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 3RD 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. 18 Fall Alabaster Offering
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)
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