Congregation,
      In February of this year I felt led to begin a series of Saturday night worship services entitled “Pursuing The Heart Of God”.  The impact was immediate.  I could feel momentum, passion and enthusiasm.  As we witnessed revival sweeping our nation, our goal was to pursue the heart of God and not be left out of the move of God in our nation.  We want to be a part!  
      Then, suddenly, the atmosphere seemed to change.  The momentum died and it seemed we were traveling up hill all the time.  I have spent several weeks of sleepless nights and uneasiness.   I couldn’t quite figure out what was happening!
       Early this morning as I was praying I heard a clear message in my spirit:
”Don’t be surprised that the forces of evil fight back when you move forward for God.    But, be at rest and peace, breakthrough is coming!”.
     So, this is the encouraging word I share with you.  Be at rest and peace, breakthrough is coming!
     See you tomorrow at 10:00 AM.  Breakthrough is coming!
​-Pastor Jeff Carico
      
       

      The title of my Sunday sermon will be “The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same”.   It may surprise you how relevant the Bible is to life in 2023!   This will be an exciting study, I hope you will join me!
​-Pastor Carico  

     I invite you to join us this Sunday for Mother’s Day Celebration 2023!  Many activities are planned to honor  and celebrate our mothers.  Join us as we look into God’s word and discover Biblical truths about motherhood.    What is motherhood?  Why is motherhood important?  Why are there no other options?  Wow!  This is going to be exciting!  See you Sunday at 10:00 AM!
Special Activities:
-Honoring and special prayer for all mothers
-Honoring and remembrance of mothers who have passed away
-A gift for each mother
-A special video greeting for mothers
-Special recognition for years of service
-Photo booth for families

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​“Pursuing The Heart Of God” Worship Service
Saturday, May 6
6:00 PM

      Who are all of those people Paul mentioned in the last chapter of the book of Romans?  Have you ever asked yourself that question?  Paul calls by name at least 30 different people as he closes his letter to the church at Rome.  Who were they?
       My Sunday sermon will be “Paul Knew Them By Name”.  I have greatly enjoyed researching and preparing this sermon, and I believe you will enjoy it also!  Most of the people mentioned by Paul will not be remembered in history.  Their name has been forgotten, but Paul knew their name, and so did God.   As a matter of fact, God still knows their name!  What they did for Christ will never be forgotten.  They have received their reward, and so will you!
        I hope you can join us Sunday morning at 10:00 AM.  I’ll be looking for you!
-Pastor Jeff Carico
-In House Sanctuary Worship
-Facebook and YouTube
-Infant Nursery and  Children’s Church

     In approximately 57 AD Paul wrote a letter to the Christian believers in Rome.  It was a letter of explanation, hope, and encouragement.  While staying in the city of Corinth, Paul dictated this letter to his associate, Tertius.   Phoebe, a lady whom Paul described as a servant or deaconess,  delivered the letter.    The Holy Spirit has preserved this letter so that future generations of believers can continue to be encouraged, informed, and given hope.  We know this letter as “The Book of Romans” in the New Testament of the Bible.
      My Sunday sermon will center on the theme of Paul’s letter to the Roman believers:  “Salvation Comes Through Faith In Jesus Christ”.    I believe the Book of Romans is one of the foundational writings of Paul, and has become one of the building blocks of Christian theology in the New Testament.
        I hope to present this letter of Paul just as he intended it to be:  informative, encouraging and hopeful.   I ask that you and your family join me this Sunday at 10:00 AM.  I will look to see you there!
-Pastor Jeff Carico
      -In Person Sanctuary Worship
      -Facebook, YouTube, Church Website
      -Infant Nursery and Children’s Church



  
       

      This Sunday the theme of my Sunday sermon is “Taking Off The Mask”.   Sometimes we try to hide our vulnerabilities by wearing a mask.  We are afraid for people to really know us or see us as we are.
       It is a great comfort to know that we can take our mask off with God.  God loves us and has prepared a way for us.  If we will humbly and submissively come to him we will find the grace, love and mercy of God.  
      Listen to what Jesus said:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””
‭‭Matthew 11:28-30
        I look forward to sharing with you the Word of God this Sunday at 10:00 AM.
God bless,
​Pastor Carico

Walking With Jesus - Friday
      Having been arrested, Jesus suffers a shameful series of trials.  The trials were a mockery of justice.   Jesus is beaten, humiliated, given a crown of thorns, and eventually sentenced to death.   The Son of God  finished his purpose on earth.   Jesus became the sacrificial lamb of Passover.
      You are invited to join us tonight at First Assembly of God, 7:00 PM, Bristol, VA, for Good Friday Worship.  We will remember the amazing sacrifice Jesus gave for mankind.  
      Thankfully, the story does not end here.  There is light at the end of this horrible tunnel.  Remember, Sunday is coming!


       

Walking With Jesus - Thursday
     Today, the drama begins.  The Passover meal, communion, prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, betrayal and  arrest.  With great agony Jesus made the decision, “not my will be done, but yours, Heavenly Father”.   (Matthew, chapter 26).  Jesus began his 15 mile walk from Ephraim to Jerusalem with RESOLVE and PURPOSE.  He was committed to doing the will of the Heavenly Father and fulfilling his purpose in life.    Jesus did not fail in the time of crisis.  He kept his commitment.
       Jesus came to earth so that he might die on the cross of Calvary.   He provide for us his grace and mercy, and give us the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins.  Jesus never failed in any way.  He kept all his commitments with perfect resolve.  But none of us can make that claim.  We all have failed, many times, in many ways.  Thank you, Jesus, for Calvary, for your love and mercy.  Because of you I am saved!  I accept your sacrifice for my sins. I confess you as my Lord and Savior.  Amen.  

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭