The Landmark Church of Binghamton NY - August 2010

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Ladies Retreat

On June 11 and 12, ladies from Landmark and other area churches attended a ladies retreat at the Montrose Bible Conference.  Missionary Bible translator Grace Fabian challenged us from God’s Word to look up to Christ, dig deep to find areas to forgive and to reach out to others around the world.  By sharing her life experiences and how God has taught and molded her over the years, we understood how much God does love us and have a plan for our lives.  During free time, we shopped, relaxed and enjoyed each other’s company. 

Freedom Village Picnic

In mid-July, the youth group and others in our church family traveled to Freedom Village, just north of Watkins Glen, to provide an annual appreciation picnic for the help they provide us for Food Day.  Our group cooked hamburgers and hot dogs for the residents.  Many residents gave testimonies of how their lives have been changed by Jesus.  The day was a blessing to all.

The young mothers class finished a study on “Sacred Marriage” by Gary Thomas.  To celebrate the end of the study, Mary Jo and Mark Graham opened their home to the young mothers in her class and their spouses.  Pastor Dan and Judy also joined them and prayed for each couple.  As a group, they encouraged each other by pointing out strengths in each marriage.  Mark and Mary Jo gave each couple gifts to symbolize those strengths.  For their love of learning, one couple received sponge gifts.  Another couple with childlike joy received a play sword.  It was a great evening of fellowship.    

 Candlehouse

On Sunday, July 25, Candlehouse Teen Challenge director Richard Mecklenborg and several women from the program ministered to us with their songs and testimonies.  They were all grateful for the love of Christ that saved them from their addictions and emotional issues.  Many of the young ladies reminded us that it is never too late or impossible to come back to our faith.  Lisa reminded us to not be so caught up with doing things that we forget our main purpose is to focus on Christ and gain strength to serve Him.  For more information about this program visit www.candlehouse.org. 

Women’s Ministry Dinners

Most months of the year, the ladies of the church meet on the 3^rd Friday of the month for dinner and fellowship.  All ladies are welcome and many from other churches join us. 

In July, Dora Kundra shared her gardening tips with the group and answered many questions on how to prepare soil, discourage bugs and critters, and tend to our plants.  She and her husband George are a wonderful resource for anyone interested in starting a home garden.

In August, Mary Leber and Cheryl Campbell shared money saving tips from re-using mascara brushes for cleaning small spaces to coupons for your favorite items.  Other ladies also shared their favorite ways to stretch dollars.

On September 17, join us at 6pm for a dinner and craft night with Judy Eiklor.  She will teach us the art of iris folding to make note cards or gift cards.  Bring a pair of scissors and scotch tape for the craft and your favorite dish to share at the table.

With several new Christians and church members struggling with life-controlling issues, a new Bible study class was formed on Sunday mornings.  The verses anchoring the class are Galatians 4:19 and Colossian 2:7.  Paul writes to the Galatians that he feels like he is going through labor pains for his children in Christ, and they will continue until Christ is formed in them.   To the Colossians, Paul tells them to let their roots grow in Christ so their lives will be built on Him.  As new Christians become grounded in their faith, they will take on the burden of helping their struggling brothers and sisters.  There have been up to 15 people in the class, many from the community.

Currently, the class is studying the Parable of the Sower:  God’s Word and Truth may be received but not take root with everyone.  Several church members who have overcome addictions and life’s trials are sharing their experiences with the class on how Christ gave them the strength to grow and put their lives back in order.

During the week, the program averaged around 40 kids with ten of them coming to Christ for salvation.  Three children are now attending the weekly Kids Club on Wed nights.

The mornings opened with a skit by Capt Jack (played by Wes Campbell) to kick off the lesson for the day.  The children were led in groups to Bible stories, theater, craft and snacks.  They made blankets that said “Jesus Loves You” for AIDS orphans in Africa.

The Prodigal God Bible Study

For six weeks, we were challenged by a Bible study on the parable of the prodigal son.  Dr Timothy Keller shed fresh light on this parable by showing us that both the younger and elder brother are both wrong in their attitudes toward the father and each other, just as we Christians tend to have the wrong attitude toward God and each other.  Attendance was high at these times of study, discussion and prayer. 

Join us Sunday night, Sept 12 at 6:30 pm for a follow-up study on idolatry.  If Jesus is not the most important part of our lives, then something else is our idol.

For more information visit http://www.theprodigalgod.com. 

The weekend of July 30 – August 1, the Landmark Church Theater Company presented an original musical by Sherry Bell called “I’m Coming Back”.  Three young adults learn that God’s Word is still exciting and relevant even today as several Bible people and their stories come to life as a family Bible is opened.  Several youth and adults from the church had parts in the play with many playing multiple roles.  Elaine Graham coordinated and made most of the costumes.  Kumari Riegle was the stage manager of several volunteers.  Most songs were written by Sherry and arranged by Nathan Little.   Magdalina Ruiz wrote a rap song for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  Annie Graham and Debby Bell wrote the closing song for one of the main characters.   

Many people from the community and sister churches attended the performances.  All came away blessed by what they saw and heard. 

Rock Solid Youth Center

Under the umbrella of Youth for Christ, Rock Solid Youth Center was formed a little over a year ago at the old Perhach Pharmacy on Robinson St Binghamton.  Grace Baptist Church owns the building and put time and money and lots of love into refurbishing the building into a beautiful facility for the young people of the community. 

Geared to youth ages 6 – 16, there have been approximately 120 kids attending the center.  There are 35 – 40 core kids that return repeatedly for activities.  Open seven hours per week, the volunteers of the center provide a safe atmosphere for kids to join in activities and learn about the love of Christ.  Our own Gary Leber is the executive director of the center.  He has been bringing kids to VBS, Kids Club and Youth Group to learn more about God’s Word and God’s plan for their lives.  Some kids also help at the First Friday Coffee House serving our guests and at Food and Clothing Day carrying food and loading clothes. 

For more info: www.rocksolidyouthcenter.org

Wednesday Night Kids Club

Shawna Dougher teaches the weekly Kids Club for ages 4 – 12.  She has 8 – 12 core kids that come each week.  Most are from the community.  Right now, they are learning about the Armor of God.  Shawna uses interactive discussion to be sure the kids understand the lesson. 

Originally the program was started to give parents a chance to bring their children while they attended prayer meetings.  In the last several months, it has changed to an outreach  ministry to the children of the community who do not have any other church. 

If anyone enjoys working with children and would like to help Shawna, she is looking for volunteers.  It is hard for one person to handle teaching, snacks, crafts and bathroom breaks.

Boy Scouts 

Scout Troop 316

Binghamton, New York

Baden-Powell Council 

Taking their name from John 3:16, this troop was established first as an outreach ministry to reach boys  aged 11 - 17 from the community for Christ.  The leaders teach their troop how to exemplify Christ as they move through the ranks to become Eagle Scouts.  After the first three ranks, merit badges have more service requirements.  The leaders provide encouragement to these young men who often come from broken homes and struggle to meet their advancement goals.  They urge the boys to become involved with a church or youth group.

The twelve scouts in the troop have a camping trip almost every month except for July and August.  During a blistering hot weekend in June, they camped in Nineveh.  Pastor Karl Silfee surprised them in the morning by dressing as Jesus and quoting the entire Sermon on the Mount to the campers. 

Back to School Coming Soon

Please pray for our children and families as school starts soon.  Pray for their safety and Christian walk among their peers.  Also pray for safety and wisdom for the many Christian teachers who are salt and light in the classroom.