We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! This week we gathered at the Lord’s Table as the people of God and received the elements of Communion. The Lord’s Table is a place where everyone who is trusting in Christ for his or her salvation gathers. Regardless of wealth or age or background we all come to the Lord’s Table together on equal footing, humbly taking our place as one unified body remembering, receiving. What a blessing and profound testimony to have Samantha and Madelyn R. assist me this month! God is good!
God’s message this week came from Psalm 78:23-29 and was titled, “Learning From the Past.” Many of us struggled learning history when we were in school. In fact, many of us have made a point to forget as much history as fast as possible once we left school. While I may have been one of them (ok, I was one of them!), it is unfortunate. Winston Churchill has said, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it!” This is true, but it certainly didn’t originate with Churchill! Ps. 78 reminds us this truth originated with God!
Sadly, if you read the O.T. for any length of time you will discover Israel regularly forgot and followed a painful cycle repeatedly. First, they acknowledged, worshipped, learned the Law, and followed God. Life was good and they prospered. Next, for whatever reason, they began to slide. From looking to God, they began to look to self. Oh, they still acknowledged God, but they no longer really followed and served Him.
As you might imagine, it wasn’t a really big step to embrace immoral behavior and sin. They seemingly forgot about God at this point, and began doing whatever felt good, often sinning with abandon. Deep in sin and acting like the heathens they were, God often punished them and in their misery they turned to Him, repented, and were restored. You may wonder why they kept repeating this cycle? I am convinced they refused to learn from the past!
So, where are you on the cycle right now? Yielded to the Spirit and obediently following? Acknowledging God but no longer serving and following Him? Denying God and embracing sin? Being punished? The point of Psalm 78:23-29 is to remind us God never gave up on the Israelites and He hasn’t given up on you! Psalm 78 reminds us God loved, sought, provided, and finally came as Jesus to redeem the very people who mocked, tested, and failed to trust Him! Have you learned from your past? Maybe it’s time to stop the madness, confess your drift (or wilful running), and come home! God loves you and so do I! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
SUPPER HOUSE SERVICE IS THIS WEEK THU. AT 5:00PM
Just a reminder! Everyone who signed up to help (and those still on the fence) we are meeting at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church on Leonard THIS Thursday at 5pm! If you’re riding with me (Dan), I’ll be leaving the church parking lot at 4:15pm. Corey, the Supper House Coordinator for N.E.C.M., told me we’ll be serving pancakes this week and they expect a crowd of 200+ people! Bless everyone who is willing to help! We’ll need you!
OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS THIS SUNDAY (AUG. 09)
Our next Northeast Community Potluck is THIS Sunday! So, bring friends, an enemy, and a dish to pass and join us after our worship service downstairs for a time of food, fun, and fellowship! Willing to help? Bless you! Please tell Cherry P. (616) 916-7595
WORLD MISSION BROADCAST OFFERING —SUN, AUG. 16th
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 1 minute of WMB airtime is $4.00. Just $4.00 airs one minute of the Gospel somewhere in the world. We will be taking an offering on Aug. 16!
MISSIONARY BOOKS
Missionary Books are available! There are books designed for children, youth, and adults to learn about missions. Our goal is to read 100 books and there are prizes for the first adults, teens, and children who read them! See Sherry J. our NMI President if you need a book! Isis (a pre-teen) has already all 6 of them! Who will be next?
NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS SUN., AUG. 16th AT 4PM
Our next missionary gathering is Sun., Aug. 16th at 4pm. Come enjoy a brief study, learn what our missionaries are doing, how to pray for them, and learn how to be missionary in your own neighborhoods! We also enjoy snacks and laughter together! So bring a snack, a friend, and join us! You’ll be glad you did! Questions? See Sherry J!
OUR 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!
WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY IS HAPPENING! COME BE A PART OF IT!
Regardless of your age or whatever might be keeping you away, come 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!
UPDATED DIRECTORY IS COMING! DO WE HAVE YOUR CORRECT INFO?
We do our best to keep our directory current, but we need your help! If you’ve moved, changed your email, or phone #, etc., would you let us know? Bless you for helping!
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. 09 Northeast Community Potluck at 12:30pm
Aug. 16 World Mission Broadcast Offering
Aug. 20 Chinese Lunch at 11:30am
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