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 3rd – 12th 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. 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
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