Northeast Community News – March 28, 2016

Dear Friends and Family!

We had a wonderful Easter Day in the Lord, Sunday! Christ has risen! Christ has risen, indeed! Bless all of you for generously purchasing flowers in memory and honor of your loved ones. Jean C. did her usual beautiful job of placing them with the flare of an artist. While the Evil One did his best to throw us off with a few last minute hiccups, we would not be deterred! God’s House was full, you singing powerful, and God’s Spirit was moving! 

We concluded our time together with little ones gathering candy filled eggs on the church lawn. Thank you to Janie for leading our Easter Egg hunt and for the ladies who filled them during their ‘rendezvous’ this month! God is good! How often? All the time! Amen!

God’s message this week came from John 20:1-18 and titled, “I Have Seen the Lord!” Many have faced moments of doubt in their faith and the early disciples were no different. In our text this week we discovered Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene encountering the evidence of the resurrection and believing! It had now been three days since Jesus had been hastily wrapped in linens and placed in the borrowed tomb. Haste had been necessary to fulfill the Passover requirements forbidding Jews from working after sundown.

But with the Passover requirements fulfilled, Mary Magdalene and two other women made the somber trip back to the tomb to give Jesus a proper burial. Why was Mary coming back? In Luke c. 8 we discover Mary had been cured of 7 evil spirits and diseases. Tradition tells us Mary was the sinful woman anointing Jesus feet with her hair, and later we learn she had remained at the cross as Jesus died. Why was Mary making this journey? It wasn’t duty or curiosity; it was because she loved Jesus and had been transformed by His grace! So what motivates you to come to church? Have you been transformed by His grace? 

But, as Mary lingered outside the tomb she began doubting. She’d been certain of Jesus, but with His body missing she didn’t know what to believe! Life hadn’t turned out the way she thought it would…but as she stood alone sobbing Jesus comes to her (v. 15) and everything changed! At the mention of her name (v. 16) the confusion is gone and everything is clear! 

Perhaps you can relate. Things haven’t turned out the way you thought they should, either. Truths that once seemed so clear earlier have begun to blur and you struggle with belief and doubt. One word from Jesus can change that! Are you listening? Jesus is still calling out our names! The tomb is still empty and Jesus is alive! The hymnist wrote: You can see His hand of mercy – you can hear His voice of cheer – you can feel His loving mercy. He lives! He lives! He lives within my heart! Happy Easter Dear Ones! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

EASTER WORLD EVANGELISM FUND OFFERING BLESSINGS! WOW!

WOW! I just can’t believe it, but when I checked with the counters I discovered you had given a WHOPPING $503 in Easter World Evangelism Fund Offering this year! PRAISE THE LORD! Combined with the $90 given in regular Faith Promise and WEF Giving, you gave an AMAZING $593 to world missions this week! Bless all of you! PRAISE GOD! 

ZONE MISSION IGNITE SERVICE AT GRIF – APR. 10 at 6PM

Every year our District NMI hosts missionaries to help us ‘Ignite a Fire for Missions!’ This year ’s missionaries are Josh and Brandi Williams who are Global / USA Canada missionaries. G.R.I.F. is located at 3765 Kalamazoo Ave SE.Questions? See Sherry J. 

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! 

SPRING REVIVAL IS COMING APR. 17-20!

Many of us have longed for revival in our church! 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? On Sun., Apr. 17, Tenured Evangelist Bill Ulmet is coming to lead 4 days of services. Please begin praying and fasting! A prayer guide is available on the table outside the sanctuary! 

PROJECT 5K – REG. NOW FOR THE MAY 21 DISTRICT NMI FUNDRAISER

Do you like to walk? Do you like to run? Do you like missions? Do you like Indian Lake Nazarene Camp? If you answered yes to any of these, you’re goning to want to register for the 5k Walk/Run to raise money for a church in Kazatin, Ukraine. You may only register online to streamline the process.  If you want a guaranteed T-shirt in your size, register before May 07. Cost is $25 – Questions? See Pastor Dan

Register at: http://www.minaz.org/Missions/District%5FProject/

LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., APR. 23 AT 10:30AM ATCHURCH!

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Apr. 23and all ladies are invited! Please contact Cherry for more info or if you need a ride! Call or text (616) 916-7595. 

INDIAN LAKE CHILDREN’S CAMP SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS MAR. 31

We strongly urge everyone to send their kids to camp at Indian Lake! At camp kids discover their gifts, enjoy fresh air, swimming, and friends, but most importantly, they will discover God loves them and has a plan for their life! The deadline for scholarship applications is Mar. 31. If you’re interested in sending your 3^rd – 12^th grade student to camp this year, see Pastor Dan! Together, we’ll 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 140 books read. Sherry thinks if we get to 150 books read Pastor Dan should dye his hair red (or purple)! Yikes! What do you think? Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! 

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS APR. 21 AT 11:30AM!

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Apr. 21 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!

FRANKLIN GRAHAM SCHEDULE

Rev. Christopher has asked us to remember and pray for Franklin Graham as he travels to all 50 state capitals to hold prayer rallies. He writes, “America is in trouble, and the only answer is found in Jesus Christ…. I will challenge Christian’s to pray, boldly live out their faith and stand for biblical values, and help turn America back to God” (2 Ch. 7:14). You will find a copy of Franklin Graham’s schedule on the table outside the sanctuary. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

Apr.  10    Ignite Missions Service at G.R.I.F. at 6pm

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

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

Apr.  23    Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

May  21    Project 5k at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp

Northeast Community News – March 21, 2016

Northeast Community News – March 21, 2016

Dear Friends and Family!

We had a wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! It was Palm Sunday yesterday and what a joy it was to see everyone waving their palms while we sang! It was especially rewarding to watch the little ones running down the aisles squealing with Palm branch in hand! Sunday began our Holy Week leading to Easter. From Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem to ‘Hosannas’ on Palm Sunday, to the crowds shouting ‘Crucify Him’ on Good Friday and His subsequent descent into hell with our sins on Holy Saturday, and glorious resurrection 3 days later on Easter Sunday, it is an intense 8 days! But as Jesus rises, we are freed from sin! Hallelujah! 

God’s message this week came from Luke 19:28-40 and titled, “Somebody Ought to Say Something.” What makes you shout? While some shout at entertainment providers named Adele, Rhianna, Justin, for a couple of hours of heart pounding jumping as they sing every memorized lyric by heart and walk away with a t-shirt and faded memories, an encounter with Christ for a few minutes, hours, or lifetime can change your life forever! Praise God!

In our text we find Jesus preparing to come to Jerusalem despite the cost. Surely, He knew the political and religious authorities wanted Him dead. He came anyway! Not on a chariot in armor pulled by a war horse, but on a simple donkey colt (v. 35). As he rode the people spread their coats on the road symbolizing the coming of a king (v. 36). As he rode, people declared, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (v. 38a) 

Not everyone was delighted in this unorthodox king coming on a donkey colt. In a classic exchange we read, “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”  “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (vv. 39-40).

By ‘rebuke’ the Pharisee’s were not only demanding Jesus silence them, but tell them what they were saying was wrong! Ever felt that way? Ever been told by the authorities to stop talking about Jesus? Look, we an enemy (Satan) who is trying to silence us! Will he win? 

Jesus declares if His followers are silenced even the stones will cry out! ‘will cry out’ comes from the Greek word krazo and is defined as a deep, guttural, otherworldly scream. Is that how you would describe the praise in our church? Why or why not? We find one reason the people were ‘crying out’ as Jesus came to Jerusalem in v. 37: “…the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.”

Have you ever witnessed a miracle? How you ever witnessed Jesus heal the sick, break an addiction, rescue a marriage, feed a family, provide a job, or save someone bound for hell? Maybe it’s time we took our eyes off self, and joyfully praised God for all we’ve seen! Clap if you want to! Shout if you can! But, we all ought to praise the Lord! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

EASTER EGG HUNT FOR KIDS – MAR. 27 (AFTER EASTER SERVICE THIS WEEK!!)

Invite the kids! We’re having an Easter egg hunt for kids immediately after our Easter Morning Worship Service THIS WEEK! All ages are invited, but we usually give the little ones a head start! This is a great Sunday to invite friends and family! Let Janie know if you’d be willing to help stuff eggs, prepare for the hunt, and/or help the little ones hunt!

LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., MAR. 26 AT 10:30AM AT CHURCH!

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Mar. 26 and all ladies are invited! Please contact Cherry for more info or if you need a ride! Call or text (616) 916-7595. 

EASTER WORLD EVANGELISM FUND OFFERING THIS SUN., MAR. 27!

Easter is this Sunday and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! One way we celebrate is to give to the World Evangelism Fund which funds the entire global Church of the Nazarene including 702 missionaries sent from 35 world areas to 159 different world areas. Bless everyone who already gives through Faith Promise and regular giving!

ZONE MISSION IGNITE SERVICE AT GRIF – APR. 10 at 6PM

Every year our District NMI hosts missionaries to help us ‘Ignite a Fire for Missions!’ This year ’s missionaries are Josh and Brandi Williams who are Global / USA Canada missionaries. G.R.I.F. is located at 3765 Kalamazoo Ave SE.Questions? See Sherry J. 

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! 

SPRING REVIVAL IS COMING APR. 17-20!

Many of us have longed for revival in our church! 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? On Sun., Apr. 17, Tenured Evangelist Bill Ulmet is coming to lead 4 days of services. Please begin praying and fasting! A prayer guide is available on the table outside the sanctuary! 

PROJECT 5K – REG. NOW FOR THE MAY 21 DISTRICT NMI FUNDRAISER

Do you like to walk? Do you like to run? Do you like missions? Do you like Indian Lake Nazarene Camp? If you answered yes to any of these, you’re goning to want to register for the 5k Walk/Run to raise money for a church in Kazatin, Ukraine. You may only register online to streamline the process.  If you want a guaranteed T-shirt in your size, register before May 07. Cost is $25 – Questions? See Pastor Dan

Register at: http://www.minaz.org/Missions/District%5FProject/

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

Sherry J. reports readership is up dramatically! Last report had 140 books read. Sherry thinks if we get to 150 books read Pastor Dan should dye his hair red (or purple)! Yikes! What do you think? Not reading? See Sherry J. on Wed. or Sun. and get started! 

INDIAN LAKE CHILDREN’S CAMP SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS MAR. 31

We strongly urge everyone to send their kids to camp at Indian Lake! At camp kids discover their gifts, enjoy fresh air, swimming, and friends, but most importantly, they will discover God loves them and has a plan for their life! The deadline for scholarship applications is Mar. 31. If you’re interested in sending your 3^rd – 12^th grade student to camp this year, see Pastor Dan! Together, we’ll make camp a reality for every child! 

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS APR. 21 AT 11:30AM!

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Apr. 21 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!

FRANKLIN GRAHAM SCHEDULE

Rev. Christopher has asked us to remember and pray for Franklin Graham as he travels to all 50 state capitals to hold prayer rallies. He writes, “America is in trouble, and the only answer is found in Jesus Christ…. I will challenge Christian’s to pray, boldly live out their faith and stand for biblical values, and help turn America back to God” (2 Ch. 7:14). You will find a copy of Franklin Graham’s schedule on the table outside the sanctuary. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mar. 26     Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Mar. 27     Easter Sunday, Easter Egg Hunt, and Easter W.E.F. Offering

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

Apr.  10    Ignite Missions Service at G.R.I.F. at 6pm

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

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

May  21    Project 5k at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp

Northeast Community News - March 14, 2016

Northeast Community News – March 14, 2016

Dear Friends and Family!

We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! Sickness has ravaged our ranks, but it didn’t stop those able to attend from praising the Lord! Your voices were strong! Your walk in the Lord deliberate and uncompromised! Your love for God and others unparalleled! We really do have a wonderful church and Christ reflecting in you makes all the difference!

God’s message this week came from Isaiah 43:16-21 and was titled, “God is Doing New Things.” Like it or not, God’s plan for humanity requires change. We can resist it and cause strife and division, but we do so at the risk of missing what God is doing. While there is a time to remember the past, God calls us to let go of the past and prepare to do new things!

First, God through his prophet Isaiah reminds the people of what He has done in the past. In vv. 16-17 God seems to be saying, ‘remember the good old days?’ Remember how I led you out of slavery and bondage in Egypt? How I divided the sea and drew Pharaoh’s army into the divided water and let the water close over them and extinguished your enemies? 

Those really were the days, right? God really did show up and rescue His people in a truly remarkable way! These are surely stories God’s people can shout about, right? Amen! Truth is, we have these kinds of memories, too! Many of us can remember services when the ‘fire fell’ and the altar was lined! Many remember when God rescued them in a remarkable way! 

But, as soon as God reminds them of the good old days, He declares something shocking: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” (Isaiah 43:18) Forget them? Huh? God isn’t telling them to forget the past; but stop dwelling in it. Sadly, the people of God had stopped seeking and following God – and were essentially longing for the past instead!

Do we ever do this? Do we ever long so much for ‘good old days’ we stop focusing on God? 

Finally, in v. 19 God points to the future. While the people of Israel and Judah had spent their days dwelling on former glory days and current punishment (exile) at the hands of the Babylonians, they had forgotten the God who had the power and might to lead them out of Egypt, could and would one day lead them out of their current mess! 

In v. 19 we read, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?...” (Isaiah 43:19a). It’s as if God is saying, “You think the Exodus was great? Wait til’ you see what I’m going to do this time!” Sadly, the people of Israel were so focused on their past glories they didn’t perceive it…. How about you? Where are you focused? God is doing new things! Our best days are ahead! Can you perceive it? I pray you can! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS THURSDAY 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!

OUR NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS MAR. 20 @ 4PM

Our missionary gathering is Mar. 20 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., MAR. 26 AT 10:30AM

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Mar. 26and all ladies are invited! Please contact Cherry for location and rides! You can call or text her at (616) 916-7595. 

EASTER WORLD EVANGELISM FUND (WEF) OFFERING –MAR. 27!

The Easter Season is upon us, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! One of the ways we celebrate is to give to World Evangelism Fund which funds the entire global Church of the Nazarene including 702 missionaries sent from 35 world areas to 159 different world areas. 

Your partnership with WEF helps fulfill the Great Commission to make Christlike Disciples in the Nations and everyone needs to be involved! Bless those give already through Faith Promise and regular giving! Everyone is responsible for reaching the lost! 

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! 

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

ZONE MISSION IGNITE SERVICE AT GRIF – APR. 10 at 6PM

Every year our District Nazarene Mission’s International (NMI) hosts missionaries to help us ‘Ignite a Fire for Missions!’ It’s a great time of inspirational music, prayer, and a great opportunity to hear directly from missionaries we support through our Faith Promise and World Evangelism Fund giving! This year ’s missionaries are Josh and Brandi Williams, Global / USA Canada missionaries. Grand Rapids International Fellowship (GRIF) is located at 3765 Kalamazoo Ave SE.Questions? See Sherry J. 

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! 

PROJECT 5K – REG. NOW FOR THE MAY 21 DISTRICT NMI FUNDRAISER

Do you like to walk? Do you like to run? Do you like missions? Do you like Indian Lake Nazarene Camp? If you answered yes to any of these, you’re goning to want to register for the 5k Walk/Run to raise money for a church in Kazatin, Ukraine. You may only register online to streamline the process.  If you want a guaranteed T-shirt in your size, register before May 07. Cost is $25 – Questions? See Pastor Dan

Register at: http://www.minaz.org/Missions/District%5FProject/

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 (or purple)! 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.

INDIAN LAKE CHILDREN’S CAMP SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS MAR. 31

We strongly urge everyone to send their kids to camp at Indian Lake! At camp kids discover their gifts, enjoy 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!

The camp’s deadline for scholarship applications is March 31.Forms are on the table outside the sanctuary! If you’re interested in sending your 3^rd – 12^th grade student to camp this year, see Pastor Dan! Together, we’ll make camp a reality for every child! 

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

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

Mar. 20     Missionary Gathering at 4PM

Mar. 26     Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Mar. 27     Easter Sunday

Mar. 27     Easter Sunday Offering for Missions

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

Apr.  10    Ignite Missions Service at G.R.I.F. at 6pm

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

May  21    Project 5k at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp

Northeast Community News - March 07, 2016

Dear Friends and Family!

What a wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! First, it was one of those unique weeks when the Sunday school lesson was the same as God’s message to us in worship! What a wonderful blessing to be twice blessed with God’s Word! How do you receive your regular communal examination in God’s Word? If you haven’t tried Sunday school, you really ought to give it a try! It’s a great opportunity to ask those questions you always wanted to ask!

This week was also special because we received Naomi Brown and Robert Kolhoff into membership! What a blessing to receive two new folks hungry for God and ready to serve. How you thought about membership? Make the commitment! You’ll be glad you did! 

God’s message this week came from Luke 15:1-3, 11-31 and was titled, “Welcome Home!” No doubt all of us have lost something precious from time to time and spent hours and days relentlessly searching for it! Well, Jesus reminds us in the parable of the prodigal son this is exactly what God did when He sent Jesus! 

Three quick points: first, sin always takes you further than you intended to go! You know the story – the younger son demands his inheritance and runs off to a distant land where he squandered his new found wealth on wild living. Did he start with this in mind? Certainly not! But, later we find him in a pig pen wishing he could eat pig food in v. 15. Be wise child of God! The Evil One tempts with little things that always lead to bigger ones! 

Second, regardless of how far your siblings, children, parents or you have travelled away from God, He has NEVER given up on you! Your new life is just an act of repentance away! In v. 17 the prodigal ‘comes to his senses’ with God’s help and makes a U-turn. Beyond just thinking about returning, he ‘set out and went back’ (v. 18). Are you ready to change? Then make a U-turn in life and come back! Ready to give up on someone else? Don’t! God hasn’t given up on them and neither should you! Pray they come to their senses with God’s help! 

Finally, God loves, seeks, and restores hurting, and lost folks! Earlier in vv. 1-2 we found Jesus eating with sinners to the disgust of the Pharisees. In v. 20 Jesus illustrates His love! “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Lk 15:20b). 

God was looking for the lost one, ran to him filled with compassion and repeatedly kissed him! Later, the lost one would be restored fully and they were going to throw a party! Do you ever wonder if God could love you? I’ve got good news! You may have been written off by friends and family, but God wants to welcome you home! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS THURSDAY 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!

DON’T FORGET! DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS MAR. 13 (THIS SUNDAY)

Don't forget to SPRING FORWARD THIS WEEK! DST begins Sunday, Mar. 13!

DEADLINE TO ORDER YOUR EASTER FLOWERS IS SUN, MAR. 13

This Sunday is the last week to order your Easter Flowers! All orders must include payment and you have the option of ordering them ‘in memory of’ or ‘in honor of’ person(s) of your choice (listed in the weekly program as an insert). Easter Lilies will cost $7.50 and Tulips and Mini-Daffodils $7.00. If you have any questions, see Gerry D.

LADIES RENDEZVOUS – SAT., MAR. 26 AT 10:30AM

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Mar. 26and all ladies are invited! Please contact Cherry for location and rides! You can call or text her at (616) 916-7595. 

EASTER WORLD EVANGELISM FUND (WEF) OFFERING –MAR. 27!

The Easter Season is upon us, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! One of the ways we celebrate is to give to World Evangelism Fund which funds the entire global Church of the Nazarene including 702 missionaries sent from 35 world areas to 159 different world areas. 

Your partnership with WEF helps fulfill the Great Commission to make Christlike Disciples in the Nations and everyone needs to be involved! Bless those give already through Faith Promise and regular giving! Everyone is responsible for reaching the lost! 

ALABASTER OFFERING $442.68 – PRAISE THE LORD! 

Believe it or not we received more Alabaster Offerings this week! ($87.98). This means we have now collected $442.68! PRAISE THE LORD! Remember, the Alabaster Offering is taken twice a year to purchase land and buildings on the mission field. If you’d like to start collecting for fall, grab a box off the railing and get started! Bless you for giving! 

TRI-DISTRICT TEAM DAY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAR. 15

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 $35 and you must register before Mar. 15. Brochures are on the table outside the sanctuary or go online at: 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! 

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

ZONE MISSION IGNITE SERVICE AT GRIF – APR. 10 at 6PM

Every year our District Nazarene Mission’s International (NMI) hosts missionaries to help us ‘Ignite a Fire for Missions!’ It’s a great time of inspirational music, prayer, and a great opportunity to hear directly from missionaries we support through our Faith Promise and World Evangelism Fund giving! This year ’s missionaries are Josh and Brandi Williams, Global / USA Canada missionaries. Grand Rapids International Fellowship (GRIF) is located at 3765 Kalamazoo Ave SE.Questions? See Sherry J. 

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! 

PROJECT 5K – REG. NOW FOR THE MAY 21 DISTRICT NMI FUNDRAISER

Do you like to walk? Do you like to run? Do you like missions? Do you like Indian Lake Nazarene Camp? If you answered yes to any of these, you’re goning to want to register for the 5k Walk/Run to raise money for a church in Kazatin, Ukraine. You may only register online to streamline the process.  If you want a guaranteed T-shirt in your size, register before May 07. Cost is $25 – Questions? See Pastor Dan  Register at: http://www.minaz.org/Missions/District%5FProject/

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 (or purple)! 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.

INDIAN LAKE CHILDREN’S CAMP SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS MAR. 31

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! 

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

Mar. 13     Daylight Savings Time begins (Spring Forward)

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

Mar. 13     Deadline to order Easter Flowers

Mar. 26     Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Mar. 27     Easter Sunday

Mar. 27     Easter Sunday Offering for Missions

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

Apr.  10    Ignite Missions Service at G.R.I.F. at 6pm

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

May  21    Project 5k at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp