Northeast Community News – February 03, 2014
As we encountered more snow this week I wondered what the Bible had to say about snow. Have you ever wondered? The prophet Isaiah wrote: “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).
King David wrote in his confession to God over his sin with Bathsheba, “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).
Sure through Jesus we can embrace and claim these promises! Through the blood of Christ our sins can be cleansed and be made whiter than snow! So, as you are shoveling and shoveling and shoveling this week let the snow remind you when you confess your sins and ask Jesus into your heart your soul is whiter than the snow around you! Amen!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, yesterday! This week we celebrated the Lord’s Supper as a Church family and were reminded of the blood that set us free!
It seems fitting, then, that God’s message to us this week was titled “Not One Among Many” from Colossians 1:15-23. Paul lived in a time of religious pluralism just like we do! He understood there were many ‘faiths’ surrounding him offering truth. And while they all offered truth, they were not The Truth. God has provided One Son, One Way, and One Savior and His name is Jesus Christ!
Colossians 1:15-23 is Scripture worthy of memorization! In these verses Paul declares why Jesus Christ is Superior to all other competitors! First in v. 15a we discover Christ is the ‘visible image of God.’ Jesus is truly God with the same nature as God. Second, He has always existed (v. 15b). Jesus existed before all creation! Third, in v. 16 we discover ‘Christ created everything!’ In fact, creation’s purpose (our purpose) is to glorify Christ!
Fourth, in v. 17 we discover Christ sustains everything. Jesus is active in His world – and in your life – every day! Fifth, we discover in v. 18a that Christ is in charge! Jesus is not only over the physical realms, but the spiritual ones, too! Sixth, we discover Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection (v. 18b). Unlike other spiritual leaders we will not find His grave because He is eternally resurrected and alive! His resurrection is our promise of resurrection and validates He is who He said He was!
Seventh, in v. 19 we discover Jesus is One with God and contains the fullness – the essence of the Father. Finally, we discover in vv. 20-23 that while we were all once enemies of God and separated from Him because of our sinfulness, through Christ, God prepared One way for us to be reconciled, saved, sanctified, set free – Jesus! So, while the culture will always offer alternatives, Jesus is Lord! Not One Among Many! Amen! Love and Blessings, Pastor Dan Hathaway
NEWS AND EVENTS
WED. NIGHT PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY AT 6:30PM – JESUS IS LORD!
This week we will examine Jesus is Lord: Resurrection Wonders! Please read chapter 4 of the book, “Jesus is Lord.” Our youth and children will also be taking part in this study in Children’s Church and Youth Group! Hope to see you there!
SUPERBOWL PARTY AT THE PRATT’S WAS, WELL, SUPER!
While the game was a ‘blowout,’ the 10 of us who came to the Pratt’s to watch the Superbowl had a great time eating, talking and groaning as we watched Seattle dominate Denver on Dan’s huge TV. Bless you Dan and Irene for hosting us and for your hospitality! I can’t wait to watch the Lions win next year! (Hey, I heard that!)
NEXT FIRST FRIDAY CHINESE LUNCH THIS FRIDAY – FEB 7th
Everyone is invited to Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target) at 11:30am on the first Friday of every month! The food is cheap, delicious, and the fellowship is even better. Talk to Tracy Tamm if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!
NEXT ALABASTER OFFERING IS FEB. 16!
Our next Alabaster Offering will take place on Sun., Feb. 16th. This is a “loose change” offering taken up twice a year and every penny of the proceeds goes directly to the mission field to purchase land and buildings. If you would like an Alabaster box to start filling, just ask Janie in the sound booth on Sunday morning. Thank you!
MISSIONARY SUNDAY NIGHT SERVICE - FEB. 16 at 4:00PM
Do you like missions? Do you like cookies? If you answered YES then you will want to come to our great experiment: an evening Missionary Gathering at 4pm on Sun., Feb. 16th at the parsonage (883 Fuller Ave NE)! Bring a friend and plan to learn and laugh! If you have any questions, see Janie or email her at: allsmiles@comcast.net
DO YOU WANT TO JOIN A GYM BUT IT COSTS TOO MUCH?
Hey, instead of lifting weights, doing Pilates, or walking on a treadmill, why don’t you come help shovel snow at church? It will really help the church to keep the walks clear everyday (especially Mon. morning, Tue. and Wed. nights and Sun. morning), but it will also give you an excellent cardio workout for FREE!! J
CRISIS CARE KITS & LOCAL MISSION HELP THROUGHFEB 23!
Crisis Care Kits are a cooperative effort between NCM and NMI and are sent all over the world wherever crisis ‘happens!’ Through February 23 our local NMI is asking you to donate specific items OR give money so these items can be purchased. You will find the list of items needed weekly in the Sunday worship program. Bring all you can! The ‘overflow’ will be donated to North End Community Ministry. Bless you for helping! People you will never meet will know God loves them because of you!
TEAM DAY 2014 – SAT., MAR. 08 (Deadline to Register is Feb. 16th)
All 3 Michigan Districts have joined for one big day of inspiration, information and training at Perry High and Middle Schools between 8:00am–3:50pm. There will be workshops on General Leadership, Worship and Technology, Missions, Discipleship, and Children’s and Youth Ministries. The cost is $35 and you must register before Feb. 16th (no late registration is accepted). Need more info? Grab a brochure, or check out this link!http://www.minaz.org/files/
Note: Because the Team Day organizers have requested one registration per church, please coordinate your registration through Pastor Dan and Shannen Parsaca!
MEIJER COMMUNITY REWARDS WORK!
Thank you to everyone who signed up and uses their Meijer Community Rewards Card. Last month we received a check for $104.91 because you remembered us when you shopped! Remember, were not ‘pushing’ Meijer’s, but if you already shop there you can earn money for the church! The Meijer website states:
Meijer Community Rewards was developed to meet our customers' growing desire to support k-12 schools and religious groups in ways that don't stretch their budget...or their time. Your k-12 school or religious organization can now raise group funds without administrative costs or sales of any kind!
To participate you DO NOT need to attend our church! So, if you have friends or family members that want to help Northeast Community, well, that’s just great!
To sign up go to the Meijer website. You will be asked for an organization and ours is #214242. Here’s the link: http://www.meijer.com/mcr/
WORK DAYS COMING IN APRIL!
So you’ve missed working around the church and wondered whatever happened to the monthly church workdays, eh? Well, whether or not you missed them, we have appreciated everyone’s help and want you to know workdays will return in April!
DON’T FORGET TO PAY FOR YOUR ‘JESUS IS LORD’ BOOKS!
Just a kindly reminder that if you can pay and haven’t please do! Thanks!
DID YOU KNOW YOU’RE SUPPORTING A HAITIAN CHURCH IN GRAND RAPIDS?
Yes you are! As many already know, Rev. Matthew Pierre, former pastor at Grand Rapids West Church of the Nazarene moved due to secular employment transfer last fall. Rev. Pierre, a Haitian, had led a growing church of Haitians on the West side of GR for many years and finding a new Haitian pastor would be difficult!
The exciting news is nothing is too difficult for God! Amen! God has provided a new pastor (Rev. Joas Occes) who just finished his training at Haiti Bible College and the District expects he will arrive in April or May. But, Grand Rapids West is financially struggling and needs $600 a month for 1 year to support their new pastor.
The District suggested the 13 churches in the our zone could help them and I was humbled to hear your church board joyfully wanted to help by giving $50 a month starting immediately! So, not only is one of the smallest churches the first to give, but we agreed to give a full 1/12 of the amount needed! What a joy it was to share our commitment with the other churches and challenge them! So, you may not have realized it, but because of your faithful giving, you are supporting a Haitian church right here in Grand Rapids! How cool is that? To God be the Glory! Amen!
INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP?
We have had two indicate an interest in membership and are considering forming a series of 4 classes beginning in February. If you are interested in learning more about the Church of the Nazarene or becoming a member of our church, please let Pastor Dan know by calling (616-204-1153) or emailing (hathdan@me.com) him!
A FEW MISFIT CHRISTMAS EVE CROSSES STILL AVAILABLE!
On Christmas Eve we examined our faith through the eyes of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Hermie the Dentist, Yukon Cornelius the failed Peppermint Mine Prospector, and an island of rejected and unloved misfit toys. Like these misfits, Romans 3:23 reminds us we are all misfits, too! But through Jesus’ birth, death of the cross, and resurrection, we have ALL been sought out, offered grace, and received a welcome place in the Kingdom just the way we are through Jesus!
The cross reminds us we ALL have a place in the Kingdom! If you need a reminder, take a cross home! But, others need to know this, too! If you know someone who needs to know God loves them, regardless of their flaws, take them a cross in Jesus’ Name! You’ll find them on the table outside the sanctuary! Take one! Share one!
KEEP ‘EM COVERED DIAPER DRIVE IS COMING MARCH 16 – APRIL 13!
This just in! Our 3rd annual ‘Keep ‘Em Covered’ diaper drive will take place between Mar. 16-Apr. 13. Get ready to love the little ones from the bottom up!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Now - Feb. 23 Crisis Care Kits Collection!
Feb. 07 First Friday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi
Feb. 16 Missionary Service at 4PM, Alabaster Offering
Mar. 05 Ash Wednesday
Mar. 08 TEAM DAY – Early Reg. Due by Feb. 02
Mar. 16-Apr. 13 Keep ‘Em Covered Diaper Drive
Apr. 04-05 Mission Mania – details to come!
Apr. 20 Easter
Apr. 26 Ladies Day at Olivet Nazarene University – details to come!
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