Celebration Midweek - Dec. 29

Sorry this weekly email is late.  I took some family time early this week to visit my family in Illinois.   It was great to eat all the food from "back home", laugh about the silliest things, have fun in Chicago, and go ice skating again!  I was surprised this did not turn into a race with my older brother.  Maybe we were both scared of pulling a muscle or 5!  I pray your time between the holidays will be just as pleasing for you!

1.  EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Jan. 1, New Years Day Service!

Jan. 4, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/10:30AM.
Jan. 8, Adult Sunday School will resume, 9:00AM.
Jan. 9, Council/Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church
Jan. 11, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave, 6:30PM.

Jan. 11, Book Club, 6:30PM.  Meet at the Grand Traverse Pie Co. as we discuss "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin.

Jan. 24, Pray for Muskegon

Jan. 29, Muskegon Area Praise and Prayer Event, 6:00-7:30PM, at Orchard View High School.

2. SUNDAY - “The Land Between.”   Our lives are quite similar to God’s people when they left Egypt for a promised home of paradise.  Life changes has led us away from our comfort zone, what we knew as "home."  Now we are in the middle between what we knew and a new destination, a new "home."  Invite a friend to join us as we hear what God has to say about our present reality in the Land Between!  Sunday: "Leaving Town" (Exodus 3:1-10)

3. PRAYERS

Pray for families who are tired and worn out after Christmas parties.

Pray for Jackie Knight's health and her preparations to be a new mom.

Pray for Lonnie (Thelma's neighbor) who was to have heart surgery on Tuesday.

Pray for a smooth and peaceful transition of the president.
Pray that evil hate speech will stop.
Pray for the president elect that God will guide him and he will be humble enough to take good advice from his advisers.
Pray for revival in the land!

Pray for Stephen in dealing with feelings with loneliness and his journey back to you.

-- 

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

4 Days Till Christmas!

4 Days Till Christmas!  It is amazing to think of Christmas being this close again!  For some people it can't be here and gone soon enough because Christmas has become over-hyped and the true meaning has been under-emphasized.  Buying gifts is more important than receiving Jesus as the ultimate gift.  Going to Christmas parties is more important than going to the Christmas worship service.  My list goes on and on.  The biggest thing for me is how the celebration of Jesus' birth is the gift which needs to be renewed each day.  It is the joy of the believer to know how God sent Jesus to bring us peace with him.  In believing what Jesus did for us on the cross, we have new life in Jesus all year long!  Enjoy!

1.  CHRISTMAS EVENTS

• SUNDAY - Christmas morning!  Invite a friend to our Songs of Advent series where we will sing Simeon's song: "The Song of Salvation" (Luke 2:25-35).
• MITTEN TREE - Thank you all who participated in the Mitten Tree outreach this year.  e delivered the gifts to our adopted family from LoveINC this week.  They were ecstatic!
• Advent Devotions - If you are on our weekly email list, you have received a daily 2-minute Advent email to help focus you on the reason we celebrate Christmas.  Has this been helpful for you?  Send us a note to tell us.

2. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Dec. 21, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/10:30AM.
Dec. 24, Pray for Muskegon

Dec. 25, Christmas Day Service!

Jan. 8, Adult Sunday School will resume, 9:00AM.
Jan. 11, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave, 6:30PM.
Jan. 11, Book Club, 6:30PM.  Meet at the Grand Traverse Pie Co. as we discuss "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin.

3. PRAYERS

• Jill Bennett is at Knollview for a while while she gets more physical therapy. Pray for clarity for her future living location.
• Pray for comfort and joy for family and friends of Frank Rienstra who passed last week.
• Praise God for renewed involvement by some at Celebration.  Pray for those disheartened or frustrated as well.
• Pray for those who have sad feelings due to loss of family members during the past year.  Pray for all who are reminded during the holidays of loved ones who have passed.
• Pray for Paula Blohm as she continues to search for answers to her health issues.
• Pray for flickers of hope in marriages needing your continued intervention.
• Pray for family relationships which need your healing.
• Pray for Ivy who will go to California over break to visit family.
• Pray for those experiencing financial crisis. 
• Pray for those who have lost confidence in themselves and need God's renewal in their lives.
• Pray for our Snow Birds.
• Praise God for good friends who have moved out of town and found a home church.
• Pray for Walt Jones and family at the passing of his step-dad.
• Pray for those who are lonely and feeling down without friends.
• Pray for babies growing and expectant mothers.
• Praise God for a new coat of paint on the brick columns in the Fireside Room.
• Pray for our college students.  May they follow God to where he can use them best.
• Praise God for Lynn Pluger's positive treatments of her Lymphoma.
• Pray for those who are less than energized by their present employment.
• Pray for those who are silently struggling with medical issues unknown to others.
• Praise God for a successful surgery for Charles Serene.  Pray that the rehabilitation and healing will restore a good sense of mobility for him.
• Pray for those taking trips over the holidays.  May God keep them safe.

-- 

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

Christmas Story Meets Bohemian Rhapsody

Video of the Day: Creative people are such fun!  In the video link below, a creative person merged the story of Christmas together with the well-known song "Bohemian Rhapsody."  It is very well done!  As Reformed Christians, we should always be taking parts of our culture and re-forming them for Christ.  This is only one example for us to follow.  Enjoy!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxvMkSKRWOA

1.  CHRISTMAS EVENTS

• SUNDAY - Only 2 more weeks of our Songs of Advent series! Invite a friend to worship Sunday as we sing the Angel's song: "The Song of Peace" (Luke 2:14).
• MITTEN TREE - If you took a mitten off the tree in the Worship Center, bring your gift to church this Sunday.  We will deliver the gifts to our adopted family from LoveINC this week.  Thanks for helping to give this family a great Christmas!
• Advent Devotions - If you are on our weekly email list, you have received a daily 2-minute Advent email to help focus you on the reason we celebrate Christmas.  Has this been helpful for you?  Send us a note to tell us.

2. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Dec. 18, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM, "The Star of Bethlehem"

Dec. 21, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/10:30AM.
Dec. 21, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave, 6:30PM.
Dec. 24, Pray for Muskegon

Dec. 25, Christmas Day Service!

3. PRAYERS

• Jill Bennett is at Knollview for a while while she gets more physical therapy. Pray for clarity for her future living location.
• Pray for comfort and joy for family and friends of Frank Rienstra who passed this past week.
• Praise God for renewed involvement by some at Celebration.  Pray for those disheartened or frustrated as well.
• Pray for those who have sad feelings due to loss of family members during the past year.  Pray for all who are reminded during the holidays of loved ones who have passed.
• Pray for Paula Blohm as she continues to search for answers to her health issues.
• Praise God for students who participated in leading worship on Sunday!  It was great!
• Pray for family relationships which need your healing.
• Pray for Ivy who will go to California over break to visit family.
• Pray for those experiencing financial crisis. 
• Pray for those who have lost confidence in themselves and need God's renewal in their lives.
• Pray for our Snow Birds.
• Praise God for good friends who have moved out of town and found a home church.
• Pray for Walt Jones and family at the passing of his step-dad.
• Pray for those who are lonely and feeling down without friends.
• Pray for babies growing and expectant mothers.
• Pray for our college students.  May they follow God to where he can use them best.
• Praise God for Lynn Pluger's positive treatments of her Lymphoma.
• Pray for those who are less than energized by their present employment.
• Pray for those who are silently struggling with medical issues unknown to others.
• Praise God for a successful surgery for Charles Serene.  Pray that the rehabilitation and healing will restore a good sense of mobility for him.
• Pray for those taking trips over the holidays.  May God keep them safe.

-- 

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 - Dec. 8

Quote For The Day:  “To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?”  (C.S. Lewis)

1.  CHRISTMAS EVENTS

• SUNDAY - It is time to begin ramping up toward Christmas! In our new Sermon series we will look at 5 famous Christmas songs.  They didn't hit the top 40 countdown but they help us celebrate Christmas! Invite a friend to worship Sunday as we sing: "Songs of Advent."  This Sunday: "Mary: The Song of Faith" (Luke 1:46-56).
• MITTEN TREE - Take a mitten off the tree in the Worship Center and buy the item listed for our adopted family from LoveINC.  We want to make sure they have a great Christmas!  Gifts need to be brought to church by the 18th.
• Christmas Cookies Sign Up - Another tradition we have is for families to sign up to bring 2 dozen on Sunday morning for church.  Sign up at the info booth for your week!
• Advent Devotions - Sometimes we need help to focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas.  The busyness of the season overwhelms us.  So, each day of Advent until Christmas we will send out a 2-minute email devotion from John Piper's book "Good News of Great Joy."  We hope this will benefit you and those around you!

2. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Dec. 11, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM
Dec. 11, Celebration Family Meeting after Church

Dec. 14, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave, 6:30PM.
Dec. 18, Fellowship Team Meeting after Church.

Dec. 21, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/10:30AM.
Dec. 24, Pray for Muskegon, all day!

Dec. 25, Christmas Day Service!

3. PRAYERS

• Walt Jones' step-dad passed away last week.  Pray for peace and safe travel as they go out for the funeral on the 10th.
• Ivy Dudgeon asks for prayers for her cousin Sue who will have heart surgery soon.
• Pray for broken relationships with little chance of reconciliation.
• Pray for Freddie Rottman and her family at the passing of her husband Jack on Sunday. Visitation will be at the Sytsema Funeral Home on Sherman on Thursday from 4-7PM. The funeral will be at Bethany CRC at 11:00AM on Friday.
• Pray for those with hurt feelings which has led to unforgiveness in their life.
• Praise God for Charles Serene's surgery on his leg which went well today.  Pray for healing and patience as he recovers and begins physical therapy soon.
• Pray for Jill Bennett who continues to deal with some mobility issues..  She suffered a setback from her attack of Transverse Meylitus a few months ago.
• Pray for strained marriages.
• Pray for our Snow Birds who have flown south for the winter.  We miss them and hope they are doing well.
• Praise God for Paula Blohm's friend Carla who received good results from her recent biopsy!
• Pray for those who are seeking employment that God would place them where they can serve him well.
• Pray for Walt Jones at the passing of his Step Dad.  He and Marcia will attend the funeral in Illinois this week.
• Praise God for good resolutions to interpersonal conflicts!
• Praise God for gifts given to others because of a deep love for God and a desire to bless others as they have been blessed!
• Pray for the Congregational meeting on Sunday.

-- 

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

Post-Thanksgiving News

1. THANKS - A big thank you to all who helped make the Thanksgiving Eve Dinner and Service a success.  Great food!  Great worship!  Great message!  Rev. Tolbert said people from New Hope were still talking about it on Sunday!  We will do this again next year!

2. CHRISTMAS EVENTS

• SUNDAY - It is time to begin ramping up toward Christmas!  Among all of the festivities, we sing Christmas carols.  In our new Sermon series we will look at 5 famous Christmas songs.  They didn't hit the top 40 countdown but they help us celebrate Christmas! Invite a friend to worship Sunday as we sing: "Songs of Advent."  This Sunday: "Zechariah: The Song of Freedom" (Luke 1:67-75).
• MITTEN TREE - Take a mitten off the tree in the Worship Center and buy the item listed for our adopted family from LoveINC.  We want to make sure they have a great Christmas!
• Christmas Cookies Sign Up - Another tradition we have is for families to sign up to bring 2 dozen on Sunday morning for church.  Sign up at the info booth for your week!

3. ADVENT DEVOTIONS - Sometimes we need help to focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas.  The busyness of the season overwhelms us.  So, each day of Advent until Christmas we will send out an email devotion from John Piper's book "Good News of Great Joy."  We hope this will benefit you and those around you!

4. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Nov. 30, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave, 6:30PM.
Dec. 4, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM

Dec. 5, Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM.

Dec. 7, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/10:30AM.

Dec. 7, Book Club meets at Denny's at 6:30PM.  We're reading "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr.

Dec. 11, Youth Sunday - Grades 4 and up.  Let Ed know if you want to know more.

Dec. 25, Christmas Day Service!

5. PRAYERS

• Please pray for Walt Jones and his family as his Stepfather's health is deteriorating.
• Duane Gray will have surgery on Tuesday at 10:30AM at the Michigan Pain Association to relieve pain from his hernia surgery.
• Jill Bennett is at Hackley Hospital getting rehab after a set back in her mobility. She will most likely be there for another week.
• "Pray for peace for those feeling stress this Christmas season."
• Praise God for employment, even with the stress and headaches at times.  Praise God for family who also add stress and headaches at times.
• Pray for students under-achieving at school.
• Pray for marriage plans and lives to be joined together.
• Praise God for Matthew DuRose who earned Honorable Mention at statewide orchestra competition playing his viola!  We praise God for his talent and we are very proud of him.
• Amie Anderson's cousin in Kansas passed away recently.  Pray for comfort for her and the family members.
• Pray for loved ones who are already struggling with the upcoming holidays due to loved ones who have passed away. 
• Praise God for Chloe Alexandra, the new grandchild to Brian and Sue Vredevoogd.  She was born 11/22/16 at 7:54am. 6 lb 15 oz and 19 1/2 inches.  Cassie (the mother) and Chloe are doing well.
• Pray for the ministry of Brenda Lange and her team through Orphans Unlimited in Balama Mozambique.  May God continue to bless her ministry!
• Pray for mended family relationships after Thanksgiving dinner "dramas".
• Reyes Hinajosa praises God for his mother’s improved health.  She is home now and doing much better.
• Terry Lacy also asks for the safe return of their dog Candy who ran away recently and who has not returned.
• Pray for those in the middle of the adoption process.
• Pray for Carla (a friend of Paula Blohm) who fought throat cancer a few years ago but now has another spot in her throat.  She will have a biopsy this week. 
• Paula Blohm is having back pain which makes it very difficult to walk.

--

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

Pre-Thanksgiving News

Quote For the Day: “I have attended church regularly since I was less than a week old. I've listened to sermons about virtue, sermons against vice. I have heard about money, time management, tithing, abstinence, and generosity. I've listened to thousands of sermons. But I could count on one hand the number of sermons that were a simple proclamation of the gospel of Christ.” ― Rich Mullins  (Let's keep this season about Christ!)

1. THANKSGIVING EVE MEAL & SERVICE, TONIGHT - Help us welcome New Hope Baptist Church as our guests with a meal and worship tonight, Thanksgiving Eve.  The potluck dinner starts at 6:00PM and the experiential worship at 7:00PM.  Bring a main dish, salad, or dessert.  This will be a great event for children too!

2. SUNDAY - It is time to begin ramping up toward Christmas!  Among all of the festivities, we sing Christmas carols.  In our new Sermon series we will look at 5 famous Christmas songs.  They didn't hit the top 40 countdown but they help us celebrate Christmas! Invite a friend to worship Sunday as we sing "Songs of Advent."  This Sunday: "Isaiah: The Song of Return" (Isaiah 11:10-16; Luke 16:11-31)

3. ADVENT DEVOTIONS - Sometimes we need help to focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas.  The busyness of the season overwhelms us.  So, each day of Advent until Christmas we will send out an email devotion from John Piper's book "Good News of Great Joy."  We hope this will benefit you and those around you!

4. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Eve Service, Dinner at 6:00PM, Service at 7:00PM.

Nov. 24, Pray for Muskegon  (Contact Pastor Matt for a Prayer Guide)

Nov. 27, No Adult Sunday School

Nov. 27, Advent Begins: "The Songs of Advent"

Nov. 30, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave, 6:30PM.

Dec. 7, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/11:00AM.

Dec. 7, Book Club meets at Denny's at 6:30PM.  We're reading "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr.

Dec. 11, Youth Sunday - Grades 4 and up.  Let Ed know if you want to know more.

Dec. 25, Christmas Day service!  (Hopefully this helps in your holiday planning.)

5. PRAYERS

• Remember to pray for Muskegon on Thursday the 24th.

• Amie Anderson's cousin in Kansas passed away this week.  Pray for comfort for her and the family members and safe travel.
• Pray for loved ones who are already struggling with the upcoming holidays due to loved ones who have passed away. 
• Praise God for Chloe Alexandra, the new grandchild to Brian and Sue Vredevoogd.  She was born 11/22/16 at 7:54am. 6 lb 15 oz and 19 1/2 inches.  Cassie (the mother) and Chloe are doing well.
• Pray for Jackie Knight in her move to Nevada on Wednesday.  Pray everything goes well with her pregnancy too.
• "Pray for loved ones to see the light in the darkness."
• Pray for those who feel lots of stress over the holidays.
• Praise God Reyes Hinajosa's mom was in ICU but was released the next morning!
• Pray for Duane Gray who will have outpatient surgery on Nov. 29.
• Pray for the Thanksgiving Eve event on Wednesday.  May we be gracious hosts and may God be praised in all we do.
• Pray for our outgoing and incoming governmental leaders.  Also pray for peace in our streets.
• Pray for those putting in long hours over the holidays.
• Pray for good get-togethers and holiday parties.
• Pray for those who are struggling to make ends meet.

--

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 - Nov. 16

1. THANKSGIVING EVE MEAL & SERVICE, Nov. 23 - Help us welcome New Hope Baptist Church as our guests with a meal and worship on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve.  The potluck dinner starts at 6:00PM and the experiential worship at 7:00PM.  SIGN UP at PerfectPotluck.com to bring a main dish, salad, or dessert.  This helps us better coordinate the dinner.  http://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=SELU3013

2. STUDENTS - Wednesday from 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church on Norton Ave!  Little Peeps (4yrs-1st grade) - Lesson:"God's Messenger--Jonah"; 

GEMS (Girls 2nd-5th grade) Lesson: "Chain Reaction! (John 13: 14-15) and Craft; 

Cadets (Boys 2nd-5th grade) - Lego Night; 

Middle school - Lesson: "The Truthfulness of God". 

High School students meets on Sunday from 6:00-8:30PM at Calvin Church.  Contact Pastor Matt for more info.

3. SUNDAY - Invite a friend to worship Sunday as we continue our Sermon series: "Things Jesus NEVER Said."  This Sunday: "Poor People Don't Count" (Mark 14:7; Deuteronomy 15:11)

4. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Nov. 16, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/11:00AM.

Nov. 16, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave.

Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Eve Service, Dinner at 6:00PM, Service at 7:00PM.

Nov. 24, Pray for Muskegon

Nov. 27, Advent Begins: "The Songs of Advent"

Dec. 7, Book Club meets at Denny's at 6:30PM.  We're reading "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr.

5. PRAYERS

We included a prayer guide which should be useful on Thursday the 24th, our day of praying for Muskegon.

• Praise God for renewed family relationships.
• Pray for the Thanksgiving Eve dinner and service.
• Pray for Brenda Doctor's cousin and family at the death of her cousin Debbie.  Funeral arrangements are still being set.
• Pray for those who care with loved ones in nursing homes.
• Deb Mart asks for prayers for her sisters neighbor and close friend. He had a kidney removed in early spring and they thought it was contained in the kidney. But there are now tumors where the kidney was. His wife is now legally blind from a degenerative disease and is even more scared because of this.
• Kim Rhodes is going back to work next week (and she is ready) after recuperating from her surgery!
• Thank God for our children. They are a blessing!
• Lilia DuRose reports that her mother, her niece Sasha and her children are doing well.  
• Lilia DuRose has lost her voice and we pray that she will be able to talk again soon.
• Reyes Hinajosa’s mother still needs prayers.  She is in good spirits though.  She has a doctor appointment on Wednesday.  
• Patti requests prayer for healing for a very hurtful situation.  
• Praise God for the LoveINC successful Play to Learn program.
• Pray for those who are angry about the outcome of the presidential election, and the families that are being torn apart because of it.
• Praise God for the progress Paula Blohm is making in physical therapy. "I thank God that I am able to walk better!"
• Duane Blohm is having surgery on his knee this Thursday.  Please pray for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.
• Pray for the peaceful transition of power since the election.
• Pray for our leaders.  Commit to pray for them every day.
• Pray for Hal Hester, Eddie Anderson's son, at the loss of his father-in-law last week.
• Pray for our children who do not know Jesus.  
• Pray for the Forest Park Covenant Church community at the unexpected death of a member.  It was a difficult loss.
• Pray for Patti Lacy's friend Gerald who is scheduled for an amputation above his knee on Thursday to stem the spread of cancer in his leg.

--

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

Post Election Celebration News

I got to be the Chairman of Precinct 8 polling location all day yesterday.  It was a seriously long day but it was so much fun!  No political commercials.  No campaign stickers.  No Facebook partisan arguments.  It was glorious!  And if you love to people watch, this was the place to be!

It was quite apparent how many of my poll workers were active in their churches.  When a church member or a friend from another church came to the poll, they laughed, gave hugs, and wished them well till they met again.  The election was a secondary issue, even with the gravity of the election.  The important part was connecting as fellow Christians.  

But I pondered, could this continue on Wednesday?  Could all Believers put their politics aside for the sake of community, for a bigger vision, and for the healing of friendships?  The world is watching and waiting!  

May God heal us, the church.  May God give us, the Church, the desire to live together in unity in a country which has lost sight of what we, the Church, on fire for Jesus can really do.  May we, the Church, all live with our politics as secondary to the primary goal of living in community as Christ's Church!

1. STUDENTS - 

This Wednesday from 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church on Norton Ave!  Little Peeps (4yrs-1st grade) - Lesson:"Daniel and the Lions Den"; GEMS (Girls 2nd-5th grade) Lesson: "Love Inside Out (Romans 5:5)” and Craft; Cadets (Boys 2nd-5th grade) - Veterans Day Project Night; Middle school - Lesson: "Teh Attributes of God". Our High School students meets on Sunday from 6:00-8:30PM at Calvin Church.  Contact Pastor Matt for more info.

2. THANKSGIVING EVE MEAL & SERVICE, Nov. 23 - Help us welcome New Hope Baptist Church as our guests with a meal and worship on Thanksgiving Eve.  The potluck dinner starts at 6:00PM and the experiential worship at 7:00PM.  Go to the link below at PerfectPotluck.com to sign up for the meal.  http://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=SELU3013

3. SUNDAY - Invite a friend to worship Sunday as we continue our Sermon series: "Things Jesus NEVER Said."  This Sunday: "Doubting is Dangerous" (John 20:19-31)

4. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Nov. 13, Celebration of Communion

Nov. 13, Seekers Small Group meets after church

Nov. 16, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/11:00AM.

Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Eve Service, Dinner at 6:00PM, Service at 7:00PM.

Nov. 24, Pray for Muskegon

5. PRAYERS

• Pray that our regular guests can find their place and a role at Celebration.
• Pray for difficult family situations.
• Pray for preparations for our Thanksgiving Eve meal and service on November 23.
• Reyes asks for  prayers for his mom, Zoila, as she has inflated veins by her heart.  She will require surgery in the next few weeks.
• "Pray for our pastor that God would speak to him and through him with God's wisdom and power as he leads us."
• "Pray for those fighting cancer.  Pray for healing, strength, and peace in God's love."
• Praise God that he is still in control.  May we all bring healing to our country one person at a time.
• Pray for those with multiple health issues which are complicating things.
• Praise God for improved health for Paula Blohm.
• Pray for those who are physically away from loved ones.
• Pray for Charles Serene who has a fractured Tibia after a motorcycle accident last week.  He will have surgery soon.
• Praise God for new commitments to Jesus!
• Pray for family members with mental illness and the family members who care for them.
• "Praise God for Celebration and the warm words of appreciation last month.  As always, you are a gift to my heart!"  Pastor Matt
• Pray for family relationships to be healed.
• Pray for Jackie Knight and her move to Nevada soon.
• Pray for people in need of employment.

-- 

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 - Nov 2

Quote For The Day: "The only eternal item that we can give to others is the truth about Jesus.  True friends of Jesus boldly share His story everywhere they go.  The message the Lord is speaking now is this: RELEASE THE EVANGELIST INSIDE YOU so that all those with ears to hear will rise to glory when Jesus returns!"  (Brenda Lange)

1. STUDENTS - Nov. 2, Family Service Night, 6:00-8:00PM - We will be working on cleaning up McLaughlin Community Park (corner of Terrace St. and Isabella).  Meet at the park at 6:30PM!  Our hope is to connect with each other while serving in the community together.  Please bring rakes, blowers, gloves, etc… so we can make the park look brand new!

HIGH SCHOOL: meets on Sunday from 6:00-8:30PM at Calvin Church.  Contact Pastor Matt for more info.

2. SUNDAY - Invite a friend as we continue our new Sunday series: "Things Jesus NEVER Said."  This Sunday: "Being Good is All That Counts" (Matthew 19:16-22)

3. WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY - We will be starting a new book soon: "1000 Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. Contact Deb Mart to order your book.

4. EVENTS TO REMEMBER
Nov. 2, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/11:00AM.
Nov. 2, Family Service Night, 6:30-8:00PM at McLaughlin Park. (Info below)
Nov. 2, Book Club at Mango's at 6:30. We're reading "The Secret Keeper" by Kate Morton.
Nov. 4, Play and Learn Class, 10:00AM to NOON at church.

Nov. 7, Council/Vision Team/Deacon Team Meetings, 6:30PM at Church.

Nov. 8, Election Day

Nov. 23, Thanksgiving Eve Service, Dinner at 6:00PM, Service at 7:00PM.

5. PRAYERS

• Pray for older loved ones in care facilities.
• Pray for Gerald who is diagnosed with cancer in his lower leg.  They are looking at the possibility of amputation.
• Pray for Kayla who had a heart transplant on Saturday.  May she recover well and find health and strength.
• Pray for all of our country's leaders.  May God help them and us.
• Kim Rhodes wrote: "Here is my list of answered prayers: 1) My son finally got a job so he will have day care for his son Liam. 2) My bathroom is finished! 3) I have finally moved into my new home.  4) I can walk!  I could keep going but I have run out of room!"
• Pray for those actively seeking God's will in their lives.  May God bring clarity for their next step in the journey with Jesus.
• Brenda Doctor's cousin Tayler is in St. Mary's Hospital fighting leukemia.
• Pray for marriages where one spouse is not a believer.  May God bring a miracle.
• Pray for marriages in conflict.
• Pray for Brenda Lange in Balama Mozambique and her ministry at Orphans Unlimited.
• Pray for families dealing with self-inflicted deaths.  Bring peace and healing.
• Pray for those seeking employment.

-- 

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

7 Things to Know This Week

Quote For The Day: "We'd like to have it all neat and orderly. We want to be able to measure it and control it, but the reality is that Jesus is a mystery. The Christian faith is a mystery. The disciples spent their entire time following him going, 'Uhh, what the heck are you doing? We don't understand what you're doing and we don't know why you're doing it.' And when he would explain why he was doing it, they still didn't get it. "  (Mike Yaconelli)

1. CHILI COOK-OFF THANKS - A big thanks to all those who brought chili, fixings, and desserts for the meal.  It was a great event!  Congratulations to Jessica and Morgan as the makers of the best white and red chilies.  Thanks also to Connie Cerminaro and the Fellowship Team for organizing the event.  We can't wait till next year!

2. STUDENTS - This Wednesday from 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church on Norton Ave!  LITTLE PEEPS - (4yrs-1st grade) - Lesson:"God to the Rescue"; CADETS & GEMS - Pumpkin Carving Evening! Come spend the night with your Cadet or Gem carving pumpkins.  Camp fire & prizes for top 3 pumpkins.  MIDDLE SCHOOL - Lesson: "Where does our value come from?

HIGH SCHOOL: meets on Sunday from 6:00-8:30PM at Calvin Church.  Contact Pastor Matt for more info.

3. GETTING POLITICAL - Invite a friend as we continue our new Sunday series: "Things Jesus NEVER Said."  This Sunday: "Join My Political Party" (Psalm 146; Romans 13:1-7)

4. WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY- We will be starting a new book soon: "1000 Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. Contact Deb Mart to order your book.

5. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Oct. 26, Student Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church

Oct. 28, Play and Learn Class, 10:00AM to NOON at church.

Oct. 30, Annual Leadership Retreat at Mike & Connie's.
Nov. 2, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00/11:00AM.
Nov. 2, Family Service Night, 6:30-8:00PM at McLaughlin Park. (Info below)
Nov. 2, Book Club at Mango's at 6:30. We're reading "The Secret Keeper" by Kate Morton.  (NOTICE DATE CHANGE.)
Nov. 7, Council/Vision Team/Deacon Team Meetings, 6:30PM at Church.

6. OTHER ANNOUNCMENTS

• Nov. 2, Family Service Night, 6:00-8:00PM - We will be working on cleaning up McLaughlin Community Park (corner of Terrace St. and Isabella).  Meet at the park at 6:30PM!  Our hope is to connect with each other while serving in the community together.  Please bring rakes, blowers, gloves, etc… so we can make the park look brand new!
• Handymen Needed - Community Encompass is looking for some folks to help out with dry-wall, carpentry, cabinetry installation, and siding at their current "home redemption project".  Contact Pastor Matt for more details. 
• Oct. 29, Glenside Halloween Party, 1-3PM at McGraft Park.  Carnival games and prizes, a costume contest, pizza, a balloon twister, face painter, award winning storyteller Judy Sima and lots more! Admission is FREE to Glensiders and their guests, but families are asked to bring 2 nonperishables to help stock Muskegon's food pantries. Volunteers are needed to help at the event. If you want to volunteer, please reply to this email and party coordinator Jenn Cole will get in touch with you.

7. PRAYERS

• From a Communication Card: "God please help me to hold on.  Life is getting too hard to hold onto."
• Lisa Crabtree asks for prayers for a fast recovery for her mom, Carol, who is healing after surgery to remove her foot. 
• Praise from Patrick Herman who got a job!
• From a Communication Card: "I made a commitment to have a closer relationship with Jesus and give him my burdens."
• From a Communication Card: "Let us pray for the church to grow so that all may come to know and share Christ's love, that they may know his undying grace and mercy."
• Pray for Pastor Matt and the other leaders at Celebration.
• Pray for those is abusive relationships, both for the victims and the abusers.
• Pray for those with diabetes and those with the warning signs.
• Pray for John (Deb Mart's brother) and Barb as they are devastated due to news of John's cancer has returned. Pray for strength, healing, and peace.
• Pray for the "Snow-Birds" heading south for the winter.  May they have safe travels, find rest in Jesus, and make a difference where they go.
• Church of the week: Pray for 2nd Timothy Baptist Church and Rev. Bass.

-- 

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 - Oct. 19

Quote For The Day: "Sheep have naturally poor eyesight.  They are essentially near sighted.  They can't see far distances clearly.  This is why they need to stay close to the shepherd.  Otherwise they would easily get lost without the knowledge of the shepherd."  (Crystal Eckland)

1. 8TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF - Invite a friend to sample some of the best chili anywhere!  Sign up at the Info Booth to bring a crock pot of red or white chili to share.  This is one of the best events ever!

2. STUDENTS - This Wednesday from 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church on Norton Ave!  Little Peeps (4yrs-1st grade) - Lesson:"The Forgiving Prince"; GEMS (Girls 2nd-5th grade) Lesson: “Step In” (Galatians 6:2) and  Fall craft; Cadets (Boys 2nd-5th grade) - Visit to Mellema farm to pick pumpkins - Lesson: "If we trust who God is, what does that mean about who I am?

High School students: meet Sunday at Calvin Church from 6:00-8:30PM.  On Sunday, October 30, meet at Calvin at 1:00PM for the Pumpkin Picking/Carving Contest at Mellema’s Farm.  Bring: warm clothes & shoes that can get dirty.  Contact Pastor Matt for more info.

3. NEW SERMON SERIES - There are many things attributed to Jesus which he never said.  Some of these ideas have caused great distractions and even damage within the church.  Invite a friend for our new Sunday series: "Things Jesus NEVER Said."

3. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Oct. 19, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00AM.

Oct. 19, Student Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church

Oct. 21, Play and Learn Class, 10:00AM to NOON at church.

Oct. 23, Annual Chili Cook-Off after church.
Oct. 26, Book Club at Mango's at 6:30. We're reading "The Secret Keeper" by Kate Morton.
Oct. 30, Annual Leadership Retreat
Nov. 2, Family Service Night, 6:30-8:00PM at McLaughlin Park.
Nov. 7, Council/Vision Team/Deacon Team Meetings, 6:30PM at Church.

4. OTHER ANNOUNCMENTS

• Nov. 2, Family Service Night, 6:00-8:00PM - We will be working on cleaning up McLaughlin Community Park (corner of Terrace St. and Isabella).  Meet at the park at 6:30PM!  Our hope is to connect with each other while serving in the community together.  Please bring rakes, blowers, gloves, etc… so we can make the park look brand new!
• Handymen Needed - Community Encompass is looking for some folks to help out with dry-wall, carpentry, cabinetry installation, and siding at their current "home redemption project".  Contact Pastor Matt for more details. 
• Oct. 29, Glenside Halloween Party, 1-3PM at McGraft Park.  Carnival games and prizes, a costume contest, pizza, a balloon twister, face painter, award winning storyteller Judy Sima and lots more! Admission is FREE to Glensiders and their guests, but families are asked to bring 2 nonperishables to help stock Muskegon's food pantries. Volunteers are needed to help at the event. If you want to volunteer, please reply to this email and party coordinator Jenn Cole will get in touch with you.
• Reading Buddies at Nelson School is in need of volunteers to give one hour per week to help students improve reading skills!  Contact Lynn Kamps for more information: (231) 557-9392 or lynnkamps1@gmail.com

5. PRAYERS

• Pray for our guests at church recently.
• Pray for those attending the classes at LoveINC.  May God use these classes to lead them to himself and a better way of living.
• Pray that the Chili Cook-off on Sunday will be a successful event according to what God wishes to accomplish.
• Pray for the planning of the Thanksgiving Eve service which may include 2 other churches.
• Pray for Patti Lacy’s brother-in-law Stan who has blocked arteries in his legs and a problem with a heart valve.  He had surgery and is doing well, but needs more surgery in a week or two. 
• Pray for dependable transportation.  We take this for granted sometimes.
• Pray for Reyes Hinajosa’ mother Zoila who has high blood pressure issues.  May God bring healing for her. 
• Thank God for how he has blessed us all and the miracles he sends each day.
• Pray for those in busy work seasons.  may they find the balance and rest they need to keep working for Jesus.
• Lilia DuRose’s niece, Sasha had her baby on October 8, but both mother and baby are still in the hospital.  The baby is ill.  Please pray for healing. 
• Kim had a very good weekend and she made good progress in a personal relationship.  We praise God for that!  Kim will be moving into her new house in 10 days and we pray for a smooth transition.  
• Praise God for renewed relationships with family members.
• We pray for the needs of loved ones.  God knows what their needs are and we ask Him to help.  
• Paula Blohm's physical therapy began last week and went very well.  May God help her regain full strength in her legs.  
• "I feel very blessed and grateful for every moment of every day that the Lord has given me.  Each new day is a gift from God!  I praise him for his faithfulness to me, and I’m so glad that Jesus has told us that he will never leave us nor forsake us!"
• Pray for continued healing for Mike Cerminaro after his surgery to remove his appendix.

--

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 - Oct. 12

Quote For The Day: "Satan persuades a man that by denying God he is being rational; but what is really happening is that he makes him a creature of lust and desire whose mind is blinded and whose eye is no longer single.  The greatest faculty of all has become perverted." (Oswald Chambers)

1. STUDENTS - This Wednesday from 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church on Norton Ave!  Little Peeps (4yrs-1st grade) - Lesson:"Isaac: Son of Laughter"; GEMS (Girls 2nd-5th grade) Lesson: "A Place for you” and Craft: Heart friendship bracelet; Cadets (Boys 2nd-5th grade) - Project Night; Middle school - Lesson: "Father, Son, Holy Spirit – how do they work together in our lives?"

Our High School students meets on Sunday from 6:00-8:30PM at Calvin Church.  Contact Pastor Matt for more info.

2. 8TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF - Invite a friend to sample some of the best chili anywhere!  Sign up at the Info Booth to bring a crock pot of red or white chili to share.  This is one of the best events ever!

3. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Oct. 12, Student Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church

Oct. 14, Play and Learn Class, 10:00AM to NOON at church.

Oct. 16, Seekers Small Group Meets after church.
Oct. 19, Baby Basics/Women's Bible Study, 10:00AM.
Oct. 23, Annual Chili Cook-Off after church.
Oct. 26, Book Club at Mango's at 6:30. We're reading "The Secret Keeper" by Kate Morton.
Oct. 30, Annual Leadership Retreat
Nov. 2, Family Service Night, 6:30-8:00PM at McLaughlin Park.

4. OTHER ANNOUNCMENTS

• Nov. 2, Family Service Night, 6:00-8:00PM - We will be working on cleaning up McLaughlin Community Park (corner of Terrace St. and Isabella).  Meet at the park at 6:30PM!  Our hope is to connect with each other while serving in the community together.  Please bring rakes, blowers, gloves, etc… so we can make the park look brand new!
• Handymen Needed - Community Encompass is looking for some folks to help out with dry-wall, carpentry, cabinetry installation, and siding at their current "home redemption project".  Contact Pastor Matt for more details. 
• Oct. 29, Glenside Halloween Party, 1-3PM at McGraft Park.  Carnival games and prizes, a costume contest, pizza, a balloon twister, face painter, award winning storyteller Judy Sima and lots more! Admission is FREE to Glensiders and their guests, but families are asked to bring 2 nonperishables to help stock Muskegon's food pantries. Volunteers are needed to help at the event. If you want to volunteer, please reply to this email and party coordinator Jenn Cole will get in touch with you.
• Reading Buddies at Nelson School is in need of volunteers to give one hour per week to help students improve reading skills!  Contact Lynn Kamps for more information: (231) 557-9392 or lynnkamps1@gmail.com

5. PRAYERS

I am convinced more and more with each passing day that your prayers are not in vain.  In fact, they are needed more than ever.  The percentage of people self described as "no religious affiliation" in our country is growing especially with the younger generations.  Thanks for your diligence in bringing the needs of God's people before our gracious God.

• Pray for Mike who needs surgery on his wrist and elbow tendon.
• Pray for difficult situations in strained marriage relationships.
• Prayer for Lisa Crabtree's mom who had her foot amputated on Monday. Diabetes had restricted the blood flow in her body.  She will need another procedure today to close the wound.
• From a Communication Card: "I made a commitment today to "put off the old man, be resurrected a new creature, and follow God always."
• Pray for safe travels for those on hunting trips.
• Pray for those whose getting divorced.
• Pray for those just exiting prison and making the adjustment.
• Pray for those confused about their own sexuality.  May God bring them clarity and peace.
• Pray for those under the weather with colds and other illnesses.
• Continue to pray for civil conversations to be had within our election season.
• Pray for confidence in God as King of the universe whomever gets elected this fall.

--

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