Northeast Community News - February 22, 2016

Northeast Community News – February 22, 2016

Hello Dear Friends and Family!

Yes, it was another wonderful day this week in the Lord! This week we celebrated our Alabaster Offering! Celebrate an offering? Well, I can still remember (before I knew Jesus) when ‘celebrating’ and ‘offering’ wouldn’t have been used in the same sentence! And yet, after our NMI President Sherry J. prayed, and Jean C. played a hymn to march to, I had the privilege of watching a long line of smiling people celebrating by bringing their Alabaster Boxes up to the front of the church. What a joy it is to give to His Kingdom! Praise the Lord! 

God’s message this week came from Luke 13:31-35 and was titled, “Oh Jerusalem.” This text is rich with meaning, but the Spirit presented me three clear points. First, Jesus did not deny reality! He was opposed by the religious leaders and in this passage we learn even the political establishment wanted to kill Him! (v. 31).

Jesus knew the corruption in the political and religious organizations around Him. He knew the fickleness of people. He knew they would cry hosanna and crucify Him with the same mouths. He wasn’t in denial! No, Jesus saw clearly what was happening and would happen and kept going! How about you? When bad news comes fast do you duck and run, deny reality, or see reality clearly? Jesus teaches us to ‘call it like we see it’ and keep going! 

In fact, instead of denying reality, growing cynical or callous or even pulling back to protect Himself, Jesus continued to move forward and heal and share the good news at great risk! 

“He replied, “Go tell that fox [Herod], ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day” (Lk. 13:32-33a). Jesus saw the risks clearly and continued to care! He refused to become callous or cynical! How about you? When people continue to oppose, reject, or disappoint do you get cynical or stay engaged in the Kingdom?

Finally, we find Jesus showing a mother’s compassion as He prepared for the Cross: “Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (Lk. 13:34) How did Jesus respond to those who rejected Him? 

(Hint: not as an angry wrath filled God who couldn’t wait to destroy them). Jesus responds as a mom weeping over her lost kids wishing it’d been different… but they weren’t willing (v. 34b). How do you respond to those who challenge… take advantage… disappoint you? With love and compassion or something else? Does Jesus weep for you? He does if you still refuse to trust in Him and be saved! It’s never too late to accept Jesus! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., FEB. 27 AT 10:30AM (AT EMILY MORSE’S HOUSE!)

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Feb. 27 and all ladies are invited! They will be meeting at Dick and Emily’s house located at: 3051 Wildridge Dr NE – GR

Need a ride? Wonder what you will be doing this month? Call Cherry at (616) 916-7595. 

ALABASTER BLESSINGS CONTINUE! 

This week’s offering is still being counted by our father father and son duo Jerry and Terry Buning, but I can tell you we received $172 in cash and checks and we will be leaving the Alabaster Church in the back of the sanctuary for two more weeks! What will the final total be? I’m not sure, but it’s not too late to help! Bless you for giving! 

SPRING REVIVAL IS COMING APR. 17-20!

Many of us have longed for revival in our church! Revivalcomes from the Hebrew word Chayay {khaw-yah'-ee} and means to be quickened, made alive, restored to life/health from sickness, from discouragement, from faintness, and death! In revival, the heart of a believer is awakened by the Holy Spirit from spiritual slumber and a fire is ignited! In revival, the believer moves beyond complacent Christianity to a life of holiness because He is holy! In revival, believers become passionate for the lost! Do you long for revival?

Well, if you do we have good news! On Sunday, April 17, Tenured Evangelist Bill Ulmet is coming to our church to lead 4 days of services. More information will be coming, but we can all begin praying and fasting that these services will indeed result in revival! 

WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY! COME BE A PART!

Remember! We are currently meeting at the parsonage! Regardless of your experience, background, or age, Wed. night is a great time of singing, prayer, and Bible study. Come, be a part of it and be blessed! Remember, we always end our night with ice cream! 

CHURCH SPRING CLEAN UP DAY IS SAT., APR. 16 – 9AM – 12PM

Larry B. has proclaimed Apr.16 as Spring Clean Up Day! All the work will be ‘outside’ so be prepared! Join us for a great time serving God by raking, cleaning out flower beds, and even raking some pesky oak leaves that waited til Spring! Questions? See Larry! 

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.

COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY – IT’S CRISIS CARE KIT TIME!

It’s not too late to help with Crisis Care Kits! You can help by purchasing items or donating money (to purchased items!) Any ‘overflow’ will be donated to North End Community Ministry.  Bless you for loving people in crisis! Questions? See Sherry J. 

INDIAN LAKE NAZARENE CHILDREN’S CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!

As your pastor, I strongly urge you to send your kids to summer camp at Indian Lake, a place of discovery! At camp kids discover hidden gifts, fresh air, swimming, and friends, but most importantly, they will discover God loves them and has a plan for their life! It is vitally important each child has this opportunity to attend camp each year!

Now, I’ve heard from many parents that ‘camp is too expensive’ and I agree it can stretch (or bust) any family budget, but this is why the camp and your church offers scholarships. The camp’s deadline for scholarship applications is March 31. If you are interested in sending your 3^rd – 12^th grade student to camp this year, see Pastor Dan! Let’s work together as a church family to make camp a reality for every child! 

MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE IN GREAT DEMAND! DYE PASTOR DAN’S HAIR RED!!

Sherry J. reports readership is up dramatically! Last report had 129 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! 

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS MAR. 17 AT 11:30AM!

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Mar. 17 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. The food is good, but the fellowship is even better! Come, enjoy a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! If you have any questions? See Tracy or Linda!

TRI-DISTRICT TEAM DAY IS SAT., APR. 02 - REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Team Day is a day of equipping and motivating. It’s also a great opportunity to reignite your passion for ministry. Team Day has workshops on youth and children ministries, missions, discipleship, and leadership! It takes place on Apr. 02 at Perry H.S. in Perry MI. Cost is $25 if you register before Mar. 01 ($35 if you register before Mar. 15). You will find information brochures on Team Day on the table outside the sanctuary or you can go online and check it out here: http://www.minaz.org/TEAM%5FDay/

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

Feb.  27    Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Mar. 13     Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)

Mar. 17     Third Thu. Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)

Mar. 27     Easter Sunday

Apr.  02    Tri-District Team Day in Perry, MI

Apr.  16    Spring Clean Up Day at Church 9AM – 12PM

Apr.  17-20       Spring Revival with Evangelist Bill Ulmet

Apr.  17    Northeast Community Potluck after service/prayer time

Northeast Community News – February 15, 2016

Good morning Friends and Family!

We had another wonderful day in the Lord, yesterday! After all, on Valentines Day in a church that loves God and loves others what else would you expect? (smile) Seriously, we are a church filled with the love of our Savior and it shows up in the way we greet, welcome, worship, and even potluck! Why even the tables we ate at had reminders of God’s love for us found in Scripture! Bless everyone who came on such a cold morning to share the warmth of the Savior! You are such a blessing!

God’s message this week came from Luke 4:1-13 and titled, “Remember Your Identity!” While preventing identity theft seems of great concern recently, the Evil One has been stealing identities before Adam bit the apple! It was no different for Jesus! Just before his 40 days in the dessert to face temptation, we hear this from God at Jesus’ baptism:

“…as he [Jesus] was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21b-22).

Jesus’ true identity included being: 1) God’s Son, 2) a Son loved by God, and 3) a Son in whom God was well pleased! Some might say, ‘Well duh Pastor Dan… everybody knows that…’ Perhaps, but as Jesus completes a 40-day fast in the dessert and the Devil comes I fear we often forget or minimize Jesus was also 100% human / subject to temptation. 

Twice, Satan uses the insidious ‘if’ word to undermine Jesus’ identity. “The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God,tell this stone to become bread….’” (v. 3) “If you are the Son of God... throw yourself down from here…” (v. 9). Satan is trying to get Jesus to doubt His identity… In effect saying, ‘Come on, Jesus… how can you be the Son of God? After all, you’re just a poor Galilean carpenter, with a poor education…from a poor family… How can you expect anyone to believe you’re the chosen Messiah? Look, you need my help! Just forget what God told you about your identity and worship me (v. 7). Praise God He didn’t forget His identity when He was tempted and at His weakest! Amen? Amen!  

But what about you? Have you forgotten your identity? Satan will try to convince you that you’re unloved, unsaved, and too far gone to reach! Don’t believe his lies! When you’re saved you’re a child of God! Having an identity crisis? Spend more time in the Word, prayer, worship, and fellowship! You’ll be glad you did! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS WEEK AT 11:30AM!

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is this week at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine Ave. The food is good, but the fellowship is even better! Come, enjoy a great time to eat, share joys, concerns and even laugh! If you have any questions? See Tracy or Linda!

ALABASTER OFFERING IS FEB. 21 DURING WORSHIP! PREPARE TO MARCH!

Our next bi-annual Alabaster Offering takes place Sun., Feb. 21^st. This “loose change” offering is taken up twice a year and every penny goes directly to the mission field to purchase land and materials to construct buildings. Of course, cash, checks, and gold doubloons are also welcome! If you would like an Alabaster box to start filling, grab one off the sound booth or ask Sherry J. our Missionary President.

OUR NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS FEB. 21 @ 4PM

Our missionary gathering is Feb. 21 at 4pm. Bring a friend and come enjoy a brief lesson on missions! After Sherry J. leads our lesson, we eat snacks, laugh, and chat (sometimes at the same time! :) So bring a snack to pass and join us at 4pm! You’ll be glad you did! Have questions? Contact Sherry J. She loves to text! (269) 932-8334

LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., FEB. 27 AT 10:30AM (AT EMILY MORSE’S HOUSE!)

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Feb. 27 and all ladies are invited! They will be meeting at Dick and Emily’s house located at: 3051 Wildridge Dr NE – GR

Need a ride? Wonder what you will be doing this month? Call Cherry at (616) 916-7595. 

SPRING REVIVAL IS COMING APR. 17-20!

Many of us have longed for revival in our church! Revival comes from the Hebrew word Chayay {khaw-yah'-ee} and means to be quickened, made alive, restored to life/health from sickness, from discouragement, from faintness, and death! In revival, the heart of a believer is awakened by the Holy Spirit from spiritual slumber and a fire is ignited! In revival, the believer moves beyond complacent Christianity to a life of holiness because He is holy! In revival, believers become passionate for the lost! Do you long for revival?

Well, if you do we have good news! On Sunday, April 17, Tenured Evangelist Bill Ulmet is coming to our church to lead 4 days of services. More information will be coming, but we can all begin praying and fasting that these services will indeed result in revival! 

TRI-DISTRICT TEAM DAY IS SAT., APR. 02 - REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Team Day is a day of equipping and motivating. It’s also a great opportunity to reignite your passion for ministry. Team Day has workshops on youth and children ministries, missions, discipleship, and leadership! It takes place on Apr. 02 at Perry H.S. in Perry MI. Cost is $25 if you register before Mar. 01 ($35 if you register before Mar. 15). You will find information brochures on Team Day on the table outside the sanctuary or you can go online and check it out here: http://www.minaz.org/TEAM%5FDay/

CHURCH SPRING CLEAN UP DAY IS SAT., APR. 16 – 9AM – 12PM

Larry B. has proclaimed Apr.16 as Spring Clean Up Day! All the work will be ‘outside’ so be prepared! Join us for a great time serving God by raking, cleaning out flower beds, and even raking some pesky oak leaves that waited til Spring! Questions? See Larry! 

INDIAN LAKE NAZARENE CHILDREN’S CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!

As your pastor, I strongly urge you to send your kids to summer camp at Indian Lake, a place of discovery! At camp kids discover hidden gifts, fresh air, swimming, and friends, but most importantly, they will discover God loves them and has a plan for their life! It is vitally important each child has this opportunity to attend camp each year!

Now, I’ve heard from many parents that ‘camp is too expensive’ and I agree it can stretch (or bust) any family budget, but this is why the camp and your church offers scholarships. The camp’s deadline for scholarship applications is March 31.If you are interested in sending your 3^rd – 12^thgrade student to camp this year, see Pastor Dan! Let’s work together as a church family to make camp a reality for every child! 

COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY – IT’S CRISIS CARE KIT TIME!

We are now collecting for Crisis Care Kits! Crisis Care Kits are a cooperative effort between Nazarene global missions and Nazarene compassionate ministries to provide basic toiletries to those who have experienced a ‘crisis’ all over the world. You can help by purchasing items or donating money (to purchased items!) We hope to make 6 kits! Any ‘overflow’ will be donated to North End Community Ministry.  Bless you for loving hurting people in a crisis! Have 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

Place items in a 2 gallon zip-lock (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!

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! 

REMEMBER OUR SHUT INS!

Many of you are so faithful in visiting, calling, and sending cards to those who can no longer get out and drive. Bless you for this ministry! It can be a lonely place when you no longer drive and wait for ‘signs of life’ from the outside world! Would you consider sending a card this week? In addition, I have added Harry K. who is not able to drive right now and Mary Warner ‘stuck in Florida’ (I heard that!) Bless you for caring! 

Barbara Buning – Birthday: May 02 (79)

Porter Hills

3600 Fulton St. E # 212 - Grand Rapids, MI  49525

Rev. Christian Christopher – Birthday: Oct. 14 (94)

2279 Sawmill Drive NE - Rockford, MI  49341

Dorene Coe – Birthday: Mar. 14 (93)

Christian Home

1000 Edison Ave NW # 122 - Grand Rapids, MI 49504

David Hathaway – Birthday: Jan. 13 (just turned 91)

Manor of Battle Creek

675 Wagner Dr. # 110 - Battle Creek, MI 49017

Rhoda Holmquist

Mount Mercy Apartments

1425 Bridge St NE # 223 - Grand Rapids, MI  49504

Sandy Kloet

513 Spring Ave NE - Grand Rapids, MI  49503

Harry Krueger – Birthday: Nov. 01 (87)

3355 Flamingo Ave SW - Wyoming, MI  49509

Phyllis Plath – Birthday: Aug. 23 (93)

Sanctuary at St. Mary’s (for rehab) 

1050  4 Mile Rd NW # 416 - Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Catherine Tague – Birthday: Nov. 08 (94)

Holland Home – Fulton Manor

1450 Fulton St E. – Grace Hall # 221 - Grand Rapids, MI  49503

Mary Warner (home for Feb., Mar.)

3101 Hickory Dr. - Wesley Chapel, FL  33543

WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY! COME BE A PART!

Remember! We are currently meeting at the parsonage! Regardless of your experience, background, or age, Wed. night is a great time of singing, prayer, and Bible study. Come, be a part of it and be blessed! Remember, we always end our night with ice cream! 

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.

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

Feb.  18    Third Thu. Chinese Lunch @ 11:30(Hibachi Alpine)

Feb.  21    Alabaster Offering During Worship Service

Feb.  21    Missionary Gathering for everyone at 4pm (parsonage)

Feb.  27    Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Mar. 13     Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)

Mar. 27     Easter Sunday

Apr.  02    Tri-District Team Day in Perry, MI

Apr.  16    Spring Clean Up Day at Church 9AM – 12PM

Apr. 17-20        Spring Revival with Evangelist Bill Ulmet

Apr.  17    Northeast Community Potluck after service/prayer time

Northeast Community News – February 08, 2016

Northeast Community News – February 08, 2016

Hello Dear Ones!

What a wonderful day we had in the Lord, yesterday! We were blessed with four of Jonathan G’s friends from Calvin College and even needed to add tables to seat them all for Sunday school! How cool is that! God is good! Since it was also the first Sunday of the month, we received the elements of the Lord’s Supper as a family, too. What neat it is to hear the sounds of ‘little voices’ from time to time in our service and see them all come forward during Communion. God is good! How often? (All the time!) Amen! 

God’s message this week came to us from 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 and was titled, “Take Your Veil Off.” Upon reflection, it should have been titled, “Let Jesus remove your veil” (but I do tend to digress….). In our text Paul compares life before or without Jesus and living under the Law with life in Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

Unlike a glory that faded in Moses time, Christians possess a glory that lasts! This is why Paul concludes: “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold” (2 Cor. 3:12). Why can he be so bold? What gives Paul such hope? Because Jesus had come and rocked his world. The former Pharisee and Christian persecutor encountered Jesus and everything changed! Christ had removed his veil and he now saw clearly.

This is why Paul declares, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord [that is Jesus], the veil is taken away” (2 Cor. 3:16). Anyone? Yes, anyone! And what did Paul now see clearly?

That the Law with it’s 613 rules and 6,200 pages of priestly commentary and opinions had veiled him from the truth, life, and freedom! It wasn’t adhering to the Law that set him free or meticulous observance of the rules that saved him – it was faith in Christ!

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Do you want to be free? Do you want to have victory over sin and darkness? Turn to Jesus who will send His Spirit to free you! But it gets better! When the Spirit of Christ is living in you, you’ll not only grow to become more like Jesus on the inside; you will start reflecting and acting like Jesus on the outside, too! ”And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (3:18). Bottom line? Encounter Jesus! Let Him remove your veil and let His Spirit transform you! Amen! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS THIS SUNDAY! (FEB. 14)

It’s going to be Valentines Day this Sunday and what could be better than to have an old fashioned love feast at the church! Invite a friend, bring a dish to pass and come join us in a time of great food, fun, and conversation after our worship service this week! If you can help set up or clean up, contact Cherry P. (616) 916-7595 or pakielac@gmail.com

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THU., FEB. 18 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!

ALABASTER OFFERING IS FEB. 21 DURING WORSHIP! PREPARE TO MARCH!

Our next bi-annual Alabaster Offering takes place Sun., Feb. 21^st. This “loose change” offering is taken up twice a year and every penny goes directly to the mission field to purchase land and materials to construct buildings. Of course, cash, checks, and gold doubloons are also welcome! If you would like an Alabaster box to start filling, grab one off the sound booth or ask Sherry J. our Missionary President.

OUR NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS FEB. 21 @ 4PM

Our missionary gathering is Feb. 21 at 4pm. Bring a friend and come enjoy a brief lesson on missions! After Sherry J. leads our lesson, we eat snacks, laugh, and chat (sometimes at the same time! :) So bring a snack to pass and join us at 4pm! You’ll be glad you did! Have questions? Contact Sherry J. She loves to text! (269) 932-8334

INDIAN LAKE NAZARENE CHILDREN’S CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!

As your pastor and friend, I would strongly urge you to send your children to summer camp at Indian Lake. It is truly a place of discovery! At camp kids discover hidden gifts, fresh air, swimming, and most importantly, that God loves them and has a plan for their life! It is vitally important each child has this opportunity to attend camp each year. 

Now, I’ve heard from many parents that ‘camp is too expensive’ and I agree it can stretch (or bust) any family budget, but this is why the camp and your church offers scholarships. The camp’s deadline for scholarship applications is March 31. If you are interested in sending your 3^rd – 12^th grade student to camp this year, see Pastor Dan! Let’s work together as a church family to make camp a reality for every child! 

WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY! COME BE A PART! (ASH WED. IS 2-10)

Remember! We are currently meeting at the parsonage! Regardless of your experience, background, or age, Wed. night is a great time of singing, prayer, and Bible study. Come and be blessed! On Wed., Feb. 10 we will have ashes mixed with anointing oil available for those who would like to receive them.  It is certainly optional, but many request this annual tradition placing an ‘ash cross’ on their forehead at the beginning of Lent. Come, join our fellowship and as always we will end our night with ice cream!

COMPASSIONATE MINISTRY – IT’S CRISIS CARE KIT TIME!

Our NMI 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!

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

Team Day is a day of equipping and motivating through a variety of. It’s also a great opportunity to reignite your passion for ministry. Team Day has workshops on youth and children ministries, missions, discipleship, and leadership! It takes place on Apr. 02 at Perry H.S. in Perry MI. Cost is $25 if you register before Mar. 01 ($35 if you register 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! 

LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., FEB. 27 AT 10:30AM (AT EMILY MORSE’S HOUSE!)

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Feb. 27 and all ladies are invited! They will be meeting at Dick and Emily’s house located at: 3051 Wildridge Dr NE – GR

Need a ride? Wonder what you will be doing this month? 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! 

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.

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

Feb.  10    Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)

Feb.  14    Northeast Community Potluck at 12:15pm

Feb.  14    Valentines Day

Feb.  18    Third Thu. Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)

Feb.  21    Alabaster Offering During Worship Service

Feb.  21    Missionary Gathering for everyone at 4pm (parsonage)

Feb.  27    Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Mar. 13     Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)

Mar. 27     Easter Sunday

Apr.  02    Tri-District Team Day in Perry, MI