Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! It was communion week and so it felt like everything led up to the Lord’s Supper. I was reminded again that we ‘receive’ the bread and cup and never ‘take’ it. Jesus came to earth, died and rose again as a gift to us that we have the choice of receiving! Salvation and the reminder He instituted at the Last Supper can never be taken!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Wow! What a joy we have when we come and receive a reminder of the great gift God gave us when He sent Jesus, His Only Son, to the world to save us! Praise the Lord! Remember, we receive communion on the first Sunday of every month! Amen!
God’s message this week came to us from James 4:13-20 and was titled, “Planning Your Future.” Our world loves to plan! We are encouraged to create menu plans, grocery plans, cleaning plans, and plans for our education, our budget, and for our eventual retirement. But, do we ever fall into the trap of making plans and asking God to bless them instead of asking God for His plans first?
In our text this week, James illustrates a business man that makes 3 huge mistakes as he plans his future! First, he forgets to include God (v. 13). Instead of asking God about his future (see v. 15), the foolish man makes HIS plans and assumes God will bless him! You don’t do that do you?
Second, the man assumed he had time to fulfill HIS plan. But James reminded him: “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (v. 15). The word ‘mist’ from the Greek is Atmos as in atmosphere. James is reminding us our life is like a breath on a cold day; visible for a time and then gone!
While planning is good, James begs the question: “Are you ready for your last day on earth?” Very little else matters if you aren’t ready to meet the Savior. Amen? Amen! While were thinking about this it may be a good day to call to forgive someone you’ve held a grudge against. Today’s also a good day to call someone and tell them you’re sorry, too! And remember to tell those you love you love them today and every day, too! If this was your last day, what else should you do?
Finally, declared the man made the mistake of putting off what needed to be done. Do we have any procrastinators out there? Yes, my hand is up! James writes, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins” (v. 17). God has a plan for our life! And when we put off doing the will of God, we are sinning! If God has called you to do something good or to stop doing something bad, you need to do more than listen… you really need to do it! Blessings Pastor Dan!
NEWS AND EVENTS
WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS IS OCTOBER 13TH
Meet at the church on Saturday at 10:30 AM for a time of fellowship and getting to know each other a little better. There are usually snacks too! Any questions, feel free to contact Cherry.
NEXT CHURCH POTLUCK IS OCTOBER 14TH
It is soon time again to celebrate birthdays for October and November, as well as get together for much yummy food! This lunch will be after the morning service and in the basement of the church.
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.
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?
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 10 Wednesday Night Bible Study
October 13 Women’s Rendezvous 10:30 AM @ church
October 14 Church Potluck after AM service
October 14 Sunday afternoon bike rides @ 2:30 PM – Rogue River Park
October 18 Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM
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