Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! While we surely don’t worship a building, it was truly a blessing to see the result of so much hard work this week in God’s house! From the newly installed carpet and base to the beautifully refinished wood floor, the church looks great! Thanks to everyone who gave of their time, talent, and treasure! You’ve made a difference!
Janie and I also gave our homemade gift to the church this year! Janie labored (and Dan largely watched) as she made 60 individual 6” apple, blueberry, and cherry pies! If you still need yours, we did have a few pies leftover, so let me know! This Sunday, Mary W. and the Sunday School will hand out their Christmas candy to all in attendance! So, make sure to be there!
After a wonderful Sunday school hour, we gathered to worship. God’s message this week came from John 1:6-8, 19-28 and was titled, “He is Light.” While the Priests and Levites wondered if he might be the Christ, Elijah, or a prophet (verses 19-21), “John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord’ (v.23). John had a message and he shared with everyone who came near! What about you? Are you sharing God’s message this Christmas season? Why or why not?
But that begs the question, ‘What was John the Baptist’s message? The Apostle John answers this question in v. 7: “He (John the Baptist) came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.” It had been painfully dark for over 400 years. In God’s silence the Jews had been taken into captivity, lost their language and culture, and except for a faithful remnant had lost hope the Light of the Messiah might ever come! Ever felt like God had forgotten you? Ever experienced a time when God seemed silent in the midst of your darkness?
John declared, the Light of the World was coming and was indeed already in their midst. What they needed to do was prepare for His coming by confessing, repenting, and being baptized. Do you need to repent or confess something as you prepare for Christmas? There is no better time to draw near to Christ than Christmas! But, for those of you who have remained faithful even in the midst of pain and darkness look up! Through the Holy Spirit, the Light of the World is with you! In Christ, you will never spend Christmas alone again! Hallelujah!
Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
3RD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH @ HIBACHI GRILL THIS THURSDAY!!
It is time once again for our montly meeting at Hibachi Grill off Alpine. Meet there for a delicious lunch at 11:30 AM. Of course, there is much talking and having fun as well! Check with Tracy T. for any questions.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
At 6 PM on December 24th, there will be an evening service. Be a part of this reflection of the “reason for the season”. Stay and enjoy some cookies and warm drinks afterwards.
DECEMBER IS TIME TO COLLECT FOR CRISIS CARE KITS!
Be ready to again collect items for the much needed kits that are used in disasters.
CRISIS CARE KITS
Each Crisis Care Kit includes the following new items in a 2-gallon Zip-loc bag:
- 1 medium size bottle of shampoo (12-18 oz) [Please tape the flip-tops closed]
- 2 bars of soap (bath-size or larger)
- 1 medium toothpaste (4.0-6.4 oz)
- 3 toothbrushes (in original packaging)
- 1 box of Band-Aids (30 or more)
- 1 fingernail clipper
- 1 sturdy hair comb
- 2 hand towels
- 4 pocket-size packages of facial tissue
- 1 Beanie Baby-size stuffed toy
Each Crisis Care Kit (CCK) should contain only the items/QUANTITIES REQUESTED. Items in the CCK MUST MATCH INVENTORY.
Deviating from this list can cause an entire shipment to be rejected in customs. The cost of the items for typical CCK is about $20.
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.
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
December Crisis Care Kit Collection
December 20 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PMat church
December 21 3rd Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill – 11:30 AM
December 24 AM service & 6 PM service
January 26 Women’s Rendezvous @ 10:30 AM at church
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