Northeast Community News – January 18, 2016

Hello dear friends and family!

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Whether or not you have the day off, it's worth reflecting on the life and philosophy of the man who inspired a nation to change. Had an assassin's bullet not taken his life at the age of 39, he would have turned 87 on Friday. 

Had he lived, King would likely have continued to inspire hope and challenge us to fulfill his dream of a more inclusive society -- where everyone would have equal opportunity for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Personally, I pray Northeast Community becomes more inclusive and diverse. How will you remember MLK Day 2016? I would encourage everyone to at least read “I Have a Dream.” Here’s a link if you’re interested!

http://www.archives.gov/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf

God’s message this week came from Gal. 6:1-10 and titled, “Caring for One Another.” While we previously learned God wants us to praise Him for He is good and His love endures forever (Ps. 106:1) and God wants not just part of us, but ALL of us (Rom. 12:1-2), in this weeks stewardship lesson we learn we are to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). 

There is no doubt Paul is a brilliant scholar and teacher, but here he isn’t sharing any mind-blowing theology. He’s simply stating the obvious. Those who acknowledge God is worthy of praise and have been touched by His love and yielded to the Holy Spirit are going to think and live and act differently. 

Instead of primarily focusing on our own pleasure and wants, sanctified Christians see the needs of others and their burdens and get involved. Ask God to give you eyes to see the burdened, a heart to feel compassion, and a mind willing to get involved. 

But there is something else we need to see. When we are lightening the load for those who are burdened, we are actually fulfilling the ‘law of Christ.’ What is the law of Christ? It is the law of love and grace! You see, when we are carrying other’s burdens we are extending the love and grace of Christ to others! We become His hands and feet! Wow! 

But realize this! Before you say ‘there is no way’ you need to know you aren’t going to be doing this on your own! When you’re yielded to God completely, the Holy Spirit will not only empower you to love liberally, give recklessly, and extend grace even when it hurts, He will connect you others! We call this the Church! Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY – IT’S CRISIS CARE KIT TIME!

Get your toothbrushes, wash clothes and beany babies ready! Our Nazarene Missions International Council has asked us to start collecting items for Crisis Care Kits starting this week! Crisis Care Kits are a cooperative effort between Nazarene global missions and Nazarene compassionate ministries to collect and send basic toiletries to those who have experienced a ‘crisis’ all over the world. You can either purchase items or donate money to purchased items! We want to collect enough for 6 kits! Our ‘overflow’ will be donated to N.E.C.M.  Bless you for loving hurting people! Questions? Contact Sherry J.

Here is the shopping list to make 1 Crisis Care Kit:

·     1 Shampoo (12 to 18 oz.)

·     2 Bars of Soap (Bath size or larger)

·     1 Toothpaste (4.0 to 6.4 oz.)

·     3 Toothbrushes (in original packaging)

·     1 Box of Band-Aids (30 or more)

·     1 Fingernail clippers

·     1 Sturdy hair comb

·     2 Hand towels

·     4 Pocket sized pkgs. of Kleenex (tissue)

·     1 Beanie Baby sized stuffed toy

Each Crisis Care Kit (CCK) should contain only the items/quantities listed. Place all items into a 2 gallon zip-lock bag (or bring them to church and we’ll do it). Remember! You don’t have to buy a ‘whole kit’ just bring what you can and we’ll put them together!

NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THU., JAN. 21 AT 11:30AM 

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Jan. 21 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. It’s a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! Questions? See Tracy or Linda!

OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS SUN., FEB. 14

Do you like to eat? Do you like to laugh? Do you like to share your struggles and share your triumphs? If you said yes, you need to come to our next Northeast Community Church Potluck! It’s a great time to life. Not a single potluck goes by that I don’t discover something about one of you! So, invite a friend, bring something to share, and stay after our worship service for December’s potluck! 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

LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., January 30, AT 10:30AM

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Dec. 05 and 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. 

MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND!

Sherry J. reports readership is up dramatically! Last report had 127 books read. Sherry thinks if we get to 150 books read Pastor Dan should dye his hair red! Yikes! What do you think?  Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! 

SAVE THE DATE! TEAM DAY IS SAT., APR. 02

Team Day is a day of equipping and motivating through a variety of workshops and has lots of opportunities to network with other folks from all three Michigan Districts. It’s also an opportunity to reignite your passion for ministry. Team Day brings together lots of workshops on topics relating to church leadership, discipleship, missions, and youth and children’s ministries. There is literally something for everyone. 

Team Day takes place on Apr. 02 at Perry H.S. in Perry MI. Cost is $25 if you register before Mar. 01 ($35 if registered before Mar. 15). The cost includes the Keynote session, music by O.N.U. and a catered continental breakfast and box sandwich lunch. So, save the date! More details to come including workshop descriptions and registration info! 

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. 

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.

TURN AND DON’T GIVE SOMEONE THE FLU!

It’s that wonderful season when we use hand sanitizer and give our best ‘fist bumps’ instead of hugs! Not sure what a fist bump is? It’s easy! Simply make a loose fist and gently reach out towards someone. They’ll reach their fist out and gently ‘bump’ yours! It’s fun and it is a good way to stop the spread of the cold and flu!

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? We also send a newsletter, prayer requests, and district information via email if we have your email. If you would like to be included just add your info to the ‘tear off tab’ on the program and drop it in the offering plate! 

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

Jan.  21     Third Thu. Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)

Jan.  22-23        District NYI Celebrate Life at Kuyper College

Jan.  24     Membership class # 2 at 9:45am

Feb. 10     Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)

Feb. 14     Northeast Community Potluck at 12:15pm

Feb. 14     Valentines Day

Mar. 13     Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)

Mar. 27     Easter Sunday