Youth Group Birthday and Movie Day

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The SCC Youth Group had a get together at the Keyes homestead. We had originally planned to paint houses in the morning and then come back for festivities, but the Lord had other plans as the rain and wind continued throughout the day.

Hannah baked two birthday cakes for Decker and J.J., and Morgan and Patty helped her decorate them. A beautiful job!

J.J. brought his prized record player, and a sampling of his record collection for our listening pleasure. We played “Apples to Apples”, then watched the movie “To Save a Life”. After, we talked about the difficulties teens face today, and the importance of caring for those who seem to be out of the mainstream, hurting or lonely. We ate Chinese food, watched a video on Noah’s ark and the flood, and played more “Apples to Apples”. Much grape soda was consumed. Hoping to impress J.J., Mr. Keyes dusted off some of his old vinyl albums (and a few 8-tracks as well). There were kittens, Hawaiian music, teriyaki sticks, lots of laughs, new friendships, and one old, gassy cat!

Pastor Lambert Begins Fourth Year at SCC

Yesterday it was our privilege to acknowledge the third anniversary of Pastor Rick Lambert’s ministry here in Swanville during the morning worship service. We are grateful to God for bringing Rick and Judy to us, and look forward to all that the Lord will accomplish through us as we worship and serve together. Many were able to share their written or spoken thoughts on just what Pastor Rick and Judy mean to them. Here are a handful of those comments:

“Pastor Rick seems to always have words to fit the situation.  He knows how to communicate with the most intelligent and also with the young toddler.  He shows no preference for any person.  His Bible teaching makes one stop and think about what the scripture is saying to each person.  I thank God that Pastor Rick is pastor of SCC.”

“Out of all the pastors I can remember, Pastor Lambert has been the best in my opinion. No matter what I say or what we talk about not only can you tell that he actually cares that you’re talking to him, but if he can help he does his best to. And he does help a lot. I also really appreciate how much Pastor AND Judy have always been willing to help out with a situation if they could no matter how random or last minute. I love them both very much.”

“I thank God every day for sending us Pastor Lambert and Judy.  In leadership meetings, I have learned much from his grace and Godly approach to problem solving.  Judy is great on the piano.  I hope God never calls them from this ministry”

“They’re “The Re-al Thing!”  Pastor: A spiritual leader who is surely a testimony to God’s grace & love, intelligent, able to communicate with anyone, compassionate & how could we forget about “witty”.
And then there’s Judy…. the perfect match for our Pastor & our church!  Truly a jewel in God’s eyes & in our eyes, too!
Thanks to you both!”

“Pastor Lambert is a true local church pastor. He genuinely loves each one of us – not with a love that is put on or showy, but with a godly, persistent and abiding love. It is obvious that he has asked the Lord in prayer on a regular basis to give him God’s kind of love for those in his care. That love shows itself in the fruit of the Spirit evident in Pastor Lambert’s life, and in the way those whom he ministers to feel free to pursue Jesus Christ with abandon.”

“This shouldn’t have been a rare thing in my church experience over the years, but Pastor talks about God as if he actually talks to him and listens in return.  And Judy.  This is of more value to our church than a great deal of training, and yet they have both.  Rick and Judy are wonderful listeners and very kind advisers, full of practical solutions and encouragement.  They are both very gentle and incredibly patient.  They are providing a safe place to run in need, and a consistent witness for Christ.”

Amen and amen! May God continually bless your faithful service to Him and to us, Rick and Judy!

Good Friday Service in Freedom

This past Good Friday was a very enjoyable evening of worship, fellowship and communion as we gathered with people from a number of area churches at Freedom Congregational Church to remember our Lord’s death on the cross. many from SCC were involved in the service, including planning, bulletins, singing and scripture reading. SCC’s pastor, Rick Lambert, gave the closing message. It was a wonderful evening of unity and worship.

Well That Was Some Fun!

Finally have a moment to sit down and say this… Our Fifth Sunday Youth Thing was a smash hit! Everyone around here is still all a-buzz. I hope y’all had as much fun as I did. Special thanks to the Pottles, the Violettes, Ina, Zakk and all the other Friday night jammers for making the trip to our little church and bringing the bluegrass! It was great to have friends from all over. Thanks to the youth at the Neighborhood House for coming. Thanks to AD Youth at FEF Church in Waterville for letting us borrow some of your teens – just for one night! Thanks most of all to the SCC Youth – you were outstanding! Youth and youth workers – may God continue to bless and strengthen you all as you follow Him.

Past Weekend’s Missions Mini-Conference

Saturday evening, folks got to learn about what has been going on at Fair Haven Camps, a local summer camp ministry to children that has changed many lives over many years. Rachael Keyes led the music and shared her thoughts from the camper/staffer perspective. Dave Sheldon shared video and slides, and gave an update and prayer requests. Praise God for miraculously meeting financial needs for needed improvements to heating, electrical, facilities and more in the past few months.

On Sunday morning, our guests were 17 year old Jenelle Spaulding, and full time missionaries Milt and Wendy Higgins of the Neighborhood House in Belfast. Jenelle did a fantastic job sharing her insights on missionary outreach and evangelism, reflecting on her trip this past summer to the Boardwalk Chapel in New Jersey.

Milt and Wendy, who call Swanville Community Church their home church, shared their passion for ministry to youth, as well as ways that we can be involved in changing lives through this mission effort right in our own community. SCC is thrilled to support the Higgins and the mission of the Neighborhood House.

Fifth Sunday Youth Thing!

The Youth Group has been working hard, rehearsing for the Fifth Sunday Youth Thing next Sunday evening. We have a great group of teens! We hope that you will come and enjoy the night. If you would like to bring a snack for after, that would be sweeeet!

Hospitality Craft Evening

There was a wonderful turn out for the Swan Lake Workcamp 2010 Hospitality Craft Evening last night. Assembling crafts for over 400 guests can be a daunting task, but with great diligence and in good spirits, many hands made light work. We got to know some new friends and laugh together (alot!). We also raced through those pine cones in record time. These items will go a long way towards bringing smiles to the faces of the workcampers who will be here this summer to do free home repair in our community. Thank you crafters, one and all!

Stay tuned for regular craft get togethers over the next few months. For more details, contact Sue at 223-5529. The next craft assembly opportunity will be Wednesday, January 20th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Swanville Community Church. Hope to see you there!

A Saturday Morning at SCC

Site Writing Workshop Participants

Thanks to everyone who came to the Swan Lake Workcamp 2010 Site Writing Workshop this past Saturday. It was a good group and a good time. Thanks Pam and Lance for teaching and all your prep work. Thanks Charlene, David, Pam and Patty for the food. Thanks Jenelle for the audio/visual expertise. Thanks to all who braved cold to visit a couple of homes. Onward and upward!

Franny in the kitchen

One of many unsung heroes in our church family, Fran Bean comes in on Saturday mornings once a month to prepare for Communion Sunday. And always with a smile and a grandmotherly hug guaranteed to cheer you up! Thanks, Fran!

Snow Day

It felt strange not to get together with our church family this Sunday. The snow was beautiful, though, and we did get to be alone with our families a little bit longer before going back to work and school.

Some of the Youth Group did get together in the evening at the Keyes home to practice our dramas and song for the Youth Sunday Sing coming up on January 31st. We don’t really have an official title for it yet. We usually have a special sort of song/talent night on the last Sunday of a five-Sunday month. We call it Fifth Sunday Sing. Some old timers call it “Singspiration!” which has kind of a seventies feel to it. Feel free to suggest a catchier name for our little youth-infused shindig.

Anyway, This one’s going to be directed by our Youth Group. All are welcome. Come out and support our youth, and youth ministry in general. There will be songs, skits, refreshments and maybe a surprise or two! Youth leader – your youth group is invited! If your youth group would like to participate, call Mike or Patty at 338-6919.

Here Comes 2010!

We look forward to the promise and possibility of the coming year. Youth ministry, Missions, Easter, Swan Lake Workcamp, fellowship, worship and sharing the gospel. How will Jesus be glorified through us this year?