Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Northeast Community News – November 28, 2017

Dear Friends and Family! 
    We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! I remain convinced God is moving in our midst. From the over 100 blankets and coats we’ve received for Mel Trotter, to the $635 we received for our Thanksgiving World Evangelism Offering in the last two weeks, to the special gifts we’ve received that will enable us to refinish our wood floors and purchase new carpeting, to the phone calls we’ve received ‘out of the blue’ to remind us how much we’ve impacted the lives of others in the past, God continues to use Northeast Community to do great things! How is God calling you to serve in His Kingdom? What a joy to serve a Risen Savior! Praise God! 
    In our morning worship service, God’s message came from Ephesians 4:17-32 and titled “Walking in Obedience.” When we accepted Jesus, we were called to put off the old self, habits and ways, and grow to be more like Jesus by putting on the new self, habits, and ways. First, we need to realize we all had a pre-Christian life. Before Christ, we were ‘darkened in our understanding,’ ‘separated from God,’ and had ‘hard hearts’ (vs. 17-19).
    The word ‘darkened’ means to lack the moral perception to understand right from wrong. The word ‘hardened’ is a medical term meaning a ‘covering with thick skin.’ In other words, before Christ, we were calloused, blind, insensitive, and uncaring, too! These words describe someone before they accepted Jesus, received the Holy Spirit, and were transformed! 
    Second, we are to desire and seek transformation! Paul wrote, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). 
    Transformation is life changing! Where once there had been darkness, hardness and a lust for more sin and impurity, the life yielded to Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit is turned upside down! The inability to know right from wrong is replaced with a new attitude and moral compass! Callousness, blindness, and insensitivity is replaced with a desire for righteousness and holiness, too! And when you yield your life to Christ and are led by the Holy Spirit, the only time you will walk in the darkness is to seek out others who desperately need the light of Jesus! 
         So, what about you? Have you been transformed? Have you yielded your life fully to Christ? Have you been sanctified? You cannot supernaturally transform yourself! If you’re ready to live a life of radical transformation, ask Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit to transform you!                                         Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
                                            BREAKING NEWS!!  ANNEX FLOOR REFINISHING APPROVED!! 
Because of your continued generous giving, the church board approved the refinishing of the annex wood floor starting Tue., Nov. 28! The annex floors will undergo a 7-day process to sand, stain, and seal them by Classic Wood Floors. In fact, we will not be able to walk on the wood floors until Sun., Dec. 10th In addition, we are advising anyone with asthma or any other breathing concerns to avoid the church Sun., Dec. 03 due to strong odors.
Since we will not be able to walk on the annex floor between Nov. 28 and Dec. 12, we will need to make the following temporary changes during the project:
  • The Wed. Night Bible Study on Nov. 29 and Dec. 06 will meet at the parsonage. 
    • Decorating the sanctuary on Nov. 29 is cancelled.
  • The Adult Sunday school class will meet Dec. 05 in the basement community room.
  • The annex furniture (inc. the stove/refrigerator) will be stored in the nursery. 
  • We will still use the table under the bulletin board for cookies, coffee, and cocoa.
Bless you for your understanding! We are told maintenance in the future will be a 2-day process avoiding these challenges in the future. Thank you for making our church more beautiful, and better maintained! We praise God for your faithfulness! Amen!
THANKSGIVING OFFERING  
The proceeds from the Thanksgiving offering go to the World Evangelism Fund.  Our goal is to get $400.   We have received $625 to date!!   If you forgot to give yet, you can still give to this important fund for the next week.
                                MORE BREAKING NEWS!!  LOBBY CARPET REPLACEMENT IS COMING!! 
Again, because of your continued generous giving, the church board also approved the replacement of the carpeting in our lobby area including the stairs to the basement. The carpeting replacement is scheduled for Mon., Dec. 11th and should only take one day. The carpet and wood floors have needed attention for a long time! What a blessing to realize both of these projects will be completed before Christmas (and all of our visitors!) Thanks to the trustees for recommending these projects and those who give for making our church a more beautiful and inviting place to worship God! God is good! All the time! Amen!
TIME TO ORDER POINTSETTIAS!
These lovely Christmas flowers are available in 5 colors: red, white, pink, jingle-bells, and marble.  They come in 6-1/2” pots wrapped in foil for only $7. Orders need to be placed by Sunday, Dec. 10th.  Please include payment with your order.  
                                                                 ANNUAL COOKIE EXCHANGE COMING SOON!
On Saturday, December 16th, bring  your 1-2 dozen favorite Christmas cookies to exchange with others.  We will meet at the church at 10:30 AM for this fun event!  So, get out those recipes and prepare to bake!
DECEMBER IS TIME TO COLLECT FOR CRISIS CARE KITS!
Be ready to again collect items for the much needed kits that are used in disasters.  More information will be coming soon!
                            PEOPLE WANTED TO PRAY FOR STRANGERS!
There is a “prayer mail box” out by the bus stop.  Many hurting and broken people are 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.  
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 for collecting General Mills box tops!  This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for the Native American Christian Academy. Questions 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
November 29            Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PMat the parsonage
December                  Crisis Care Kit Collection
December 6               Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PMat the parsonage
December 10                        Last Day to order Poinsettias
December 16                        Annual Cookie Exchange @ church @ 10:30 AM

December 21                        3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM

Monday, November 20, 2017

Northeast Community News – November 20, 2017

Dear Friends and Family! 
    What a wonderful day in the Lord we had Sunday! We are so blessed with faithful servants! From those who lead us in worship to those who clean and repair the church, if it weren’t for these faithful servants of God, the church would literally cease to function! Thank you to every one of you who serves God in HIS church here at Northeast Community! Not serving yet? Not sure where you fit in? I’ve got good news! We have plenty of places we knowwhere you can serve and would be more than glad to help you get started. But, we also realize the Spirit may be calling you to serve in some way we do not know! If that is the case, let us know how God is calling you and we would be glad to pray for you as you respond in obedience! God is good!
    We continued our Discipleship Essentials this week by realizing discipleship isn’t just for our benefit; we’re called to go make disciples! In I Thess. 2:1-12 Paul provides 3 lessons on how to ‘Spread the Wealth’ and be a disciple-maker. First, we must live a life worthy of imitation. Paul was a courageous follower and witness of Christ (v. 2:2) and his motives were pure (v. 2:4). 
    How about you? Are you worthy of imitation? Would following you lead someone to Jesus? 
Second, Paul gets intimately involved in their lives. How did Paul treat those he was discipling? Like a college professor who spends a few hours a week teaching? Like a sub-contractor who is doing a job to make money? No, in vv. 2:6b-8 we learn Paul was ‘gentle…like a mom nursing her newborn babies. He got involved because he loved them like Jesus loves us! 
    How about you? Do you get intimately involved in the lives of those who need Jesus? Do you love them are nurture them like Jesus loved and nurtured you? Why or why not? 
    Finally, Paul teaches us to focus on individuals. Like Jesus did with the 12, Paul demonstrated faith is passed on not to an unnamed pool of lost people, but to individuals with names. How about you? Do you know the names of those who need Jesus? If you want to spread the wealth and be a better disciple-maker, it’s time you lived a life worthy of imitation, got intimately involved with others, and added some pagans to your address book!  Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
THANKSGIVING OFFERING  
The proceeds from the Thanksgiving offering go to the World Evangelism Fund.  Our goal is to get $400.   We have received $565 to date!!   If you forgot to give yet, you can still give to this important fund for the next couple weeks.
HELP DECORATE THE CHURCH (AND EAT, TOO) WED., NOV. 29 AT 6:30PM
Several years ago, Janie had the great idea of coming together on a Wed. night to decorate the church for Christmas and have a small meal afterwards. In years past, we’ve done it on the week of Thanksgiving, but since Thanksgiving is so early this year, we’ll do it a week later on Wed., Nov. 29th. Janie and Pastor Dan will provide the main dish; you can bring anything else that sounds good! Okay? If you have any questions, let Pastor Dan know! 

ANNUAL CHURCH BLANKET/COAT DRIVE !!
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.   So far, we have collected 100 coats and blankets!!!
ANNUAL COOKIE EXCHANGE COMING SOON!
On Saturday, December 16th, bring  your 1-2 dozen favorite Christmas cookies to exchange with others.  We will meet at the church at 10:30 AM for this fun event!  So, get out those recipes and prepare to bake!
PEOPLE WANTED TO PRAY FOR STRANGERS!
There is a “prayer mail box” out by the bus stop.  Many hurting and broken people are 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.  
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 for collecting General Mills box tops!  This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for the Native American Christian Academy. Questions 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
Now – Nov.               Annual Coat & Blanket Drive (Received 100 coats/blankets so far!)
November 22            Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
November 23            Thanksgiving Day
November 26            Missions Night @ 5 PM
November 29            Decorate the Church @ 6:30 PM& a meal afterwards
December 16             Annual Cookie Exchange @ church @ 10:30 AM
December 21             3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM


Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Northeast Community News – November 14, 2017

 Dear Friends and Family! 
    We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! Earlier I had reported that winter was near. This Sunday it is confirmed as our 95-year-old Rev. Christopher announced he was headed back to the Sparta church for the winter where they have a covered entry so he won’t have to push his walker through the snow! Some churches have snow birds that fly south for the winter… we have a snow bird that travels to Sparta for the winter! We look forward to your return when the weather starts to thaw! We’ll miss you Rev. Chris! We’re already looking forward to Spring! 
    We continued our Discipleship Essentials this week by looking at another: Spiritual Warfare! While we rightfully celebrated Veteran’s Day last Saturday for their service to our country, as Christians we are all veterans of war…spiritual war. Examining Ephesians 6:10-20 we discover if we want to live a victorious Christian life, we are required to enlist in spiritual warfare! 
    In verses 6:11-12, we discover our enemy isn’t flesh and blood, but the Devil and his schemes. His schemes including temptation, doubt, accusation, deception, and attacks are designed to divide and separate us from God, our Savior Jesus Christ, and eternal life. What are we to do? 
    Using a soldier’s uniform as a metaphor, we discover God has provided us the armor we need to win this battle…but, we need to accept:  a) we are at war, b) we need armament, c) choose to embrace the armor God has provided and d) to daily put it on! 
    The armament Paul proposes include the Word of God (verses 14-18), the Love of Christ (v. 14), being prepared to fight (v. 15), faith (v. 16), salvation (v. 17), and prayer (v. 18). Paul concludes spiritual warfare not only requires the right defense, but the right offence, too! 
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Ephesians 6:20). 
    We are at war Dear Ones! And the result of the consequences of this spiritual war will have consequences that will reverberate throughout eternity. How about you? Are you putting on your armor every day? Why or why not? Are you prepared to be attacked? Are you ready to go on the offensive! Our culture, our family, and ourselves depend upon it!  
        Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS
THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH NOV. 16TH@HIBACHI GRILL!
Join us at Hibachi Grill off Alpine for a wonderful lunch where many different foods can be chosen from!  Enjoy getting to know others from the church!  See you there at 11:30 AM!
WOMENS RENDEZVOUS NOV. 18TH @ CHURCH
Come to the church and join in as we address Christmas cards and envelopes for people that have visited our church this past year.  Bring along your old Christmas cards and any that you will not be using!  Any questions, see Cherry.
THANKSGIVING OFFERING – TAKEN THIS SUNDAY NOV. 19TH
The proceeds from the Thanksgiving offering go to the World Evangelism Fund.  Our goal is to get $400.   Please pray about what God would have YOU give!
ANNUAL CHURCH BLANKET/COAT DRIVE !!
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.  
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 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 the Native American Christian Academy. Questions 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
Now – Nov.               Annual Coat & Blanket Drive (Goal= 65 blankets)
November 15            Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
November 16            3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
November 18            Women’s Rendezvous @ church – Making Christmas cards for past 
                                                visitors

November 19            Thanksgiving offering (Goal = $400)