Hello Friends and Family! Happy Groundhog’s Day! I read that the famed groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerged in Pennsylvania at dawn this morning and promptly saw his shadow which indicates a longer winter season. Nobody has to tell us about long winters!
While we certainly had another wonderful day in the Lord, we were a little down in attendance as only the brave ones (or fools according to some) saw the weather prediction of a blizzard and decided to come anyway! Since it was the first Sunday, we received Communion in addition to the great testimonies, robust singing, preaching and time of prayer! God is good! (All the time!)
God’s message yesterday came from Mark 1:21-28 and titled, “Amazed by His Authority.” In Who or what authority do you put your confidence and trust in? We live in a culture where great political leaders often speak confidently of what they will change, but often very little changes….and, if were not careful we’ll become cynical and lose hope.
But, in our text we meet a leader that IS powerful and can give us confidence and hope! Jesus! While the people were rightly “…amazed at His teaching, because He taught them as one who had authority…” we see in His exchange with the demon possessed man Jesus has authority and power over the unseen realm, too! Jesus orders this evil spirit to “Be quiet! said Jesus sternly. Come out of him!” (Mark 1:26). And it came out of him with a shriek!
We should note this exorcism required no special format or power or place. Jesus simply spoke and the evil spirit obeyed and left. Are you toying with evil in your own life? Maybe you are trying to simply cohabitate with evil instead of asking Jesus to remove it. Look, you need not live a life of misery and defeat. Jesus said, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
If Jesus has the power and authority to remove evil (and He does), why not simply ask Jesus to help you make the changes you need in your life? It isn’t a question of power on His part; it’s a question of willingness on your part to confess, repent, and ask Him to change you!
Want real change? Trust in Jesus! Only Jesus has the authority and power to help you make real changes in your life! And unlike a politician, Jesus doesn’t just promise! He delivers!
Those first century hearers couldn’t wait to tell others what they’d witnessed (v. 28). How about you? Has Jesus changed your life? Are you still amazed at His teaching? His healing? His ability to give you victory? Go spread the Good News! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS THIS SUNDAY! (Feb. 08)
Just a reminder! Our next Northeast Community Potluck is THIS SUNDAY! So, bring a friend, a dish to pass, and join us downstairs in the fellowship hall after worship this week for a time of food, fun, and fellowship! If you would like to help set up, serve, or clean up, please call Cherry Pakiela at (616) 916-7595
TEAM DAY 2014 – SATURDAY, MAR. 08 (EARLY REG DEADLINE FEB. 08)
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!
NEXT ALABASTER OFFERING IS FEB. 15!
Our next Alabaster Offering will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15th. This is a “loose change” offering we take 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!
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!
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!
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!
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 Band-Aids (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!
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!
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS FEB. 19th 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 in’s or widows? Regardless, look for the coupon and come! See Tracy or Linda with ?’s
NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS SUN., FEB. 21st AT 4PM
Our next missionary gathering is Sun., Feb. 21st 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!
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!
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
Feb. 08 Northeast Community Potluck (after the worship service)
Feb. 15 Alabaster Offering
Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday – Lent begins
Mar. 07 Tri-District Team Day in Perry, MI
Mar. 29 Palm Sunday
Apr. 05 Easter Sunday
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