Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! Earlier I had reported that winter was near. This Sunday it is confirmed as our 95-year-old Rev. Christopher announced he was headed back to the Sparta church for the winter where they have a covered entry so he won’t have to push his walker through the snow! Some churches have snow birds that fly south for the winter… we have a snow bird that travels to Sparta for the winter! We look forward to your return when the weather starts to thaw! We’ll miss you Rev. Chris! We’re already looking forward to Spring!
We continued our Discipleship Essentials this week by looking at another: Spiritual Warfare! While we rightfully celebrated Veteran’s Day last Saturday for their service to our country, as Christians we are all veterans of war…spiritual war. Examining Ephesians 6:10-20 we discover if we want to live a victorious Christian life, we are required to enlist in spiritual warfare!
In verses 6:11-12, we discover our enemy isn’t flesh and blood, but the Devil and his schemes. His schemes including temptation, doubt, accusation, deception, and attacks are designed to divide and separate us from God, our Savior Jesus Christ, and eternal life. What are we to do?
Using a soldier’s uniform as a metaphor, we discover God has provided us the armor we need to win this battle…but, we need to accept: a) we are at war, b) we need armament, c) choose to embrace the armor God has provided and d) to daily put it on!
The armament Paul proposes include the Word of God (verses 14-18), the Love of Christ (v. 14), being prepared to fight (v. 15), faith (v. 16), salvation (v. 17), and prayer (v. 18). Paul concludes spiritual warfare not only requires the right defense, but the right offence, too!
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Ephesians 6:20).
We are at war Dear Ones! And the result of the consequences of this spiritual war will have consequences that will reverberate throughout eternity. How about you? Are you putting on your armor every day? Why or why not? Are you prepared to be attacked? Are you ready to go on the offensive! Our culture, our family, and ourselves depend upon it!
Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH NOV. 16TH@HIBACHI GRILL!
Join us at Hibachi Grill off Alpine for a wonderful lunch where many different foods can be chosen from! Enjoy getting to know others from the church! See you there at 11:30 AM!
Come to the church and join in as we address Christmas cards and envelopes for people that have visited our church this past year. Bring along your old Christmas cards and any that you will not be using! Any questions, see Cherry.
THANKSGIVING OFFERING – TAKEN THIS SUNDAY NOV. 19TH
The proceeds from the Thanksgiving offering go to the World Evangelism Fund. Our goal is to get $400. Please pray about what God would have YOU give!
ANNUAL CHURCH BLANKET/COAT DRIVE !!
During the month of November, the church will again be collecting blankets and coats to be donated to Mel Trotter Ministries. This is a wonderful opportunity to help an organization that helps others. GOAL = As many as possible!
PEOPLE WANTED TO PRAY FOR STRANGERS!
Our church has placed a “prayer mail box” out by the bus stop. The Holy Spirit has indicated that there are many hurting and broken people walking right past us without a church to pray for them! If you are interested, let Pastor Dan know by calling/texting (616) 204-1153 or email him at hathdan@me.com.
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.]
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.
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 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 the Native American Christian Academy. Questions 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
Now – Nov. Annual Coat & Blanket Drive (Goal= 65 blankets)
November 15 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
November 16 3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
November 18 Women’s Rendezvous @ church – Making Christmas cards for past
visitors
November 19 Thanksgiving offering (Goal = $400)
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