What's New

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS and PRAYER INFO
Check the Activities page and Prayer Concerns page for weekly updates.

8/15/10   VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL COMPLETED
Children Pre-K through Grade 6 enjoyed another morning program at the church this past week, Aug. 9 to 13, followed by a closing program and more food on Sunday afternoon.

6/20/10   SUMMER SERIES
The summer messages are taking us through the liberating good news of the epistle to the Galatians, the very heart of the Gospel. Then, we come back in the evening to go deeper into the word with a further exploration and interaction with the text.

6/16/10   SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
The assembly received two new members, and said goodbye to another past members. The members also accepted the new 2010-11 fiscal budget.

6/7/10   SENIOR PASTOR'S SABBATICAL
Pastor Steve is on a 3-month sabbatical this summer, until Sept. 8. The Asst. Pastor is covering all duties.

5/2/10   FAMILY MUSIC NIGHT
We enjoyed another evening of presentations by our own members, their families, and the Pioneer Club children during the Evening Study time (6 pm.) on May 2 -- including a potluck-style meal down in Fellowship Hall in the afternoon.

4/25/10   BAPTISMS
We were privileged to witness two more baptisms of those who have declared their new life in Christ at the April 25 morning worship service.

4/15/10   SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
The assembly received two new members, but also sadly authorized the removal of 5 past members. Pastor Steve also outlined opportunities coming up for the rest of the spring and summer.

3/8/10   2010 MEXICO MISSION TRIP
Pastor Steve and the Team from our church returned safely from Juarez, Mexico after another week of building a home for a needy, church-sponsored family with Casas por Christo. The Team reported and showed pictures during our Evening Study time on March 7.

2/3/10   HAITI RELIEF
Pastor Joel Demosthene of the Haitian Baptist Church of Lynn plans to put together a mission trip to provide relief in his home country, as well as begin partnering with long-term agencies and churches already there. Donations can be sent to: Haiti Relief 2010, 84 Essex Street, Lynn MA 01902 -- or by contacting them directly at (781) 598-3480 or at hbclyn@yahoo.com.

1/30/10   HAITIAN MEMORIAL SERVICE
Our congregation was invited to take part and show support at a Memorial Service for Pastor Joel Demosthene's mother -- along with other relatives of members lost in the quake -- held at the Washington Street Baptist Church in Lynn on Sat. morning, Jan. 30. Pastor Steve preached.

1/15/10   YOUTH GROUP RETREAT
Our new youth leaders took the teens up to Shiloh in Jefferson, NH, for a fun weekend of activities and study together.

12/20/09   SNOW CANCELLATION
Pastor Steve postponed morning worship in favor of a Sunday afternoon service. No Evening Study or Youth Group Christmas Party.

11/15/09   THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
Our church family enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship at the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Sun. afternoon, Nov. 15. This was followed by a very special 10th Anniversary program for Pastor Steve upstairs afterwards, at which we heard many testimonials and witnessed media and award presentations.

10/18/09   YOUTH GROUP RESUMES
Teens were invited to come back out in Sun. evening to meet the new youth leaders in the Cambodian Sanctuary. The program will continue to run throughout the year.

9/16/09   ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Our assembly members accepted the Annual Report and confirmed corporation officers and counters for the new year. Pastor Steve also shared some possible, future ministry avenues to aim for.

8/16/09   VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL COMPLETED
Children Pre-K through Grade 6 enjoyed a morning (8:30 to 11:30 am.) program at the church the week of Aug. 10 to 14. We kicked things off the previous Sat. with a cookout and block party in our parking lot, and closed off VBS with a closing program the following Sunday afternoon, with 100 folks out to see the kids and enjoy a pizza party afterwards.

7/12/09   CAMP SHILOH WEEK
Pastor Steve took our teens up to their camp experience for the week at Shiloh in Jefferson, NH.

7/4/09   WEDDING
Pastor Steve celebrated the marriage of his daughter, Andrea, to Nicholas Lutzo, in a ceremony up at their old home church in Merrimack, NH.

6/22/09   MINI-MISSIONS CONFERENCE
On Sunday afternoon, June 21, we welcomed back the Caldwell family, Kimballs, Lawrence Tucker and his two children, and the Bisbee clan to share reports of their recent missionary work, as well as to fellowship with us and get reacquainted. We enjoyed food prepared by our Cambodian congregation and an Ice Cream Social, before taking part in their presentations during our Evening Study time.

6/17/09   ANNUAL BUDGET APPROVED AT SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
The proposed 2009-10 budget was approved at our last business meeting, as well as money transferred into our Capital Improvement Fund to provide a buffer for any emergency projects.

4/29/09   3 NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED AT SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
The Assembly voted to accept three new members at our recent Business Meeting on April 29, as well as to transfer funds into the maintenance line item on our Annual Budget.

4/12/09   EASTER SERVICES
Our congregation thoroughly enjoyed the extra opportunities we had to worship with our Austin Square Cambodian Church and the Haitian Baptist Church of Lynn at our Good Friday and Easter Sunrise services. We also added a breakfast between morning services on Easter, and closed off by showing the 2nd part of the movie, The Gospel of John, in the evening.

2/20/09   MEXICO MISSION TRIP
Pastor Steve the Team from our church returned safely from their latest trip down to Juarez, Mexico, where they built another home for a needy, church-sponsored family. They showed a presentation of their experiences at the Evening Study on March 8.

11/19/08   SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
The assembly voted unanimously to confirm Michael DeAngelis as a new Elder (pastor) of Austin Square Baptist Church.

11/16/08   THANKSGIVING DINNER AND 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Our Kitchen Team provided a full holiday dinner for our families on Sunday afternoon. This was followed by a celebration service in the sanctuary where David Carpenter showed his DVD video presentation of the history of our church and the new building addition 20 years ago. He then distributed Commemorative Booklets with photos and more history to our members.

10/22/08   SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
We welcomed five new members to the assembly, voted in our corporation officers and tellers, and selected a new nominating committee for the coming year. The Elders also nominated Michael DeAngelis for the position of Elder. Members were encouraged to read through his Doctrinal Statement and come prepared to vote at the next Business Meeting (see above).

10/4/08   CHURCH WEDDING
Brian Edwards and Mary Coleman married in a ceremony at the church on Oct. 4.

9/17/08   NEW DEACON
Nick Lozzi was voted in as a new Deacon of Austin Square Baptist Church at the Annual Meeting on Sept. 17. The members also approved other reports and hear updates on recent facility projects.

9/3/08   NORTH SHORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PRE-K PROGRAM INSTALLED
NSCS has begun holding classes in our education wing, hosting 20 young children. The pastors will provide a chapel experience for them mid-week.

9/3/08   NEW BASEMENT FLOOR FINISHED
The refinishing on the floor down in Fellowship Hall is now complete, and we hope to make great use of it in the future, beginning with the North Shore Christian School Pre-K program that is already in the building. We are, however, being careful not to scuff or scrape the fresh surface for the next few weeks, until it more fully hardens and heals.

8/16/08   2008 VBS COMPLETED
An average of 55 kids came out each morning for our Vacation Bible School outreach this summer, Aug. 11 to 15. We also hosted our families and neighbors at a cookout the previous Sat., and then ended the week with a Closing Program on Sun. afternoon, Aug. 17, with an opportunity for the children to demonstrate what they learned and sing with us for their families, and another picnic-style meal. We continue to pray that each one of these young ones will come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.

6/25/08   PLAN FOR OUTREACH
We are hoping to continue our impact on the community and city of Lynn through the continuing ESL tutoring this summer as well as a fresh session in the fall, as well as our Vacation Bible School outreach this summer in mid-Aug. Our prayer is that these programs will lead to greater interaction with families who are invited to join us this fall for Sunday School and the other youth activities. Finally, North Shore Christian School is working to begin a pilot Pre-K class at the church this fall, which should allow us to encourage even more new families.

5/28/08   ESL SPRING SESSION COMPLETED
The 10-week session of ESL (English as a Second Language) wrapped up on May 28, with over 20 learners completing their initial program. One on one mentoring will take place throughout the summer on Wed. nights (June 25 to Aug. 27). This has been a great opportunity not only to work with many in our sister congregations (Cambodian, Spanish, Haitian), but also with our neighbors throughout the the city of Lynn to encourage them also to seek the Lord.

5/2/08   JOINT CELEBRATION SERVICE WITH THE HAITIAN BAPTIST CHURCH OF LYNN
We will gather this Sun. Evening, May 4, to enter into worship together with our Haitian brothers and sisters as we focus on the ascension of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Both pastors will preach, and the Haitian Baptist Church Choir and their standout soloist, Pierre Gardy Fontaine, will bring musical presentations.

4/26/08   HOMEGOING OF ETHEL SMITH
Our dear sister and longest member, Ethel Smith, finally went home to be with the Lord at the end of March up in Maine, after 103 years enjoying the gift of life. Her memorial service was held at Austin Square on Sat. morning, April 26., followed by a collation put on by the church.

2/22/08   TEAM MEXICO SHORT-TERM MISSIONS TRIP
Pastor Steve led a team of 20 back to Juarez for a week to build a home for a needy family with Casas por Christo. They returned home safely on Fri. evening (Feb. 22). Thank God for his protection and care of the Team, as well as the success of their project. They later gave their report and slide snow, with a time of food and fellowship with all who supported on Sun. Evening, March 9.

2/12/08   HOMEGOING OF BOB DEVOST
Bob Devost went home to be with the Lord on Wed. evening, Jan. 30. The funeral was held at Austin Square the following Sat. -- with a collation downstairs following. Our prayers remain with Janet and the family. The graveside service was Mon., Feb. 11 at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn.

1/20/08   FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
We watched the film, Amazing Grace, as a church during our Sun. Evening Study time. This is the inspiring story of William Wilberforce, the British politician and Evangelical Christian who worked tirelessly to end the slave trade and to reform his country's morals. 

1/11/08   WEDDING
Jessica Malo married George Awad in a ceremony on Friday, Jan. 11. We praise the Lord that He brought these two believers together to share their lives.

11/7/07   SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING REPORT
The assembly welcomed nine new people into membership. We also announced an upcoming change in staff.

10/14/07   CHURCH WEDDING
Carolyn Crispin wed Bill Hanley in a ceremony following Sunday morning worship on Oct. 14. A lunch reception for all was then held downstairs. The couple will be living at his home in Lynn.

10/9/07   BAPTISMS
We were privileged to witness two more baptisms of those who have declared their new life in Christ at the October 7 morning worship service.

9/13/07   ANNUAL MEETING REPORT
The membership approved the Annual Reports and  confirmed officers for the new year. Money was also added to the Maintenance budget to cover the installation of new windows in the old (Cambodian) building.

8/19/07   VBS AND BLOCK PARTIES
Our church and the Cambodian congregation invited the neighborhood to two outdoor block party cookouts in the parking lot this summer, with lots of food, games and music: first on June 30, and the second on Sat.,  Aug. 11, before VBS itself, Aug. 13-17. We wrapped up with a closing program the following Sunday Evening.

8/3/07   SENIOR PASTOR'S VACATION
Pastor Steven Wilfert was away the three weeks in July, and then for another for a camp week with the younger kids up to Shiloh in NH. During the vacation time, we welcomed Prof. Grady Spires back to preach to us (July 22).

6/17/07   SUNDAY SCHOOL CLOSING PROGRAM
Before worship, the children participated in presentations to demonstrate what they have learned this past year. Sunday School is now on break for the summer; all our other youth programs have already wrapped up.

6/13/07   SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
Members approved the new Annual Budget that goes into effect on July 1.

5/28/07   BAPTISM
We witnessed another baptism at the May 27 morning worship service.

4/8/07   EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE
We kicked off the day by celebrating Resurrection Sunday with the Haitian Baptist Church of Lynn at an early morning worship time and breakfast.

3/18/07   SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
We welcomed two new members into fellowship, and updated our Annual Budget.

3/3/07   MOVIE NIGHT
We went as a church to view the stirring new film, Amazing Grace, at the movie theater on March 2. Check out the official web site for more background materials and resources, and to learn more about the life and work of William Wilberforce.

2/25/07   SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIP
Pastor Steve led a Team of 24 back to Juarez -- from Feb. 16 to 22 -- to build a home for a needy family with Casas por Christo. This year, members also presented a mini-VBS for local children. They have returned safely and reported on Sunday Evening, March 11. We praise our God for success of the mission.

1/8/07   MISSIONS SUNDAY
On January 28, we hosted three of our missionaries who taught Sunday School, joined us in worship, and reported at an afternoon seminar. A team from the church visited a mosque the following Friday, led by one of our own missionaries.

11/29/06   SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
The assembly welcomed eight new members into fellowship.

11/26/06   BAPTISM
We witnessed the immersion of another believer during Sunday morning worship on Nov. 26. 

11/23/06   JOINT THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
We shared a great time of praise and fellowship in a multi-cultural celebration on Thanksgiving Eve, Wed., Nov. 22, where we were joined by our own Cambodian Congregation as well as the Spanish Speaking Mies Ministries Group, and then the Haitian Baptist Church of Lynn, with Pastor Joel Demosthenes preaching. Each group, including Liberian representatives from our own congregation, took turns in singing and testifying of God's faithfulness, as we pictured the grace of God reaches to all nations and makes us one family in Christ.

11/19/06   BAPTISMS
We witnessed the immersion of three believers who publicly testified of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at morning worship on Nov. 19. 

10/8/06   GUEST PREACHER
Nathan Opsata joined us for Sunday morning worship to bring the message, and introduced us to Jaynie as his new wife (May 2006). It was a great time reuniting and catching up with the young couple. 

10/1/06   NEW EVENING STUDY SERIES
Senior Pastor Wilfert presented a series on the New Perspective on Paul and its implications for our understanding of grace and the doctrine of Justification, through early November. This challenge to the historic Reformed doctrines has already infiltrated our seminaries and commentaries. 

9/13/06   ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING REPORT
The assembled members accepted the 2005-6 Annual Report and voted in new officers and counters for this year. We also welcomed four new members and noted the addition of a new delegate to the Women's Service Board. The membership approved the invitation to the Spanish-speaking Mies Ministry church plant to make use of our building Sat. nights and Sunday afternoons.

7/20/06   BACK YARD BIBLE CLUBS COMPLETED
This summer, in place of our usual Vacation Bible School Program, the high school choir and their leaders from Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL came up to Lynn to to work with us on holding neighborhood clubs at members' homes -- July 17-20, in the mornings. Nearly 120 children joined us at the separate sites throughout the city. Then over 300 -- children and their parents, our neighbors, the Lynn youth groups, and our own church members -- attended the closing Block Party cookout and concert on Thu. evening at the church. We also went out to conduct follow-up visits to the new families we met to invite them back to Sunday School and worship. There are more pictures on our VBS page. You can also check out Dawson Youth web page for the photos of different clubs and their experience in Boston.

7/9/06   BAPTISM
We had the privilege of witnessing another baptism during the morning service on July 9. We thank the Lord for drawing more worshippers to himself.

6/22/06   PASSING OF THELMA FLINT
Thelma Flint finally went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 19, 2006. Our condolences remain with her sister Pat and nephew Tony Schillaci at this time. The Funeral service was at Austin Square, followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, and a reception back at the church.

5/4/06   PASSING OF KAREN HANLEY
We will deeply miss our faithful and fun sister in the Lord, Karen Hanley, who went home to be with the Lord early Thu. morning, May 4.  A Memorial Service was held on Sunday afternoon, May 21, with a reception following.

4/30/06   BAPTISM
We had the privilege of witnessing two baptisms during the morning service on April 30. Praise the Lord!

3/5/06   MEXICO SHORT-TERM CHURCH MISSION TRIP
Once again, Pastor Steve led 17 of our people to Juarez, Mexico for a week, to build a home for a local church-sponsored, needy family. They returned safely Friday, Feb. 24. We continue to pray for the family and other lives they touched while they were there, as well as those who received Gospel packets. The Team gave personal testimonies and a slide presentation of their experiences during the March 5 Evening Study time.

1/11/06   SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING REPORT
We welcomed three new members at the Special Business Meeting on Jan. 11, and also funded the Accompanist position through the remainder of the fiscal year.

12/17/05   PASSING OF NORMAN MCNUTT
Norman McNutt, our long-time member and past Deacon, went home to be with the Lord  on Dec. 13. The funeral was held here at Austin Square Baptist Church, with a lunch reception for the family following.

12/5/05   REFORMED PREACHING SERIES
Pastor Steven Wilfert recently presented a 5-part series on the Doctrines of Grace ž, in response to our members asking for a refresher course in these classic, Reformed doctrines.  The slide presentation and outline files are now available on our Studies page.