You Can Do It!

1. YOU CAN DO IT! - People are more likely to go to church with you if you ask them to go at Christmas or Easter.  This is why we put so much energy into these weeks.  There are promotion flyers at the Info Booth to give to a friend.  Please be prayerful of those in your life who you can invite.  Remember, it's not just about you anymore!

2. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Mar. 29, Iron Men's Ministries, 6:30PM at Forest Park Covenant.
Mar. 29, Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:45PM.
Mar. 29, Student Ministries, 6:30PM at Calvin Church.

Apr. 2, The Seekers Small Group Meets after church.

Apr. 9, Middle School Ministries, 5:00PM at church!

Apr. 9, The New Small Group meets after church.

Apr. 11, Book Club, 6:30PM at Panera Bread on Sherman.  We're reading "Amherst" by William Nicholson.
Apr. 13, Maundy Thursday Service at Forest Park Covenant, 6:30PM
Apr. 14, Good Friday Dinner (5:30PM) and Service (6:30PM) at New Hope Baptist Church.
Apr. 16, Easter Sunday Breakfast, 9:30AM.

Apr. 24, Pray For Muskegon!

3. ORPHANS UNLIMITED - If you haven't already, like Brenda's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OrphansUnlimited and sign up for the weekly email at the online page http://www.orphansunlimited.org.  See how we are involved in what God is doing in other parts of the world!

4. SUNDAY - "UNITED"  It seems we are more divided and fractured than ever.  But this was never how we were meant to be!  Invite a friend to join us as we begin our Sunday sermon series through the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians with: "United in Prayer" (Ephesians 1:15-23).

5. PRAYERS

Prayer Focus: Belarus

• Pray for reconciliation between Flemish and Walloon peoples.
• Pray for greater Christian influence from international diplomats and organizations present in Brussels.
• Pray for more fully-trained pastors to disciple young Christians.
• Go to http://prayercast.com/belgium.html for more info.

Local Prayers:

• Pray for Lisa Crabtree's dad who has some puzzling health issues.
• Praise God for her mom who has "done quite well" after they amputated her foot a few months ago.
• Pray for those dealing with suicide attempts.
• Pray for God's direction with new relationship.
• Pray for those who don't have Jesus in their life
• Pray for God to transform and shape the hearts of our children.
• Pray for those in need of gainful employment.
• Pray for his patience and Christ-like attitude when interacting with those who are hostile towards us.  
• Pray for those with deep pain in their lives which they have not told others about...yet.
• Pray for Mike Straley's occasional difficulty in breathing.
• Pray for Lynn Pluger's health issues to improve.
• Pray for business opportunities to succeed. Proverbs 16:3 - "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and it will succeed."
• Pray for patience and courage for those who would like to be more assertive.
• Pray for safe travels during spring break
• Pray for healing after medical surgeries and procedures.
• Pray for Steve Swanson, Brenda's husband, who fractured his heal after a fall.  May God give him a speedy recovery.
• Pray for healthy pregnancies.
• Pray for Robin Dykstra who is having transportation issues.
• Pray for challenging situations with children and grandchildren.
• Pray for Susan Schmok's husband who has missed work due to being sick last week.
• Pray for children at school.  May God give them what they need and keep them safe.
• Praise God Elaine Doctor is doing better.  She was released from Mercy Hospital on Tuesday and will be at Sanctuary in the Park.
• Praise God Ruth Ramirez got her license back this week!  This is a long story which Ruth will have to tell you but after over 10 years it is finally done.  A great story of justice, grace, forgiveness, and renewal!
• Praise for good test results.
• Pray for those with deep financial needs.
• Pray for those who are grieving at the loss of loved ones.
• Greg and Sandy Hazelmyer's neighbor, Buck, is having hip replacement surgery on April 11.  Pray for safety and healing.
• Pray for those battling depression.
• Pray for good resolutions to conflicts.
• Pray for Steve Swanson who fell off a ladder and miraculously only fractured his heel and his arch. Pray for healing and rest.

-- 

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

5 Things to Know This Week at Celebration

1. HOLY WEEK - People are more likely to go to church with you if you ask them to go at Christmas or Easter.  This is why we put so much energy into these weeks.  There will be a promotion sheet in the bulletin Sunday to give to a friend.  Please be prayerful of those in your life who you can invite.  Remember, it's not just about you anymore!

2. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Mar. 22, Student Ministries, 6:30PM at Calvin Church.
Mar. 22, Iron Men's Ministries, 6:30PM at Forest Park Covenant.
Mar. 22, Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:45PM.
Mar. 24, Pray For Muskegon!
Mar. 26, Celebrate Communion!
Mar. 26, The New Small Group meets after church.

Mar. 26, Middle School Ministries, 5:00PM at church!

Apr. 2, The Seekers Small Group Meets after church.

Apr. 11, Book Club, 6:30PM at Panera Bread on Sherman.  We're reading "Amherst" by     William Nicholson.
Apr. 13, Maundy Thursday Service at Forest Park Covenant, 6:30PM
Apr. 14, Good Friday Dinner (5:30PM) and Service (6:30PM) at New Hope Baptist Church.
Apr. 16, Easter Sunday Breakfast, 9:30AM.

3. BRENDA LANGE OFFERING - Praise God that Celebration will be able to send nearly $5000 to Brenda Lange!  We are excited because this is the first missionary we have supported as a church!  May we continue to keep our focus on what God is doing around the world!  We pray God's blessing on the efforts of Orphans Unlimited in Mozambique! Find Brenda online at http://www.orphansunlimited.org or look her up on Facebook.

4. SUNDAY - "UNITED"  It seems we are more divided and fractured than ever.  But this was never how we were meant to be!  Invite a friend to join us as we begin our Sunday sermon series through the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians with: "United in God's Will" (Ephesians 1:1-14).

5. PRAYERS

Prayer Focus: Belarus

• Pray for a Biblical expression of Christianity authentic to their culture and context.
• Pray for reformation and revival within the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
• Pray for salvation for those in government who harass and persecute God's Church.
• Go to http://prayercast.com/belarus.html for more info.

Local Prayers:

• Eve Zwolinski's sister Lunata was admitted to Mercy Hospital with shortness of breath.  
• Pray for God's direction in the lives of his people.
• Pray for stable and affordable housing.
• Pray for a closer relationship with Jesus.  May they know that all those who draw near to God, he will draw near to them.  (James 4:8)
• Pray for children at school.  May God lead them to the truth and help them grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.
• Pray for those far from us who are suffering from depression.
• Sandy Hazelmyer's mom fell last week.  Praise God that nothing was broken!  Pray for healing of the aches and pains.
• Praise God Elaine Doctor is doing better.  She was released from Mercy Hospital on Tuesday and will be at Sanctuary in the Park.
• Praise God for servant hearts at Celebration!
• Praise God Ruth Ramirez got her license back this week!  This is a long story which Ruth will have to tell you but after over 10 years it is finally done.  A great story of justice, grace, forgiveness, and renewal!
• Praise for good test results.
• Pray for family members who are going through tough times..
• Pray for her new job opportunities.
• Pray for those with deep financial needs.
• Pray for guidance with new roommates.
• Pray for those who are grieving at the loss of loved ones.
• Praise God for providing a way out of the darkness.
• Pray for God's strength to live out our faith in an unbelieving culture.
• Pray for Reyes Hinajosa and his family at the death of his son. May God bring healing and comfort.
• Praise God for a good report for Brian Vredevoogd's sister.  May the cancer treatments be effective.
• Greg and Sandy Hazelmyer's neighbor, Buck, is having hip replacement surgery on April 11.  Pray for safety and healing.
• Pray for those battling depression.
• Praise God for giving us the desire to follow Jesus. 
• Pray for the prayer event coming up at the Maranatha Conference center on April 21.  May this event make us even more aware of our need for prayer.
• Pray for the planning and promotion for Holy Week.
• Pray for those on vacation or about to go on vacation.  May their trip be restful and rejuvenating.
• Pray for our willingness to be used for God's glory to build God's Kingdom.
• Pray for good resolutions to conflicts. 

-- 

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 - Mar. 15

1. ESPN POOL: #CCIT - If you love March Maddness or at least love NCAA college basketball, make a bracket and join our ESPN pool.  There is no secret to this.  It comes down to the person who can guess the best.  So, since everyone can guess, guess with us!  Don't sign up for anything new.  Just have fun guessing like the rest of us.  http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/frontpage

2. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Mar. 15, Student Ministries, 6:30PM at Calvin Church.
Mar. 15, Iron Men's Ministries, 6:30PM at Forest Park Covenant.  Contact John Barrett for info.
Mar. 15, Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:45PM.
Mar. 17, St. Patrick's Day.  (Psst, dress in green or orange!)

Mar. 19, The Seekers Small Group Meets after church.

Mar. 24, Pray For Muskegon!
Mar. 26, Middle School Ministries, 5:00PM at Church!

Apr. 11, Book Club, 6:30PM at Panera Bread on Sherman.  We're reading "Amherst" by     William Nicholson.
Apr. 13, Maundy Thursday Service at Forest Park Covenant, 6:30PM
Apr. 14, Good Friday Dinner (5:30PM) and Service (6:30PM) at New Hope Baptist Church.
Apr. 16, Easter Sunday Breakfast, 9:30AM.

3. HOLY WEEK - People are more likely to go to church with you if you ask them to go at Christmas or Easter.  This is why we put so much energy into these weeks.  There will be a promotion sheet in the bulletin Sunday to give to a friend.  Please be prayerful of those in your life who you can invite.  Remember, it's not just about you anymore!

4. SUNDAY - “Identity Theft.”    Identity theft is a big problem in society today. It’s an even bigger problem when we’re dealing with spiritual identity theft.  Invite a friend to join us as we conclude our Sunday sermon series with: "Stolen by Success" (Luke 18:18-30).

5. PRAYERS

Prayer Focus: Bangladesh

• Pray for long-term transformation in the tragic battle against extreme poverty
• Pray for an outpouring of servants willing to reach out to Bengali Muslims in the name of Christ.
• Pray for God to raise up spiritually mature leaders in the church who are committed to authentic discipleship.
• Go to http://prayercast.com/bangladesh.html for more info.

Local Prayers:

• Praise for good test results.
• Pray for family members who are going through tough times..
• Pray for her new job opportunities.
• Pray for those with deep financial needs.
• Pray for guidance with new roommates.
• Pray for those who are grieving at the loss of loved ones.
• Praise God for providing a way out of the darkness.
• Pray for God's strength to live out our faith in an unbelieving culture.
• Pray for Reyes Hinajosa and his family at the death of his son. May God bring healing and comfort.
• Praise God for a good report for Brian Vredevoogd's sister.  May the cancer treatments be effective.
• Greg and Sandy Hazelmyer's neighbor, Buck, is having hip replacement surgery on April 11.  Pray for safety and healing.
• Pray for school meetings regarding our children.  May wisdom and self-control abound and God's will be done.
• Pray for those battling depression.
• Pray for Reyes at the loss of his son, Marcos.
• Praise God for giving us the desire to follow Jesus. 
• Pray for the prayer event coming up at the Maranatha Conference center on April 21.  May this event make us even more aware of our need for prayer.
• Pray for the planning and promotion for Holy Week.
• Pray for pastors who have not broken free of bad habits and addictions.
• Pray for those on vacation or about to go on vacation.  May their trip be restful and rejuvenating.
• Pray for our willingness to be used for God's glory to build God's Kingdom.
• Pray for good resolutions to conflicts. 

-- 

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 at Celebration

I am not sure why but I have always wanted to do Jury Duty.  My civics course in high school taught me how a good court system is important for a free nation.  To have this, it is imperative for citizens to play their role in being active in juries.  Maybe I also get this idea from watching too many TV crime shows and the OJ Simpson trial.  

However, many people have told me of the intense boredom they experienced on jury duty.  They waited in a room for hours only to be told to go home.  They lost money from work or they got into arguments with other members of the jury.  Not a great time.

All I know is I get to do Jury Duty next week!  I plan to be ready for church the following Sunday and hope to have a few stories to tell.  If you cannot reach me next week, contact your elder.  Pray for me and those involved.

1. MAKING THE MOST OF LENT? - Are you getting the email devotional each morning?  Our hope is that Lent will be a time of remembering and renewing for you.  May we all make the most of our time of Lent this year!

2. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Mar. 8, Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:45PM.

Mar. 8, Book Club, 6:30PM at The Pita Place.  We're reading "Orphan Train" by Christina Kline.

Mar. 8, Student Ministries, 6:30PM at Calvin Church.

Mar. 10, Celebration Game Night, 6:00PM at church

Mar. 11, Time Change!  Move clocks forward 1 hour.  (https://youtu.be/ifqptCocTuE)

Mar. 12, The New Small Group Meets after church.

Mar. 12, Middle School Ministries, 5:00PM at Church!
Mar. 24, Pray For Muskegon!

3. GAME NIGHT, Friday, March 10, 6:00PM - The snow has driven us indoors again so let's get together and play some games!  Bring a snack to share and a friend too!  

4. BRENDA LANGE SPECIAL OFFERING

There were several people absent when we collected a special offering for Brenda Lange.  Bring your check for Orphans Unlimited on Sunday if you still would like to contribute.  Thanks.  http://www.orphansunlimited.org/

5. SUNDAY - “Identity Theft.”    Identity theft is a big problem in society today. It’s an even bigger problem when we’re dealing with spiritual identity theft.  Invite a friend to join us as we continue our Sunday sermon series with: "Mugged by the Mirror" (Psalm 139).

6. PRAYERS

Prayer Focus: Australia

• Pray for a hunger for God's riches rather than material wealth.
• Pray for righteous lawmakers who will not neglect the poorest residents.
• Pray for believers to humbly serve the Haitian immigrants in their midst
• Go to http://prayercast.com/bahamas.html for more info.

Local Prayers:

• Pray for Amie Anderson's aunt whose breast cancer has returned.
• Pray for the victims of abuse in all it's evil forms.
• Pray for Connie Cerminaro's co-worker for a death in her family this week. 
• Pray for Emma Orr, the 10 year old granddaughter of Charles and Pam Serene's friends.  Her cancer has returned.  Pray for healing and strength and comfort for her and her family.
• Pray for Brian Vredevoogd's sister Jackie who was diagnosed with breast cancer last week.  May God bring healing and peace.
• Pray for a co-worker of Sue Vredevoogd whose husband died unexpectedly last week.
• Matthew participated in Orchestra Festival and it went very well.  They received top ratings! 
• Pray for relationships, especially complicated ones filled with uncertainty and conflict.
• Praise God for employment even with stress sometimes.  Praise him when work stress is relieved.
• Praise God for kids who do well in school, in clubs, and extracurricular activities.  We praise God for children who struggle in these same efforts.
• Praise God that Lilia DuRose is feeling much better.
• Jackie requests prayer for the family of her co-worker Donna Taylor, who suddenly passed away.  
• Pray for our nation’s leaders and for all of our families.
• Pray for those still grieving the passing away of loved ones.  May God bring his peace to sooth the pain and loss.
• Terry Lacy asks for prayers for his co-worker Todd who will have surgery Monday to install a pump for his chemo treatments.
• Praise God for the witness Celebration is in the community.  
• Praise God for the Play & Learn Class and the rewards it brings to the parents and facilitators.  
• Praise God for changing lives and giving second chances and fresh starts!
• "I am so blessed that it overwhelms me at times!"
• Praise God for all the good things in life!  Wonderful spouses, homes, cars to drive, good jobs.
• Linda Bergman asks for prayers for her co-worker Francine’s mother who passed away Saturday.  May God bring comfort to Francine and her family.
• Paula Blohm is feeling stronger each day and "more like my old self."
• Praise God for good work supervisors. 
• "Our God truly is amazing and all-powerful!  We praise his holy name!"

-- 

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

Making the Most of Lent!

Making the Most of Lent?  In the early church, people who were considering following Jesus would use Lent, the 40 days prior to Easter, as a time of examination and preparation.  The threat of Roman persecution made becoming a Christian serious business and no one did it lightly.  These 40 days culminated with the person being baptized on Easter morning.  Soon, the rest of the Church began to observe the season of Lent in solidarity with these newest Christians. It became an opportunity for all Christians to remember and renew the commitment of their baptism.

Our hope is that Lent will be a time of remembering and renewing for you.  We will send out an email devotional each morning to help.  May we all make the most of our time of Lent this year!

1. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Mar. 3, Play and Learn Class by LoveINC at Celebration, 10:00AM

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

Mar. 8, Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:45PM.
Mar. 8, Book Club, 6:30PM at The Pita Place.  We're reading "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline.

Mar. 8, Student Ministries, 6:30PM at Calvin Church.
Mar. 10, Celebration Game Night, 6:00PM at church

Mar. 12, Middle School Ministries, 5:00PM at Church!

2. GAME NIGHT, Friday, March 10, 6:00PM - The snow has driven us indoors again so let's get together and play some games!  Bring a snack to share and a friend too!  

3. BRENDA LANGE SPECIAL OFFERING

We collected a special offering for Brenda Lange on Sunday!  Wonderful!  There were several people absent so we will not send in the money right away.  Bring your check for Orphans Unlimited on Sunday if you would like to contribute.  Thanks.  http://www.orphansunlimited.org/

4. SUNDAY - “Identity Theft.”    Identity theft is a big problem in society today. It’s an even bigger problem when we’re dealing with spiritual identity theft.  Over the next 3 weeks we will take back what has been stolen: our spiritual identity.  Invite a friend to join us as we begin our Sunday sermon series with: "Pickpocketted by the Mirror" (Psalm 51).

5. PRAYERS

Prayer Focus: Australia

• Pray for believers to stand firm on the Truth of the Gospel in combating increased secularization of their culture. (While the majority of the population still claims to be Christian, only 10% attend church regularly.)
• Pray for Jesus Christ to capture hearts of the next generation before they succumb to competing influences.
• Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit to transform Australia and revive its Church
• Go to http://prayercast.com/australia.html for more info.

Local Prayers:

• Pray for Doug & Sharon Bergman's Son Michael's sister in law who will have cancer surgery this week.
• “Pray that God will put people in my life to help me live out my salvation in EVERY part of my life.  I want to keep Jesus at the center of my life.”
• Jackie Knight asks for prayers for stable living conditions following her move back to the area.  Also praying for a continued healthy pregnancy.
• Pray for Jenny Merritt who is sick with the flu.  Pray for all the people who have been sick with a cold or the flu this year.
• Pray for homeless people around us.
• “I am thankful for the job the Lord has brought to me.”
• Praise God for healing Reyes’ Hinajosa’s son Marcos!  He is out of the hospital and planning on re-enlisting in the Army.
• Eve Zwolinski praises God for her new job and prays for good news about setting up her store.
• Pray for those looking for employment and a change of direction in life.
• May God give us good time management,discipline, and focus.
• Praise God for peace of mind.
• "Praise God for the gift of family."
• Patti Lacy is recovering from illness all last week. She requests prayer for her teenage great-niece, that the Lord will put someone in her life to guide her in making good decisions.
• Patrick, who was hit by a train, is making a remarkable recovery and will not need surgery after all.  He is turning his life over to God and we praise the Lord for this miracle.
• Terry Lacy's co-worker Todd’s cancer has now spread to his liver and he will have more surgery and is currently on chemo, which has been causing him to miss work.  
• Praise God for a great Wild Game Dinner!
• Praise God for improved relationships.
• Praise God for employment.  Praise him even more when the workplace is not filled with conflict and drama.
• Pray for loved ones who are heading down the wrong path in life.  May God lead them to a U-turn.
• Pray for grown children who are estranged from their parents.
• Linda Bergman asks for prayer for her nephew John, who lost his wife 4 years ago to cancer.  He remarried and his current wife has also been diagnosed with cancer.  Please pray for her healing and for strength and comfort for each of them.
• Pray for loved ones who battle their addictions.
• Praise God for our elected officials. 

-- 

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