The GOOD NEWS Of Canaan

A Monthly Publication of the Canaan Baptist Church

Keeping The Faith - The Next Level

Proverbs 11:30 - II Corinthians 9:6-15 - I Corinthians 15:58

JANUARY 2014

Inside this issue:

State of the Church Ministry Opportunity 1

And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:2, 3 KJV)

n a candid interview between the Good News of Canaan with Pastor Bullock in December 2013 regarding the State Of The Church going into the new year, a positive and insightful outlook was presented. The below questions and answers puts forth the continuous path Canaan seeks to accomplish for the coming year.

Ministry Spotlight

Know The Bible 5

GN: Is the church spiritually healthy? PB: Canaan is continuing it's progression in the right direction. We are spiritually healthy as demonstrated in the Book of Acts. According to criteria of the Bible that specifically focus on the work of Jesus, we are preaching and teaching the gospel. In addition, we are healing the community and members of the church as it relates to the numerous outreach ministries we employ on a regular basis.
GN: What goals were met in 2013? PB: One of the most important goals met in 2013 was the many souls that were saved. It was followed by an increase in giving to the church and an expanding membership growth. Also, our ministries took on a degree of maturity as they progressed throughout the year. GN: What goals were not met in 2013? PB: As with all growing churches, there is a concern that remains a challenge for us in completing goals. This concern is in regard to the retention rate among members that have joined the church. The old adage "people come in the front door and out the back," joins together the church leadership and membership groups into finding a positive solution to keeping the back door locked!

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GN: What are the goals for 2014? PB: Our goals for 2014 are to continue to strengthen the things we are doing in ministry. Specifically speaking, we must be true and committed to our mission and core values.
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The GOOD NEWS of Canaan

Publisher Canaan Baptist Church Editor-in-Chief Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock Editor Michelle White Staff Deirdre Crew Alan Hicks Alveretta Mobley Pat Risher Rutha Williams

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Welcome and Greetings

Thank you for worshipping with us at Canaan Baptist church. The corporate life of this congregation is the true witness of the vitality of our faith. While the high point of our Christian service is to be found in the experience of Sunday worship, what we do from Monday to Saturday, speaks volumes about Canaans commitment and dedication to Christ and our community. Canaan is a family where all of us are saved sinners hammering out our salvation under the auspices of Gods amazing grace. We are structured, but not so structured as to prevent the powerful work of the Holy Spirit to impact the life of our in-reach and outreach ministries. We are organized, but not so organized to prevent the organism, which is the Church, from bearing full life. We Welcome You! Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock and First Lady Dr. Debbie Bullock and the Canaan Baptist Family

Canaans Mission Statement An urban Baptist Church which serves as a vanguard of liberation, faith and empowerment through our Christian witness. Canaans mission is to do ministry for the Master through the five-fold ministries of Discipleship, Fellowship, Service, Worship and Evangelism. Acts 2:42-47 Canaans Core Values Congregational Intimacy (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Salvation For The Lost (St. John 3:16) Applied Christianity (James 2:14-20) Impact the Human Condition (St. Luke 4:18-19)
The Good News of Canaan is a monthly publication created to inform and encourage Canaan friends and family. Material must be submitted before the 15th of the month preceding each issue.

The C.L. Kirksey Prison Ministry would like to extend our thanks to every member who gave books during our November book drive. The books were separated and provided to two facilities the Ferris School for Boys and the Jane E. Mitchell Forensic. To God Be the Glory and thank you for supporting our young men and women behind bars.

Canaan Baptist Church

Women of Purpose Empowerment Retreat
February 21-23, 2014 Sandy Cove Ministries North East, Maryland
See Ministry Leader Rev. Vickie Gaines or Retreat Coordinators; Rev. Beverly Ritvalsky and Mitzie Hamilton to register / more information.

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Ministry Spotlight
Remembering the little things after all it is what many of us forget as we go about our daily tasks. However, there is one ministry in Canaan whose mission it is to remember the little things, and ensure that they are never forgotten. The Philippians Ministry of Canaan, originally started by Connie Cabble and now led by Deacon Pat Reed, devotes time to ensuring that our Pastor never needs to worry about certain tasks that are not always visible to all, yet impactful to the flow of Canaan. After a closer review, it appears that the Philippians ministry cares for even more than just little things. This ministries purpose is to assist our Pastor with minor tasks that take time away from his feeding of the flock. What happens when a guest pastor comes to town? When holidays and anniversaries arise, who is there to remember for the members of the church? Who sends those little envelopes in December should I want to make a donation? The answerthe Philippians Ministry. This group of dedicated saints makes it a goal to ensure that the church is informed of small holidays such as Pastors birthday and anniversary with the First Lady and other occasions which are not always printed in our annual calendars. The ministry takes as one part of their scriptural guidance the word from Philippians 2:3: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. As this ministry does for our Pastor, let us also do in our daily tasks - remembering the little things and ensure that no small thing goes unnoticed/undone.

Philippians Ministry

State of the Church - continued from page 1

GN: In comparison with this year's goals to last year goals, what must occur for Canaan's success? PB: In comparing this year's goals with last year goals, there must be a 100% buy in from the church's leadership ministries. We must raise the level of enthusiasm and jubilation about what God is doing in the life of the church. Also, we should continue to support the vision as stewards, specifically with our time, a sense of duty and delight. GN: What significant changes were made within the church during 2013? PB: There were no significant changes within the church during 2013. GN: What decisions are being made as a result of growth within the church during 2013? PB: With respect to growth within the church in 2013, we are still aggressively planning for the Phase 2 building of the fellowship hall, kitchen and additional space for Christian Education and staff to do more ministry. Each day, there are interactions behind the scenes between contractors, project managers, committees, and other pertinent people involved in the building campaign's progression. We are making progress! In addition, the outstanding work of Deacon Earl Green, Mike Stallings, their committees, and subcommittees should be commended and applauded for their dedication and commitment.

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Join us each Sunday at 9:30am 10:45am for empowering Sunday school lessons

If Not Now, When..

Know The Bible

Keep Learning

How many shekels of silver did Abraham pay to purchase the field of Machpelah? What was the first question that God asked and who did he ask it of? How many times is He that hath an ear in the book of Revelation? Which of these events occurred first?
A. B. C. D. God makes the seventh day a day of rest Eve is created Adam partakes of the forbidden fruit God gives Adam dominion over animals

Do you frequently find youre feeling hurried, stressed and just a little bit out of control? Do you feel that you rarely get to do the things that you want to do, in the timeframe that you want and the way that you want? If you answered yes to either of these questions, the issue may be that you are not managing your time in the way that works best for you. There are some tried and true principles of time management that when applied consistently, have proven to eliminate stress and create opportunities for greater productivity Tip #1 Have a Plan for Your Day. Planning your day can help you to accomplish more and help you feel more in control of your life. Create a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top of that list. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes. A to-do list doesnt have to be elaborate or complicated. Keep it simple, but do it. It gives you a snapshot of what you really must get done. Checking items off of the list offers a super feeling of progress and helps you feel even more in control. Give it a try. Look for another time management tip next month!

Your answers should also include the scripture where the correct answer is found. Have fun! The answers will be published in next months newsletter.

Christian Chuckle A dad was listening to his child say his prayer the child began to pray; "Dear Harold". At this, the dad interrupted and said, "Wait a minute. How come you called God, Harold"? The little boy looked up and said, "Thats what they call him in church. You know the prayer we say, "Our Father, who are in Heaven, Harold be Thy name."

Our favorite attitude should be gratitude

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State of the Church - continued from page 3

GN: What do you foresee as a challenge among the congregation in the new year? PB: As Pastor, I request the Church to continually support and remain patient with the progress of Phase 2 Capital Campaign that is forthcoming. Progress is being made. Secondly, I ask the Church to remain focused. We must resist outside forces such as idolatry, greed, and man's inhumanity towards man that work against the Church of Jesus Christ in and around the nation. With chaos and sin cultures seeping into the life of the local church, the spiritual balance starts to erode. The erosion will cause a manifestation of cliques, divisional situations and rampant competition within the church. This prevalent trend among churches today seems to cause many church pastors to either not recognize the issues or intentionally not call it for what it is, for the sake of the church. Historically, this was the challenge and problem in the early Corinthian church. GN: As the appointed shepherd of this great church, summarize Canaan's vision. PB: Our vision has not changed. The implementation continues through the maturation of the ministries. Whereas, when the vision was written, we had less than 20 ministries in the church. Now, there are over 40 ministries thriving with active and committed members today. This speaks to the vision being relevant, blessed by God and Holy Spirit driven. The challenge today is remaining relevant in connecting the vision, so that it doesn't become routine, ritual, stale or cold. This is due to the fact that the enemy of the church is formalism. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to keep the vision alive and hot at all times. This vision is continually unfolding and will never be something Canaan arrives at - it's a journey. GN: What words of encouragement can you give to the church for the new year? PB: The words of encouragement I give to Canaan are to remain committed and devoted to Jesus Christ through worship, witness and supporting the work of His church. Let's remain concerned about saving souls for Christ and transforming hurting communities through the power of a social gospel. When the people of God take care of God's business, God will take care of their business! Also, a Holy Spirit led leadership as demonstrated in the book of Acts will produce a strong church. Canaan's strength is dependent upon relevant leadership producing relevant ministries. As a result, the preeminence of love for God and the love for one another will undoubtedly continue to be the driving force for Canaan in the years to come. Stay Strong! Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock, Senior Pastor

No matter what- if you can conceive it, if you believe it, then you can achieve it.

CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH

3011 New Castle Avenue - New Castle, DE 19720 - 302-654-8818 Office Hours: 9 a.m. 4 p.m. (Offices Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays) Fax: 302-654-8819

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please note that all requests for announcements to be displayed on the sanctuary screens and outer sanctuary monitors must be submitted using the approved form for approval by the Monday prior. Additionally, all announcements requested to be placed in the monthly newsletter must be submitted for approval by the 15th of the month preceding each issue. Please call the church for further information.

WOMENS MINISTRY RETREAT

Canaan Baptist Church Womens Ministry invites all women to their Women of Purpose Empowerment Retreat - February 21-23, 2014 at Sandy Cove Ministries in North East, Maryland. See ministry leader Rev. Vickie Gaines, or retreat coordinators Rev. Beverly Ritvalsky or Sis. Mitzie Hamilton to register or for more information. You dont want to miss this great fellowship opportunity!

ALTAR FLOWERS
Any individual who is interested in beautifying our church sanctuary and would like to place flowers on the altar to commemorate an occasion or just because, please contact Sister Jane Baylor at 302-834-7678.

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS

The 2013 Annual Contribution Statements will be made available upon request. To request your annual statement, please obtain a Contribution Statement Form from the Information Panel at either side of the lobby. Forms will be available from January 2nd through January 20, 2014.

SAVE THE DATE

Canaans Youth and College Connections ministry will host their Inaugural Scholarship Ball at the Cavalier Country Club on April 4, 2014. Attire will be semi-formal to formal. So- dust off those suits and party dresses and come dressed to impress! See any member of the Youth and College Connection Ministry for additional details.

A STUDY ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Come out each Wednesday night for an intensive study of the book of Revelation by Pastor Bullock at 6 pm.

MARRIAGE MINISTRY MEETING

The Marriage (CLEAVE) Ministry will meet on Friday, January 31, 2014 from 7 pm8:15 pm here at Canaan.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PASTOR

Wishing our Pastor a Very Happy Birthday January 7, 2014.

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