NE NEWS - February 24, 2014

Northeast Community News – February 24, 2014

Hello Dear ones! We had another wonderful day in the Lord, yesterday! After another wonderful Sunday school (hint, hint!) we worshipped God with all of hearts, souls, minds, and strength!

Our message this week came Philippians 3:7-14 and titled, ‘Holding Fast, Pressing on.’ Paul had every advantage as a Jewish man in his culture before he encountered Jesus. He was a highly educated Pharisee who practiced the Law down to the smallest detail. We read, “…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless” (Philippians 3:5-6).

But after he encounters Jesus on the Damascus Road (see Acts 9), everything changed! What was once important (observing the Jewish Law) was no longer important! What he once hated and persecuted (Christ and Christians) he now loved. It has been a great reversal! Sound like exaggeration? Look at vv. 7-8: “But, whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7-8).

Paul had encountered Christ and everything changed. His world was turned upside down. Have you encountered Christ? Has everything changed? Why or why not?

After his encounter with Christ Paul wanted more than salvation; he wanted intimacy with Christ. He writes, “I want to know Christ” (3:10a). The Greek word ‘know’ comes from ginosko and means more than intellectual knowledge. It is to know how someone thinks, acts, cares… to know is to find out why they think the way they do and to learn what they love and are passionate about. This is what Paul wanted in his relationship with Jesus so he could learn to be more and more like Him!

Do you want to ‘know’ Jesus? Do you want to be more and more like Him? Finally, Paul challenges us to hold fast, and press on in vv. 13-14! While he continued to ‘hold on’ to what he had already learned from Christ, the H.S., and Scriptures, Paul hadn’t arrived yet spiritually! Like an athlete he encourages Christians to ‘press on towards the prize of eternity with Jesus through Christ’ all the days of our life! Let it be so! Amen! 

Love and blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

ALABASTER OFFERING BLESSINGS!

You will remember we received our Alabaster offering on Feb. 16 and last week I said Shannen thought we received over $350. Well, guess what? When all the nickels, dimes, quarters, gold doubloons, and cash and checks were counted you actually gave $488.65!Wow! Praise the Lord for your faithful giving! You are such a blessing!

LAST WED. POTLUCK THIS WEEK @ 5:30PM!

Don’t forget! Bring a dish to pass this Wed. and enjoy the fun, food, and fellowship!

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE SUNDAY FOR S.D.M.I. SUPERINTENDENT

On Mar. 02 we are having a special election to fill the Sunday School and Discipleship Superintendent position vacated after the current superintendent (Pastor Amy) left for Muskegon Breakwater church. Your board nominated one person: Gerry Dawson. Gerry served many years in this position and is presently serving as Interim. Members will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a special ballot before and after Sun. school on Mar. 02.

JONATHON’S AFRICAN MISSION REPORT (and Breakfast) THIS SUNDAY!

Don’t forget to come at 9:45am this Sunday for a quick breakfast and then spend the Sunday school hour learning from Jonathon Gingrich about his mission trip to Africa he took a few weeks ago along with other students from Calvin College.

Jonathon, a Nazarene from Columbus, Ohio is in his second year at Calvin College and is studying chemical engineering in response to God’s call. Jonathon feels God wants him to use his life and skills to create low energy water purification systems in the mission field. While he is in Grand Rapids, he worships with us! Come and be blessed!

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS MAR. 09

For weeks I’ve been saying, ‘Spring is coming!’ 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 AT 6:30PM – JESUS IS LORD!

This week we will examine Jesus is Lord: Me – Perfect, Seriously? Please read chapter 7 of “Jesus is Lord” 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!

REMEMBER! WED. NIGHT LOCATION CHANGE STARTS MAR. 05! (NEXT WEEK)

It has been a long winter filled with lots of snow, cold air, and shoveling! Perhaps this is why our Wed. Night attendance has dropped and it may rebound in the Spring! But, as stewards of God’s money it doesn’t make sense to heat the church for the small group coming right now! So, beginning Mar. 05, we’re (babies, kids, teens, adults) are meeting at the parsonage (across the parking lot) until it makes sense to go back!

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

Feb. 26              Last Wed. Potluck at 5:30pm

Mar. 02              Jonathon’s African Mission Report today (10am) Breakfast (9:45am)

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!