Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! While we may have had 20 people brave the elements to attend Sunday school and worship, it was still wonderful! Why? Because we serve and worship an awesome God who is worthy of worship. If you chose to stay home to stay safe, you made the right choice! But, those who came made the right choice, too! It was amazing how God provided just the right people to lead our discipleship and worship!
For example, with the Holy Spirit guiding her, Mary W. ‘winged-it’ teaching Sunday school! She did a great job! With the Holy Spirit guiding them, Steve and Sherry led us in strong singing! The Holy Spirit even provided Obadiah and Hyacinth to serve at the Lord’s Table! Even the Alabaster Offering had a strong response. We may have been little in number, but we were big as the Spirit led us! As Sherry would say, ‘Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!’ Amen and amen!
God’s message this week came to us from Isaiah 40:1-31 and titled, “Wait on the Lord.” In the children’s song "He’s Got the Whole World..." we find comfort that God is in control. It is about a God who protects us from all kinds of difficulties and hardships. And yet, how do we explain the difficulties we face? Isaiah begins chapter 40 declaring they’ve suffered enough as a result of their sin (v. 2). For weary exiles, restoration felt like wishful thinking! Have you ever felt abandoned?
Have you ever wondered if God was powerful enough to restore you? God responds, starting in v. 12, by asking rhetorical questions: “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?” (v. 12).
Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor? (v. 13) “Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?” (v. 14) Answer? God! Only God is all knowing and all powerful and has the ability to restore and bring order out of chaos.
So, if God is so loving and powerful, why are there so many examples of pain and suffering. In Joseph’s case, suffering was allowed to shape his character and save a nation. In Jesus’ case, suffering came about as the result of others exercising their to persecute and oppose Him! But, again, God used His suffering to save more than a nation; He used it to save the world!
But, in too many cases, sin is at the core of suffering. Sin is the rebellion of someone wanting to do things their way! Remember! God created us; we are His possession. So let me ask, “Are you in God’s hands?” It’s not too late to confess, repent, and return to Him! Jesus has come, and He can restore anyone! Maybe it’s time to put yourself back in His hands. He’s got the whole world in His hands. He’s got itty bitty babies in His hands. But, does He got you?
Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
POTLUCK THIS SUNDAY – FEB. 11TH
After the morning’s message, there will be delicious foods and fun talking with other church attendees. We hope to see you there!!
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 MarkerCRISIS CARE KITSEach 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
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
February 07 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
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