Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! In addition to a wonderful time of prayer and discipleship under the teaching of Gerry D. in Sunday school, and Spirit led worship by Steve H. and Sherry J., we were blessed with a visit from Rev. Kevin Hardy, our District Superintendent!
Remember, unlike other denominations, the Church of the Nazarene polity empowers the local church! Unlike bishops who direct their churches from the top down, an elected Superintendent works with the local Spirit led elected pastor and church board to further the gospel. While much of Rev. Hardy’s work is administrative, he remains a pastor at his core and it was evident Sunday.
The message from God Rev. Hardy brought this week was from Psalm 145. He began by sharing the following statistic: there are 5467 promises in the Bible! Not only are their 5467 promises, but we can trust God to keep ALL of them! The psalmist wrote, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations” (Psalm 145:13). God is faithful to all his promises and to everyone! Our work is to believe ALL means ALL!
So do you? Too often we might be tempted to see ourselves or others as somehow ineligible for God’s promises. But the psalmist declares God will keep His promises are too
But, Rev. Hardy points out, it is important to remember God also knows when the time is perfect to fulfill his promises. The psalmist wrote, “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time” (Psalm 145:15). It’s important to differentiate between our preferred time (like right now) and God’s proper time! Only God knows the proper time to keep His promise. True faith flows between seasons of anticipation and realization.
Finally, Rev. Hardy points out that we’re to make praise an everyday encounter. The psalmist writes, “Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever” (Psalm 145:2). Do you limit your praise to a once a week celebration or do you find reason to praise every day?
Rev. Hardy left us with these three thoughts: 1) Make praising God a topic of conversation, 2) Make praising God a focus of meditation, and 3) Make praising God a cause for celebration! I pray each of us embrace and praise God for kept promises! Amen? Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
BREAKING NEWS!! NEW HANDICAMP RAMP PURCHASE HAS BEEN APPROVED!!
Because of your continued generous giving, combined with over $4,000 in memorial gifts we’ve received over the last two years, the church board last Sat. approved the replacement of our old handicap wooden handicap ramp with a new professionally installed steel ramp!
We don’t have a scheduled install date yet, but hopefully we will see the old one removed and new one installed soon! Thank you for making our church even more beautiful, and better maintained! We praise God for your faithful giving, patience, and trust! Amen!
10th ANNUAL COAT & BLANKET DRIVE IS THROUGH NOVEMBER!
Help restock Mel Trotter’s supply of winter items by looking in your closets or checking for store sales or going to garage sales to purchase/donate gently used coats, hats, mittens and scarves. We delivered all of the coats and blankets we collected so far to Mel Trotter this week!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sherry J @ 616-214-5750.
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS NOVEMBER 21
Anyone who wants to have a delicious lunch with a lot of food to choose from, join us at Hibachi Grill off Alpine at 11:30 AM. There is always good conversation as well!
EAT PIZZA AND DECORATE THE CHURCH WED. NOV. 26 AT 6:00-7:30PM
Advent starts Dec. 01 so it’s time to make plans to decorate the church for Christmas! Instead of our regular Bible study and children’s program, we’re going to eat pizza and then decorate the church while we listen to Christmas Carols! Pizza will be provided, but feel free to bring a pop, salad, or a desert and join us! Come eat, laugh, and join the chaos as all ages do their best to decorate the church as we prepare for Christ’s birth. Questions? See Pastor Dan or Mary W.
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKS AND SMALL GROUP STUDY COMING!
Advent begins Dec. 01. From the book, “More than just a cozy affair, the season of Advent should disrupt our lives as we pause to reframe the story of Christ’s birth in a way that compels us to bend a knee to His lordship in every part of our lives. Born the King is a 4-week devotional journey that weaves together Scripture, stories, prayer, and interactive moments that draw us to engage with a Savior whose majesty proclaims the coming of the kingdom.”
Additionally, Janie will be hosting discussion group lunches on Sun., Dec. 8th, Sat Dec. 14, and Sat. Dec. 21. The devotional book is $6, but the lunches are free! RSVP Janie if you would like a book or are interested in attending one or more of the discussion group lunches!
REV CHRISTIAN (CHRIS) CHRISTOPHER HAS MOVED
Rev Chris has made a transition into assisted living. Please show this man of God your love and care by sending him lots of cards and letters @ Rev. Christian Christopher, Platinum Living, 1870 72nd Street SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. If you want to visit him, please call first @ 616-805-5181.
BETTY HAS MOVED TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
Betty Morse
10 Missouri Street
Ashmore, IL 61912
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS
Dinner is 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. At 6:30 PM, Bible study for adults and kids begins.
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Oct.-Nov. 10th Annual Blanket Drive
Nov. 20 Mission Night
Nov. 21 3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM
Dec. 7 Board Appreciation Brunch @ 10:30 am
Dec. 8 Church Potluck
Dec. 18 Mission Night
