Northeast Community News – December 29, 2014

Hello Dear Ones!

What a wonderful week we had in the Lord! That’s right a wonderful week! Last Wed., we gathered together for our Christmas Eve Service and sang carols and were blessed with 5 different Scripture lesson readers and then received communion together. Thank you to Tracy, Steve, Cherry, Beverly, and Anna for reading and everyone who brought cookies, too! While steady rain kept us from putting our luminaries outside, we did light candles to acknowledge our losses at the beginning of the service and finished by candlelight as we sang Silent Night together. A wonderful time was had by all as we prepared for Christmas!

On Saturday, we had the opportunity to gather together to celebrate the life of our dear departed friend Tom Christoffersen. What a joy to celebrate a man who spent his whole life dedicated to the Lord, his family, and God’s Mission! God’s house was full and most stayed for the delicious luncheon provided by the family. Thank you to Janie, Cherry, Larry, Phil, and Steve who helped set up, serve, and clean up at the luncheon! Praise the Lord!

On Sunday, we gathered for our regular worship service and it was wonderful, too! What a blessing to sing God’s praises, seek Him in prayer, and hear the preaching of the Word. We were especially blessed as Ed (Fran’s son in law) came and sang a special for us about God’s amazing grace! Then, in the afternoon, Jean and I led worship at Vista Springs! God is good!

God’s message Sunday came from Luke 2:22-40 and was titled, “Waiting for Christmas!” What were you seeking this Christmas? While we might be tempted to seek clothes, shoes, and money, in our text we discover two who wanted Jesus! In Simeon and Anna we find two people hungering for God, filled with the Holy Spirit, willing to boldly speak for God, and ready to encourage others. For these, Christmas had just begun!

What about you? As Dec. 25^th passes are you leaving the Christ in Christmas behind and can’t wait to get back to normal (whatever that might mean) or are you still hungering for Christ? The text makes it clear Simeon and Anna were led, directed, moved, and filled with the Holy Spirit. When we are sanctified, our lives are led, directed, moved, and filled with the Holy Spirit, too! Christmas doesn’t end… it is just beginning!

As sanctified believers we find boldness in Simeon and Anna’s speech. They aren’t ‘playing it safe’ in their conversation with Joseph, Mary, or anyone else in the Temple. They shared the good news of Jesus with everyone! Even more so today than 50 years ago, we can’t let our fear of what others might think about us stop us from speaking boldly for God!

Finally, Anna and Simeon demonstrate that ‘we aren’t travelling alone’ when we walk with Jesus! While Joseph and Mary were indeed devout and righteous, they still faced all of the human feelings and struggles we do. No doubt their ‘unplanned pregnancy’ provided them plenty of shame, pain, and doubts in their decision to be obedient to God! But, here we find Simeon and Anna coming alongside at just the right time to encourage them! While they may have felt it from time to time, they are not alone!

The good news is you aren’t alone either! The Holy Spirit still sends people alongside us to comfort us, encourage us, help us, and strengthen us at just the right time! He did it my life and I’m sure He did it your life, too! But if this is true (and I think it is) then it seems likely the Holy Spirit is sending you out into the lives of someone else, too! As we leave Dec. 25 in our rear view mirrors let’s continue to hunger for God, yield to the Spirit, and allow Jesus to send us out to bring Christmas into the lives of others! 

Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

NEW YEARS PARTY AT THE PARSONAGE WED. 12-31 AT 6:30PM

Ok, maybe you were wondering, ‘Will Pastor Dan do a Bible Study on New Year’s Eve since it’s on a Wed. night?’ Well, after talking with Janie, the answer is no, but we are hosting a New Year’s Eve party starting! So, bring your favorite snacks and games and join us starting at 6:30pm! Will Pastor Dan make it til’ midnight? Not a chance! But, we can spend a few hours of fun and food together before bedtime! If you’d like to help or have any questions, see Janie or call/email her at 616.204.2499 or hathjan@icloud.com

ATTENTION TEENS! WINTER JAM 2015 CONCERT – JAN. 04 – ARE YOU IN?

Janie has declared Winter Jam 2015 at the Van Andel Arena is a must go to concert for all teens and young adults. Groups include Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, For King & Country, Newsong, and Family Force 5. The cost is just $10 each, but the first 3 teens and 2 young adults that RSVP Janie at hathjan@icloud.com will go free! This is going to a great way to start your New Year! Are you in? Hope so!

WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY (AND ICE CREAM) RETURNS ON JAN. 07 AT 6:30PM

The party will be great, but on Jan. 07 at 6:30pm it is back to our weekly Bible study. We’re using “Faith Connections,” a Bible based study centered on Wesleyan holiness and it comes with a study guide! In this time of non-stop busyness, you need to slow down a bit, let your soul drink deeply, and stay for ice cream! You’ll be glad you did!

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS JAN. 15th AT 11:30AM

By our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch even our Christmas exchanges and returns should be complete, the tree taken down, and life will be returning to normal! Why not come out to Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target) at 11:30am and share your favorite Christmas 2014 story! Remember, to look for the coupon! Hope to see you there!

TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!

It’s that wonderful season when we learn how to use hand sanitizer and practice our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of hugs! It’s a fun, easy, and safe way to say hello! If you want to know how to make your fist bump ‘explode’ on contact, see Jesse or Jenn!

 ‘ENCOUNTER GOD WEEKEND’ COMING TO CLYDE PARK CHURCH JANUARY 30-31!

This Jan. the Grand Rapids Zone is hosting an ‘Encounter God Weekend’ at the Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene starting Fri. evening and ending Sat. evening on Jan. 30-31.

Encounter God weekends are an opportunity for Christians to experience deep spiritual renewal and change their life! By leading the participant through a series of lessons and experiences, this weekend can result in a visible, manifested change, by discovering how to establish a closer relationship with God, how to have direct fellowship with Him, and how to commit to His lordship in their lives.   

Perhaps the best part is that you will learn how to experience forgiveness, emotional healing, how to experience freedom from spiritual and emotional bondage, and how to restore your sense of worth and value. This isn’t just hype, this is the real deal! Janie and I were in Cali Colombia where this originated and it is changing the world.

What: Encounter God Weekend

Where: Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene, 2545 Clyde Park Ave., SW, Wyoming, MI

When: begins Fri., Jan 30 at 4:30pm and Sat., Jan. 31 at 8:00am

Cost: $35 per individual; $60 per couple

How to register? Click on the link below!

https://www.egsnetwork.com/events/index.php?eventid=9FF6ABF4E89B41D

WILL YOU HELP WITH A MIDDLE EAST GARAGE SALE?

With all of the problems in the Middle East, it’s easy to overlook the needs of the kids living there. While we can’t stop the violence, we can help these kids receive a quality education by DONATING quality new and used items to be sold in a spring garage sale. We hope to raise $250 to help our District raise $20,000 to support 4 Nazarene Schools operating in the Middle East who are shining stars in the midst of turmoil and conflict.

Bring your clean, gently used items (priced if possible) to church and place them on the table outside the classroom at the far end of the fellowship hall. If you would like a ‘tax receipt’ for your donation, see our Church Treasurer. Any questions? See Pastor Dan!

DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY, AND EMAIL INFO?

As you have probably noticed, we put our church family’s birthdays and anniversaries in our weekly program. Do we have yours? We also send a newsletter, prayer requests, and district information via email if we have your email. If you would like to be included just add your info to the ‘tear off tab’ on the program and drop it in the offering plate!

OUR NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS JAN. 18 @ 4PM

Our missionary gatherings will resume after the first of the year, but in the meantime, pray for our missionaries! Holidays can be a real hard time for missionaries and their families ‘back home.’ Technology brings us all closer, but it’s just not the same!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec. 31 New Years Eve Party at the Parsonage 6:30-9:30pm

Jan.04   Teen / Young Adult Winter Jam at Van Andel 6:00pm

Jan.15   Third Thursday Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine (11:30am)

Jan. 18   Missionary Gathering 4pm (at the parsonage)

Jan. 19   Martin Luther King, Jr. Day    

Jan. 23-24         District Celebrate Life at Kuyper College (Reg deadline Dec. 04)

Feb. 08    Northeast Community Potluck (after the worship service)

Mar. 07    Tri-District Team Day in Perry, MI

Northeast Community News – December 22, 2014

Hello Dear Ones!

What a wonderful day we had in the Lord, yesterday! What a blessing to watch Deb and Tian X. light our Advent Wreath for the fourth week and tell us about the love of Christ! Tracy T. led our responsive reading and Gerry D. handed out our traditional Sunday School Christmas candy after the service with the help of Jeffrey R. and Jessica A! How fun to see the ‘family tradition’ passed down through our children’s hands! Praise the Lord!

God’s message this week came to us from Matt 1:18-25 and titled, “God with Us!” Matthew reminds us God’s incarnation on Christmas had a human cost. While we often focus on how blessed Mary was to carry the Son of God and Joseph was blessed to raise a perfect stepson (literally), we don’t often think about the cost of their obedience. Immaculate Conception has only happened once in history and to think it happened to a young girl pledged to an ordinary carpenter in of all places Nazareth (see John 1:46) was beyond the pale of belief!  

We find Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel in Luke 1:26-38. We find Mary’s radical obedience captured in v. 38: “I am the Lord’s servant….May your word to me be fulfilled.”

In our text, Joseph finds Mary pregnant (v. 18) and wrestling with her unbelievable story of an encounter with an angel and Immaculate Conception. He decides to divorce her quietly to remain faithful to the law and not expose her to public disgrace (v. 19), but just then God intervenes in a dream and through an angel of the Lord, God tells Joseph not to be afraid, take Mary home as your wife and give the Son conceived the name Jesus (vv. 20-21).

After his encounter with the Lord, Joseph responds obediently, (v. 24) regardless of the cost of saying ‘yes’ to God. The truth is, by being obedient, both Mary and Joseph faced enormous ridicule, scorn, and public shame. In the eyes of the watching world, Mary had been unfaithful and Joseph was a fool (at best) for either believing her preposterous story or choosing to marry her with her after she had cheated on him. Praise God for obedience!

As we prepare for Christmas 2014, I wonder who God is mysteriously speaking to in our midst? Who is God challenging to care for others and risk rejection, scorn, or sighs from those around them? Perhaps it’s time to face the rejection of others and be obedient! Are you willing to be embarrassed for Jesus? You won’t find true satisfaction and the peace, joy, hope and love you long for until you yield fully to the Holy Spirit and say yes to God!

But it also seems possible some of you might feel like outcasts or misfits! I pray you hear in this message God loves the misunderstood and uses them to advance His Kingdom! May this Christmas be one where all of us experience ‘God with Us.’ Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AT 6:00PM DEC. 24th

Make plans to invite a friend and come to church for a traditional time of ‘carols and communion.’ While we have had a variety of productions in the past, this year we are simplifying our Christmas Eve plans. Yes, we will still have an area where we can light a candle to acknowledge our pain and loss, and we will certainly sing ‘Silent Night’ as we close to candle light, but this year we’re planning to sing carols, read and reflect on the Christmas Story and receive communion as we focus on Christ this Christmas Eve.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR TOM CHRISTOFFERSEN!

Jean and the family have met and below are the arrangements for Tom Christoffersen. Both the memorial and the luncheon will take place at our church. To be honest, I still can’t believe he’s gone! But, as Tom’s daughter Janice said, “Dad is spending Christmas this year with Jesus.” Bless you for your continued prayers!

MEMORIAL – Dec. 27 at 11:00AM in the Sanctuary (upstairs)

LUNCHEON – Dec. 27 at 12:30PM in the Fellowship Hall (downstairs)

I have heard that the family plans to bring not only photographs, but several pieces of artwork that Tom fabricated, drew, or painted. In case you didn’t know, Tom was an amazing artist and spent his career in the graphic arts business. Tom also had a great sense of humor and this comes through his art, too! Come, be a part of this wonderful man’s memorial and celebration of life and love the family, too!

NEW YEARS PARTY 

AT THE PARSONAGE WED. 12-31 AT 6:30PM

Ok, maybe you were wondering, ‘Will Pastor Dan do a Bible Study on New Year’s Eve since it’s on a Wed. night?’ Well, after talking with Janie, the answer is no, but we are hosting a New Year’s Eve party starting! So, bring your favorite snacks and games and join us starting at 6:30pm! Will Pastor Dan make it til’ midnight? Not a chance! But, we can spend a few hours of fun and food together before bedtime! If you’d like to help or have any questions, see Janie or call/email her at 616.204.2499 or hathjan@icloud.com

TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!

It’s that wonderful season when we learn how to use hand sanitizer and practice our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of hugs! It’s a fun, easy, and safe way to say hello!

ATTENTION TEENS! 

WINTER JAM 2015 CONCERT

Janie has declared Winter Jam 2015 at the Van Andel Arena is a must go to concert for all teens and young adults. Groups include Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, For King & Country, Newsong, and Family Force 5. The cost is just $10 each, but the first 3 teens and 2 young adults that RSVP Janie at hathjan@icloud.com will go free! This is going to a great way to start your New Year! Are you in? Hope so!

WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY (AND ICE CREAM)

 RETURNS ON JAN. 07 AT 6:30PM

The party will be great, but on Jan. 07 at 6:30pm it is back to our weekly Bible study. We’re using “Faith Connections,” a Bible based study centered on Wesleyan holiness and it comes with a study guide! In this time of non-stop busyness, you need to slow down a bit, let your soul drink deeply, and stay for ice cream! You’ll be glad you did!

‘ENCOUNTER GOD WEEKEND’ 

AT CLYDE PARK CHURCH 

JANUARY 30-31!

This Jan. the Grand Rapids Zone is hosting an ‘Encounter God Weekend’ at the Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene starting Fri. evening and ending Sat. evening on Jan. 30-31.

Encounter God weekends are an opportunity for Christians to experience deep spiritual renewal and change their life! By leading the participant through a series of lessons and experiences, this weekend can result in a visible, manifested change, by discovering how to establish a closer relationship with God, how to have direct fellowship with Him, and how to commit to His lordship in their lives.   

Perhaps the best part is that you will learn how to experience forgiveness, emotional healing, how to experience freedom from spiritual and emotional bondage, and how to restore your sense of worth and value. This isn’t just hype, this is the real deal! Janie and I were in Cali Colombia where this originated and it is changing the world.

What: Encounter God Weekend

Where: Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene, 2545 Clyde Park Ave., SW, Wyoming, MI

When: begins Fri., Jan 30 at 4:30pm and Sat., Jan. 31 at 8:00am

Cost: $35 per individual; $60 per couple

How to register? Click on the link below!

https://www.egsnetwork.com/events/index.php?eventid=9FF6ABF4E89B41D

WILL YOU HELP WITH A MIDDLE EAST GARAGE SALE?

With all of the problems in the Middle East, it’s easy to overlook the needs of the kids living there. While we can’t stop the violence, we can help these kids receive a quality education by DONATING quality new and used items to be sold in a spring garage sale. We hope to raise $250 to help our District raise $20,000 to support 4 Nazarene Schools operating in the Middle East who are shining stars in the midst of turmoil and conflict.

Bring your clean, gently used items (priced if possible) to church and place them on the table outside the classroom at the far end of the fellowship hall. If you would like a ‘tax receipt’ for your donation, see our Church Treasurer. Any questions? See Pastor Dan!

DO WE HAVE YOUR BIRTHDAY, 

ANNIVERSARY, AND EMAIL INFO?

As you have probably noticed, we put our church family’s birthdays and anniversaries in our weekly program. Do we have yours? We also send a newsletter, prayer requests, and district information via email if we have your email. If you would like to be included just add your info to the ‘tear off tab’ on the program and drop it in the offering plate or email me! hathdan@me.com

MISSIONARY GATHERING 

JAN. 18 @ 4PM

Our missionary gatherings will resume after the first of the year, but in the meantime, pray for our missionaries! Holidays can be a real hard time for missionaries and their families ‘back home.’ Technology brings us all closer, but it’s just not the same!

THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH 

JAN. 15th AT 11:30AM

By our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch even our Christmas exchanges and returns should be complete, the tree taken down, and life will be returning to normal! Why not come out to Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target) at 11:30am and share your favorite Christmas 2014 story! Remember, to look for the coupon! Hope to see you there!

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 24     

Christmas Eve Service – 6:00pm (pick up your poinsettia’s)

December 27     

Tom Christoffersen’s Celebration of Life (11am) and Luncheon 

January 04      

Teen / Young Adult Winter Jam at Van Andel 6:00pm

January 15      

Third Thursday Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine (11:30am)

January 18   

Missionary Gathering 4pm (at the parsonage)

January 23-24

District Celebrate Life at Kuyper College (Reg deadline Dec. 04)

February 08     

Northeast Community Potluck (after the worship service)

March 07   

Tri-District Team Day in Perry, MI

Northeast Community News – December 15, 2014

Hello Dear Ones!

What a wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! What a blessing to watch and listen to Fran S. and Sherry J. as they lit our Advent Wreath for the third week and told us about the joy we find in Christ! (even if the lighter didn’t want to cooperate!) To be honest, it was one of those reunion weeks in the church when we see faces we haven’t seen in a while! What a blessing to hug old friends! Maybe we’ll see you this week? I hope so! After singing, prayer, and preaching of the Word, we potlucked together downstairs and then left the church will full tummies, hearts, and souls! God is good! Yup, all the time! Amen!

God’s message this week came from Matthew 11:2-11 and titled, “Are You the One?” Life can be frustrating and disappointing when it doesn’t turn out the way we planned.  When our relationships, health, kids, jobs, classes, and finances crumble around us, it can result in confusion, hurt, and doubting. Pain can even lead to a crisis of faith and doubt in God. But in Advent we discover God is near us even in those difficult days when we want to run!

First, we need to define success. In v. 2 we discover John in prison, but in c. 14 we learn he is there because he called Herod of Antipas to repentance over his sinful choice to have an affair with his brother’s wife, lure her away, divorce his own wife, and marry her. Later, we discover John is beheaded as a result of Herod’s folly over a young girl. Was his ministry a failure or a success? As Christians we need to make sure success is defined on God’s terms!

Second, we discover in vv. 2-3 John has begun to doubt. John the Baptist had an amazing mountain top ministry, but now in a dungeon he begins to doubt. Without question, John had expected life with Jesus to turn out differently and is asking, ‘why is this happening to me?’ Ever been there? Look, we all face difficult times when life doesn’t turn out as we had thought it would. We learn from John when we struggle and doubt to take it to Jesus!

Finally, Jesus responds to John in vv. 4-5 by telling John to examine the evidence! Jesus tells John to look around (in the midst of his doubt) and see what He has done! The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor (v. 5)! John, Jesus seems to say, examine the evidence, stop doubting, and believe! How about you? Are you struggling with doubt because life hasn’t turned out like you planned? Examine the evidence! Jesus still raises the dead; heals the sick; and speaks through His Word and Spirit!

Advent is a great time to redefine success, acknowledge doubts, examine the evidence and believe! I pray this Advent you will experience the hope, peace, love, and deep abiding joy Jesus came to bring regardless of your present circumstances!  Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

ARRANGMENTS FOR TOM CHRISTOFFERSEN!

Jean and the family have met and below are the arrangements for Tom Christoffersen. Both the memorial and the luncheon will take place at our church. To be honest, I still can’t believe he’s gone! But, as Tom’s daughter Janice said, “Dad is spending Christmas this year with Jesus.” Bless you for your continued prayers!

MEMORIAL – Dec. 27 at 11:00AM in the Sanctuary (upstairs)

LUNCHEON – Dec. 27 at 12:30PM in the Fellowship Hall (downstairs)

I have heard that the family plans to bring not only photographs, but several pieces of artwork that Tom fabricated, drew, or painted. In case you didn’t know, Tom was an amazing artist and spent his career in the graphic arts business. Tom also had a great sense of humor and this comes through his art, too! Come, be a part of this wonderful man’s memorial and celebration of life and love the family, too!

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK BLESSINGS!

We had a huge turnout for our potluck last Sunday! Thank you to everyone who helped set up, made and brought food, came to eat, and helped clean up! It really does take a lot of help to make a potluck a success and we are blessed that so many helped! If you want to be part of this every other month ministry, see Cherry P. or call her (616) 916.7595!

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS WEEK (DEC. 18 - 11:30AM)

By this Thu. you will either have all of your Christmas shopping done or are about to get started! Either way, come eat with us at Hibachi on Alpine (behind Target) at 11:30am and tell us which camp you’re in! Remember, to look for the coupon! See you there!

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE IS COMING! 6:00PM DEC. 24th

Make plans to invite a friend and come to church for a traditional time of ‘carols and communion.’ While we have had a variety of productions in the past, this year we are simplifying our Christmas Eve plans. Yes, we will still have an area where we can light a candle to acknowledge our pain and loss, and we will certainly sing ‘Silent Night’ as we close to candle light, but this year we’re planning to sing carols, read and reflect on the Christmas Story and receive communion as we focus on Christ this Christmas Eve.

TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!

It’s that wonderful season when we learn how to use hand sanitizer and practice our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of giving hugs! Not sure what a fist bump is? It’s easy! Simply make a loose fist and gently reach out towards someone. In return, they will reach their fist out and gently ‘bump’ yours! It’ fun and easy way to say hi without catching the flu!

WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY (AND ICE CREAM) AT 6:30PM

We’re having a great time using “Faith Connections” during our Wed. night Bible Study. “Faith Connections” is a Bible based study centered on Wesleyan holiness and it comes with a study guide! Why not come to the Wed. night study this week, slow down a bit, let your soul drink deeply, and stay for ice cream! You’ll be glad you did!

ATTENTION TEENS! WINTER JAM 2015 CONCERT – JAN. 04 – ARE YOU IN?

Janie has declared Winter Jam 2015 at the Van Andel Arena is a must go to concert for all teens and young adults. Groups include Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, For King & Country, Newsong, and Family Force 5. The cost is just $10 each, but the first 3 teens and 2 young adults that RSVP Janie at hathjan@icloud.com will go free! This is going to a great way to start your New Year! Are you in? Hope so!

OUR NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS JAN. 18 @ 4PM

Our missionary gatherings will resume after the first of the year, but in the meantime, pray for our missionaries! Holidays can be a real hard time for missionaries and their families ‘back home.’ Technology brings us all closer, but it’s just not the same!

GOODBYE’S CAN BE SO HARD!

Last week Pat and Shannen Parsaca asked to meet. While I had no idea what it was, I just knew it would be something wonderful because Pat and Shannen are some of the most ‘Authentic, Spirit-led Christians’ I’ve ever met! Perhaps that is why I was surprised and then not so surprised to learn they were leaving our church. After listening, I felt certain they were following God’s will and so, as hard and sad as this is going to be, I hope you will join me in wishing and praying for nothing but the best for them!

Please pray for your church board as we grapple with their leaving. Pat and Shannen have agreed to serve through Dec. 31 (perhaps a bit longer). Bless you for your prayers!

Below, you will find a letter I asked them to write that I might share with you:

Hi Pastor Dan,

"I remember dropping our daughter off at work at Arena's Pizza and noticing Northeast for the first time.  Each time we dropped Linden off across the street, God would draw our attention to the church.  We decided to visit the church and stayed knowing God had a purpose for us at Northeast.  Now, we are once again feeling God calling us to follow Him into unknown territory. To be clear we are not leaving because we are angry with anyone or about anything, nor are we leaving hurt or offended.   We have been honored to serve God with all of you in many positions.  We love you all and will miss worshiping together.  We know that God has an awesome plan and because He will go before us to pave the way we do not need to be afraid of the future but simply trust in Him.  Please pray for us as we seek Gods direction and wisdom. "

Love and Blessings, Pat and Shannen"

WILL YOU HELP WITH A MIDDLE EAST GARAGE SALE?

With all of the problems in the Middle East, it’s easy to overlook the many needs of the children living there. While we can’t stop the bloodshed and violence, we can help these children receive a quality education. How? By supporting our Nazarene schools there!

To do this our District NMI has teamed up with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) to raise $20, 000 to support our 4 Nazarene Evangelical Schools operating in the Middle East. These schools are shining stars in the midst of turmoil stress and conflict.

How can you help? Our church is NOW ACCEPTING donations of quality new and used items that will be sold in a future spring ‘garage sale.’ We hope to raise $250 at this sale.

So, starting today, bring your clean, gently used items (priced if possible) to church and place them on the table outside the classroom at the far end of the fellowship hall. If you would like a ‘tax receipt’ for your donation, see Shannen Parsaca. Let’s all participate by bringing something to sell! If you have any questions, see Pastor Dan!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec. 18     Third Thursday Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine (11:30am)

Dec. 24     Christmas Eve Service – 6:00pm (pick up your poinsettia’s)

Dec. 27     Tom Christoffersen’s Celebration of Life (11am) and Luncheon (12:30pm)

Jan. 04      Teen / Young Adult Winter Jam at Van Andel 6:00pm

Jan. 18      Missionary Gathering 4pm (at the parsonage)

Jan. 23-24         District Celebrate Life at Kuyper College (Reg deadline Dec. 04)

Feb. 08     Northeast Community Potluck (after the worship service)

Mar. 07    Tri-District Team Day in Perry, MI

NE NEWS - May 27, 2014

Northeast Community News – May 26, 2014

Happy Memorial Day! Ok, while the U.S. government has declared yesterday the official day for remembering those who died in the military service to keep us free, I think any day is a good day to remember those who died to keep us free! Much like our salvation, if we aren’t careful we can treat our freedom like we do Christmas; just another special day on the calendar soon to be forgotten in the blur of activity called life. Let us remain grateful all year for Jesus, our loved ones, and our military folks! Happy Memorial Day!

God’s message this week came John 15:1-8 and was titled, “The True Vine.” Is your faith growing, shriveling, or barely hanging on? What gives you life? What establishes and maintains your relationship with the Father? First century Jews may have answered they maintain their relationship with God by being a descendant of Abraham, following Jewish Ceremonial Law, being male, or going to The Temple.

Jesus rejects this and declares clearly in v. 1 He is the True Vine – Jesus is the source of life! Jesus makes clear it isn’t the Church or following a strict set of rules or who your parents are that establishes and maintains a relationship with God; but by receiving and abiding in Him! God loves you and has a plan for you! If you are shriveling, struggling, or barely hanging on, come abide in Jesus! Jesus is God’s gift and the source of all life!

Salvation is a choice! Abiding in Jesus is a choice! For those who chose to abide in Jesus He declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Choose to abide in Jesus and you’ll naturally bear much fruit (see Gal. 5:22-23) to the glory of God. Don’t worry! You don’t need to work harder; simply yield to Christ and let the Spirit of Christ teach you, equip you, and empower you to grow and witness to others! Praise God!

But, since God gave us freewill and abiding in Christ is a choice, Jesus also warns those who choose to refuse to abide in Him saying: “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned” (John 15:6). Jesus makes it painfully clear! Those who abide in Him will bear much fruit, but those who reject and refuse to abide in Him will not only produce nothing of lasting value, but will end up in the fire of hell. God forbid! Choose Jesus! “…the way and the truth and the life…” (John 14:6b).  Love and blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

‘LAST WED. POTLUCK’ IS TOMORROW (MAY 28) @ 5:30PM!

Come join us for the last Wed. Night Potluck before the fall! That’s right! Our Wed. night potluck planners are taking June, July, and August off! BUT, before we break for summer we’re going to grill some burgers and hotdogs and potluck OUTSIDE!  So, bring a friend and a dish to pass and join us for food and fellowship before our Bible study this week!

WED. NIGHT PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY AT 6:30PM (AT THE PARSONAGE)

Broken marriages, shattered friendships, racial divisions, war between the nations – we live in a fractured world. In Ephesians, Paul helps us see God’s plan to unite everything in Christ! Come discover God’s plan to being wholeness to a broken world!

CHURCH ELECTIONS – JUNE 01

Our annual church elections will take place before and after Sundayschool on June 1^st. Because the Church of the Nazarene has a representative form of government, we ask all members in good standing to vote! Positions we vote for include the church board (which appoints our treasurer and church board secretary) and delegates to District Assemblies and Conventions. Want to become a church member? See Pastor Dan!

NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING – SUN., JUN. 01 at 4:00PM (DATE CHANGE)

We’ve tried it twice and we’re doing it again! Invite a friend, bring a snack, and gather with us in the basement of the Pastor’s house (across the parking lot) on Jun 01^st at 4:00PM for food, fun, fellowship and a lesson on missions! It’ll be a good time! Promise!

NEXT ‘FIRST FRIDAY CHINESE LUNCH’ IS JUN. 06

Everyone is invited to Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target) at11:30am on the first Friday of every month! The food is inexpensive, delicious, and the fellowship is even better. Talk to Tracy Tamm if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!

SURPRISE GRADUATION PARTY FOR TIAN XIA – JUN. 06 from6:00 – 9:00PM

Recently we have been blessed to have Tian and Deb Xia worshipping with us. Deb is Jerry and Barb Buning’s daughter and married to Donshin. Donshin and daughter Tian are originally from China and after lot of hard work Tian graduated from High School!

On Friday, June 6^th, Debbie and her sister and planning a SURPRISE graduation party for Tian and her sister’s exchange student from Spain from 6-9pm and we are all invited! (REMEMBER IT IS A SURPRISE!)

WHAT – A Graduation Party for Tian / Goodbye party for an exchange student.

WHO – All of us are invited to celebrate!

WHEN – Jun. 6^th from 6-9PM

WHERE – 3937 4 Mile Rd NE (off 4 mile down Buning Lane)

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK AND ANNUAL CELEBRATION JUN. 08

Our next Northeast Community Potluck is scheduled for Jun. 08. Along with our potluck each of our departments will be giving a brief report on how God has blessed, what they accomplished, and how to pray for them! So, grab your lasagna, tuna casserole, veggie dish, cookies and friends and come potluck with us! It will be a good time!

INDIAN LAKE NAZARENE CAMP! REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN!

So many of us have a story that includes spiritual growth and friendships we made while we were at camp! We want every child and teen to come to Indian Lake Nazarene Camp and find a deeper relationship with Christ and form his or her own stories with God’s help (and a whole lot of fun!!) The cost for all camps is $250! Here’s the schedule!

High School Camp            June 23-27 (for students completing 9-12th grades)

Middle School Camp        June 16-20 (for students completing 6-8th grades)

Boys and Girls Camp        July 7-11 (for students completing 3-5^thgrades)

Discovery Camp                June 30 – July 02 (for students completing 1-3 grades)

Here’s the link to register: https://registration.campbrain.com/Portal/Login.aspx?H=IndianLake&G=616

DISTRICT SUMMER EVENTS ARE COMING TO INDIAN LAKE NAZARENE CAMP!

It’s that time again when we all gather at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp for rest, renewal, and spiritual nourishment called Camp Meeting! It is also the time when our District has assemblies and conventions for missions, youth, discipleship and we come together as a district for District Assembly (our District policy and governance organization).

One of my favorite activities is the ordination service where we see the culmination of much prayer, hard work, and accountability come together as the presiding General Superintendent first delivers a great message and then all the ordained elders (Pastors) and invited to lay hands on the candidate and the General Superintendent prays! But, there are many activities for all ages and services each night! Come be a part as you can!

Jul. 13                Study – 9:00AM, Worship 10:30AM, Ordination Service – 7:00PM

Jul. 14                District Assembly at 9:00AM – Evening Service –7:00PM

Jul. 15-18 Morning Service – 9:00AM, Study 10:30AM, Evening Service – 7:00PM

Jul. 19                NMI, SDMI, and NYI Conventions – 9:00AM, Evening Service – 7:00PM

Jul. 20                Study – 9:00AM, Worship 10:30AM, Evening Service –4:00PM

DISTRICT MEN’S RETREAT 9/26-27 – CRAN-HILL RANCH, RODNEY, MI

Sponsor: Midland Nazarene (Midland Naz is paying for speaker so that this retreat is affordable for all.) Cost: $50 (price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on the 27^th and most activities; some activities – archery tag, skeet – cost $5) Arrive: 6:30PM on 9/26^thDepart: 6:30PM on  9/27^th  – Speaker:  Bay Forrest (www.focus-ministries.com)

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 28              Wed. night potluck (5:30pm at the parsonage)

Jun. 01               Church Elections (before and after Sunday school)

Jun. 01               Missionary Gathering (4:00pm at the parsonage)

Jun. 06               First Friday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine (11:30)

Jun. 08               Northeast Community Potluck and Annual Meeting