pastor erik's blog

Change

For some reason, Blogger doesn't work with some of the software we're using for the website, so we've moved the content of this blog over to pastorerik.wordpress.com

posted by Pastor Erik DiVietro @ 8:43 AM 0 comments

11-11-06 Harvest Jamboree

What do you call 30 some odd people in Max's backyard with about 200 pounds of candy? Harvest Jamboree! This Saturday, we had an absolute blast with the children of the church. We took about 400 pictures (literally), ate copious quantities of food that was bad for us; and all in all had a great time.

Our children's minister, Katie Thibault, and my wife put together a great program, and Max's house was the perfect place for the event.

I'll post more pictures when I can. 

posted by Pastor Erik DiVietro @ 3:54 PM 0 comments

10-29-06 Words

It has been awhile since we've posted an update to the blog. A lot has happened since.

1. God provided through some interesting "coincidences", covering our operating expenses to date. This is a huge blessing because we were running incredibly far behind.
2. Our church grew by one - one of our church families had their second daughter. It is so cool to watch new life absorbing everything.

The past two weeks, we have averaged 77 in morning worship, which pretty much maxes us out. We're not in the business of turning people away, so if this continues, we will be looking at two services again. I think that we might go that way next year, maybe in February. There are some personnel issues, but I think it is going to be necessary if we want to accomodate those who are coming. What a great challenge to have.

We started a series entitled "Words", looking at Jesus as a person and a teacher - trying to strip away all the extras and theologians and stuff. What is more important? What we teach ABOUT Jesus or what Jesus said about US?

posted by Pastor Erik DiVietro @ 7:30 PM 0 comments

10-8-06 Discover WE

Last week we started a different format for Sunday evenings. Entitled "Discover WE", we spent the last two weeks exploring the need for a place where we can feel free to express ourselves without the fear of reprisal. It has been very enlightening as people have opened themselves up in candid ways. I'm looking forward to our 360-degree assessment on the 22nd.

In the AM service, we had 76. It was pretty tight in the auditorium, to be honest. We can't get many more people into this facility. I've got a lead on a building, but we would have to have it practically given to us - but hey, that's what faith is about.

We had two families visit with us. One family has known me from WAY BACK, and I'm excited to see them with us. The other were friends of one of our members, and I didn't really get a chance to meet with them. We also had another set of visitors - Doc's cousin and her husband. They live in PA, so I don't think they'll be with us on a regular basis :)

Last week's HARVEST OFFERING was a big success. We brought in more than our goal and the money keeps coming in. This year, it will go to the general fund, which is good because we need to make up our shortfall.

posted by Pastor Erik DiVietro @ 7:20 PM 0 comments

9-17-06 Celebration

We took this morning as an opportunity some of the victories we have in God. It was hard to do at first but people warmed to the idea. During the morning service, we just sat back and rejoiced that God has saved us and is working in our lives.

We had 67 in the AM service, and in the evening we had a special meal together. About 45 people got together for the meal, and it was a lot of fun - especially singing happy birthday, which is one of our church's "hallmark" events...trust me, if you haven't heard it you're a lucky person!

posted by Pastor Erik DiVietro @ 2:49 PM 0 comments

9-10-06 Break the Cycle!

Finally, we've arrived at the series I've been waiting to teach all summer. The story goes back to about March or April. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed because try as I might, I could not break loose from this frustration in my spirit. Everytime I tried to get something kicking at church, people would volunteer for it and then disappear. I couldn't figure out what was going on. This teaching series is a reaction to that feeling and the journey we went on to discover how to break the cycle.

This morning, we had 67 in service, which isn't too bad. Offerings were low again, probably because September is a five Sunday month. We're sitting around $5,500 short for the year, and we're praying for God to provide to the people for our Harvest Offering on October 1.

In the evening service, we had a great time together celebrating the Lord's Supper. There's something about communion that makes my month. I can't really describe it other than to say that through it I know that Christ is still around and cares about us.

posted by Pastor Erik DiVietro @ 9:55 AM 0 comments

9-03-06 Labor Day Weekend

We had a good crowd this week - especially considering the fact that it was Labor Day weekend. In this case, rain probably helped us more than hurt us! I haven't checked the official numbers, but we were around 65 or so in the worship service.

This week was all about KEYS. God made each one of us unique - just like locks on doors - and he has designed a key to open up our lives. There are four teeth on the key which will put the tumblers in place:

1. VALUE - You matter to God
2. SIN - You are separated from God
3. RIGHTEOUSNESS - You can't fix that, but Jesus can
4. TRUTH - You have to accept that what the Bible says about him (and everything else!) is true
   

Next week, we begin the teaching series on "Breaking the Cycle" from the book of Titus.

We had a missionary, Robin Brooks, with us. She is going to New Zealand, and she presented her ministry in the Sunday School hour.

In the evening, Nichole and I went to Crossroads Baptist Church in Pelham, NH, for an ordination. Crossroads was started in 2001, and they are now birthing a baby church in Haverhill, MA. We ordained Eric Craven (Crossroads Associate Pastor) as the new pastor of the church, called New Heights Community Baptist Church. I'm excited about seeing this church, as well as The Dialogue (which will be in Manchester) getting started!

posted by Pastor Erik DiVietro @ 8:02 PM 0 comments