A Cool Story and 7 Other Things

Cool Story on Prayer! - My desk drawers were screaming to be cleaned the other day.  (BTW, I highly recommend this practice at least once per year.)  I began looking through the old prayer team folder from a time before I became pastor at Celebration.  Most of the pages were from 10-12 years ago.

  

The page which caught my eye was the list of people the Prayer Team was specifically and personally praying for.   Team members listed names on the left of people who did not know Jesus.  On the right was a place for updates.  Many had been invited to church and had visited.  Others were blank.  

The best moment was seeing the name Sandy Perkins.  After praying for Sandy for the past 10-12 years, we baptized her this past year!  God finally answered this prayer with a resounding YES this year!  Our God does wonderful things in his time!

1. PLUGERS MEDICAL FUND - The Pluger's have set up a medical fund at Huntington bank to cover some of the costs in Lynn's battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Her treatments will require travel and lodging in Detroit.  Make sure you ask for "Lynn Pluger's Medical Fund". You may also contact our deacons.  Above all, remember Lynn in your prayers!

2. CARNIVAL SIGN UP - Please sign up for your role in our annual carnival.  We have a little more than a month before the event.  Go to the table in the church entryway and sign up to: 1) bring items and 2) be help children play a game.  It will be the most fun you'll have all month!

3. CELEBRATION STATION - Many know this ministry as the nursery.  We are setting up the next year's Celebration Station schedule. We would love to have your help in nurturing our little kingdom workers. Whether you are available once a year or once a month, please sign up at the kiosk. You can request specific weeks, dates, etc or just let us know you are available to help.  Talk to Carla Eenigenburg or email her at ceburg6@gmail.com for more information. Thanks.

4. STUDENTS - Our Wednesday night programs for students age 4 through Middle School begins on September 14 at Calvin Church on Norton Ave.  Our High School students will meet on September 11 at Calvin Church.

5. COLLEGE LOVE - Send some love to River Baird this year who will attend Grand Valley State University this fall.   Remember this: there is something special which happens when you get a college care package!  Contact River Baird at:

10910 Residence Drive, Apt 116
Allendale, MI 49401.

6. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Sep. 6, Church Cleaning Night, 6:00PM

Sep. 7,  Women's Bible Study, 11:00AM at church.  We will be going through the book "A Women Who Doesn't Quit".
Sep. 11, Adult Sunday School Resumes, 9:00AM!

Sep. 12, Council/Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church

Sep. 24, Annual Celebration Carnival.

Sep. 25, Creativity Team Meeting after Church

7. PRAYERS

• Thelma Bergman's brother Jim is not doing well and has been getting blood transfusions just to keep his hemoglobin levels up.
• Pray for relatives and friends who have been shamed by loved ones and their church because of divorce.
• Pray for those who are victims of abuse by the hands of those who claim to love them.
• Pray for Tommy VanderMolen, a 7th grader at Grand Haven Christian School, was just diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Duane Blohm's dad and step-mom are in town from CA.  Dad has been ill and was in the hospital for 5 days.  He is back home now but needs prayers for healing and recovery.
• Pray for parents who will send their children to school this week, especially Kindergarten and colleges.
• Pray also for the teachers who will help shape hearts and minds this year.
• Pray for Amie Anderson and her doctor appointment this week.  Her husband also has an appointment for back surgery this week.
• Praise God for the Prayer Team and their serious approach to lifting up the prayer needs to our gracious God.
• Pray for us as a church as we look to increase a longing for intimacy with God in the hearts of Celebration.
• Continue to pray for Jill Bennett and her transverse myelitus.  She is presently at Mercy Hospital.
• Pray for Linda DeVries, a teacher at WMC, and her colon cancer.
• Pray for Darla Baird as she continues to recover from Pneumonia.
• Pray for our campus chaplains/pastors at the various colleges and universities.  May God give them the words to impact many who long for Jesus but have been running from him for years.
• Pray for the continued good work of Orphans Unlimited in Mozambique by Brenda Lange and her team.  May God continue to bless her.
• May God bless the marriages at Celebration and those whom we know personally who are struggling.
• Pray for our annual carnival which is coming up soon.
• Pray for the students who will lead worship this coming Sunday.
• Pray for Ranae Fifolt who will be moving to Detroit area soon.  May God bless her with all she needs.
• Pray for those in financial stressful situations.

--

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 - Summer Finale

St. Augustine wrote, "To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him, the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest achievement."

1. PLUGERS MEDICAL FUND - The Pluger's have set up a medical fund at Huntington bank in her battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Her treatments will require travel and lodging in Detroit.  Make sure you ask for "Lynn Pluger's Medical Fund". You may also contact our deacons.  Above all, remember Lynn in your prayers!

2. CARNIVAL SIGN UP - Please sign up for your role in our annual carnival.  We have a little more than a month before the event.  Go to the table in the church entryway and sign up to 1) bring items and 2) be in charge of a game.  It will be the most fun you'll have all month!

3. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Aug. 28, Prayer Team Meeting after Church

Sep. 6, Church Cleaning Night, 6:00PM

Sep. 7,  Women's Bible Study, 11:00AM at church.  They are going through "A Women Who Doesn't Quit".
Sep. 11, Adult Sunday School Resumes, 9:00AM!

Sep. 12, Council/Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church

Sep. 24, Annual Celebration Carnival.

Sep. 25, Creativity Team Meeting after Church

4. PRAYERS

• Pray for Darla Baird as she continues to recover from her pneumonia.
• Pray for those experiencing financial difficulties.
• Reyes and Ruth are concerned about their new puppy who has a virus.  Their dog Max died a few weeks ago.
• Pray for continued healing for Jackie Knight.  She was in the ER on Saturday.  She is also traveling to visit her mom in Oregon this week.
• Pray for the victims of the tornado on Saturday in Hudsonville and Wyoming, MI.
• Pray for those affected by the flooding in Louisiana.
• Pray for those who desire to grow with Jesus every day and long for consistency.
• Pray for those who desire comfort in these "last days".  Pray they will know God is in control still and he loves his people.
• Pray for healing in marriages which are broken or are breaking.  The damage done to the children and other relatives is deep.
• Pray for those looking to get married soon and the tough issues they will work through before the wedding.
• Thank God for LoveINC which seeks to bring restoration and peace to lives filled with chaos, disruption, poverty, and need.
• Thank God for Ed Cohea and the gifts he brings to Celebration.
• Thank God for the drama ministry.  It has helped many people to easily relate to tough issues God wants to speak to them about.

--

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

6 Things To Remember This Week

Simon Weil wrote, "The love of neighbor in all its fullness simply means being able to say...'What are you going through?'"  Let's get close enough to our neighbors and friends to be able to ask this question today.

1. HOT DOG ROAST, Sun, Aug. 21 after church.  Plan on not cooking this Sunday!  If you haven't yet signed up to bring a dessert or side dish, go to PerfectPotluck.com so we can make sure we have enough food for everyone. It's simple!  Click here to go directly to the site. 

2. BOOKKEEPER NEEDED - Our wonderful bookkeeper, Ranae, is taking a job in Detroit.  So, we are in need of someone who will work with the Finance Team to do the bookkeeping needs of the church.  If you or someone you know is interested in this position, contact Steve DuRose or Pastor Matt.

3. PRAYER BOARD - Please make use of the Prayer Board located immediately to the left as you enter church.  Just like the Communication Cards, it is another way to keep the needs of God's people lifted up to God.

4. CARNIVAL SIGN UP - Please sign up for your role in our annual carnival.  We have a little more than a month before the event.  Go to the table in the church entryway and sign up to 1) bring items and 2) be in charge of a game.  It will be the most fun you'll have all month!

5. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Aug. 17,  Women's Bible Study, 10:00AM at church.  They are going through "A Women Who Doesn't Quit".
Aug 21, Hot Dog Roast after church.

Sep. 11, Adult Sunday School Resumes, 9:00AM!
Sep. 12, Council/Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church

Sept. 24, Annual Celebration Carnival.

6. PRAYERS

When Elisha's servant was in distress and doubt, Elisha encouraged him and also prayed to God for him (2 Kings 6:16-17):"Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Pray the prayer and encouragement of Elisha today over all the people of Celebration and those who are struggling to trust God. Open our eyes Lord so we may see!

• Pray for Chuck Serene who deeply cut his hand while on vacation last week. Pray for a good surgery soon.
• Lynn Pluger gives praise for answered prayer in her improved health.  "I was in the hospital an now have made a huge turn-around.  Miraculous answer to prayer.  Also, thanks to everyone who brought meals and prayed for us."
• Jackie Knight asks for continued prayers for a speedy recovery from her recent surgery.  She asks for prayers for her grandma Sandy who is having trouble walking.
• Pray for those struggling with relationships that God may heal them.
• Praise God for friends and neighbors who has visited Celebration lately.  May we do all we can to help them fall deeper in love with Jesus and Celebration as their church home.
• Pray for the unspoken needs which only God knows.
• "I have a personal prayer request that I don't really know how to explain so I will simply say 'God knows.'
• Ed Cohea's good friend died last week.  Pray for his family and friends in their grief.
• Pray for children with parents in 2 different locations.  May their stress level be eased while they still have fun and peace.
• "Pray for us to treat each other with kindness.  Lift one another and not knock them down."
• Pray for those who are travelling to visit family and friends this week before school begins.
• Pray for those who will be beginning school soon.
• Amie Anderson's husband has been battling pain from his sciatic nerve.  Pray for relief.
• Continue to pray for Mike Straley who is recovering with family in Utah after hitting his head after a fall.
• Brenda Doctor's dad died recently.  The Memorial Service will be August 19 at the Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Pray for peace and comfort for her family.
• "God always provides for his children!"
• Pray for the Muslims who are coming to know Jesus in great numbers even with the threat of shunning and physical harm.

--

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 10

1. UNITY FEST FREE DAY - Join us at Unity Fest on Wednesday, August 10.  The gates open at 4:00PM but show up when you can for the Vertical Church Band, speaker Chris Brooks, and Francesca Battistelli.   Remember: FREE!  See you there!

2. HOT DOG ROAST, Sun, Aug. 21 after church.  We are trying something different. To help us with having an accurate amount of food, we are asking people to sign up at PerfectPotluck.com.  You can sign up to bring a side dish or a dessert.  Click here to go directly to the site. 

3. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Aug. 10, Unity Fest - Day Zero, 4:00-11:00PM.
Aug 15, Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church
Aug. 17, Baby Basics/Bible Study, 10:00AM at church.  They are going through "A Women Who Doesn't Quit".
Aug 21, Hot Dog Roast, after church.
Sept. 24, Annual Celebration Carnival.

4. PRAYERS: Here are people to keep in prayer this week.

• "I have a personal prayer request that I don't really know how to explain so I will simply say 'God knows.'
• Ed Cohea's good friend died today.  Pray for his family and friends in their grief.
• Reyes and Ruth Hinajosa said thanks for the prayers as their dog Max died last week.
• Pray for children with parents in 2 different locations.  May their stress level be eased while they still have fun and peace.
• "Pray for us to treat each other with kindness.  Lift one another and not knock them down."
• Jackie Knight's surgery on Thursday went well.  Pray for a speedy recovery.
• Pray for those who are travelling to visit family and friends this week.
• Pray for those who will be beginning school soon.
• Amie Anderson's husband has been battling pain from his sciatic nerve.  Pray for relief.
• Continue to pray for Mike Straley who continues to recover from his fall last week.
• Brenda Doctor's dad died last week.  The Memorial Service will be August 19 at the Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Pray for peace and comfort for her family.
• "God always provides for his children!"
• Pray for the Muslims who are coming to know Jesus in great numbers even with the threat of shunning and physical harm.

--

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 3

1. UNITY FEST FREE DAY - Join us at Unity Fest on Wednesday, August 10.  The gates open at 4:00PM but show up when you can for the Vertical Church Band, speaker Chris Brooks, and Francesca Battistelli.   Remember: FREE!  See you there!

2. HOT DOG ROAST, Sun, Aug. 21 after church.  We are trying something different. To help us with having an accurate amount of food, we are asking people to sign up at PerfectPotluck.com.  You can sign up to bring a side dish or a dessert.  Click here to go directly to the site.

3. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Aug. 3, Baby Basics/Bible Study, 10:00AM at church.

Aug. 9, Book Club, 6:30PM at Bob Evans in the Mall.  We're reading "Defending Jacob" by William Landay.
Aug. 10, Unity Fest - Day Zero, 4:00-11:00PM.
Aug 15, Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church
Aug 21, Hot Dog Roast, after church.
Sept. 24, Annual Celebration Carnival, 

4. PRAYERS: Here are people to keep in prayer this week.

• Deb Mart gives thanks for her brother Dave who has finished 9 weeks of radiation and doesn't have any burns or sores.  "Praise God!"
• "Pray for us to treat each other with kindness.  Lift one another and not knock them down."
• Jackie Knight will have surgery on Thursday.  Pray for a good surgery and a speedy recovery.
• Pray for Reyes and Ruth Hinajosa as their dog Max has lung cancer.
• Pray for healthy home conditions with family and keeping faith that God has a plan for each of us.
• Pray for Ivy's uncle Jeff who is not in good health.
• Frank Van Hees is thankful for doctors who were able to give him treatments so he would not have his foot amputated.  "Thank you Jesus."
• Pray for those who are travelling to visit family and friends this week.
• Pray for those who will be beginning school soon.
• The daughter of Amie Anderson's friend (11 years old) just came off chemo for Leukemia and is cancer-free but very week.
• Co-worker of Terry Lacy is having surgery on Tuesday.
• Pray for good court decisions this week which would benefit to the children and their families.
• Amie Anderson's husband has been battling pain from his sciatic nerve.  Pray for relief.
• Continue to pray for Mike Straley who continues to recover from his fall last week.
• Brenda Doctor's dad had brain surgery last week and he is recovering.
• Pray for students (and their families) as they take driver's training.
• Pray for the events at the Rio Olympics coming up.  Pray for safety for all involved and goodwill.
• "God always provides for his children!"
• Pray for the Muslims who are coming to know Jesus in great numbers even with the threat of shunning and physical harm.

-- 

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