Due to illness in the pastoral family, we are cancelling the planned party and communion for tomorrow night.
We pray for are travels for all tomorrow night!
See you at church Sunday!
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Bible Study tonight, December 30
Due to illness, the Wednesday night Bible Study has been cancelled.
Plan on starting the year out right by joining us next week!
Plan on starting the year out right by joining us next week!
Northeast Community News - December 28, 2015 (Also Larry Branagan's 80th birthday)
Northeast Community News – December 28, 2015
Dear Friends and Family!
Merry Christmas! What a wonderful reminder every year! Christmas reminds us God loved us so very much He sent Jesus to save us! Christmas reminds us Jesus came to seek and save all people from poor workingman shepherds to wealthy kings from the east! When you add ‘Merry’ to Christmas, we’re reminded Jesus came to free the broken captives from their sins and replace it with hope, peace, love, and joy! Surely we are the people who sing robustly, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Merry Christmas!
We had two services this week! First, we gathered for our Christmas Eve Service we titled, ‘Carols and Communion.’ As we entered by the light of 150 luminaries, we began our time together acknowledging our losses and bringing them into the presence of our Savior by lighting votive candles. What a sacred opportunity to share each other’s pain in a tangible, visible way. Then, we lit our Advent wreath to remind us of the prophecies Jesus fulfilled when He was born! Then, after singing Christmas carols, a special song, and a short message, we received Communion, lit our candles off the Christ candle and sang Silent night! We concluded our time together eating Christmas Cookies!
There are so many to thank! Surely, I will miss someone, but we do want to thank Heath and Tara H. for setting out, lighting, and cleaning up our luminaries! Thanks to Cherry, Valda, Tracy, Liz, Anna, and Sherry for lighting our Advent wreath! Thanks to Beverly for leading our singing, Jean for her piano playing, and Tara H. for her special singing! Thanks to Steve for helping with Communion, Janie for the sound and along with Cherry for their delicious cookies! Finally, thanks to Phil P. for being our usher and candle man!
Our second service this week was our ‘New Years’ worship service Sunday! What a blessing to come together twice in one week to worship! The message titled, “Dressing for New Years” came from Colossians 3:12-17 and asked us we were going to live in the coming year. Would we simply try to look good in 2016 by observing external practices that simply make us ‘look like we are Christian’ (Col. c. 2) instead of being Christian?
Using the ancient traditional practice of total consecration concluding with disrobing one’s old filthy rags at the shore before baptism, dying to sin and self under the waters of baptism, and being raised to new life clothed in a robe of pure white (sanctification), Paul challenges believers to live a life that matches their new identity as Christians!
First, in c. 3:5-11, Paul offers a list of some things that should have been left behind! He declares sexual impurity, greed, evil thoughts, rage, malice and lying, for example, are no longer compatible with a life in Christ! These are among the rags you left behind!
In c. 3:12-17 Paul shares shifts his discussion to list some things Christians ought to be clothed in! “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (v. 12).
In v. 13 Paul reminds Christians to extend the same level of grace to each other they received, and in v. 14 he reminds them to dress themselves in love, which binds them together in perfect unity. Unlike the filthy sinful rags we once wore, we are now robed in Christ-like holiness (a robe of pure white) or we are supposed to be living this way!
So, as you look forward to 2016, are their rags Jesus would ask you to leave behind? Are there things or areas where you need to yield control to the Holy Spirit? Is it time to you yielded everything, died to self, and asked God to sanctify you? This year, may we be the people wearing robes of pure white! To God be the Glory! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
COME TO OUR NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AND COMMUNION DEC. 31!
Several of you have expressed interest in an alternative New Years Eve Party followed by Communion. This year we are making that a reality! Starting at 6pm, we’ll be playing board games and eating snacks until approximately 11:30pm. Then, we will go over to the church, and receive communion after a brief devotional. Together, we can leave our ‘painful memories /failures of 2015’ behind and commit 2016 to living closer to Christ!
Feel free to come and go during the party, just come to the 11:30pm service, or sleep through the whole thing (as I’ve done in the past). We do plan to have two ‘nap rooms’ set up at the parsonage if you want to come and need to take a quick nap or two! Please RSVP if possible and if you have any questions, see Pastor Dan or Janie!
INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP?
We’ve had several indicate an interest in the Church of the Nazarene and membership and so we are planning membership classes! Attendees receive a small book providing the history and beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene and an opportunity to examine their spiritual gifts! If you’re interested in learning more about folks called Nazarenes and/or would like to become a member of the church, please let Pastor Dan know!
YES, WE’RE HAVING WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS!
Although one person thought I was kidding (and found the church locked), we really have moved our Wed. night Bible study to the parsonage across the parking lot (883 Fuller Ave NE). We’ve done this to being good stewards by not heating the church over the winter. The Study is 6:30-7:30 and we will still eat ice cream! Hope to see you there!
2016 GIVING ENVELOPES ARE FOR EVERYONE!
Someone asked if you had to be a member to have a box of giving envelopes? Absolutely not! Everyone’s encouraged to ask Anna or Janie for a box of giving envelopes and give! With envelopes you will also receive an end of year giving statement, too! “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!
It’s that wonderful season when we use hand sanitizer and give our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of hugs! Not sure what a fist bump is? It’s easy! Simply make a loose fist and gently reach out towards someone. They’ll reach their fist out and gently ‘bump’ yours! It’s fun and it is a good way to stop the spread of the cold and flu!
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THU., JAN. 21 AT 11:30AM
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Jan. 21 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
THANKSGIVING W.E.F. OFFERING GLOBAL NEWS!
What a joy to read the following news from the Church of the Nazarene after our own record $625 giving! Stewardship Ministries announced global participation in the 2015 Thanksgiving Offering for the World Evangelism Fund was “extremely generous."
Through the gifts and mission commitment of Nazarenes everywhere, God continues to bless ministries around the world. More than $433,000 has been received, and more gifts arrive daily. “A gift to the World Evangelism Fund is one of the best kinds of gifts,” said Mark Lail, director of Stewardship Ministries. “These donations allow the Church of the Nazarene to offer hope and the message of salvation to people everywhere. We believe that these gifts will make an eternal difference.” Wohoo! God is good! Amen!
MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!
Sherry reported readership is up dramatically! Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! God is on the move! Read about it in the Missions books!
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.
GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER REQUESTS
Remember, to keep our prayer lists current, we only place requests in the newsletter and bulletin for 3 weeks without an update. If you want to keep your prayer request in the bulletin or newsletter just keep filling out the tear off tabs and keep us informed!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dear Friends and Family!
Merry Christmas! What a wonderful reminder every year! Christmas reminds us God loved us so very much He sent Jesus to save us! Christmas reminds us Jesus came to seek and save all people from poor workingman shepherds to wealthy kings from the east! When you add ‘Merry’ to Christmas, we’re reminded Jesus came to free the broken captives from their sins and replace it with hope, peace, love, and joy! Surely we are the people who sing robustly, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Merry Christmas!
We had two services this week! First, we gathered for our Christmas Eve Service we titled, ‘Carols and Communion.’ As we entered by the light of 150 luminaries, we began our time together acknowledging our losses and bringing them into the presence of our Savior by lighting votive candles. What a sacred opportunity to share each other’s pain in a tangible, visible way. Then, we lit our Advent wreath to remind us of the prophecies Jesus fulfilled when He was born! Then, after singing Christmas carols, a special song, and a short message, we received Communion, lit our candles off the Christ candle and sang Silent night! We concluded our time together eating Christmas Cookies!
There are so many to thank! Surely, I will miss someone, but we do want to thank Heath and Tara H. for setting out, lighting, and cleaning up our luminaries! Thanks to Cherry, Valda, Tracy, Liz, Anna, and Sherry for lighting our Advent wreath! Thanks to Beverly for leading our singing, Jean for her piano playing, and Tara H. for her special singing! Thanks to Steve for helping with Communion, Janie for the sound and along with Cherry for their delicious cookies! Finally, thanks to Phil P. for being our usher and candle man!
Our second service this week was our ‘New Years’ worship service Sunday! What a blessing to come together twice in one week to worship! The message titled, “Dressing for New Years” came from Colossians 3:12-17 and asked us we were going to live in the coming year. Would we simply try to look good in 2016 by observing external practices that simply make us ‘look like we are Christian’ (Col. c. 2) instead of being Christian?
Using the ancient traditional practice of total consecration concluding with disrobing one’s old filthy rags at the shore before baptism, dying to sin and self under the waters of baptism, and being raised to new life clothed in a robe of pure white (sanctification), Paul challenges believers to live a life that matches their new identity as Christians!
First, in c. 3:5-11, Paul offers a list of some things that should have been left behind! He declares sexual impurity, greed, evil thoughts, rage, malice and lying, for example, are no longer compatible with a life in Christ! These are among the rags you left behind!
In c. 3:12-17 Paul shares shifts his discussion to list some things Christians ought to be clothed in! “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (v. 12).
In v. 13 Paul reminds Christians to extend the same level of grace to each other they received, and in v. 14 he reminds them to dress themselves in love, which binds them together in perfect unity. Unlike the filthy sinful rags we once wore, we are now robed in Christ-like holiness (a robe of pure white) or we are supposed to be living this way!
So, as you look forward to 2016, are their rags Jesus would ask you to leave behind? Are there things or areas where you need to yield control to the Holy Spirit? Is it time to you yielded everything, died to self, and asked God to sanctify you? This year, may we be the people wearing robes of pure white! To God be the Glory! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
COME TO OUR NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AND COMMUNION DEC. 31!
Several of you have expressed interest in an alternative New Years Eve Party followed by Communion. This year we are making that a reality! Starting at 6pm, we’ll be playing board games and eating snacks until approximately 11:30pm. Then, we will go over to the church, and receive communion after a brief devotional. Together, we can leave our ‘painful memories /failures of 2015’ behind and commit 2016 to living closer to Christ!
Feel free to come and go during the party, just come to the 11:30pm service, or sleep through the whole thing (as I’ve done in the past). We do plan to have two ‘nap rooms’ set up at the parsonage if you want to come and need to take a quick nap or two! Please RSVP if possible and if you have any questions, see Pastor Dan or Janie!
INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP?
We’ve had several indicate an interest in the Church of the Nazarene and membership and so we are planning membership classes! Attendees receive a small book providing the history and beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene and an opportunity to examine their spiritual gifts! If you’re interested in learning more about folks called Nazarenes and/or would like to become a member of the church, please let Pastor Dan know!
YES, WE’RE HAVING WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS!
Although one person thought I was kidding (and found the church locked), we really have moved our Wed. night Bible study to the parsonage across the parking lot (883 Fuller Ave NE). We’ve done this to being good stewards by not heating the church over the winter. The Study is 6:30-7:30 and we will still eat ice cream! Hope to see you there!
2016 GIVING ENVELOPES ARE FOR EVERYONE!
Someone asked if you had to be a member to have a box of giving envelopes? Absolutely not! Everyone’s encouraged to ask Anna or Janie for a box of giving envelopes and give! With envelopes you will also receive an end of year giving statement, too! “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!
It’s that wonderful season when we use hand sanitizer and give our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of hugs! Not sure what a fist bump is? It’s easy! Simply make a loose fist and gently reach out towards someone. They’ll reach their fist out and gently ‘bump’ yours! It’s fun and it is a good way to stop the spread of the cold and flu!
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THU., JAN. 21 AT 11:30AM
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Jan. 21 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
THANKSGIVING W.E.F. OFFERING GLOBAL NEWS!
What a joy to read the following news from the Church of the Nazarene after our own record $625 giving! Stewardship Ministries announced global participation in the 2015 Thanksgiving Offering for the World Evangelism Fund was “extremely generous."
Through the gifts and mission commitment of Nazarenes everywhere, God continues to bless ministries around the world. More than $433,000 has been received, and more gifts arrive daily. “A gift to the World Evangelism Fund is one of the best kinds of gifts,” said Mark Lail, director of Stewardship Ministries. “These donations allow the Church of the Nazarene to offer hope and the message of salvation to people everywhere. We believe that these gifts will make an eternal difference.” Wohoo! God is good! Amen!
MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!
Sherry reported readership is up dramatically! Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! God is on the move! Read about it in the Missions books!
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.
GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER REQUESTS
Remember, to keep our prayer lists current, we only place requests in the newsletter and bulletin for 3 weeks without an update. If you want to keep your prayer request in the bulletin or newsletter just keep filling out the tear off tabs and keep us informed!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 22-23 District NYI Celebrate Life at Kuyper College
Feb. 08 Northeast Community Potluck
Feb. 10 Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)
Feb. 14 Valentines Day
Mar. 13 Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)
Mar. 27 Easter Sunday
Jan. 22-23 District NYI Celebrate Life at Kuyper College
Feb. 08 Northeast Community Potluck
Feb. 10 Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)
Feb. 14 Valentines Day
Mar. 13 Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)
Mar. 27 Easter Sunday
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY NEWS - DECEMBER 21, 2015
Northeast Community News – December 21, 2015
Dear Friends and Family!
What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! Together, we celebrated Christmas! In the Adult Sunday school class we learned Christians suffer for doing good as Jesus did. And then Peter writes, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1Peter 3:15b) So, what is the reason for the hope we have? We find the answer in Christmas! Our hope is found in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus!
Then, we had a large crowd of visitors and regulars alike hear the ‘good news’ in song! Under the direction of Beverly Shepard, our Spirit led Choir sang the cantata: JOY IN THIS PLACE arranged by O.D. Hall, Jr. Musical arrangements included: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You, O Come, All Ye Faithful, What Child is This, O Holy Night, Glory, and Tell the Good News! Soloists included Beverly Shephard and Deb. Xia. This was no performance, however! We were blessed to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ preached in song!
The choir reminded us of the joy that is ours when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Joy is knowing God loves us! Joy is knowing Jesus was born to save us! Joy is knowing Jesus lives with us! Joy is sharing this good news with others!
With Christmas just days away, may I ask if you possess this joy? Have you received Christ as your Lord and Savior? Is there any reason you couldn’t pray to receive Him right now? As Janie narrated, “For the weary Jesus is wonderful, for the confused He is counselor; for the weak Jesus is Mighty God; to the orphaned, He is The Everlasting Father, and to the troubled He is Prince of Peace. In Him we find beauty we could never describe, love we could never comprehend, and grace we could never deserve….
Father, I want to pray right now for anyone reading these words who has not trusted in Jesus for their salvation. Perhaps they are indeed weary, confused, weak, orphaned, or troubled as we approach Christmas. Help them to know Jesus is wonderful, powerful, full of grace, and mighty to save! But there may also be some who feels strong and in no need of a Savior. Father, melt their hearts, soften their pride, and give them a glimpse of how much better life will be when they walk with you! Give them a glimpse of your joy!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth, receive, her King! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
COME TO OUR 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.
NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AND COMMUNION DEC. 31!
Several of you have expressed interest in an alternative New Years Eve Party followed by Communion. This year we are making that a reality! Starting at 6pm, we’ll be praying board games and eating snacks until approximately 11:30pm when we will go over to the church, and receive communion after a brief devotional. Together, we can leave our ‘painful memories /failures of 2015’ behind and commit 2016 to living closer to Christ!
Yes, you may come and go between 6:30-11:30pm or just come to church at 11:30pm or sleep through the whole thing (as I have done in the past). We do plan to have two ‘nap rooms’ set up at the parsonage if you want to come and need to take a quick nap or two! Please RSVP if possible and if you have any questions, please see Pastor Dan or Janie!
THANKSGIVING W.E.F. OFFERING GLOBAL NEWS!
What a joy to read the following news from the Church of the Nazarene after our own record $625 giving! Stewardship Ministries announced global participation in the 2015 Thanksgiving Offering for the World Evangelism Fund was “extremely generous."
Through the gifts and mission commitment of Nazarenes everywhere, God continues to bless ministries around the world. More than $433,000 has been received, and more gifts arrive daily. “A gift to the World Evangelism Fund is one of the best kinds of gifts,” said Mark Lail, director of Stewardship Ministries. “These donations allow the Church of the Nazarene to offer hope and the message of salvation to people everywhere. We believe that these gifts will make an eternal difference.” Wohoo! God is good! Amen!
YES, WE’RE HAVING WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS!
Although one person thought I was kidding (and found the church locked), we really have moved our Wed. night Bible study to the parsonage across the parking lot (883 Fuller Ave NE). We’ve done this to being good stewards by not heating the church over the winter. The Study is 6:30-7:30 and we will still eat ice cream! Hope to see you there!
HONORING CHRIST’S BIRTHDAY BY LOVING THE HOMELESS!
Bless you for the items and money donated to allow us to give gifts to the least of these in our community - the homeless in honor of Christ's birthday! Steve H. and Cherry P. will be dividing your gifts into special bags and delivering them to those in need this week for Christmas! Bless you for giving a little CHRISTmas to those who need it most!
MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!
Sherry reported readership is up dramatically! Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! God is on the move! Read about it in the Missions books!
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!
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS THU., JAN. 21 AT 11:30AM
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Dec. 17 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service at 6:00pm
Jan. 22-23 District NYI Celebrate Life at Kuyper College
Feb. 08 Northeast Community Potluck
Feb. 10 Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)
Feb. 14 Valentines Day
Mar. 13 Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)
Mar. 27 Easter Sunday
Northeast Community News – December 14, 2015
Northeast Community News – December 14, 2015
Dear Friends and Family!
I can’t help myself! I just keep singing, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” even though every one of my senses reminds me it isn’t! Surely, light rain and 60 degrees doesn’t look like drifting snow, right? Certainly the sound of cars ‘swishing’ by on Fuller doesn’t sound like plow trucks scrapping the snow off the pavement, and I’m certainly not going to go out and catch rain drops on my tongue instead of snowflakes (although snow and rain do taste strangely similar – smile). Still, my heart and soul are apparently ready for Christmas and so I sing on! Are you ready? Ready or not, Christmas is coming!
Perhaps it is fitting, then, the theme for the second Sunday in Advent is joy! While my human senses are telling me ‘be disappointed with your surroundings’ my soul is filled with joy! Thanks to Linda K. and Liz B. who lit the ‘rose colored candle’ this week and reminded us, ‘the dawn of Christ’s coming’ is right around the corner! Mary W. led us in the responsive reading reminding us the coming Messiah Brings Salvation! Joy is here!
God’s message this week came from Luke 3:7-18 and was titled, “One More Powerful.” While many of us remember the superhero endowed with superhuman powers named Superman, John the Baptist declares one has come vastly more powerful! Not only does Jesus stand for truth, justice, and freedom, but can set us free from the bad guys within!
Last week, we examined Luke 3:1-6 and understood we were all called to repent, be baptized, and make straight paths for Jesus where we will be radically changed! Those changes, John the Baptist declares ought to produce ‘fruit of repentance’ (v. 8). In v. 11, he answers the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers questions on what this looks like.
To the crowd John said they would give clothing and food to those in need (v. 11). To the tax collectors, he said they would collect only what was necessary (v. 12) and to the soldiers he said fruit of repentance looks like soldiers who don’t extort money, accuse people falsely, and learn to be content with their pay (v. 14).
Before you think this teaching is for others, John is urging those who are trusting Christ for salvation to live differently, too! Give your stuff to those in need, get involved when you see corruption, and use power appropriately and be content! How? In v. 16, John reminds us Christ has come to baptize with fire! Holy Spirit fire that is! Everyone can give, get involved, and be content! Not in your strength, but His! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS THU., DEC. 17 AT 11:30AM
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Dec. 17 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
INVITE A FRIEND AND JOIN US FOR OUR CHRISTMAS CANTATA – DEC. 20th
While the weather outside is certainly ‘not frightening’ and is definitely not ‘beginning to look like Christmas,’ Christmas is coming (ready or not) and we have had a dedicated group of people preparing to share the story of Christmas in song! Come, invite a friend and hear the message of Christmas at a special worship service on Dec. 20!
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.
NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AND COMMUNION DEC. 31!
Several of you have expressed interest in an alternative New Years Eve Party followed by Communion. This year we are making that a reality! Starting at 6pm, we’ll be praying board games and eating snacks until approximately 11:30pm when we will go over to the church, and receive communion after a brief devotional. Together, we can leave our ‘painful memories /failures of 2015’ behind and commit 2016 to living closer to Christ!
Yes, you may come and go between 6:30-11:30pm or just come to church at 11:30pm or sleep through the whole thing (as I have done in the past). We do plan to have two ‘nap rooms’ set up at the parsonage if you want to come and need to take a quick nap or two! Please RSVP if possible and if you have any questions, please see Pastor Dan or Janie!
THANKSGIVING W.E.F. OFFERING GLOBAL NEWS!
What a joy to read the following news from the Church of the Nazarene after our own record $625 giving! Stewardship Ministries announced global participation in the 2015 Thanksgiving Offering for the World Evangelism Fund was “extremely generous."
Through the gifts and mission commitment of Nazarenes everywhere, God continues to bless ministries around the world. More than $433,000 has been received, and more gifts arrive daily. “A gift to the World Evangelism Fund is one of the best kinds of gifts,” said Mark Lail, director of Stewardship Ministries. “These donations allow the Church of the Nazarene to offer hope and the message of salvation to people everywhere. We believe that these gifts will make an eternal difference.” Wohoo! God is good! Amen!
WED. NIGHT HAS MOVED TO THE PARSONAGE!
Although one person thought I was kidding (and found the church locked), we really have moved our Wed. night Bible study to the parsonage across the parking lot (883 Fuller Ave NE). We’ve done this to being good stewards by not heating the church over the winter. The Study is 6:30-7:30 and we will still eat ice cream! Hope to see you there!
HONORING CHRIST’S BIRTHDAY BY LOVING THE HOMELESS!
Christ's birthday is fast approaching and to honor His special day, we are giving gifts to the least of these in our community - the homeless. Steve H. has put together a list of items we're collecting through Dec. 20th. Purchase items or provide a financial gift with a blue giving envelopes marked 'homeless project' and we’ll shop for you!
ITEMS NEEDED (MUST BE NON-PERISHABLE)
· Small packages of crackers, granola bars, and/or chips, 2 gal. Ziplock bags
· Socks, knitted caps and mittens, chapstick, toothbrushes, dental floss
· Travel sized toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, combs, small hand sanitizer bottles
· Band-Aids, bottled water, mints or gum, cough drops, small tissue packs
· Favorite Bible verses / encouraging words / Sm. New Testament Bibles
Bless you for bringing and giving a little CHRISTmas to those who may need it most! If you have any questions, see Steve H. or call or text him at: (616) 929-2195!
MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!
Sherry reported readership is up dramatically! As of Nov. 15 we’d read 119 books! If you’ve got one, read it/return it so others can read them! Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! God is on the move! Read about it in the Missions books!
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!
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec. 17 Third Thur. Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine
Dec. 19 Cantata practice at 10:00am – 12:00Noon
Dec. 20 Christmas Sunday! Christmas Cantata
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service at 6:00pm
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