Northeast Fellowship of Independent Baptist Churches

https://www.gofundme.com/f/sam-mcallister-memorial-fund

Thank you for praying. Pastor Sam McAllister peacefully passed into the presence of the Lord he loved and served this morning. Psalm 73:23-24 I am continually with you; you have held me by my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel and afterward receive me to glory.... From Alaina: My precious Sam came home on hospice yesterday and was all smiles to be home with the kids and me. He and I were up through the night together talking here and there, having tea, and sitting together in his bed. This morning he exhaled and he met Jesus a little after 8. He went so peacefully. Our hearts are broken to lose him. He was such a gift; he was our world. Pray for my sweet kiddos

Please join in prayer for Pastor Sam & Alaina McAllister (FBC Pavilion) as they walk the valley of shadows. Alaina shared this last night: Sam went on hospice today. His infection seems to be ramping up and there isn't anything to be done at this point other than make him comfortable... he is hoping to come home on hospice. These smiles are for the photo... ... we have a lot of tears. Underneath are the everlasting arms.

In a first for Northeast Fellowship, the event Marriage Refresh came to Western New York! The fellowship hosts an annual marriage retreat, usually between Christmas and New Year's Day in central New York. This year, a May 7-8 event was added to the calendar for our WNY friends. Bethany Camp hosted as couples came together around the theme "(Not So) Secrets of Marriage. 9 couples shared important, yet obvious truths (termed "Duh!" and "No Duh!" truths about marriage), providi...ng motivation from Scripture and illustration from real-life marriage experiences. Friday Night: Opening speaker Mike Paris immediately rechristened the event "Marriage Camp" and set the groundwork with the theme "Happily Ever After Takes Work". Kevin and Julianna Leary, parents of 10, addressed the topic, "Never Let Your Children (or Any Other Blessing) Come Before Your Marriage". Frank and Karen Snyder shared the powerful story of God's work in their marriage and salvation. Saturday Morning: Recently retired detective Jim Woodward and wife Chris offered key insights on "Making Marriage Work When Life is Not Routine", describing their commitment to the Lord and each other amidst the unpredictable schedule of a career in law enforcement, concluding by renaming their theme "Making Marriage Work Because Life is Not Routine". John and Robin Proios delivered the theme "Learn to Put Up with His/Her Quirks! He/She's Learned to Put Up with Yours! Celebrate the Differences." They shared the story of their lengthy wait to meet and marry, plus experiences as missionaries on the Amazon River in Brazil. Mark and Cindi Massaro highlighted "The Need for Mercy and Grace in Marriage" with truths from I Timothy 1:12-17 and meaningful illustrations from their life. Saturday Midday: Lunch included a fun time of questions, resulting in answers ranging from the quick and humorous to the deep and reflective. Saturday Afternoon: Jim Vogel shared an overview of exciting events coming soon: Deacon Forum (Level 1 on May 15), Level 2 on June 5), Sight & Sound trip (June 15), Women's Renew (September 24-25), and our Fall Conference (October 25-26). Dan and Kelly Prewitt, pastor and wife of the church with the largest attendance, recounted God's goodness to them through the presentation "Facing Storms Together". David and Ingrid Semans presented the angle "Mixing Ministry and Marriage (How Serving Together Can Actually Strengthen Marriage)", which is quite literally the story of their marriage. Brian and Judy King drew attention to the principle "Keep Christ First". Additionally, the camp provided the relaxing background of warm fires and delicious food, plus the fun of activities including zipline, paintball, hiking, and hatchet and tomahawk throwing. Hey Western New York - Let's do this again!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Check out these two new events for couples if you're ready for some fresh inspiration for your marriage. https://conta.cc/2Ny23Oj

Northeast Fellowship fondly remembers Pastor Maynard Stevens, who recently went to be with the Lord, at the age of 90. Grateful for his faithful service, friendly spirit, enthusiastic ministry, support of our fellowship, and the list goes on. And his testimony goes on! https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/the-leader/obituary.aspx

Please join in praying for Pastor Jim Saunders who served as the Revitalization pastor in Belfast for one year recently. His wife shared this around 3pm: Prayers needed for Jim! He is in the hospital with Covid and pneumonia. We were both diagnosed positive end of Dec. but yesterday his fever was over 106 degrees, I sent him by ambulance and he is still in the ER waiting for a bed.

Registration is now OPEN to see Sight & Sound's "Queen Esther" on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 with your the Northeast Fellowship. Jim & Jeannie Vogel once again lead this popular trip by chartered bus. Only $160 for the show, mid-day meal at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, and first class transportation. Visit nfibc.org/events/trips for all the details. Only 1 busload going, so book early!