Hello Friends and Family! What a wonderful day we had in the Lord, yesterday! This week we welcomed two Olivet Nazarene University Student Ambassadors! Bringing God’s Word was Pastor Esther Paek, a sophomore, and leading worship was Rachel Divittorio, a senior. Together, they brought us powerful and anointed messages of worship and God’s Word!
Rachel led us with her guitar while singing arrangements of Awesome God, Amazing Grace, Cornerstone, and How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. Several commented how surprised they were to discover such a powerful voice contained within such a small woman. With clarity, conviction, and power she led us into the presence of God through song! You may find it hard to believe then, that Rachel asked for prayer because before the service she shared her voice felt weak and she could hardly speak. God sure answered that prayer!
Then, Pastor Esther shared God’s message with us from John 21:15-17 and the title was, “Our Mistakes Do Not Determine Our Mission.” Citing two different stories of great faith: Abram and Sarai (Abraham and Sarah) in Genesis, and Peter the disciple of Jesus found in all of the Gospels, Pastor Esther reminded us of their serious mistakes.
Perhaps they were well intentioned; perhaps they weren’t, but each of these characters had made serious errors in judgment as they walked with God. Abram and Sarai took a shortcut with Sarai’s handmaiden to conceive a child, Sarai laughed at God’s suggestion she would have a baby in her old age and Peter denied Christ three times after Jesus’ arrest. Could God still use these ‘flawed’ human beings to fulfill His mission? (The short answer is yes!)
Pastor Esther then reminded us God did fulfill His plan to fill the earth with Abraham’s descendants through a baby born to Sarah and Abraham. In John 21:15-17 we discover Jesus can use a flawed Peter, too! Three times Peter denied Jesus (John 18:17, 25-27) and three times Jesus reinstates Peter (Jn 21:15-17). In fact, Pastor reminded us the first words out of Jesus’ mouth were not ‘condemnation’ (ex. Hey Peter why did you deny me?), but love, compassion, and reconciliation! Why? So Peter could fulfill God’s mission for his life!
Have you made a mistake or several mistakes you think binds you to the past and prevents you from fulfilling God’s mission? Like Abraham, Sarah, and Peter, Pastor Esther reminded us, Jesus has come to set us free from our mistakes, brokenness, and sin and restore us so we can fulfill God’s mission in our life! Who’s ready to be free? Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
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!
MIDDLE EAST GARAGE SALE SORTING, THU., APR. 16, 1:30-4:00PM
While the garage sale to raise money to support Middle East Schools teaching kids in a war zone is May 7-9, we need help pricing and packing the items we have received on Apr. 16 between 1:30-4:00pm (after Chinese lunch). We will 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!
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!
LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., APR. 18 @ 10:30AM
The ladies are planning to get together at the church on Sat., Apr. 18th at 10:30am. All ladies are invited and welcome! Please see Gerry D. or Cherry P. for details!
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!
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!
WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY @ 6:30PM (AT CHURCH)
Speaking of an opportunity to grow, the Wed. night study is a great opportunity. Dean often wonders why more don’t come, saying, ‘This is such good material.’ You’re right Dean! The study book we use is excellent! So, come, let your thirsty soul drink deeply in the Word, share burdens in prayer and even get an ice cream cone! You won’t regret it!
A STORY OF OBEDIENCE AND BLESSINGS!
Recently, I heard about the new “OnBase with GRPD” Youth Baseball League beginning this year. This program is connecting GRPD Officers with at risk 10-12 yr old kids to not only learn baseball, but have relationships with the police in a non-enforcement way.
At the bottom of the article it read, “…we are in great need of all equipment and would thankfully accept donations of cleats, bats, balls, gloves, helmets, catcher’s gear, etc.
Immediately, Bob Hill offered his ‘bottomless’ box of baseball equipment and quietly said, “Contact them – I think it would be good to give the equipment to them.” Within 90 seconds of emailing Officer Aaron Rossin he had arranged a time to pick they 20 or so gloves and balls. Upon arrival he looked at the box and said, ‘Wow, thanks,’ and left with a big smile on his face. Because of Bob’s obedience, some kids he will never meet might change forever! Praise the Lord! So, how is God speaking to you? Will you be obedient?
CONGRATULATIONS MISSIONARY BOOK READERS!
The following are our Nazarene Missions International (NMI) book reader challenge winners! As you recall, I challenged everyone to read all the missionary books before the end of March and they’d win a prize. Adults, a Whitecaps game – teens a concert, and children – a trip to Chuckie Cheese! Congratulations to all of our winners!
Adults – Jean C., Gerry D., Dan and Jane H., Sherry J., Dick and Emily M., Gary P., Fran S., and Deb X. who will be going to a Mon., May 11th Whitecaps game! Free! (Want to go to the game but didn’t read the books? Bring $6.50 each for a box seat and join us!)
Children winners were Savannah, Jeffrey, and Brady! They will be going to Chuckie Cheese just as soon as we can coordinate all three of their families!
Our next church year begins July 1st and we will have new books to read and new prizes to come! Seriously, you ought to read the books anyway. They tell incredible stories of God’s faithfulness and about faithful disciples from all backgrounds around the world!
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Did you know Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops are worth cash? While it may seem small, when we all work together, it really adds up! In fact, this program has allowed Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School in AZ to buy computers, refrigerators, PA equipment and even a 15-passenger van! Want to do your part? Start collecting them and give them to Fran S. and Sherry J. Questions? See Fran or Sherry or go to this link: http://www.indianschool.org/cambells-labels.html
5th ANNUAL KEEP ‘EM COVERED DIAPER DRIVE – MAY 03-31
How incredible to think we’ve been collecting diapers for 5 years to love some of the tiniest and neediest folks in our community…and, we’re doing it again! We’re collecting diapers for North End Community Ministry (NECM). Diapers are needed 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.
RUN FOR HUNGER 5k WITH JANIE! JULY 11 (TRAINING STARTS MAY 26)
Have you ever wanted to run a 5k and just needed a little encouragement and support? Well, Janie (a newer runner) is planning to RUN FOR HUNGER to raise money and food for North End Community Ministry (NECM) on Jul. 11th and you’re invited to join her as she starts training on May 26th. Training begins with alternating minutes of running and walking and is open to everyone! The 5k takes place at Cornerstone University and you can find more information and/or register here: http://www.grrunagainsthunger.org
We will have an information meeting May 3rd after our morning worship service where we will discuss the training program, clothes to wear, and stretching and strengthening exercises to get you ready to start training! If you want more information, see Janie!
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 themselves, gain self-confidence, 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)
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 would like to come and pray at church, the sanctuary will be open between 10:00am – Noon!
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!
HELP NEEDED! PEOPLE TO MOW!
Ok it is official! Bob Hill has retired from mowing! Would you be willing to mow a week or two this summer? The lawn is small and we have all of the equipment! I like to push mow with the gas mower, but we also have a riding lawn mower. Let Pastor Dan or Bob Hill know if you would be interested. We need you! We really do! 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. 16 Chinese Lunch at 11:30am
Apr. 16 Sort / Price Garage Sale Stuff 1:30-4:00pm
Apr. 19 Missionary Gathering 4pm (at the church)
Apr. 20-27 Pastor Dan and Janie on vacation
Apr. 27 Rev. Christopher Preaching
May 03 Spring Missions Ignite Worship Service in Sparta at 6:00pm
May 03-31 5th Annual Diaper Drive
May 03 5k Run for Hunger Information Meeting (after worship)
May 07 National Day of Prayer
May 11 White Caps Game at 6:35pm
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