11/19/2007

It's been busy several weeks at the Power House in Baltimore, Maryland.

Since it's been so long, let me just give you a few of the highlights:

-I spent November 2-11 at a Field Staff Meeting. Our field includes the Northeast USA, the British Isles, Europe, and Russia. This was the first time we were able to meet together in one room as a staff. It was a great experience to connect with ministers from both sides of the Atlantic.

-Our financial records were audited and found to be in order.

-A couple of members of our congregation were able to participate in a mission center issues discussion at the Dundalk congregation.

-We had a good turn-out of kids during Trick-or-Treat time on Halloween. We touched base with a lot of kids who used to participate but haven't been around in a while. Tamara, Jenn, Bryce, and I staffed the event.

-We spent a lot of time and money ordering items for the upcoming holiday season and/or to replace items we'd consumed. These included but were not limited to marketing materials for Christmas, a daily Advent devotional plan for members of the congregation, gifts for the teacher care packages, new T-shirts, and materials to repair our sign. Most items have arrived. The material to repair our sign, though, arrived damaged.

-Danny was injured at work when an engine fell on his foot. He's able to get around but has been experiencing a lot of pain.

-We learned this week that Rhonda, one of the founders of the congregation, has a rare form of leukemia. Please keep her and her family at the top of your prayer list.

-Gloria helped with a community-wide food distribution in the city. She helped get a pickup truck full of food into homes of church members.

-While I was away Ron Gillilan brought the message one Sunday morning while members of the leadership team shared testimonies on the other. Danny, Tamara, Jenn, Gloria, Vonceil, Shirley, Patricia, and Robert kept the activities going throughout the week.

-We've had many new kids come to church activities in the past few weeks. As of this writing, 399 different kids have participated in at least one activity since July 1.

-The community group "Citizens of Pigtown" moved their monthly meeting location to the church. They will be using the facilities on the second Tuesday evening of each month.

-After their group conscience meeting, the Wednesday's NA group decided to more than double its voluntary building use offering. They continue to be thrilled too use the facilities and that feeling is mutual.

-Tammy's husband RC died this week after an extended illness.

-Tamara and Jenn participated in a Young Adult Retreat at Deer Park the first weekend in November.

-Gloria hosted a movie night at the church this Saturday evening.

Looking ahead to next week we have an amended schedule of activities. During Evening Worship we have several baby blessings scheduled. After the service we have our annual dessert potluck. Because of Thanksgiving celebrations, we will not have Adult Disciples this Wednesday and the church will be closed on Thursday.

Along with the individuals and activities mentioned, please keep the following families in the forefront of your prayers:

the Boycheck family
the Starliper family
the Lang family
the Ceo family
the Pelsinski family
the Carroll family
the Lancaster family
the Bolaski family

Thank you for your continued prayer support.

Jeff and everyone at
The Power House
"Building the Kingdom of God Here and Now"
PowerHouseMD@Juno.com
www.pigtownchurch.org