Sunday October 5, 2025

Order of Service

10:45 AM

6:00 PM

Hymns:

A New Name in Glory (163)

All Creatures of Our God and King (32)

Jesus Paid It All (115)

Special Music:

Cheryl Milholland

Message By:

Pastor Norris E. Belcher, Jr.

Hymns:

When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder (524)

Once for All (148)

In the Service of the King (415)

Offering:

Brenda Hall

Special Music:

Shauna Bassler

Message By:

Pastor Norris E. Belcher, Jr.

Announcements

SYMPATHY: to Steve Manning at the passing of his wife, Linda Manning, on Saturday, September 27. The funeral was held on Friday, October 3, here at the church.

SYMPATHY: to the family and friends of Virginia Knudtson, who passed away on Wednesday, September 24. The funeral was held on Tuesday, September 30, in Westminster.

NEEDED: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard in uniform to participate in the Church of the Open Door’s Veterans Day Program on Sunday, November 9, during the morning service. If you are able to volunteer, please contact Don Graf at (443) 605-8800.

SUPER SIXTIES TRIP: The Penn Alps bus trip on Saturday, October 25, is now open to all ages. Come and enjoy a day filled with fun, food, and shopping! Sign up at the Welcome Desk or call the church with your reservation at 410-876-3838, ext. 307.

COMMUNION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are looking for volunteers to help collect cups and clean up Communion trays after the service. If you are able to help, please see Don Graf.

CCS BOOK FAIR:  takes place the week of October 13th in the School Library.  It will be open to all from 3:20 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, as well as Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. On Grandparents Day, Friday, October 17, it will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

From My Heart

     I recently read an editorial where the author said it was his opinion that we have entered into the “age of assassination.” In other words, if you don’t like what someone is saying, “just assassinate them!”  Several Republican leaders are quite concerned about the fact that Democratic leaders are calling President Trump such names as Hitler, a Nazi, a threat to democracy, a tyrant, a dictator, and the list goes on and on. They call him a criminal, a liar, a thug, a convicted felon, an insurrectionist…and this is not just randomly, but this goes on day after day after day!

     And you can be assured there are several deranged and/or semi-deranged people who hear this on a daily basis - and then see themselves as someone who is going to “save America” from this evil person “destroying our country.” So, when I saw President Trump at the Ryder Cup on Saturday, out in the open, among that mass of people, I got very nervous! The Apostle Paul said in the last days, “perilous times would come.” I think there is no doubt, these days are here.

     Last Monday, Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump held a joint news conference and announced they had reached a peace agreement with Hamas! In the agreement it is reported that the remaining hostages will be released and the bodies of those that Hamas murdered will be turned over to the Israelis. Hamas was to leave Gaza and have no role in any future government. The longer I listened to the two men speak, the more questions popped into my mind!  President Trump said the Arab nations of the Middle East were all in on the agreement. 

     He also said the Arab nations and the international community would rebuild Gaza, which would cost multiplied billions of dollars! The tunnel systems will be destroyed, and everyone is going to suddenly get along, hold hands, and sing “Kum By Yah!” Then President Netanyahu spoke and said, “If Hamas does not join in on this plan, or if they renege on any of the terms in the agreement, there will be a heavy price to pay!” So, question: has Hamas agreed to the terms of this “peace” agreement? Personally, I have a hard time thinking they were involved in any of the negotiations. And…I hope they weren’t!!! Sounds to me like this is a final ultimatum to Hamas and that Israel and the U.S. wrote up the list of demands - and if what is left of Hamas wants to live, they best comply immediately. I suppose we will see what happens.

     Have a wonderful day and keep your eyes on the skies - Jesus is coming again.

Pastor Norris

Upcoming Events

Sunday School

Date
Oct 5
Time
9:45 AM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
We have Sunday School for all ages and interests. Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. If you have questions, please stop by the Welcome Center or call the Church office at 410-876-3838, ext. 303.

Bus Ministry Events

Date
Oct 5
Time
10:00 AM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
The Bus Ministry hosts multiple larger-scale events throughout the year. All are invited!

Sunday Worship

Date
Oct 5
Time
10:45 AM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
We have two Sunday Worship Services - one at 10:45 a.m. and one at 6:00 p.m. The "message" is different for each service, and all are invited. Stop by the Welcome Center if you have questions or need assistance or call the Church office at 410) 876-3838, ext. 303.

Sunday Worship

Date
Oct 5
Time
6:00 PM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
We have two Sunday Worship Services - one at 10:45 a.m. and one at 6:00 p.m. The "message" is different for each service, and all are invited. Stop by the Welcome Center if you have questions or need assistance or call the Church office at 410) 876-3838, ext. 303.

Royal Blue Class - Senior Adult Visitation & Soul Winning

Date
Oct 6
Time
10:00 AM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
Join the Royal Blue Class members as we visit shut-ins and encourage those who are hurting!

Joyful Connection - Ladies Bible Study

Date
Oct 6
Time
6:45 PM
Location
All Campuses
Summary

DivorceCare

Date
Oct 7
Time
6:30 PM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
Divorce Care is a 13-week Bible-based video/discussion series to help those who are navigating separation or divorce.

Grief Share - 13-Week Seminar

Date
Oct 7
Time
6:30 PM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
Join us as we navigate the challenges of overcoming loss - whether it is the loss of a job or relationship or a loved one.

Spanish Ministry Activities

Date
Oct 8
Time
5:30 PM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
The Spanish Ministry at Church of the Open Door hosts activities throughout the year. All are invited!

Master Clubs

Date
Oct 8
Time
7:00 PM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
Children 3yrs thru Grade 6th are invited to take part in Master Clubs, which meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. during the regular school year. During the summer months another program, Dynamite Club, happens at the same time.

Spanish Ministry Activities

Date
Oct 8
Time
7:00 PM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
The Spanish Ministry at Church of the Open Door hosts activities throughout the year. All are invited!

Teen Impact

Date
Oct 8
Time
7:00 PM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
Teens - 7th grade thru 12 grade are invited to take part in Teen Impact, which takes place every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., in Baker Auditorium. All are welcome for a great time of worship and Bible study.

Wednesday Bible Study

Date
Oct 8
Time
7:00 PM
Location
All Campuses
Summary
Church of the Open Door offers Bible Study for all ages.