Northeast Community News – September 27, 2016

Northeast Community News – September 27, 2016

Hello Friends and Family!

This is the first of 7 newsletters I will be writing while Pastor Dan and Janie are on sabbatical. I will try my best to keep you all informed during these weeks. Please be patient with me as I try to step into this job.  If I get anything wrong or leave something out, don’t hesitate to let me know.

Pastor Dan’s sermon on Sunday came from Psalm 119:7-11, “Keeping Pure God’s Way”. While it doesn’t take long to accumulate a whole lot of junk in a human soul, God has an answer to help us avoid the junk and pitfalls so common to human life. We don’t need to hide the dirt; we need to hide His Word.

How are we to live pure lives? First, by living according to His Word. And how are we to remember God’s Word? Second, by hiding it and treasuring it in our hearts, by memorizing it. But here we discover the central key: seek God with all of our hearts.

To help us live more and more like Jesus and avoid the junk and pitfalls that lie all around us, is to seek Him with an undivided heart and hide His Word, not the dirt. My prayer is that you will yield your life completely, ask the Father to Sanctify you, and continue to grow in grace.

That is the only way to keep pure God’s way!

 

NEWS AND EVENTS

WHERE’S WALDO… OOPS, I MEAN PASTOR DAN? 

On Monday Pastor Dan and Janie flew to Santa Monica, CA to begin a 7-week sabbatical. Pastor Dan is riding his bicycle down Route 66 from Santa Monica to Chicago. Janie is going for the first 2 weeks to make sure he doesn’t get lost in desert! 

While the church won’t be able to contact him while he’s away, you can find out where he’s at throughout each day by checking out his ‘Spot Tracking Website.’ While this isn’t a blog, it does provide a ‘real-time GPS spot location’ every 10 min. while he’s moving! 

Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/gv83kun. You can now find a ‘GPS spot’ for every 10 min. he is riding. As I write this newsletter at 3:00 PM on Tuesday September 27, he is near Cajon Junction California.  At the end of the day an ‘ok’ message will be sent to indicate he’s where he will spend the night. Note: there is also a U.S. map on the bulletin board in the church that will be updated for those who want to track Pastor Dan and don’t have the internet.

WHILE THE PASTOR IS GONE

I think we all are surprised by how much our Pastor does.  While he is on sabbatical, the members of the church board will be filling in. Below is an abbreviated list of who is doing what.  If you have any questions, just give one of us a call.

 

Preaching – Rev Ed Douglas

Wed. Bible Study – Mary Warner

Visitor follow up – Cherry and Tracy

Shut in calling – Mary W

Hospital calling – Cherry 

Order of Worship – Steve H

Program/Prayer insert – Deb Xia

Newsletter – Gerry D

Answering Machine – Gerry D

 

BLESS YOU FOR FAITHFUL GIVING! THE PARSONAGE IS BEING VINYL SIDED!

Because of your continued faithful giving, Larry B, our head trustee made the motion and your church board supported it and then voted unanimously to hire Phil Camp (who just happens to be Bill and Judy Camp’s son) to install siding on the parsonage! Phil was the low bidder by over $500! This means no more scrapping and painting days at the parsonage! Woohoo! Even better, the work will be done within 45 days! What a joy it’s been to watch one miracle after another as together, with God’s help, Northeast Community Church continued to invest in the future! Praise the Lord!

FALL ALABASTER OFFERING  

Last week we ‘marched’ forward to give our Alabaster Offerings!  Twice a year we give our coins, cash, checks, and gold doubloons knowing every penny goes directly to the mission field to purchase land and building materials! The Alabaster Church will be in the back of the church one more week for those who would still like to give! To date our offering is $400.71!

THE NEXT LADIES RENDEZVOUS IS SAT., Oct. 22 AT 10:30AM!

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Oct 22 and all ladies are invited! Please contact Cherry for more info or if you need a ride! Call or text (616) 916-7595.

6^th ANNUAL BLANKET AND COAT DRIVE FOR MEL TROTTER! 

What began with one person asking for a blanket donation 6 years ago became an annual event to provide warmth for the ‘least of these!’ After learning Mel Trotter is often without enough blankets to cover their beds we started collecting them and to date have given over 300 blankets, scarves, and coats to some who really need them! 

While the NMI intended to start the drive in mid-October, they’re already arriving! So join the fun and bring your new or gently used blankets and put them on the tables in the back of the sanctuary. Our goal is to collect 50 blankets! Questions? See Sherry! 

SCHOOL PAL PAKS! BRING YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

Thank you for donating. Sherry is putting the paks together and I will let you know how many we will be sending off.

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. or Sherry J.

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. 

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!

OUR NEXT 3^RD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS Oct 20!

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Oct 20 at 11:30am 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!

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

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

Now-Nov. 30             Blanket and Coat Drive for Mel Trotter Mission

Oct. 01                       Ladies Bile Study at 12:30 PM

Oct. 15                       Church Board Meeting at 10:00 AM

Oct. 20                       Third Thurs Chinese Lunch at 11:30 (Hibachi Grill)

Nov. 10-12                Come to the Fire (Nashville, TN)

Nov. 20                      Northeast Community Potluck (after worship)

Northeast Community News! Sept. 12, 2016

Dear Friends and Family!

While many of our folks were sick and or missing (and yes we did miss you!), it was still a wonderful day in the Lord, yesterday! One highlight this week was having the opportunity to witness Christian commitment to worship God. As many already know, Robert K. suffers from debilitating arthritis in his joints making it nearly impossible to walk at times. In fact, last week he couldn’t walk at all! Imagine my surprise when Janie said, “Robert is coming to Sunday School, but it’s going to take him a little while…he’s in a lot of pain.” 

I was moved emotionally when Robert came to Sunday School 10 min. later by talking what amounted to halting 3” steps. His face was pale and he was in pain, but when I mentioned this as he arrived he said, “But I’m here!” Indeed! And what a witness to all of us!

God’s message this week came from Hebrews 10:19-25 and was titled, “Is Worship on Your To-Do List.” One pastor wrote he was considering adopting a “No Excuse Sunday” once a year! To help potential excuse makers come to church he was prepared, in part, to: place cots in the back for those who want to sleep in, blankets for those who think it’s too cold, and bring in grass and trees for those who insist they prefer worshipping God in nature. 

While there is certainly some humor to be found in in this, the write of Hebrews declares there is no excuse for missing worship! How can he suggest such a thing? First, he argues in vv. 19-22 that those who have received salvation did so through the blood of Jesus Christ. God came incarnate in Jesus Christ and in his death and resurrection the curtain that had separated fallen humanity from a Holy God had been torn in two! Through Jesus, our sins, guilt, and consciences aren’t just covered; they are cleansed! Oh victory in Jesus, indeed! 

Therefore, the writer suggests our response to all that Jesus has done for us will include: holding on unswervingly to God’s way! (v. 23) In a culture embracing evil and willful sin, God’s people will stay true to the ‘way, the truth, and the life’ (Jesus) no matter what! 

Second, because of all Jesus has done for us we will ‘spur one another on towards love and good deeds’ (v. 24). We aren’t a passive group of folks as Christians. We’re to take action as a community to love and care for others and challenge and ‘spur’ fellow believers to join us! 

Finally, because of all Jesus has done, we must ‘not give up meeting together’ [in worship] …but to encourage one another…as we see the Day [of Christ’s return]approaching” (v. 25). While I’m often asked, “Pastor, do I really need to go to church to be a Christian?” I wonder why a truly born again believer wouldn’t want to be part of the church Jesus died for? 

The answer I often give is, “Yes, I believe it is possible to be a Christian and not go to church…but not for very long!” Truth is, it’s usually not very long after someone stops coming to church that they begin drifting away their faith practices and Christ altogether. Was worship on your to do list last week? How about this week? Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

BREAKING NEWS! THIS JUST IN>>>> THE PARSONAGE IS BEING VINYL SIDED!

Because of your continued faithful giving, Larry B, our head trustee made the motion and your church board supported it and then voted unanimously to hire Phil Camp (who just happens to be Bill and Judy Camp’s son) to install siding on the parsonage! Phil was the low bidder by over $500! This means no more scrapping and painting days at the parsonage! Woohoo! Even better, the work will be done within 45 days! What a joy it’s been to watch one miracle after another as together, with God’s help, Northeast Community Church continued to invest in the future! Praise the Lord!

OUR FALL ALABASTER OFFERING IS THIS SUNDAY! GET READY TO MARCH!

Our twice a year Alabaster Offering is Sun., Sep. 18th. Every penny of this loose change offering goes directly to the mission field to purchase land and materials to construct buildings. Of course, cash, checks, and gold doubloons are welcome, too! Need an Alabaster box? See Sherry J. our Missionary President to get one! 

THE NEXT LADIES RENDEZVOUS IS SAT., SEP. 24 AT 10:30AM!

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Sep. 24 and all ladies are invited! Please contact Cherry for more info or if you need a ride! Call or text (616) 916-7595.

SCHOOL PAL PAKS! BRING YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

The Church of the Nazarene operates many schools around the world, providing quality education for children. Unfortunately, many families can’t even afford basic supplies. To meet this need, our NMI department collects and ships ‘School Pal-Paks’ that are made available to kids around the world. Will you help? A list of the supplies needed for each School Pal-Pak will be in the bulletin this week or you can click here for a shopping list. http://nmi.nazarene.org/Stories/docs/Giving/Compassion/SPP_Shopping-List.pdf

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES! 

Regardless of your experience, background, or age, our Dog Days of Summer Wed. nightprogram is a great time of singing, prayer, and Bible study. Come join us and be blessed! Remember, we always end our Wed. Nightstudy with ice cream! 

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. or Sherry J.

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. 

SAVE THE DATE! OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS OCT. 09

Make plans to attend our October Community Potluck after our worship service. Willing to help? Bless you! Please let Cherry P. know!  (call or text (616) 916-7595

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!

OUR NEXT 3^RD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS SEP. 15!

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Sep. 15 at 11:30am 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!

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

Sep.  15                      Third Thursday Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)

Sep.  17                      Ladies Bible Study on Daniel @ 12:30pm (alternative time)

Sep.  18                      Fall Alabaster Offering

Sep.  18                      Missionary Gathering at 5pm

Sep.  19                      Ladies Bible Study on Daniel @ 10am

Sep.  24                      Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

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

Oct.  09                       Northeast Community Potluck after our worship service

Nov. 10-12                 Come to the Fire (Nashville, TN)

Northeast Community News – September 06, 2016

Dear Friends and Family!

Yes, we had another wonderful day in the Lord! It was Labor Day weekend and we had many visitors and returning friends! God is good! How often? All the time! So, did you have a time of rest and relaxation yesterday? Janie and I went to Indian Lake and worked! Yeah, I know, but we did get many things done we usually don’t have time to do in a normal week! Besides, in three weeks we will be flying to Santa Monica, CA and we can rest then, right? 

More about the sabbatical later. God’s message this week came from 2 Peter 3:1-18 and was titled, “Growing in Grace.” Peter has experienced a lot! From fishermen to Apostle, he has witnessed the miracles of Jesus, the crucifixion, resurrection, the ascension, Pentecost, and thousands being saved. What are his last words? We read them in v. 18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18). 

So, the question is, are you? Are you growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus? When you were born again you were a mere babe in the faith. No doubt the angels rejoiced (see Luke 15:10) and you felt the freedom, peace, and joy of salvation, but was that the highlight of your spiritual life? Like a car in neutral, when you’re not growing under the power of the Holy Spirit, you’ve just coasting. Sure, coasting is fun for a while, but there’s only one way to coast in a car and there’s only one way to coast in your faith….and both go downhill!

Growth is normal for Christians! While you were once spiritual babes, just surviving on pure spiritual milk (see 1 Peter 2:2) you aren’t supposed to stay that way. By the Grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, you are to become more and more like Jesus! (see Paul’s exhortation in I Cor. 3:1-3). So, are you more like Jesus or….{gulp} someone else? 

One way to determine which way you are moving is to give yourself the rearview mirror test! While spiritual growth and can be slow and filled with the occasional setback, over time you should see a steady pattern of positive growth. So, ask yourself this: “Am I more like Jesus than I was 5 years, 10 years, or 5 months ago or further away?” Be honest! For some of us, our spiritual zenith was some years ago! But, it doesn’t have to be that way! 

Jesus modeled four ways we grow we call ‘Discipleship Essentials.’ First, Jesus prayed! Prayer is a conversation where you share your heart with God and listen for His. Second, Jesus was zealous for the church and worship. It’s in church where you’ll find confession, instruction, offering, and prayer as a community. Third, Jesus knew the Living Word. You will grow as you read large portions of the Bible and let the Spirit lead, shape, and rebuke you! Finally, Jesus needed quiet time. When do you unplug? When do you listen for the still small voice of God? If you want to grow in grace and be more like Jesus, begin by making prayer, worship, Bible reading, and quiet time a priority! (like He did!) Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

COME TO THE FIRE 2016 – GERRY NEEDS TO KNOW YOUR INTEREST THIS WEEK!

The theme for Come to the Fire this year is: Restore the Joy. Isaiah 35 describes what happens when God restores His Church. The once barren landscape will suddenly burst with joy! We long for the day when God visits His people once again. Gerry and Cherry are making final plans this week. If you are interested in attending Come to the Fire this year, you must contact Gerry D. or Cherry P. this week! 

ATTENTION PARENTS! CHILDREN’S CHURCH RETURNS THIS WEEK! (SEP. 11)

Children’s Church is a kids focused time of worship where kids through 5^th grade are dismissed before the morning message for their own age appropriate opportunity to learn about Jesus, work with their hands, and move from qualified and background checked adult leaders! Children’s Church begins Sep. 11^th and is offered every week except the first Sunday of the month when we celebrate communion together! Need more information or have questions? See or contact Mary W. at (616) 337-4549.

OUR FALL ALABASTER OFFERING IS SEP. 18! LET’S GET READY TO MARCH!

Our twice a year Alabaster Offering is Sun., Sep. 18th. Every penny of this loose change offering goes directly to the mission field to purchase land and materials to construct buildings. Of course, cash, checks, and gold doubloons are welcome, too! Need an Alabaster box? See Sherry J. our Missionary President to get one! 

THE NEXT LADIES RENDEZVOUS IS SAT., SEP. 24 AT 10:30AM!

Cherry is planning the next Ladies Rendezvous for Sep. 24 and all ladies are invited! Please contact Cherry for more info or if you need a ride! Call or text (616) 916-7595.

SCHOOL PAL PAKS! BRING YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

The Church of the Nazarene operates many schools around the world, providing quality education for children. Unfortunately, many families can’t even afford basic supplies. To meet this need, our NMI department collects and ships ‘School Pal-Paks’ that are made available to kids around the world. Will you help? A list of the supplies needed for each School Pal-Pak will be in the bulletin this week or you can click here for a shopping list. http://nmi.nazarene.org/Stories/docs/Giving/Compassion/SPP_Shopping-List.pdf

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER WED. NIGHT BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES! 

Regardless of your experience, background, or age, our Dog Days of Summer Wed. night program is a great time of singing, prayer, and Bible study. Come join us and be blessed! Remember, we always end our Wed. Night study with ice cream! 

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. or Sherry J.

MEIJER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM HAS ENDED

Meijer has ended their Meijer Community Rewards program (MCR), that donated 4% of Meijer purchases to non-profits like us, in part, because it was not being used. The letter we received does indicate Meijer remains committed to non-profits, giving on average 7% of their profits to charity, but will do so differently going forward. Bless each of you who purchased from Meijer and designated us as your charity. You made a difference! 

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! NO MORE BULLYING! CALVIN COLLEGE MUSICAL!

Calvin College is offering a musical in an attempt to address the important issue of bullying and bullying prevention. It is designed for children between 5^th and 8^th grades. Written by Tricia Bayfield, it follows the story of Sticks (a student having a hard time fitting in), Pellagia (a refuge from Africa trying to find acceptance) and Diamond (who has created a tough exterior to mask her pain). Through songs and short scenes, the production shows the effects of bullying and how bystanders and friends can make a difference. The musical plays Fri., Sep. 23 and Sat., Sep. 24 at 7:30pm. Cost is $5 a ticket. Reservations can be made by calling the Calvin Box Office at (616) 526-6282.

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. 

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.  

SAVE THE DATE! OUR NEXT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY POTLUCK IS OCT. 09

Make plans to attend our October Community Potluck after our worship service. Willing to help? Bless you! Please let Cherry P. know!  (call or text (616) 916-7595

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!

OUR NEXT 3^RD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS SEP. 15!

Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is Sep. 15 at 11:30am 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!

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

Sep.  11              Children’s Church Returns!

Sep.  12              Ladies Bible Study on Daniel @ 10am

Sep.  15              Third Thursday Chinese Lunch @ 11:30 (Hibachi Alpine)

Sep.  17              Ladies Bible Study on Daniel @ 12:30pm (alternative time)

Sep.  18              Fall Alabaster Offering

Sep.  18              Missionary Gathering at 5pm

Sep.  24              Ladies Rendezvous at 10:30am

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

Oct.  09              Northeast Community Potluck after our worship service

Nov. 10-12                Come to the Fire (Nashville, TN)