Dear Friends and Family!
We had a wonderful week in the Lord, last week! On Wed. nightwe continued our study on the Superiority of Jesus in Hebrews. It was a powerful reminder that we not only worship a Savior who understands our humanness and all our physical, emotional, and spiritual hurt and temptations, but we serve a Savior who faced all that Satan could muster, and still did not sin. If it has been a while since you’ve come to Wed. night, think about trying it again!
In our Sunday school hour we examined how Luke 24:13-35 (the road to Emmaus) could be compared to Isaiah 7, Matthew 28:16-20, 1 Corinthians 11:17-33, and I Corinthians 15. Questions asked were: 1) How do you see God at work where you hadn’t before? 2) How does that make you more aware of God’s life-giving work in the world, and 3) Where do you sense God is calling you more deeply into life with him in his mission? Before you say, ‘Who needs Sunday School?’ let me ask you, ‘What have you learned about God lately?’ As Christians we are called to ‘grow’ and ‘go.’ So are you? Are you growing? Are you going?
God’s message in worship this week came from Ps. 146:1-10 and titled, “In God We Trust.” In this psalm David speaks to a new generation to remember. Like America, the succeeding generations of Israelites seemed to forget who they were over time. So, like the prophets before him, David provides a passionate reaffirmation for orthodox faith and holy living.
First, David calls a new generation to put their ultimate trust in God and not “…princes, in mortal men, who cannot save” (Ps. 146:4). What America lacks in princes, she more than makes up for with politicians who, as Rev. Christopher said last week, are ‘silver tongued.’
Even great leaders are influenced and tempted by money, power, and friends and mortal humans with limited power to ‘make things happen.’ Regardless of anyone tells you on the campaign trail, when you put your trust in Washington or Lansing to solve your problems, you’re heading for a fall. They cannot save! There is only one Savior! Jesus Christ!
Second, David offers reasons why a new generation can place their ultimate trust in God. God is the creator of everything (v. 6) and “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous” (Psalm 146:7-8).
Want proof God can be trusted? Want proof Jesus saves, frees captives, heals and feeds the hungry? Want proof Jesus can do what Washington and Lansing can’t? Simply go to God’s trophy case and see what He can do. Proof is sitting right beside you!
Sitting beside you are saved rascals, sobered alcoholics, and freed drug addicts. Over the years we have watched as Jesus healed skinheads to not only learn to love those they hated but actually grow hair in the process! We’ve seen countless quit smoking, scores saved, and witnessed babies have chambers of their heart rebuilt!
While holiness may seem old fashioned today, a new generation needs to receive Jesus, be filled with the Holy Spirit, pray regularly, seek God’s will in all things, read the Bible daily, regularly attend discipleship classes, and regularly praise and worship God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit! Who do you trust? In God We Trust! Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
SCHOOL PAL PAKS! BRING YOUR SUPPLIES TO CHURCH!
The Church of the Nazarene operates many schools around the world, providing quality education for children. Unfortunately, many can’t even afford the basics. To meet this need, our NMI collects and ships ‘School Pal-Paks’ made available to kids around the world. Below you can find ‘Janie’s Money Saving Shopping Tips’ for the week!
· CVS has composition books for $1 each;
· Walgreens has composition books for $1 each; Wexford pencil sharpeners $0.49;
· Rite Aid has composition books for $0.99 each; scissors for $0.49 each; rulers for $0.49 each; pencil sharpeners for $0.49 each; and color pencils are buy one get one;
· Staples has composition books $0.50 each; color pencils for $3; erasers for $0.25 for a 3 pack; and Bic pens $1
· Office Depot/Office Max have scissors $.050;
· Meijer has $0.25 rulers; $1 for colored pencils; $0.75 for composition books; $1.49 for scissors and erasers are priced 2 for $1.
· Remember - you can get most of the items for $1 each at the Dollar Store!
SUNDAY SCHOOL HOURS ARE CHANGING THIS WEEK (SEP. 06)
Don’t forget, Sunday school official changes to 9:45am this week to free up the Annex area at 10:30am to allow anyone arriving early to church a place to fellowship!
PRE-WEDDING RECEPTION FOR JENN S. AND JESSE C. ON SEP. 13.
Don’t forget we’re having a “Pre-Wedding Reception” to honor Jenn S. and Jesse C. on Sep. 13th RIGHT AFTER the worship service! Questions, see Cherry P. or Fran S.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH BEGINS IN TWO WEEKS (SEP. 13)
We’re just a couple weeks away from children’s church starting! We love kids and know children often worship and learn better when they create something with their hands and get an opportunity to move around! Remember, children’s church dismisses after our prayer time during our worship service every week EXCEPT the first Sunday of the month when we receive communion together as a family! Questions? See Gerry D.
MISSIONARY BOOKS (SHERRY J. MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU! – SHE FOUND ME!)
Sherry J., our Missionary President, reports we’re WELL past halfway to reading 100 Missionary Books this year! Woohoo! But, she wants those who have a missionary book to finish reading it and turn it in or she may come looking for you (like she did me!) so others can read them, too! Remember, Missionary books are written for all ages and there will be prizes for those who read them all! See Sherry J. if you need a book or are ready to return one! If you wait too long, she may just start looking for you, instead!
MISSIONARY BOOK REPORT BY JANIE
Last month I asked Isis, a relatively newcomer to our church to write a book report and was delighted she wrote one! Half-jokingly, I looked at Janie and said, “Hey, you ought to do one, too!” Well, guess, what? Like Isis, she did! Praise the Lord! Here is her report:
World Changers by Ellen Decker
This book is filled with stories about missionary kids (MKs), how their lives were as children on the mission field with their parents, and where they are today. Two thoughts emerged as I read the book. First, I must remember that I too have influence over the children and teens I come into contact with. Second, I, too, can change the world by being obedient to what God calls me to do.
All of the MKs agree that they are where they are today because of their parents’ influence and their examples of relentless love for God. The MKs learned to not only love God but lean on Him in times of trial. In addition, they learned to love and serve others. Many of them feel that the mission field is really their home.
There are stories about the difficulty growing up at boarding schools and being away from their families. Some endured abuse. Some feel as if they do not have a ‘home’ because of being United States citizens yet only visiting here, being born on the mission field and then living at a boarding school most of their childhood. Others recognize the mission field as their home.
What are they doing today? Some are missionaries; others are doctors, business people or professors at Nazarene Universities. ALL are serving God and look for ways to help others in need. Such a reminder!
Can you imagine choosing to live in a place known as the worst place to live? Or to know that your life is threatened? Or to be without electricity most of the time? Or without running water? Or without a clean water source? The parents and some MKs have chosen to do so out of obedience to God. They are willing to go wherever God calls them to go.
There were two quotes I especially liked in the book:
A different world cannot be built by indifferent people; and
You can really change the world if you care enough.
We must be observant to the world around us. Often, we feel as though we are just one person in a big world and ask what will my efforts really accomplish??? Perhaps you will not know the answer until you get to heaven. If that is the case, it will be worth it all!
NEXT ALABASTER OFFERING IS SEP. 20!
Our next Alabaster Offering will take place on Sun., Sep. 20th.This is a “loose change” offering we receive twice a year and every penny goes directly to the mission field to purchase land and buildings. If you need an Alabaster box to start filling, just ask Sherry or find one on the railing of the sound booth on Sunday morning. Bless you!!
2015 GIVING ENVELOPES ARE FOR EVERYONE!
Occasionally, someone will ask me if you need to be a member to receive a box of giving envelopes? The answer is a hearty no! Everyone is encouraged to give to God’s mission! See Anna B. if you would like your own set of offering envelopes!
5th ANNUAL EVANGELISTS HOMECOMING AT INDIAN LAKE ON SEP. 4-7
Do you love Indian Lake Nazarene Camp? Do you love Camp Meeting (a time of spiritual renewal)? Then, you will want to mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Evangelist’s Homecoming Camp Meeting during the Labor Day Weekend! All of the events will take place in the Tabernacle and everyone is welcome to attend. Here is the schedule:
FRI. (9/04) 8:00 p.m. Music, Dr. Ted Lee, Communion and Healing Service
SAT. (9/05) 10:00 a.m. Prayer, Praise, and Proclamation
7:00 p.m. Praise, Proclamation, and Fellowship
SUN. (9/06) 10:00 a.m. Worship Service
6:00 p.m. Song Evangelists Concert
DAILY DEVOTIONS – REFLECTING GOD IS AVAILABLE!
“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available free to anyone interested. The devotions provide a brief truth from the Bible every day. Reflecting God also has a section for reading the Bible in a year and praying for our missionaries! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located on the table outside of the sanctuary!
SHHHH! SILENCE EVERYONE!
As I heard in the library regularly: “Shhhhhh! Be quiet!” Seriously, we would like everyone to remain silent in the sanctuary before the service to provide a quiet place for those who would like to pray and meditate! If you want to talk and catch up or just chat (like I do), please take your conversation out to the annex, instead! Bless you!
WE’RE GIVING AWAY THE OLD WOODEN TABLES!
Ok, the older tables are not really ‘moving out the door’ and maybe this is because they are so heavy and beat up! Tomorrow, you can have as many as you want and on Sep. 14we will sell or donate what’s left on Craigslist! Get ‘em while you can! See Pastor Dan.
PASTOR DAN’S PLANS! SEP. 15-22
Pastor Dan and Janie have plans to get away for a fall week of vacation (Sep. 15-21) and then attend the District Fall Pastor Workshop at Indian Lake (Sep. 21-23). If you have something that can’t wait, please contact Gerry Dawson (our Church Board Secretary). It will be a blessing to have Pastor Ed Douglas come fill the pulpit again on Sep. 20.
THIRD THU. CHINESE LUNCH IS SEP. 17 (AT HIBACHI GRILL)
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Sep. 17 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine! This is a great time to share our joys, concerns and even laugh over lunch! So grab a friend and come to Hibachi at 11:30! (Remember your coupon!) Questions? See Tracy or Linda!
WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY IS HAPPENING! COME BE A PART OF IT!
Regardless of your age or whatever might be keeping you away, come join us this week at 6:30pm for a time of singing, prayer, and study. Remember, we always end our night with ice cream! Come, invite a friend, and be blessed! You’ll be glad you did!
NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS SUN, SEP. 27 AT 4PM(CHANGE)
Our next two missionary gatherings are set for Sun., Sep. 27thand Oct. 25th. Come enjoy a brief study (last mo. was 20 min!) to learn what our missionaries are doing, how to pray for them, and how to be missionary right here! Afterwards, we enjoy snacks and laughter together! So bring a snack, a friend, and come! You’ll be glad you did!
EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Remember! Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops are worth cash! While it seems small, it really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Give your labels and box tops to Fran S. and Sherry J. See Fran or Sherry if you have any questions.
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
Sep. 06 Sunday school at 9:45am begins
Sep. 13 Jenn S. and Jesse C. Pre-Wedding Reception (after church)
Sep. 15-21 Pastor Dan on vacation
Sep. 17 Third Thur. Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine
Sep. 20 Alabaster Offering during our worship service
Sep. 21-23 District Fall Pastor Workshop at Indian Lake
Oct. 11 Northeast Community Potluck at 12:30pm
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