Northeast Community News – March 3, 2014
Hello Dear Ones!
Well, I know you find it hard to believe if you only read this every week, but we had another wonderful day in the Lord, yesterday! (You really should come visit us!) Our day began with a wonderful breakfast prepared by the Missionary Council, flowed right into Jonathon’s special missions report from Africa during the Sunday school hour, and then we had a wonderful worship service ending in Communion. God is on the move!
Our message this week came from Luke 22:14-23 and titled, “In Remembrance of Me.” The setting is in the Upper Room where Jesus and His disciples are together observing the Passover for the last time. Jesus is just hours from His arrest and crucifixion and He has just announced He will suffer and die. In the midst of this struggle Matthew records Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper. Luke records it this way:
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you”(Luke 22:19-20).
While there are several accounts of the Lord’s Supper, in all of them Jesus wants believers to remember. But, remember what? First, the whole body of Scripture from the O.T. through the words of Christ would remind us to be thankful. As you approach the Lord’s Table are you thankful or just going through the motions?
Second, Jesus would have us remember the sacrifice and join Him. Yes, I know the memory of Christ’s death is gruesome. As “The Passion of the Christ” portrayed vividly, Jesus death was a nasty, brutal, gory horrific experience. But it is through His body and blood we are cleansed, justified, and made whiter than snow. As you approach the Lord’s Table are you mindful of the sacrifice Jesus made for you?
But, in Matthew’s account of the Lord’s Supper we find Jesus inviting us to come and die, too. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’”(Matt. 16:24). As you approach the Table will you die to self, selfishness, and sinful worldly things that would entangle you?
Finally, when we approach Jesus’ Table with thanks and humility He wants us to know He is there ready to transform us! Many have sensed His presence and found their heart begin to mellow, mind begin to change, anger fade, faith begin or deepen, sin confessed, forgiveness experienced, calls received, strength reinforced, and grace found. As the Gaither’s so beautifully wrote and sang:
He is here, Hallelujah. He is here, Amen.
He is here, Holy, Holy, I will bless His name again.
He is here, listen closely – hear Him calling out your name.
He is here, you can touch Him – You will never be the same.
My prayer as you approach the Lord’s Table the next time and receive the body and blood of Christ, you will take some time to give thanks – take some time to remember the gruesome suffering and death Jesus endured for your redemption, and if needed confess, die to self, and be transformed! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen
Love and blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
CRISIS CARE KIT BLESSINGS!
Well, when it was all said and done you donated the goods or the money necessary to fill 12 Crisis Care Kits or 2 Banana Boxes! That means 12 struggling individuals in crisis around the world will receive basic toiletry items in the next disaster because of you! Thanks for loving people you’ve never met! God is moving and you JOINED Him! Amen!
JONATHON’S AFRICAN MISSION REPORT (AND BREAKFAST) BLESSINGS!
What a blessing to hear the report from Jonathon Gingrich on his 10 day mission trip to Africa with Calvin College. As I was trying to clean up, I heard the sound of trumpeting elephants charging the students on a video! How fun!
Jonathon is certainly a humble man of God and was used powerfully in Africa! Thank you Jonathon for sharing your trip with us! You reminded us God is moving all around the world and we can choose to be a part of it! The need is great, but God is bigger!
We were also blessed with a delicious breakfast before Jonathon spoke prepared by our Local Missionary Council. Thank you Janie, Gerry, and Tracy for coming early, setting up, cooking for us, and then cleaning up in time for worship! God is good! All the time!
ALABASTER OFFERING CONTINUES TO BLESS!!
Ok, you guys are either really wonderful and are being moved mightily by God or you’re just plain crazy! We just received another $39.61 in Alabaster last week raising the total received now to $545.76!! That’s just incredible! Thank you for saying a big YES to God!
IT’S OFFICIAL! GERRY DAWSON IS OUR S.D.M.I. SUPERINTENDENT!!
The members voted and unlike the last ‘general elections’ I have voted in for our country, this one wasn’t even in close! The members of the church voted and they voted unanimously to elect Gerry Dawson as our Sun. School and Discipleship Superintendent to serve through May 31 (the end of the church year). If you see Gerry congratulate her and then let her know you’re ready to help or serve anywhere she needs it!
DON’T FORGET!! DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS MAR. 09 (THIS SUNDAY)
While the snow may try to fool us, Spring really is around the corner so it’s just about time for daylight savings time again! So, don’t forget to ‘Spring forward’ one hour before you go bed Sat., Mar. 08 or you just might just arrive late for Sunday school or church!
INTERESTED IN O.N.U. LADIES DAY APR. 26? LET JANIE KNOW BY MAR. 09
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) has a wonderful opportunity for women of all ages to come for a special time of worship, renewal, and encouragement for thousands of ladies from around the Midwest. They plan to leave Fri. late afternoon, spend the night, attend the conference on Sat. and then travel home. If you even think you would be interested, please let Janie know (allsmiles@comcast.net or 616-204-2499) on or before Mar. 09!
WED. NIGHT PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY AT6:30PM – JESUS IS LORD!
This week we will examine Jesus is Lord: Lordship 24/7 – Please read chapter 8 of the book to be prepared! Our youth and children will also be taking part in this study in Children’s Church and Youth Group! Hope to see you there! (at the parsonage!)
REMEMBER! WED. NIGHT LOCATION CHANGESTARTS MAR. 05! (THIS WEEK!)
Perhaps our attendance is low because it has been a long cold winter? Who knows! But, as stewards of God’s money, we think it makes more sense to meet at Pastor’s house across the parking lot instead of heating the whole church. So this week we will start meeting on Wed. (babies, kids, teens, adults) next door until it makes sense to go back!
OUR NEXT ‘LAST WED. POTLUCK’ IS MAR. 26th @5:30PM!
Don’t forget! Bring a dish to pass and enjoy the fun, food, and fellowship! It really is fun!
COMING SOON! ORDER EASTER FLOWERS AND REMEMBER!
We’re planning to decorate the church again for Easter Sunday and you can help by ordering flowers in ‘honor’ or ‘memory’ of a loved one and then take them home on Easter Sunday! Look for more details and order form coming soon!
DO YOU WANT TO HELP BUT AREN’T SURE HOW TO GO ABOUT IT?
The Kingdom of God needs EVERYONE to get involved, but we often make it hard to figure out exactly how to get involved! We’re sorry about that! If you would like to serve contact Pastor Dan to see how we can plug you in! We really do need you!
NEXT ‘FIRST FRIDAY CHINESE LUNCH’ – MARCH 7th
Everyone is invited to Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target) at 11:30am 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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mar. 05 Ash Wednesday (Don’t forget! Meet at the parsonage!)
Mar. 07 First Friday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi
Mar. 08 TEAM DAY in Perry, MI (must be pre-registered)
Mar. 09 Ladies Day ‘interest deadline’ to Janie
Mar. 16-Apr. 13 Keep ‘Em Covered Diaper Drive
Apr. 20 Easter – He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Apr. 26 Ladies Day at Olivet Nazarene University!
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