Northeast Community News – June 26, 2017

         We had another great day in the Lord, Sunday! Sunday was a twofer! After a wonderful hour of discipleship equipping we had our first opportunity to worship! Steve H. and Sherry J. led us in Spirit led worship singing, Larry B. and Jerry B. received our offering as Jean C. played, and then after a time of prayer we asked Rick Evans, our visitor from Joplin, MO to give his testimony! 

         Rick cited Proverbs 22:6 as the foundation for his testimony. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Interestingly, the Hebrew word the NIV translates ‘train’ can also mean to dedicate or consecrate. To train is (in the broadest sense) to instruct in accordance with proper rules of conduct and behavior. 

         Certainly, Rick had been trained the proper rules of conduct and behavior as a child! And, even though his testimony provided evidence he had gone astray at times, the promise God made in Proverbs 22:6 was proved true over and over! Weaved throughout his entire testimony we find a loving a gracious God providing miraculous encounters of redemption, healing, and direction.   I found at least 4 lessons in Rick’s testimony. First, all parents (and grandparents) need to be deeply involved in “training their children in the ways they should go.”Having a foundation of faith proved valuable time and time again in Rick’s journey. It gave him the foundation of faith to return to after many painful periods of life. 

         Second, even Godliest children are vulnerable to the wily Devil and need prayer. As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. we need to keep our young ones in our prayers. Rick had many people praying for him and never gave up on him! We ought to never give up on our kids! Likewise, like Jesus, we need to welcome them home with open arms of love and forgiveness. 

         Third, hard times happen to even the most devout and sanctified Christians. Rick faced many complications with his children and his own health including early deliveries of babies, cerebral palsy, and desert storm disease. But throughout his ordeal, God remained faithful to Rick and wife Joan and to all of these children! Rick went through the fire and came through beautifully!

         Finally, Rick’s testimony pointed to Divine encounters. From Chic Shaver, Jesse Middendorf, to a well-placed pastor or layman, God put just the right people in Rick’s way to guide, love, and direct him! God loved him that much! God loves you that much, too! But, God also loves people we’ve never met, too! Are you looking for those Divine encounters? God may just be sending someone needing His guidance, love, and direction your way! Are you ready? I hope so!     (To hear his testimony again, email Deb and she will forward the link.)

         The second service of our twofer was our Missionary Gathering! Sherry J. led us in another wonderful lesson on missions where we learned more about World Mission Broadcast! What a joy to serve a church that doesn’t keep up on hard to reach folks! Through the use of radio, TV, and the internet, we can reach beyond border barriers with the good news of Jesus! Bless all of you who gave $274 to WMB today! Your $274 will provide 66 minutes of programming! PTL!                                                                      Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?

A series of membership classes will be starting in June.  If you are interested in learning more about the Church of the Nazarene, or becoming a member of our church, please let Pastor Dan know by contacting him at: 616-204-1153 or hathdan@me.com.

ONE CHILDREN’S CHURCH TEACHER IS STILL NEEDED!

Pray about becoming a children’s church teacher this September.  You only need prepare a lesson once a month.   Also, a helper will be there alongside you.  

A NEW BIBLE STUDY IS COMING SOON!

Beginning in September, Mary W. will begin a study titled, “Remembering the Forgotten God”.  This will be held Tuesdays at 10 AM for 7 weeks, beginning Sept. 5^th.  Sign up on the sheet in the church annex so she knows how many books to order.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY is at the church – 6:30 PM

We are now meeting at the church for Bible Study and fellowship.  We hope to see you there!

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.

SUMMER CAMP @ INDIAN LAKE

Indian Lake Nazarene Camp has a wonderful summer camp for students of all ages. At 

camp kids learn to feel good about themselves, gain self-confidence, self-esteem, learn leadership skills, make friends, and learn about God’s love for them! You can learn more by going to this link: http://www.nazcamp.org/summer-camp

Discovery Camp        Completed K – 2^nd grade      Jul. 05-07

Adventure Camp       Completed 2^nd – 4^th grade    Jul. 24-28

Voyager Camp           Completed 4^th – 6^th grade     Jul. 31-Aug. 04

Mid. School Camp      Completed 6^th – 8^th grade     Jul. 10-14

High School Camp     Completed 9^th – 12^th grade  Jun. 26-30

Note: All camps are $ 285 (except for Discovery Camp which is $ 135)

OTHER INDIAN LAKE EVENTS:

Family Camp – July 16 to July 23 with speakers Dr. Daniels, Rev. Hancock, and Rev. Seaman; District Assembly – July 16 & July 17 with speakers Dr. Cocker, Dr. Gardner, and Dr. Bowling; NMI/SDMI/NYI Conventions – July 22 with Missionary Dany Gomis from Africa’s West Field speaking.

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!

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:

June 28                       Wednesday Service @ 6:30 PMat the church

June 26                       Indian Lake Camps begin

July 16 & 17              District Assembly

July 16-23                  Family Camp

July 20                        Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM

July 22                        NMI/SDMI/NYI Convention

July 29                        Women’s Rendezvous at the church – 10:30 AM

Northeast Community News – June 19, 2017

What a great weekend we had in the Lord this week! Great weekend you wonder? Well, almost every newsletter I greet you with “Dear Friends and Family.” Saturday, we had a work day and I was reminded again we are indeed family. At one point, I was tired and wondered if the work I’d done personally was ‘good enough.’ I was surprised to hear a chorus of my fellow coworkers say, ‘it looks wonderful’ Pastor Dan. I was humbled and thankful at the love and support fellow workers provided and thanked them, to which Rickie R. immediately responded, ‘We’re family, Pastor Dan! It’s what we do!” And so, I began a wonderful reflection on the blessings of being part of the Christian Church once more. She was right! We are family and you’re all dear! PTL!  Bless everyone who came to work day and labored for the Lord! Your work didn’t go unnoticed and your sore muscles are appreciated! You served our loving Father in heaven! Thank you! 

God’s message this week came from Luke 9:18-27 and was titled, “Being a Disciple.” Years ago, Robert Frost penned a poem entitled, “The Road Not Taken.” The poem tells the story of a man who comes to a fork and must make an irreversible decision to choose one path over another. The poem ends with these three lines:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

The fork all Christians face is whether to become a disciple. With heartache, I’ve watched hurting people walk in our door, be gloriously saved, and then walk back out the door and return to their former ways, and in one extreme case, die. I’m convinced a life of victory requires a full commitment to the costly work of discipleship.

In Luke 9:23-25 we find three key differences between just getting saved and being a disciple. First, a disciple must deny himself. Denying means you not only refuse to place a crown on your own head; it means you don’t even remember the guy or gal you were that once did! Denying self provides room to live wholly for Christ.

Second, Jesus calls disciples to take up their cross and follow Him. Jesus’ statement is repulsive. It evokes pictures of a ‘dead man walking’ through the streets carrying a cross beam on his back on the way to his public execution. Let me ask you… Does that describe your Christian walk and public testimony? Jesus leaves no room for a quiet, safe, private disciple! Carry your cross daily!

         Finally, Jesus tells disciples to lose their life to save it! Here lies the paradox of the road less traveled: you’ll find fullness of life when you lose yourselves for Jesus! You lose yourself when you say, “Here are my talents, Jesus! Here are my hands and feet, Jesus! Here is my checkbook! It’s all yours! ‘You have my permission to do anything you want with me and my stuff! Because I know you have a better plan for me than I have! This is the sanctified life! Are you ready to be a disciple and live the victorious life? Then deny yourself, take up the cross daily, follow Him, and lose your life to find it! May it be so!       Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

WORLD MISSION BROADCAST OFFERING THIS SUNDAY!

Sunday morning, a special offering will be received to fund Christian broadcasts around the world.  This may be the only way a person might hear about Jesus.  Pray and ask God what you should give for this offering.  

MISSIONS NIGHT AT CHURCH – JUNE 25^TH

Join in this meeting at 5 PM and learn more about our missions and how we can be a missionary too!  

INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?

A series of membership classes will be starting in June.  If you are interested in learning more about the Church of the Nazarene, or becoming a member of our church, please let Pastor Dan know by contacting him at: 616-204-1153 or hathdan@me.com.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH SUMMER BREAK HAS STARTED

While we love the children, our children’s workers need a summer break.  The kids will now be staying with us in the worship service.  Bless you for understanding!

ONE CHILDREN’S CHURCH TEACHER IS STILL NEEDED!

Pray about becoming a children’s church teacher this September.  You only need prepare a lesson once a month.   Also, a helper will be there alongside you.  

A NEW BIBLE STUDY IS COMING SOON!

Beginning in September, Mary W. will begin a study titled, “Remembering the Forgotten God”.  This will be held Tuesdays at 10 AM for 7 weeks, beginning Sept. 5^th.  Sign up on the sheet in the church annex so she knows how many books to order.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY is at the church – 6:30 PM

We are now meeting at the church for Bible Study and fellowship.  We hope to see you there!

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.

SUMMER CAMP @ INDIAN LAKE

Indian Lake Nazarene Camp has a wonderful summer camp for students of all ages. At camp kids learn to feel good about themselves, gain self-confidence, self-esteem, learn leadership skills, make friends, and learn about God’s love for them! You can learn more by going to this link: http://www.nazcamp.org/summer-camp

Discovery Camp        Completed K – 2^nd grade      Jul. 05-07

Adventure Camp       Completed 2^nd – 4^th grade    Jul. 24-28

Voyager Camp           Completed 4^th – 6^th grade     Jul. 31-Aug. 04

Mid. School Camp      Completed 6^th – 8^th grade     Jul. 10-14

High School Camp     Completed 9^th – 12^th grade  Jun. 26-30

Note: All camps are $ 285 (except for Discovery Camp which is $ 135)

 

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2017 WORK & WITNESS PROJECT:

 The largest Nazarene Work & Witness project called, One Heart - Many Hands Indianapolis 2017 is this week, June 18-23.   OHMH is a Work & Witness project geared for the entire church to participate in. For more information about this service project please contact our office at office@oneheartmanyhands.com or visit our website at www.oneheartmanyhands.com.     

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!

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:

June 18-23                 General Assembly 2017 Work & Witness Project

June 21                       Wednesday Service @ 6:30 PMat the church

June 25                       World Mission Broadcast Offering

June 25                       Missions Night @ church

June 26                       Indian Lake Camps begin

July 16 & 17              District Assembly

July 16-23                  Family Camp

July 20                        Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM

July 22                        NMI/SDMI/NYI Convention

July 29                        Women’s Rendezvous at the church – 10:30 AM

Northeast Community News – June 12, 2017

        What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! This week in our adult discipleship class Gerry D. continued to teach us on the Sermon on Mount in Matthew and wow is it good! If you haven’t come in a while, check it out every Sunday from 9:45 – 10:30am.       After our worship service, we enjoyed our potluck and annual church meeting! While meetings of any kind, tend to be boring, this one was more like a celebration! Combine that with about 10 desserts (yes we had great food, too), and it was a potluck and annual celebration to remember! If you’d like a copy of the Annual Report, they are available on the table outside the sanctuary. Thank you to everyone who set up and cleaned up, brought something to eat, gave a report, or ate! We are a church community and all of you are part of the Northeast Community family! 

God’s message this week came from Luke 9:1-10 and was titled, “Making Disciples.” Do you like to work out? Are you someone who embraces discipline? If you want a victorious life, you need to become a disciple and embrace the essential disciplines. Over the next 25 weeks we will be examining what it means to be a disciple and how to live it out. 

As we begin this journey, we find insights in Luke 9:1-10. The first lesson is so obvious we might miss it! When Jesus called, the disciples came! They didn’t argue, complain, or ask for a few more days (or years), they just showed up! What about you? Do you come when Jesus calls? Jesus has called every Christian to serve somewhere in the Kingdom of God! Let’s get started!

Second, we need to see our Christian life as an ongoing process of hands on apprenticeship. In Luke 9, scholars tell us the disciples had been with Jesus 2 years. Surely, these former fishermen and tax collectors, etc., didn’t have the all the answers and didn’t feel prepared! And yet, Jesus sent them out to do ministry! I imagine sweat on the brow of Matthew and butterflies plaguing John as these former tax collectors and fishermen consider preaching, driving out demons, and healing the sick in Jesus name! But, regardless of their feelings, they did go (see v. 6) If serving others makes you feel uncomfortable, you’re in great company! In faith, go anyway! 

         Finally, in v. 3 we realize the disciples didn’t do this work in their own strength nor were they responsible for the results! (see v. 5) Regardless, they did everything in the Power and Name of Jesus! This is good news! It means, when you feel the Spirit’s tug to teach, invite your neighbor to church, or love on the homeless, you can move forward in confidence knowing you’re going in the Name and power of Jesus! When you don’t feel ready, or adequately prepared you might just be humble enough to depend on Jesus! (and be effective!) Bottom line? When Jesus calls: show up! Where Jesus sends: Go! How? In His Name and power!

                   Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

7th ANNUAL KEEP ‘EM COVERED DIAPER DRIVE BLESSINGS!

Well, with God’s help, you’ve DONE IT AGAIN! You’ve not only met our goal to collect 1,800 diapers, but exceeded it by collecting 1,832 diapers (we had a special Sunday afternoon delivery), 1,368 wipes, and even 4 homemade baby quilts!! How cool is that! Bless all of you who provided ‘cover’ for some of the frailest ‘least of these.’ All of our diapers are going to North End Community Ministry who runs a ‘crisis pantry’ (giving those in crisis 3-days of supplies). I can’t wait to see their faces tomorrow! God is good!

CHURCH WORK DAY – SATURDAY, JUNE 17^th

Join us at the church for a day of cleaning up things and making things look a bit better around the church.  This will be from 9 AM to noon.  

NEXT WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS is June 17th @ 10:30 AM

We will be meeting at the church for this time of fellowship and fun.  Call or text Cherry for any questions @ 616-916-7595. 

MISSIONS NIGHT AT CHURCH – JUNE 25^TH

Join in this meeting and learn more about our missions and how we can be a missionary too! 

INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?

A series of membership classes will be starting in June.  If you are interested in learning more about the Church of the Nazarene, or becoming a member of our church, please let Pastor Dan know by contacting him at: 616-204-1153 or hathdan@me.com.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH SUMMER BREAK HAS STARTED

While we love the children, our children’s workers need a summer break.  The kids will now be staying with us in the worship service.  Bless you for understanding!

A NEW BIBLE STUDY IS COMING SOON!

Beginning in September, Mary W. will begin a study titled, “Remembering the Forgotten God”.  This will be held Tuesdays at 10 AM for 7 weeks, beginning Sept. 5^th.  Sign up on the sheet in the church annex so she knows how many books to order.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY is at the church – 6:30 PM

We are now meeting at the church for Bible Study and fellowship.  We hope to see you there!

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.

SUMMER CAMP @ INDIAN LAKE

Indian Lake Nazarene Camp has a wonderful summer camp for students of all ages. At 

camp kids learn to feel good about themselves, gain self-confidence, self-esteem, learn leadership skills, make friends, and learn about God’s love for them! You can learn more by going to this link: http://www.nazcamp.org/summer-camp

Discovery Camp        Completed K – 2^nd grade      Jul. 05-07

Adventure Camp       Completed 2^nd – 4^th grade    Jul. 24-28

Voyager Camp           Completed 4^th – 6^th grade     Jul. 31-Aug. 04

Mid. School Camp      Completed 6^th – 8^th grade     Jul. 10-14

High School Camp     Completed 9^th – 12^th grade  Jun. 26-30

Note: All camps are $ 285 (except for Discovery Camp which is $ 135)

 

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

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!

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:

June 14                       Wednesday Service @ 6:30 PMat the church

June 15                       Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM

June 17                       Church Work Day – 9 AM to Noon (Larry often brings doughnuts!)

June 17                       Women’s Rendezvous @ church @ 10:30 AM

June 18-23                 General Assembly 2017 Work & Witness Project

June 25                       Missions Night @ church

June 26                       Indian Lake Camps begin

July 16 & 17              District Assembly

July 16-23                  Family Camp

July 22                        NMI/SDMI/NYI Convention