A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR DAN
10 days ago I arrived in Chicago greeted by my lovely wife and black lab Joe who were both enthusiastic to see me (ok, Jane was enthusiastic to see me and Joe was happy to see and smell other dogs!) Over the last 10 days I have made the adjustment to being at home! I must tell you it is strange to drive 70 mph after riding 6 weeks on a bike! Except for some strange tan lines, I am perfectly healthy! Praise God!
Today, much like an airline pilot who must undergo periodic reviews to remain a pilot, I met with two members of the sabbatical committee and after a rigorous examination, I was ‘cleared for flight,’ meaning, effective immediately I have returned as your pastor!
In all seriousness, a lot can (and did) happen during the 7 weeks we were apart! So, along with giving an initial accounting of my time away from you to the sabbatical committee members and sharing some of the lessons learned, it was also important to get caught up with all that happened to you! My! All of that in just 7 weeks! Wow!
But, before we start swapping life and stories, I want to express my thankfulness to you! First, thank you for your prayers. As you’ll learn in the coming days, weeks, and months, I encountered many challenges, dangers, and impossible moments along the way. There were just too many coincidences, protections, and miraculous breakthroughs to believe I had travelled this journey alone. God was near the entire way! Thank you for praying!
Second, thank you for serving! It’s already become evident you ‘rose to the challenge.’ From faithful attendance, to strong giving, to serving Jesus in a role you had never done before, I heard many reports of how you didn’t just survive; you thrived! Praise God!
Finally, thank you for your love, understanding and support. I realize most pastors don’t take 7 weeks to ride their bikes across Route 66, but your kind words of advice, insight, and encouragement not only blessed me, but made the difference.
What a church! What a God! God is good! All the time! It is truly good to be home!
Love and blessings, Pastor Dan
NOTES FROM PASTOR ED’S SERMON, FINDING COMFORT IN THE MIDST OF The , STORM
Before his sermon Pastor Ed and Annette sang, “My life is in Your hands, my heart is Yours to keep. I am never without hope when my future is with You”
Pastor Ed began this week’s sermon by reviewing the last 6 weeks:
• Week 1 - A time of renewal
• Week 2 – Are you all in for the Lord?
• Week 3 – What’s on the menu?
• Week 4 – Where has the “go ye” gone?
• Week 5 - Fruit of the Spirit
• Week 6 – What if?
Storms happen in our life, read Matthew 8:23-27. There are fears, doubt, we make mistakes, and we lack faith. Storms look different to different people; they come in all sizes and shapes. II Corinthians 1:3-7 tells us that God is with you and will be with you in times of trouble in your life.
Why do we wait, do we ask is God not there? Why are we so surprised when God performs a miracle? What are we expecting? What are we looking for God to do in our midst? The greatest miracle is for a person to accept Jesus Christ. Why are we so surprised when God does what he says he will do? “Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.” Psalms 62:8. The world says seeing is believing, the church should be saying, “Believing is seeing”.
When you begin to put your faith and trust in God that is where your faith begins. God will take care of you. Trusting in God is not doing everything in our power and when then when things don’t turn out we turn to God.
NEWS AND EVENTS
THANK YOU PASTOR ED AND ANNETTE
We have been blessed to have Pastor Ed preaching for the last 7 weeks. We appreciate his faithfulness and his timely sermons. Pastor Ed and Annette also provided some wonderful music. Thank you.
CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF SERVICE
Changes have been made in the order of our worship service. The “Time of Greeting” has been eliminated. Please greet friends and visitors before and after service in the refreshment/classroom area. The sanctuary will be available for prayer and quiet reflection before the service. Please be respectful of those praying as you enter.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES SCHEDULE
Saturday December 24 – Christmas Eve Service (time to be determined)
Sunday December 25 – Christmas Day worship service 10:00 AM – no Sunday School
Sunday January 1 – New Year’s Day worship service 10:00 AM – no Sunday School
MICHIGAN DISTRICT PRAYER EFFORT
We are at an unique time in the history of the Michigan District . Who among us could have anticipated that Dr. Seaman would be facing such a health crisis so soon after beginning his last year of district leadership that would force him to take a medical leave of absence? Many questions concerning the future o the district are being asked. One thing that has become obvious, as a district we need to pray. A district wide prayer effort for the Michigan District, Dr Seaman, and the choosing of a new district superintendent to lead us upon Dr. Seaman’s retirement has been set up. Each month a flyer with the month’s prayer focus will be placed in the program.
NORTH END COMMUNITY MINISTRY FUND RAISER
NECM is one the local organizations our church supports. They benefit from our annual diaper drive and when we receive extra items for our care kits, we send the items to them. They have been named as a recipient of gift cards from the Meijer Corporation “Simply Give” program at the Plainfield Meijer. From October 30 to December 31, 2016. If someone wants to participate, all they have to do is present a donation card to the cashier at the Plainfield Meijer’s and $10.00 will be added to their total grocery bill. The cards are available on the table at the back of the church for from Gerry Dawson. This is a great way to support NECM.
LADIES RENDEZVOUS IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2016!
Saturday November 19, at 10:30 AM. The Ladies will be setting up for the Thanksgiving potluck the next day. Please contact Cherry for more info or if you need a ride! Call or text (616) 916-7595.
6th ANNUAL BLANKET AND COAT DRIVE FOR MEL TROTTER ENDS THIS SUNDAY
Thank you for helping. We have collected 63 blankets and coats. They will be taken next week to Mel Trotter.
WELCOME HOME PASTOR DAN AND JANIE
We are celebrating Pastor Dan and Janie’s return with a potluck on Sunday. The stewards are planning a Thanksgiving dinner. If you can bring a Thanksgiving type item, please let Cherry know. We need the whole works including the turkey.
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 3RD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS THIS THURSDAY NOV. 17!
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is this Thursday, Nov 17, 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
Now-Nov. 30 Blanket and Coat Drive for Mel Trotter Mission
Nov. 19 Women’s Rendezvous at 10:30 AM
Nov. 20 Pastor Dan’s first Sunday back
Nov. 20 Northeast Community Potluck (after worship)
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve
Dec. 25 Christmas Day
Jan. 1 New Year’s Day
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