Monday, March 27, 2017

Northeast Community News – March 27, 2017

         It was another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! This Sunday at 5 pm we had our monthly Missionary Gathering and it was another good one! In fact, those who didn’t come missed an opportunity to meet ‘Pete the Sheep’ and his desire to just eat lunch for himself while other sheep just across the fence were staring (and starving). Sherry is wonderful in the way she provides us insight into how the Nazarene Church is reaching the world with the good news of Jesus through singing, prayer, stories read about the missionaries, and of course, good food at our potluck!  I would encourage everyone to come in April and be blessed! You won’t regret it!
     God’s message this week came from John 9:1-41 and was titled, “A Sight for Sore Eyes.” Two weeks ago we discovered Jesus offered love and grace to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish Ruling Council. Nick had everything: position, wealth, influence; status, education, and respect---and yet he was still searching for something that satisfied. He found it in Jesus! 
Last week we discovered Jesus offering love and grace to what the world might describe as a five-time sinful loser, too! There we met a sarcastic and skeptical woman from Samaria whom everyone had given up on...that is, except Jesus! Jesus loved and rocked her world! She would never be the same! He can change yours, too! Will you let Him love you? 
     This week we discovered several stories of blindness in John c. 9. Throughout the chapter we find the story of a man born physically blind being miraculously healed by Jesus through the use of a mudpack made from spit and dirt washed off in the Pool of Siloam and how others react to this miracle of sight in their midst. In faith, the man born blind does as Jesus asks and ‘he comes home seeing’ (v. 7). Though he doesn’t know exactly who healed him, he argues Jesus must be a prophet (v. 17) and it’s apparent he’s become a follower of Jesus! He’s bold and courageous!
     But the story isn’t limited to physical blindness. In vv. 8-12 we find neighbors blinded by doubt. In vv. 18-23 we find parents blinded by fear. Each of these seemingly wants to believe, but they remain blind to the Truth that Jesus is indeed, ’…the light of the world’ (v. 5). However, those who seem most blind are the Pharisees. They are blind to the possibility a loving God could heal on the Sabbath! (v. 16). They are blind to the possibility Jesus had actually healed a man born blind (v. 18). They were blind to the fact Jesus was the prophesied Messiah (vv. 28-30) and finally they were blind to Jesus’ rebuke regarding their intentional blindness (vv. 39-41).  
         So how about you? Are you blind to the truth that God so loves the world that he sent Jesus to save you? Are you blinded by fear that someone may find out you’re Christian? Are you blind to the possibility Jesus desires to radically transform someone you’ve written off as hopeless? Are you blind to the possibility Jesus might do something miraculous in a way outside the safe box you’ve kept Him in? May we all have the testimony of a man radically transformed by Jesus, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (v. 25b).     Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
TIME TO ORDER EASTER FLOWERS-due this Sunday 4/2!
The order form for these flowers is in the weekly church program.  Cost is $7.25 each for 6” Easter Lilies, 6” Tulips (red, pink, or yellow), and 6” Mini Daffodils.   Pastor Dan volunteered to pick out flowers for you if you do not know what you want – just hand him $20 or so!
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DR. JOHN SEAMAN
On Saturday, April 8, 2017, there will be a memorial service for Dr. Seaman at Jackson First Church of the Nazarene, 3905 Clinton Road, Jackson, MI 49201.  From 1-3 PM will be a time of Family Greeting, and at 3 PM will be the Memorial Service.
STILL NEEDED:  ONE CHILDREN’S CHURCH TEACHER
Please contact Mary W. to help with this need.  While most of the weeks have a teacher and a helper, one more teacher is still needed.  Is God calling you to do this?  
SOUND BOOTH PERSON NEEDED:
The church is looking for someone who is interested in being a sound booth technician.  You will need to be able to attend music practices Sunday morning at 9 AM.  Let Janie know if you are interested at 616-204-2499 or hathjan@icloud.com.
 
NEXT WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS is April 22 @ 10:30 AM
  
LADIES DAY AT ONU:  April 22, $30.00, $10.00 for a box lunch.  Join other women for a day of learning, laughter, music and fellowship!  For tickets, call 855-98-SHINE or visit iTickets.com.  (Box lunches are only available to order through March 31.)  Featured will be Missy Robertson from Duck Dynasty and Grayson Reed.  
HAPPILY LAUGHTER AFTER TOUR on Friday, May 5th
If you are interested in having a Friday night full of laughter, Chonda Pierce, with special guest, Karyn Williams, are at Grand Rapids First Church 5/5.  Tickets can be purchased at ticket.com.  If anyone is interested, call/text Cherry @ 616-916-7595.  
 
The Michigan District Church of the Nazarene presents:  
A MOMENT IN TIME
At the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island on May 28 – May 30, 2017
 A Moment in Time is open to all ages of families and individuals.  The cost is only $345 per person.  Children ages 12-17 are $185 and children birth to age 11 are free.  
Price includes:
·        Two nights lodging at the historic Grand Hotel
·        Two delectable five course dinners
·        Two scrumptious breakfasts (choice of menu/breakfast buffet or continental)
·        Adult round-trip ferry ride (ages 5-11 are $12)
·        All baggage handling
 The first non-refundable deposit of $50 is due by March 27th. The balance is due April 22nd.  Please see the attached brochure for all of the details!
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2017 WORK & WITNESS PROJECT:
   I'm writing to invite you and any members of your church to be a part of the largest Nazarene Work & Witness project called, One Heart - Many Hands Indianapolis 2017!  This week-long service project will take place June 18-23.   In a recent conversation with Dr. David Downs, the District Superintendent of the West Texas District, it came to my attention that many pastors are under the impression that One Heart - Many Hands (OHMH) projects are just for youth groups. In actuality, OHMH is a Work & Witness project geared for the entire church to participate in. Many churches bring multi generational groups who work on the project and learn from each other. In past General assembly years we have averaged 2000 Nazarenes serving together with OHMH to leave the fingerprints of God all over the General Assembly host city.   I'm sure you receive hundreds of emails each year encouraging you and your church to be a part of something…  OHMH is a unique Work & Witness project that not only affords your group the opportunity to be involved in missions together but also to experience the Global Church of the Nazarene in a very visible and tangible way as team members participate in the General Assembly services.   Would you prayerfully consider encouraging your church to take advantage of this opportunity to serve alongside thousands of Nazarenes this summer in Indianapolis?  For more information about this service project please contact our office at office@oneheartmanyhands.com or visit our website at www.oneheartmanyhands.com.       Thank you, George Sisler
 
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. or Sherry J.
CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE!
Is there someone missing or would like to invite to church? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? A simple hand written note blesses everyone! You will find them on the table under the missionary bulletin board in the Annex.
DAILY DEVOTIONS – “REFLECTING GOD” IS AVAILABLE! FREE!!
“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! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located 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:
March 29                   Wednesday Service @ 6:30 PM
April 1                        Cantata Practice @ 10 AM
April 8                        Memorial Service for Dr. John Seaman at Jackson First Church
April 8                        Board Meeting at Church
April 9                        Palm Sunday
April 16                     Easter Sunday
April 20                     Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM
April 22                     Ladies Day @ ONU with Missy Robertson & Grayson Reed
April 22                     Ladies Rendezvous at Church @ 10:30 AM
May 5                         Happily Laughter After Tour with Chonda Pierce at Grand Rapids 
                                    First Church
May 28                       A Moment in Time at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island

June 18-23                 General Assembly 2017 Work & Witness Project

Monday, March 20, 2017

Northeast Community News – March 20, 2017

       Yes, it was another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! Sherry J. celebrated 6 kids in Children’s Church this week! WooHoo! How wonderful is that? What is children’s church? Glad you asked! You may already know this, but we’ve discovered kids can worship and learn about Jesus better when they can create something with their hands, receive a snack to eat, and move around and make some noise! Maybe you’re thinking, ‘Me too, but I’m not a kid!’ 
         If that describes you, too, why not help out in children’s church once a month? Yes, you will need to complete a federal background check before starting (for the safety of the kids), but it will give you a great opportunity to celebrate and learn about Jesus like a kid! Interested? Bless Mary Warner, our Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries Director, by calling or texting her! 
         Children’s Church takes place every week EXCEPT the FIRST SUNDAY of the month so all of our workers and kids can receive communion together. Come, and worship like a kid! God is good!
God’s message this week came from John 4:4-42 and was titled, “Living Water Transformation.” Last week, we discovered Jesus offering love and grace to Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish Ruling Council. Nick had everything: position, wealth, influence; status, education, and respect---and yet he was still searching for something that satisfied. He found it in Jesus! 
Last week Jesus told Nicodemus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).
But what happened when Jesus moved out of Jerusalem where he encountered Nick? Is the good news for everyone or just powerful Jewish men? We find the answer in John. chap. 4. There we find Jesus engaging a sinful, weak and nameless woman from Samaria who could only boast of her intense brokenness. In John chap. 4 we discover the truth of John 3:16-17 applies to everyone, including you! 
First, we discover Jesus crosses all the boundaries to reach her! In v. 4 we read “Now he had to go through Samaria.” Huh? No, he didn’t. Samaritans were so despised most Jews avoided any travel in Samaria. Why did Jesus have to go to Samaria? To share God’s love and salvation with this woman! How about you? What barriers keep you from sharing God’s love with others? 
Second, we find Jesus overlooking her sarcasm and skepticism. Regardless of her objections and even theological rabbit trails she attempts, Jesus keeps focused on her real need: repentance and salvation! Are you willing to overlook sarcasm and skepticism where you live and work? 
Finally, while Scripture is silent regarding her confession and repentance, we find ‘fruit of her repentance’ in her response! Where? By telling everyone she knew about Jesus! In fact, John records her witness has started a Samarian Revival. In v. 39 we read, “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed because of the woman’s testimony” (John 4:39). 
Dear Ones! If you have ever wondered if God loves you, just take a moment to read John chap. 4. May today be the day you set aside your hurt to be loved by the Savior.             
Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
ALABASTER OFFERING:  Alabaster offering funds received were $519.45!  
TIME TO ORDER EASTER FLOWERS!
The order form for these flowers will be in the weekly church program.  Cost is $7.25 each for 6” Easter Lilies, 6” Tulips (red, pink, or yellow), and 6” Mini Daffodils.  
NEXT LADIES RENDEZVOUS:
Join in the fun and fellowship with other ladies from our church.  We will be meeting Saturday, March 25th, at 10:30AM at the church.  We plan on stuffing the Easter eggs for the children at this meeting.  Call/text Cherry for rides or information @ 616-916-7595.    See you there!!!
STILL NEEDED:  ONE CHILDREN’S CHURCH TEACHER
Please contact Mary W. to help with this need.  While most of the weeks have a teacher and a helper, one more teacher is still needed.  Is God calling you to do this?  
SOUND BOOTH PERSON NEEDED:
The church is looking for someone who is interested in being a sound booth technician.  You will need to be able to attend music practices Sunday morning at 9 AM.  Let Janie know if you are interested at 616-204-2499 or hathjan@icloud.com.
  
Tragedy Into Triumph is coming to Michigan District Churches  MARCH 19-22, 2017!
What is Tragedy Into Triumph?
Tragedy Into Triumph is an opportunity for you to hear what God can do in your life.
Each night a different speaker will tell their own personal story of tragedy, and how God brought triumph to their lives.  The Bible Says:  We Overcome By The Blood of the Lamb and Word of Our Testimony Rev. 12:11
What Will Tragedy Into Triumph Do For Me?
The tragic circumstances of life are everywhere:  Loss, Adversity, Drug Addiction, Sexual Addiction, Depression, Adversity, Physical Struggles, and much more!  We gain reassurance from hearing someone else’s story of overcoming, that God can work in our lives too!  We seek to take on the real life problems of the world with the power of Jesus Christ, and we believe that God’s power can change our lives to live differently.  We believe that tragedy does not define us…God’s Triumph Does!

Check out the following link for each night’s topics and speakers:   http://www.tragedyintotriumph.com/
 Here is the list of churches on our district who are hosting the simulcast:
1) Grand Ledge Church of the Nazarene, 3432 Jefferson Hwy., Grand Ledge, MI 48837;
2) Cross Community Church of the Nazarene, 5625 Oakland Drive, Portage, MI 49024 3)Midland Nazarene, 5700 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640; 4)St. Louis Nazarene, 1001 W Washington St., St. Louis, MI 48880; 5) East Jackson Church of the Nazarene, 5549 Ann Arbor Rd, Jackson, MI 49201
            LADIES DAY AT ONU:   April 22, $30.00, $10.00 for a box lunch
HAPPILY LAUGHTER AFTER TOUR on Friday, May 5th
If you are interested in having a Friday night full of laughter, Chonda Pierce, with special guest, Karyn Williams, are at Grand Rapids First Church 5/5.  Tickets can be purchased at ticket.com.  If anyone is interested, call/text Cherry @ 616-916-7595.  
 
The Michigan District Church of the Nazarene presents:   
A MOMENT IN TIME
At the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island on May 28 – May 30, 2017
 A Moment in Time is open to all ages of families and individuals.  The cost is only $345 per person.  Children ages 12-17 are $185 and children birth to age 11 are free.  
Price includes:
·        Two nights lodging at the historic Grand Hotel
·        Two delectable five course dinners
·        Two scrumptious breakfasts (choice of menu/breakfast buffet or continental)
·        Adult round-trip ferry ride (ages 5-11 are $12)
·        All baggage handling
 The first non-refundable deposit of $50 is due by March 27th. The balance is due April 22nd.  Please see the attached brochure for all of the details!
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2017 WORK & WITNESS PROJECT:
   I'm writing to invite you and any members of your church to be a part of the largest Nazarene Work & Witness project called, One Heart - Many Hands Indianapolis 2017!  This week-long service project will take place June 18-23.   In a recent conversation with Dr. David Downs, the District Superintendent of the West Texas District, it came to my attention that many pastors are under the impression that One Heart - Many Hands (OHMH) projects are just for youth groups. In actuality, OHMH is a Work & Witness project geared for the entire church to participate in. Many churches bring multi generational groups who work on the project and learn from each other. In past General assembly years we have averaged 2000 Nazarenes serving together with OHMH to leave the fingerprints of God all over the General Assembly host city.
   I'm sure you receive hundreds of emails each year encouraging you and your church to be a part of something…  OHMH is a unique Work & Witness project that not only affords your group the opportunity to be involved in missions together but also to experience the Global Church of the Nazarene in a very visible and tangible way as team members participate in the General Assembly services.
   Would you prayerfully consider encouraging your church to take advantage of this opportunity to serve alongside thousands of Nazarenes this summer in Indianapolis?  For more information about this service project please contact our office at 
office@oneheartmanyhands.com or visit our website at www.oneheartmanyhands.com.       Thank you, George Sisler
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. or Sherry J.
CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE!
Is there someone missing or would like to invite to church? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? A simple hand written note blesses everyone! You will find them on the table under the missionary bulletin board in the Annex.
DAILY DEVOTIONS – “REFLECTING GOD” IS AVAILABLE! FREE!!
“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! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located 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:
March 22                   Wednesday Service @ 6:30 PM
March 21                   Week Day Ladies Rendezvous @ 10:30 AM
March 25                   Next Ladies Rendezvous at Church @ 10:30 AM
March 25                   Cantata Practice @ 12 PM
April 20                     Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM
April 22                     Ladies Day @ ONU
May 5                         Happily Laughter After Tour with Chonda Pierce at Grand Rapids 
                                    First Church
May 28                       A Moment in Time at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island

June 18-23                 General Assembly 2017 Work & Witness Project