Monday, January 29, 2018

Northeast Community News – January 29, 2018

Dear Friends and Family! 
    What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! I was thinking how constant God’s love was as I was shoveling the walks today. While the weather (like some people I’ve known) can be warm, hot, and cold in any given week, God’s love remains constant. If you want an idea how constant His love is for you read Psalm 136 where in 26 verses, the Psalmist replies 26 times, “His love endures forever.” The Hebrew word for the love here is hesed and means “goodness, kindness, lasting loyalty, desire, faithfulness, and grace.” Regardless of what you face today (or the weather) know God’s good, kind, gracious love is constant and endures forever! Praise God!
    God’s message this week came to us from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and titled, “Wisdom of the Cross.” In Corinthians, Paul encounters two interrelated issues threatening to divide the church in Corinth. First, what does wise living look like and who should teach it? Paul writes, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:17-18).
    Paul’s answer is wisdom comes from the crucified Christ. But, that was a problem. The cross was a major stumbling block to Jews and Gentiles (see vs. 22-24). For the Jews, anyone who died on the cross was under God’s curse (Deut. 21:22-23). For Greeks, the idea that redemptive power would be demonstrated through a public execution and resurrection didn’t make sense. 
    Paul acknowledges this but warns the refusal to recognize God’s wisdom, God’s plan to redeem the world, foolish as it may seem, will lead to their own destruction. In God’s plan, it's through the cross of Christ our sins are nailed, and we are saved. Have you accepted the foolishness of the Cross to set you free? What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Amen!
    This is the problem with the worldly wise, Paul argues. For true wisdom, even if it does come from an unlikely source and seems foolish by human standards, leads you the crucified Christ and salvation! “He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him” (v. 28-29). 
    Which begs the question: do we ever reject someone who seems to have so little going for them because it seems foolish? Truth is, God still calls folks without much to represent and point to what matters most: Christ! Why? To humble the proud and so that no one may boast.
    Paul concludes, “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (vs. 30-31). Who is responsible for your salvation, holiness, and redemption? Jesus! May we ever and only boast in the Lord!
                            Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS
2018 TITHE ENVELOPES ARE AVAILABLE!
Stewardship is for every Christian disciple! In response to the love we have received as adoption Children of God, we give cheerfully our time, talent, and treasure, regardless of membership! If you would like to have a box of tithe envelopes, see Anna Boeve our church treasurer! Bless all of who give so generously to help support the needs of this church! 
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE – RECEIVING THE ASHES – FEB. 14 – 6:30PM
Have you attended an Ash Wed. service and ‘received the ashes?’ before? The traditional 40-day season of Lent in the Church begins with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a 40 day period where Christians deepen their faith through increased prayer, Bible reading, meditation, and self-denial based on Jesus’ life. As you may remember, Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the desert before being tempted by Satan before beginning his public ministry. The six Sundays are not counted because they each represent a "mini-Easter," a celebration of Jesus' victory over sin and death. Another tradition is to receive the imposition of ashes in the form of a cross on your forehead. Receiving a small cross of ash on your forehead dates back to the Old Testament times when the faithful marked their humility and repentance with sackcloth and ash. Today the ashes still symbolize repentance, but also remind us of God’s amazing grace and mercy.



COLLECTING ITEMS FOR THE HOMELESS
We are collecting items to help the homeless during the cold weather and will distribute these love offerings in February.   GOAL = 50 BAGS     These items are needed:
  • Socks
  • Combs
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Band-Aids
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Kleenex
  • Crackers (or other non-perishable food items)
  • Bottle of Water
  • Mints
  • Dental Floss
  • Feminine Hygiene products
  • Words of Encouragement
  • Black permanent Marker

    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.
TEAM DAY COMING!
On Saturday, March 17th, 2018, Lay Leadership & Clergy can meet at Perry High & Middle School for volunteer workshops.  (Early registration is February 15th for $30; Final registration is by March 1st and costs $40)
2018 SPRING TOUR IGNITE SERVICES
April 15th service will be at The Lakes Community (Muskegon) at 6 PM
April 22nd service will be at Perry at 6 PM.
A MOMENT IN TIME AT THE GRAND HOTEL ON MACKINAC ISLAND
This year’s event will be held Sunday, May 27th – Tuesday, May 29th.  The price is $352 per adult & $192 per child ages 10-17.  Children birth to age 9 are free.  
TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT SUMMER CAMPS!
Indian Lake Nazarene Camps will start June 18-22 for High School Camp (completed grades 9-12); Middle School Camp (completed grades 6-8) is June 25-29; Discovery Camp (completed grades K-2) is July 1-3; Adventure Camp (completed grades 2-4) is July 9-13; and Voyager Camp (completed grades 4-6) is July 23-27.  Cost will be announced later & includes a T-shirt.  
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
Until Mid-March      Crisis Care Kit Collection
Until Feb. 14             Homeless Items Bag collection
January 31                 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PMat church
February 11              Potluck after AM service
February 14              Ash Wednesday Service @ 6:30 PM
February 15              3rd Thursday Lunch @  Hibachi Grill off Alpine
February 24              Women’s Rendezvous @ 10:30 AM at church

March 17                   Team Day 8am-4pm at Perry High & Middle School
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Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Northeast Community News – January 22, 2018

   Dear Friends and Family! 
    We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! Gerry D. led us in another wonderful hour of deep, rich, and meaningful discipleship. This is certainly not your parents Sunday school. The material and her helpful ‘tangents’ always lead us in deep meaningful conversation. Currently, we’re studying the book of Isaiah and I can honestly say there isn’t a week when I haven’t left our class with something to lead me deeper in my faith. How about you? Who is discipling you? How are you being led to ‘grow in grace’ on a weekly basis? Maybe, you should join us Sunday morning at 9:45am. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! God is good! (All the time).
    God’s message this week came to us from Jonah 3:1-10 and titled, “Reluctant Obedience.” Last week, we discovered God’s persistence in a young boy’s call to ministry. God continued to call Samuel until he recognized God’s voice. Though only a boy, Samuel responded obediently!
    This week we find Jonah also receiving a call from God. But, instead of immediate obedience, Jonah runs from God by boarding a ship headed for Tarshish (v. 1:3). Perhaps he ran because he knew Nineveh was a godless, violent and wicked place and an enemy of Israel. Because he ran, our gracious God sends a storm and a 3-day prayer meeting to reconsider his response. 
    What about you? Are you running from God? Are their people God is calling you to speak that you don’t think ‘deserve grace?’ How is God using your circumstances to get your attention? 
After being ‘tossed’ on shore, God speaks again: “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you” (Jonah 3:1–2). Reluctantly, he obeys. And, the godless, violent and wicked people of Nineveh respond by repenting and turning to God! (3:8-9). “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened” (Jonah 3:10). Woohoo! Praise God! Right? Well, not according to Jonah!
    Jonah isn’t happy the Ninevites repent and God has compassion. (See chapter 4). Perhaps Jonah found it hard to accept his former enemies had become his brothers and sisters. Regardless, Jonah couldn’t imagine a world where Ninevites and Israelites could share life together.   
    How about you? Who are the people you’ve written off as too vile, godless, and brutal to be redeemed? Regardless of who you might declare ‘scum of the earth’, hear this: God loves them just as much as He loves you! In John 3:16-17 we discover Jesus came and died for ALL people! It’s time to set aside our divisions and love God and others this week!
                            Blessings, Pastor Dan

NEWS AND EVENTS
Meet at the church for a time of education about what is going on in other countries, what we can do here in our mission field, and enjoy some snacks.  See you there!
COLLECTING ITEMS FOR THE HOMELESS
We are collecting items to help the homeless during the cold weather and will distribute these love offerings in February.   GOAL = 50 BAGS     These items are needed:
  • Socks
  • Combs
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Band-Aids
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Kleenex
  • Crackers (or other non-perishable food items)
  • Bottle of Water
  • Mints
  • Dental Floss
  • Feminine Hygiene products
  • Words of Encouragement
  • Black permanent Marker 


    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.
TEAM DAY COMING!
On Saturday, March 17th, 2018, Lay Leadership & Clergy can meet at Perry High & Middle School for volunteer workshops.  (Early registration is February 15th for $30; Final registration is by March 1st and costs $40)
2018 SPRING TOUR IGNITE SERVICES
April 15th service will be at The Lakes Community (Muskegon) at 6 PM
April 22nd service will be at Perry at 6 PM
TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT SUMMER CAMPS!
Indian Lake Nazarene Camps will start June 18-22 for High School Camp (completed grades 9-12); Middle School Camp (completed grades 6-8) is June 25-29; Discovery Camp (completed grades K-2) is July 1-3; Adventure Camp (completed grades 2-4) is July 9-13; and Voyager Camp (completed grades 4-6) is July 23-27.  Cost will be announced later & includes a T-shirt.  
                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
Until Mid-March      Crisis Care Kit Collection
Until Feb. 14             Homeless Items Bag collection
January 24                 Wed. Night Meeting @ 6:30 PMat church
January 28                 Mission Sunday at church @ 5 PM
February 11              Potluck after AM service
February 15              3rd Thursday Lunch @  Hibachi Grill off Alpine
February 24              Women’s Rendezvous @ 10:30 AM at church

March 17                   Team Day 8am-4pm at Perry High & Middle School
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