Yes, there has been a recession, a downturn, lost jobs, reduced income, a major blip in our economy but REJOICE we are surviving and under God all things are possible.

Yes, we will emerge from this doom and gloom period and we will still have all of the above.  Thanks be to God and the faithful givers of time, energy, and financial support of the members and friends of First Baptist Church of Malden, Massachusetts - that friendly church in the square.

Our annual "Ingathering" is Sunday, November 22.  Yes, let's all "Gather In" our Sanctuary to donate pledges for our church support, food for our hungry neighbors and a commitment to better share our time, talent and resources with God in 2010.

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

(Author unknown, Church bulletin Bit # 1, Baker Books, 1976)

Yours in Christ,

Mark Foxon