Dear Friends and Family!
What a wonderful day in the Lord we had Sunday! We are so blessed with faithful servants! From those who lead us in worship to those who clean and repair the church, if it weren’t for these faithful servants of God, the church would literally cease to function! Thank you to every one of you who serves God in HIS church here at Northeast Community! Not serving yet? Not sure where you fit in? I’ve got good news! We have plenty of places we knowwhere you can serve and would be more than glad to help you get started. But, we also realize the Spirit may be calling you to serve in some way we do not know! If that is the case, let us know how God is calling you and we would be glad to pray for you as you respond in obedience! God is good!
We continued our Discipleship Essentials this week by realizing discipleship isn’t just for our benefit; we’re called to go make disciples! In I Thess. 2:1-12 Paul provides 3 lessons on how to ‘Spread the Wealth’ and be a disciple-maker. First, we must live a life worthy of imitation. Paul was a courageous follower and witness of Christ (v. 2:2) and his motives were pure (v. 2:4).
How about you? Are you worthy of imitation? Would following you lead someone to Jesus?
Second, Paul gets intimately involved in their lives. How did Paul treat those he was discipling? Like a college professor who spends a few hours a week teaching? Like a sub-contractor who is doing a job to make money? No, in vv. 2:6b-8 we learn Paul was ‘gentle…like a mom nursing her newborn babies. He got involved because he loved them like Jesus loves us!
How about you? Do you get intimately involved in the lives of those who need Jesus? Do you love them are nurture them like Jesus loved and nurtured you? Why or why not?
Finally, Paul teaches us to focus on individuals. Like Jesus did with the 12, Paul demonstrated faith is passed on not to an unnamed pool of lost people, but to individuals with names. How about you? Do you know the names of those who need Jesus? If you want to spread the wealth and be a better disciple-maker, it’s time you lived a life worthy of imitation, got intimately involved with others, and added some pagans to your address book! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
THANKSGIVING OFFERING
The proceeds from the Thanksgiving offering go to the World Evangelism Fund. Our goal is to get $400. We have received $565 to date!! If you forgot to give yet, you can still give to this important fund for the next couple weeks.
HELP DECORATE THE CHURCH (AND EAT, TOO) WED., NOV. 29 AT 6:30PM
Several years ago, Janie had the great idea of coming together on a Wed. night to decorate the church for Christmas and have a small meal afterwards. In years past, we’ve done it on the week of Thanksgiving, but since Thanksgiving is so early this year, we’ll do it a week later on Wed., Nov. 29th. Janie and Pastor Dan will provide the main dish; you can bring anything else that sounds good! Okay? If you have any questions, let Pastor Dan know!
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. So far, we have collected 100 coats and blankets!!!
ANNUAL COOKIE EXCHANGE COMING SOON!
On Saturday, December 16th, bring your 1-2 dozen favorite Christmas cookies to exchange with others. We will meet at the church at 10:30 AM for this fun event! So, get out those recipes and prepare to bake!
PEOPLE WANTED TO PRAY FOR STRANGERS!
There is a “prayer mail box” out by the bus stop. Many hurting and broken people are 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 for collecting General Mills box tops! 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 (Received 100 coats/blankets so far!)
November 22 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
November 23 Thanksgiving Day
November 26 Missions Night @ 5 PM
November 29 Decorate the Church @ 6:30 PM& a meal afterwards
December 16 Annual Cookie Exchange @ church @ 10:30 AM
December 21 3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
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