Dear Friends and Family!
What a wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! While summer officially ended June 21, we will finally start feeling the fall weather this week with lows in the 30s. Yesterday, we had four opportunities to gather. First, we gathered for Sunday school where Gerry D. did a wonderful job leading us in a study of the Word. Second, we gathered to worship with new and old faces including 12-year-old Lilley, Margaret and Robert, visiting for the first time, and Rev. Christopher who turned 95 this week! Third, we gathered for fellowship on our bicycles as we rode the leaf lined trail from Comstock Park to Rockford and back! Finally, we gathered with Sherry to learn about missions and eat together. What a wonderful and full day! Praise the Lord!
We continued our Discipleship Essentials series by looking at another essential belief: Witness! What do you think of when you think of witnessing? Fear? Sick to your stomach? A method to be learned and practiced? Something only pastors and evangelists should do? In Acts 1:1-11 we discover witnessing is an essential part of ALL Christian disciples. While the disciples seemed more interested in when Jesus was going to restore the Jewish nation to power, Jesus said:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
While geopolitics and His return were important then and now, in Acts 1:8 we discover we can’t allow these to distract us from our primary mission to witness and spread the gospel. Yes, we need to pray for America, but we cannot be more concerned with politics than lost souls.
Bible scholar and teacher Howard Hendricks sums up the sad state of Christian witness today writing, In the midst of a generation screaming for answers, Christians are muttering.
So, why are we muttering? First, I fear many don’t have a testimony of how the gospel of Jesus has transformed them! Among those who have changed, some are waiting for better training. You don’t need training! The first disciples didn’t take a class! They simply told their story. Tell how you lived in bondage before Christ – tell them how Christ forgave you and set you free!
Further, we mutter because we share our faith in own power. Jesus made it clear: the disciples would be witnesses AFTER they received the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit that led them out of their comfort zones and empowered them to witness to the ends of the earth.
Listen for the Spirit’s whisper. When He says speak – speak; when He says remain silent – don’t speak!
Finally, I suspect some stutter because they feel too damaged to witness. They’ve committed a grievous sin for which they’ve been forgiven but still see the scar – others are tongue tied, shy, or incapable. If this describes you then read Moses and God’s conversation in Ex. c. 4. In short, God knows about physical, mental or emotional challenges you have because He created you! If God has called you to it – He will see you through it! Can I get a witness?
Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
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!
THANKSGIVING OFFERING – TO BE TAKEN 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!
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.]
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
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
Now – Nov. Annual Coat & Blanket Drive (Goal is 65 blankets)
October 24 Bible Study “Remembering the Forgotten God” @ 10 AM
(downstairs) LAST ONE!
October 25 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
October 29 Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride @ 2 PM
November 16 3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
November 18 Women’s Rendezvous @ church
November 19 Thanksgiving offering (Goal = $400)
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