Monday, July 27, 2015

Northeast Community News – July 27, 2015

Dear Friends and Family! 
What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! It was another ‘twofer.’ Earlier, we gathered for our Sunday morning worship service and then later many came for the Missionary Gathering led by Sherry J. at 4pm followed by food and fellowship! Every once in awhile someone asks me, ‘Do you still enjoy going to church?’ I still respond “Oh Yeah!’ For me, the good news and mission of God is still fresh, uplifting, and powerful! God is still moving in my life and those around me! Growing tired with life? Try growing with Jesus! 
God’s message this week came from Psalms 145:8-21 and was titled, “God’s Outrageous Love.” Out culture is increasingly outraged by the outrageous! From the killing of innocents, to the extremely high prices of gas and food, to the increasing use of vulgar language, to a few activist judges redefining marriage, we feel outraged and declare them outrageous! 
Outrageous comes from two Anglo-French words: ‘utrage’ meaning excess or insult and ‘outre’ meaning ‘from beyond.’ When we find a situation or happening that is excessive or ‘goes beyond the conventional’ we are outraged! While there’s plenty to be outraged about, have you ever realized by definition God’s love is outrageous, too? Think about it, “You see, just at the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:8).
While the Psalms were written before Christ was incarnate, it is important to understand God’s character has never changed! What is God like? David reminds us of God’s response to Moses after the people of Israel had sinned (again). 
“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:8-9). So what is God like? God is filled with grace and compassion; slow to anger and at His core; love! He loves ALL He has made! 
You mean God loves serial killers, child molesters, terrorists, too? Uh-huh. You mean Jesus would forgive James Holmes, Dylan Roof, and that vile man and woman who lives next to me if they asked? Uh-huh! That’s outrageous! Your right! God’s love IS outrageous! 
Some respond to God’s outrageous love by receiving it and growing in grace! Have you? No matter what you’ve done, His grace is available to you! Others are disgusted at the thought God’s grace is available to everyone! Secretly they think some deserve hell! The Pharisees felt this way, too! (see Mk 2:1-17). Truth is we all deserve hell! But in Jesus, outrageous love reached and saved us! Now, let’s share the good news with others! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS AUG. 09
Just a reminder! Our next Northeast Community Potluck is Aug. 09th. So, bring a friend, an enemy, a perfect stranger, and a dish to pass and join us downstairs in the fellowship hall after worship for a time of food, fun, and fellowship! If you would be willing to help set up, serve, or clean up, please call Cherry Pakiela at (616) 916-7595
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH, AUG. 20, (AT HIBACHI GRILL) 
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is at the Hibachi Grill located on Alpine (behind Target). Remember! It’s more than food! It’s a time to share our joys, concerns and even laugh! So grab a friend and come to Hibachi at 11:30! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
DAILY DEVOTIONS – REFLECTING GOD IS AVAILABLE!
“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available free to anyone interested. The devotions provide a brief truth from the Bible every day. Reflecting God also has a section for reading the Bible in a year and praying for our missionaries! 
CAMP MEETING IS OVER… OR IS IT? 
Camp Meeting for 2015 has come to a close. 90% of those who spent the week at Indian Lake will go back home and the once noisy place filled with golf carts, bikes, children’s laughter, teen pranks, and long nights around the campfire reflecting on God will soon be replaced with the sound of relative silence as the camp returns to a population of about 175 people returning to ‘normal life’ at the campground. 
While in some ways, camp is over this year, in other ways it has only begun as what has been learned and revealed spreads across the state of Michigan in 75 churches. We are not exempt from this effect…. God continues to challenge us as we return home! Wish you could have gone to hear the messages? It’s not too late! The District has recorded the messages for anyone to see online (the link is below). Be blessed and be moved!
NAZARENE MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Help Feed the Hungry at Supper House – Thu., Aug. 06th at 5:00PM
Do you realize there are people in Grand Rapids who are hungry? There is more need than you ever and Jesus told us we love and serve Him by caring for those who hunger, are in prison, are thirsty, and those who are sick (see Matt. 25:35-36). Your NMI council is committed to loving God and others in other countries and at home! One way to do this is to partner with North End Community Ministry (NECM), pay for a dinner to feed 150 people, and serve at the ‘Supper House’ located at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Are you willing to help? (we need 10 servers). See Gerry Dawson if you are interested! 
Missionary Books!
NEW Missionary Books are available! There are books designed for children, youth, and adults to learn about missions. Our goal is to have 100 books read and there will be prizes for the first adults, teens, and children who read them! See Sherry our new NMI President! Speaking of books, keep reading about one of our children, Isis! 
MISSIONARY BOOK REPORT BY ISIS (A Child at our church)
Isis is a relatively new comer to our church. She was invited by her friend Savannah and is a voracious reader! In fact, she completed her last Missionary book this week! And so, even though it is summer break, I asked her if she would be willing to do a book report on one of the books she read… guess what? She cheerfully said, ‘Yes!’ This is her report:
By Isis
Book Report about
Tornado Alley
This book was dedicated to Moore, 
Oklahoma residents who battled a tornado
and to the compassionate people throughout 
the United States who decided to help.
First, it was a real tornado but nobody
didn’t know until the teacher told the
student that “this is not a drill it’s a real 
tornado.” Lauren was mad I could tell 
cause the way she said, “ew,”
as the tornado was approaching.
 Justin’s legs felt like rubber 
while Justin was on the floor 
he’s gonna pray. 
Justin said, “Please God, keep us safe
 and make the tornado leave us alone.”
Secondly and lastly two kids were 
lost but now they’re found.
Thank you Isis! What a beautiful reminder that no matter what age we are, we are never too old or too young to pray! And God was faithful! Amen! But your report also reminds us you’re never too old or too young to serve God, too! Bless you for using your God given gifts and passions for the Kingdom of God! May we all follow your example!
What about you, reader? Are you willing to use your gifts for God? The Kingdom of God here at Northeast Community needs song leaders, vocalists, musicians, teachers, and a myriad of other workers. I pray we all learn to say ‘Yes’ as Isis did! God bless you Isis! 
WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY IS HAPPENING! COME BE A PART!
So, something seems to be happening on Wed. night. For several weeks two pre-teens have come and been a part of us. For whatever reason, I think this is just the beginning! Regardless of your age or whatever might be keeping you away, why don’t you come and join us this week at 6:30pm for a time of singing, prayer, and study. Remember, we always end our night with ice cream! Come and be blessed! You’ll be glad you did!
JUST A REMINDER! NO CHILDREN’S CHURCH IN JUL. AND AUG.
Yes, we love your children and agree kids can worship and learn about Jesus better when they can create something with their hands, receive a snack to eat, and move around, but our children's workers are taking vacation, so for the next 2 months the kids are staying in the worship service with us! Bless you for understanding! 
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Remember! Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops are worth cash! While it seems small, it really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Give your labels and box tops to Fran S. and Sherry J. See Fran or Sherry if you have any questions. 
GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER REQUESTS 
Remember, to keep our prayer lists current, we only place requests in the newsletter and bulletin for 3 weeks without an update. If you want to keep your prayer request in the bulletin or newsletter just keep filling out the tear off tabs and keep us informed! 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jul.-Aug.          No Children’s Church in Jul. and Aug.
Aug. 06           N.E.C.M. Supper House at 5:00pm
Aug. 09           Northeast Community Potluck at 12:30pm
Aug. 20           Chinese Lunch at 11:30am

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