Thursday, October 19, 2017

Northeast Community News – October 16, 2017

   Dear Friends and Family! 
It was another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! What would you ask for on your birthday? When asked, all Janie wanted for her birthday was to have her 4 grandkids in church with her. What a blessing to see her big smile as all 4 were in church! From 6-month-old Jacob, who after an exhausting praise team practice and Sunday school hour, spent the worship service asleep in the arms of Jennifer C. in the nursery, to Colten, Jenna, and Johnathan who enjoyed children’s church, it was a full and wonderful day for everyone! Bless all of you for being the church to little ones! God is good! Yup, all the time!
    We continued our Discipleship Essentials series by looking at another essential belief: Justice! What do you think of when you think of justice? A dictionary defines it as fairness, impartiality, evenhandedness, honesty, morality, neutrality, equity, and righteousness. But, many in our culture believe justice is getting what you deserve.
    Yet, in Matthew 25:31-46 we discover the kind of justice Jesus expects from His disciples is the same kind of justice His Father provided – the same kind of justice He offered. Justice based on gracious love that lifts the imprisoned, meets the needs of the poor, and sides with the crushed, enslaved, and powerless. Justice based on gracious love isn’t something new. We find examples throughout the Scriptures, including Psalm 72:12-14, Proverbs 14:31, and Isaiah 10:1-2. In Luke 4:18-19 we find it on the lips of Christ as He reveals He is the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy: 
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
    In Matthew 25:31-46, we discover Jesus expects disciples to extend this loving, gracious, justice into the lives of the poor and hurting, too! Like Him, we’re called to care for the hungry, thirsty, those in need of hospitality, the naked, sick and those in prison (vs. 38-39). 
Jesus concludes in verse 40: ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:40).
    So, are you offering God’s justice to ‘the least of these?’ When was the last time you left your comfort zone to feed the hungry; give drink to the thirsty; show hospitality to strangers; clothe the naked; care for the sick; and visit the imprisoned? 
    Painfully, Jesus concludes His teaching by saying our action (or lack of) has consequences! In verse 34, Jesus informs those who extended God’s loving and gracious justice may expect blessings, an inheritance, and the kingdom! But, to those who withheld God’s loving and gracious justice, will be will be cursed, separated from Him, and will inherit eternal fire prepared for the devil (v. 41).
    As a disciple, justice begins with right belief! Are you thinking the way God thinks about the least of these? Good! Then, justice takes action! Find a place to share the love of God and do it! Need help finding a place to serve? I’d be glad to help you find your place!               Blessings! Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
RENUCCI HOUSE BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY! – OCTOBER 21
Please meet at the church at 8 AM  and we can ride there together.   We will be feeding 45-50 people.   Breakfast  is served for one hour – 9 to 10 AM. These people have loved ones in the hospital.  We will give them a good first meal of the day and pray for those who wish us to do so.    There is still time to be a part of this!
ANNUAL CHURCH BLANKET/COAT DRIVE BEGINS AGAIN!!
During the month of November, the church will again be collecting blankets and coats to be donated to Mel Trotter Ministries.   This is a wonderful opportunity to help an organization that helps others.   GOAL = As many as possible!
PEOPLE WANTED TO PRAY FOR STRANGERS!
Our church has placed a “prayer mail box” out by the bus stop.  The Holy Spirit has indicated that there are many hurting and broken people walking right past us without a church to pray for them!  If you are interested, let Pastor Dan know by calling/texting (616) 204-1153 or email him at hathdan@me.com.  
FREE ONLINE SECURITY TRAINING!
Due to the generosity of Janie H. and her employer, we have free access to their online security training class for anyone interested.  Here is some information from the training site: 
 More than ever, your users are the weak link in your network security. KnowBe4 is the world’s most popular integrated Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing platform with over 10,000 customers. 
Our basic training modules specialize in making sure employees understand the mechanisms of spam, phishing, spear-phishing, malware and social engineering, and are able to apply this knowledge in their day-to-day job. You get high quality web-based interactive training combined with common traps, live demonstration videos, short comprehension tests and scenario-based Danger Zone exercises. 
As someone who has helped many clean up viruses, I think this could be valuable. Here is the link: https://www.knowbe4.com/homecourse  Use the password: homecourse
Have questions? Email or text Pastor Dan – hathdan@me.com / (616) 204-1153
                                             SIX (6) CHILDRENS MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE HERE!
Anyone with children, have them read these enjoyable books.  For any child who reads all 6, a special event will be planned for them (a movie, Chuck E Cheese, or Craig’s Cruisers).  See Cherry.  [For adult missionary books, please see Sherry J.]
                                SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES 
Let Pastor Dan know if you’re interested or have questions. This would be a great event to invite a friend! 
What: Weekly Bike Rides
Time: 2:00pm until aprox. 4:00pm
Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the White Pine Trail. Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306
Cost: Free! (unless you plan to buy ice cream!)
INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
A series of membership classes will be starting soon.  If you are interested in learning more about the Church of the Nazarene, or becoming a member of our church, please let Pastor Dan know by contacting him at: 616-204-1153 or hathdan@me.com.
SOUND BOOTH PERSON STILL 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.
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
October 17                Bible Study “Remembering the Forgotten God” @ 10 AM
                                                (downstairs)
October 18                Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
October 19                3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
October 21                Renucci House Breakfast served @ 9 AM

October 22                Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride @ 2 PM

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Northeast Community News – October 9, 2017

  Dear Friends and Family! 
    What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! What a joy to see new and returning faces in worship! We met George and Vicky from Florida for the first time Sunday! Fun fact was to learn George is a gifted southern gospel singer! How wonderful is that? It was also a week to have Robert K. and Harry K. return to worship with us! Both men have faced great challenges to their health in recent days, but both made impressive efforts to be in church! Praise the Lord! It is humbling to consider what some of you do to be here! It is also inspiring! What a testimony!
    We continue our series on Discipleship Essentials by looking at another essential belief: Love! While some may think wearing a cross, the ability to use church words, or having a fish on the back of their car is the way those outside the faith can tell we’re Christian, Jesus taught us by His actions and words in John c. 13, the real way to witness is to offer sacrificial love to them!
    We often overlook John 13:1 as we rush on to the ‘good parts’ of the story, but the narrator offers us a huge insight into the context of the rest of the chapter in v. 1. There we read:
“…Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love” (Jn. 13:1).
    So, how did Jesus show His disciples the full extent of His love? He begins by taking off his outer clothes and washing His disciples stinky, dirty, calloused feet. That’s right! The King of Kings and Lord of Lords did something even one of them would never do… He loved them sacrificially! But His sacrificial love didn’t end with stinky feet! His love included ridicule, beatings, the crown of thorns, and death on The Cross! In the midst of His teaching, Jesus speaks these familiar words: 
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (v. 34-35). 
    So, are you? Are you loving people inside and outside the church? Does the love you share with others include sacrifice? I am convinced families, communities, churches and homes are being torn apart because we have failed to love one another the way Jesus loves. A deep theological children’s song declares in the chorus: They will know we are Christians by our love.
    If you want to see pagans come to Jesus; if you want to see healing in your family and in your nation; you need to confess the places where you have allowed selfishness, pride, and position to keep you from washing stinky feet! Ask Jesus to forgive you, yield to the Spirit, and then love your coworkers, neighbors, and friends like Jesus did! You’ll be amazed!
Blessings! Pastor Dan


NEWS AND EVENTS

RENUCCI HOUSE BREAKFAST – OCTOBER 21
If you are interested in joining in with this fun event, let Cherry or Deb know.  We will be feeding 45-50 people who are staying there.   We serve breakfast for one hour – 9 to 10 AM. These people have loved ones in the hospital.  We will give them a good first meal of the day and pray for those who wish us to do so.    There is still time to be a part of this!

ANNUAL CHURCH BLANKET/COAT DRIVE BEGINS AGAIN!!
During the month of November, the church will again be collecting blankets and coats to be donated to Mel Trotter Ministries.   This is a wonderful opportunity to help an organization that helps others.   GOAL = As many as possible!
BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES
Mary W. has begun a study titled, “Remembering the Forgotten God”.  This is held Tuesdays at 10 AM for 7 weeks. {began Sept. 12th}.  

PEOPLE WANTED TO PRAY FOR STRANGERS!
Our church has placed a “prayer mail box” out by the bus stop.  The Holy Spirit has indicated that there are many hurting and broken people walking right past us without a church to pray for them!  If you are interested, let Pastor Dan know by calling/texting (616) 204-1153 or email him at hathdan@me.com.  

FREE ONLINE SECURITY TRAINING!
Due to the generosity of Janie H. and her employer, we have free access to their online security training class for anyone interested.  Here is some information from the training site: 
 More than ever, your users are the weak link in your network security. KnowBe4 is the world’s most popular integrated Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing platform with over 10,000 customers. 
Our basic training modules specialize in making sure employees understand the mechanisms of spam, phishing, spear-phishing, malware and social engineering, and are able to apply this knowledge in their day-to-day job. You get high quality web-based interactive training combined with common traps, live demonstration videos, short comprehension tests and scenario-based Danger Zone exercises. 
As someone who has helped many clean up viruses, I think this could be valuable. Here is the link: https://www.knowbe4.com/homecourse  Use the password: homecourse
Have questions? Email or text Pastor Dan – hathdan@me.com / (616) 204-1153
                                        

     SIX (6) CHILDRENS MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE HERE!
Anyone with children, have them read these enjoyable books.  For any child who reads all 6, a special event will be planned for them (a movie, Chuck E Cheese, or Craig’s Cruisers).  See Cherry.  [For adult missionary books, please see Sherry J.]
                           
INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
A series of membership classes will be starting soon.  If you are interested in learning more about the Church of the Nazarene, or becoming a member of our church, please let Pastor Dan know by contacting him at: 616-204-1153 or hathdan@me.com.

SOUND BOOTH PERSON STILL 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.

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
October 10                Bible Study “Remembering the Forgotten God” @ 10 AM 
October 11                Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
October 15                Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride @ 2 PM
October 19                3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM

October 21                Renucci House Breakfast served by our church@ 9 AM 

Monday, October 2, 2017

Northeast Community News – October 2, 2017

Dear Friends and Family! 
    We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! It was the first Sunday of the month and so we received communion and had the kids in the service with us! What a blessing to have Jeffrey and Savannah serve us this month! What a blessing to watch them serve as they reminded us we were receiving the body and blood of Jesus! Sherry J. reported we’ve received over $600 in Alabaster and more came in this week! Wow! Bless you for giving! God is good! Yes, all the time!
We continue our series on Discipleship Essentials by looking at another essential belief: Faith! Because Hebrews c. 11 is considered by many biblical scholars the ‘faith chapter’ we used this text to examine faith. In Hebrews 11:1-2 we read: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” In other words, this is the exact opposite of a culture that ‘will believe it when you see it.’ 
    Who are these ancient heroes of the faith? And what can they teach us of being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you cannot see? In verse 27, Abraham teaches faith obeys without all of the details. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going” (Heb. 11:27). 
    Abel teaches faith gives a better sacrifice in verse 4. God uses our possessions and money to test our faithfulness. There is a direct correlation between how much we trust God and how much we are willing to give and sacrifice. Moses teaches in verse 27 that faith moves beyond our feelings. “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the kings anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible” (Heb. 11:27). 
    In verse 30, Joshua teaches us to give thanks before we receive it. Jericho was the most fortified city in the world. God commanded him to lead the people in marching 7 times around the city for 7 days….and they did! But, do you know what they were doing as they marched? Praising God at the top of their voices! And nothing happened for 7 days….but then the walls fell! 
    Finally, they all taught us how to have faith when God said ‘no.’ So, are you walking in faith? The ancients of the faith teach us walking in faith believes before you see it, obeys before you understand it, gives even when it requires sacrifice, persists when you don’t feel like it, praises God before you receive it, and trusts even when you don’t get it! Need more information? 
    Read the entire 11th chapter of Hebrews and learn how ordinary people kept the faith even as they suffered insults, flogging, torture, and death by sword! As disciples, we must model a faith that inspires the next generation! You got this! In Jesus Name! Amen!           Blessings! Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
IGNITE – MOBILIZING THE CHURCH IN MISSION!
Go and listen to some of our missionaries here as they speak about the work God is doing in the countries they are serving in!  October 8th @ 6 PM at Mt. Pleasant First, 1980 S. Lincoln Road, Dan & Coralee Behr from the Philippines will be speaking.  Also, on October 8th @ 6 PM at Chapman Memorial in Vicksburg, 7520 E. U Ave., Ellen Gaily Decker from Africa will be speaking.  
RENUCCI HOUSE BREAKFAST – OCTOBER 21
If you are interested in joining in with this fun event, let Cherry or Deb know.  We will be feeding 45-50 people who are staying here.   We serve breakfast for one hour – 9 to 10 AM. These people have loved ones in the hospital.  We will give them a good first meal of the day and pray for those who wish us to do so.    There is still time to be a part of this!
A NEW BIBLE STUDY IS HERE!
Beginning in September, Mary W. will begin a study titled, “Remembering the Forgotten God”.  This will be held Tuesdays at 10 AM for 7 weeks. {began Sept. 12th}.  
CHILDREN’S CHURCH BEGAN!
There is a new program where the children have the whole church time for their program.  They will meet in the basement for a social time at 11 AM before their service with a snack and a drink.  Then, there will be singing praises and a lesson.  
PEOPLE WANTED TO PRAY FOR STRANGERS!
Our church has placed a “prayer mail box” out by the bus stop.  The Holy Spirit has indicated that there are many hurting and broken people walking right past us without a church to pray for them!  If you are interested, let Pastor Dan know by calling/texting (616) 204-1153 or email him at hathdan@me.com.  
FREE ONLINE SECURITY TRAINING!
Due to the generosity of Janie H. and her employer, we have free access to their online security training class for anyone interested.  Here is some information from the training site: 
 More than ever, your users are the weak link in your network security. KnowBe4 is the world’s most popular integrated Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing platform with over 10,000 customers. 
Our basic training modules specialize in making sure employees understand the mechanisms of spam, phishing, spear-phishing, malware and social engineering, and are able to apply this knowledge in their day-to-day job. You get high quality web-based interactive training combined with common traps, live demonstration videos, short comprehension tests and scenario-based Danger Zone exercises. 
As someone who has helped many clean up viruses, I think this could be valuable. Here is the link: https://www.knowbe4.com/homecourse  Use the password: homecourse
Have questions? Email or text Pastor Dan – hathdan@me.com / (616) 204-1153
                                         SIX (6) CHILDRENS MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE HERE!
Anyone with children, have them read these enjoyable books.  For any child who reads all 6, a special event will be planned for them (a movie, Chuck E Cheese, or Craig’s Cruisers).  See Cherry.  [For adult missionary books, please see Sherry J.]
                                SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES 
Let Pastor Dan know if you’re interested or have questions. This would be a great event to invite a friend! 
What: Weekly Bike Rides
Time: 2:00pm until aprox. 4:00pm
Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the White Pine Trail. Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306
Cost: Free! (unless you plan to buy ice cream!)
INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
A series of membership classes will be starting soon.  If you are interested in learning more about the Church of the Nazarene, or becoming a member of our church, please let Pastor Dan know by contacting him at: 616-204-1153 or hathdan@me.com.
SOUND BOOTH PERSON STILL 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.
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
October 3                  Bible Study “Remembering the Forgotten God” @ 10 AM
                                                (downstairs)
October 4                  Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
October 7                  Surprise Retirement Party for Steve Runkel at the church 2-6 PM
October 8                  Church Potluck after the AM service
October 8                  Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride @ 2 PM
October 8                  Ignite Missions @ Mt. Pleasant & Vicksburg 6 PM
October 19                3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM

October 21                Renucci House Breakfast served @ 9 AM