Yes, it was another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! This week Gerry D. (our Adult Sunday school teacher) started a new study titled: “Jesus: The Final Journey.” Lessons include ‘The Holy Spirit Promised, Agony in the Garden, and Betrayal and Denial.’ The study guide is free and the material and discussion is incredible! If you haven’t come to Sunday school in a while (or maybe you’ve never come!) this would be a great week to start!
I also want to remind you to check out our Missionary Books. These wonderful books this year will give insight into the mission field like you’ve never had! God is moving and I know you’ll want to read about how good He is! See Sherry J. if you want to be blessed! Praise the Lord!
God’s message this week came from John 3:1-17 and was titled, “Night Time Visitor.” While all of Jesus miracles weren’t recorded (see John 21:25), John repeatedly points to their purpose, that the miracles would lead people to Jesus! (i.e. John 2:23, 20:30-31). However, the question remained…. “Could anyone come to faith in Jesus? Even a Pharisee?” (The short answer is YES!)
Nicodemus was an important Jewish leader. The text tells us he was part of the Jewish Ruling Council. As a Pharisee on the Jewish Ruling Council, Nicodemus had devoted himself to keeping and enforcing the harsh and legalistic Jewish law that had become a heavy burden. But keeping the harsh and exhausting legalistic Jewish Law was the only way to earn eternal life with God.
That is, until he encountered Jesus! In the conversation that follows Jesus turns this thinking on its head! What Nicodemus (and all of us need) is to be born again! (vv. 5-7). Through Jesus, God has replaced legalism and strict adherence to the Jewish Law with love and grace.
In John 3:16-17 Jesus declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).
So how about you? Have you ever seen Christianity as a place of rules and burden instead of a place of love and grace? Have you prayed to accept Christ? If not, what keeps you from receiving the love and grace God has for you in Jesus? Most scholars conclude Nicodemus did accept Christ that day… but like most of us, his growth in grace wasn’t in a straight line! In fact, in John 7:44-53 we discover he didn’t admit his connection to Jesus! Why? Perhaps he felt peer pressure and felt fearful and outnumbered? Perhaps he felt that admitting he was a Christian would have cost him his reputation…maybe even his life! What keeps you from taking a bold stand for Jesus where you live, go to school, or work?
But Nicodemus continued to grow in grace! How do we know? Because about 3 years after his nighttime encounter with Jesus, he risks it all by accompanying Joseph of Arimathea to claim Jesus’ body while carrying 75#s of spices (John 19:38-42). The once nighttime visitor and fearful Christian had become a bold disciple willing to risk his career, his position, and his reputation to be a follower of Christ. How about you? Are you ready to risk everything to take a bold stand for Jesus? My prayer is that you’ll leave the shadows of fear and doubt and come fully into the Light that is Jesus! Blessings,Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
ALABASTER OFFERING:
Alabaster offering funds received are $511.58! Praise God!! If you still have money for this fund, just bring it in this Sunday.
COLLECTION OF ITEMS FOR CRISIS CARE KITS:
We will be collecting the following items for crisis care kits. Make sure these items are here BEFORE Saturday! These will need to be ready to go by March 18th.
Each Crisis Care Kit includes the following new items in a 2-gallon Ziploc bag:
- 1 medium size bottle of shampoo (12-18 oz) [Please tape the flip-tops closed]
- 2 bars of soap (bath-size or larger)
- 1 medium toothpaste (4.0-6.4 oz)
- 3 toothbrushes (in original packaging)
- 1 box of Band-Aids (30 or more)
- 1 fingernail clipper
- 1 sturdy hair comb
- 2 hand towels
- 4 pocket-size packages of facial tissue
1 Beanie Baby-size stuffed toy
TIME TO ORDER EASTER FLOWERS!
The order form for these flowers will be in the weekly church program. Cost is $7.25 each for 6” Easter Lilies, 6” Tulips (red, pink, or yellow), and 6” Mini Daffodils.
WANTED: SINGERS FOR THE EASTER CANTATA
On Saturday, March 18th, at 10:00 AM, join us at the church to practice the Easter cantata, This We Believe. Come praise the Lord and make a joyful noise!
NEXT LADIES RENDEZVOUS:
Join in the fun and fellowship with other ladies from our church. We will be meeting Saturday, March 25th, at 10:30AM at the church. We plan on stuffing the Easter eggs for the children at this meeting. Call/text Cherry for rides or information @ 616-916-7595. See you there!!!
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH @ HIBACHI GRILL ON ALPINE AVE:
Meet us there and enjoy the food and fellowship onMarch 16th. Meet at the restaurant at 11:30 AM
STILL NEEDED: ONE CHILDREN’S CHURCH TEACHER
Please contact Mary W. to help with this need. While most of the weeks have a teacher and a helper, one more teacher is still needed. Is God calling you to do this?
SOUND BOOTH PERSON NEEDED:
The church is looking for someone who is interested in being a sound booth technician. You will need to be able to attend music practices Sunday morning at 9 AM. Let Janie know if you are interested at 616-204-2499 or hathjan@icloud.com.
TEAM Day 2017 IS COMING TO
Perry Michigan again on March 18, 2017.
We are looking forward to a full day of inspiration, motivation, rekindling friendships, networking with others, and
We are looking forward to a full day of inspiration, motivation, rekindling friendships, networking with others, and
soaking up the possibilities for ministry in your local community. Our goal every year is that people will make connections with ministries, and to be encouraged to look for the possibilities for ministry in their community. TEAM Day is about letting you meet and talk to other people from around our three Michigan Districts and our Educational Region, and see the opportunities for ministry that are in our communities. We have workshops on many topics that are vital in the church (leadership, worship, discipleship, missions, children, youth). We will have an enlightening worship service to start the day. Lunch is included on the campus of the school. There are ministry vendors that will be available throughout the day to discuss specific ministries that you may want to participate Some of you may say “But I am already so busy, I am tired…”; this is a chance to recharge your batteries. This is a chance to see others who are also busy, and to encourage each other. You are not serving on an island, we need to support and encourage each other. TEAM Day is one way that we can help do that. Mark your calendars (Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Perry Michigan from 8 am to 4 pm). Visit the website www.minaz.org/teamday, download the brochure, and register yourself and several from your church to attend. The cost is $30 before February 15, and $40 after February 15 and before March 1st. We hope to see you there! PO Box 678 , Perry, MI 48872
email: teamday@tds.net or 517-675-7442 (evenings or leave a message please)
email: teamday@tds.net or 517-675-7442 (evenings or leave a message please)
HAPPILY LAUGHTER AFTER TOUR on Friday, May 5th
If you are interested in having a Friday night full of laughter, Chonda Pierce, with special guest, Karyn Williams, are at Grand Rapids First Church 5/5. Tickets can be purchased at ticket.com. If anyone is interested, call/text Cherry @ 616-916-7595.
The Michigan District Church of the Nazarene presents: A MOMENT IN TIME
At the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island on May 28 – May 30, 2017
A Moment in Time is open to all ages of families and individuals. The cost is only $345 per person. Children ages 12-17 are $185 and children birth to age 11 are free.
Price includes:
· Two nights lodging at the historic Grand Hotel
· Two delectable five course dinners
· Two scrumptious breakfasts (choice of menu/breakfast buffet or continental)
· Adult round-trip ferry ride (ages 5-11 are $12)
· All baggage handling
The first non-refundable deposit of $50 is due by March 27th. The balance is due April 22nd. Please see the attached brochure for all of the details!
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GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2017 WORK & WITNESS PROJECT:
I'm writing to invite you and any members of your church to be a part of the largest Nazarene Work & Witness project called, One Heart - Many Hands Indianapolis 2017! This week-long service project will take place June 18-23. In a recent conversation with Dr. David Downs, the District Superintendent of the West Texas District, it came to my attention that many pastors are under the impression that One Heart - Many Hands (OHMH) projects are just for youth groups. In actuality, OHMH is a Work & Witness project geared for the entire church to participate in. Many churches bring multi generational groups who work on the project and learn from each other. In past General assembly years we have averaged 2000 Nazarenes serving together with OHMH to leave the fingerprints of God all over the General Assembly host city.
I'm sure you receive hundreds of emails each year encouraging you and your church to be a part of something… OHMH is a unique Work & Witness project that not only affords your group the opportunity to be involved in missions together but also to experience the Global Church of the Nazarene in a very visible and tangible way as team members participate in the General Assembly services.
Would you prayerfully consider encouraging your church to take advantage of this opportunity to serve alongside thousands of Nazarenes this summer in Indianapolis? For more information about this service project please contact our office at office@oneheartmanyhands.com or visit our website at www.oneheartmanyhands.com. Thank you, George Sisler
I'm sure you receive hundreds of emails each year encouraging you and your church to be a part of something… OHMH is a unique Work & Witness project that not only affords your group the opportunity to be involved in missions together but also to experience the Global Church of the Nazarene in a very visible and tangible way as team members participate in the General Assembly services.
Would you prayerfully consider encouraging your church to take advantage of this opportunity to serve alongside thousands of Nazarenes this summer in Indianapolis? For more information about this service project please contact our office at office@oneheartmanyhands.com or visit our website at www.oneheartmanyhands.com. Thank you, George Sisler
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!
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