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THIS SUNDAY
Join us at 10am as we gather to worship the only One who is worthy … Jesus Christ, our Savior!
This Week’s Scripture: Prepare your heart for Sunday’s sermon by reading Exodus 12 and Matthew 26:17-30. Here is an excerpt from these passages:
The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. (Exodus 12:13)
Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:27-28)
Worship Songs: Enjoy listening to and learning a few of this week’s worship songs prior to coming to service by visiting holdenchapel.org/worship.
SPECIAL EVENTS
For more information about Special Events, contact the Main Office.
Spring of Revival Update: Thursday, May 14, 6:00-7:00pm in the Welcome Center. Join Olga for some snacks and an update of all the amazing ways God moved during her last mission trip.
Church Update Meeting: Sunday, May 17, after service. Please join us after church on May 17 for an update from the Search Committee and elders about the next steps in regard to the Senior Pastor transition.
Baptism: Sunday, May 31, during service. If interested in being baptized, please let one of the pastors know.
Baby Blessings: Sunday, June 14, during service. Pastor Tom will be praying blessings over the littlest ones in our church family and their parents. Please let the office or Pastor Tom know if you are interested in participating in the Baby Blessing.
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
For more information about the Young Adult Ministry, contact Pastor Sam.
Young Adult Gathering: Sundays, 4:00-6:00pm in the Community Room. Join us on Sunday afternoons as we connect and dig deeper into what Biblical community looks like.
Mini Golf: Sunday, May 31, after church at Mulligan’s Miniature Golf in Sterling. Please click here to give us an estimated head count.
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Contact the Women’s Ministry team at women@holdenchapel.org for details or for more info about getting involved.
Colors of Comfort Card Ministry: Monday, June 1, 6:00-8:00pm at Debra Shilale’s home. Join Debra and Heather for fellowship, fun, and faith-filled prayer as we make cards to show love, support, and comfort to those who need encouragement. If interested in joining us, please click here then click on the request to join button.
MEN'S MINISTRY
For more information about Men’s Ministry, contact the Main Office.
Summer Basketball: Sundays beginning June 8, 1:00-3:00pm in the gym (entrance near the field). Invite your friends for a little pickup basketball, some godly competition, relationship building, and prayer. Contact Jeff Curtis or Vinny Gilbert for more information.
Men’s Community Breakfast: Saturday, June 6, 8:00am at First Baptist Church of Holden. Breakfast and the Word of God will be served. To ensure appropriate count for food, please sign up at the Connect Desk or contact Bob Hetu.
FMO (For Men Only): FMO is for men who wish to be free from sexual addiction, using Biblically-based materials. If you or someone you know needs help in this area or for more information, contact Bob Hetu at FMO@holdenchapel.org or 508-847-7336.
BIBLE STUDIES
For more information about Bible Studies, contact the Main Office.
Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible Study: Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00am in Balcony Room A and via Zoom led by Tom Banyai and Pastor Gary Hayward.
Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study with Childcare: Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00am in the Welcome Center led by Tanya Legro.
Tuesday Evening Women’s Bible Study: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm in the Small Chapel led by Monique Pappas.
Tuesday Evening Men’s Bible Study: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm in the Welcome Center led by Don DiPietro.
Thursday Morning Women’s Bible Study: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30am in the Welcome Center led by Elizabeth Tienhaara.
Thursday Evening Precept Bible Study (for everyone): Thursdays, 6:30pm via Zoom led by Wendy Stewart. Please Note: Precept will be on a break this week and next and will be returning on May 28.
RightNow Media: Holden Chapel offers an amazing Bible Study resource to everyone: RightNow Media. RightNow Media has studies on different books of the Bible, topical studies, studies for teens, resources for parents, as well as Biblically-based shows for kids. To access this resource, visit holdenchapel.org/rightnow-media then click on the RightNow Media button and sign up for free.
LIFE GROUPS
For more information about Life Groups, contact the Main Office.
For Men and Women: Sunday Afternoons (once per month), led by Jim & Mary Bollivar, Max & Jean Tatis
For Young Adults: Tuesdays, 6:30pm in the Community Room led by Ayden Pappas.
For Men: Wednesdays, 6:30pm in the Welcome Center led by Pastor Tom Curtis.
For Women: Wednesdays, 6:30pm in Balcony Room B, led by Ennette Heaggans.
YOUTH MINISTRY
For more information about Youth Ministry, contact Josh Curtis, Director of Youth Ministry.
Youth Group: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm in the Youth Center. Students in grades 6 thru 12 are invited to join us for games, worship, and small group discussions.
Food Pantry Collection: It is time for the youth group to replenish Holden Chapel's food pantry once again. The list of needs is available at youth group.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
For more information about Children’s Ministry, contact Tanya Legro, Director of Children’s Ministry.
Kids Worship:
- Infants: Pre-K Wing, Room A. We have teams of people available to lovingly care for our littlest ones so parents can fully engage in worship. Check in begins 10 minutes before the worship service begins.
- Toddlers and Preschoolers: Pre-K Wing, Room B. Our toddler and preschool-aged kids have the opportunity to hear Bible stories and play together. Check in begins 10 minutes before the worship service begins.
- Elementary-aged Kids: K-5th in the Community Room. After checking in at the KIDS desk in the lobby, kids begin with their families in the sanctuary to worship God in song and participate in communion. After communion, kids are invited to the front where they will be prayed for then dismissed to their classes where they have the opportunity to dig into God's Word and participate in activities that reinforce what they have learned.
Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School: July 13-17, 9am-12pm at First Baptist Church. Register today for this epic week exploring the nature of God! Space is limited and fills up fast.
PRAYER
Prayer Gatherings:
- Focused prayer for Sunday’s church service: Sundays, 9:00-9:50am in Balcony Room A.
- Joining with Worcester-area churches to pray for revival in our community: Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00am, Balcony Room A and via Zoom.
- Praying for the needs of our church family with our Elders: Third Saturday of each month, 7:00-8:00pm in Balcony Room A and via Zoom (Mtg ID: 6173122567, PW: 123456).
Prayer Requests: If you have a prayer request, we have a team of people who are ready to intercede on your behalf. Submit your prayer request here.
HOLDEN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Since 1994, Holden Christian Academy has provided a Christ-centered community for Preschool through Grade 8 where students are nurtured to reach their God-given potential in a safe, loving environment. By blending strong academics with biblical truth, we partner with families to foster spiritual and intellectual growth through hands-on learning and small class sizes. To learn more about Holden Christian Academy, please visit holdenchristianacademy.org. To book a tour, please email our Admissions Manager, Alison Graham, at agraham@holdenchristianacademy.org.
Now Hiring: Leaders and assistants for our Summer Vacation Program. Preferred applicants for adult leader positions will have experience with classroom management. Applicants for assistant positions will have experience with working with children. We are looking for people who love God, love kids, are able to engage actively with children both indoors and outdoors, and able to work collaboratively with a team to maintain a strong nurturing environment in a Christian community. Read more about our summer program here. Apply online: https://holdenchristianacademy.org/careers/.
MISSIONARY SPOTLIGHT
Ray and Cindy L. (Mission Eurasia): Ray and Cindy train and equip Christian teachers in Ukraine and beyond to disciple the next generation. Christ-centered education is a powerful force for the transformation of individuals and societies. They are excited about a new book that is currently in the works called Everyday Christian Teaching: A Guide to Practicing Faith in the Classroom.
PRAISES: Praise God for His protection of their Ukrainian staff and colleagues, their families, and property. Praise God that the new second level teacher training program was launched successfully last month in an online format.
PRAYER POINTS: Pray for a just end of the war in Ukraine and for traumatized lives to be restored. Pray for a harmonious and fruitful working relationship between their Ukrainian organization, International Alliance for the Development of Christian Education, and its new ministry partner, TeachBeyond.