May 1, 2010

We continue to welcome new families to our congregation.  It is such a joy to get to know each of them through our fellowship meals or time spent at picnics, and even in homes.  It is so hard to believe that it is May so soon. 

If you are considering a visit to Sonrise Christian Fellowship, there is no better time.

Sunday, May 2 we will enjoy a Fellowship Meal immediately following the morning service.

  We would be delighted if you would join us.

December 26, 2009

Winter Weather has struck!

On Sunday, December 20th, our Sunday School and Worship Services had to be cancelled.  This was the third week in a row that the weather was treacherous.  The two Sundays before there were issues with ice on the roads.  We are thankful for the Lord's hand of protection on our people as they drove in for the services. 

We were, however, able to have a wonderful Christmas Eve service.  The young people really played a huge part in this service.  We enjoyed hearing them play their instruments and sing as an ensemble.

As is our custom the Christmas Eve service closed with a congregational song...Silent Night...as we each held our candle.  With lights down and candles burning we were reminded that it is our responsibility and honor to share the light of Jesus with those we meet.

There was beautiful fellowship following the service.

Hope you can join us next year!

Summer and Fall 2009:

It has been a while since we updated this page.

 Much has happened. 

It has been a very full year. 

We have launched rockets...

Enjoyed a picnic or two...

and on October 5th enjoyed a Ladies Autumn Tea...

A couple of ladies brought hats... just for fun...

Coming Soon...

A Baptismal Service, A Christmas Walkthrough and A Christmas Eve Service.

We are looking forward to what the Lord has in store over the next few months.

Easter 2009:

We, at Sonrise, love Easter!  It was at our first Sunrise (Sonrise) Service last year that we found our name.  There at the pond at Memorial Park in Quarryville, Pennsylvania it was suggested that perhaps the name Sonrise Christian Fellowship would fit us.  It did! 

So, this year we were so excited for the entire Easter Season. 

For many reasons. 

There was the Seder Meal led by the LeFever Family.  So beautiful and poignant. 

From the eating of the bitter herbs dipped in saltwater to remind us of the suffering and tears of those who have gone before...

to the handwashing...

 and the search of the young ones for the last bit of leaven in our "house".

Hearing one child ask the questions and receive the answers blessed the hearts of all who heard.   

He now knows the "why's" of Easter and Communion. 

There was a part to be played by every member in the family. 

Everyone was impacted by this powerful exercise in symbolism.

Then came the Good Friday Service.

A time of reflection, scripture and song.

It was a Good Friday for all who believe.  It means our salvation was completed. 

Done.

As Jesus said, "It is Finished!"

Sunday Morning began for us at 8:00 am. 

Rather late for the traditional Sunrise Service, however, we have people driving a distance and wanted to accommodate them somewhat. 

I guess it worked because they were among the first to arrive. 

Perhaps this was just a ploy among the organizers to get another hour or so of sleep...we will never tell...

While it was very cold and windy, the sky was blue and the birds were singing! 

What a wonderful time was had by the pond where we had gathered last year and had "begun" this odyssey as Sonrise Christian Fellowship,

a Family Integrated or Multigenerational Church.

Thirty-one brave souls came out for the Sonrise Service.

Everyone came back to the church building for a warm breakfast of eggs, french toast casserole and many sweets.

Perhaps the most popular item at this point was the coffee since the temperatures were in the low 40's with a brisk wind.

The children looked so wonderful in their fancy Easter attire...

.

So much energy for play as the Breakfast was being cleaned up and we prepared for Sunday School and Worship.

Pastor Mike shared a lesson about the path that Jesus took over the time from the Last Supper until He arose from the Grave.

Very powerful to see maps tracing His steps and photos of Golgotha and the Tomb.

We sang the great hymns of Easter ...Up From the Grave He Arose and Low in the Grave He Lay!

Our prayer time often focused on the completed Work of Christ and our gratitude.

Pastor Jack brought a wonderful sermon about the expectations of the women as they approached the tomb and the reality of what they found.

He pointed out that these women and the disciples had all been told...by Jesus,,,what to expect.

The tomb would be empty!

They did not get it. 

They were not basing their expectations on the Word of Jesus.

We need to base our expectations on His Word...

But when they did understand...what joy!

That is our Joy today!

He is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed!!!

The official calling of Elders and our Associate Pastor.  Warren and Jon were installed this past Sunday, March 15, 2009.  It was a lovely time of commitment by both men and the congregation.  They to seek the Will of the Lord in serving the congregation and we in acknowledging them as being called to leadership.

Pastor Jack was installed as the Associate Pastor. 

This service was followed by a Fellowship Meal and a Congregational Meeting.

We discussed such items as the budget, outreach, missions and our By-laws.

March 18, 2009

Scenes from Denny's Evangelism Sunday School Class...a part of our series on Apologetics.

Denny gave an excellent definition of evangelism and also gave us a whole "toolbox" of Verses to use when opportunities arise.

Sophia and Yolanda played beautifully for Prelude and Offertory.

Thank You, Ladies!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

The Mystery Menu Dinner

What fun was had!  Ordering from menus that offered car parts and Oil Changes.  Those who attended were in for a treat when the things they tentatively circled on those menus were delivered to their tables.  A few individuals were challenged when they received three drinks and one main course dish, others somehow managed to order a well-rounded meal in spite of the impossibility of knowing what one may be ordering.

Four darling girls served the meals.  They hustled back and forth bearing trays filled with chili, chicken tenders, the occasional fork or napkin.

One family in the church served up entertainment while the plates were being prepared.  A young man performed some "magic" for the "crowd".

Another young man and his mother performed a skit which the mother had written.  It was great!

The evening ended with an impromptu building of a tower consisting of cans, bottles, salt and pepper.  Lindsay was cheered on as she built and built until the tower was taller than she was.  Her youngest brother, Kyle, was surely willing and anxious to knock it down.  Finally, he built his own tower and demolished it too.

Should you ever need a great Mystery Menu...just ask! 

February 2009

Big Day in the Life of Sonrise Christian Fellowship!

On Sunday we had a very special service.  One of dedicating the work of one man and his congregation.  Mike Galus has been serving as Pastor to those who worship here faithfully for some time.  It was time to officially install and ordain him asking God to bless this work. 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?

And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?

And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

 Romans 10:14
 

Pastor Mike Galus has been called to this work.  He has shown a dedication through the toughest of times.  His faith has been an encouragement to this congregation.  It was a true pleasure to agree together to support him in it. 

Associate Pastor Jack Wilkins put together a beautiful service that culminated in the laying on of hands by the men of the congregation.  It was very touching.

After the service there was a reception in Pastor Mike's honor.  He was spotted at a table full of young children being serenaded by one young lady.  He seemed to be quite pleased by her rendition of a Veggietale tune.

This is one of the things we love about our Pastor.  He is with us.  Not tucked away in a study coming out to Preach and then retreating...no...we know and love our Pastor because he spends time with those of all ages and is a very caring man.

Sue and Kelly took this opportunity to take some pictures...

Dean, Mike, Jonathan, Warren

Prayer with the Men of the Church

This was so touching. 

Pastors Mike and Jack,   Elders Jon and Warren

Mike enjoyed his cake!

The kids adore Pastor Mike!  He loves them too.

As is typical of any event at Sonrise the chatter went on well into the afternoon.  It was so much fun.  Finally some of the talk turned to that moment when Sarah was serenading Mike with Veggietales and before we knew it there were small speakers on the table and some of our teens' iPods were playing Veggietunes.  All who could were singing along.  It was an unexpected time with adults and young people just enjoying a little musical fun.

Finally we broke up and returned to our homes.  Some went to fellowship with others...that evening  testimonies were shared by six people in anticipation of becoming official members next month.  It was sweet! 

Thank You, Lord for the work YOU are doing in our midst!!!!

Soon to come on this web site is a section of fun photos of the rocketry projects that are enjoyed by most of us.

The guys enjoy the thrill of playing with something that explodes with power and the ladies enjoy the fellowship of getting together while the guys launch the rockets.  With some help of one of the ladies in the congregation, who is very handy with Photoshop, this promises to be a very fun section of this web site.  Keep an eye out for that.

November 12, 2008

October Book Club

We read a book written by Leslie Haskin called Between Heaven and Ground Zero.  Everyone felt that it was a really good book.  We took turns telling where were and what our thoughts and experiences were on 9/11/01.  We agreed that is was a day that we would never forget.

The discussion then turned to Leslie and her experiences in the Trade Center Tower during the hours before the collapse.  There was no way for her to understand what we knew at that time...and no way for us to put ourselves in her shoes.  However, she did an excellent job of telling us her story.

All eight in attendance were in amazement of the life shattering ability any day can bring.  You just never know.

We were amazed at the candor of Miss Haskin as she told of her knowledge that had she died that day her soul would not have been right and she would have gone into eternity without Christ.  This event was the catalyst that caused her to place her Faith and Trust in God alone. 

Thanks for visiting here...remember that Sonrise Christian Fellowship is not endorsing this book or any other from the Book Club, we are simply reporting on the event.  It was good.

Our very first Fall Fest was a HIT!  The weather was spectacular and the host family made a bonfire that burned well all evening.  Each family brought hot dogs to make over the fire, and while some of the junior members of the congregation seemed to prefer theirs well burned the adults were able to enjoy perfect franks.  There were s'mores and caramel apples.  The food was yummy.

Soon after the eating commenced there was a call for the telescope.  Apparently on this evening there were interesting things in the skies over Lancaster County.  Not unusual things, just planets, nebulas, a sliver of a moon and other such interesting fare.  Grandpa Bob had his telescope and so it was brought out to the pasture where the group was gathered around the fire and those interested in such things gathered around and enjoyed the show.

Meanwhile, back at the bonfire, the smoke was on a mission to keep the Grandma's moving.  It followed them wherever they went so they kept busy moving from chair to chair.

Before too long the kids were asking to "Bob for Apples".   Now this was fun!  A wheelbarrow had been cleaned out and prepared just for this event.  It was fun to see the different "Bobbing" styles that the kids employed.  Everything from pushing the apple into the side of the wheelbarrow to just pushing it all the way to the bottom as quickly as possible.

The evening wrapped up at about 10:30pm.  Several of the Dads had commitments for work or other things early the next morning.  So it was time to clear out.  Much fun was had by all.  So until the end of next October we will hold this memory in our minds and look forward to another opportunity for a Fall Fest!

posted 11/5/2008

Sunday Evening was perfect rocket launching weather. 

Several families came together to watch Pastor Mike shoot his rockets. 

The young, athletic types chased the falling aircraft and with one exception caught them so there was no damage.

Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong and there was one failed parachute which allowed a rocket to crash to the ground.

This reporter has yet to hear if the damage was terminal.

From all reports, a good time was had by all and fellowship followed at a warm home where those who minded the briskness of the evening were able to warm up and enjoy a meal together.

There was much laughter and enjoyment into the evening even as air hockey and wii were played inside,

Stratego contests took place on the deck,

and a

telescope was set up outside for a little

moon viewing.

The enthusiasm was contagious.

10/14/08

The Book Club~ We met Wednesday Evening at the Quarryville Library.  There were eight in attendance.  We had an excellent discussion about the book titled, THE SHACK.  This was a vibrant discussion as various aspects were brought out about the book.

The majority of those in attendance were uncomfortable with the presentation of God as a woman.  The point was made that in the Lord's Prayer we are instructed to pray to "Our Father".  A very definite description of a male figure.  So, it was felt by most that the author of this fictional book had stepped outside of what we are told in God's Word regarding this matter.

As to other parts of the discussion, they were excellent!  It was mentioned by one participant that this book had made her long for a deeper relationship with God.  That parts in the book about forgiveness really spoke to her.

It came up in our discussion that the only true way to know the Lord's will for us and to hear Him in our lives is to read and know His Word.

There was agreement that this is a very controversial book and the majority in attendance would not recommend it to just anyone.  It has the potential to mislead and create a false impression of the Image of God given to us in His Word.

Sonrise Christian Fellowship does not endorse this book, or any other that are chosen to be read at the Monthly Book Club.  Books are chosen by recommendation or community relevance.  In this case, it appeared to be a book that many were reading in our community and this was an excellent forum to discuss the contents with those who are reading it and may have questions.

It would seem that this hope was realized in the discussion held last evening.  There was much encouragement among those in attendance to encourage the daily reading of God's Word, even to the point of sharing habit forming ways that have worked for other members.  One woman shared that she had a difficult time reading the Bible until she broke it down to one verse a day...if that was all she could do.  Now she reads much more but it was getting started that was necessary.  This was great encouragement to another who truly struggles with this.

Discussion turned to things of the heart. 

It was a great evening.

The book...has its issues...and some strengths.

The participants are seeking the Lord's Will.

We left the better for having been together in fellowship.

This photo was taken on Sunday, September 21st. 

It is the current leadership team at

Sonrise Christian Fellowship.

Shown here are Warren, Jon and our Pastors Mike and Jack.

Last evening found a group at Muddy Run, a local park.  We enjoyed a picnic together and celebrated a couple of birthdays.

The trees formed the roof over our beautiful picnic area.

September 8, 2008

Our Pastor...having a good time at a Sunday Evening Family Fellowship. 

Most Sunday Evenings find us at someone's home or at a park.  Last evening one of our families hosted about twenty people.  There was a lot of interesting conversation, concern about Hurricane Gustav and its effects on friends and family in the Gulf Coast region, food, games, a long walk and time on a dirt bike.

It is good to see relationships blossom and flourish as people grow to know each other better.

It is a blessing to see teenagers cheerfully working together to clean up after a large group of hungry people.

It is fun to see even the youngest participating in the fun, having a wonderful time.

These are times of much value.  To have parents interacting with their children, in play, and in discipline...when needed.  To have older women mentor those who are younger, to see the men in fellowship and building each other up in the Faith.  Sharing thoughts about the Lord and His work in our lives.  Uplifting each other in concerns that are shared.

This is the Church Body...Living, Active and Working together.

September 1, 2008

We are not about large numbers....as least this is not our ultimate goal.  We are about helping people find a comfortable place to worship, grow, be challenged in their spiritual walk.  It is in this train of thought that we rejoice in having 50 worshipers out on Sunday.  Amazing!  God has been so good in leading people to worship with us.  God provided the location to meet in and the chairs to sit in.  Now He is providing the people to fill them. 

Thank You, Lord.

August 18, 2008

Never a quiet moment around Sonrise Christian Fellowship...truly.  This week the Quarryville Advertiser printed an article about the church.  There is a photo of Pastor Mike in front of the church with the sign he designed and installed the beginning of August.  The writer did a very nice job in writing the article.  Thanks Dayna Ridenour!   We are praying that those who are seeking the Lord or a place to Worship Him would read this article and visit us soon.

We continue to welcome visitors who are interested in what we the church is all about.  Last Sunday we had guests from California.  O.k., they were visiting family that attends the church so it isn't that impressive...but there was interest on their part to see in person what they had only read about online.  It was lovely to have them come.  There were a few local visitors, as well.  Hope they find their way back to worship with us again.

Today we launched our Kid's Page right here on our web site.  This is intended to teach and inspire our children in study and in Bible Memory.  You can get there by clicking on the link to the left that says New! Kid's Page...fairly self-explanatory, don't you think?  We are excited about having our young children in a Family Sunday School setting and want to give them a head start on understanding the things that will be talked about from week to week.  There will be helpful answers that the kids will be asked to supply as Pastor Mike asks the questions.  If they, with some help from their parents, have read up on the web site they will have an easy time with these answers.

Grandma Ruth and Miss Sarah already have a great friendship.

Grandma Ruth loves children and will be their contact for Bible Memory.  She will greatly enjoy the contact with the younger members of our congregation...they already love her. 

Associate Pastor Jack Wilkins will be bringing the message on Sunday, which will be followed by Communion and a Fellowship Meal. 

So...until more news breaks, have a great week.

Blessings!

August 13, 2008

Tonight was our last Book Club before School begins again.  It was good.  We discussed Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas' Memoir, My Grandfather's Son.  All in attendance agreed that it was a very good book and well worth the time spent reading it. 

Our little church is growing.  We have been blessed to have visitors nearly every week and many of these are planning to join our fellowship.  It is the prayer of the Leadership at Sonrise Christian Fellowship that we would not focus on the growth in number as much as the growth in fellowship and in our personal Walks with the Lord.  We are very excited for each person and family that the Lord leads our way and hope to have opportunity to get to know them in a way that is beneficial for fellowship and spiritual growth.

Fellowship times together are vital.  This past Sunday several of us continued in fellowship after our meal together by going to a local park and then off to the home of some new attendees to celebrate a Birthday of a special three year old.  It was a very good day together.

It is a hard time for some in the congregation as they recuperate from surgery and other health issues.  It has been a blessing to see the members of the Church Family gather around them in helps and prayer.

Our young people continue to build lasting friendships and are a real blessing to the adults in the congregation as we see them getting involved in the discussions in Bible Study and in the Sunday School Hour.  It is a real joy to hear that families are spending time together, in the Word, in their homes many evenings as this is a major focus of a Family-Integrated Church.  Continuing the conversations and discussions begun on Sunday throughout the week.  Often times we are asked about the young children who are in our family Sunday School class.  What are they getting out of the lesson?  Much! 

Just as in many homeschools we teach to the older students and the younger "glean" what they can, so in our combined class the younger are listening...and gleaning.  This gives that opportunity for the parents to clarify questions or further explain things over the week that follows.  It is working and the young children have expressed their enjoyment of this form of Sunday School.

We would welcome you to join us...if you are curious...or if you are looking for the opportunity to fellowship as a family.

August 6, 2008

It has been an unbelievable week at Sonrise Christian Fellowship.  The families have been together -  a lot!  We have been painting and decorating the fellowship hall.  That means that different members of the congregation have been working on this project since Monday.

This has been an awesome opportunity to get to know new folks and for them to get to know us.  There have been new families checking us out and we are so thankful.  Two have decided to join us in the past couple of weeks.  We are excited and thankful for the opportunity for growth that has been allowed by finding this building and following the Lord's apparent will for us in committing to a family-integrated approach to worship and fellowship.

Last evening a young couple found us all the way from Georgia.  They are over the road truck drivers.  It was such a pleasure to get to know this like-minded young couple and their two baby boys.  We are looking forward to seeing them again in church tomorrow.  One of our (hopefully) newest families took this young couple home with them to offer hospitality for the weekend as they await another load to become available to deliver to another place.  We are thankful for our ability to post Sonrise on Vision Forum's web site since this is how this couple found us.

Tomorrow we look forward to sharing the Lord's Supper and a Fellowship Meal. 

Feel free to join us. 

There is room at the table for you.

July 19, 2008

This week has been a good one in that we are getting to know a new family who are committed to joining the work at Sonrise Christian Fellowship.  It is great to get to know this family and we rejoice in the fellowship already shared.  Others are visiting and praying about the path they are to take.  We would surely welcome them at Sonrise.

Our Small Group is growing to the point that we will soon need to find ways to divide in order to keep the "Small" in Small Group.  This is a simply wonderful dilemma to find ourselves faced with.  Praise the Lord.  He is faithful!!!

It has been decided that we will move our monthly Communion to the third Sunday of each month.  We had formerly had our Communion Sunday and Fellowship meal on the second Sunday.  In order to allow the presence of one of our members who has a prison ministry commitment each second Sunday we are making this change, effective now.  While it may not always be possible to rearrange schedules, this does not disrupt anyone else and allows our brother Denny to join us at the Communion Sacrament and Fellowship Meal that follows.

We may have just two weeks left in the Worldview Sunday School Class.  It has been a real treat to be able to study and discuss these topics.  The young people are listening carefully and commenting during the week about the things that have been discussed.  Occasionally one feels "brave enough" to bring up a question or offer a comment in class.  It has been neat to hear the excitement from the young people regarding the upcoming Apologetics Study.

There were a couple of Birthdays last week.  Miss Emily had a 15th birthday, while Miss Chelsea is a teenager at 13.  Happy Birthday girls!

This week's birthday will most likely be a bit less publicized...but...Happy Birthday Mr. Jon!!!!

7/8/08

Pastor Mike announced this morning that our next Sunday School Topic will be an Apologetics Series.  This brought  a whisper of anticipation and excitement from the congregation, especially some of the teens who love this subject.  We have truly enjoyed the discussions and learning from the Worldview Series that will wrap up in the next week or two.  This next topic will be a great follow-up on this. 

Thanks to Rebecca L. for sharing her Power point presentation from her Mission Trip to Peru.  It was very well done!  We enjoyed seeing where you served and the people that you met.  We are glad that you were the one who got to sample the local cuisine...loved hearing about it, though.  We will continue to pray that the seeds planted in the hearts of the people there will grow into full fledged faith that spreads into the villages there.  Great job, Becca!

It was so nice to have several visitors with us this morning.  We hope and pray that if it should be the Lord's Will that they might come back and that the Lord would bring others in, as well.  Our goal is not to grow just for the sake of numbers but to grow in fellowship, service and Spiritual knowledge.  Sharing our gifts and talents will allow this to happen so that we can impact the community for Christ.

There will be no "small group" or "family night" this Friday so that families can spend the holiday weekend together.  Thanks to all of those who helped last Friday evening in painting and papering.  Your efforts are evident. 

6/29/08

Well, it was after midnight that most of us returned home after a family night spent working at the church.  A lot was accomplished!  Border was hung in the Library.  Everyone, especially the men, kept commenting how nice it looks.  As if they were shocked, really.  That's ok, we'll just take it as a compliment.  Thanks to the teens for climbing on chairs and the ladder to get that done.

We finished painting the reception area and Ruth took on the job of painting at least four doors.  She did a very nice job.  Sue, Belinda and Carl did the painting in the reception area.  Becky will finish the touch-ups today and it will be completed as well.

Caleb spent most of the evening being very creative.  He built a Lincoln Log village and then turned his attention to building a marble tower with gears and levers.  It was very cool.  Now we know who to call when we need something scientific worked out.  Great job, Caleb!

Pastor Jack supervised the various projects as they were in progress.  It was nice to have him there. 

We sorted through a lot of things.  Got rid of some and organized the rest.

We finally got around to having our snack around 10pm.  Late, we know.  Jonathan set it all out for us and it was good as we had all worked up an appetite.  It must have been that snack that gave those painting in the reception area the strength to continue...or maybe not.  Nevertheless they did persevere and the job is finished.

Thanks All. 

It was fun!

6/28/08

So, last evening the Book Club grew by one.  We had seven in attendance.  It was a very good discussion.  The book, Safely Home, chronicles the journey of two men.  One, an American Businessman, Ben Fielding who has lost his spiritual footing.  The other, Li Quan, a Chinese man who is living each day wondering if this is the day he will die because of his belief in Jesus.  The story is well written and is very thought provoking.  Those who have read this book are in agreement that the United States of America, with all of its faults, has not seen the likes of the persecution endured by those in China and other countries in which the name of Jesus is forbidden.  We agree that those who have their faith put to the test appear to have a stronger faith.  While we do not wish to endure the suffering of these dear people, we do wish to remember them in prayer and seek to know our Savior more through study of His Word and memorization of the same.

The Book Club is shifting gears for our next selection to read Quiet Strength, by Coach Tony Dungy.  One member said that it is not the kind of thing she normally chooses to read and so will be "stretching" for her.  We would love to have you join us on Wednesday, July 9.

6/26/08

Our first meeting of the book club has come and gone.  It was fun!  There were six present and we had a very active discussion of the first half of Safely Home.  The Quarryville Library is a great place to meet.  There was confusion regarding the starting time but the atmosphere and the hospitality there were wonderful.  We continue to hope for more participation from members of the community.  We are believing that  this will be a great opportunity for outreach.  Still unknown is the next Title that we will read.  We will let you know! Feel free to join us at the Library on Wednesday, June 25th at 6:30 pm for the conclusion of Safely Home.

6/20/08

It may not be "news-worthy" but it sure was fun.  Last night there were eighteen people out to play kick-ball and fellowship together.  The young ones took a certain amount of mercy on the older ones of us.  Not too much, though.  We had a wonderful time together playing and enjoying the wonderful summer evening.  Thankfully there was a nice breeze. 

We are looking forward to Father's Day and the celebration of our fathers and the role God has given them.  It is so special to see our Dads coming alongside their children and leading them in the things of the Lord.  To see the respect and love that shines from face to face.  It is beautiful!

appy Fath

H

er's Day to our Dads!

6/14/08

Yesterday was such a great day!  While the weather was stifling...in the upper 90's with much humidity... those worshiping were very comfortable as we learned and rejoiced in the Goodness of the Lord.  The enthusiasm was high.  The praise was bubbling up for all that God has provided this small congregation.  Our prayer now is that God would send us those that we can minister to and be in fellowship with.

Yesterday's sermon related to our Communion Service.  Pastor Mike did an excellent job of explaining the importance and the meaning of the Lord's Supper in the life of a Christian.

Our verse this week was Proverbs 18:10: 

The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; 

The righteous run to it...

 and are safe.

We are very excited to begin our Book Club Wednesday evening at the Quarryville Library.  It is open to the public and we will be discussing the first half of the book, Safely Home by Randy Alcorn.  As God would have it, we had arranged to do this before we knew that we were to be blessed with the building beside the Library.  Providential isn't it?      6/9/08

Today is June 8, 2008.  We will celebrate our second Sunday in our new building and our first Communion and Fellowship Meal.  It is fitting.

This week was filled with laughter and hard work as we pulled together to paint, clean, plant a flower garden and put in a sound system.  Every night there were groans of sore muscles as we left the church tired... but pleased with the progress.

We invite you to join our happy little church family...no worries...there is still some work to be done.  You, too, can join in the satisfaction of a job well done.

We will post pictures later...

Blessings from your friends at Sonrise Christian Fellowship!

6/8/08

June 1st was our first service in our new building at 349 Buck Road in Quarryville, PA.  After six months in a variety of weekly rentals it is with much thankfulness that we have retrieved our church belongings from storage and are excited to have a "home base!"  The Lord has used this time in our church life to allow us to work through some changes and to form a new work with a Biblical Family focus. 

This morning's service included a prayer of dedication for our new building that it would be used by the Lord to reach out into our community and find those who are seeking to worship with us.  That it would be a place where the hurting could find healing in the Love of Christ through the family of God.  That this would be a place where families would be strengthened and individuals would find a family to be a part of.  Where mentoring is real and the love of the Lord would be obvious. 

Pastor Mike preached a very welcome sermon titled: God's Building.  It was stressed that God is the Builder of Everything...HE is the creator of all.  Pastor Mike then reminded us that we are God's building.  That the "church" as a whole, is made up of people, with the love of Christ being the glue that holds us together. 

The songs sung were also pointing to the fact that we are so very thankful for the wonderful provision of a space to meet without a set up and tear down situation.  A place of active ministry...we sang songs such as: How Great Thou Art, Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned (Pastor Jack's favorite), The Steadfast Love, Shouts of Joy and Now Thank we All our God (No, it doesn't have to just be sung at Thanksgiving) and Jesus, Name above All Names.

We would welcome you to come visit with us. 

6/1/08

We will be hosting a book study at the Quarryville Library will begin Wednesday, June 11th at 6:30pm.  All are welcome to attend.  Our first study is Safely Home by Randy Alcorn.  Please read the first 26 chapters prior to the first meeting.  We will discuss the second half of the book on June 25th, also at the Quarryville Library.  6/1/08

Small Group Bible studies continue every other week.  Check with Pastor Mike or Becky for location.  6/1/08

Family Activities are currently being scheduled for the Small Group off weeks.  It looks like much of our family activity time could be spent painting and "fluffing" our new home for the next month or so.  We will be sure to get some rocket launches in, as well as a picnic, baseball and other fun outdoors activities.  6/1/08