Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Northeast Community News – January 25, 2016

Hello dear friends and family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, yesterday! It began with a wonderful time of discipleship at 9:45! If you haven’t been to Sunday school in awhile, well, you just don’t know what you’re missing! Our worship service was a little different this week. While we surely sang praise, prayed, gave our offerings, and let God’s Word examine us, we also took time to affirm God two significant events! 
First, Mary W. encountered God and He challenged this shy woman (who really prefers to stay behind the scenes) to step out boldly in faith. How? By calling on our shut-ins she has never met and take them a hand-made lap quilt she made especially for them! The exciting news is she said ‘YES.’ As a result, we took a few minutes Sunday to pray for the quilts she would give to shut-ins and our new ‘called out one.’ Praise the LORD! 
Second, we received a report of God’s grace from Cherry and Valda. Valda had received word her sister (Lagita in VA) was at the end of her battle with cancer. While Valda wanted to talk to her about her salvation, without a car and means, it was impossible. But, then God stepped in! Though her car had problems, there was a looming snowstorm  and wasn’t sure Lagita would be alive, and the snowstorm) Cherry prepared to go and asked us to pray. 
Did God answer? Yesterday, we heard Cherry’s car did have a few small problems, but overall ran just fine! Lagita amazingly rallied the day they arrived and enthusiastically prayed to receive Christ. Sadly, within hours she dramatically declined and as Valda held her hand, 2 days later she went to heaven! The storm? Well, it waited just long enough for them to drive all night and make it home before it hit! Did God answer? 
Yes, God answered prayer! At just the right time, He provided an obedient servant! At just the right time Lagita rallied and accepted Jesus! Valda was there when Lagita went home to Jesus and gave them strength them to make it home ahead of the storm! PTL!!
So, how is God speaking with you? How will you respond? Perhaps quilt making isn’t your gift, but maybe provided a ride is? Both Mary and Cherry demonstrated ‘little is indeed much when God is in it!’ Both not only heard God speak, but both said YES! Can obedience be scary? Sure! But, these ladies are living out the hymn, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus….No turning back, no turning back!” May this be so with all of us! Amen! 
God’s message this week came to us from Acts 2:42-47 and was titled, “Sharing What We Have.” It was the 4th of 4 messages on stewardship. We learned stewardship won’t make sense until: 1) we acknowledge who God is as we learned in Ps. 106. We praise God, for He is good, for His love endures forever 2) and learn God wants us; all of us! Rom. 12:1-2 teaches God desires we offer our bodies as living sacrifices.
Last week we began to unpack what these changes would look like. After all, once we acknowledge who God is and yield ourselves fully to the Holy Spirit we are going to start thinking and acting differently….right? First, we begin to act differently by seeing the needs of others and their burdens and get involved. This week in Acts we see a little bit more of what it means to be all God wants us to be as we examine a healthy church! 
What makes the church so healthy? First, they were in tune with God. How did they stay in tune with God? We find clues in vv. 42, 46, and 47. Here we learn they were devoted to the Apostles teaching (our N.T.) Bible), to the fellowship, to communion, to prayer, to regular attendance at church and praising God! 
Second, they were a healthy church because they were in touch with the needs of others. We read in vv. 44-45. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone a he had need.”
The bottom line is people (inside and outside) matter to a healthy church. Their devotion to each other went beyond Sunday morning. They were committed to the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of each other. Fellowship went beyond a cup of coffee – it was more than a program – it was a way of life! 
Finally, we find a healthy church is generous. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that they should give cheerfully, not reluctantly or under compulsion (2 Cor. 9:6-7). If giving hurts then something is wrong. The Acts 2 church delighted in giving generously as needs arose. They gave of their time, talent, resources freely – joyfully – painlessly! 
If giving hurts; if you find it hard to give, then it’s time for a spiritual checkup. 
Are you in tune with God? Have you acknowledged all good things come from Him and He can be trusted? Have you offered yourself up as a ‘living sacrifice’ or find yourself ‘crawling off the altar’ and taking back control of your life? Are you reading the Bible, praying, coming to church regularly, and engaging in fellowship? Have you asked God to give you His eyes so you can see the needs in this world, community, and church? 
Still not sure? Then ask the Holy Spirit to examine you. Ask Him what needs to change… trust me, He will be faithful to tell you what needs to change (if anything). But I’ll guess most of you struggling with stewardship already know what needs to change, right? So, the question to you is, are you willing? I’m praying for you! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS
DID YOU LOSE AN EARRING? 
A single earring was turned into me Sunday morning and I’m guessing someone wants it back! If you lost an earring contact Pastor Dan, describe it, and we’ll get it back to you! 
G.R. POLICE DEPT. AREA MEETING (NORTH) W/CAPTAIN – JAN. 27 @ 7:00PM
As a part of Highland Park Neighborhood Association, I receive occasional flyers from the Grand Rapids Police Department. Last week, I received a flyer asking me to inform you the meeting for the North Service Area will be Wed., Jan. 27 at 7:00pm at the GRPS University at 1400 Fuller Ave NE.They plan to share their mission statement, confirm and/or identify priorities, and discuss their tools and tactics. I’m sure this would be a valuable meeting…BUT I will be attending our Bible study instead! 
LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., JAN. 30 AT 10:30AM
Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Jan. 30and all ladies are invited! Need a ride? Wonder what you will be doing this month? Call Cherry at (616) 916-7595
COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY – IT’S CRISIS CARE KIT TIME!
Get your toothbrushes, wash clothes and beany babies ready! Our Nazarene Missions International Council has asked us to start collecting items for Crisis Care Kits starting this week! Crisis Care Kits are a cooperative effort between Nazarene global missions and Nazarene compassionate ministries to collect and send basic toiletries to those who have experienced a ‘crisis’ all over the world. You can either purchase items or donate money to purchased items! We want to collect enough for 6 kits! Our ‘overflow’ will be donated to N.E.C.M.  Bless you for loving hurting people! Questions? Contact Sherry J.
Here is the shopping list to make 1 Crisis Care Kit:
·     1 Shampoo (12 to 18 oz.)
·     2 Bars of Soap (Bath size or larger)
·     1 Toothpaste (4.0 to 6.4 oz.)
·     3 Toothbrushes (in original packaging)
·     1 Box of Band-Aids (30 or more)
·     1 Fingernail clippers
·     1 Sturdy hair comb
·     2 Hand towels
·     4 Pocket sized pkgs. of Kleenex (tissue)
·     1 Beanie Baby sized stuffed toy
Each Crisis Care Kit (CCK) should contain only the items/quantities listed. Place all items into a 2 gallon zip-lock bag (or bring them to church and we’ll do it). Remember! You don’t have to buy a ‘whole kit’ just bring what you can and we’ll put them together!
OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS SUN., FEB. 14
Do you like to eat? Do you like to laugh? Do you like to share your struggles and share your triumphs? If you said yes, you need to come to our next Northeast Community Church Potluck! It’s a great time to life. Not a single potluck goes by that I don’t discover something about one of you! So, invite a friend, bring something to share, and stay after our worship service for December’s potluck! If you would like to help set up or clean up, contact (call or text) Cherry P. (616) 916-7595or email her at pakielac@gmail.com
MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!
Sherry J. reports readership is up dramatically! Last report had 127 books read. Sherry thinks if we get to 150 books read Pastor Dan should dye his hair red! Yikes! What do you think?  Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! 
SAVE THE DATE! TEAM DAY IS SAT., APR. 02
Team Day is a day of equipping and motivating through a variety of workshops and has lots of opportunities to network with other folks from all three Michigan Districts. It’s also an opportunity to reignite your passion for ministry. Team Day brings together lots of workshops on topics relating to church leadership, discipleship, missions, and youth and children’s ministries. There is literally something for everyone. 
Team Day takes place on Apr. 02 at Perry H.S. in Perry MI. Cost is $25 if you register before Mar. 01 ($35 if registered before Mar. 15). The cost includes the Keynote session, music by O.N.U. and a catered continental breakfast and box sandwich lunch. So, save the date! More details to come including workshop descriptions and registration info! 
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THU., FEB. 18 AT 11:30AM
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Jan. 21 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE! (POSTAGE IS .35)
Have you been missing someone, want to invite someone church, or want to encourage? Great! Grab some church postcards and send them out! A handwritten note is getting pretty rare these days, but they always bless! Find them on the table in the Annex. 
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.
TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!
It’s that wonderful season when we use hand sanitizer and give our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of hugs! Not sure what a fist bump is? It’s easy! Simply make a loose fist and gently reach out towards someone. They’ll reach their fist out and gently ‘bump’ yours! It’s fun and it is a good way to stop the spread of the cold and flu!
DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY, AND EMAIL INFO?
As you have probably noticed, we put our church family’s birthdays and anniversaries in our weekly program. Do we have yours? We also send a newsletter, prayer requests, and district information via email if we have your email. If you would like to be included just add your info to the ‘tear off tab’ on the program and drop it in the offering plate
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
Jan.  31     Membership class # 3 at 9:45am
Feb. 10     Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)
Feb. 14     Northeast Community Potluck at 12:15pm
Feb. 14     Valentines Day
Feb. 18     Third Thu. Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)
Mar. 13     Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)
Mar. 27     Easter Sunday

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Northeast Community News – January 18, 2016

Hello dear friends and family!
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Whether or not you have the day off, it's worth reflecting on the life and philosophy of the man who inspired a nation to change. Had an assassin's bullet not taken his life at the age of 39, he would have turned 87 on Friday. 
Had he lived, King would likely have continued to inspire hope and challenge us to fulfill his dream of a more inclusive society -- where everyone would have equal opportunity for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Personally, I pray Northeast Community becomes more inclusive and diverse. How will you remember MLK Day 2016? I would encourage everyone to at least read “I Have a Dream.” Here’s a link if you’re interested!
God’s message this week came from Gal. 6:1-10 and titled, “Caring for One Another.” While we previously learned God wants us to praise Him for He is good and His love endures forever (Ps. 106:1) and God wants not just part of us, but ALL of us (Rom. 12:1-2), in this weeks stewardship lesson we learn we are to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). 
There is no doubt Paul is a brilliant scholar and teacher, but here he isn’t sharing any mind-blowing theology. He’s simply stating the obvious. Those who acknowledge God is worthy of praise and have been touched by His love and yielded to the Holy Spirit are going to think and live and act differently. 
Instead of primarily focusing on our own pleasure and wants, sanctified Christians see the needs of others and their burdens and get involved. Ask God to give you eyes to see the burdened, a heart to feel compassion, and a mind willing to get involved. 
But there is something else we need to see. When we are lightening the load for those who are burdened, we are actually fulfilling the ‘law of Christ.’ What is the law of Christ? It is the law of love and grace! You see, when we are carrying other’s burdens we are extending the love and grace of Christ to others! We become His hands and feet! Wow! 
But realize this! Before you say ‘there is no way’ you need to know you aren’t going to be doing this on your own! When you’re yielded to God completely, the Holy Spirit will not only empower you to love liberally, give recklessly, and extend grace even when it hurts, He will connect you others! We call this the Church! Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY – IT’S CRISIS CARE KIT TIME!
Get your toothbrushes, wash clothes and beany babies ready! Our Nazarene Missions International Council has asked us to start collecting items for Crisis Care Kits starting this week! Crisis Care Kits are a cooperative effort between Nazarene global missions and Nazarene compassionate ministries to collect and send basic toiletries to those who have experienced a ‘crisis’ all over the world. You can either purchase items or donate money to purchased items! We want to collect enough for 6 kits! Our ‘overflow’ will be donated to N.E.C.M.  Bless you for loving hurting people! Questions? Contact Sherry J.
Here is the shopping list to make 1 Crisis Care Kit:
·     1 Shampoo (12 to 18 oz.)
·     2 Bars of Soap (Bath size or larger)
·     1 Toothpaste (4.0 to 6.4 oz.)
·     3 Toothbrushes (in original packaging)
·     1 Box of Band-Aids (30 or more)
·     1 Fingernail clippers
·     1 Sturdy hair comb
·     2 Hand towels
·     4 Pocket sized pkgs. of Kleenex (tissue)
·     1 Beanie Baby sized stuffed toy
Each Crisis Care Kit (CCK) should contain only the items/quantities listed. Place all items into a 2 gallon zip-lock bag (or bring them to church and we’ll do it). Remember! You don’t have to buy a ‘whole kit’ just bring what you can and we’ll put them together!
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THU., JAN. 21 AT 11:30AM 
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Jan. 21 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS SUN., FEB. 14
Do you like to eat? Do you like to laugh? Do you like to share your struggles and share your triumphs? If you said yes, you need to come to our next Northeast Community Church Potluck! It’s a great time to life. Not a single potluck goes by that I don’t discover something about one of you! So, invite a friend, bring something to share, and stay after our worship service for December’s potluck! If you would like to help set up or clean up, contact (call or text) Cherry P. (616) 916-7595 or email her at pakielac@gmail.com
LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., January 30, AT 10:30AM
Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Dec. 05 and it will include a cookie exchange. All ladies are invited to bring 2-dozen cookies to exchange with other ladies! Yum! Need a ride? Please call Cherry at (616) 916-7595. 
MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!
Sherry J. reports readership is up dramatically! Last report had 127 books read. Sherry thinks if we get to 150 books read Pastor Dan should dye his hair red! Yikes! What do you think?  Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! 
SAVE THE DATE! TEAM DAY IS SAT., APR. 02
Team Day is a day of equipping and motivating through a variety of workshops and has lots of opportunities to network with other folks from all three Michigan Districts. It’s also an opportunity to reignite your passion for ministry. Team Day brings together lots of workshops on topics relating to church leadership, discipleship, missions, and youth and children’s ministries. There is literally something for everyone. 
Team Day takes place on Apr. 02 at Perry H.S. in Perry MI. Cost is $25 if you register before Mar. 01 ($35 if registered before Mar. 15). The cost includes the Keynote session, music by O.N.U. and a catered continental breakfast and box sandwich lunch. So, save the date! More details to come including workshop descriptions and registration info! 
CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE! (POSTAGE IS .35)
Have you been missing someone, want to invite someone church, or want to encourage? Great! Grab some church postcards and send them out! A handwritten note is getting pretty rare these days, but they always bless! Find them on the table in the Annex. 
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.
TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!
It’s that wonderful season when we use hand sanitizer and give our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of hugs! Not sure what a fist bump is? It’s easy! Simply make a loose fist and gently reach out towards someone. They’ll reach their fist out and gently ‘bump’ yours! It’s fun and it is a good way to stop the spread of the cold and flu!
DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY, AND EMAIL INFO?
As you have probably noticed, we put our church family’s birthdays and anniversaries in our weekly program. Do we have yours? We also send a newsletter, prayer requests, and district information via email if we have your email. If you would like to be included just add your info to the ‘tear off tab’ on the program and drop it in the offering plate! 
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
Jan.  21     Third Thu. Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)
Jan.  22-23        District NYI Celebrate Life at Kuyper College
Jan.  24     Membership class # 2 at 9:45am
Feb. 10     Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)
Feb. 14     Northeast Community Potluck at 12:15pm
Feb. 14     Valentines Day
Mar. 13     Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)
Mar. 27     Easter Sunday

Northeast Community News – January 11, 2016

Hello dear friends and family!
Finally, we can finally sing, “Well, the weather outside is frightening…” Now some of us think this is wonderful news! …still others aren’t so sure! Well, whatever the weather is outside, it’s always warm and wonderful in our church! …and I’m not just talking about the air temperature, either! The warmth of the Holy Spirit was there! …and so was the warmth of the Holy Spirit moving within each of you! Perhaps nothing warms the soul more than a warm smile and fist bump from you in the presence of God! Toasty! Amen!
Last week we were reminded to “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever” (Ps. 106:1). It was the first of four messages on stewardship and taught us God is the only One worthy of praise for everything we possess including ourselves! Truth is, we can’t be good stewards until we acknowledging God is the giver of all good gifts!
God’s message this week came from Romans 12:1-2 and was titled, “Giving Ourselves to God” and declared another stewardship truth. God wants more than our praise (or our money as some cynics suggest) God wants ALL of us! Paul declares as we continue to yield more and more to the Spirit there comes a point when we become a sacrifice.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship” (Rom. 12:1, NIV).
 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1, KJV).
So, what is your reasonable (rational /intelligent) response to God’s mercy? What is your spiritual act of worship? ‘to offer (present) your body as a living sacrifice….’ 
The word ‘present’ (offer) is a technical term to describe the sacrifices and offerings OT priests made to God in the Temple. The priest carried the sacrifice/offering to the altar and placed it facing the Most Holy Place, thus presenting it before the Lord. There it was consecrated and sacrificed before the LORD. So have you consecrated yourself to God? 
Is everything in life pointed towards Him? Nobody can make an offering of you except you! No doubt your consecration began when you confessed and asked Jesus into your heart. It was a decision to receive! You were saved! Are you ready to make a decision to give yourself fully to God and be sanctified? The truth is, God can’t do great things with you until He has done a great work in you! May it be so! Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP? CLASSES STARTING SUN., JAN. 17 @ 9:45AM
We’ve had several indicate an interest in the Church of the Nazarene and membership and so we’ve planned a series of 4 membership classes during our Sunday school hour! Attendees receive a small book providing the history and beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene and opportunity to examine their gifts! If you’re interested in learning more about Nazarenes and/or would like to become a member, please let Pastor Dan know!
2016 GIVING ENVELOPES ARE FOR EVERYONE!
Someone asked if you had to be a member to have a box of giving envelopes? Absolutely not! Everyone’s encouraged to ask Anna or Janie for a box of giving envelopes and give!  With envelopes you will also receive an end of year giving statement, too! Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
OUR NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS JAN. 17 (THIS SUNDAY!) @ 4PM
Our missionary gathering is Jan. 17 (this Sunday!) at 4pm. Bring a friend and come enjoy a brief lesson on missions! After Sherry J. leads our lesson, we eat snacks, laugh, and chat (sometimes at the same time! :) So bring a snack to pass and join us at 4pm! You’ll be glad you did! Have any questions? Contact Sherry J. (she loves to text!)
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THU., JAN. 21 AT 11:30AM
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Jan. 21 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.
MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!
Sherry reported readership is up dramatically! Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! God is on the move! Read about it in the Missions books!
NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS SUN., FEB. 14
Do you like to eat? Do you like to laugh? Do you like to share your struggles and share your triumphs? If you said yes, you need to come to our next Northeast Community Church Potluck! It’s a great time to life. Not a single potluck goes by that I don’t discover something about one of you! So, invite a friend, bring something to share, and stay after our worship service for December’s potluck! If you would like to help set up or clean up, contact (call or text) Cherry P. (616) 916-7595or email her at pakielac@gmail.com
TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!
It’s that wonderful season when we use hand sanitizer and give our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of hugs! Not sure what a fist bump is? It’s easy! Simply make a loose fist and gently reach out towards someone. They’ll reach their fist out and gently ‘bump’ yours! It’s fun and it is a good way to stop the spread of the cold and flu!
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
Dec. 31     New Year’s Eve Party 6:00pm / Service 11:30pm
Jan.  17     Membership class at 9:45am
Jan.  17     Missionary Gathering at 4pm
Jan.  21     Third Thu. Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)
Jan.  22-23        District NYI Celebrate Life at Kuyper College
Feb. 10     Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)
Feb. 14     Northeast Community Potluck at 12:15pm
Feb. 14     Valentines Day
Mar. 13     Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)
Mar. 27     Easter Sunday

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Northeast Community News! January, 04, 2016

Northeast Community News – January 04, 2016
Happy New Year Friends and Family!
While we can do this anytime, many find the New Year a wonderful time to check the fluids under the hood! When I was a budding driver, dad would remind me to check the fluids every time I got gas (and it often at $2-5 at a time). As a former owner and lead mechanic at a gas station and garage, dad would say an engine (even a well worn one) would run a long time as long as you made sure it was kept full of oil and kept cool by keeping the radiator full. However, fail to keep the fluids full was a recipe for trouble!
The same principle applies to our faith, too! While some run through life without ever checking their spiritual ‘dipstick,’ New Year’s is a good time to slow down and check your fluids… Is your prayer life full? How about your levels of Bible reading, meditation, and worship? Do you need to add something? The truth is, nothing seizes or burns out your life faster than a bone-dry soul. Check your fluids before it’s too late! (smile)
It was another wonderful week in the Lord, Sunday! What a joy it was to learn from Gerry in Sunday school, bring Mary Warner into membership, hear the Word, and receive the elements of Communion! God is moving at Northeast Community! Amen!
God’s message this week came from Ps. 106:1-2 and was titled, “Giving Thanks to God” and is the first of 4 messages on stewardship. David wrote, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever” (Ps. 106:1). David assumes we already know God is the source of every blessing, but I’m not so sure. I fear many have forgotten. I hear way too much ‘luck talk’ and not nearly enough ‘blessed talk.’ Luck denies God is in charge. Luck denies God praise! Truth is, every blessing you have comes from God – Praise Him!
David also reminds us God’s love endures forever! God is not only good and worthy of our praise; His loves endures forever! God’s love for us is constant! While many in our lives have let us down or loved us conditionally, God’s love never ends! Even during the times when we were lost or chose to get lost again, He has never stopped loving us! 
Stewardship begins with realizing everything good is a gift from a good and loving God! We’re all in debt to His goodness! The only reasonable response is to give Him thanks, honor, and praise in our thoughts, words, and deeds! 
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1). 
May it be so! Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
BREAKING NEWS>>>> NEW FRONT DOOR INSTALLED ON THE PASONAGE!
Thanks to your continued faithful giving and the strong leadership of Larry Branagan (our head trustee) and the rest of the church board, I am thrilled to announce the old rotted, untrimmed, and cold air-leaking front door on the parsonage was replaced Mon. with a new, highly efficient, and beautiful front door! Check it out! God is good! Amen!
INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP? CLASSES STARTING SUN., JAN. 17 @ 9:45AM
We’ve had several indicate an interest in the Church of the Nazarene and membership and so we’ve planned a series of 4 membership classes during our Sunday school hour! Attendees receive a small book providing the history and beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene and opportunity to examine their gifts! If you’re interested in learning more about Nazarenes and/or would like to become a member, please let Pastor Dan know!
2016 GIVING ENVELOPES ARE FOR EVERYONE!
Someone asked if you had to be a member to have a box of giving envelopes? Absolutely not! Everyone’s encouraged to ask Anna or Janie for a box of giving envelopes and give!  With envelopes you will also receive an end of year giving statement, too! Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!
It’s that wonderful season when we use hand sanitizer and give our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of hugs! Not sure what a fist bump is? It’s easy! Simply make a loose fist and gently reach out towards someone. They’ll reach their fist out and gently ‘bump’ yours! It’s fun and it is a good way to stop the spread of the cold and flu!
OUR NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS JAN. 17 @ 4PM
Our missionary gathering will be Sun., Jan. 17! Come enjoy a brief study and learn what our missionaries are doing, how we can pray for them, how to be a missionary here, and how to support them financially! After Sherry J. leads our lesson, we eat snacks, laugh, and enjoy causal conversation! It’s really pretty interesting and a lot of fun! So bring a friend and a snack to pass and join us at 4pm! You’ll be glad you did! 
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THU., JAN. 21 AT 11:30AM
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Jan. 21 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.
MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!
Sherry reported readership is up dramatically! Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! God is on the move! Read about it in the Missions books!
THANKSGIVING W.E.F. OFFERING GLOBAL NEWS! 
What a joy to read the following news from the Church of the Nazarene after our own record $625 giving! Stewardship Ministries announced global participation in the 2015 Thanksgiving Offering for the World Evangelism Fund was “extremely generous." 
Through the gifts and mission commitment of Nazarenes everywhere, God continues to bless ministries around the world. More than $433,000 has been received, and more gifts arrive daily. “A gift to the World Evangelism Fund is one of the best kinds of gifts,” said Mark Lail, director of Stewardship Ministries. “These donations allow the Church of the Nazarene to offer hope and the message of salvation to people everywhere. We believe that these gifts will make an eternal difference.” Wohoo! God is good! Amen!
NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS SUN., FEB. 14
Do you like to eat? Do you like to laugh? Do you like to share your struggles and share your triumphs? If you said yes, you need to come to our next Northeast Community Church Potluck! It’s a great time to life. Not a single potluck goes by that I don’t discover something about one of you! So, invite a friend, bring something to share, and stay after our worship service for December’s potluck! If you would like to help set up or clean up, contact (call or text) Cherry P. (616) 916-7595or email her at pakielac@gmail.com
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
Dec. 31     New Year’s Eve Party 6:00pm / Service 11:30pm
Jan.  17     Membership class at 9:45am
Jan.  17     Missionary Gathering at 4pm
Jan.  21     Third Thu. Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)
Jan.  22-23        District NYI Celebrate Life at Kuyper College
Feb. 10     Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)
Feb. 14     Northeast Community Potluck at 12:15pm
Feb. 14     Valentines Day
Mar. 13     Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)
Mar. 27     Easter Sunday