For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Our Mission is to follow through
on Jesus' instructions to His disciples...
He said to them,
“Go into all the world
and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Mark 16:15
SHARING GOD'S WORD
WORSHIPING TOGETHER
REACHING OUT
If you need food,
remember the
Ecumenical Food Pantry
at Second Congregational Church
in Newcastle
Open Tuesdays 9 - 11
Start Your Day
Off Right!
Make every effort
to live in peace with all men
and to be holy;
without holiness
no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14
This year's Bible in a year plan presents the Old Testament in chronological order, along with a Psalm or Proverb and a New Testament reading. It is based on 5 daily readings with 2 days for catching up!
1/23 to 1/29 Readings:
Genesis 41-42; Mark 16
Genesis 43-44; Psalm 24; Galatians 1
Genesis 45-46; Psalm 108; Gal. 2
Genesis 47-48; Psalm 25; Gal 3
Genesis 49-50; Galatians 4
God wants us to trust Him and to listen to His voice and then follow. Three steps: trust, listen, follow. So far in Genesis, the chosen ones of God haven’t been very good at these three steps.
Yet God remains faithful. Today’s culture tells us to “follow our heart.” Here is a commentary on this very topic from Christianity Today, by Oyelola.
Follow your heart. “How many times have you heard that one before? Like when you’re asking for advice to make a big decision. Or, while watching cheesy Christmas movies – a frequent activity for me every Christmas season! The guidance to follow your heart is a common message in these movies. I’d never thought much of it until I heard actress (and Christ follower) Candace Cameron Bure share that she won’t say “follow your heart” in her movies anymore because, as the Bible says, the heart can be full of deceit. And because of her platform, she desires to lead people
toward the truth rather than away from it.
But when we’re setting a vision and goals at the beginning of the year (or at any time), our natural default is to check in with our heart, right? To decide what we want the year to look like and pursue our desires.
Though it seems like the normal approach, it only seems that way because it’s the world’s way. It’s the example we’re surrounded with. But that doesn’t mean it’s right in the Kingdom of God.So, if our heart can lead us astray and outside of God’s will, what should we follow? God’s voice.
To follow God’s voice, you first need to hear it.
God speaks to us in many ways, but the foundation for hearing His voice is through His Word and by the power of His Spirit. So, as you set a vision and direction for your 2025, instead of following your heart, I encourage you to follow the voice of God in your life. His plans are so much better!”
https://hespeaksiwrite.com/follow-gods-voice/
Joyfully,
Marilee :)
Info and
Announcements
WORSHIP DOWNSTAIRS
Starting January 4th, we will be worshipping downstairs where it will be warmer and cozier! Remember...the first Sunday of each month will include a fellowship meal after the service. If you are able, we would love to have you bring something to share.
SHORT TERM MISSIONS TRIP
Toby and Sara Shannon have extended an invitation for a short term mission trip. Information is on the small table at the back of the sanctuary.
LETTER FROM "COMPASSION NURTURER"
Thank you again for your loving support as a Compassion Nurturer! Your faithfulness is providing the care moms and babies desperately need. And that is powerfully demonstrating Christ's love.
We're excited to introduce you to some amazing moms in Ethiopia.
At just 18 years old, Zertihun didn’t plan to have a baby. She was planning to go to college. But soon after she learned she was pregnant, the nausea and fatigue took over, and she was forced to drop out of school. Her life was drastically changing before her eyes.
Burkina Faso
For generations, moms like Maria in Burkina Faso have carried babies on their backs using fabric called furungdu. The cloth is a long rectangle that’s securely tied around the mother’s chest. This technique is more than practical — it’s a powerful symbol of a mother’s love.
Togo
Agbessinou, a mother in Togo, shared her powerful story with us, and we couldn’t wait to share it with you. Your support didn’t just change her life — it saved her baby.
Your support is providing the critical prenatal care moms and babies need. But more than just medical care, your support connects moms with staff who love them and pray for them as they enter this beautiful new season of motherhood.
For more details check out: https://www.compassion.com/compassion-nurturers
MISSION ADVOCATE NEEDED
The American Baptist Churches of Maine’s Mission Support Committee is calling on the local churches to identify a Mission Advocate for their local church. A Mission Advocate is a person in your church that is passionate about sharing God’s love and grace, willing to share the stories of mission, and able to inspire your church to participate in mission endeavors.
Three attributes of a Mission Advocate:
- Must be centered in Christ
- Be willing to tell mission stories
- Knows the members of the congregation in a way that they can inspire their love for Christ by participating in mission endeavors.
If you are interested, there will be a training for Mission Advocates on Tuesday, January 27th by ZOOM at 6PM.
The Mission Advocate will help affirm, support, and challenge our congregation in missions. Please pray that God will call someone to meet this need. Who knows? It might be you.
See Pastor Marilee for more information.
HELPING HANDS / HEATING HOMES
Dinner, Auction & Concert
Saturday, February 7th
St. Patrick’s Church, Newcastle
Spaghetti Dinner
at 6PM
Donation $25
Silent Auction
closes at 7PM
Choral Concert
at 7:30PM
Concert Only Donation of $10
Raising Funds for CHIP and ECHP
Seeking
Silent Auction Items and Desserts,
please talk with Marilee
if you can assist.
Marilee Harris, Pastor
Email: Pastor@DBCME.ORG
Phone: 207-504-2393 (Cell)
Phone: 207-563-3587 (Office)
Worship Service: 10:30 AM
Sunday School: 10:00 AM
During the Worship Service,
children can join together
for a Bible lesson and fun!
1st Sunday of Each Month:
Communion and Fellowship Time
Wednesdays: 12 noon - 1 PM
“Bible Women, All Their Words and Why They Matter" by Lindsay Hardin will be the subject of this ongoing study
Meeting At:
4 Bristol Road, Damariscotta
AA Meetings:
Tuesday 6:30 – Beginner’s
Wednesday – 6:30
Thursday – 6:00
Friday – 6:00
Saturday – 6: 00
Welcome to
Damariscotta Baptist Church
We’re so glad that you have stopped by! Our church family is made up of individuals from all walks of life who come together to seek hope, purpose, and community. It’s a place where questions are welcomed, faith is nurtured, and lives are changed through the love of Christ. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, there’s a place for you here.
We join together to worship God, grow together in faith, and share His love with the world. Each week, we gather to celebrate His goodness and reflect on how we can live out His teachings in our daily lives. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or just beginning to explore your faith, you’ll find a welcoming and supportive community here.
We believe in the power of prayer and the transforming love of Christ, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and loved.
Come check us out!
