Painting this week at church has been fun for me.  (I freely admit my dysfunction.)  One reason I like to paint is to see a wall that was once dirty or mis-colored and make it look fresh and new. The wall has been transformed into something beautiful.

Our God coats us with his grace through the work of Jesus when we were tired, worn out, and dirty with sin.  Because of Jesus we become beautiful for God.  Our sin is covered, never to be seen again.  With each wipe of a God's grace brush we are made new!  I love painting!

1. Prayer Notes - There are a few special prayer requests today. Pray for:  

- Mike Straley who fell and broke his hip on Monday.  He had a successful surgery and will be at Hackley hospital room 420 for another day or so.  He will need to go to a short term home for rehab.

- Patti Lacy is rehabbing from her knee replacement and doing well.

- Please pray for our Brenda Swanson's nephew Drew Swanson. He was very badly burned in an explosion at his workplace on Saturday afternoon.

- Pray for Lilia DuRose's niece Sasha in Ukraine. She had surgery last week to remove cancer from her uterus.  May she have a fast recovery and may her cancer not return.

2. Noteworthy Events

- TONIGHT, Work Night at Church, 4:00-8:00PM.  Come to church to paint walls and clean up.  You are needed!

- Sunday, Prayer Time, 9:30AM in the prayer room off the worship center.

- Sunday, Grand Opening Planning Team Meeting, Noon.  

- Sept. 1, Book Club, We will meet at the Pita Place at 6:30PM to discuss “The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise” by Julia Stewart.

- Sept. 12 - Beth Moore Conference, 10:15AM-5:15PM at First Baptist Church of Muskegon.  Cost is $25 per person.  Contact Becky Fredrickson if you have more questions.

- Sept. 19 - Doggie Pedal (bike ride), 4:00 pm. Meet in the parking lot next to Max and Marley's on saturday. We will ride up to Heritage Landing and back to the Dog House for supper. A sign-up is at the Information Booth, all are invited.

3.  Youth Ministries
- Wednesday’s at Calvin Church will begin on Wednesday, September 16th, from 6:30-8:00PM.  We will meet every Wednesday except the 1st Wednesday of the month.  Pizza will again be available for $2 prior to the start of programs.

- High School Youth Group will kick off Sunday, September 13th from 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided. This group meets every Sunday evening.

4.  Sunday

How do you know if you are greedy?  Would you know if you were?  Invite a friend as we continue our "Toxic Faith" series and discover how God  changes us from greedy to generous. (Luke 12:13-21)

5. Prayers  

Thank God for:
- The excitement surrounding our building project!  Check out the progress on Sunday!
- Genuine relationships that are being built.
- Successful surgery and rehab for Patti Lacy.
- God's forgiveness when we doubt his leading in our lives.

- The guests God he has brought to Celebration this past month.

- For God's grace that sets people free.

Pray for:

- Julie DeMarr's dad who died last night. 

- The Bluffton Church in Muskegon that was vandalized this past weekend.

- Those who seek to break free from hurts and painful experiences in prior days.

- Ann who has been off work since November with 3 surgeries and 2 to go.

- Those in unhealthy abusive relationships.

- Pastor Matt's friend Pastor Bill Fillmore who will need a knee surgery on Sept 3.

- Chuck Serene's aunt Joyce who fell in her home and is now hospitalized.  May she gain health and strength.

- Bill Essenberg as he continues to battle his addiction and the triggers.

- Anika E-burg asked for prayers for the guest at Maranatha Conference Center on Saturday who had a seizure during dinner.  

- Duane Gray who is battling stomach inflammation and the lingering foot problem.

- Sharon Bergman's brother David has started dialysis to deal with kidney failure.

- Those who are learning to let God control all of the areas of their life.
- Those who are struggling with forgiving others due to past wrongs against them.
- Our leaders at church that God would make them bold and eager to do his will.
- Those who want to be baptized.  We are thankful for God's work in their lives.
- Wayne Kittle's uncle Fred who is suffering from Pancreatic Cancer.
- People getting out of prison and their transitions.  May God direct them to true freedom and fruitfulness.
- Those recovering from illness, injury, and medical procedures lately.
- Those getting over abusive relationships.
- Families that are in need of help due to a break up in the home.  Pray for healing of broken hearts and encouragement as they work through disappointments.
- The police officers and law enforcement officials.  Upholding the law is a d

- The continued progress in the building program. It is exciting!
- The homeless in Muskegon.
- Those who are struggling with anxiety issues which "paralyze" them.
- Those who have lost loved ones recently.  May God comfort them in their time of grief.

- For Paula Blohm's friend who is having serious problems both at home and at work.

- For those battling addictions and resolving issues in their lives.

- For healing of ex-husbands (and ex-wives) and the pains in the past.
- For those struggling financially.
- For Celebration as we assess the next steps for our ministry to our students.
- For wisdom as the Elders talk about the future of our worship ministry.
- All of the unspoken prayers on our hearts that only God knows

-- 

Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.                            
Muskegon, MI 49441
www.celebrationmuskegon.org
Like us on Facebook!
(231) 571-4137

Celebration Midweek - Aug. 19

It's easy to do and we've all done it.  It's easy to skip over the prayer requests at the back of the bulletin or the bottom of this email.  Sometimes we actually read them but scan it quickly and get back to whatever we were doing.  The reality is that each prayer request involves a person and/or persons.  This is a serious need for them.  They might be quite happy and hope we celebrate with them.  But they also may be at the end of their rope and need God's help most of all but definitely ours too.

When you read the prayers today or on Sunday, please remember that each line is the heart cry of an actual person.  They matter to God and their request should matter to us too.

1. Noteworthy Events

- TONIGHT, Bowling at Sherman Lanes, 6:30-8:30PM.

- Sunday, Prayer Time, 9:30AM in the prayer room just off the worship center.

- Sunday, Hospitality Team Meeting, Noon.  This includes those involved in info booth helpers, greeters, and coffee team.  All those who would like to be part of the team are welcome too.

- Monday, Pray For Muskegon.  We attached a prayer guide to help.

- Sept. 1, Book Club, We will meet at the Pita Place at 6:30PM to discuss “The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise” by Julia Stewart.

- Sept. 12 - Beth Moore Conference, 10:15AM-5:15PM at First Baptist Church of Muskegon.  Cost is $25 per person.  Contact Becky Fredrickson if you have more questions.

2.  Youth Ministries
- Wednesday’s at Calvin Church will begin on Wednesday, September 16th, from 6:30-8:00PM.  We will meet every Wednesday except the 1st Wednesday of the month.  Pizza will again be available for $2 prior to the start of programs.

- High School Youth Group will kick off Sunday, September 13th from 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided. This group meets every Sunday evening.

3.  Sunday

How do you get to the point where you just feel stuck in your life or even in your faith?  Invite a friend as we continue our "Toxic Faith" series and discover how God can and will "unstick" you, in your life and your faith. (John 5:1-15)

4.  Pray For Muskegon - Next Monday is our day to pray for Muskegon and our area.  Commit an hour to bring to God the issues and needs of Muskegon. We've attached a Prayer Guide to give structure to your hour.  Remember: Time spent in God's presence is never a waste!

5. Prayers  

Thank God for:
- The new people he has brought to Celebration over this past year.
- The excitement surrounding our building project
- Genuine relationships that are being built.
- Men that are standing up to follow God’s call and work for his Kingdom.
- God's forgiveness when we doubt his leading in our lives.

- Jackie who found stable housing situation and moved in 2 weeks ago.

- For God's grace that sets people free.

Pray for:
- Patti Lacy's knee surgery on August 14.     Pray that her body will recover well.
- Sharon Bergman's brother David has started dialysis to deal with kidney failure.
- Pray for those who are learning to let God control all of the areas of their life.
- Pray for those who are struggling with forgiving others due to past wrongs against them.
- Pray for our leaders at church that God would make them bold and eager to do his will.
- Those who want to be baptized.  We are thankful for God's work in their lives.
- Pray for Wayne Kittle's uncle Fred who is suffering from Pancreatic Cancer.
-People getting out of prison and their transitions.  May God direct them to true freedom and fruitfulness.
- Those recovering from illness, injury, and medical procedures lately.
- Those getting over abusive relationships.
- Families that are in need of help due to a break up in the home.  Pray for healing of broken hearts and encouragement as they work through disappointments.
- The police officers and law enforcement officials.  Upholding the law is a d

- The continued progress in the building program. It is exciting!
- The homeless in Muskegon.
- Those who are struggling with anxiety issues which "paralyze" them.
- Healing for Pastor Matt’s back.
- Those who have lost loved ones recently.  May God comfort them in their time of grief.

- For Paula Blohm's friend who is having serious problems both at home and at work.

- For those battling addictions and resolving issues in their lives.

- For healing of ex-husbands (and ex-wives) and the pains in the past.
- Be with all of us who seek to break free from hurts and painful experiences in prior days.
- For those struggling financially.
- For Celebration as we assess the next steps for our ministry to our students.
- For wisdom as the Elders talk about the future of our worship ministry.
- All of the unspoken prayers on our hearts that only God knows

-- 

Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.                            
Muskegon, MI 49441
www.celebrationmuskegon.org
Like us on Facebook!
(231) 571-4137

Celebration Midweek - August 12

I would like to treat you to the words of one of my favorite older songs.  It is "Rushing Wind" by Keith Green.  The first two verses go like this:
"Rushing wind blow through this temple, Blowing out the dust within.  Come and breathe your breath upon me, I've been born again."
"Holy spirit, I surrender, take me where you want to go.  Plant me by your living water, Plant me deep so I can grow."

Do you sometimes feel like a building that is abandoned and broken down, seemingly unused for Godly things?  Thank God that his Spirit restores that which is broken down and blows out the dust of inactivity.  He desires to use you in his plans.  Pray for God to make you useful today! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqhS17wt_pE

1. Noteworthy Events

- SUNDAY, Prayer Time, 9:30AM in the prayer room just off the worship center.

- August 19, Bowling at Sherman Lanes, 6:30-8:30PM.

- August 24, Pray For Muskegon.  Attached is a prayer guide to help.

- August 23 – Hospitality Team Meeting, Noon.  This includes those involved in info booth helpers, greeters, and coffee team.  All those who would like to be part of the team are welcome too.

- September 1, Book Club, We will meet at the Pita Place at 6:30PM to discuss “The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise” by Julia Stewart.

October 18 – Grand Opening

2.  Youth Ministries
- SUNDAY, Summer Sunday Nights, The 6th-12th grade students will gather ONE LAST TIME this summer at Calvin Church at 6:00PM before going to Mike & Connie's for swimming, Bible study, and most importantly the food!  We will return to church at 8:30PM.

3.  Sunday

When we fail to forgive others, our faith becomes corrupted and toxic.  However, forgiveness is a gift from God that brings healing to the soul.  Invite a friend as we continue our "Toxic Faith" series. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

4.  Missions Opportunity - Christian Reformed World Missions is seeking an interested individual/family to undertake a missionary career in Haiti as a full-time Youth Leadership Developer.  The qualified candidate will help the ministries of the CRCNA in Haiti reach out to and engage young Haitian Christian leaders in ministry both in churches and communities.  For more information see:. http://www2.crcna.org/pages/crwm_careerswithcrwm.cfm  (scroll down to “Latin America”)

5. Prayers  

Thank God for:
·   The new people he has brought to Celebration over this past year.
·   The excitement surrounding our building project
·   Genuine relationships at Celebration that are being built.
·   Men that are standing up to follow His call and work.
·   God’s forgiveness when we doubt his leading in our lives.
·   Pastor Matt’s mom who is recovering well from a slight stroke.

Pray for:
·   Patti Lacy's knee surgery on Friday, August 14.     Pray for wisdom for the physicians and that her body will be healthy for the surgery.

·   Those recovering from illness, injury, and medical procedures lately.

·   Those getting over abusive relationships.

·   Pray for Wayne Kittle's uncle Fred who is suffering from Pancreatic Cancer.

·   Sharon Bergman's brother David has started dialysis to deal with kidney failure.

·   Pray for those who are learning to let God control all of the areas of their life.

·   Pray for those who are struggling with forgiving others due to past wrongs against them.

·   Pray for our leaders at church that God would make them bold and eager to do his will.

·   People getting out of prison and their transitions.  May God direct them to true freedom and fruitfulness.
·   Those who want to be baptized.  We are thankful for God's work in their lives.
·   The Maat’s who will be attending Allen Avenue CRC.  May God bless them and keep them strong.
·   Families that are in need of help due to a break up in the home.  Pray for healing of broken hearts and encouragement as they work through disappointments.
·   The police officers and law enforcement officials.  Upholding the law is a difficult job to do.
·   The continued progress in the building program. It is exciting!
·   The homeless in Muskegon.
·   Those who are struggling with anxiety issues which "paralyze" them.
·   Those who have lost loved ones recently.  May God comfort them in their time of grief.
·   All of the unspoken prayers on our hearts that only God knows.
·   Healing for Pastor Matt’s back.

Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.                            
Muskegon, MI 49441
www.celebrationmuskegon.org
Like us on Facebook!
(231) 571-4137

Pray For Muskegon!

Some of us despair because of the trend away from God and his way for his people.  We should be emboldened in prayer because God always finds a way to bring our nation back to him.  Read this short excerpt from a booklet by the late Dr. J. Edwin Orr, "Prayer and Revival".  He quotes Dr. A.T. Pierson as saying that every spiritual awakening is born out of concerted, united, sustained prayer. 

John Erskin, a Scottish Presbyterian minister, wrote a pamphlet, pleading with God's people to unite in prayer for the revival. He sent a copy to Jonathan Edwards in New England, mightily used of God in the first Great Awakening (1731-1755). Edwards responded by writing a book: "A Humble Attempt to Promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of all God's People in Extraordinary Prayer for the Revival of Religion and the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom on Earth, pursuant to Scripture Promises and Prophecies...."

But after the Revolutionary war, the effects of the first Awakening had all but disappeared and America found itself in a state of profound moral decay. Drunkenness and shocking profanity were epidemic. Women would not go out at night for fear of assault. Bank robberies occurred daily. Once vital Christian denominations were all in decline. U.S. Chief Justice John Marshall wrote James Madison, that the Church 'was too far gone ever to be redeemed.' Voltaire predicted and Thomas Paine agreed, that "Christianity will be forgotten in thirty years."

A poll at Harvard found not one believer in the student body. Two were found at Princeton, but only five students did not belong to the "filthy speech movement." Students rioted. A mock communion was held at Williams College, and anti-Christian plays at Dartmouth. They burned down Nassau Hall at Princeton, forced the resignation of Harvard's president, stole the Bible from a New Jersey church and burned it in a public bonfire. Christians met secretly on campus and kept minutes in code so that no one would know. But prayer changed things!

In 1794, when things were at their worst Baptist pastor Isaac Backus addressed another urgent plea for prayer for revival to pastors of every Christian denomination in the United States. Pastors grasped the urgency and adopted his plan. America became interlaced with a network of prayer meetings, and churches set aside the first Monday of each month to pray. Before long, revival came, and the Second Great Awakening (1790-1840) ensued. Dr. Orr asks, "Is not this what is missing so much from all our evangelistic efforts: explicit agreement, visible unity, unusual prayer?"

May we NEVER forget to bring our country, our county, and the city of Muskegon before our God in prayer!