Dear Friends and Family!
What another wonderful day we had in the Lord, Sunday! This week we celebrated another birthday and the church board gave me ‘high fives’ as part of Pastor appreciation month. While last week we had celebrated Rev. Christopher’s 96th birthday, Steve H. birthday on Sunday was celebrating a few less birthday’s…. actually almost 5 decades fewer! I asked Steve if he had any wisdom he could share having now lived to 47 years old. Without missing a beat, Steve said he had learned the importance of trusting God in more than the big things; trust God in everything! Wise advice, Steve! What about you? Are you trusting God in everything? I hope so! Amen!
God’s message this week came to us from Psalm 124 and was titled, “A Song of Gratitude.” As we continue our individual journeys as Christian’s growing in grace, it becomes clear not everyone is on our side. The good news is God has always been on His children’s side and we should rejoice!
In Psalm 124, David speaks of the dangers of trusting and following God. In v. 3 we discover the enemies of Israel sought to swallow them alive. In v. 4-5, David describes the enemies as a huge tidal wave desiring to wipe any evidence of Israel off the map. In vv. 6-7, Israel’s enemies desire to not only trap the people of God, but to tear them to shreds by their sharp teeth. Their enemies were real and David spoke of their ruthlessness graphically. Had God not continually intervened (vv. 1-2), the people of God would have been nothing more than a distant and fading memory.
But God had been on their side! Question – were the enemies of God’s people limited to Israel? Do Christians today still have enemies? Are there still people who wish to destroy Christianity and wipe the very memory of Jesus and His followers off the face of the earth? The Apostle Peter said, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
The answer is YES the people of God still have enemies and I do believe there are some who would like Christianity to be removed from our history books and scoured from our language. But, like Israel, we still have a God through Christ who still breaks the traps that bind His people. If you’re feeling like the enemy is trying to devour you or like you’re drowning, maybe it’s time to stop running from Jesus and run to Jesus! He still sets the captives free! When you’re a child of God, it no longer matters who’s against you! God is for you! Hallelujah! Blessings Pastor Dan!
NEWS AND EVENTS
MISSION NIGHT AT CHURCH
On Wednesday, October 24, there will be an adult lesson titled, “The Call is for All”. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner before at 5:30 PM and then hear about the mission field at 6:30 PM.
NO WEDESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS OCT. 31
Halloween falls on Wed. night this year and we have decided to let our families celebrate as they see fit. Yes, some think of Halloween as an attack on Christianity and want to take a stand. Others see Halloween as a harmless event that allows kids to collect a bucket of treats. We aren’t able to hold an alternative party or ‘trunk or treat’ and our Wed. night leaders have grandkids who need them to bring God’s love into an event that too often glorifies evil and darkness. So, regardless of your feelings on this matter, please pray our kids will see Jesus in us! See you on Nov. 7th!
BABY SHOWER!
Come to church on November 3, Saturday, at 1 PM for Jennifer, Jesse, & Christian. A gift suggestion list is available on Jennifer’s Facebook.
THANKSGIVING W.E.F. OFFERING COMING SOON – NOV. 4TH
Begin thinking about what you would like to donate to World Evangelism Fund for the Thanksgiving Offering. This money is used for many things around the world.
NEXT WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS
Join at the church at 10:30 AM, on November 10, for fellowship, fun, and a little food. A craft will be provided (button frames).
BLANKET & COAT DRIVE IS ON!
As the weather again turns cold, we will be collecting blankets and coats to be donated to the homeless at Mel Trotter Ministries. This collection will be from mid-October through mid-November. Our goal is 100 blankets.
THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH
Our next monthly meeting at the Hibachi Grill off Alpine is Thursday, November 15, at 11:30 AM. Any questions, please feel free to see Tracy T.
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:15 pm(before Bible study). Volunteers are needed to make main dishes, side dishes, or desserts. Please contact Cherry with any questions.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES ANYONE?
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
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
October 24 Mission Night @ 6:30 PM
October 28 Sunday afternoon bike rides @ 2:30 PM – Rogue River Park
November 3 Baby Shower @ church 1PM
November 4 Daylight Savings Time ends
November 4 Thanksgiving W.E.F. Offering
November 10 Women’s Rendezvous @ church 10:30 AM
November 12 Church Board Meeting
November 15 Third Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill 11 AM
November 30 Board Appreciation Dinner
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