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
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
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
(downstairs)
October 4 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
October 8 Church Potluck after the AM service
October 8 Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride @ 2 PM
October 19 3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
October 21 Renucci House Breakfast served @ 9 AM
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