Church of the Open Door

February 2010

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February 2010

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2010-01-29 09:57:40

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Church of the Open Door Newsletter
February 2010

What if ....

What if your life were to end today? Are you 100% certain that you would go to Heaven?
Learn how you can know

Our ministries here at Church of the Open Door have kicked into high gear, and the new year is well underway. We covet the prayers of God’s people as we continue to run these ministries and try to influence a lost world for Christ.

DivorceCare, DivorceCare for Kids, and GriefShare

DivorceCare, DivorceCare for Kids, and GriefShare sessions begin February 2nd and will run until April 27th. Sessions are on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please register with Pastor Carabell at 410-876-3838 x337. Admission is free and the cost of handbooks is twelve dollars. These ministries are in need of your prayers and support. They are a great way to help those you know who are hurting because of divorce or the death of a loved one, and help them grow closer to God during the rough times.

Music Ministry

The Lord richly blessed the music ministry during this last Christmas season. In spite of an untimely blizzard, we were still able to have our Christmas Cantata (albeit after Christmas), and God used it to add at least six new names to the Lamb's Book of Life!

Now it is time to get ready for Living Cross. We hope you are praying for God to bless this year, as we present The Last Lamb. Dates for the presentation are March 28 and 30, and April 1 and 2. If you would like to participate, it is not too late to get involved. If drama is an area where you think you can help, please sign up online at http://www.LivingCross.info. Our first drama practice is on January 30th, so sign up now. If you play an instrument or like to sing, we would love to have you participate in the orchestra, or join the choir. Please contact Brian Jung at bjung@opendoorchurch.org, or 410-876-3838, extension 312 if you are interested. Thank you for your prayers for the Living Cross!

Bus Ministry

It has been warm in the Bus Ministry even though it has been cold outside. We have averaged over 300 regular riders every week and there were 8 people saved in the first month of the New Year! Please keep the Bus Ministry in your prayers as we try to motivate children and parents in their need for church attendance.

Spanish Ministry

The Spanish church continues to grow and God is bringing forth fruit. In the month of January, we saw a number of people make salvation decisions, including three young boys who have been coming faithfully to Sunday school. Tammy had the opportunity to explain to two brothers their need of a Savior and they trusted in Him to save them. Two weeks later, Andrew (Lea-Wilson) helped another young man understand his need to accept Christ as his Savior. During our weekly visiting and Soul-winning times, we were able to lead three more Spanish speakers to the Lord. God continues to prepare the hearts of the people and truly is drawing them to Himself. Our Spanish church service has been averaging in the mid-twenties and we are excited about the number of new contacts God has been giving us. On the 20^th of January, we started a mid-week Bible Study (service) that the people are excited about having.

Some other news about the Spanish ministry is that for Christmas, the “Joyful Connection” (Ladies’ Bible Study) gathered food supplies and Christmas presents for the Spanish families coming out to church. We would like to thank each of those who gave, as this was a great opportunity to show the heart and love that COD has for the Spanish population in our area. The gifts and food opened doors for us that we had been trying to get through. Also, we have had two sport outreaches bringing in over 40 each time. Praise the Lord for those He is bringing our way. Pray for more hearts to be open to the gospel and more souls to be saved.

Sweetheart Banquet

Our 27^th Annual Sweetheart Banquet is scheduled for Friday, February 12^th at 6:30 pm at Martin’s Westminster. You won’t want to miss this night of delicious food, delightful fellowship, and beautiful music. Plan on attending and receiving a blessing this evening. The cost is $30.00 per person. We are excited to have Dr. John Bishop as our special guest speaker for the banquet, as well as in all services on Sunday, February 14^th. You won’t want to miss his powerful and encouraging testimony. The deadline to purchase tickets for the banquet is Wednesday, February 3, so visit the Welcome Desk soon!

Upcoming Events

Sweetheart Banquet – Friday, February 12, 6:30 pm; Martin’s Westminster

Super 60’s Trip to Frederick for lunch at the Golden Corral and stop at McCutcheon’s Outlet – Thursday, February 11, 10:00 am. Returning to the church at 3:00pm. The cost for the coach and lunch will be $20.00 per person.

Royal Blue Class Valentine Lunch – Saturday, February 20, 11:30 am; Room 418 (Spaghetti lunch cooked by Chef Griff Manahan).

Living Cross – March 28 and 30, April 1 and 2; 7:00 pm each evening

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