swollen. She is also dealing with extreme shoulder pain.
Many events are happening over the next few months…all LORD WILLING and with Praise and Glory to God:
Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence. Below is a list of items which can be brought in for the month of March… see Eyoko for more information:
YOUNG ADULTS had a great time at the Thrilz Amusement park on Saturday!
Their next gathering will be bowling at Johnson’s Duckpin Lanes in Hamden on Saturday, March 21 at 5 pm and grabbing dinner after! Please see Zach or Tori for more details.
Kevon Turner continues to teach the Young Adults on Sunday mornings 12:30 – 1:30 right after worship in our fellowship hall for the next 2 weeks. The topics vary every Sunday. Thanks to Kevon for leading this study!
March 17th and 31st 9:30 a.m. – Tuesday Ladies bible studies via zoom. The next lesson will be Lesson 8 – “Confidence in God”. Nehemiah 2:5
The INSPIRE NEW ENGLAND GROWTH CONFERENCE will be held at the Manchester church of Christ on March 20-21st. See Flyer on the table in the auditorium with details.
Sunday March 29th – POT LUCK
Join us for our 5th Sunday POT LUCK MEAL immediately following worship services. Pot lucks are a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend to worship and get to know our church family at Trumbull. Dennis Turner is already thinking about what he will bring! He is quite a baker and chef, so we all can't wait. What will you bring?
DISCIPLESHIP SEMINAR COMING UP….
Jay Repecko will be leading a Discipleship seminar on “Learning what your talents are”. Stay tuned for date and details which will be forthcoming soon.
April 10th at 7:00 p.m. – Tori Saracino's Senior Recital is coming up on Friday, at the Chapel at Sacred Heart at Sacred Heart University. It will be about 45 minutes long and she wanted to extend the invitation to her church family. There is no admission fee & is free.
Saturday April 11th – 10:00 at the church building – Ladies Saturday bible class. The lesson will be “The Fragrance of the Feast” lead by Debbie Froehlich. The May 9th class will be lead by JoAnne Discala on the “Fragrance of Mercy.”
Tuesday Ladies ' bible classes via zoom at 9:30 – April 14th & 28th
Saturday April 18th 5:00 – New England Bible Institute Fund Raising Dinner – Meriden Church of Christ. Fliers on the table in the auditorium
We invite you to join us for a memorable evening featuring a delicious meal, an update on the graduates, and congregations
being served through NEBI. By reserving your seat, you are also contributing to the ongoing work of God’s Kingdom in the
Northeast. Your involvement helps strengthen our mission and expand the Institute's impact within the community.
See Jay Repecko if you have questions.
Cost: $50.00 per adult / $100.00 per couple / $150 for a family of 3 to 5
MAY IMAGE
KENT MEN'S RETREAT – June 12th & 13th. Note: A generous offer has been made to anyone who would like to attend and needs the admission fee covered. See Bruce if you'd like to take advantage of this offer. (Funds are Limited)
http://cocmensretreat.com/
Mark your calendars for our VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL which is slated for Saturday July 25th! A sign up sheet is posted on the auditorium doors for anyone who is able to help that day. Thanks to Derin & Kristen Wilson who head this up every year and will be providing more details soon! Another great opportunity to invite friends and family for a fun day of learning about JESUS!
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
We all can appreciate the magnificence of an EGG and what hatches out of it!
This little ball of calcium brings forth life, food, and off the charts cuteness, as the little chick inside emerges!
Eggs are a versatile, economical, and a high quality source of protein. 'The incredible, edible egg' was a slogan created back in the 1970's. What would we do without eggs?
The metamorphosis of the egg is simply amazing!
It takes 19 to 20 days for a chick to be formed. Before an egg hatches, the chick inside positions itself, absorbs the last of the yolk for energy and fills the egg, with its beak near the air cell.
The next stage is called “Internal Pipping” when the chick uses a temporary horn-like egg tooth on its beak, and the chick breaks through the inner membrane into the air cell to breathe, often accompanied by peeping.
The next step is called “External Pipping” when the chick makes the first small hole in the outer shell, called a “pip”.
Next the chick rotates inside the egg, cutting a circle around the large end. This is called “Zipping“.
Lastly, the chick uses its legs and back, and pushes the cap of the egg off and crawls out. This is called “Emergence” . The egg has transformed into a NEW CREATION.
Chicks emerge full of life and are ready to begin their journey, being a fantastic food source for us all.
As we gaze upon God's incredible creation, may we give thanks to our CREATOR for the intricate design and order of this firmament. He makes all things NEW!
The crocus is one of the first flowers to bloom in late Winter, early Spring. We often see their sprouts popping up through the March and April snow.
Scholars often identify the crocus as a flower which signifies the transformation of dry land into a flourishing, joyful landscape! We can all relate to that, after having seen white snow blanketing every square inch of the northeast this winter!
Isaiah 35:1-2
“The desert an the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the LORD,
the splendor of our God.“
Daffodils are also amongst the spring flowers we see emerging from snow. There are many flowers noted in scripture which symbolize restoration, joy and God's glory. They are symbolic of God's ability to bring beauty from hard times.
Springtime is a season about renewal, regrowth and hope after a long cold winter.
We read about new growth and springtime in Songs of Solomon 2:1-3 when the scripture speaks of other flowers such as the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley and an apple tree. The metaphor of the relationship between Christ (the bridegroom) and the church (the bride) highlights the beauty of the believer and the nurturing love of Christ.
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley.
As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons.
I sat down under his shadow with great delight and his fruit was sweet to my taste.”
Jesus Christ offers us RESTORATION of our souls. HE makes all things NEW!
After Adam and Eve sinned, God gave glimpses of the promise of a Messiah in Genesis 3.
In Isaiah 65:17 we read… “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered.”
This sinful, depraved & fallen world is not God's ultimate destiny for those who trust in Him, and we like Paul, long for the time when God will bring “unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ“. Ephesians 1:10
Even nature groans to be delivered from the curse. Romans 8:22 “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”
Yet Jesus' declaration, “Behold I make all things new“ affords the hope that one day we will be free from the consequences and effects of sin and will live with Him in a new heaven and earth.
In Revelation 21 as noted above, John recounts seeing the new heaven and new earth. He sees a magnificent HOLY CITY, where God dwells among HIS people. It is here that God promises to wipe every tear from His people's eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying or pain. Finally, all creation will be free from the reign and effects of sin. After observing all this, John sees Jesus seated on the throne declaring, “Behold I make all things new.”
Do you know anyone who might be feeling hopeless? Share Isaiah 35:1-10 with them.
Jesus brings us an eternal hope & newness of life.
Hurting souls whose hearts are like the desert, need to hear this promise of renewal. Verse 10 stands out with its promise that “sorrow and sighing shall flee away“.
Paul shared in 2 Corinthians 4:16
This is such GOOD NEWS as we live with eager expectation, seeking to know Him more, to become more like Him, and share the good news with all.
Romans 7:6
Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
1 Peter 5:10
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.“
James 4:14
“What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”
“REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS & AGAIN I SAY REJOICE” Philippians 4:4
KEEP SINGING:
RESTORE MY SPIRIT LORD
Restore my spirit, LORD,
I need restored;
My heart is weary,
please help me dear LORD,
I stand in need of more strength from Your Word,
Renew my love, rebuild my faith, Oh restore my soul.
Revive my spirit, LORD,
I need restored;
Stir my desire to work in Your fold.
Light in my heart, dear God,
Your zeal grown cold.
Renew my love, rebuild my faith, Oh restore, my soul.
Renew my courage LORD,
it needs restored;
My Cup is empty, refill it dear LORD.
Replace all doubts and fear with faith so bold,
Renew my love, rebuild my faith, Oh restore my soul.
MAKE ME NEW
Make me new, LORD JESUS, Make me new.
For it seems that in so many ways,
I'm not enough like You,
Take this weary vessel I am in, and mold me once again.
Take my life, take my spirit, make me new.
2 Corinthians 4:4-6
“In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as LORD, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who said,
“Let light shine out of darkness”
has shone in our hearts
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
May we continue to boast about JESUS who MAKES ALL THINGS NEW!
2 Corinthians 4:14
“We know that he who raised the LORD JESUS will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence.”
To GOD be the glory, great things HE has done!
In Him,
Bruce & Paula
WE HAVE MUCH TO SING ABOUT SO KEEP ON SINGING:
Make me new,
Lord Jesus make me new.
For it seems that in so many ways,
I'm not enough like You.
Take this weary vessel I am in and old me once again,
Take my life, take my spirit, make me new.
To God be the glory great things He hath done!
Bruce & Paula
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