What a wonderful time we had in the Lord this week! What a joy to
see Pastor Amy take the first tentative steps of pastoral ministry. In June,
she has giving our invocation, helped serve communion, and given the
benediction and blessing! I trust you continue to pray for Pastor Amy as she
continues her journey towards District License and Ordination. Hers is a
daunting task that can overwhelm new pastors as they consider the work ahead of
them! But God is faithful! Amen!
This was the second week in the new church year that begins June 1
and ends May 31. After our time of discipleship, worship, prayer, and our final
stewardship challenge, we celebrated ‘last year’ during a special community
potluck. What a joy to hear each department celebrate what God has done and ask
for prayer! If you haven’t read an Annual Report, you should!
God’s message to us this week was the final message on Stewardship
and was titled, ‘Seeing the Potential that God Sees’ from Matthew 9:35-38. What
did Jesus see in you when He reached you in His grace? Can you remember? While
everyone saw disaster in my life before Christ, Jesus saw pastor! As we look at
others through the eyes of Christ, we begin to see the potential in everyone!
Where our eyes see a body wrecked by disease, the eyes of Christ see wholeness.
Where we might see a life ruined by sin, the eyes of Christ sees a committed
Christian. As Christ-like stewards we are challenged to see beyond the
immediate and see possibilities!
This passage gives us three points that help us look beyond our
physical eyes and see people and situations as Jesus does. First, Christ-like
eyes see the potential of restoration in v. 35. Jesus went through ALL the
towns and villages, preaching the good news and healing EVERY disease and
sickness. We need to move out in faith believing God really can do the
impossible and will bring about restoration and healing needed for that deeply
sinful family member or addicted loved one.
Second, to see people with Christ-like eyes requires us to use the
right lens to see others and ourselves. Many see hurting people through the
lens of cynicism. The cynic distorts the problems in broken messy people in an
overly negative way.
In v. 36 we find Jesus saw people through the lens of compassion.
When Jesus saw needy people he realized many of them were flawed and
vulnerable. He compared them to sheep utterly lost without a good shepherd. He
was moved by compassion to help them. When Jesus met someone who made bad life
choices he had compassion on them. What lens do you use to see others?
In many, the lens we use to see others is directly correlated with
how we see ourselves. If we want to see people through the eyes of Christ we
need to begin by seeing ourselves as flawed and vulnerable, too. We need to
recognize our own struggles, vulnerability to sin, and need of a shepherd, too.
When we tend to see ourselves as superior and self-righteous (as the Pharisees
did) it is easy to judge others and refuse kindness. But when we see ourselves
clearly, and realize we, too, have made bad choices, we can respond like Jesus
– with compassion.
Finally, we will begin to see people through Christ-like eyes when
we join God in bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to our home – our workplace – our
school. In vv. 37-38 Jesus doesn’t see a hopeless situation, but potential! He
wants to bring life, healing, hope, and victory to many deep in sin, but He
needs us! He declares, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.’
Those who were once broken and far from God are now invited to carry on His
ministry of sharing the good news! As our closing song declared, ‘freely we
have received – let us freely give!’
This week’s Bible study is titled ‘Talking with God’ and teaches
us how to pray. While we try to have our Bible studies completed before we
arrive, we want you to come regardless! If you need one, they are on a table
outside the sanctuary.
Blessings! Pastor
Dan
Hello From Pastor Amy/Your Part-Time Church Secretary
My office hours will be
on Tuesdays from 8am-5pm, but if you need to see me, you may want to call
first. My responsibilities also include preparing our weekly program, so if you
have an event that you would like to put in the program or newsletter, please
feel free to contact me!
On Prayer Requests: If you have a specific praise or prayer request
which you would like to appear in the program and/or newsletter, please make
sure to fill out the tear-off sheet in the weekly program, or contact me at any
time.
Please Update Me! We have a long, ongoing list of prayer requests. Please keep me updated. Requests will be pulled from the newsletter & program after 3 weeks. Thank you!
Church Office:616-459-2773 My Contact Info: 616-514-9521 or amyorban@hotmail.com
NEWS & EVENTS
Leona Atkinson Memorial Donation Thank You
Upon the passing of Leona Atkinson, our longest standing member here at NE Community, we have received generous donations from several of her loved ones in support of our church. Because Leona had a love for missions, your church board has decided to give the $425 to the World Evangelism Fund. A heartfelt thank-you to each one of you for your generous giving!
Ladies
LIFT Continues
Our women’s group
continues to meet on the first and third Thursdays of every month at 4:30pm in
the upstairs of the church outside of the sanctuary. The women meet and share a
time of devotion/Bible study, as well as snacks, good conversation, and
crafts/recipe exchange. If you have not yet attended, you are invited to check
us out! All women need the fellowship of other women, so even if you do not
attend our church we invite you to join us. Bring a friend and come get
refreshed by God’s Word and the company of other women. Questions? Talk to
Irene Pratt.
Next
Meeting Date: June 21
Kids Camp at Indian Lake
Indian Lake offers a camp week for boys and girls from 3rd to 5th grade.
This is an awesome opportunity for our children! Our church is offering
financial assistance if you are interested in sending your child. The
deadline for registration is July 1st, so see Pastor Dan soon. Also, Youth
Camp is also available for grades 6-12. The registration deadline was June 1st,
but you can still register with a late fee!
World Mission Broadcast Offering—June
24th—NEXT Sunday
World Mission Broadcast takes the Gospel to the world through radio,
television and internet programs. On the air since 1951, World Mission
Broadcast (WMB) reaches even the most remote parts of the world, with words of
hope and holiness... and lives are changed. The cost to support one minute of
WMB airtime is $4.00. That's right. $4.00 to air one minute of the Gospel
somewhere in the world. How many minutes will you support this year? We will be
taking an offering next Sunday.
July Cancellations
Because July is a busy month due to summer and events at Indian Lake
Nazarene Camp, we have several dates for you to note changes:
July 4th: Wednesday Family Night cancelled
July 5th: Ladies LIFT cancelled
July 11th: Wednesday Family Night cancelled
Family Camp Week at Indian Lake – You are Invited!
There
is fun, food, and fellowship for everyone this summer at Indian Lake Nazarene
Camp. If you don’t already know this, Pastor Dan and Janie have cabins at
Indian Lake and invite everyone to come down and check it out. Below are a few
events we have planned during
the week of Family Camp.
Sunday 7/8 – 5:30-6:30pm Potluck before the ordination service!
Pastor Dan and Janie will provide hamburgers and hotdogs grilled to near
perfection, lemonade and coffee, and paper plates, napkins, cups, and
silverware. You bring a dish to pass! Then, stay and attend the Ordination
Worship Service at 7:00pm (typically ends at 9:00pm).
Wednesday 7/11 – 8:30-9:30pm Free Ice Cream AFTER the 7:00pm
service. Come to church at 7:00pm and receive a free coupon for ice cream from
Pastor Dan at the Indian Lake Snack Bar when the worship service ends!
Sunday 7/15 – 1:30-3:00pm - Potluck before the final service of Family Camp
Meeting! Pastor Dan and Janie will provide brats and chicken breasts grilled to
near perfection, lemonade and coffee, and paper plates, napkins, cups, and
silverware. You bring a dish to pass! Then, stay for the final worship service
at Camp Meeting at 4:00pm.
If you have questions,
please don’t hesitate to ask Janie or Pastor Dan!
Do
We Have Your Contact Info?
It is once again time for us to update our
directories. If we do not have your contact information, or if there have been
changes, please let us know! You can also receive our newsletter every week via
email. Please email or give your information to Gerry Dawson or Amy Orban.
Outreach Opportunity Coming! June 26th
We are working
with North End Community Ministry to participate in a night of service at their
NECM Supper House. We are inviting ANY WILLING VOLUNTEERS to come to the Supper
House at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on the night of June 26th to
serve dinner and clean up. We believe our service should reach outside of our
church walls, and that Jesus clearly instructed us to feed the hungry. So come
get out of your comfort zone and serve your community! More information and
details to come, but please see Pastor Dan to join us this effort!
Children’s Program
In addition to the weekly Children’s Church we have added
two new programs for our Children!
At 10:00am on Sundays during our Sunday School hour, we now
have a Children’s Reading time.
During this 45 minute period before church we will be reading about
missionaries from the Church of the Nazarene. We have a series of 6 books that
will be read. These books will be read aloud by adults from the church.
Children who attend regularly and listen to all 6 books will be treated to lunch
at Chuckie Cheese! We will complete the readings by the end of May.
On Wednesday nights @ 6:30pm Pat and Shannen Parsaca have
started the Caravan program, which is
a scouting, or kids’ club, type of program. All children grades K – 6 are
welcome!
In Children’s Church we have started a “Children Helping Children” program. This will be part of the semi-annual
Alabaster Offering. Each child will have a box of their own. Every week they
attend Children’s Church a quarter will be added to their box. In addition they
may bring an offering to put in the box. All Alabaster Offerings are used to
buy property and build schools and churches on the mission field. The Children
will be able to march with their boxes on Alabaster box Sundays. We hope to see
your children on Sundays and Wednesdays. If you have any questions please ask Cherry
Pakiela or Gerry Dawson!
Want to help, but not sure
how?
If
you are wondering where to plug in, but are not sure how, we have
opportunities. Current opportunities include a soundboard worker, nursery
helpers, childrens workers, potluck coordinators, visiting our shut-ins, greeters
and ushers, visitor follow-ups, Sunday School teachers, music leaders, people
willing to shovel snow in the winter, and much more. It doesn’t matter how long
you have been attending our church, serving is a great way to honor God and get
to know the people around you! If you sense a call to a specific area or need
some ideas to pray about, please contact Amy Orban or Cherry Pakiela.
Indian
Lake Nazarene Camp – Summer 2012 is coming!
Summer 2012 is
just around the corner! Indian Lake has all kinds of upcoming events, so get
ready. For those of you who don’t know, Indian Lake is a Nazarene campground in
Vicksburg, MI where people from all over our district gather. They have camp
and activities for everyone, including families and children. Pastor Dan and
Janie have two cabins on Indian Lake, and always invite everyone down to visit!
We will be publishing more information on camp week in July and other events as
they become available. Here are a few things so far:
June 18-21: Middle School Camps
June 25-29: High School Camps
June 30-July 1: Family Festival
Weekend, activities, parade, & more.
July 7-14: Convention Week
July 16-20: Boys Camp
July 30-Aug 3: Girls Camp
Note: If you have
a child interested in attending camp, please talk to Pastor Dan or Amy Orban!
We do have people in our church willing to help sponsor children going to camp
even if you cannot afford it! We believe any child should be able to have this
wonderful opportunity.
There are fliers
posted on the bulletin board outside of the sanctuary if you would like more
information, or you can also talk to the experts, Pastor Dan and Janie. You can
also see the camp’s website at www.nazcamp.org
Upcoming Events
June 17 Father’s Day
June 21 Ladies LIFT Meets @ 4:30pm
June 26 NECM Supper House Volunteer Night
June 27 Wednesday Night Dinner @ 5:30pm,
Regular Family Night to Follow
June
30/July1 Family Camp Weekend at Indian
Lake Nazarene Camp
July 4 NO Wednesday Family Night
July 5 NO Ladies LIFT
July 6 First Friday Chinese Lunch @
11:30am, Empire Buffet Alpine
July
7-14 Convention Week at Indian
Lake Nazarene Camp
July 11 NO Wednesday Family Night
Northeast Community Church of the Nazarene
Church - 616.459.2773 Parsonage
- 616.459.0402 Pastor Dan Cell - 616.204.1153
Pastor Amy Orban – 616.514.9521
Other Contact Numbers:
Julie Orban: Weds Night Dinner Coordinator 616-890-5550
Tracy Tamm First Friday Chinese Lunch 616-406-9602
Irene Pratt Ladies LIFT 616-949-4679
Gerry Dawson Sunday School/Children’s Church 616-863-6808
Cherry Pakiela Sunday School/Children’s Church 616-916-7595
Pat & Shannen Parsaca Weds Night Children’s Program 616-272-6021
Theo Orban Weds Night Youth Group 616-890-4045
Larry Branagan Trustee 616-538-8765
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” -C. S. Lewis
Reflections from Pastor Amy
Weekly thoughts, life-lessons, and reflections from a redeemed child of God, a woman,
a mother, a wife, a sinner under the Cross of Jesus Christ, and a Pastor-in-training.
June 12, 2012
I order a medium black coffee at the speaker. My total flashes on the screen in red digital letters. Thank you, please pull ahead. I look up and say hello to the cashier who stands by the open window, typing on the screen of his phone. The cold blast of air conditioning pours out of the window and into the hot humid air, causing the corners of my dollar bills to ruffle. He absentmindedly grabs my money and hands me my change. He does it all with his eyes glued to his cell phone screen and never once looks up.
I buy our meat at the market down the street. I place my packs of meat on the belt and the cashier flicks the switch, moving them down the conveyor belt toward the register. I say hello and he grunts while looking over my head toward something or someone behind me. The register beeps as he slides my selections over the scanner. He looks at the customers behind me, at the clock, at the door. He barks out my total, I slide my card, and he thrusts my receipt at me and gives me the standard “have a nice day”.
We take long walks through our neighborhood. I pass a girl sitting on the front steps of her house. The space between us is less than two yards. She is tapping on the screen of her cell phone. I say “hello, your flowers are beautiful!” And her eyes never leave her cell phone. We meet a woman walking towards us. Little Theo looks up and says HI in his sweet little voice. Her eyes never even flit our way for one second.
How can we be surrounded by so many people so close to us while simultaneously keeping ourselves entirely alone on our own little islands? At times I am so desperate for connection that when I finally get a friendly cashier in the check-out at Meijer I find myself in all kinds of personal and lengthy conversations - about kids, about husbands, about the joys of working in customer service, about life.
Sometimes I really do just want to be kind and ask you how your day is, and would you just please slow down and look at me as another human being here in front of you in this moment? Because I’d really like to know how you are doing and just share this moment together, is that so much to ask?!
Let me be clear – I am guilty of this too. I check my facebook while I wait in line at Wal-Mart. I may occasionally text while in the drive-thru. I cringe to think of how often you could probably catch me distractedly browsing on my cell phone while my husband is talking to me. I am at my worst when my kiddos are clinging to my leg, begging for mommy’s attention, waiting for mommy to detangle herself from the online world. I don’t want to imagine how much I have missed by simply not really seeing the people right in front of me.
It speaks to something deeper than just distraction though. It speaks to our self-centeredness. It speaks to the fact that we are culturally conditioned on a daily basis to think that we don’t need anyone else. It speaks to our own sense of self-importance at the cost of real relationship with the people around us. It speaks to the incredible disconnect of much of the human race from one another. It speaks to our hard hearts, our disbelief, and our disobedience of Jesus’ command to love.
Before I climb on the pedestal and critique the world today and all of these text-messaging face-paging distracted fools who only care about themselves, I should probably remember a few things: 1) I am guilty of it too (see above), 2) There was a time when I didn’t even see this as a problem and 3) God has changed the way I look at people, He has given me a new heart for people that I never have had before.
I want to focus in on #3. Here is a thought on this from the Word of God by the prophet Ezekiel:
“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 11:19
This was God’s promise to restore Israel, and this is God’s promise to restore us, today, here and now. Do you still have a heart of stone? Do you, as Pastor Dan said this week, continue to view the world around you through the lens of cynicism? There are all kinds of reasons we do this – fear, pride, and scars from past hurts. But it mostly boils down to our lack of love for God, without which we cannot possibly hope to love or even notice the people around us. We desperately need the work He does in us, and the work that Jesus already did on the cross.
I am a seed-planter. A small interaction with someone at a store that may only last for a minute may not even seem worth the effort, but I always try to remember that I’m not entitled to see the long-term results of anything I do for God. My role is to try to be obedient to God and take the best care of each moment which He places in front of me. Every small kindness can be used in big ways by God to point someone to the possibility of Christ crucified for them, too. Oh that He would make us aware of all the opportunities we have every day!
The really great thing is that while I might get ignored by the drive-thru attendant, the cashier, and countless others whom I encounter on a daily basis, I don’t have to beg for God’s attention. He knows what I need before I ask, and I do not have to wonder if He heard me because He is trying to play Angry Birds on His tablet while I am talking to Him. He doesn’t have more important things to do, He is not restlessly tapping His fingers, waiting for me to finish so that he can check his email.
My Heavenly Father gives me His full undivided attention, on a deeper level than I am even aware or capable of putting into words. He invites me into His presence to pray and to listen and to rest. He feeds me with His Word and allows me to drink deeply from His goodness until I am refreshed. He sends His Spirit to guide me and teach me. In doing so, he replaces my hard heart of stone with a heart from Himself, and makes it so that I am actually capable of caring about rude people who ignore me.
My natural (cynical) response to people : What is wrong with everyone? People are crazy…
God transforms my heart of stone response into his likeness: How can I be kind to this person?
Oh the things we receive from Him! Isn’t it delightful? All we have to do is ask, come into His presence, and let Him change us.
Lord, this week point out to us opportunities for kindness, opportunities which may make a bigger difference than we will ever know. Lord wake us up and make us aware! Help us be the people who point others to you. Destroy our hearts of stone and put in their place hearts which are receptive to you, to your Word and to your command to love you and love the people around us.
With love, Pastor Amy Orban Phone:616-514-9521 Email: amyorban@hotmail.com
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