Northeast Community News - November 23, 2015

Dear Friends and Family!

What a wonderful day we had in the Lord! It was a snowy and cold day on the outside, but warm and wonderful inside! Since it was Thanksgiving Sunday, we shared a few things we were thankful for during a hymn! I heard everything from food, to family, to this church, and Jesus! But if you want to discover all our church is thankful for you’ll need to check out the ‘thankful hands’ taped to the glass in the sanctuary! We also had the opportunity to give to the World Evangelism Fund! You’ll definitely want to keep reading to learn why Sherry J. (our missionary president) felt like fainting when she was told how much you gave! Needless to say, but God is good! Yup! ALL THE TIME! 

God’s message this week came from Ps. 16:1-11 and was titled, “Pleasant Boundaries Bring Thanksgiving.” While some of us may have fought the boundaries God established for their lives, we learn God creates boundaries to keep the good in, the bad out, so that we might live safe, secure, contented lives filled with thanksgiving! 

Like the pilgrims we remember who came to America who gave thanks so long ago, David declares in v. 1 it is God who keeps him safe and in God whom he takes refuge. Like those early pilgrims, David rejects idols and foreign gods (vv. 3-4) and declares sorrow increases for those who chase them. Those early pilgrims trusted God and kept faith in Christ even during those long cold, lean winters when many died. Why? Because they knew God decided their fair share of His bounty and secured it. 

This is further illustrated in vv. 5-6: Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance (Ps. 16:5-6).

‘Who assigned David’s portion and his cup?’ ‘Who made David’s lot secure?’ The LORD! You see, David understood something we all need to realize: Our government, parents, and employers don’t determine our portions, security, and inheritance…only God does! And when we realize these boundaries were established on purpose for our good, we can stop out longing, coveting, and complaining, and give thanks for what we do have!

Contentment – that is, true thanksgiving comes by realizing all we have (great or small) is part of God’s plan and instead of looking around and comparing ourselves to others, we simply look up and give thanks to God! Happy Thanksgiving! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

EAT SOUP AND HELP DECORATE THIS WED. NIGHT AT 6:30PM

Advent starts this next Sunday so it’s time to decorate the church for Christmas! Instead of our regular Bible study, Janie’s making some chili and cheesy bacon (bacon will be added separate for vegetarians) potato soup, and is playing Christmas Carols in the Sanctuary while we decorate! So, come eat, laugh, and help us decorate the church for Christmas! (Of course, we’ll still have ice cream after!) 

WED. NIGHT IS MOVING TO THE PARSONAGE STARTING DEC. 02! 

Starting next week, our Wed. night Bible study for all ages will meet at the parsonage located at 883 Fuller Ave NE (the white house across the parking lot). We are doing this to be good stewards! By meeting at the parsonage we won’t have to spend the money to heat the church. The Study will still be from 6:30-7:30 and we will still eat ice cream!

MAKE PLANS TO SPEND CHRISTMAS EVE WITH US! (6:00PM)

Christmas is a special season for all of us and to celebrate it we will be having a special Christmas Eve ‘Carols and Communion’ Service. Come at 6pm for a time to remember your pain in the presence of Jesus by lighting a special candle, singing Christmas Carol’s led by Beverly Shephard, hear the retelling of the Christmas Story from Scripture, and partaking in Communion. Of course we’ll conclude singing Silent Night by candlelight! Then, stay for a few light refreshments and then continue your Christmas Eve plans! 

WOW! WOW! WOW! THANKSGIVING OFFERING RECEIVED WAS $625!!

Our local Missionary Council (NMI) led by Sherry Johnson set a goal of $350 for the Thanksgiving World Evangelism Offering this year and Sherry nearly fainted when told $625 was received! Wow! Wow! Wow! Praise the Lord! On behalf of the nearly 400 missionaries stationed around the world, BLESS YOU! You have made a world changing difference by deciding to join God in His Mission to Seek and Save the Lost! Amen! 

IT’S TIME TO ORDER YOUR POISETTIAS! HELP DECORATE THE CHURCH!

Do you love to see the church filled with poinsettia’s for Christmas or give a poinsettia to a loved one (including you!) Great! For the next two weeks you can order a poinsettia or three and pay for them on/or before Dec. 13. They’ll be delivered for Christmas Sun. Service (Dec. 20) and you can pick them up Christmas Eve! Order forms were in the program last week and will be in the Nov. 29 and Dec. 06, too! Questions? See Gerry D. 

BLESS YOU FOR GIVING THANKS!

While one person said our turkey looks anything but thankful, many of you took the time to give thanks! Check out the thankfulness of your church by looking at them taped around the turkey on the glass! God is good! Bless you for giving thanks!

NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS DEC. 17 AT 11:30AM

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Dec. 17 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!

HONORING CHRIST’S BIRTHDAY BY LOVING THE HOMELESS!

Christ's birthday is fast approaching and to honor His special day, we want to give gifts to the least of these (see Matt. 25:31-46) in our community - the homeless. Steve H. has put together a list of items we're collecting through Dec. 20th. You may purchase items or provide a financial gift using a blue giving envelope, mark it 'homeless project,' place it in the offering plate, and we’ll shop for you!

ITEMS NEEDED (MUST BE NON-PERISHABLE)

· Small packages of crackers, granola bars, and/or chips, 2 gal. Ziplock bags

· Socks, knitted caps and mittens, chapstick, toothbrushes, dental floss

· Travel sized toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, combs, small hand sanitizer bottles

· Band-Aids, bottled water, mints or gum, cough drops, small tissue packs

· Favorite Bible verses / encouraging words / Sm. New Testament Bibles

Bless you for bringing and giving a little CHRISTmas to those who may need it most! If you have any questions, see Steve H. or call or text him at: (616) 929-2195!

JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS CANTATA PRACTICE! SAT. AT 10:00AM

About 12 people are practicing each Sat. from 10am – 12noon! It’s not too late to join us either! We could use a few more male voices (hint hint)! Beverly S. is leading us and she is a great choir director! Never sang in a choir? No problem! You’ll catch on quickly! Did I mention we have a snack time in the middle of the practice? Yum Yum! Fun Fun! 

TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!

It’s that wonderful season when we learn how to use hand sanitizer and practice our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of giving hugs! Not sure what a fist bump is? It’s easy! Simply make a loose fist and gently reach out towards someone. In return, they will reach their fist out and gently ‘bump’ yours! It’ fun and easy way to say hi without catching the flu!

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.

NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS SUN., DEC. 13

Do you like to eat? Do you like to laugh? Do you like to tell stories (true or exaggerated) share your struggles and triumphs? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you need to come to our next Northeast Community Church Potluck! It is always a great time to sit down with family and friends and share life. Not a potluck passes without me learning something about one of you! So, invite a friend, bring something to share, and make plans to stay after our worship service! If you would like to help set up or clean up, contact (call or text) Cherry P. (616) 916-7595 or email her at pakielac@gmail.com

WORLD AIDS TODAY IS DEC. 01

“It’s been said that in a 100 years, people will look back on this time in history and the main question they will ask is, “What did they do about AIDS?” AIDS is often referred to as a pandemic, a plague, a deadly disease touching all world regions. Yet, this pandemic is not just about staggering statistics, but the faces of people. It is about real lives. It is about children. It is about the church!” Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM)

What can we do? First and foremost we can pray for those with AIDS and those family members and friends affected.  Second, we can learn more about this disease and the people carrying it and consider how Jesus would respond. (Hint: love and compassion). Finally, we can give our time, talent, and resources. If you would like to know more about AIDS including an opportunity to give click: http://ncm.org/learn/hivaids/

MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!

Sherry reported readership is up dramatically! As of Nov. 15 we had read 101 books! WooHoo! If you’ve got one, read it and return it so others can read them! Not reading yet? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! God is on the move! 

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

Nov. 22    Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund

Nov. 22    Missionary Gathering 

Nov. 26    Thanksgiving Day

Nov. 28    Cantata practice at 10:00am – 12:00Noon

Dec. 01     World A.I.D.S. Day

Dec. 05     Ladies Rendezvous (cookie exchange) 10:30am

Dec. 13     Deadline to order and pay for Poinsettia’s

Dec. 13     Northeast Community Potluck

Dec. 17     Third Thur. Lunch at Hibachi Grill on Alpine

Dec. 20     Christmas Sunday! Christmas Cantata

Dec. 24     Christmas Eve Service at 6:00pm

Northeast Community News – November 16, 2015

Dear Friends and Family!

What a wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! I must say when we have a fuller house your singing sounds so much bigger! How fun to praise God in the Word, music, and in prayer TOGETHER! Why, Janie and Gerry even reported there were 10 kids in children’s church! Praise God for our visitors, regulars, and everyone else! Without you, our worship service wouldn’t be the same! So, who are you going to invite this week?

God’s message this week came from Ps. 93:1-5 and was titled, “The Lord Reigns.” Ps. 93 can seem archaic and out of touch to modern hearers. This talk about the attributes of our Lord and King may seem foreign to people who live in a democracy. Why, America had a Revolution against the last human king we served! And many shoot off fireworks in the memory of our independence from the king we read in v. 1:

“The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved” (Psalm 93:1).

While earthly kings and elected officials are clothed in suits, important titles, and surrounded by the secret service, the LORD is robed in majesty and girded with the power of the Holy Spirit. Further, by declaring the ‘world is firmly established,’ the Psalmist is reminding us God has ‘the whole world in His hands.’ Regardless of the lies offered by the powers of evil, the world only moves when God says it can! These are encouraging words in these times of darkness, ISIS, and seeming hopelessness! 

Further, this points prophetically to the time of Christ’s first coming. The world, our world, is not only firmly established because God says so, but has victory over death and darkness through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection! Evil can make us suffer, but it will never win! Jesus has already overcome the world! (see John 16:33) 

In v. 2 we discover God has always been and always will be! God is not subject to a fickle electorate! He is King! Always has been; always will be! In v. 3 we discover from the beginning humankind has feared the elements of nature, but in v. 4 we learn God is more powerful than any storm or any situation! We must trust Him, not some earthly elected substitute! With Jesus there is no bitter aftertaste! He is the real thing!

So, does Jesus reign in your life? Have you yielded control to His Lordship or are you trusting in someone else? Your eternal life hinges on your answer! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

GIVING THANKS! WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR?

This is the last week to turn in your ‘giving thanks’ hands! Check out the thankfulness of your church by looking at them taped around the turkey on the glass! God is good!

THANKSGIVING OFFERING FOR W.E.F. IS THIS WEEK (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 their needed administrative support staff. While many give to W.E.F. through Faith Promise all year (bless you!), Thanksgiving and Easter are traditionally times when we all give something extra. Our local Missionary Council (NMI) has set a $350 goal for this year’s Thanksgiving offering! Please be in prayer as we all seek God’s direction! 

NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS WEEK! (NOV. 19) AT 11:30AM

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is this week at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!

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

We finished our 5^th annual blanket and coat drive last Sunday with a bang! You brought in another 31 coats/blankets this week! PTL!! Bless you for loving ‘the least of these!’       

GOAL = 50                COLLECTED = 76

HONORING CHRIST’S BIRTHDAY BY LOVING THE HOMELESS!

Christ's birthday is fast approaching and to honor His special day, we want to give gifts to the least of these (see Matt. 25:31-46) in our community - the homeless. Steve H. has put together a list of items we're collecting through December 20th. You may purchase the items listed below or provide a financial gift by using a blue pew giving envelope, mark it 'homeless project,' place it in the offering plate, and we’ll shop for you!

ITEMS NEEDED (MUST BE NON-PERISHABLE)

· Small packages of crackers, granola bars, and/or chips

· Socks, knitted caps and mittens

· Chapstick, toothbrushes, dental floss

· Travel sized toothpaste, deodorant, tissues 

· Combs, small hand sanitizer bottles, Band-Aids

· Bottled water, mints or gum, cough drops

· Small tissue packs, 2 gallon Ziploc bags

· Favorite Bible verses / encouraging words / Sm. New Testament Bibles

Bless you for bringing and giving a little CHRISTmas to those who may need it most! If you have any questions, see Steve H. or call or text him at: (616) 929-2195!

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. 

LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., DEC. 05 AT 10:30AM

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Dec. 05and it will include a cookie exchange. All ladies are invited to bring 2-dozen cookies to exchange with other ladies! Yum! Need a ride? Please call Cherry at (616) 916-7595. 

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.

MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!

Sherry reported readership is up dramatically! As of last Sun. (Nov. 15) we had read 101 books! WooHoo! If you’ve got one, read it and return it so others can read them! Not reading yet? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! God is on the move! 

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. 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

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

Nov. 21    Cantata practice at 10:00am – 12:00Noon

Nov. 22    Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund

Nov. 22    Missionary Gathering at 4pm

Nov. 26    Thanksgiving Day

Dec. 05     Ladies Rendezvous (cookie exchange) 10:30am

Dec.  13    Northeast Community Potluck

Northeast Community News – November 09, 2015

Dear Friends and Family!

Yes, we had another wonderful day in the Lord, yesterday! On Saturday night we had the grandkids over and we raked some leaves into the night. As we continued to rake Johnathan looked at me and said, “Aren’t we supposed to be inside? It’s dark out here?” Funny how kids inherently know they need to move out of darkness and seek light. It made me wonder why we often forget this as adults? Are you walking in the darkness? It’s dark out there! Why not come into the light and warmth of Jesus! It’s light in here!

God’s message this week came from Ps. 127:1-5 and was titled, “Life Worth Living.” In an era of adultery, divorce, and alternative family construction, we need to ask again, ‘What makes a home?’ Is it the size of the house or what holds it together? 

I’ve met many folks with big houses and incomes that were virtually ‘homeless’ but I’ve also met those without a place to live with wonderful home lives and lives worth living. What makes a life or home worth living? Ps. 127:1 declares, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain” (Psalm 127:1). What makes a house a home is Christ at its center. 

Without Christ at the center, you can build a 6,000 square foot mansion and still lack joy, hope, peace, and contentedness in your soul. You see, if you the LORD isn’t at the center anchoring and directing your life, your efforts will produce nothing of lasting value; they will lack ultimate fulfillment and meaning; they will be in vain. 

In v. 2 we discover only fools trust themselves more than God! “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.” (127:2). Before their fall into captivity Israel fell into this trap. They were foolishly trusting in their own human effort to defend themselves, rule themselves, and in their spiritual lives instead of trusting in God. If they just worked a little harder they could get ahead! Let’s be careful we don’t fall into this trap, too! A life worth living trusts wholly on God!

Finally, in vv. 3-5 the Psalmist reminds the Israelites children are a gift to be stewarded, not an achievement to be lorded over or ignored. Ask Jesus to set the agenda, priorities, and expectations for your life. Ask Jesus to examine your life and point out what needs to change! I pray you have courage to make those changes! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

MEALS, SMILES, AND LOVE FOR ANNA!

On a regular Sunday, I greet Anna B. in the parking lot and she always has a big smile on her face! While she still has that big smile on her face, if you want to see it you’ll need to visit her as she recovers from open-heart surgery and her driving restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, would you consider taking a meal to Anna? Janie is coordinating meals for Anna and it would be a wonderful way to show your love for her! 

VETERAN’S DAY IS THIS WEDNESDAY! TELL THEM THANK-YOU! 

Veteran’s Day is the official holiday honoring people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans Day coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are celebrated in many countries on the anniversary of the end of WWI on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany was signed. The U.S. also observed Armistice Day, but it evolved into Veterans Day in 1954. We are grateful as a nation and a church for veterans! Tell a veteran thank you this Wednesday! 

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? Well, the point was to remember thanksgiving and give thanks! Well, for the next 3 weeks we are taking you back to your childhood by asking you to grab a paid of hands out of the bulletin or on the table and tell us what you’re thankful for! If you can, cut them out and put them in the offering plate then we fill a window 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!

Last week brought another amazing gift in our collection of coats and blankets! Sharon Benton, a former member who now lives in PA. read about our need and sent money so we could buy blankets! Her financial gift allowed us to purchase 7 more blankets and put us over the top! And then, 7 more came in this week to give us 59! PTL!! If you’ve been waiting, it’s time with only a week to go! Bless you for loving ‘the least of these!’       GOAL = 50                TO DATE = 59

DON’T FORGET! CANTATA PRACTICE IS THIS SAT. AT 10AM!

We are looking forward to singing a Christmas Cantata this year and we need your help! Please come and sing with us this Sat. at 10am for our first practice! Questions? See or contact Beverly Shepherd (616) 822.8975 or email her at bevshprd@aol.com

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. 

THIS JUST IN….. LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., DEC. 05 AT 10:30AM

According to an unnamed source that has been reliable in the past, Cherry is planning a combined Nov.-Dec. Ladies Rendezvous on Dec. 05 that will include a cookie exchange. If I have my facts right (you better check) all ladies are invited to bring 2-dozen cookies to exchange with other ladies! Yum! Need a ride? Please call Cherry at (616) 916-7595. 

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.

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. It’s a time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!

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! 

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!

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

Nov. 11    Veterans Day

Nov. 14    Cantata practice

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

Nov. 22    Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund

Nov. 22    Missionary Gathering at 4pm

Nov. 26    Thanksgiving Day

Dec. 05     Ladies Rendezvous (cookie exchange) at 10:30am

Dec.  13    Northeast Community Potluck

Northeast Community News! November 02, 2015

Dear Friends and Family!

We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! This week we were blessed to have Drs. John and Linda Seaman visit us. Dr. John serves as the District Superintendent for the Michigan District and it’s a special treat to welcome them! Both had served 27 years as missionaries in the Church of the Nazarene (10 years in Martinique plus 17 years in West Africa) when God called them to be our District Superintendent couple in 2003! It was fun to hear them describe you as a very warm and loving family! Praise God!

God’s message this week came from Ps. 119:1-8 and was titled, “God’s Word Changes Lives.” While Psalm 119 addresses many aspects of the Word of God, two aspects jump out at us after reading 176 verses. First, we should value God’s Word because it IS God’s Word! Even a casual glance provides proof it is God speaking through this Psalm. 

We need to remember the Bible isn’t an ‘advice column’ filled with suggestions by wise human beings. No, our Bible is an instruction manual written by our loving Creator for our good! Bottom line: we value His Word because He authored it! 

Second, we should value God’s Word because of what it does! While we would certainly declare the Bible has ‘everything needed to lead us to salvation through faith in Christ,’ Psalm 119 offers several other ways God’s Word benefits us. 

First, in vv. 1-2 we see His Word brings happiness! While the Devil has convinced some God’s Word is a form of bondage, having lived the lawless life I can tell you that is a lie right out of the pit of hell! The world’ freedom only leads to hurt, shame, and pain. True happiness; true freedom is a result of learning and living out (doing) the Word of God! 

Second, in vv. 9-11 we discover a steady diet of God’s Word will keep us pure. “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Ps. 119:10-11). The same Holy Spirit that inspired the original human writers lives in us! Let Him instruct you through the Word! 

Finally, in v. 105 we find God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet and path. We live in a dark, perplexing world offering us many alternative paths resulting in pain, misery, and ruin. The good news is it’s NEVER too late to turn to Jesus, read God’s Word, and let the Holy Spirit lead you back into the light; back into wholeness, life, joy, and peace. Ready for change? Dust the Bible off and get reading! It’ll change your life! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

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? Well, the point was to remember thanksgiving and give thanks! Well, for the next 3 weeks we are taking you back to your childhood by asking you to grab a paid of hands out of the bulletin or on the table and tell us what you’re thankful for! If you can, cut them out and put them in the offering plate then we fill a window 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!

Last week was amazing in our collection of coats and blankets! You brought in 24 in a week! I was especially blessed to learn Linda K. walked door-to-door for Jesus! And way down in Battle Creek my own mother collected blankets for Mel Trotter! PTL!! If you’ve been waiting, it’s time with only a week to go! Bless you for loving ‘the least of these!’      

GOAL = 50                TO DATE = 45

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. 

THIS JUST IN….. LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., DEC. 05 AT 10:30AM

According to an unnamed source that has been reliable in the past, Cherry is planning a combined Nov.-Dec. Ladies Rendezvous on Dec. 05 that will include a cookie exchange. If I have my facts right (you better check) all ladies are invited to bring 2-dozen cookies to exchange with other ladies! Yum! Need a ride? Please call Cherry at (616) 916-7595. 

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.

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. It’s a time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!

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! 

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!

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

Nov. 14    Cantata practice

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