Service of Worship at 10:55a.m.  (*indicates standing, if persons are able)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart

Call to Worship Memorial Carillon

Prelude “Lord Jesus Christ, Turn Thou to Us”  Lynn Sharam, Organist

Ministry Opportunities  Pastor Kevin

*Time of Singing    Worship Team

 (Children are invited to come to the front pews during the last song) 

Children’s Story    Pastor Bob

Worship Song  #538 “I Saw Rain Drops”

  (Children, Primary to Grade 6, are directed to KidZone during the singing)

Tithes and Offerings

Offering & Offertory Prayer  

 Offertory “An Old English Melody” (arr. Floyd)

*Offertory Response  #600 “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”

 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

 Praise Him, all creatures here below;

 Praise Him, above ye heavenly host;

 Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

Prayers of the People

The Ministry of the Word

Scripture Philippians 3: (select verses) (Pew Bible, NT pg. 198)

Sermon “Changing Our Lives”  Pastor Ida

*Hymn #537 “What a Wonderful Change”

Benediction ”Go Now In Peace” (Besig)  Sanctuary Choir

Postlude “Trumpet Tune”(Mouret)

Go And Be His Disciple 

Total Offering for Sunday, January 4, 2009, $6,165.67

(Automatic debit weekly offerings are included in totals)

Worship Attendance

 Morning Service

 Last Week: 200 Year Ago: 202

Message from the Tellers

If you are placing cash/cheques in the offering please include your envelope number along with your name. If you don’t currently have offering envelopes and would like to have a box for 2009 please call the church office

at 835-5966

Beacon House

Next Sunday is Beacon House Sunday. Items for the month of January are spaghetti or spaghetti sauce. Please place your donation in the Beacon House box located in the foyer.

2^nd Mile Appeal and Deficit Reduction a Success – THANK YOU

While the year-end numbers following are still very preliminary, it is clear that we have had an excellent response to the congregational appeal made in mid October. As you will recall, at that time, we were reporting a year-to-date budget shortfall of more than $26,000.

At year-end, contributions to the 2^nd Mile Appeal totaled nearly $14,500. The Friendship Circle contributed an additional $2,500 in December and offerings in December were very good. As a result the budget shortfall, at year-end, was reduced to approximately $5,350.

Our Stewardship Account for

Kingdom Work to December 31, 2008

(Figures are unofficial)

2008 Ministry Budget:                                $400,500.00

Average Needed Weekly (53 weeks):    $    7,702.00

Required for 52 Weeks:                             $400,500.00

Received for 52 Weeks:                            $395,150.00

2008 Year-End Budget Deficit                  -$    5,350.00

While it’s too early to tell what the actual numbers will be, it is looking like we will start out 2009 in a considerably stronger financial position than at the beginning of 2008. You will remember that significant deficit reduction along with strengthening of our cash position was our short-term objective. Together, we have achieved this - at a time of great financial uncertainty. The Finance and Stewardship Committees want to thank each of you for your participation in this very successful effort.

Now we must look ahead and work on meeting our longer-term objective. The church will vote to approve a budget for 2009 at the annual business meeting in February. The challenge before us now will be to keep our weekly offerings at a level that will support that budget. Please continue to be faithful in 2009 to the work we do together here at Bedford Baptist. 

Small Groups

 "God is Closer Than You Think"

Beginning on January 18 for 6 Sunday evenings, we will be exploring this theme. The study will help you find God where you least expect Him, listen to His voice, find the best way to relate to God, align yourself with the Holy Spirit, and draw closer to God even when He seems far away. It will take the format of a worship time, video presentation and then small group discussion. The videos are presented in a novel way by John Ortberg. The discussions will be led by church folks in groups of 10 or so. This is a great series and a great opportunity to try out small groups for a short time to see how they work for you! All adults young and old are welcome! Fireside youth will be participating. Put this in your new day planner for January!!! Sign up sheets are in the foyer.

The Marriage Course - led by Pastor Ida starts January 18th (7 weeks)

Are you looking for a great way to deepen your relationship with your spouse or significant other? Join us for “The Marriage Course” which will begin next Sunday, January 18th @ 6:30 p.m. in the Chipman Room. The course consists of 7 video sessions presented by Nicky and Sila Lee (a couple who have been married for over twenty years and have four children). The course is designed to prepare, build and strengthen marriages. It is also open to those contemplating marriage.

Cost of $20.00 per couple. Hope to see you there.

Ida Needs Help

Is there someone who could help set-up the Youth Room including TV/VCR for 7 weeks, starting January 18th, 2009. This can be done before Small Groups on Sunday night or Sunday morning after church. Please contact Pastor Ida.

L.A.F.F. – Life After Fifty-Five

WHO? Anyone over the age of fifty-five.

WHAT? A daytime program providing a variety of activities - Bible studies (videos) with discussion time, fellowship and light refreshments make up most of the meetings with occasional special speakers or theme programs planned.

WHY? 

– to foster spiritual growth

– to receive and give prayer support

– to receive and give encouragement and support

– to get to know new people

– to find connection and community

– to share life’s experiences

Many LAFF groups are also involved in community service, and some members have gone on Short Term Mission trips in cooperation with Canadian Baptist Ministries. It is hoped that these initiatives would be possible in the future.

WHEN? Thursday mornings, 9:45 to 11:30,

 beginning in January 22^nd, 2009.

WHERE? Heffler Room, Bedford Baptist Church.

For more information, please contact Miriam MacDonald @ 864-6208

Muriel Bent WMS

Muriel Bent WMS will be meeting Tuesday, January 13th @ 7:30pm. Marlene Knowles will be giving a special presentation on her trip to Brazil.  Everyone is welcome.

Sunday Prayer Link

Students enrolled in the CABC’s Lay Pastor’s Training Program will meet six different weekends in five different locations through this year to continue their three year preparation towards trained lay pastoral ministry. Please pray for these men and women as many of them juggle family, work and congregational responsibilities along with their studies. Bedford Baptist is one of the five locations and Lic Kathy Cochrane is one of the students.

Birthday Greetings

Best wishes are extended to Gertrud Drebot who is celebrating her 85th birthday on Friday, January 16th.

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