Northeast Community News – March 30, 2015
Hello Dear Ones!
We celebrated Palm Sunday yesterday by marching into the sanctuary with palms waving and singing praises to Jesus! From the oldest to the youngest we celebrated Jesus entering Jerusalem and our hearts as we prepare for the Holy Week culminating in Easter! In case you are wondering – Yes, it was another wonderful day in the Lord! Praise the Lord!
God’s message came to us from Mark 11:1-11 and was titled, “Why Are You Doing This?” These were the words on the anonymous disciples who allowed their colt to be untied and taken to Jesus, but they are words each of us must ask ourselves as we come to the end of our Lenten journey. Has your time of fasting helped clarify why you do what you do?
As we approach Good Friday and the passion of Jesus this week, it might be good to ask ourselves how the Holy Spirit would have us focus our last days of Lent. For those carrying hurt, the burdens of sin, and struggle, the Spirit may ask you to focus on the Son who came as a baby, died on the Cross, and was resurrected to set you free! There is victory in Jesus!
And yet, for those who are experiencing the fickleness of the flesh that at one time praises God and with the same tongue curses Him, the Holy Spirit may call you to be sanctified. Our faith need not resemble a roller coaster! Perhaps this year it is time for a deeper cleansing!
Mark c. 11 finds Jesus heading to Jerusalem. At Bethany, about 2 miles away, Jesus stops and gives two disciples an unusual request. In essence, go to Bethpage where you will find a donkey colt tied, untie it and bring it back to Me saying ‘The Lord Needs it’ if they ask. Huh? They might have thought… this doesn’t make sense and yet they went! It is important to see Jesus still asks disciples to do things they may not feel equipped to do or don’t make sense to them at the time, but, like these first disciples, we would be wise to respond obediently.
Of course, we know the donkey colt was there as Jesus described and the owners gave the donkey colt up just as He said they would. It is important to remember if Jesus calls us to it He will see us through it! Where God guides – He provides! If you’re sure Jesus is leading, don’t shrink back or quit out of fear! Remain obedient and trust He’ll provide! He will!
Finally, the story has a disciple or two we often overlook. Those God had prepared to give up their donkey colt were obedient, too! Each disciple played an important role in the Palm Sunday experience! Regardless of your call – whether it is to give or to serve, it’s important we’re all participants and not simply spectators in the Kingdom! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
EASTER EGG HUNT FOR KIDS – APR. 05 (after our Easter Service)
We are planning an Easter egg hunt for the kids right after our Easter Worship Service. All ages are invited to participate, but we usually give the little ones a head start! This is a great Sunday to invite friends and family! Let Janie know if you’d be willing to help!
EASTER WORLD EVANGELISM FUND (WEF) OFFERING – APR. 05!
The Easter Season is upon us, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! One of the ways we celebrate is to give to World Evangelism Fund which funds the entire global Church of the Nazarene including 378 missionaries working in 159 different world areas.
Your partnership with WEF helps fulfill the Great Commission to make Christlike Disciples in the Nations and everyone needs to be involved! Bless those give already through Faith Promise and regular giving! Everyone is responsible for reaching the lost!
WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR YOU TO GROW?
God challenged me with three words a year ago: pray – grow – serve! Every Christian should be involved in praying! Every Christian should be involved in serving! And every Christian should be growing! Are you growing in your knowledge of God and His ways? Every Sun. Gerry prepares a great lesson that starts at 10am. Why aren’t you coming? What would it take to disciple you for 30 min. a week? What time - curriculum - place - medium would it take? We’re interested! We want to make sure everyone is growing!
SPRING CLEAN UP! SAT., APR. 18 - 9:00AM - 1:00PM - BRING RAKES!
To rewrite a familiar poem to serve our purposes:
“Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, I wonder where the workers is?”
Well, according to Larry, the workers will arrive at 9:00am on Saturday, April 18th and work until 1:00pm. Seriously, with the snow gone it’s time to rake the last of the leaves and do general cleaning around the church! Everyone is invited! Hope to see you there!
NO FOOLING! WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY IS MOVING APRIL 01 @ 6:30PM
We’ve enjoyed the close and cozy time (and gas savings) by doing our Wed. night Bible studies at the parsonage through the winter, but with the weather warming, it’s time to move back to the church! Starting Apr. 01, we’ll start in the Sanctuary singing and then move into our small groups for prayer and Bible Study! We’ll finish with an ice cream social! So, come, let your thirsty soul drink deeply in the Word, share burdens in prayer and fill your tummy with ice cream, too! This is going to be a good time! No fooling!
DON’T FORGET TO READ YOUR MISSIONARY BOOKS! THE DEADLINE IS COMING!
Remember, to get your missionary books read by the end of March! There will be prizes for everyone who reads all of them! Chuckie Cheese for kids, a Concert for teens, and a White Caps game for the adults. If you need a book or a book on CD see Janie! Our goals is to have 100 read by May and we are currently at 83. Read Read Read! (smile)
PREACHING AND WORSHIP AMBASSADORS ARE COMING APR. 12!
For five years now, Olivet Nazarene University has offered the ‘Preaching Ambassador Program.’ The preaching ambassador program gives students preparing for ministry an opportunity to preach at a local church while pursuing their academic degree, but also gives us an opportunity to see and hear “flesh and blood” examples of those we have supported at ONU. Last year, ONU added ‘worship leaders’ to this wonderful program! On Apr. 12 we welcome Pastor Esther Decker to preach the Word and Rosie Vavario to come lead our worship music! It will be a wonderful service! Please invite your friends!
OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS APRIL 12
Just a reminder! Our next Northeast Community Potluck isApril 12th. If you missed the last potluck you missed a lot! Our ladies and men really know how to cook! Why, we even had six homemade desserts! (can you tell what I remembered?) Seriously, make plans to bring a friend, a dish to pass, and join us after the Apr. 12 worship service! If you could help set up, serve, or clean up, please call Cherry Pakiela at (616) 916-7595
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH, APR. 16, (AT HIBACHI GRILL)
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine (behind Target). Remember! It’s more than food! It’s a time to share our joys, concerns and even laugh! So grab a friend and come to Hibachi at 11:30! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS SUN., APR. 19th AT 4PM (AT CHURCH!)
Our next missionary gathering is Sun., Apr. 19th at 4pm at the church. Come enjoy a brief study, learn what our missionaries are doing, how to pray for them, and learn to be missionary in our own neighborhoods! We also enjoy snacks and laughter together! So bring a snack, a friend, (even an enemy!) and join us! You’ll be glad you did!
EAT CAMPBELL’S SOUP AND HELP NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Did you know every Campbell Label (UPC code) is worth .10 cents? Me neither, but that’s what Fran S. and Sherry J. shared recently. While this may seem insignificant, when people work together collecting them, they really add up fast! Specifically, these labels have helped Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School in Sun Valley, AZ. buy computers, refrigerators, PA equipment and even a 15-passenger van! Wow! Want to do your part? Start collecting and turning cutting the Campbell labels and box tops off and give them to Fran S. and Sherry J. beginning this week! If you have any questions, see Fran or Sherry or go to this link: http://www.indianschool.org/cambells-labels.html
MIDDLE EAST GARAGE SALE UPDATES AND DEADLINES!
The deadline to bring your things is Sun., Apr. 12th. While the sale is May 7-9, we need time to price, pack, and ship items to Wayland where Ron Morse will be selling them for us. We do need help pricing items Apr. 16 between 1:30-4:00pm (after Chinese lunch). We also need people willing to help load and unload the trailer being provided by Phil Pakiela on May 4 or 5. If you can help, please let Gerry D. or Pastor Dan know! Thanks!
5th ANNUAL KEEP ‘EM COVERED DIAPER DRIVE – MAY 03-31
Can you believe we have been collecting diapers for 5 years! How exciting! Well, we are once again holding a diaper drive for North End Community Mission (NECM) in Grand Rapids. We have found diapers are an incredible need because they aren’t provided by most assistance programs and are a huge expense for some of the ‘least of these.’ This year we would like to collect 1,200 diapers.
SPRING MISSIONS IGNITE SERVICE – SUN., MAY 03, 6:00PM IN SPARTA
Everyone is encouraged to attend our Spring 2015 Ignite: Missions in the Real World Service on May 03 at 6:00pm at our Sparta Church (665 13 Mi. Rd NW – Sparta) where we will hear from Andy and Judy Bennett, Global Missionaries to Papua New Guinea!
Ignite mission services are offered in each zone and have a time of worship, prayer for the missionaries and a simple fellowship to get to know them. It’s an opportunity to learn what God is doing in another part of the world and how your prayers and W.E.F. offerings are making a difference! If you need a ride or want to car pool, see Pastor Dan.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES ANYONE?
Some of us like to take a ‘Nazarene Nap’ Sun. afternoons and others like to get out into nature and enjoy each other’s company! I say why not both? If you can eat lunch quick and take a shorter power nap you will still have time to join us for a few relaxing Sun. afternoon bike rides down a safe trail! I promise nobody will get left behind or is going to suffer! But, I can’t promise we won’t stop for ice cream and laugh a lot! Let Pastor Dan know if you’re interested. This would be a great event to invite a friend!
SUMMER CAMP IS COMING SOON! TIME TO REGISTER!
Indian Lake Nazarene Camp has a wonderful summer camp for students of all ages. At camp kids learn to feel good about who they are, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, learn leadership skills, make friends, and learn about God’s love for them! You can learn more by going to this link: http://www.nazcamp.org/camps
Discovery Camp Completed K – 2nd grade Jun. 29 – July 1
Adventure Camp Completed 2nd – 4th grade Jul. 06-10
Voyager Camp Completed 4th – 6th grade Jul. 20-24
Mid. School Camp Completed 6th – 8th grade Jun. 15-19
High School Camp Completed 9th – 12th grade Jun. 22-26
Note: All camps are $ 270 (except for Discovery Camp which is $ 120)
IS SOMEONE MISSING? SEND THEM A POSTCARD!
Is someone missing? Someone you looked forward to seeing but they haven’t been here in awhile? Or, is there someone you’d like to invite to church, a potluck, or Sun. school, but you weren’t sure how to go about it? Well, one possibility is to send a postcard! If you’d like some, you’ll find them on the table by the mission’s bulletin board! Bless you!
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER – MAY 07
The first Thursday of the May is always the National Day of Prayer in America. Look for an insert in the bulletin in late April to guide your prayers. If you’d like to come to the church to pray, the sanctuary will be open between 10:00am – Noon and you will have an opportunity to pray for America at our altar.
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!
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
Apr. 01 Wed. Night Bible Study (at the church) Ice Cream Social to follow!
Apr. 05 Easter Sunday (Children’s Easter Egg Hunt)
Apr. 12 ONU Preaching/Worship Ambassadors and NEC Potluck after the service
Apr. 12 Deadline to bring ‘garage sale stuff’ to church
Apr. 16 Chinese Lunch at 11:30am
Apr. 16 Sort / Price Garage Sale Stuff 1:30-4:00pm
May 03-31 5th Annual Diaper Drive
May 07 National Day of Prayer
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