Monday, October 29, 2018

Northeast Community News – October 29, 2018

Dear Friends and Family!       
    We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! It is hard to believe how fast the leaves are falling off the trees! Parts of the parking lot were beautifully blanketed with leaves! But, this was one cold blanket! The rain was cold Sunday morning, but as one person said, “It is still better than snow!” But even when it is cold and rainy outside, it’s warm in our church! Sure, the temperature in the sanctuary was warm, but the warmth of our people and the Spirit is real and wonderful! If you haven’t been to church in a while, it’s time to come out of the cold and warm up with us! 
       God’s message this week came to us from Psalm 104 and was titled, “How Great Thou Art.” When was the last time something ‘wowed’ you and moved you to praise God? Do you come to worship expecting to be amazed, awed or astounded in the presence of God? When you walk in nature do you still feel overwhelmed by the sight of a wild flower, butterfly, or the stars in the sky? Do you still marvel at God’s ability to create a human body and provide salvation? The Psalmist does. 
       In verses 1-2a, we read, “Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lordmy God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent…” (Ps. 104:1-2a).   In verses 5-6, we read, “He [God] set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains” (Ps. 104:5-6).   And in verse 28, we read, “When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things” (Ps. 104:28).
God is the author and creator of every good thing! So, what should you do if you’ve lost your ability to experience wonder and praise God? In Genesis c. 28:10-16, Jacob encounters God in an unlikely place…in the middle of the desert while sleeping with a rock for a pillow. In the middle of nowhere, Jacob realizes he has been in the presence of God; a God who makes amazing promises. When he awoke he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it” (Gen. 28:10-16).
Jacob discovered the secret of wonder-filled living. When you wake up to the realization the same God who hung the stars, created all life, and made you amazing promises, too, is in your place like Jacob, how can you help but lift your head and praise Him? When life at its hardest, how amazing to realize God is there providing for you, saving you, and comforting you? Somebody ought to get out of their chair and praise God! Woohoo! God is in this place! Hallelujah!                              Blessings Pastor Dan!

NEWS AND EVENTS
NO WEDESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS OCT. 31
       Halloween falls on Wed. night this year and we have decided to let our families celebrate as they see fit. Yes, some think of Halloween as an attack on Christianity and want to take a stand. Others see Halloween as a harmless event that allows kids to collect a bucket of treats. We aren’t able to hold an alternative party or ‘trunk or treat’ and our Wed. night leaders have grandkids who need them to bring God’s love into an event that too often glorifies evil and darkness. So, regardless of your feelings on this matter, please pray our kids will see Jesus in us! See you on Nov. 7th
BABY SHOWER!
            Come to church on November 3, Saturday, at 1 PM for Jennifer, Jesse, & Christian.  They are registered at Target &Amazon.com.   
TIME TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS AGAIN – BACK 1 HOUR!!
            Do not forget to change your clock Saturday night or early Sunday morning as Daylight Savings Time ends and we are back to “regular” time!  
THANKSGIVING W.E.F. OFFERING COMING SOON – NOV. 4TH
            Begin thinking about what you would like to donate to World Evangelism Fund for the Thanksgiving Offering.  This money is used for many things around the world.  
NEXT WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS
            Join at the church at 10:30 AM, on November 10, for fellowship, fun, and a little food.  A craft will be provided (button frames).  
BLANKET & COAT DRIVE IS ON!
            As the weather again turns cold, we will be collecting blankets and coats to be donated to the homeless at Mel Trotter Ministries.  This collection will be from mid-October through mid-November.    Our goal is 100 blankets.
THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH
            Our next monthly meeting at the Hibachi Grill off Alpine is Thursday, November 15, at 11:30 AM.  Any questions, please feel free to see Tracy T.

Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:15 pm(before Bible study).  Volunteers are needed to make main dishes, side dishes, or desserts.  Please contact Cherry with any questions.   

SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES ANYONE? 
What: Weekly Bike Rides; Time: 2:30pm until aprox. 4:30pmCost: Free! 
Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the paved White Pine Trail (9 miles). Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306

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 3              Baby Shower @ church 1PM (Registered @ Target & Amazon.com)
November 4              Daylight Savings Time ends
November 4              Thanksgiving W.E.F. Offering
November 4              Sunday afternoon bike rides @ 2:30 PM – Rogue River Park
November 10            Women’s Rendezvous @ church 10:30 AM
November 12            Church Board Meeting
November 15            Third Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill 11 AM
November 30            Board Appreciation Dinner


Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Northeast Community News – October 22, 2018

Dear Friends and Family!       
    What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! This week we celebrated another birthday and the church board gave me ‘high fives’ as part of Pastor appreciation month. While last week we had celebrated Rev. Christopher’s 96th birthday, Steve H. birthday on Sunday was celebrating a few less birthday’s…. actually almost 5 decades fewer! I asked Steve if he had any wisdom he could share having now lived to 47 years old. Without missing a beat, Steve said he had learned the importance of trusting God in more than the big things; trust God in everything! Wise advice, Steve! What about you? Are you trusting God in everything? I hope so! Amen!
       God’s message this week came to us from Psalm 124 and was titled, “A Song of Gratitude.” As we continue our individual journeys as Christian’s growing in grace, it becomes clear not everyone is on our side. The good news is God has always been on His children’s side and we should rejoice! 
       In Psalm 124, David speaks of the dangers of trusting and following God. In v. 3 we discover the enemies of Israel sought to swallow them alive. In v. 4-5, David describes the enemies as a huge tidal wave desiring to wipe any evidence of Israel off the map. In vv. 6-7, Israel’s enemies desire to not only trap the people of God, but to tear them to shreds by their sharp teeth. Their enemies were real and David spoke of their ruthlessness graphically. Had God not continually intervened (vv. 1-2), the people of God would have been nothing more than a distant and fading memory.
       But God had been on their side! Question – were the enemies of God’s people limited to Israel? Do Christians today still have enemies? Are there still people who wish to destroy Christianity and wipe the very memory of Jesus and His followers off the face of the earth? The Apostle Peter said,  “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
       The answer is YES the people of God still have enemies and I do believe there are some who would like Christianity to be removed from our history books and scoured from our language. But, like Israel, we still have a God through Christ who still breaks the traps that bind His people. If you’re feeling like the enemy is trying to devour you or like you’re drowning, maybe it’s time to stop running from Jesus and run to Jesus! He still sets the captives free! When you’re a child of God, it no longer matters who’s against you! God is for you! Hallelujah!                                                           Blessings Pastor Dan!

NEWS AND EVENTS
MISSION NIGHT AT CHURCH
            On Wednesday, October 24, there will be an adult lesson titled, “The Call is for All”.   Enjoy a scrumptious dinner before at 5:30 PM and then hear about the mission field at 6:30 PM.  
NO WEDESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS OCT. 31
       Halloween falls on Wed. night this year and we have decided to let our families celebrate as they see fit. Yes, some think of Halloween as an attack on Christianity and want to take a stand. Others see Halloween as a harmless event that allows kids to collect a bucket of treats. We aren’t able to hold an alternative party or ‘trunk or treat’ and our Wed. night leaders have grandkids who need them to bring God’s love into an event that too often glorifies evil and darkness. So, regardless of your feelings on this matter, please pray our kids will see Jesus in us! See you on Nov. 7th
BABY SHOWER!
            Come to church on November 3, Saturday, at 1 PM for Jennifer, Jesse, & Christian.  A gift suggestion list is available on Jennifer’s Facebook.
THANKSGIVING W.E.F. OFFERING COMING SOON – NOV. 4TH
            Begin thinking about what you would like to donate to World Evangelism Fund for the Thanksgiving Offering.  This money is used for many things around the world.  
NEXT WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS
            Join at the church at 10:30 AM, on November 10, for fellowship, fun, and a little food.  A craft will be provided (button frames).  
BLANKET & COAT DRIVE IS ON!
            As the weather again turns cold, we will be collecting blankets and coats to be donated to the homeless at Mel Trotter Ministries.  This collection will be from mid-October through mid-November.    Our goal is 100 blankets.
THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH
            Our next monthly meeting at the Hibachi Grill off Alpine is Thursday, November 15, at 11:30 AM.  Any questions, please feel free to see Tracy T.
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:15 pm(before Bible study).  Volunteers are needed to make main dishes, side dishes, or desserts.  Please contact Cherry with any questions.   
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES ANYONE? 
What: Weekly Bike Rides; Time: 2:30pm until aprox. 4:30pmCost: Free! 
Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the paved White Pine Trail (9 miles). Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306
 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
October 24                Mission Night @ 6:30 PM
October 28                Sunday afternoon bike rides @ 2:30 PM – Rogue River Park            
November 3              Baby Shower @ church 1PM
November 4              Daylight Savings Time ends
November 4              Thanksgiving W.E.F. Offering
November 10            Women’s Rendezvous @ church 10:30 AM
November 12            Church Board Meeting
November 15            Third Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill 11 AM
November 30            Board Appreciation Dinner

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Northeast Community News – October 15, 2018

Dear Friends and Family!       
       We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! This week in addition to our time of worship, discipleship, and fellowship we celebrated two significant birthdays: Last Thursday was Emily M’s. 95th birthday and Sunday was Rev. Christopher’s 96th birthday! Wow! Praise the Lord! But did you know we are blessed with 4 people in their 90s? In addition to Emily and Rev. Chris, we are blessed to have Rhoda H. and Dick M. who are in their 90s, too. 
       Additionally, we are blessed to have several more folks attending our church who are in their 80s. Truthfully, they have lived out what Solomon wrote to us in the 16th Proverb. In part Solomon wrote:
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. (Proverbs 16:31)
Have you read the 16th Proverb recently? There is a lot of wisdom in the Proverbs! There is a lot of wisdom in our dear saints here at Northeast Community, too! If you haven’t visited and sat with one of our saints in a while, I‘d encourage you to go! You will be wiser for your effort! 
       God’s message this week came to us from James 5:13-20 and was titled, “Who Are God’s People?” While the heading in my NIV titles this section, “The Prayer of Faith,” there is an underlying point James is implying here... ‘Real Christian’s care like Jesus cared.’ Like Jesus, we ought to care about those who are troubled (v. 13), care about the sick (v. 14), care about sin in the church (v. 16), and care about the lost and those who have wandered away from faith in Jesus (v. 19). 
       So do you? Do you care? If you care about the troubled, the sick, about sinfulness in the church and those who have wandered from the faith, God has provided a way to restore and heal them. How? By lifting them to the Father in prayer…by asking the elders of the church to anoint them, to actively pursue those who have wandered away as the Spirit leads with grace, love, and care. 
       Oh, and just in case you don’t think this is humanly possible, James reminded his hearers of Elijah. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops” (James 5:17-18). 
       What did Elijah do? He prayed earnestly! Who did the miracle? God did the miracle! James is saying we can show those hurting and lost people around us how much we really love and care for them like Jesus when we earnestly pray for them like Elijah! Who needs your prayer and call this week? Do you care enough to do it? Ask God for a miracle!                                             Blessings Pastor Dan!

NEWS AND EVENTS
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS OCTOBER 18TH
            Meet at Hibachi Grill off Alpine Avenue and have some good food.  There is much conversation and time with others.   For any questions, feel free to contact Tracy T.
MISSION NIGHT AT CHURCH
            On Wednesday, October 24, there will be an adult lesson titled, “The Call is for All”.   Enjoy a scrumptious dinner before at 5:30 PM and then hear about the mission field at 6:30 PM.  
BABY SHOWER!
            Come to church on November 3, Saturday, (time to be determined yet), for a baby shower for Silas (Jennifer, Jesse, & Christian).  A gift suggestion list will be available soon.
THANKSGIVING WEF OFFERING COMING SOON – NOV. 4TH
            Begin thinking about what you would like to donate to World Evangelism Fund for the Thanksgiving Offering.  This money is used for many things around the world.  
NEXT WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS
            Join at the church at 10:30 AM, on November 10, for fellowship, fun, and a little food.  A craft will be provided (button frames).  
BLANKET & COAT DRIVE IS ON!
            As the weather again turns cold, we will be collecting blankets and coats to be donated to the homeless at Mel Trotter Ministries.  This collection will be from mid-October through mid-November.    Our goal is 100 blankets.
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:15 pm(before Bible study).  Volunteers are needed to make main dishes, side dishes, or desserts.  Please contact Cherry with any questions.   
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES ANYONE? 
What: Weekly Bike Rides; Time: 2:30pm until aprox. 4:30pmCost: Free! 
Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the paved White Pine Trail (9 miles). Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306
 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
October 17                Wednesday Night Bible Study 
October 18                Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM
October 21                Sunday afternoon bike rides @ 2:30 PM – Rogue River Park
October 24                Mission Night @ 6:30 PM
November 3              Baby Shower @ church
November 4              Thanksgiving W.E.F. Offering
November 10            Women’s Rendezvous @ church 10:30 AM