Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! Sickness and summer travels kept some of you away this week, but God answered prayer when it came to our worship leader, Steve! Sadly, Steve was so congested before the service he wasn’t sure he could sing! (Sherry was out, too!) Make a joyful noise was all he promised! (Psalm 66:1, KJV). But, God answered prayer! Not only could Steve make a joyful noise, but he led us powerfully in worship! God is good! All the time!
So, are you trusting God for miracles in your every day life? Last week, God gave us 6 kids in our Wed. nightchildren’s program. I am praying for 60! Impossible you say? True, I have no idea how we can do this! In fact, I’m pretty sure WE can’t! But, we dare not limit a supernatural God, amen? HE can do the impossible! Please join me in praying for our children! They are the future of our church, amen? And as I like to say, “They are the future; and the future is now!” Praise the Lord!
God’s message this week came to us from Mark 4:35-41 and was titled, “In God we Trust.” As with most of Mark’s gospel, his recollection of the storm on the Sea of Galilee is remarkably short. In 7 verses, he describes the setting (Sea of Galilee), the problem (fear of drowning), the solution (rescue by rebuking the wind and waves), and the disciples' response (terror, awe, and wonder).
First, we discover the setting is pretty ordinary. Travel by boat was common place. And yet, from this we discover storms come, even to those following Jesus, at unexpected times. Truth is, many of us have said, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming.” If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone!
Second, we see the answer! When you’re in a storm turn to Jesus! The wind and waves did more than swamp their boat; it swamped their faith! They woke Jesus and asked, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (v. 4:38b). Have you ever wondered if Jesus was asleep in your crisis? Hear this beloved! God declares, “Neither will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5b). You are never alone in the storm dear ones! Jesus doesn’t answer, He demonstrates His love for them by providing undisputable evidence He is greater that whatever problem they may face!
After rescuing them from the grip of death, He asks two questions in v. 40: He [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? ‘Why were you so afraid of a storm?’ Jesus seems to ask. Jesus teaches them faith in Him is in opposition to fear of circumstances. How about you? Are you facing a storm? Jesus teaches us to keep our eyes on Him and not the waves!
Finally, the disciples react in awe having been in the presence of God in v. 41. They are feeling that spine tingling, mind blowing way that only being in the presence of God produces! What happened to their fears? They vanished when they became aware of God’s presence! The same can be true for us! When our boats begin to sink, and it seems as if Jesus is sleeping, we have a choice to make: fear or faith? Jesus isn’t asleep! Jesus does care about your storm! Turn to Him and let your storm be an opportunity to increase your faith and witness! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
MISSION NIGHT – June 27th
Join us at church, 6:30 pm, for a time of hearing about what type of missions are going on around the world.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS STARTING THIS WEEK!
Staring this Wednesday, June 27th, dinners will be served from 5:30 to 6:16 pm. Volunteers are needed to make main dishes, side dishes, or desserts. Please contact
Cherry with any questions.
Cherry with any questions.
FROM KEVIN HARDY FOR MICHIGAN DISTRICT CHURCHES
I am sure that most of you have heard about the "no tolerance policy" at the border which is causing the separation of children from parents. Despite your political affiliation, I would urge you to pray for the end of this policy. Please pray for the families who are frightened and separated. The Board of General Superintendents has issued a statement, which I would like you to read and support.
The Church of the Nazarene, as a global family, affirms our citizenship in God’s kingdom and cannot support the separation of children from their parents at the USA-Mexico border.
Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of heaven belongs to little children and that whatever we have done for the least of these, we have done for Jesus himself. Shaped by the love of Christ, the kingdom of God offers a better way that we can live in the here and now. We are a people of reconciliation and in a desire to do so, the Board of General Superintendents has signed the letter of concern from the Evangelical Immigration Table.
Join us in prayer as we work for the reunification of these families
Some take a ‘Nazarene Nap’ Sun. afternoon; others ride their bikes and enjoy the fresh air, exercise, and each other’s company! Just grab a quick lunch and nap and join us in Belmont for a relaxing Sunday afternoon bike ride! Nobody will get left behind! We will have a lot of fun! This is a great family event to invite a friend to, too! Need a bike or a tune up on your old bike? We can help! Just let Pastor Dan know if you’re interested! He’s got all the tools needed for minor repairs, too!
Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the paved White Pine Trail (9 miles). Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306
SUMMER CAMPS STARTED!
Indian Lake Nazarene Camps have started; Middle School Camp (currently in grades 6-8) is June 25-29, #290; Discovery Camp (currently in grades K-2) is July 1-3, $140; Adventure Camp (currently in grades 2-4) is July 9-13, $290; and Voyager Camp (currently in grades 4-6) is July 23-27, $290. Cost includes a T-shirt. The theme is UNMASKED – the way God intended for you to be: authentic. Come & experience God’s love in a powerful way! Registration: www.nazcamp.org.
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
June 27 Dinner 5:30-6:15 PM & Missions Night @ 6:30 PM
June 25-29 Middle School Camp (grades 6-8) at Indian Lake Nazarene Camp
July 1 Sunday afternoon bike rides begin @ 2:30 PM – Rogue River Park
July 1-3 Discovery Camp (grades K-2) at Indian Lake
July 4 NO Wednesday Night meeting - HOLIDAY
July 9-13 Adventure Camp (grades 2-4) at Indian Lake
July 14 Women’s Rendezvous @ 10:30 AM at church
July 19 Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill at 11 AM
July 23-27 Voyager Camp (grades 4-6) at Indian Lake
