Northeast Community News – January 26, 2015

Hello Friends and Family! 

We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday ! What a blessing to see so many of you participating in the life of the church! From leading classes for all ages in discipleship, to playing and leading music, running the soundboard, working in the nursery, changing the front sign, and greeting and ushering, everyone has a place in God’s Kingdom. Have you discovered your place? If you need help discovering your gifts and finding a place of service just ask! I’ll be glad to help you discover the joy of serving!

God’s message Sunday came from Mark 1:14-20 and was titled, “The Kingdom Way of Life.” While many are interested in a variety of activities (jeeps, farming, and music for example), Jesus has invited all of us to seek and live a Kingdom Way of Life. Jesus said, “The time has come,’ he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15).

In declaring the time has come, Jesus has announced the long wait for the Messiah is over! Isaiah’s prophecy is being fulfilled in their midst! Saying, The kingdom of God is near” Jesus evoked all sorts of joyful and fearful expectations that the hated Roman Empire would be soon overthrown and God’s kingdom would be restored.

But Jesus had a much more radical plan for restoring God’s kingdom: repentance, belief, and following Him. In fact, Jesus didn’t ask the Jews to take up arms and fight Romans, but to repent (a radical change of heart, mind, and action), believe, and follow Him while still surrounded by Roman soldiers, Herod Antipas, and the oppressive Roman taxation system.

To repent and believe the good news meant to turn, believe, and follow Jesus even when their feelings and intellect told them differently. The kingdom of God had become a reality within their present world! To fishermen, Jesus called them to leave their nets, boats, and family (symbolizing their security and comfort) and follow and trust Him (vv. 16-20).

Want to change your life and your world this year? Stop waiting! “The time has come” “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15). Jesus made it clear. Even when you’re surrounded by an occupation force or find yourself in jail, foreclosure, a bad job, hooked on drugs, or in a bad relationship, the time has come, the kingdom is near, repent and believe in Jesus! And then, let Jesus reprioritize your life!

What is keeping you from leaving your place of comfort and security to repent, believe, and follow Jesus? Fear? Stuff? Relationships? Jesus declared, The time has come; the kingdom is near; repent and believe the good news and then leave your nets and follow Him! My prayer is that you will all reorder your life as Jesus leads and follow Him! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

2015 GIVING ENVELOPES ARE FOR EVERYONE!

Someone recently asked me if you needed to be a member to receive a box of giving envelopes? The answer is a hearty no! Everyone is encouraged to ask Anna or Janie for a box of giving envelopes so they can give regularly and receive credit on their giving statement for their faithfulness! I encourage everyone to get a box and give faithfully!

2014 GIVING STATEMENTS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED!

Anna B. finished the giving statements and they were handed out over the last 2 weeks. The remaining statements were mailed today. If you have not received your statement by the end of this week, please contact Anna atannagirl2006@sbcglobal.net or call her!

YABEEZ NASEEM SAYS THANK YOU FOR GIVING!

We received a letter from Yabeez Naseem (along with a crayon drawing of an orange) from our sponsored child in Pakistan. He writes (translated to English of course)

“Dear Sponsor – I am thankful from the deepest of my heart that you are helping me in my study. I have learned many good things. I like to play hide and seek. I want to be a doctor after study.”

Bless you for your faithful giving! Our local NMI sponsors Yabeez out of the ‘loose change offering’ we receive each month. Sponsoring Yabeez only costs us $25 per month as a church, but we can see it is already making a big difference! Bless you!

COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY - CRISIS CARE KITS - THROUGH FEB 22!

Get your toothbrushes, wash clothes and beany babies ready! Our Nazarene Missions International Council is asking us to collect items for Crisis Care Kits (CCK)! CCK is a cooperative effort between our global missions and Nazarene compassionate ministries to collect and send basic toiletries to those experiencing a ‘crisis’ around the world. You can purchase items or kits or donate money and we’ll shop for you! The ‘overflow’ will be donated to North End Community Ministry. Bless you for showing God’s love!

Here is the shopping list to make 1 Crisis Care Kit:

·       1 Shampoo (12 to 18 oz.)

·       2 Bars of Soap (Bath size or larger)

·       1 Toothpaste (4.0 to 6.4 oz.)

·       3 Toothbrushes (in original packaging)

·       1 Box of Bandaids (30 or more)

·       1 Fingernail clippers

·       1 Sturdy hair comb

·       2 Hand towels

·       4 Pocket sized pkgs. of Kleenex (tissue)

·       1 Beanie Baby sized stuffed toy

Each Crisis Care Kit (CCK) should contain only the items/quantities listed. Place all items into a 2 gallon zip-lock bag (or bring them to church and we’ll do it). Remember! You don’t have to buy a ‘whole kit’ just bring what you can and we’ll put them together!

THE WINDOWS HAVE COME! THE WINDOWS HAVE COME!

Because of a generous financial gift from Phyllis Plath, the church board approved the replacement of the old leaky, drafty, windows in the parsonage. Not only are making our ‘home’ warmer, more energy efficient and easier to take care of and clean, they are simply beautiful! We praise God for your faithfulness, Phyllis! God is good!

TEAM DAY 2014 – SATURDAY, MAR. 08 (EARLY REG DEADLINE FEB. 02)

All three Michigan Districts are joining again for one big day of inspiration, information and training at Perry High and Middle Schools On Mar. 08 between 8:00am–3:50pm. There are workshops on General Leadership, Worship and Technology, Missions, Discipleship, and Children’s and Youth Ministries.The cost is $25 if you give your registration to Anna before Feb. 08th and $35 until Feb. 22nd (no late reg. is accepted). Need more info? See Pastor Dan, grab a brochure, or check out this link! http://www.minaz.org/files/858/File/TD15-Brochure.pdf

Note: Because Team Day organizers have requested one registration per church, please coordinate your registration through Pastor Dan and Anna Boeve! Thanks!

GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER REQUESTS

So, you read our prayer requests every week and wonder how you add someone to the list. Or maybe, you requested prayer and then discovered a few weeks later your prayer request disappeared and wondered what gives? Well, to keep our prayer lists current, we only place requests in the newsletter and bulletin if you’ve put them on the ‘tear-off’ tab in the Sunday program or contacted Pastor Dan and then they are removed after 3 weeks without an update. So, keep filling out the tear off tabs and keep us informed!

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

Using “Faith Connections,” a Bible based study centered on Wesleyan holiness, we sing, pray, and then let our souls drink deeply in the Word! (and stay for ice cream!) Looking for a New Year’s faith builder? Well, come check out Wed. night! You’ll be glad you did!

TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!

Remember to use hand sanitizer and ‘fist bump’ instead of hugs! It’s a fun, easy, and safe way to say hello! If you want to know how more, see Jesse C. or Jenn S!

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 Districtraise $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!

NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS FEB. 19^th AT 11:30AM

Finish off your Valentines Candy and come join us for our next Third Thursday lunch at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target) at 11:30am. You did remember Valentines Day, right? Perhaps this year you could remember Valentines Day with one of our shut ins or widows? Regardless, look for the coupon and come! See Tracy or Linda with ?’s

NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS SUN., FEB. 21^st AT 4PM

Our next missionary gathering is Sun., Feb. 21^st at 4pm. Come enjoy a brief study to learn what our missionaries are doing, how we can join them with our prayers, gifts of financial support, and enjoy snacks and laughter together. It’s really a lot of fun and you might just learn how to be a missionary, here! Since we show a brief video Jane always makes popcorn for us! So bring a snack to pass and join us! You’ll be glad you did!

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? If you’d like to be included, simply add your info to the ‘tear off tab’ and drop it in the offering plate or email Pastor Dan! Thanks!

UPCOMING EVENTS

til Feb. 22         Crisis Care Kits

Jan. 30-31         Encounter Weekend at Clyde Park Church

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

Feb. 18     Ash Wednesday – Lent begins

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

Mar. 29    Palm Sunday

Apr. 05     Easter Sunday

Northeast Community News – January 19, 2015

Hello Dear Ones! Yes, it was another wonderful day in the Lord, yesterday! The weather is a bit warmer and we are thankful. But, regardless of the weather outside, God’s love remains warm and His presence inviting! If it has been a while since you invited someone to church, consider doing it this week! We are a warm, welcoming church and God always shows up!

God’s message Sunday came from John 1:43-51 and was titled, “The Joy of Being Found.” As we continue in the season of Epiphany, we’ve turned from the manger in Bethlehem to find Jesus in adulthood calling His first disciples. While we often hear of people ‘finding religion’ or ‘coming to Jesus’ at different points in their life, in this text we discover long before we started our search for God, Jesus was actively searching for us!

In the NIV version of the Bible we read: “The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Phillip, he said to him, ‘Follow Me’ (John 1:43).

 The RSV version puts it this way: The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, “Follow me”(John 1:43 – RSV).

Who left Galilee and initiated the search for Philip? JESUS! Who found Philip? JESUS! Long before Philip knew Christ, Christ knew him. Long before Philip knew he needed a Savior, the Savior knew he needed Him. The good news is we don’t need to figure out how to ‘find God.’ We simply need to be found and believe and receive Him!

Having found Philip and Nathanael we find two responses. Both Nathanael and Philip knew a Messiah was coming, but in vv. 43-44 after Jesus commanded him to follow Him, Philip responded so immediately and completely he not only left his own life behind but called others to do the same! Come and see! Are you like Philip?

Nathanael's response is different. Instead of being ready and willing, Nathanael is skeptical and doubtful, declaring,“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (v. 46) It’s almost as if his knowledge and expectations about the coming Messiah clouded his ability to see the hand of God working before him. Are you like Nathanael?

It’s important to see Jesus doesn’t give up on Nathanael! He continues to seek and speak new life and finally Nathanael finds the joy of being found, too! The good news is no matter whether you’re eager to respond or a bit skeptical (or a lot skeptical), Jesus loves you and continues to seek you! Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus continues to come, find, and invite the lost to ‘Come and See’ and be saved. Oh the joy of being found! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY - CRISIS CARE KITS - THROUGH FEB 22!

Get your toothbrushes, wash clothes and beany babies ready! Our Nazarene Missions International Council is asking us to collect items for Crisis Care Kits (CCK)! CCK is a cooperative effort between our global missions and Nazarene compassionate ministries to collect and send basic toiletries to those experiencing a ‘crisis’ around the world. You can purchase items or kits or donate money and we’ll shop for you! The ‘overflow’ will be donated to North End Community Ministry. Bless you for showing God’s love!

Here is the shopping list to make 1 Crisis Care Kit:

·       1 Shampoo (12 to 18 oz.)

·       2 Bars of Soap (Bath size or larger)

·       1 Toothpaste (4.0 to 6.4 oz.)

·       3 Toothbrushes (in original packaging)

·       1 Box of Bandaids (30 or more)

·       1 Fingernail clippers

·       1 Sturdy hair comb

·       2 Hand towels

·       4 Pocket sized pkgs. of Kleenex (tissue)

·       1 Beanie Baby sized stuffed toy

Each Crisis Care Kit (CCK) should contain only the items/quantities listed. Place all items into a 2 gallon zip-lock bag (or bring them to church and we’ll do it). Remember! You don’t have to buy a ‘whole kit’ just bring what you can and we’ll put them together!

THE WINDOWS ARE COMING! THE WINDOWS HAVE COME!

Because of a generous financial gift of Phyllis Plath, the church board approved the replacement of the old leaky, drafty, windows in the parsonage. As I write, Corey from Window World is at work making our ‘home’ warmer, more energy efficient and easier to take care of and clean! We praise God for your faithfulness, Phyllis! God is good! (See the picture below!)

Old Living Room Windows

Check out the mold in the corners!

The New Living Room Windows

TEAM DAY 2014 – SATURDAY, MAR. 08 (EARLY REG DEADLINE FEB. 02)

All three Michigan Districts are joining again for one big day of inspiration, information and training at Perry High and Middle Schools On Mar. 08 between 8:00am–3:50pm. There are workshops on General Leadership, Worship and Technology, Missions, Discipleship, and Children’s and Youth Ministries.The cost is $25 if you give your registration to Anna before Feb. 08th and $35 until Feb. 22nd (no late reg. is accepted). Need more info? See Pastor Dan, grab a brochure, or check out this link! http://www.minaz.org/files/858/File/TD15-Brochure.pdf

Note: Because Team Day organizers have requested one registration per church, please coordinate your registration through Pastor Dan and Anna Boeve! Thanks!

GUIDELINES FOR OUR PRAYER REQUESTS

So, you read our prayer requests every week and wonder how you add someone to the list. Or maybe, you requested prayer and then discovered a few weeks later your prayer request disappeared and wondered what gives? Well, to keep our prayer lists current, we only place requests in the newsletter and bulletin if you’ve put them on the ‘tear-off’ tab in the Sunday program or contacted Pastor Dan and then they are removed after 3 weeks without an update. So, keep filling out the tear off tabs and keep us informed!

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

Using “Faith Connections,” a Bible based study centered on Wesleyan holiness, we sing, pray, and then let our souls drink deeply in the Word! (and stay for ice cream!) Looking for a New Year’s faith builder? Well, come check out Wed. night! You’ll be glad you did!

TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!

Remember to use hand sanitizer and ‘fist bump’ instead of hugs! It’s a fun, easy, and safe way to say hello! If you want to know how more, see Jesse C. or Jenn S!

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 Districtraise $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!

NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS FEB. 19^th AT 11:30AM

Finish off your Valentines Candy and come join us for our next Third Thursday lunch at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target) at 11:30am. You did remember Valentines Day, right? Perhaps this year you could remember Valentines Day with one of our shut ins or widows? Regardless, look for the coupon and come! See Tracy or Linda with ?’s

NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS SUN., FEB. 21^st AT 4PM

Our next missionary gathering is Sun., Feb. 21^st at 4pm. Come enjoy a brief study to learn what our missionaries are doing, how we can join them with our prayers, gifts of financial support, and enjoy snacks and laughter together. It’s really a lot of fun and you might just learn how to be a missionary, here! Since we show a brief video Jane always makes popcorn for us! So bring a snack to pass and join us! You’ll be glad you did!

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? If you’d like to be included, simply add your info to the ‘tear off tab’ and drop it in the offering plate or email Pastor Dan! Thanks!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jan. 19      Martin Luther King, Jr. Day    

Jan. 23-24         District Celebrate Life at Kuyper College

Jan. 30-31         Encounter Weekend at Clyde Park Church

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

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

Apr. 05     Easter Sunday

Northeast Community News – January 12, 2015

Hello Friends and Family! 

Yes, it was another wonderful day in the Lord last Sunday! The air was brisk and refreshing and so was our worship service! What a joy to see so many come back to church! We’ve missed you and are glad to see you back! Someone missing? Grab a new directory and give them a call, write them a note, or send a postcard! You’ll never know how much it means to be ‘missed’ and though of! Perhaps you’re the one God wants to use to ‘reach out and touch someone’ this week! Will you do it? I hope so! Amen! 

God’s message Sunday came from John 1:29-42 and was titled, “Come and See.” As we continue in our season of Epiphany, we are now turning our attention from the manger to Jesus in adulthood and calling His first followers. This passage provides us a wonderful pattern for our own journey with Jesus: 1)recognizing, 2) following, and 3) sharing Jesus!

First, John the Baptist declares in v. 29: “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’ as Jesus comes towards him and again in v. 36. The reality is many do not realize the presence of Jesus in their midst! Perhaps you could be one to share that He is? Regardless, after John declares this some of those who were previously following him, recognize Jesus! Have you yet recognized Jesus in your midst? 

Having recognized Jesus in their midst, we discover in vv. 37-39 two disciples begin to follow Him, speak with Him, and desire to learn from Him. At first, following Jesus means to believe on Him as Lord and Savior and receive Him in your heart. But as we discover here, following Jesus is an ongoing apprentice-like relationship where we learn from Him and become more and more like Him and put His words into action. Are you following Jesus?

Finally, this passage demonstrates reproducing faith. John the Baptist had recognized and was following Jesus and shared the good news with Andrew, John, and others. In vv. 40-42 we discover Andrew, who had just recognized Jesus and began following Him, immediately shared Jesus with his brother. We read, “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (Jn 1:40-42a).  Andrew couldn’t wait to share Jesus with his brother!

In these verses we don’t see an ‘evangelism strategy’ but an excited, passionate Christian who couldn’t wait to share Jesus with others. Are you still passionate about your faith in Christ? Do you share your Jesus with others? May all of us will recognize Jesus, follow Him, and share Him with others with the joy excitement Andrew did!  Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

BREAKING NEWS… ANNOUNCING ANNA BOEVE AS OUR NEXT TREASURER!

God has moved in an amazing way! (again!) When we received the news Shannen was stepping down as our treasurer, the normal expected thing to do (according to our culture) would be to worry and despair. After all, we waited nearly two years to find someone to replace Dick Morse and now we only had two months! But, your church board asked you to join them in prayer and guess what? God answered prayer! 

After prayerfully considering the position and agreeing to serve, your church board unanimously voted last night to appoint Anna Boeve as your next treasurer. You may recall Anna has faithfully attended our church for 4 years while going to college and graduated from Grand Valley State College last year with a degree in….accounting!  

That’s right! God gave us the perfect person to do the work and His timing is perfect! And God gave us Janie who knows how our accounting software works to help Anna! Isn’t God good? He has moved in an amazing way AGAIN and we are so blessed! Want to congratulate Anna for saying a BIG YES to God? Email her! annagirl2006@sbcglobal.net

COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY - CRISIS CARE KITS - THROUGH FEB 22!

Get your toothbrushes, wash clothes and beany babies ready! Our Nazarene Missions International Council has asked us to start collecting items for Crisis Care Kits starting this week! Crisis Care Kits are a cooperative effort between Nazarene global missions and Nazarene compassionate ministries to collect and send basic toiletries to those who have experienced a ‘crisis’ all over the world. You can either purchase individual items or donate money so the items can be purchased. Our ‘overflow’ will be donated to North End Community Ministry. Bless you for helping show God’s love to hurting people!

Here is the shopping list to make 1 Crisis Care Kit:

·       1 Shampoo (12 to 18 oz.)

·       2 Bars of Soap (Bath size or larger)

·       1 Toothpaste (4.0 to 6.4 oz.)

·       3 Toothbrushes (in original packaging)

·       1 Box of Bandaids (30 or more)

·       1 Fingernail clippers

·       1 Sturdy hair comb

·       2 Hand towels

·       4 Pocket sized pkgs. of Kleenex (tissue)

·       1 Beanie Baby sized stuffed toy

Each Crisis Care Kit (CCK) should contain only the items/quantities listed. Place all items into a 2 gallon zip-lock bag (or bring them to church and we’ll do it). Remember! You don’t have to buy a ‘whole kit’ just bring what you can and we’ll put them together!

THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS WEEK! (JAN. 15^th) AT 11:30AM

Surely, your Christmas exchanges and returns are done by now, right? By now, most have taken their tree down and returned to normal! (whatever that means!) Whether you’re sad or glad we’ve started a New Year, come to Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target) at 11:30am and share your favorite Christmas story or New Year’s resolution! Remember, to look for the coupon! Hope to see you there! See Tracy or Linda with ?’s

NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS THIS SUNDAY (JAN. 18) @ 4PM

Our next missionary gathering will be this Sunday at 4pm. Come enjoy a brief study to learn what our missionaries are doing, how we can join them with our prayer, gifts of financial support, how to be a missionary here, and enjoy snacks and laughter together. It’s really a lot of fun and pretty interesting! Since we show a brief video Jane always makes popcorn for us! So bring a snack to pass and join us! You’ll be glad you did! 

THE WINDOWS ARE COMING! THE WINDOWS ARE COMING! JAN. 19-20

Because of the generous financial gift of Phyllis Plath made last fall, the church board approved the replacement of the old leaky, drafty, windows in the parsonage. And next week Monday and Tuesday they are being installed by Window World! Once they are installed there will definitely be an open house for you to come see them and celebrate! Thank you Phyllis for making our ‘home’ warmer, more energy efficient and easier to take care of and clean! We praise God for your faithfulness! Amen!

 ‘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

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

Using “Faith Connections,” a Bible based study centered on Wesleyan holiness, we sing, pray, and then let our souls drink deeply in the Word! (and stay for ice cream!) Looking for a New Year’s faith builder? Well, come check out Wed. night! You’ll be glad you did! 

TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!

Remember to use hand sanitizer and ‘fist bump’ instead of hugs! It’s a fun, easy, and safe way to say hello! If you want to know how more, see Jesse C. or Jenn S!

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! 

UPCOMING EVENTS

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)

Jan. 30-31         Encounter Weekend at Clyde Park Church

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

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

Apr. 05     Easter Sunday

Northeast Community News – January 05, 2015

Good afternoon Dear Ones!

Happy New Year! Ok, so it might be a few days late, but yesterday was the first opportunity to worship in this New Year and we had another a wonderful time of worship! While many stayed home on such a nasty weather day (and who could blame you!) those brave and/or crazy ones who came were surely blessed for their efforts! We concluded our service with an opportunity to receive communion. What a great day! God is good!

God’s message Sunday came from John 1:1-18 and was titled, “Responses to the Word.” As we start a brand New Year, we are reminded Jesus has come into a time of great darkness with an unquenchable Light! Though you may be suffering and events in your life and cold and darkness surrounds you, John reminds us you have incredible hope in Jesus, the Word!

While other gospel accounts begin with Jesus birth, Jesus lineage, and John the Baptist preparing the way, John begins with the beginning of time. John declares in vv. 1-3 that Jesus is the Word, that is, the part of the Godhead from the beginning through which all things were made! But John also declares Jesus was …became flesh and made his dwelling among us…full of grace and truth (v. 14). Jesus is 100% Divine and 100% human!

The question is, ‘Who is Jesus to you?’ You see, if you don’t acknowledge Jesus as 100% God then you are left with believing He was simply a good man, a prophet, or a moral teacher. If you don’t conclude Jesus was human than you’re left concluding He not only cannot identify with your human pain and struggle, but render His death on the Cross meaningless.

Ultimately, John gives us two choices: reject Jesus as Lord and Savior or believe (vv. 10-13). John tells us the painful truth that the unbelieving world did not recognize Him (who didn’t know any better) and the Jews (who should have known better) didn’t receive Him as their prophesied Messiah, Lord, and Savior, either, and remain separated and condemned.

“Yet to all (and all means all) who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God” (John 1:12-13). As we move into the New Year how will you respond to Jesus? God gives us freewill to make a decision and no decision is a decision!

Finally, we discover in vv. 16-17 we are not only blessed with eternal life, victory and blessing some day when we receive and believe in Jesus and become born again, but are blessed through the fullness of His grace right here – right now! So, be encouraged brothers and sisters in Christ! Even in the midst of suffering, pain, and darkness, we are blessed and have an enduring hope in Jesus, the Light of the world! Praise God!Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

NEW YEARS EVE PARTY BLESSINGS!

We had 14 people at our first N.Y Eve party this year and had a lot of fun. Just watching Jesse, Allen, and Anna taking the game ‘Connect Four’ to a new competitive level was fun to watch all by itself! Thanks to everyone who came, brought something to eat, or brought a game to play! What a joy to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ!

WINTER JAM BLESSINGS!

After at least 6 others couldn’t go at the last minute, Janie and Anna braved the cold air for over an hour (you couldn’t buy advanced tickets and had to wait outside in line) and had a wonderful time listening to all sorts of popular Christian music! At several points, Janie video streamed parts of it to me so I could enjoy and be encouraged while I stayed home to watch the Lion’s lose.  (maybe I should have gone to the concert instead, eh?). Thanks Janie for leading this! Next year we will try to get 10 to go!

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

After a wonderful N.Y.E. party last week, we’re back to our regular Bible study this week! Using “Faith Connections,” a Bible based study centered on Wesleyan holiness, we sing, pray, and then let our souls drink deeply in the Word! (and stay for ice cream!) Looking for a New Year’s faith builder? Well, come Wed. night! You’ll be glad you did!

‘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

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

Surely, your Christmas exchanges and returns are done, right? By now, most of us have our tree taken down and life has begun returning to normal! Come out to Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target) at 11:30am and share your favorite Christmas 2014 story or New Year’s resolution! Remember, to look for the coupon! Hope to see you there!

NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS JAN. 18 @ 4PM

Our next missionary gathering will be on Jan. 18 at 4pm. What happens at a missionary gathering? Well, we have a brief study to help us learn what our missionaries are doing and how we can join them with our prayer, gifts of financial support, and how to be a missionary right here and then we have a time of snacks and laughter. It’s really a lot of fun and pretty interesting! Since we show a brief video Jane always makes popcorn for us! So bring a snack to pass and join us! You’ll be glad you did!

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!

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 Districtraise $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!

UPCOMING EVENTS

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)

Jan. 30-31         Encounter Weekend at Clyde Park Church

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

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