Dear Friends and Family!
What a wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! It was the first Sunday of the month which means it was a week for family church! Family church is an opportunity for the kids to join us in worship and the week each month we receive Communion together. Like me, you were likely blessed, too, to hear their voices of praise. There is something really special about young voices shouting ‘Amen’ and ‘Praise God’ that challenges us, too. May we embrace Jesus’ teaching in our lives! “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in” (Mark 10:14-15, The Message). May God give each us childlike hearts and faith and the freedom to worship Him in Spirit and truth! Amen? Amen!
We continue our Discipleship Essentials by looking at another essential belief: Ministry Gifts! Last week, we discovered God had created us differently purposely to become one connected community under Christ. As the Body of Christ we were created differently for the benefit of the Body of Christ. This week, we discovered in I Corinthians 12:1-11 that when you’re saved, you also receive different Spiritual or Ministry Gifts to carry out the work of the Body of Christ.
Four quick points: first, spiritual gifts are supernatural gifts. This suggests they are gifts you were likely not been born with. This means you must be sensitive to the Spirit’s equipping and leading. You may be equipped with a Ministry gift that will surprise all of us, you included!
Second, Spiritual gifts always bring glory to Jesus! (see verse 12:3). Whenever you (or anyone else) claims to have a spiritual gift ask yourself this: Who’s really getting the glory? An authentic spiritual gift always points to Jesus and glorifies Him!
Third, in verses 4-6, we are reminded Spiritual gifts are diverse on purpose. As Christians, we ought not be surprised by the different ways others around us serve, work, and are gifted. When we take John 3:16 seriously, we’ll see difference is the only way we can reach the world for Christ
Finally, in verses 4-7, Paul reminds us our differences ought to unify us for the common good! We are all created, directed and empowered by the same God, Lord, and Spirit, right? So, our many differences ought to harmonize with others as we build the Kingdom for Christ, together! Like a choir, may each of us at Northeast Community use their Spiritual Gifts for the greater good! To God be the glory! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
THANKSGIVING OFFERING – TO BE TAKEN 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!
THIRD THURSDAY CHINSES LUNCH NOV. 16TH @HIBACHI GRILL!
Join us at Hibachi Grill off Alpine for a wonderful lunch where many different foods can be chosen from! Also enjoy getting to know others from the church! See you there at 11:30 AM!
WOMENS RENDEZVOUS NOV. 18TH @ CHURCH
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.
LONG EXPECTED JESUS - ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
During a time of year when the pace of life becomes even more frenzied than usual, the season of Advent presents us with a unique opportunity. Long-Expected Jesus invites the people of God to spend four weeks slowing down, waiting patiently, and praying expectantly in anticipation of our coming Savior. The devotional begins with the first Sunday of Advent (December 3rd) and contains a short reflection for every day through Christmas, offering a meaningful experience for all ages. The meditations have been written by a variety of leaders, pastors, and storytellers.
Be blessed and encouraged this Advent season as we gather in community to await the return of our Long-Expected Jesus. If you would like your own copy, please add your name to the sign up sheet found on the bulletin board upstairs. Please sign up BEFORENOVEMBER 12th to give us enough time to order them!
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.]
FREE ONLINE SECURITY TRAINING!
Due to the generosity of Janie H. and her employer, we have free access to their online security training class for anyone interested. Here is some information from the training site:
More than ever, your users are the weak link in your network security. KnowBe4 is the world’s most popular integrated Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing platform with over 10,000 customers.
Our basic training modules specialize in making sure employees understand the mechanisms of spam, phishing, spear-phishing, malware and social engineering, and are able to apply this knowledge in their day-to-day job. You get high quality web-based interactive training combined with common traps, live demonstration videos, short comprehension tests and scenario-based Danger Zone exercises.
As someone who has helped many clean up viruses, I think this could be valuable. Here is the link: https://www.knowbe4.com/homecourse Use the password: homecourse
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.
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 is 65 blankets)
November 8 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PM
November 12 Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride @ 2 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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