Northeast Community News – July 25, 2016

Dear Friends and Family!

Yes, we had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! Will I ever grow tired of saying it was a wonderful day in the Lord? Sure! When I finally have the opportunity to worship my Savior face to face! Can you imagine? Then every day will be a wonderful day with the Lord! This week Janie taught Sunday school and it was really thick! I am pretty sure I need to go back and brush up on my end times theology! (or at least read my lesson!) Seriously, if you aren’t growing as a disciple then you’re declining as a disciple! Find a place and plug in!

Sunday evening, we celebrated our monthly Missionary Gathering. It was so good! For those who missed last night’s service, here are Sherry’s excellent ‘prayer points:’ 

·     Pray God will give us a passion for souls, both in our congregation and around the world.

·     Pray our hearts will be broken for the things that break God’s heart.

·     Help us to have a sense of urgency to bring a society that is rapidly deteriorating to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

·     Pray and ask God for opportunities to share Christ and the hope that we have.

God’s message came to us from 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and was titled, ‘A New Beginning.’ While recycling has become more and more popular these days, do you realize God was the original recycler? While many of us pull bits of paper, plastic, and glass out of our trash to be sorted and remade into park benches, counter tops, and cardboard boxes, God can take the trash and junk in our lives and transform us into a thing of beauty! 

Before we get to that, realize Paul (who was Saul) is the one doing the proclaiming! He, who was once a self-described ‘blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man’ (1 Tim. 1:13) and the ‘worst of sinners’ (1 Tim. 1:15) declares “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17). Do you see what this means? Nobody is too far gone to be saved and transformed! Not you, not your neighbor, nor anyone else! Everyone can be transformed through Christ and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit! Amen! 

And yet, some of us are like the little boy who comes in muddy from head to toe after playing outside and after being instructed to immediately take a bath (and use soap this time) he does so but then puts his muddy clothes back on! Do we ever do this in our walk with Jesus? We’ve been washed clean and made new only to return to the muddy places and practices we once knew? You need not wallow in the mud! The Spirit of Christ can help you be free (and stay free) of muddy places! Confess your need and He will be faithful! 

Truth is, this is why Paul wrote, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died” (2 Cor. 5:14). What led Paul to leave his former life as a violent persecutor and blasphemer and dedicate his life and ministry to Jesus? (hint: he wasn’t forced or felt obligated). Nope, what ‘compelled’ Paul to lay down his life and love God and others in his own clumsy attempts was a deep understanding of Christ’s sacrificial love and grace for him and the rest of the world! His soul and life had found an anchor and resting place (have you) and following Christ was all that mattered! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY! COME BE A PART OF IT!

I know you’re busy and I know that you have many things competing for your time all week, including Wed. night. But, I need to tell you as your pastor you need to be part of some mid-week fellowship and study. Our culture is growing increasingly secular and Christians are being beaten down. Who is lifting you up and encouraging you midweek? A ball game? TV show? Doubt it! Wed. night has been the traditional time for a midweek renewal! Come, be a part of it and be blessed (and refreshed!) 

CHURCH WORK DAY IS SAT., AUG. 13 - 9AM to 12PM

Larry B. has called an ‘Official Work Day’ for Sat., Aug. 13! We need folks to help paint and scrape the church and parsonage. So, bring your worst work clothes and we will make them look even worse! (smile). Just kidding! Seriously, we need everyone’s help to make our church owned properties look their best! Got Questions? See Larry B.

OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS AUG. 14

Our next Northeast Community Potluck is Aug. 14 after our worship service. So, bring friends, a stranger, and a dish to pass and join us downstairs for a time of food, fun, and fellowship! Willing to help? Bless you! Please let Cherry P. know!  (616) 916-7595

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER WED. NIGHT STUDY CONTINUES!

Have you ever wanted to examine the basics of your faith? Do you want to freshen or kick start your spiritual life, but don’t know where to start? Have you ever wished you had insight into Pastor Dan’s weekly preaching Sunday morning? If so, then you might just be interested in Pastor Dan’s Dog Days of Summer Bible Study Wed. nights. 

Using the pdf booklet, “First Steps in the Christian Life,” everyone is invited to spend 10 weeks with Pastor Dan examining key concepts and Bible passages every Christian needs to know and have an inside look on what he is going to preach that Sunday. 

Come for one week or all of them! (of course, the more the better!) If you’re interested, curious, or just want to know more, see or contact Pastor Dan

HELP! THE CHURCH BOARD APPROVED A 7 WK FALL SABBATICAL FOR PASTOR

Having served as our pastor since Sept. 2008 and after consultation with Dr. John Seaman, our District Superintendent, your church board voted unanimously to extend Pastor Dan and Janie a 7-week sabbatical beginning Mon. Sept 26 through Sun. Nov. 13.

Please begin praying for Pastor Dan and Janie as they prepare to be away that God will refresh and renew them as they seek to draw nearer to Him through prayer, study, and fasting. But also begin asking God how He wants you to serve while they are gone.

CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE!

Is there someone missing or would like to invite to church? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? A simple hand written note blesses everyone! You will find them on the table under the missionary bulletin board in the Annex. 

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS CALLS FOR PEACE, HEALING, RECONCILIATION

Recent global events remind us yet again that our world continues to be divided by many political, ethnic, racial, and cultural issues. Horrific violence in places such as the Middle East, Belgium, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Louisiana, Minnesota, Florida, and Texas, USA, cast images of hatred that illustrate these divisions and lead to alienation, strife, and brokenness. Our call to stand against hatred and for peace has not changed since we first issued the following statement in 2014:

The prophet Isaiah had a vision of God's people traveling through a very difficult wilderness. Their road went through a desert with valleys, hills, curves, and rough spots. Isaiah 40:1 states, "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." The prophet goes on to promise the coming of a Messiah who will care for us. He uses this powerful imagery: "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart" (Isaiah 40:11, NIV).

The Father sent His Son to live among us and be Immanuel, "God with us." He came to provide the way for our salvation and reconciliation to God and fellow human beings. This gospel message is for all people and makes us one at the foot of the Cross. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28, NIV). This declaration calls all followers of Christ to come together in love. 

We are ambassadors of this gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20). In our world, we best reflect the example of Christ and the ones who live out the vision of Isaiah 40:1–11 when we:

•    Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

•    Mourn with those who mourn.

•    Comfort people wherever we find them.

•    Feel the pain of those who are hurting.

•    Seek to alleviate that pain whenever possible.

•    Be slow to speak and quick to listen to the positions of others.

•    Seek to understand the situations of others.

•    Show dignity and respect to everyone.

•    Break down walls that separate.

•    Build bridges that connect.

•    Follow in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace.

•    Extend grace and mercy to others as God has extended it to us.

•    Pray for wisdom and direction to better reflect the example of Christ to others.

It is our hopeful prayer that wherever there are Nazarenes, they will stand for peace, healing, and reconciliation. Father, thank you for sending your Son into our divided world. Grant us the power of your Holy Spirit to be agents of support, comfort, peace, and healing. In Jesus' strong name we pray. Amen. 

--Board of General Superintendents

DAILY DEVOTIONS – “REFLECTING GOD” IS AVAILABLE! FREE!!

“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available free to anyone interested. The devotions provide a brief truth from the Bible every day. Reflecting God also has a section for reading the Bible in a year and praying for our missionaries! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located on the table outside the sanctuary!

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.

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.  

OUR NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS AUG. 18 AT 11:30AM!

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Aug. 18 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine. 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!

THE NEXT LADIES RENDEZVOUS IS SAT., AUG. 27 AT 10:30AM!

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

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

Aug.  13             Church Work Day 9am – 12pm

Aug.  14             Northeast Community Potluck after our worship service

Aug.  18             Third Thursday Chinese Lunch @ 11:30(Hibachi Alpine)

Aug.  27             Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Northeast Community News – July 18, 2016

Dear Friends and Family!

We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! It was good to be back after living out of suitcases for 2 weeks! Yes, we thoroughly enjoyed our ‘working’ vacation. It was amazing to see Gaudi’s Cathedral in Barcelona, visit Pompeii, the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Likewise, it was incredible to attend our own District Assembly and encounter the Living God during Camp Meeting at Indian Lake. Especially wonderful were hearing reports from our missionaries around the world! God is certainly on the move! Hallelujah!

But, for all the wonder of God’s creation, people, and places we saw, nothing was better than ‘coming home.’ There’s something special about the Northeast Community church family. You just can’t find your smiles, hugs, and warmth anywhere else! This is a special church and Janie and I are glad to be back home! Thank you to everyone who pitched in while we were gone! You are a blessing! Praise God! 

God’s message came to us from Galatians 6:1-10 and was titled, ‘Doing What is Right.’ This is 6^th week we’ve spent in the Galatian letter. Earlier, we discovered Paul addressing false teachers who had perverted the Christian Gospel. Some had required Gentile believers to embrace something even they couldn’t keep: the Jewish Law. 

Salvation comes not as a result of something we do! It is received as a gift through faith in Christ! It is rich and free! Later, in c. 5 Paul would address excesses in freedom, too! “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13).  We discovered the key to living free and responsibly was to let the Spirit lead (and not your sinful nature)! When the Spirit leads, we can experience the freedom, joy, and peace God had always intended! 

With this foundation, Paul begins giving tangible examples of how to live the Spirit led life. First, in we discover how to confront a fellow believer caught in sin. While some may be tempted to respond in a self-righteous manner, Paul declares the Spirit led believer is to “…restore him gently [lest] you also may be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). Unlike those who ‘entertain themselves’ at the humiliation of others and thus are tempted to sin themselves, the Spirit led response is to gently confront (not deny either) and make every attempt to restore the caught sinner with Christlike grace!

Paul also declares when you are led by the Spirit, you will humbly and graciously help carry a fellow Christian’s burdens “…thus fulfilling the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). When we’re saved we’re part of God’s family. We can’t help in every situation, but as the ‘family,’ knit together by the Spirit, we respond, thus fulfilling the law of Christ: to love God and love one another! 

Paul concludes with a familiar teaching: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows…” Bottom line: You can’t thumb your nose at God and expect blessings! While some seem to be ‘getting away with murder’ don’t be deceived! Judgment is coming! Therefore, as the Spirit leads, do not grow weary of doing good! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENTS CALLS FOR PEACE, HEALING, RECONCILIATION

Recent global events remind us yet again that our world continues to be divided by many political, ethnic, racial, and cultural issues. Horrific violence in places such as the Middle East, Belgium, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Louisiana, Minnesota, Florida, and Texas, USA, cast images of hatred that illustrate these divisions and lead to alienation, strife, and brokenness. Our call to stand against hatred and for peace has not changed since we first issued the following statement in 2014:

The prophet Isaiah had a vision of God's people traveling through a very difficult wilderness. Their road went through a desert with valleys, hills, curves, and rough spots. Isaiah 40:1 states, "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." The prophet goes on to promise the coming of a Messiah who will care for us. He uses this powerful imagery: "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart" (Isaiah 40:11, NIV).

The Father sent His Son to live among us and be Immanuel, "God with us." He came to provide the way for our salvation and reconciliation to God and fellow human beings. This gospel message is for all people and makes us one at the foot of the Cross. "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28, NIV). This declaration calls all followers of Christ to come together in love. 

We are ambassadors of this gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20). In our world, we best reflect the example of Christ and the ones who live out the vision of Isaiah 40:1–11 when we:

•  Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

•  Mourn with those who mourn.

•  Comfort people wherever we find them.

•  Feel the pain of those who are hurting.

•  Seek to alleviate that pain whenever possible.

•  Be slow to speak and quick to listen to the positions of others.

•  Seek to understand the situations of others.

•  Show dignity and respect to everyone.

•  Break down walls that separate.

•  Build bridges that connect.

•  Follow in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace.

•  Extend grace and mercy to others as God has extended it to us.

•  Pray for wisdom and direction to better reflect the example of Christ to others.

It is our hopeful prayer that wherever there are Nazarenes, they will stand for peace, healing, and reconciliation. Father, thank you for sending your Son into our divided world. Grant us the power of your Holy Spirit to be agents of support, comfort, peace, and healing. In Jesus' strong name we pray. Amen. 

--Board of General Superintendents

THIS JUST IN>>> STEEPLE WILL BE REMOVED THURSDAY!

For years our steeple and cross has languished in a state of disrepair. In fact, you may remember the cross had to be removed 6 months ago after nearly falling off. After a spirited discussion, your church board decided it better to remove the heavy steeple than refurbish it. Windmueller has been contracted to do the work and it will take place this Thursday using a crane. Come watch them work and pray for the workers safety! 

WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY RETURNS! COME BE A PART OF IT!

Family Camp at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp was amazing last week, but with it now in the past it is time to return to our ‘regularly scheduled programming.’ Seriously, Wed. night is a great time of singing, prayer, and Bible study for all ages. Come, be a part of it and be blessed! Remember, we always end our night with ice cream!

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

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Jul. 21 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine. 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!

THE NEXT LADIES RENDEZVOUS IS SAT., JUL. 23 AT 10:30AM!

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

OUR NEXT MISSIONARY GATHERING IS JULY 24 @ 5PM (THIS SUNDAY!)

Our missionary gathering is July 24 at 5pm at the church. Bring a friend and come enjoy a brief lesson on missions led by Sherry J. Afterwards, we eat snacks, laugh, and chat (sometimes at the same time! :) So bring a snack to pass and join us at 5pm! You’ll be glad you did! Have questions? Contact Sherry J. She loves to text! (269) 932-8334

CHURCH WORK DAY IS SAT., AUG. 13 - 9AM to 12PM

Larry B. has called an ‘Official Work Day’ for Sat., Aug. 13! We need folks to help paint and scrape the church and parsonage. So, bring your worst work clothes and we will make them look even worse! (smile). Just kidding! Seriously, we need everyone’s help to make our church owned properties look their best! Got Questions? See Larry B.

NEW ‘LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY IS BEING PLANNED!

Mary W. and Cherry P. want to know who’s interested in a Saturday Bible Study from the book of Daniel. While the study and DVD presentations byBeth Moore are ‘geared towards women,’ Mary said this study would be open to a few good men, too. If you’re interested, sign up on the list outside the sanctuary. Questions, see Cherry P. or Mary W. 

JUST A REMINDER! NO CHILDREN’S CHURCH DURING THE SUMMER!

Yes, we love your children and agree kids can worship and learn about Jesus better when they can create something with their hands, receive a snack to eat, and move around, but our children's workers need a summer break! So, the kids will stay with us during the worship service for the summer! Bless you for understanding! 

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER WED. NIGHT STUDY STARTING JULY 27

Have you ever wanted to examine the basics of your faith? Do you want to freshen or kick start your spiritual life, but don’t know where to start? Have you ever wished you had insight into Pastor Dan’s weekly preaching Sunday morning? If so, then you might just be interested in Pastor Dan’s Dog Days of Summer Bible Study Wed. nights. 

Using the pdf booklet, “First Steps in the Christian Life,” everyone is invited to spend 10 weeks with Pastor Dan examining key concepts and Bible passages every Christian needs to know and have an inside look on what he is going to preach that Sunday. 

Come for one week or all of them! (of course, the more the better!) If you’re interested, curious, or just want to know more, see or contact Pastor Dan

DAILY DEVOTIONS – “REFLECTING GOD” IS AVAILABLE! FREE!!

“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available free to anyone interested. The devotions provide a brief truth from the Bible every day. Reflecting God also has a section for reading the Bible in a year and praying for our missionaries! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located on the table outside the sanctuary!

HELP! THE CHURCH BOARD APPROVED A 7 WK FALL SABBATICAL FOR PASTOR

Having served as our pastor since Sept. 2008 and after consultation with Dr. John Seaman, our District Superintendent, your church board voted unanimously to extend Pastor Dan and Janie a 7-week sabbatical beginning Mon. Sept 26 through Sun. Nov. 13.

Please begin praying for Pastor Dan and Janie as they prepare to be away that God will refresh and renew them as they seek to draw nearer to Him through prayer, study, and fasting. But also begin asking God how He wants you to serve while they are gone.

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

Jul.    11-17                Family Camp at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp

Jul.    13             NO Bible study here! Come to Indian Lake for the 7:00pm Service

Jul.    21             Third Thursday Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)

Jul.    23             Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Jul.    24             Missionary Gathering at 5:00pm

Aug.  13             Church Work Day 9am – 12pm 

Sep. 26/Nov. 13        Pastor Dan and Janie’s 7-week Sabbatical

Northeast Community News – July 11, 2016

Dear Friends and Family!

We’re back! Yes, after a wonderful time of travel and vacation Janie and I returned late Saturday night in time to join you in worshipping the LORD, yesterday! While we were saddened to learn Rev. Christopher had suffered a small stroke earlier in the week (he looked really good on our visit today) that prevented him from sharing God’s Word, our former ‘Fuller Ave Pastor’ Bob Evans rose to the challenge and did a wonderful job! Just in case you’re wondering – YES – it was another wonderful day in the Lord! Praise God! 

God’s message came from 2 Peter 1:3-11 and while I didn’t ‘hear’ an ‘official title’ I decided Rev. Bob Evans message should be called, “Stories of Transformation.” Beginning in Genesis Rev. Evans shared examples of ‘patterns for living.’ Abraham was offered as an example of the right pattern. Abraham walked in faith and trusted in God. Sadly, the Jewish people also had many bad examples, too, leading to the Pharisees to trust more in the Law than faith.

The Apostle Peter had been born into this culture. Beginning at the age of 7, Peter (along with all Jewish boys) would be taught 7 hours a day, 6 days a week, the Scriptures, the Law, and… prejudice against Gentiles, Samaritans and other ‘non Jewish’ people. At age 13, the Rabbi decided their vocation. The best would be chosen to be priests while others would be selected to be fisherman, farmers, carpenters, and shepherds. 

In Lk. 5:1-11 Jesus began calling His disciples. Among them was a fisherman (not a priest) named Simon (later named Peter) a ‘sinful man (v.8).’ Rev. Bob concludes, ‘God still calls imperfect people.’ Is Jesus calling you? Remember! Perfection isn’t required! In fact, even after 3 years of living with Jesus the cowardly and imperfect Peter denied Him 3 times. Lesson? Even when we quit or walk away from God, He never quits or walks away from us! 

But something happened to Peter at Pentecost (read Acts 2). After the ‘fire fell’ the former coward suddenly became bold and courageous! After Pentecost this unschooled fisherman led 3,000 people to Jesus (see Acts 2:14-41). It’s a story of transformation! Pentecost makes a difference in the life of the believer! Jesus wants us to trust more, not try harder! 

But, even the Spirit filled believer continues to grow in grace. Examining Acts 10, Gal. 2, and Acts 15, we discover Peter’s continued transformation. Here God deals with his prejudice and by Acts 15 we find a transformed Peter advocating for those he once rejected! Where might Jesus be calling you to grow today? Are you willing to yield to His Lordship?

Has God called you to serve Him? Perfection isn’t required, but trust, faith, the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to continually grow in grace is! Pastor Evans concluded by reading 2 Peter 1:3-11. In part we read: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly lifethrough our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness”  (2 Peter 1:3). Peter’s story is a story of radical transformation! 

My prayer is that you will likewise yield your life completely to the Spirit regardless of your past or social position and be another story of transformation! 

After our morning worship service, Janie and I travelled down to Indian Lake Nazarene Camp for the brief Sun. evening District Assembly followed by the Ordination Service. I am pleased to report it was a beautiful service with Spirit led singing, preaching by Dr. Gustavo Crocker (our presiding General Superintendent) and acknowledgement of newly District licensed pastors, retiring pastors, and five being ordained. Among those being ordained this year was Pastor Amanda Earley who shared after the service how much our church had blessed her. After all, she said, we had been the first to invite her to preach outside her home church and we’d been so warm, attentive and loving! God is good (all the time).

This morning (Mon) the work of the District Assembly began in earnest. The work included hearing, receiving, and approving many reports and budgets and voting to select leaders on the District. You would have been proud of your delegates, Sherry J., Fran S., and Mary W. who attended every session and took part in every vote! Of special note, during his report, Dr. Seaman announced he would be stepping down after this year as our D.S. What a joy to be part of a denomination that embraces elected representation! Everyone is accountable!

Camp Meeting began tonight and continues all week! Will you consider coming down to the ‘lake’ for a service or two? You will be blessed as we gather around the old stone altar. If you do come down, make sure to stop by and say hello! Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

FAMILY CAMP (SUMMER REVIVAL) IS HAPPENING AT INDIAN LAKE JUL. 11-17

The Church of the Nazarene is just over 100 years old and one of her oldest traditions is to gather each year for a time of spiritual renewal called ‘Camp Meeting.’ Today, Camp Meeting is a one-week time of renewal with 2 services a time of discipleship each day! Come for a single service or the week! whole week and you will be blessed! I Promise! 

Jul. 12-15 Morning Service – 9:00AM, Study 10:30AM, Evening Service – 7:00PM

Jul. 16                NMI, SDMI, and NYI Conventions – 9:00AM, Evening Service – 7:00PM

Jul. 17                Study – 9:00AM, Worship 10:30AM, Evening Service – 4:00PM

Camp Meeting begins with District Assembly on Sun., Jul. 10^th and ends Sun., July 17^th. Pastor Dan spends the week at ‘camp’ in a small cabin at 7959 Victory St. Vicksburg, MI and would love to have you stop by! Need more information? See Pastor Dan or Janie!  

NO WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK (JUL. 13th) COME TO INDIAN LAKE!

July 11-17 is Family Camp at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp! It is a wonderful time of spiritual renewal and fellowship around the ‘old stone altar.’ Instead of having our regular Wed. night program, we’re encouraging everyone to come to camp for the 7:00pm service! Pastor Dan is serving ice cream at the cabin to everyone who comes! 

CHURCH WORK DAY IS SAT., AUG. 13 - 9AM to 12PM

Larry B. has called an ‘Official Work Day’ for Sat., Aug. 13! We need folks to help paint and scrape the church and parsonage. So, bring your worst work clothes and we will make them look even worse! (smile). Just kidding! Seriously, we need everyone’s help to make our church owned properties look their best! Got Questions? See Larry B.

NEW ‘LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY IS BEING PLANNED!

Mary W., our Discipleship Superintendent, wants to know who might be interested in a Bible Study on Saturdays from the book of Daniel. While the study and accompanying DVD presentations by Beth Moore are ‘geared towards women,’ Mary said this study would be open to a few good men, too. If you are interested, please sign up on the list outside the sanctuary. If you have any questions, please see Cherry P. or Mary W. 

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

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Jul. 21 at the Hibachi Grill on Alpine. 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!

THE NEXT LADIES RENDEZVOUS IS SAT., JUL. 23 AT 10:30AM!

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

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER WED. NIGHT STUDY STARTING JULY 27.

Have you ever wanted to examine the basics of your faith? Do you want to freshen or kick start your spiritual life, but don’t know where to start? Have you ever wished you had insight into Pastor Dan’s weekly preaching Sunday morning? If so, then you might just be interested in Pastor Dan’s Dog Days of Summer Bible Study Wed. nights. 

Using the pdf booklet, “First Steps in the Christian Life,” everyone is invited to spend 10 weeks with Pastor Dan examining key concepts and Bible passages every Christian needs to know and have an inside look on what he is going to preach that Sunday. 

Come for one week or all of them! (of course, the more the better!) If you’re interested, curious, or just want to know more, see or contact Pastor Dan

JUST A REMINDER! NO CHILDREN’S CHURCH DURING THE SUMMER!

Yes, we love your children and agree kids can worship and learn about Jesus better when they can create something with their hands, receive a snack to eat, and move around, but our children's workers need a summer break! So, the kids will stay with us during the worship service for the summer! Bless you for understanding! 

DAILY DEVOTIONS – “REFLECTING GOD” IS AVAILABLE! FREE!!

“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available free to anyone interested. The devotions provide a brief truth from the Bible every day. Reflecting God also has a section for reading the Bible in a year and praying for our missionaries! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located on the table outside the sanctuary!

HELP! THE CHURCH BOARD APPROVED A 7 WK FALL SABBATICAL FOR PASTOR

Having served as our pastor since Sept. 2008 and after consultation with Dr. John Seaman, our District Superintendent, your church board voted unanimously to extend Pastor Dan and Janie a 7-week sabbatical beginning Mon. Sept 26 through Sun. Nov. 13.

Please begin praying for Pastor Dan and Janie as they prepare to be away that God will refresh and renew them as they seek to draw nearer to Him through prayer, study, and fasting. But also begin asking God how He wants you to serve while they are gone.

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

Jul.    11-17                Family Camp at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp

Jul.    13             NO Bible study here! Come to Indian Lake for the 7:00pm Service

Jul.    21             Third Thursday Chinese Lunch @ 11:30(Hibachi Alpine)

Jul.    23             Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

Aug. 13              Church Work Day 9am – 12pm

Sep. 26/Nov. 13        Pastor Dan and Janie’s 7-week Sabbatical