HITTING THE BULLS EYE

Back a few years ago, two well-known preachers decided to conduct a study to find what characteristics the 25 fastest growing churches in the country had in common. Interestingly, neither preacher knew the other had set out on this quest as well, yet both preachers came up with the same 5 growth factors: Growth factor #1: Strong Leadership Most people sincerely desire to see Gods plan for His Church fulfilled. Theyll be glad to jump on board and participate if 2 things are present. First, The elders must have integrity, character, and most importantly lead by example. If the leaders have the churchs respect and see them willingly involved in the ministry of the church, the people will support the work. Second, The leadership must have a plan. Obviously without a clear-cut plan, the church will be aimless and will flounder. We can have all the energy in the world, but unless its focused on achieving a goal, we wont accomplish a thing. Growth factor #2: A Commitment to Gods Word In each case, the preaching and teaching throughout the 25 surveyed churches was based on a strong belief in the authority of the Word of God. The Bible has the power to change lives. When Billy Graham was once asked why he didnt spend more time defending the Bible against liberal attacks, he said: The Bible is like a lion. When you have a lion, you dont have to defend him. Just turn him loose and he will defend himself. Growth factor #3: They were Fun-Loving Churches This is not to say that the weekend services were a hootenanny or a three-ring circus. But these are happy churches, with bright, warm friendly atmospheres and lots of joy. The people feel the freedom to laugh and cry. Remember, you cant hatch eggs in a refrigerator. People are attracted to joy. Certainly, there are times for sorrow, repentance and tearsbut there is as well times for joy and even uproarious laughter.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 :15 AM WORSHIP 10:15 AM MINISTER Donald Dennis ELDERS David Gephart John Getgen David Lomison Ken Scheesley Gary Thomas John Williams SECRETARY Suzanne Gephart

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Mens Night Out

Friday - May 17, 2013 Speaker - Dr. Paul S. Williams Message - Crazy Love Registration - 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM Dinner - 5:45 PM to 6:45 PM
If you are able to provide a pie or two for Mens Night Out, please sign up at The Source.

May 31-June 1 Little girls and guys June 1215 June 1621 June 2325 July 712 July 1419 July 2126 new purpose retreat senior high week beginners camp junior high week junior week intermediate week

Camp Registration Forms are available at the source.

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Growth factor #4: They were Unified Churches. Growing churches are characterized by people who put Christ first. In a unified church, the members place greater importance on meeting the needs of others rather than their own wants and desires. Paul says: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3) Growth factor #5: Each Congregation had Passion These churches had a Holy driven-ness about them. They would never be satisfied. They were never done. They would never retire on their past accomplishments. They realized that until Jesus calls us home, we must keep advancing His Kingdom. The entire church must have a sense of urgency about taking the next hill. These 5 growth factors are alive and growing here at LCC. But we need to always remember to keep our minds open to Gods Word and direction, and our hearts open to the presence and guidance of Gods Spirit. Lets all concentrate our sight on our Lord, our chins up, and our hands dirty in service. I am positive if we do these things together, Gods Kingdom will advance and grow in our little corner of the world. Aiming for the Bulls Eye,

Denny Expectations Womens Center

One of the Missions supported by Lycoming Christian Church is the Expectations Womens Center located in Williamsport. A recent newsletter from them indicated some startling statistics. What other things are we missing out on? In 2010 in PA there were 36,778 abortions. This means in 2015:
1,362 classes that will not need teachers (based on 27 children per class) 147,112 pairs of shoes wont be needed 441,336 Happy Meals wont be sold (average of 1 per child per month) $1,471,120 worth of school supplies wont be purchased (at $40.00 per child)

Are you surprised?

Nearly 8 in 10 women who have an abortion identify themselves with a religion. More than 50% of abortions are repeat abortions - this indicates women use it as a method of birth control. Multiple surveys indicate cant afford a baby now ranks high on the list of reasons people chose abortion.

Abortion statistics remind us that 274 women living in the five counties served by Expectations Womens Centers had abortions in 2011. That is 274 too many274 faces we will not see. Remember to lift Expectations Womens Center in prayer.
Suzanne Gephart Mission Ministry

Lycoming Christian Church 20 Chapel Hill Road Linden, PA 17744 (570) 322-9940

Bulk Rate US Postage PAID Linden, PA Permit #359

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Investing in Hope...Transforming our Nation Through Prayer!

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BIG BAD MUSICAL A

Success!

After two wonderful evenings of Once upon a time, Happily ever after, and fairy tale characters, the tables have been put back into storage, the tree stumps are being split up for our summer campfires, and life is going back to normal for those involved in our recent dinner theater production. Now we are left with nothing but memories, but what fantastic memories they are! Both performances were sold out, and most of those attending were visitors to our church! Not only did our neighbors, friends, and family members get a great meal and an entertaining show, but they also witnessed what can happen when members of a church body work together on a project. Reviews were outstandingbetter than performances at ______ playhouse, more like professional actors and actresses than a church group, the best show so far, and many, many more. Involvement went well beyond the characters on stage, however. This could not have been such a success without the help of so many people who worked behind the scenes; Trevor as co-director, Paul, Lee, and Wes building the sets and painting, John for supplying the tree-stumps, Ruthanns set decoration, table decoration, bulletin boards, Bryan on the soundboard, Andrea and her kitchen crew, Suzanne in the office, Dennys photography, and Marthas suggestions and help with costumes. A HUGE thank you to the many, many hours that each cast member, (and parents of the young cast members) donated to this project. Finally, I would ask that we all pray that Dennys mini-sermon that was inserted towards the end of the show will stick in the minds of those who do not know Jesus as their Savior, and that the Holy Spirit will convict many to seek the truth.

After giving 10% of the profit to LCCs Missions Ministry, the remainder will go towards new sound equipment for the worship team.

Praying your ever afters are filled with joy and laughter!
Kathy Dennis

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The His Kids Clubhouse presented the Easter Pageant Resurrection on Sunday, April 7th during the morning worship. The pageant was based on the scripture John 20:1-18. Throughout the pageant the congregation joined the kids by singing some of those old time inspirational hymns Christ Alone, Christ the Lord is Risen Today, and I Serve a Risen Savior. The cast included: Narrators - Nicole Belton, Lindsay Brooks, and Zackary Schmalhofer Mary Magdalene - Morgan Reinsel Angels - Brianna Mecone and Jayden Ulmer Jesus - R.J. Webb Doubting Thomas - Matthew Hacker John - Dalton Rice Simon Peter - Kason Ulmer

I am so very proud of each and every one of these kids for getting up on stage and for sharing the good news that Christ is Alive! The Childrens Ministry will be hosting our annual Moms Morning Out. This is one of our most popular outreach events and we are so very excited to be able to do this again this summer! Dont you think every Mom (and dad too) deserves a break, a little time to go to the grocery store, grab a cup of coffee or lunch with some friends? This year we are excited to share that our themes are: Pirates, Carnival, and Lights, Camera, Action...Red Carpet Fun. We will be having our Moms Morning Outs on June 22, July 27, and August 17. This is a free event from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and includes lunch, snacks, games and fun, fun, fun. Dont forget to bring your swimsuit and towel so you can cool off on our giant slip-n-slide. This program is for babies up through those who have completed fifth grade. You can sign up at The Source or by calling the church office at 322-9940. Blessings,
Patsy Schmalhofer Childrens Ministry