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 5th 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. 11th 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 5th and 8th 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 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. 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)
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