Hello Friends and Family!
“What if?” A question that reflects contrary thinking, things that could never happen and/or negative emotions. Pastor Ed asked:
What if
• You wake up tomorrow and we have someone for President who is not qualified?
• You had a chance to do something over again?
• You find a lottery ticket worth $5 million?
• You became the President of the U.S?
• You had the opportunity to witness any event in the past?
• You could witness the future?
• You noticed that all your Christian friends were gone?
• You woke up one day and could play a musical instrument you always wanted to play?
• You had the opportunity to change one thing?
• What if you would die? Where would you spend eternity?
• What if you were to stand in front of God and He were to ask you why you should be allowed into heaven?
• You never accepted Jesus?
• Jesus had never been born?
Where would we be without Jesus? He set the example and elevated morality. If Jesus had never come, life would be meaningless.
NEWS AND EVENTS
PASTOR DAN HAS COMPLETED HIS TRIP
Pastor Dan completed his bike trip along Route 66 one Saturday November 5 in Chicago. He is ending his sabbatical by spending the last week reflecting and preparing to return to his ministry. Please remember that we cannot contact him while he is on sabbatical. He will officially be back on Monday November 14, and return to the pulpit on Sunday November 20, 2016. Please continue to pray for him and for our church.
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
Prayer/praise request – Gerry
THANKS AND PRAISE
Vamie and Aaron Carpentier would like to thank everyone for their prayers. After suffering a devastating home fire they are doing good. Vamie says “God is Great!” Praise God they are all safe.
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.
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. During Double Match Days, November 11 and 12 $10.00 becomes $30.00 through a Meijer Corporation “match”. 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.
THE NEXT LADIES RENDEZVOUS IS SAT., November 19, 2016!
The next Ladies Rendezvous will be 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!
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. We already have reached our goal of 50 blankets. But let’s not stop there. As of last Sunday we had 51 blankets and 2 coats. Questions? See Sherry!
THANKSGIVING POTLUCK AND WECOLME HOME FOR PASTOR DAN AND JANIE
Our next potluck is scheduled for November 20, 2016. That will be Pastor Dan’s first Sunday back from his sabbatical and the Sunday before Thanksgiving. 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 Oct 20!
Our next Third Thursday Chinese Lunch is this Thursday, 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
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
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