Northeast Community News – October 26, 2015

Dear Friends and Family!

Yes, we had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! As I stood outside this week, I couldn’t help notice the beauty of the leaves (and of course those who had completed their journey by falling to the earth!). The life cycle of a leaf is less than a year! Ours is generally quite a bit longer. But as I held our newest grandchild and reflected on my aging parents, I realized all of us are part of a larger cycle, too! Unlike leaves, our lives in Christ will thankfully never be bagged up and hauled away! To die in Christ is to live for eternity! As you consider His creation this week, give thanks for His provision, too! 

God’s message this week came from Ps. 126:1-16 and was titled, “Dare to Dream.” While most of us have a testimony to God’s grace, that is, we have a salvation story, some of us worked a bit longer and harder building their testimony than others!

The good news is God hears and answers prayers, Jesus saves, and we are delivered! In Ps. 126 we see a pattern of response for such an awesome God and our salvation! First, we need to realize our sinfulness has consequences. In v. 1 we read, “When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed” (Ps. 126:1). 

The people of Judah had repeatedly mocked God, His message, and His messengers (see II Ch. 36:15-16). As a result, God permitted the Babylonians to capture Judah and take them into captivity for 70 years. Perhaps you have never mocked God, but Romans 3:23 reminds us “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” All of us deserved what we had coming to us. If you are still mocking, knock it off, turn to Christ and be saved!

But, when God allowed the Persians (pagans) to come and conquer the Babylonians and return the Jewish people to the Promised Land, they were overwhelmed! In v. 2 we find their mouths filled with laughter and tongues singing joyfully! It was testimony night in the land and everyone was singing, shouting, clapping, and praising the Lord! 

Their neighbors noticed (see 126:2b) and so did they! They didn’t give credit to luck, their government, their wise thinking or to their work ethic…nope, they knew where they’d been and who saved them! “The LORD has done great things for us…” (Ps. 126:3a). 

Is your testimony such that people around you are talking? Have you lost the joy you felt when Jesus saved you and you were overwhelmed with gratitude? Maybe it’s time to praise and testify in a way that makes other’s talk! Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

LADIES RENDEZVOUS – TUE., OCT 27 and SAT., OCT 31

What could be better than one monthly rendezvous? Two of them of course! Cherry has heard from those who can’t come Sat. and added Tue. option! Praise the Lord! All ladies are invited to rendezvous on Tue., Oct. 27 or Sat., Oct. 31 from 10:30am - noon! Need a ride? Need more info than a guy can possibly give you? Call Cherry at (616) 916-7595. 

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS NOV. 01

The end is near! Well, at least it is for Daylight Savings Time! Don’t forget to ‘fall back’ 1 hour Sat. night because Sun. morning will be an hour later than last week! If you haven’t come in awhile, why not take the opportunity to come to Sunday school this week? You won’t miss any sleep and you might just receive a blessing instead! 

IT’S GETTING DOWNRIGHT BERMY OUTSIDE! PRAISE GOD! 

While the weather outside is anything but ‘balmy,’ the yard around the parsonage has become downright ‘bermy.’ Come take a look at our newest landscaping. And no, Pastor Dan and Janie didn’t do it! It was a gift and it’s a secret, but it’s beautiful. Come and see!

WORK DAY BLESSINGS!

Larry B. called an ‘Official Work Day’ for last Sat. and I am delighted to say 3 came on Sat. (2 others worked Fri.) to rake a few leaves, take the window air conditioners out, trim foliage, roll up hoses, spread bark, and a bunch of other things! Bless everyone who came to work! As my dad used to say, “Many hands make the load light!” 

PASTOR (AND WIFE) APPRECIATE YOUR PASTOR (AND WIFE) APPRECIATION!

On behalf of Janie and I, thank you for your continued acts of appreciation. You’ll never know how much your affirmations mean to both of us! Thank you for appreciating us! We love and appreciate you, too!! Together, we are the church! Pastor Dan and Jane 

GIVING THANKS! WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR?

Okay, this might just show my age, but do you remember as a kid making thanksgiving turkeys by tracing your hand on brown construction paper and cutting them out? I do and the point was to remember thanksgiving and always give thanks! Well, next week we are taking you back to your childhood by asking you to fill out the ‘Giving Thanks’ insert in the Sun. program. My plan is to fill a bulletin board with our thanksgiving! 

THANKSGIVING OFFERING FOR WORLD EVANGELISM IS NOV. 22 - GOAL $350

The World Evangelism Fund (W.E.F.) is the primary way Nazarene’s fund God’s Mission to bring the good news of Jesus to the world. W.E.F. supports nearly 400 missionaries and the needed administrative support staff. While many give to W.E.F. through Faith Promise all year (bless you!), Thanksgiving and Easter has traditionally been a time for all of us to give something extra. Our local Missionary Council has set a $350 goal for this year’s Thanksgiving offering! Please be in prayer as we seek God’s direction! 

5^th ANNUAL BLANKET (COAT) DRIVE FOR MEL TROTTER!

Even after 5 years of collecting coats and blankets for Mel Trotter, the need remains. Perhaps you’ve been waiting for the cold weather! Well, I saw some snowflakes Thu. Surely that’s cold enough! (smile) Bless you for all you do to love ‘the least of these!’         

GOAL = 50                TO DATE = 21

CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE! (POSTAGE IS .35)

Have you been missing someone, want to invite someone church, or want to encourage? Great! Grab some church postcards and send them out! A handwritten note is getting pretty rare these days, but they always bless! Find them on the table in the Annex. 

MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!

Sherry reported readership is up dramatically! As of last Sun. (Oct. 25) we had read 95 books! P.T.L. If you’ve got one, read and return it so others can read them, too! Not read one yet? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and start this week! God is on the move! Amen! 

EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!

Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.

EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS MEETS HERE ON TUESDAY’S AT 7:00PM

Do you often feel nervous, tense, or bored…have trouble sleeping or sleep too much… experience mood swings or feel useless? You’re not alone. At an EA meeting you’ll find others who’ve been where you are and experienced many of the same feelings, but, they found help at an Emotions Anonymous Meeting! Need more info? Look for literature rack in the ‘Community Room’ or call Helen W. (leader) at 616-363-7347.  

DAILY DEVOTIONS – REFLECTING GOD IS AVAILABLE!

“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available FREE to anyone interested in spending a daily time with God. The devotions provide a brief reading and truth from the Bible for every day. It also has a schedule if you’d like to read the Bible in a year and/or pray for our missionaries! You’ll find them located outside the sanctuary!

NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS NOV. 19 AT 11:30AM

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Nov. 19 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. (behind Target). It’s more than food! It’s a time to share joys, concerns and even laugh! So grab a friend and come to Hibachi at 11:30! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!

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

October    5^th Annual Blanket (Coat) Drive for Mel Trotter

Oct.  27/31       Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Nov. 01    Daylight Savings Time ends (fall back 1 hour)

Nov. 19    Third Thur. Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine

Nov. 22    Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund

Nov. 26    Thanksgiving Day

Dec.  13    Northeast Community Potluck

Northeast Community News – October 19, 2015

Dear Friends and Family!

We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! As I stood outside this week I was blessed to see how many of you bring someone to church! Great-Grandkids and Aunts, friends and neighbors, young and old ones came to church this week because many of you took the time to invite them and picked them up! 

What might happen if everyone invited one person to church each week and offered to pick them up? If direct mail results are any indication, we could expect 1-3% to say yes! So, what might happen if 40 people invited 52 people a year? (total of 2080 invitations). Well, if 1% of the 2,080 said yes, we would have 20.8 people visit the church. If 3% said yes, 62.4 or 5 new people would visit us each month. (obviously 1 of them is pregnant!)

Introducing people to Jesus is everyone’s business! Let’s invite people to church! Amen! 

God’s message this week came from Ps. 91:1-16 and was titled, “Confidence in Crisis.” Some of us are facing difficult days right now. While bad things happen to good people, Jesus wants every child of God to know we can be safe and secure in a decidedly unsafe and insecure world when we place our faith in Him. 

Psalm 91 reminds me of raising chickens. In the wild, a mother hen will pull her chicks under her wings. When rain comes, she pulls them under her wings and forms a seal. When the wind howls she digs her toes in and hangs on. When a predator come she fiercely pecks and squawks until they leave. The chicks needn’t understand threats; only stay under her wings. Sadly, those baby chicks who run from momma often die.

We find these same principles as we turn to the Psalm. In vv. 1-2 the Psalmist teaches we are to run to Jesus! When the storms come (and they will) we are to declare, “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust” (Ps. 90:1b-2). 

In vv. 3-4 we discover we are to ‘stay with Jesus, too!’ “He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Sadly, some see the power of the storm and… run back into sin…and to spiritual death!

Finally, in vv. 11-12 we discover not only is the Holy Spirit our advocate, friend, and counselor, but God commands angels to be near you, too! You aren’t alone! In fact, Jesus laid down His life so He could protect you! Are you ready to stop running? Jesus is ready to come as your savior, protector, and friend! (if you will let Him) Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

IT’S GETTING DOWNRIGHT BERMY OUTSIDE! PRAISE GOD! 

While the weather outside is anything but ‘balmy,’ the yard around the parsonage has become downright ‘bermy.’ Come take a look at our newest landscaping. And no, Pastor Dan and Janie didn’t do it! It was a gift and it’s a secret, but it’s beautiful. Come and see!

WORK DAY BLESSINGS!

Larry B. called an ‘Official Work Day’ for last Sat. and I am delighted to say 3 came on Sat. (2 others worked Fri.) to rake a few leaves, take the window air conditioners out, trim foliage, roll up hoses, spread bark, and a bunch of other things! Bless everyone who came to work! As my dad used to say, “Many hands make the load light!” 

PASTOR (AND WIFE) APPRECIATE YOUR PASTOR (AND WIFE) APPRECIATION!

On behalf of Janie and I, thank you for your continued acts of appreciation. You’ll never know how much your affirmations mean to both of us! Thank you for appreciating us! We love and appreciate you, too!! Together, we are the church! Pastor Dan and Jane 

5^th ANNUAL BLANKET (COAT) DRIVE FOR MEL TROTTER!

Even after 5 years of collecting coats and blankets for Mel Trotter, the need remains. Perhaps you’ve been waiting for the cold weather! Well, I saw some snowflakes Thu. Surely that’s cold enough! (smile) Bless you for all you do to love ‘the least of these!’ 

GOAL = 50                 TO DATE = 21

DISTRICT TEEN LOCK IN – OCT 23 – 11PM-7AM          

Attention teens! On October 23^rd the District is hosting a teen Lock-In at the 3-Mile Project: http://www.3mp.org/ Cost is $15 and inc. food! So, grab a friend and prepare for a night FULL of fun! See Pastor Dan if you’re interested! RSVP by Sun., Oct. 18

NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS OCT. 25^th AT 4PM

Our next missionary gathering is Sun., Oct. 25^th at 4pm. Come enjoy a brief study, learn what our missionaries are doing, how to pray for them, and learn how to be missionary in your own neighborhoods! We also enjoy snacks and laughter together! So bring a snack, a friend, and join us! You’ll be glad you did! Questions? See Sherry J!

CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE! (POSTAGE IS .35)

Is there someone you have missed, would like to invite to church or encourage? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? A simple hand written note blesses everyone and the postage is only .37 cents! You can find them on the table in the Annex. 

MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!

Sherry reported missionary readership is up dramatically! As of last Sunday (Oct. 11) you have read 90 books! Woohoo! Praise the Lord! So, if you have a book, read it and return it so others can read them, too! Not read one yet? You can start this week! See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and discover how God is moving in the world! Thanks!

EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!

Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.

EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS MEETS HERE ON TUESDAY’S AT 7:00PM

Do you often feel nervous, tense, or bored…have trouble sleeping or sleep too much… experience mood swings or feel useless? You’re not alone. At an EA meeting you’ll find others who’ve been where you are and experienced many of the same feelings, but, they found help at an Emotions Anonymous Meeting! Need more info? Look for literature rack in the ‘Community Room’ or call Helen W. (leader) at 616-363-7347.  

CHRISTMAS CANTATA ANYONE? 

Yes, we were unable to garner enough support for a Christmas Cantata last year, but our church has a lengthy tradition of sharing the gospel through music. Beverly S., who was a former professional musician and bandleader, has agreed to lead us this year! So, are you interested in singing in a Cantata this year? See Pastor Dan if you are interested.

DAILY DEVOTIONS – REFLECTING GOD IS AVAILABLE!

“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available FREE to anyone interested in spending a daily time with God. The devotions provide a brief reading and truth from the Bible for every day. It also has a schedule if you’d like to read the Bible in a year and/or pray for our missionaries! You’ll find them located outside the sanctuary!

NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS NOV. 19 AT 11:30AM

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Nov. 19 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. (behind Target). It’s more than food! It’s a time to share joys, concerns and even laugh! So grab a friend and come to Hibachi at 11:30! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!

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

October          5^th Annual Blanket (Coat) Drive for Mel Trotter

Oct.  25           Missionary Gathering at 4pm

Nov. 01           Daylight Savings Time ends (fall back 1 hour)

Nov. 19           Third Thur. Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine

Nov. 22           Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund

Nov. 26           Thanksgiving Day

Dec.  13          Northeast Community Potluck

Northeast Community News – October 12, 2015

Dear Friends and Family!

What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! Not only did we have an opportunity to learn more about Christ in Sunday school, eat a cookie in fellowship, and worship the Triune God in song, prayer, testimony, and His proclaimed Word. Later, we had the opportunity to gather and laugh, share our passions, and potluck together. If it’s been awhile, you really should come try us again! And if you’re looking for a church, you won’t find a more loving and welcoming group of people than right here! 

God’s message this week came from Ps. 90:12-17 and was titled, “Making Today Count.” While Nike declares, “Just do It,” we’re more concerned with “Doing It Right.” Ps. 90:12-17 provides 4 ways to make each day count and do it right. First, we must be teachable. 

“Teach us to number our days alright that we might gain a heart of wisdom” (v. 90:12).  

If you want to do it right; if you want each day to count, you will yield to the Holy Spirit and let Him teach you how to be wise and make each day count! 

Second, we will make each day count when we discover satisfaction (v. 14). Note: the source of satisfaction and joy is not more ‘stuff’ or more ‘money,’ but HIS unfailing love. Only when you stop chasing stuff moths and rust destroy (see Mt. 6:19-20) and receive the fullness of love God has for you through His Spirit will you learn to be content. 

Third, you make every day count when you allow God to realign your priorities (v. 17). Twice the Psalmist declares, “establish the work of our hands” (v. 17). Who should we receive our marching orders from? Where should we find our to do list? Who should direct us to those who need compassion and love? We receive all of this from the Spirit of Christ. Our days make sense – our days count – when we’re allowing God to lead! 

Finally, v. 17 declares, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us.”  If the psalmist wants to life of satisfaction and joy and make every day count, he needs the Holy Spirit directing Him! More than knowledge He needs the Spirit dwelling in him! If you want your days to count you’ll need more than the knowledge you gain from Sunday school, sermons, books, and Bible study! If the Holy Spirit isn’t dwelling within you, you’re like a ship without a rudder! Each day is a gift. Only God knows how many you have! Make them all count by being teachable, finding satisfaction in God’s love, yielding to the Holy Spirit, and letting Christ direct the ‘work of your hands!’ Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

PASTOR (AND WIFE) APPRECIATE YOUR PASTOR (AND WIFE) APPRECIATION!

On behalf of Janie and I, thank you for your words and acts of appreciation. You will never know how much your affirmation in our clumsy attempts to follow Jesus and show and teach you God’s love means to both of us. We are far from perfect (although Janie is pretty close), but you love us unconditionally anyway (just like Jesus)! Thank you for appreciating us! We love and appreciate all of you, too!! Pastor Dan and Jane 

NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS WEEK! OCT. 15^th AT 11:30AM

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is this week at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. (behind Target). It’s more than food! It’s a time to share joys, concerns and even laugh! So grab a friend and come to Hibachi at 11:30! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!

WORK DAY SCHEDULED FOR SAT, OCT. 17 AT 9:00AM

Larry B. has called an ‘Official Work Day’ for Sat., Oct. 17! Folks are needed to help clean the parking lot, rake leaves, take our window air conditioners out, trim foliage, roll up hoses, and a bunch of other things to prepare our church for winter! Please come help! 

5^th ANNUAL BLANKET (COAT) DRIVE FOR MEL TROTTER!

Even after 5 years of collecting coats and blankets for Mel Trotter, the need remains. People are in need clean new and used coats /blankets! There are tables set up in the back of the sanctuary! Bless you for all you do to love ‘the least of these!’      

GOAL = 50                TO DATE = 19

DISTRICT TEEN LOCK IN – OCT 23 – 11PM-7AM       

Attention teens! On October 23^rd the District is hosting a teen Lock-In at the 3-Mile Project: http://www.3mp.org/ Cost is $15 and inc. food! So, grab a friend and prepare for a night FULL of fun! See Pastor Dan if you’re interested! RSVP by Sun., Oct. 18

NEW DIRECTORIES ARE AVAILABLE!

As you’ve probably realized, our church family changes frequently! Thankfully, Gerry D. is all over it and a new directory is available on the table outside the sanctuary! Check it for accuracy and let us know what needs to change for the next one! (smile)

NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS OCT. 25^th AT 4PM

Our next missionary gathering is Sun., Oct. 25^th at 4pm. Come enjoy a brief study, learn what our missionaries are doing, how to pray for them, and learn how to be missionary in your own neighborhoods! We also enjoy snacks and laughter together! So bring a snack, a friend, and join us! You’ll be glad you did! Questions? See Sherry J!

CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE! (POSTAGE IS .37)

Is there someone you have missed, would like to invite to church or encourage? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? A simple hand written note blesses everyone and the postage is only .37 cents! You can find them on the table in the Annex. 

MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!

Sherry reported missionary readership is up dramatically! As of last Sunday (Oct. 11) you have read 90 books! Woohoo! Praise the Lord! So, if you have a book, read it and return it so others can read them, too! Not read one yet? You can start this week! See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and discover how God is moving in the world! Thanks!

EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!

Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.

DISTRICT INVITATIONS TO WORK AND WITNESS

We’ve received two invitations from the District to join in work and witness projects. While we might not have anyone ready to go this time, let’s start praying about how our church could join a work and witness missionary project someday soon!! 

WORK AND WITNESS – PERRY CHURCH – PUERTO RICO – SUMMER 2016

Hi there, my name is Lonny Bumgardner and I’m an Associate Pastor at Perry Nazarene. It is an awesome day to serve the Lord!  In the summer of 2016 there is an opportunity to be part of a massive outpouring of service and love to Puerto Rico and I’m inviting you to join us on the team from the Michigan District. For a brief overview of the event, check out the video at www.encuentropr.org .  

There will be something or some way for everyone to serve. Below is the synopsis of the costs for adults and teens to attend.  But I wanted to share with you something really special.  This event is not just a ‘youth’ event, it is an event for the family of all ages. There are even discounted rates for children (not inc. airfare):

0 – 2 years old (free)    3 – 5 yrs old ($79)          6 – 11 years old ($110)

 STANDARD COSTS PER PERSON

$688.00 Quad Room Extra Day $35.00    $745.00 Triple Room Extra Day $40.00

$838.00 Double Room Extra Day $55.00 Deposit $100.00 DUE Oct. 10, 2015

Payment $150.00 January 10, 2016          Balance March 31, 2016

If you want to go, please let me know.  It will help me to know how many are going and I can get you and/or your group through the registration process pretty quickly

Grace and Peace, Pastor Lonny Bumgardner - Perry Nazarene

WORK AND WITNESS – THREE RIVERS CHURCH – GUATEMALA – JAN. 2016

Our church is sponsoring a Work and Witness trip to Palestina, Guatemala, Jan. 23-31, 2016.  We have at least 4 openings for additional team members. Individual cost for the trip is $1300.00. Interested persons may contact Jodi Schnetzler at 269-718-8968, or fill out the application and send it to our church: Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene, 1221 Coon Hollow Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093.  Feel free to call Jodi or our church (269-273-7415) if you have additional questions. Pastor Bob Anderson

EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS MEETS HERE TUESDAY’S AT 7:00PM

Do you often feel nervous, tense, or bored…have trouble sleeping or sleep too much… experience mood swings or feel useless? You’re not alone. At an EA meeting you’ll find others who’ve been where you are and experienced many of the same feelings, but, they found help at an Emotions Anonymous Meeting! Need more info? Look for literature rack in the ‘Community Room’ or call Helen W. (leader) at 616-363-7347.  

CHRISTMAS CANTATA ANYONE? 

Yes, we were unable to garner enough support for a Christmas Cantata last year, but our church has a lengthy tradition of sharing the gospel through music. Beverly S., who was a former professional musician and bandleader, has agreed to lead us this year! So, are you interested in singing in a Cantata this year? See Pastor Dan if you are interested.

DAILY DEVOTIONS – REFLECTING GOD IS AVAILABLE!

“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available FREE to anyone interested in spending a daily time with God. The devotions provide a brief reading and truth from the Bible for every day. It also has a schedule if you’d like to read the Bible in a year and/or pray for our missionaries! You’ll find them located outside the sanctuary!

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

October    5^th Annual Blanket (Coat) Drive for Mel Trotter

Oct.  15     Third Thur. Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine

Oct.  17     Church Work Day (starts at 9am)

Oct.  25     Missionary Gathering at 4pm

Nov. 01    Daylight Savings Time ends (fall back 1 hour)

Nov. 22    Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund

Nov. 26    Thanksgiving Day

Dec.  13    Northeast Community Potluck

Northeast Community News – October 05, 2015

Dear Friends and Family!

We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! It was our Family Church week, the first week of the month, when we keep the kids with us and receive communion. While cooler fall weather is leading us an even colder winter, the love received from the Holy Spirit and shared with remains warm and welcoming! In fact, we’re a church where you can confidently invite your friends AND your enemies! Why not invite someone new to this week’s potluck? Your invitation just might change their life….and yours! (smile)

God’s message this week came from Psalm 8:1-9 and was titled, “Out of the Mouths of Babes.” First, David marvels at the awesomeness of God, his Lord. David describes God as majestic, meaning in part, very great, mighty, magnificent, glorious, and excelling in moral qualities. David is overwhelmed with who God is and basks in His glory and then says a strange thing: “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger” (Ps. 8:2). 

Is David really expecting toddlers and infants to praise God and silence God’s foes? Later Jesus explains David’s statement in Lk. 19:39-40 and Mt. 21:15-16 at the time of Jesus’ triumphant entry. You’ll remember the Pharisees were indignant with the praise Jesus was receiving. Jesus responded by declaring if they tried to silence them even the stones would cry out! Why? First, God is worthy of praise and it silences His enemies! 

Further, David declares this great and awesome God is his Lord! God not only deserves praise, He deserves being followed! Are you praising and following Him? 

Finally, in v. 4 David wonders ‘who is humanity that God should think and care?’ Before we see David’s conclusion, we acknowledge some hear the same questions today…in a negative way. Parents, teachers, and bosses question our intelligence and abilities and if we’re not careful, we can allow the Devil to convince us we’re too incompetent, flawed, and broken, to ever expect laughter, joy, and peace. 

But in v. 5-8 David reminds his hearers that God created humanity different. Humanity is unique, crowned with glory and honor, and made ruler (steward) over creation. Not only has God created humanity in His image (Gen. 1:27), we are created on purpose for a purpose! The next time you struggle with self-doubt, first marvel at how great God is and then realize that great and awesome God created you! Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS THIS SUNDAY (OCT. 11)

Our next Northeast Community Potluck is THIS Sunday! So, bring friends, an enemy, and a dish to pass and join us after our worship service downstairs for a time of food, fun, and fellowship! Willing to help? Bless you! Please tell Cherry P.  (616) 916-7595

NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS OCT. 15^th AT 11:30AM

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is on Oct. 15 at the Hibachi Grill located on Alpine (behind Target). It’s more than food! It’s a time to share joys, concerns and even laugh! So grab a friend and come to Hibachi at 11:30! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!

WORK DAY SCHEDULED FOR SAT, OCT. 17!

Larry B. has called an ‘Official Work Day’ for Sat., Oct. 17! Folks are needed to help clean the parking lot, rake leaves, take our window air conditioners out, trim foliage, roll up hoses, and a bunch of other things to prepare our church for winter! Please come help! 

ALABASTER OFFERING BLESSINGS! AND THE FINAL TOTAL IS….

As we finished our final ‘official’ week of Alabaster giving last Sunday, I rejoice to report we received $593 in cash, checks and coins to send to the mission field! Because of your giving, $593 will be sent to the mission field to purchase land and buildings to reach the lost for Christ! Bless you for joining our Missionary God in reaching a world for Christ! 

ARTPRIZE WALK TUE., OCT. 06 BETWEEN 5:00PM to 7:00PM

ArtPrize 7 began Sep. 23 and ends Oct. 11. This public art competition encourages us to decide what’s worthy by voting for it! Round 1 ends Oct. 03. Round 2 begins (top 20) on Oct. 4 and ends Oct. 08. At 5pm, we’ll take the city bus from the front of the church, get some exercise, see some art, and enjoy some laughs! Questions? See Pastor Dan.

OCTOBER IS OUR 5^th ANNUAL BLANKET (COAT) DRIVE FOR MEL TROTTER!

Believe it or not, even after all of these years of collecting coats and blankets for Mel Trotter, the need remains greater than ever for clean new and used coats and blankets! We will be setting up a table in the back of the sanctuary this week! Bless you for all you do to love ‘the least of these!’      GOAL = 50                  TO DATE = 6

DISTRICT TEEN LOCK IN – OCT 23 – 11PM-7AM       

Attention teens! On October 23^rd the District is hosting a teen Lock-In at the 3-Mile Project: http://www.3mp.org/ Cost is $15 and inc. food! So, grab a friend and prepare for a night FULL of fun! See Pastor Dan if you’re interested! RSVP by Sun., Oct. 18

NEW DIRECTORIES ARE AVAILABLE!

As you have probably realized, our church family directory changes frequently! Whew, you keep us busy! Thankfully, Gerry Dawson is all over it! This week we will have a new directory available at the Bible Study Wed. night and on the table outside the sanctuary Sunday! Check it for accuracy, let us know, and we’ll get your changes in the next one! 

NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS OCT. 25^th AT 4PM

Our next missionary gathering is Sun., Oct. 25^th at 4pm. Come enjoy a brief study, learn what our missionaries are doing, how to pray for them, and learn how to be missionary in your own neighborhoods! We also enjoy snacks and laughter together! So bring a snack, a friend, and join us! You’ll be glad you did! Questions? See Sherry J!

MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!

Sherry reported missionary readership is up dramatically! So, if you have a book, read it and return it so others can read them, too! Not read one yet? You can start this week! See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and discover how God is moving in the world! Thanks!

EAT SOUP AND GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!

Thank you to everyone who is collecting Campbell Soup labels and General Mills box tops! While it seems small, the cash they generate really adds up! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for Nazarene Sun Valley Indian School. Questions, labels and box tops should go to Fran S. and Sherry J.

CHRISTMAS CANTATA ANYONE? 

Yes, we were unable to garner enough support for a Christmas Cantata last year, but our church has a lengthy tradition of sharing the gospel through music. Beverly S., who was a former professional musician and bandleader, has agreed to lead us this year! So, are you interested in singing in a Cantata this year? See Pastor Dan if you are interested.

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!

EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS MEETS HERE TUESDAY’S AT 7:00PM

Do you often feel nervous, tense, or bored…have trouble sleeping or sleep too much… experience mood swings or feel useless? You’re not alone. At an EA meeting you’ll find others who’ve been where you are and experienced many of the same feelings, but, they found help at an Emotions Anonymous Meeting! Need more info? Look for literature rack in the ‘Community Room’ or call Helen W. (leader) at 616-363-7347.  

CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE!

Is there someone you have missed, would like to invite to church or encourage? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? Everyone is blessed by a simple hand written note! If you would like some postcards, see Pastor Dan.

DAILY DEVOTIONS – REFLECTING GOD IS AVAILABLE!

“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available FREE to anyone interested in spending a daily time with God. The devotions provide a brief reading and truth from the Bible for every day. It also has a schedule if you’d like to read the Bible in a year and/or pray for our missionaries! You’ll find them located outside the sanctuary!

DISTRICT INVITATIONS TO WORK AND WITNESS

We’ve received two invitations from the District to join in work and witness projects. While we might not have anyone ready to go this time, let’s start praying about how our church could join a work and witness missionary project someday soon!! 

WORK AND WITNESS – PERRY CHURCH – PUERTO RICO – SUMMER 2016

Hi there, my name is Lonny Bumgardner and I’m an Associate Pastor at Perry Nazarene. It is an awesome day to serve the Lord!  In the summer of 2016 there is an opportunity to be part of a massive outpouring of service and love to Puerto Rico and I’m inviting you to join us on the team from the Michigan District. For a brief overview of the event, check out the video at www.encuentropr.org .  

There will be something or some way for everyone to serve. Below is the synopsis of the costs for adults and teens to attend.  But I wanted to share with you something really special.  This event is not just a ‘youth’ event, it is an event for the family of all ages. There are even discounted rates for children (not inc. airfare):

0 – 2 years old (free)    3 – 5 yrs old ($79)          6 – 11 years old ($110)

 STANDARD COSTS PER PERSON

$688.00 Quad Room Extra Day $35.00    $745.00 Triple Room Extra Day $40.00

$838.00 Double Room Extra Day $55.00 Deposit $100.00 DUE Oct. 10, 2015

Payment $150.00 January 10, 2016          Balance March 31, 2016

If you want to go, please let me know.  It will help me to know how many are going and I can get you and/or your group through the registration process pretty quickly

Grace and Peace, Pastor Lonny Bumgardner - Perry Nazarene

WORK AND WITNESS – THREE RIVERS CHURCH – GUATEMALA – JAN. 2016

Our church is sponsoring a Work and Witness trip to Palestina, Guatemala, Jan. 23-31, 2016.  We have at least 4 openings for additional team members. Individual cost for the trip is $1300.00. Interested persons may contact Jodi Schnetzler at 269-718-8968, or fill out the application and send it to our church: Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene, 1221 Coon Hollow Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093.  Feel free to call Jodi or our church (269-273-7415) if you have additional questions. Pastor Bob Anderson

UPCOMING EVENTS

October    5^th Annual Blanket (Coat) Drive for Mel Trotter

Oct.  06     ArtPrize Walk (second round voting) 5:00-7:00PM

Oct.  11     Northeast Community Potluck at 12:30pm

Oct.  15     Third Thur. Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine

Oct.  17     Church Work Day

Oct.  25     Missionary Gathering at 4pm

Nov. 01    Daylight Savings Time ends (fall back 1 hour)

Nov. 22    Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund

Nov. 26    Thanksgiving Day