Northeast Community Church of the Nazarene: August 2017

Monday, August 28, 2017

Northeast Community News – August 28, 2017

Dear Friends and Family!

We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! Some of you might have watched as I got up during the offering and left and thought of Jesus teaching in Matthew 5:23-24:

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).

While I can assure you, I didn’t leave because I needed to be reconciled with my brother or sister (or anyone else), I did leave when I realized I had forgotten my offering! It was only after returning from a quick jog to the parsonage that I smiled as I realized how much giving to God had become such a natural part of my life. It surely wasn’t always that way! Oh, the arguments Janie and I had over tithing! But not yesterday! Why? Well, after 27 years of faithfully tithing I can now testify Malachi was right when he wrote:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Malachi 3:10).

Are you tithing? Why/why not? Look, I’ve got no idea whether you tithe or don’t (and I’m not suggesting you run home if you forget like I did), but I know God blesses those who give even when they don’t feel like it! How do I know? Because God blessed me! He’ll bless you, too!

Sunday, we continued our series on Discipleship Essentials by talking about another essential belief: Grace! In Luke chapter 15, Jesus gives three parables on searching: the lost lamb, the lost coin, and the lost son. While the people may have understood the need for a shepherd to search for a lost lamb and a bride to search for her lost bridal coin, they would be baffled by the Father’s response to a child that had been so ugly, rude, and disrespectful.

How might the world respond to a son like this ‘kid of yours?’ Yup, you made your bed, now go lie in it! Eat pig food and die! But, how did the Father in the parable respond to the prodigal? In a word, grace! Make that Amazing Grace! What kind of Father would look for the lost son, run to him when he saw him in the distance, wrap his arms around him, and kiss him? What kind of Father would put his best robe on him, put a ring on his finger, sandals on his feet, and kill the fattened calf? You’re way ahead of me, aren’t you? That’s right, only a Heavenly Father filled with love, compassion, and grace! It is this Heavenly Father Jesus spoke of in John 3:16-17:

“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. ¹⁷For 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 what? Now what? For those living in a pig pen, it’s time to come home! For those already in the family of God, it’s time to get to work! Jesus came to show us a new way to live! It’s time to share the love and grace of God with others who need it. Who’s with me? Blessings! Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

BUY NOW FOR SCHOOL PAL PAKS!

These items are needed (NEW) & exact sizes:

2 composition notebooks (i.e. Mead), no larger than 9-3/4” x 7-1/2”. (Spiral bound NOT accepted.
1 package of #2 pencils (quantity of 10-12 pencils)
1 package of black pens (quantity of 10-12 pens)
2 pink erasers, 2-3” long
2 rulers (6” or 12”, with metric measurements)
1 package of colored pencils (quantity of 12-15)
1 pair of blunt-nosed scissors
1 hand-held pencil sharpener

If you would like to donate cash or write a check for Pal-Paks, please make checks payable to the church and designate what the check is or.  You can also make a cash donation by placing the money in an envelope and mark it “School Pak-Paks”.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND @ INDIAN LAKE CAMP

See the poster for the speakers and other events.  From Sept. 1-4, there are many things to do at the campground!  This includes a chili cook off on Saturday, Sept. 2 @ 5 PM.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH TO BEGIN SEPT. 10^TH

There will be a new program where the children will have the whole church time for their program.  They will meet in the basement for a social time before their service with cookies and a drink.  This will be followed by singing praises and a lesson.

SIX (6) CHILDRENS MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE HERE!

Anyone with children, have them read these enjoyable books. For any child who reads all 6, a special event will be planned for them (a movie, Chuck E Cheese, or Craig’s Cruisers). See Cherry. [For adult missionary books, please see Sherry J.]

SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES

Let Pastor Dan know if you’re interested or have questions. This would be a great event to invite a friend!

What: Weekly Bike Rides

Time: 2:00pm until aprox. 4:00pm

Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the White Pine Trail. Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306

Cost: Free! (unless you plan to buy ice cream!)

INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?

A series of membership classes will be starting soon. 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 .

A NEW BIBLE STUDY IS COMING!

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. 12^th.

SEPTEMBER IS ALABASTER MONTH!

See Sherry if you do not have an Alabaster box to put money or find one at the Sound Booth. Alabaster offering sends 100% of the money to the Mission Field to build buildings, and to purchase property for our missionaries.

RENUCCI HOUSE BREAKFAST – OCTOBER 21

If you are interested in joining in with this fun event, let Cherry or Deb know. We will be feeding 45-50 people who are staying here. These people have loved ones in the hospital. We will give them a good first meal of the day and pray for those who wish us to do so.

SOUND BOOTH PERSON STILL 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.

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

August School Pal-Paks items being collected

August 30 Wednesday Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM

September Alabaster Month

Sept. 1-4 Labor Day Weekend @ Indian Lake Camp

September 3 Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride @ 2 PM

September 21 3^rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM

September 23 Women’s Rendezvous at the church – 10:30 AM

September 10 Children’s Church Begins Again!

September 12 Bible Study “Remembering the Forgotten God” Begins 10 AM

October 21 Renucci House Breakfast served @ 9 AM

Monday, August 21, 2017

Northeast Community News – August 21, 2017

Dear Friends and Family!
    What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday. It was one of those Sunday’s when everybody just lingered and milled about chatting… It almost felt like a family reunion that no nobody wanted to leave…It was beautiful to see knots of people milling about and sharing. We really are a family who is learning how to love God and others together. But, unlike a pregnancy that needs 9 months, we’re welcoming new life monthly! If you’re looking for a church home or a family to join our arms are open wide! We’d love to have you join us! Our next planned family reunion is Sunday! Come, experience love, acceptance and grace! Welcome to the family!
We continued our series on Discipleship Essentials this week by talking about another essential belief: The Fall of Humanity! In Genesis 3:1-19 we find a perplexing conversation between Satan and Adam and Eve with tragic consequences. Through the sin of Adam and Eve, sin entered the world and sadly, we are inheritors of that sin. We are born with a sinful nature and it is a plague that can only be rooted out by sanctification… But, we are getting ahead ourselves!
    In our text, we find Eve’s falling for the crafty and cunning Devil didn’t come at her directly; her (and subsequently Adam’s) fall into sin came through an insidious three-step process which begins with doubt. Satan whispers, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” (Genesis 3:1b) ‘Did God really say?’ No, God didn’t say ‘all fruit was forbidden’ but instead going to God directly, she wonders what He really said…and that introduces doubt.
    The Devil goes further to distort God’s truth in v. 4 when he says, “you will not surely die” in (Genesis 3:4b) But Adam had been given a clear directive and he had told Eve: “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (Gen. 2:16b-17). Eve’s mind was reeling. She wasn’t equipped to argue with such a crafty being…. And yet, she still didn’t turn to God!
    Finally, in v. 6 with Eve doubting and God’s command distorted, Satan asks her to look closely at the forbidden. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it…”  (Genesis 3:6a). As she stared at the forbidden fruit it now captured her attention….and she ate and then Adam ate and then as sin always does they felt naked and exposed and ran for cover in their shame.
    It is the same for us, Dear Ones! Satan whispers doubt; he distorts God’s truth, and he focuses our attention on the forbidden… And once the forbidden is indulged in, we feel naked, ashamed and make an effort to cover up our sin and guilt. We’ve all been there! Like Eve, we could have turned to God instead of indulging in a moment of sinful pleasure…but we didn’t.
    But, here’s the good news! Even when overwhelmed with the sin and shame we deserve, God doesn’t leave us that way! “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (I Jn 4:4). Who is greater than Satan? Jesus Christ! As the hymnist writes, ‘What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!’ Come out of hiding and be set free! Amen? Amen!             Blessings! Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

MISSIONS NIGHT @ CHURCH AUGUST 27TH
Meet at the church at 5 PM for food, fun, and fellowship. There is also a short mission’s lesson presented by Sherry J. Come for this interesting and educational time!!!

BUY NOW FOR SCHOOL PAL PAKS!
These items are needed (NEW) & exact sizes:
-    2 composition notebooks (i.e. Mead), no larger than 9-3/4” x 7-1/2”.  (Spiral bound NOT accepted.
-    1 package of #2 pencils (quantity of 10-12 pencils)
-    1 package of black pens (quantity of 10-12 pens)
-    2 pink erasers, 2-3” long
-    2 rulers (6” or 12”, with metric measurements)
-    1 package of colored pencils (quantity of 12-15)
-    1 pair of blunt-nosed scissors
-    1 hand-held pencil sharpener
If you would like to donate cash or write a check for Pal-Paks, please make checks payable to the church and designate what the check is or.  You can also make a cash donation by placing the money in an envelope and mark it “School Pak-Paks”.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND @ INDIAN LAKE CAMP
See the poster for the speakers and other events. From Sept. 1-4, there are many things to do at the campground! This includes a chili cook off on Saturday, Sept. 2 @ 5 PM.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH TO BEGIN SEPT. 10TH
There will be a new program where the children will have the whole church time for their program. They will meet in the basement for a social time before their service with cookies and a drink. This will be followed by singing praises and a lesson.

SIX (6) CHILDRENS MISSIONARY BOOKS ARE HERE!
Anyone with children, have them read these enjoyable books. For any child who reads all 6, a special event will be planned for them (a movie, Chuck E Cheese, or Craig’s Cruisers). See Cherry. [For adult missionary books, please see Sherry J.]

SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES
Let Pastor Dan know if you’re interested or have questions. This would be a great event to invite a friend!
What: Weekly Bike Rides
Time: 2:00pm until aprox. 4:00pm
Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the White Pine Trail. Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306
Cost: Free! (unless you plan to buy ice cream!)

INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
A series of membership classes will be starting soon. 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.

A NEW BIBLE STUDY IS COMING!
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. 12th.

SEPTEMBER IS ALABASTER MONTH!
See Sherry if you do not have an Alabaster box to put money or find one at the Sound Booth. Alabaster offering sends 100% of the money to the Mission Field to build buildings, and to purchase property for our missionaries.

RENUCCI HOUSE BREAKFAST – OCTOBER 21
If you are interested in joining in with this fun event, let Cherry or Deb know. We will be feeding 45-50 people who are staying here. These people have loved ones in the hospital. We will give them a good first meal of the day and pray for those who wish us to do so.

SOUND BOOTH PERSON STILL 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.

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
August            School Pal-Paks items being collected
August 23        Wednesday Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
August 27        Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride @ 2 PM
September        Alabaster Month
Sept. 1-4            Labor Day Weekend @ Indian Lake Camp
September 21    3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
September 23    Women’s Rendezvous at the church – 10:30 AM
September 10    Children’s Church Begins Again!
September 12    Bible Study “Remembering the Forgotten God” Begins 10 AM
October 21        Renucci House Breakfast served @ 9 AM

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Northeast Community News – August 14, 2017

Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day we in the Lord, Sunday! It was a potluck week so we finished our time together over plates (and for some of us more plates) of food and wonderful desserts! Our cooks are the best! But, physical food isn’t the only nourishment we receive each week! In fact, it felt like a veritable feast as the Holy Spirit swept over us Sunday. While Neutrogena may very well be the answer for dry, cracked skin, nothing quenches a dry, thirsty soul like Jesus!
We continued our series on Discipleship Essentials this week by talking about another essential belief: Made in God’s Image: our value as sacred human creations! In Genesis 1:26-27 we read the ‘meeting minutes’ as the Triune God considers human creation:
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth,and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27).
While the media is filled with depictions of violence and brutality against sacred human image bearers, the Internet filled with images of drugged, beaten, and objectified women, babies are aborted, children are trafficked, we discover in Genesis 1:26-27 that our value isn’t based on how we look, what we own, or what we do; our value and dignity is grounded in our Creator!
God finds every human being valuable and lovely because He created them and loves them! Even after the fall (which we will discuss next Sunday), God never gave us on us! Even after all of the shameful and sinful stuff you’ve done, God still loves you! How do I know?
“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)
Dear ones! Regardless of what you are going through… the pain, the loss, the struggle, the cyberbullies, you need to know: God created you ON purpose FOR a purpose! You weren’t a mistake and you aren’t a result of evolution! He hasn’t forgotten you! Your value doesn’t come from your stuff or what you do or what others think of you! It’s time for some of us to see the person in mirror as He does! You are beautiful! Finally, we must protect life. Why? because all human life is sacred! Made in God’s image! It’s an essential belief! Blessings! Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH @ HIBACHI GRILL – August 17th
Join in the food, fun, and fellowship at this buffet restaurant located off Alpine Ave. There are many delicious items for your taste buds to try! Contact Tracy T. if you have any questions.

WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS TIME AGAIN – August 19TH
Meet us at the church for a time of food, fun, and fellowship. Call Deb if you have any questions at 616-560-9062.

A NEW BIBLE STUDY IS COMING!
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. 5th.

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.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS
August        School Pal-Paks items being collected
August 16        Wednesday Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
August 17        3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
August 19        Women’s Rendezvous at the church – 10:30 AM
August 20        Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride @ 2 PM
September        Alabaster Month
September 10    Children’s Church Begins Again!
October 21        Renucci House Breakfast served @ 9 AM

Monday, August 7, 2017

Northeast Community News – August 7, 2017

Dear Friends and Family!
What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! One of the highlights for me this week had to be when we were blessed with Pastor Ed Douglas’ special on receiving a ‘fresh touch’ from God.  As he sang accompanied only with his guitar about the needed daily fresh touch of God to get us through the dark and stormy days of life, the Holy Spirit said to me, “Dan, we have a lot of people who need a fresh touch from God right here today!”  So, even though it wasn’t on the order of worship, we let God lead us and we opened the altar and 8 people came forward to be anointed with Holy Oil and receive a special prayer by Pastor Ed! Wow! I pray this every week, but guess what? God really did show up Sunday! Praise God!
We continued our series on Discipleship Essentials this week by talking about an essential belief: The Trinity! At salvation, you have a choice: return to the road (that leads to sin and death) you once travelled, or the road that calls you to change everything, take up your cross and follow Jesus! Stop the madness! Embrace the discipleship essential beliefs and practices.
In Matthew 28:16-20 most of us know Jesus gives the “Great Commission.” But, in it, He offers the most powerful evidence for the reality and power of the Triune God. Jesus declares:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20).
Jesus doesn’t ask us to baptize new believers in name of the Father or the Son or the Holy Spirit alone; but into the full Triune nature of God! In other words, the Father, Son and Spirit are co-equals both in name and authority!   But Jesus doesn’t just want us to be baptized into the Trinity. Jesus repeatedly reminds disciples God is revealing Himself to them through the Trinity, too! In Gen. 1:26 we discover the Trinity was at work creating us. IN John we discover Jesus came to reveal the fullness of God in human flesh (see John 10:30, 14:11) and the Holy Spirit came to be with us and LIVE IN US (John 14:17).
Finally, we discover that belief in the Trinitarian Nature of God also makes us Christian! While atheists claim no God, polytheists believe in multiple gods, and pantheists believe in a nature based god is in everything, only Christian’s believe in the Trinity. While some might argue Jews have the same God (and they in many ways do) they lack belief in the Savior and Holy Spirit.   The Trinity gives us a standard by which we can separate Christianity from cultism. Nearly every heresy in Church history began by misunderstanding or twisting the nature of God. The Trinity! It’s a discipleship essential! Believe in the fullness of God and be set free!
   Blessings! Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS

10-12 #2 pencils                   $0.98 (12)         $1.99 (24)          $1.99 (24)           $1 (12)                  $1 (10)
Black pens 10-12                 $1.62 (12)          $1.39 (10)          $0.97 (10)           $1.50 (12)             $1 (10
2 pink erasers                      $1.46 (3)            $0.59 (3)            $0.50 (2)             $2 (3)                    $1 (2)
2 rulers- 6 or 12”                  $0.44                  $0.25                 $0.49                  $0.50                     $1 (2)
12-15 Colored Pencils         $0.97                  $1                      $0.97                  $2.29                     $1
Blunt Nose Scissors             $1.79                 $1.49                 $1.99                  $1.75 (2)                $1
Hand Held Pencil Sharpener    88 cents        $0.99                 $0.99                  $0.99                     $1
Total by Store                    Just under $9       Just under $8    $9                        $11                        $9
Multiple Stores-cheaper     $7

[Prices as found by Janie - THANKS!!!]

POTLUCK DINNER THIS SUNDAY (AUGUST 13)
Everyone is welcome to eat Sunday lunch together after the service. It is fun to enjoy our church family’s fellowship a little while longer!

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. 5th.

WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS TIME AGAIN – August 19TH
Meet us at the church for a time of food, fun, and fellowship. Call Cherry if you have any questions at 616-916-7595.

UPCOMING EVENTS
August        School Pal-Paks items being collected
August 9        Wednesday Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
August 13        Church Potluck after the AM Service
August 13        Bike Ride @ 2 PM
August 17        3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
August 19        Women’s Rendezvous at the church – 10:30 AM
September        Alabaster Month
October 21        Renucci House Breakfast served @ 9 AM