Dear Friends and Family!
We had another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! While I received some comments last week that the weather last week wasn’t really that frightful, today, as I write, I believe it really is! Not that our cross-country skiing and snowmobiling friends aren’t happy, but blowing and drifting snow for the rest of us is a good reason to stay inside and drink a warm beverage! Do be safe if you leave the house today and let me know if you need anything!
That said, we had a wonderful time in the Lord! Mary gave us wonderful insight on Luke 8:26-39 and our worship service was wonderful, too! This week Anna B. handed out our annual giving statements, too. What a joy to give to the Lord, Amen? Amen!
God’s message this Sunday came from 1 Cor 12:12-31 and was titled, ‘The Dynamic Church.” Using a metaphor that even a toddler would understand, Paul describes the church as a dynamic, unified, and organic body. If a body is dynamic, it moves; accomplishes; and makes a difference. The church should be no different! The Church when it is the Church, moves, demonstrating that Christ is alive in the world today. So how about you? If the church is dead, what does that say about you? Maybe it’s time to start moving again!
Second, Paul uses a body to demonstrate the unity of the Christian church (see I Cor. 12:12-13). Sadly, some have begun thinking more like the NFL than a congregation when they start looking for ‘free agents’ instead of appreciating the gifts they have been given. Preacher boring? Choir out of tune? Well, let’s try to draft to fill that hole… or maybe find another church! Instead, Paul sees the church as a connected whole brought together by God on purpose for purpose. It isn't easy to set aside our individual preferences, for the good of the community, but that’s what we are to do.
The third characteristic of the body of Christ is that it’s organic…it is designed and equipped to grow. The Church, when it is a healthy church, is one great living body reaching out to the world in Christlike love. But sometimes the body gets sick, turns inward and stops growing, and dies. Sadly, we’ve all watched churches that struggle, get sick, begin to shrivel up, and eventually die.
So, how can a church as an organism stay healthy and strong? First, individuals and the whole must embrace the disciplines of worship, bible reading, and praying. Second, the church must give her time, talents, and resources and serve individually and collectively. Finally, the church must support her mission’s program individually and collectively. Let’s all do our part to keep Northeast Community Church healthy, strong, and growing! Blessings, Pastor Dan
NEWS AND EVENTS
NEXT WOMEN’S RENDEZVOUS IS JANUARY 26TH
Come to the church on this Saturday at 10:30 AM and enjoy time with others in fellowship and also snacks. Bring along a craft or perhaps help Tracy make cards for people this year.
THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH- February 21
Again, at 11:30 AM, join others at Hibachi Grill off Alpine for good food and fun! If
you have any questions, feel free to contact Tracy T.
TIME TO COLLECT ITEMS AGAIN FOR THE HOMELESS
As you are out shopping, remember to pick up a few extra items for the homeless. The church will pass out bags to people around Valentine’s Day to show them God’s love.
Here are the items needed: 1) socks, 2) winter gloves and hats, 3) hand sanitizer, 4) toothbrush, 5) toothpaste, 6) Kleenex, 7) Band-Aids, 8) small bottle of water, 9) dental floss, 10) Crystal Lite packages, 11) feminine hygiene products, 12) black permanent marker.
2019 LENTEN JOURNEY BEGINS WITH ASH WED., MARCH 06!
Lent is a 40-day purposeful time of fasting and reflection beginning on Ash Wed (3-06) and ending on Easter (4-21) except the Sunday’s of Lent (which are considered ‘mini’ Easter’s). During Lent, many spend more time reading their Bibles and praying while fasting something that competes with God for worship! Some ‘fast’ sweets, coffee, and a few fast Facebook.
On Wed., Mar. 06 we will have the ashes (last year’s crushed and burned Palm leaves) mixed with holy oil available for those who would like to receive ‘the imposition of ashes,’ It’s optional, but many keep the tradition of seeking an ‘ash cross’ on their forehead to remind them at the start of their Lenten journey that ‘from ashes you came; to ashes you shall return.’ Hope to see you there!
LENTEN SMALL GROUP AT THE PARSONAGE (Start 3-09)
Since Lent is a time when many spend additional time reading their Bibles and reflecting on their faith, Janie has suggested again we gather on the Saturday’s of Lent at 6pm for a simple meal of soup and salad to discuss the assigned readings. No need to bring anything, but Janie would like to know (if possible) if you’re coming! The dinners start on March 09 and end April 20.Hope to see you there! RSVP to Jane at (616) 204-1153 (call or text) or email her at hathjan@icloud.com
LENTEN STUDY BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON! (LIMITED SUPPLIES)
This year we have ordered 20 copies of the book, “For God so Loved,” a Lenten Devotional Book produced by The Foundry (formerly Nazarene Publishing House). We will use this book during our Lenten Small Group this year. If you’re interested in receiving a copy of the book, please let Pastor Dan know right away. We’d like everyone attending the small group to have a book!
FREE ONLINE SECURITY TRAINING!
Janie’s employer has graciously given us free access to their online security training class again this year for anyone interested. From their training site:
More than ever, your users are the weak link in your network security. KnowBe4 is the world’s most popular integrated Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing platform with over 10,000 customers.
Our basic training modules specialize in making sure employees understand the mechanisms of spam, phishing, spear-phishing, malware and social engineering, and are able to apply this knowledge in their day-to-day job. You get high quality web-based interactive training combined with common traps, live demonstration videos, short comprehension tests and scenario-based Danger Zone exercises.
As someone who has helped clean up many viruses, this is valuable stuff! Here’s the link: https://www.knowbe4.com/homecourse Use the password: homecourse
Have questions? Contact Pastor Dan – hathdan@me.com
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS
Dinner is 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. At 6:30 PM, Bible study for adults and kids begins.
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.
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
All of February Alabaster Offering
February 9 Women’s Rendezvous @ church 10:30 AM
February 10 Church Potluck after morning service
February 11 Board Meeting
February 21 Third Thursday Chinese Lunch @ Hibachi Grill
February 27 Mission Night
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