Dear Friends and Family!
It was another wonderful time in the Lord, Sunday! I have had more than one of you ask, “Pastor, how can you always say it is a wonderful time in the Lord?” I mean, it’s not too often you wake up in the middle of May to have an inch of snow on your car! True! And yet, each time we gather together there’s something wonderful worth celebrating! So, what are you celebrating? For some, they will celebrate birthdays or anniversaries; others might just celebrate they have a job; while others can celebrate they woke up to take breath! Like the Psalmist declares, “Let everything that has breath, praise the LORD! (Psalm 150:6a).
God’s message this came from Acts 2:1-21 and was titled, “The Undoing of Babel.” On the church calendar it was Pentecost Sunday yesterday! Did I just hear, “Whatever Pastor…” ? Well, in case you didn’t know, Pentecost is still a pretty big deal! You see long ago humanity walked with God in the garden in an intimate relationship with Him and the all of creation. But, after humanities fall into sin, everything changed. Through the sin of Adam and Eve all humanity inherited a sin nature that changed everything.
We find an example of humanities sin nature in Genesis c. 11:1-8. Though the people of God were told to be fruitful, multiply, and scatter across the earth while glorifying God alone, we discover they have other plans: “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:3b).
God responds first by allowing them time to plan and begin building. And while the text does not tell us this, I am convinced God hoped they would see the foolishness of their plan and return to Him. But in Genesis 11:7-9 the Triune God finally goes down, confuses their language, and scatters them all over the earth. Sadly, the people of God did not learn from Adam and Eve or Noah! In their sin, they remained bent on rebellion!
But on Pentecost, a portion of the scattered people had returned to Jerusalem for a feast and heard something remarkable: “Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language” (Acts 2:5-6).
The same groups God had long ago scattered to the ends of the earth and given different languages, now heard the good news of Jesus in their own language! Pentecost signaled a new era; the miraculous undoing of Babel! The good news is the Holy Spirit still empowers and sanctifies and heals broken and sinful hearts and relationships! Are you still living in Babel? Maybe it’s time to yield your life to Jesus and be sanctified! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
WATCH PASTOR DAN GET HIS HAIR DIED PURPLE SUNDAY NIGHT! SERIOUSLY!
When Sherry J. asked Pastor Dan if he would be willing to dye his hair purple if the church ever read 150 missionary books, he said ‘sure’ thinking it was an impossibility! Imagine his surprise, when she announced 153 books have now been read! Reluctantly, Pastor Dan is having his hair dyed after a brief lesson at the next Missionary Gathering May 22nd at 4:00PM. We hope EVERYONE WILL COME WATCH! Snacks will be served! (Rumor has it Sherry is going blonde, too!) Questions? Contact Sherry J. (269) 932-8334
OUR LEAKING FLAT ROOF IS BEING REPLACED ANY TIME NOW! (MON., 5/16)
Our trustee Larry B. is excited to announce the flat roof over the side /front entrances is being replaced! We’ve had trouble with that roof for years! But not anymore! Because of your faithful giving, there are 6 men scheduled to come today to tear off the old, repair the deck, and install “layers of polyisocyanurate insulation and a TPO membrane!” Even better, Larry saved us $1,050 by seeking several bids! God is good! All the time!
OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS WEEK AT 11:30AM!
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is May 19 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. The food is good, but the fellowship is even better! Come, enjoy a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! If you have any questions? See Tracy or Linda!
CHANGE!!! LADIES RENDEZVOUS – THIS SATURDAY AT 10:30AM!
After thinking about it, Cherry and Gerry decided to move the Ladies Rendezvous up one week so you can be with family on the Memorial Day Weekend! You’ll rendezvous on May 21instead! Please contact Cherry for info or a ride! Call or text (616) 916-7595.
CHURCH ELECTIONS – THIS SUNDAY!! (MAY 22)
Attention members! Church elections will take place this Sun., May 22nd. Members are asked to be present and vote for your representatives the next church year (Jun. 01, 2016 /May 31, 2017). See Larry B. for your ballot before and after Sundayschool.
ATTENTION! CHILDREN’S CHURCH SUMMER BREAK STARTS MAY 29!
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 need a summer break! So, beginning May 29, the kids are staying in the worship service with us! Bless you for understanding!
6th ANNUAL KEEP ‘EM COVERED DIAPER DRIVE THE WHOLE MONTH OF MAY
During the month of May, we’re collecting diapers for North End Community Ministry (NECM). Remember, diapers aren’t provided by assistance programs and are a huge expense for many single parents. What began as a simple and practical way to show God’s love to some of the neediest folks in our community 6 years ago, is now an annual event! God is good! Bring any size and put them in the crib in back of the sanctuary!
GOAL = 1,200 COLLECTED = 406
END TIME STUDY STARTING SUNDAY (MAY 22)
How are we to face the end of time…and the beginning of eternity? The answers to these questions will be pursued in the new Adult Sunday School class starting May 22 using the book “The End” written by Everett Leadingham taught by Gerry D. Come, be a part of this new fascinating study on ‘end times.’ Questions? Contact Gerry Dawson!
ANNUAL CELEBRATION AND POTLUCK AFTER WORSHIP SUN., JUN. 12
Every year we have an annual church meeting to give our departments an opportunity to share their praises, plans, needs for prayer, and get your feedback so we can be even better leaders. This year we will be timing our Annual Celebration with our every other month potluck in an attempt to involve even more of you! Remember, this is a time for all of us – not just the members of the church! Come, listen, eat, and be blessed!
2016 PRAYER GUIDE FOR THE MICHIGAN DISTRICT
It’s getting to be that time again when the District Church asks us to pray for the July activities at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp. From the District Assembly, to Camp Meeting, to the NMI, NYI, and SDMI Conventions, they all need our prayers! If you’re willing, pick up a 40-day prayer guide off the table outside the sanctuary and pray! Bless you!
PRAISE THE LORD! THE SIDEWALKS HAVE BEEN LEVELED!
Ok, maybe you’ve never noticed, but as a person who has shoveled a lot of snow on the sidewalks out front I’m excited to inform you our trustee Larry B. made a motion (with church board support) to have the sidewalks leveled using a company called ‘concrete lifters.’ Not only does it look better, but it minimizes the stumbling risks we once had! Feel free to ask Larry to show you what they did! God is good! Bless you for your giving!
IT’S TIME TO THINK ABOUT SUMMER CAMP AT INDIAN LAKE!
Indian Lake Nazarene Camp has a wonderful summer camp for students of all ages. At camp kids learn to feel good about themselves, gain self-confidence, self-esteem, learn leadership skills, make friends, and learn about God’s love for them! You can learn more by going to this link: http://www.nazcamp.org/camps
Discovery Camp Completed K – 2nd grade Jul. 06-08
Adventure Camp Completed 2nd – 4th grade Jul. 18-22
Voyager Camp Completed 4th – 6th grade Jul. 25-29
Mid. School Camp Completed 6th – 8th grade Jun. 27 – July 01
High School Camp Completed 9th – 12th grade Jun. 20-24
Note: All camps are $ 275 (except for Discovery Camp which is $ 125)
DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY, AND EMAIL INFO?
As you’ve probably noticed, we put our church family’s birthdays and anniversaries in our weekly program. Do we have yours? If you’d like to be included, simply add your info to the ‘tear off tab’ and drop it in the offering plate or email Pastor Dan! Thanks!
FAMILY CAMP MEETING (SUMMER REVIVAL) IS COMING TO INDIAN LAKE IN JULY!
The Church of the Nazarene is just over 100 years old and one of her oldest traditions is to come together each year for a time of spiritual renewal called ‘Camp Meeting.’ Camp Meeting in Michigan was originally held under a large tent for several weeks at a time (without air conditioning!) Today, Camp Meeting is a week with 2 services a day plus a daily time of discipleship (in a now air conditioned tabernacle!) But, it is still a time for spiritual renewal! Come for just one service or the whole week and you will be blessed!
Camp Meeting begins with District Assembly on Sun., Jul. 10th and ends Sun., July 17th. Pastor Dan spends the week at ‘camp’ in a small cabin at 7959 Victory St. Vicksburg, MI and would love to have you stop by! Need more information? See Pastor Dan or Janie!
FRANKLIN GRAHAM SCHEDULE
Rev. Christopher has asked us to remember and pray for Franklin Graham as he travels to all 50 state capitals to hold prayer rallies. He writes, “America is in trouble, and the only answer is found in Jesus Christ…. I will challenge Christian’s to pray, boldly live out their faith and stand for biblical values, and help turn America back to God” (2 Ch. 7:14). You will find a copy of Franklin Graham’s schedule on the table outside the sanctuary.
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
May 01-31 6th Annual Diaper Drive
May 21 Project 5k at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp
May 21 Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am
May 22 Church Elections
May 29 No Children’s Church for Summer Begins
Jun. 12 Annual Church Meeting (during potluck)
Jul. 10-11 District Assembly at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp
Jul. 10-17 Family Camp Meeting at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp
No comments:
Post a Comment