Dear Friends and Family!
What wonderful moments we had together Christmas Eve! In the morning, we gathered for Sunday school and the morning worship service. Gerry D. has been leading us in a deep study of Isaiah in Sunday school and it has reminded me of my college days preparing me for ministry! Yes, it is that good! After the morning service Mary W. handed out Sunday School treats to take home! Yum! In the evening, we gathered for our Candlelight Christmas Eve Service. What a joy to see Dick and Emily, Pastor Amy, Theo and the kids and Pastor Ed and Annette in the service. Likewise, we were blessed as Pastor Amy, Theo, young Theo and Remington served communion just before we closed singing Silent Night by candle light. We concluded our day eating cookies, sharing memories, and catching up. While God’s overly generous white Christmas answer to prayer kept some of you away, it was a wonderful day to be in the House of the Lord! Amen!
God’s morning message came from Luke 1:26-38 and was titled, “She is Chosen.” While some may argue Mary was special before she was chosen, Scripture seems to argue against this idea. Yes, she was from a religious family, but neither her name, her family, nor her place of domicile were significant in any way. In His choice of Mary, we see God can do the extraordinary among the ordinary. What extraordinary things could God do with ordinary you? Second, Mary asks clarifying questions and was greatly troubled NOT because she needed more time to decide or the Angel to provide more evidence God can do the impossible (as Zechariah did - v. 18), but simply because her mind cannot comprehend how God will do it as she is virgin. Mary believes God can do the impossible… do you?
Finally, we come to the moment of decision. First, she gives Gabriel an idea where she stands in her relationship with the Lord; then she gives God’s messenger her answer: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38a). In Mary’s response, we learn first she IS the Lord’s Servant! Then, as the Lord’s servant she says yes to God’s plan! So, are you the Lord’s Servant? Are you yielded to Him? You’ll never be able to say yes to God’s plan for your life until you learn to yield and serve Him! Amen? Amen!
Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
NEW YEARS EVE PARTY AT LINDA KASTEN’S HOUSE! (6:00-9:00PM)
Are you interested in getting together on Christmas Eve with your Church Family for some fun, food, and fellowship? If so, bring your favorite table game and a snack food to share and come over on over to Linda K’s house between 6:00 – 9:00PM for a New Year’s Eve party. Her house is just off the corner east of Plainfield and right off Knapp at 1854 Meadowfield Dr NE (from the church, take a left on Knapp NE, and left on Meadowfield, which is BEFORE the golf course and Plainfield) and there is lots of parking on road, in her driveway, or around the back of the house. If you’d like to help or have any questions, please contact Linda at (616) 821-0817.
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 27 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PMat church
January 7 Begin homeless bag collection
January 18 3rd Thursday Lunch @ Hibachi Grill off Alpine
January 26 Women’s Rendezvous @ 10:30 AM at church
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