Northeast Community News – July 30, 2013
Dear Friends and Family,
What a wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! It was a chilly day…in July! But while it was cool outside, the love and warmth we shared worshipping God was anything but cold! What warmth we shared as we heard Cherry share her grandson had prayed to receive Christ! What warmth we felt as God’s grace moved through us as we welcomed new visitors into God’s house! What warmth we carried as we left and moved back into our cold world with the Holy Spirit burning within reminding us of God’s love! Amen!
God’s message to us this week came from Colossians 1:15-23 and was titled, “Jesus Christ is Sufficient.” In his letter to the Colossians Paul addresses three heresies in the early church. First, some false teachers taught that anything physical or material was evil. This logic led them to teach Jesus could not have come in a physical form. Finally, these false teachers taught Jesus was only one of the many means God uses to speak to a sinful humanity and reconcile them to Himself. The charges were quite serious!
Paul responds in these nine verses to these charges by first declaring Jesus is supreme or Lord over all creation (vv. 15-17). Paul declares Jesus is preeminent, has created all things (visible and invisible) by Him and for Him, and holds all things together! This means there is nothing ‘created’ Jesus isn’t aware of and has authority and power over.
Second, Paul declares Jesus is supreme or Lord over the Church (v. 18). The word Church comes from the Greek word ekklesia and refers to the people who assemble, not the building they assemble in. This means wherever and however Christians gather for worship He is the central element that unites them! Without Christ there is no Church!
Finally, Paul declares in vv. 21-23 that Jesus is supreme or Lord over reconciliation, too! While we were all once enemies of God, Paul reminds the Colossians our salvation is found in Christ alone! It was through His death on the Cross; through His blood pouring out of His sinless physical body we are redeemed! To the false teachers in all times Paul declares the physical world is not inherently sinful, Jesus did come in physical form and Jesus is the only way to the Father! The Good News Paul boldly declares is that we can be assured Jesus understands, cares, and can overcome whatever struggle we face because of who He is! Praise God!
WED. NIGHT ADULT BIBLE STUDY AT 6:30PM
We are currently studying a little book on Christian Community on Wednesday nights and this week’s study is titled, ‘Community Commissioned’ based on Luke 10:1-20. Are you ready to join in Kingdom work? Come Wednesday night at 6:30pm to learn about life in Christian Community!
Healthy Living! It is a way of life as Holiness People!
“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive…So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:23, 31).
The following won a free 2-liter for reading last week’s article! Pastor Amy Orban!
This section of our newsletter is dedicated to ‘healthy living.’ As temples of the Holy Spirit yielded to God our lives should honor God in all things! Last week we spoke of maintaining health through contentment and as if on clue my brother David sent me a satirical article on contentment from the Onion.
I think the article has a wonderful way of uncovering what we’ve been talking about for 4 weeks! Regardless of what God has to say about our lives, our culture seems to ‘expect us to live without margin.’ Remember, this was meant to be funny and over the top!
Unambitious Loser With Happy, Fulfilling Life Still Lives In Hometown
CAMDEN, ME—Longtime acquaintances confirmed to reporters this week that local man Michael Husmer, an unambitious 29-year-old loser who leads an enjoyable and fulfilling life, still lives in his hometown and has no desire to leave.
Claiming that the aimless slouch has never resided more than two hours from his parents and still hangs out with friends from high school, sources close to Husmer reported that the man, who has meaningful, lasting personal relationships and a healthy work-life balance, is an unmotivated washout who’s perfectly comfortable being a nobody for the rest of his life.
“I’ve known Mike my whole life and he’s a good guy, but it’s pretty pathetic that he’s still living on the same street he grew up on and experiencing a deep sense of personal satisfaction,” childhood friend David Gorman said of the unaspiring, completely gratified do-nothing. “As soon as Mike graduated from college, he moved back home and started working at a local insurance firm. Now, he’s nearly 30 years old, living in the exact same town he was born in, working at the same small-time job, and is extremely contented in all aspects of his home and professional lives. It’s really sad.”
…Former high school classmates confirmed that Husmer has seemingly few aspirations in life, citing occasional depressing run-ins with the personally content townie during visits back home, as well as embarrassing Facebook photos in which the smiling dud appears alongside family members whom he sees regularly and appreciates and enjoys close, long-lasting relationships with….
In particular, those familiar with the pitiful man, who is able to afford a comfortable lifestyle without going into debt, confirmed that he resides just two blocks from the home he grew up in, miles away from anything worthwhile, like high-priced bars and clubs. In fact, sources stated that the pathetic loafer has never had any interest in moving to even a nearby major city, despite the fact that he has nothing better to do than “sit around all day” being an involved member of his community and using his ample free time to follow pursuits that give him genuine pleasure.
Former classmates also confirmed that the underachiever is apparently resigned to going to his little small-time, stable, extremely fulfilling job in town each day and has zero ambitions to leave his position and pursue a more prestigious and soul-crushing career path in a real city….
…According to relatives who moved thousands of miles away and are currently alienated from much of the family, Husmer has never once taken a major professional or financial risk, choosing instead to “coast through life” by putting considerable time and effort into his rewarding marriage, playing an active role in his two children’s lives, and being sincerely thankful for what he has in this world.
Moreover, several cousins who rely on medication to treat anxiety related to their perceived social status and relative wealth compared to childhood friends confirmed to reporters that Husmer is unlikely to change at this point, and may in fact remain a good-natured and highly fulfilled layabout for the rest of his life… [end]
So, are you content like Husmer or are you part of a culture that actively devalues contentedness? While this was satire, I think there is truth for all of us to consider! [If you want to read the whole article, use the link below (note: there is one swear word).] http://www.theonion.com/
SUNDAY BIKE RIDES ARE BACK!
Rev. Russ Atherton from the Lifestream Free Methodist Church has invited us back to take a few adventures on Sunday afternoons ON BIKES at 2:00pm! If you’re interested, let me know! Why not invite a friend who doesn’t come to church! PS. If you need a bike, let me know and I’ll locate one for you! Come on! It will be fun!
Blessings! Pastor Dan
Hello from Pastor Amy, your Associate Pastor/Administrative Secretary
My office hours will vary every Tuesday, and if you need to see me, just call! My responsibilities also include preparing our weekly program, so if you have an event that you would like to put in the program or newsletter, please feel free to contact me!
On Prayer Requests: If you have a specific praise or prayer request which you would like to appear in the program and/or newsletter, please make sure to fill out the tear-off sheet in the weekly program, or contact me at any time.
Please Update Me! We have a long, ongoing list of prayer requests. Please keep me
updated. Requests will be pulled from the newsletter & program after three weeks.
Church Office: 616-459-2773 My Contact Info: 616-514-9521 or aorban@nnu.edu
NEWS AND EVENTS
Do You Know About First Friday Chinese Lunch? August 02 @ 11:30am
On the first Friday of every month, a group of us gather at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Avenue located behind the Target for lunch and fellowship at 11:30am. This is a very relaxed gathering, and everyone is invited to attend, and to bring friends, family, and kids. The food is cheap and delicious, and no reservations are required, just show up! Talk to Tracy Tamm if you have any questions.
Communion and Family Church – Sunday August 04th
Ever wondered why we don’t have children’s church one Sunday per month? On the first Sundayof every month, we celebrate the sacrament of the Eucharist, also known as Communion or the Lord’s Supper. On this Sunday, we also keep our children in service and do not hold our usual children’s church. This not only gives our workers a chance to participate in Communion, but more importantly it gives our children a chance to be part of this service and sacrament as well!
Nursery Workers – Brief Meeting Sunday August 04 after worship!
If you are a nursery worker, please gather in the adult Sunday school room in the basement for a BRIEF meeting immediately following worship this Sunday to touch base and review our nursery policy and procedures. We always need more children and nursery workers, so if you are willing to be a nursery worker, talk to Pastor Amy to begin the application process (includes background check).
HIGHLAND PARK – DUMPSTER DAY – AUGUST 10 – 8AM to 12:00 NOON
Do you want to get rid of some unused appliances or other pieces of junk cluttering up your storage area? Well I have good news! Highland Park Neighborhood Association in conjunction with the City of Grand Rapids is having their annual ‘dumpster day’ Aug. 10 between 8am and 12 noon for those who live in Highland Park. Bring your ‘treasures’ to the upper parking lot of St. Isadore’s on Spring St! Highland Park boundaries are Fuller Ave (East), College Ave (West), Leonard St. (North), and I-196 (South).
Tri-District Men’s Retreat – Friday September 20 thru Saturday September 21
Attention all men, you are invited to attend a tri-district men’s retreat being held at Lost Valley Bible Farm in Gaylord, MI. Activities will include teaching, small groups, golf, trap shooting, rifle range, basketball, fishing, horseshoes, deer rifle sight-in and table tennis. The cost is only $55 per person, meals included. We would love to send a group of men from our church! The registration deadline is September 10th. Talk to Pastor Amy to get more information and to get signed up!
Come to the Fire Women’s Conference – October 17-19
Attention all women, you are invited to the Come to the Fire annual women’s conference in October. The conference will be held Holland, MI. Last year, a group of us traveled to the conference, stayed in a hotel, and were blessed by it! It is a great weekend of worship, teaching, fellowship and renewal. There is no cost for registration, but we will be discussing how to pay for meals and lodging. If you are interested in attending this conference, please talk to Pastor Amy or Janie soon! For more information, you can also grab a pamphlet from the table outside of the sanctuary, or go to cometothefire.org.
August School Pal Packs!
It is time once again to collect items for School Pal-Paks as part of our Nazarene Missions International efforts. If you don’t know, the Church of the Nazarene operates numerous primary schools around the world, providing quality education for children. Unfortunately, children around the world often do not have the supplies needed for school. In countries with economic challenges, families cannot afford to purchase supplies, or siblings are often required to share the supplies. In response to the need, Nazarene Missions International partnered with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Inc. (NCM, Inc.) to provide School Pal-Paks. You can put purchased items under the sign on the Mission bulletin board in the annex. See Gerry Dawson with any questions. Make sure to get a shopping list before you shop, because the paks require very specific items! Here is the information:
Shopping List:
• 2 composition notebooks (such as Mead brand), no larger than 93⁄4x71⁄2 inches
• 1 package of 10-12 #2 pencils
• 1 package of 10-12 black pens
• 2 pink erasers, 2-3 inches long
• 2 6-inch or 12-inch rulers (with metric measurements)
• 1 package of 12-15 colored pencils
• 1 pair blunt-nosed scissors
• 1 hand-held pencil sharpener (NOT electric or battery-powered)
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PLAY YOUR INSTRUMENT IN CHURCH!
Do you play an instrument or used to play an instrument and want to use your gift to bless others and glorify the Lord? Recently, the church purchased sheet music to the hymnal we use for flute/oboe and clarinet. Trombone is also available. We would love to have a few people play their instruments occasionally during the offering time! If you are interested or even think you might be interested see Pastor Dan.
Jonathan Gingrich is in Germany! Check out his blog!
Most of you know that Jonathan Gingrich is studying abroad in Germany with a group of students from Calvin College this summer. Please continue to pray for him! If you are interested in what he is up to, he is updating his blog and you can check it out! Here is the link: http://grinchingermany.
Indian Lake Paint Project – will you help?
Irene Pratt is leading an effort to repaint part of the Indian Lake Nazarene Camp Tabernacle. We recently received a $400 donation toward the project! So many of us cherish the experiences we have had at ILNC over the years, and we want to help take care of this wonderful place which is truly a gift from God. While this might seem like an enormous project for our little church, we believe that God has called us to make it happen, and He will provide a way! Irene is also asking people to come down to the camp to do the actual work. If you are willing to get on board, contact Irene!
Directories Printed!
If you need a church directory, we just printed some. Feel free to take one from the table outside of the sanctuary!
Postcard Greetings Now Available
Don’t forget, we have NE Community postcards and they are available to anyone who would like to send them to invite, encourage, miss, or welcome someone to the church! Interested? See a Sundayschool teacher or Pastor Amy or Dan.
Upcoming Events
August 2 First Friday Chinese @ 11:30am, Hibachi Alpine
August 4 Nursery Worker meeting immediately after morning worship
August 4 Communion Sunday/Family Church – NO Children’s Church
August 10 Highland Park Dumpster Days
August 11 Northeast Community Potluck follows morning worship service
September 10 Registration for Tri-District Men’s Retreat due
October 17-19 Come to the Fire Women’s Conference in Holland
