Celebration Midweek - Sept. 27

A.W. Tozer writes, "Everything is safe which we commit to God, and nothing is safe which is not committed." Don't we often hold so tightly to things that clutter our lives and distract us from God? We call them "mine" and we cherish them even more than people. They are so priceless and important to us, more important than what God wants for us. Isn't it time to commit them to God to use or discard as he wishes? It is only then that our things will find their designed place and true value in our lives.

1. Events - 
- Annual Carnival, Saturday, September 27, 1:00 PM - Make sure that you have signed up to participate in this great event.
- Youth Ministries, tonight, at 6:30PM - Our ministries to children age 4 through 8th grade continues each Wednesday at Calvin Church. Contact Pastor Matt for more info. HIGH SCHOOL students will meet this Sunday from 6:00-8:30 PM at Calvin Church.
- Vision Team Meeting, October 6
- Ironman Men's Group, October 14
- Annual Chili Cook-Off, October 26

2. Strong Muscles Needed - Do you like to shovel dirt?? If so, please consider donating your muscle-power to help dig out a buckling basement wall of one of the Community Encompass housing units! Call Kimi at 231.288.9403.

3. Volunteer Reading Mentor - Can you spare an hour a week during the school day to help young readers? Consider becoming a reading mentor at Lakeside Elementary School. Contact Pastor Matt for more information.

4. Sunday - Why do we get a marriage license when it seems like we need a learner's permit after the wedding day? We have so much to learn and protect. Join us as we continue our series on Guardrails with "Me and the Mrs." (Proverbs 27:12)

5. Prayers - Please take time to pray for:
- Muskegon County and everyone working together to bring God's peace to it!
- Judy Irish's Mom's surgery went fairly well Monday afternoon. They put a rod from her hip down to her knee and put in plates, pins and screws to fix her femur. There will be much therapy to follow.
- Mitch Brink (Charlene Beck's brother) fell off a ladder this week and was kept overnight at the hospital for a probable concussion, bumps, and bruises.
- Brian Vredevoogd as he continues to recover from his fall from a ladder.
- Lacey Kremmel's (Hentschel) husband who is having serious back issues.
- Steve DuRose' mom, Joyce, who is not doing well. Her cancer is back and spreading.
- Duane Schultz's co-worker was hit last week by a car while he was on a moped. He is on a long road of recovery.
- Bill Essenberg's prostate cancer has returned.
- Terry Lacy's sister is now cancer free!
- The family of Case Admiraal with his passing on Saturday. The funeral will be tonight (Wednesday) at the 1st CRC in Fremont.

--
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 - Sept. 17

Andrew Murray writes in his book "Lord, Teach Us To Pray": "To be alone in secret with the Father: this be your highest joy. To be assured that the Father will openly reward the secret prayer, so that it cannot remain unblessed: this be your strength day by day." May you be blessed in God's presence today!

1. Annual Carnival, Saturday, September 27, 1:00 PM - Make sure that you have signed up to participate in this great event. We will distribute flyers on:
* Thursday (Sept. 18) at 6:30 PM from church.
* Monday (Sept. 22) at 6:30 PM from Ross Park.
Contact Julie for more details.

2. Youth Ministries, Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30PM - Our ministries to children age 4 through 8th grade continues each Wednesday at Calvin Church. Contact Pastor Matt for more info. HIGH SCHOOL students meet each Sunday from 6:00-8:30 PM at Calvin Church.

3. Pray Muskegon - Remember to pray for Muskegon and our county on the 24th. We ask God to change the hearts of people and to use us in the process of renewing our communities! Sign up for your time at the info booth.

4. Glenside Annual Halloween Party, Saturday, Oct. 25 - They are in need of volunteers to help out at the event. If you can help, please call, text or e-mail Jenn Cole at (231) 563-6749 or cole021081@hotmail.com.

5. Sunday - It is difficult to recover from the damage of sexual disasters. Join us Sunday as we discuss the need of guardrails in this area. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

6. Prayers - Please take time to pray for:
- Rick Zambon (grandson of Thelma's brother Tom Cook) who has adeno carcinoma and has a huge mass in his stomache. He will have surgery on Friday at Hackley Hospital.
- Those recovering from addictions. May God give them strength and friends to keep them focused on the wonderful life God has for them.
- Prayers of thanks from Darrold Pellegrom. He has been home recovering for awhile now & it's going quite well. Darrold & Lisa thank everyone for their prayers.
- Darla's mom would like to thank those who have prayed for her. She is getting good reports from her follow up with surgeon, but reading is a struggle & she's still pretty much shut in.
- Pastor Matt's former neighbor Judy had surgery last week to remove some growths on her ovaries. She is recovering and awaiting the tests of a growth they removed.
- Thanks for those who power washed the church this past week and cut the lawn recently. It is wonderful to see hard work change things to look beautiful again! 

- Marilee Schut after her foot surgery. Pray for healing as she will be at home recuperating for 4-6 weeks.
- Pastor Walt and Marcia send their thanks for prayers and loving concern for them and their Son-in-law and daughter. This has been a difficult season for them.
- Back to Church Sunday! Pray for those contemplating going back to church, for churches to show abundant love and grace, and that life commitments will be made as Jesus makes old lives into new.

--
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

I read this in a blog yesterday that seemed to fit this fall for many of us: "I see no problem in caring about football. But the man or woman who cares only about sports doesn't care about nearly enough." May we care about our favorite sports or (insert favorite activity) but care deeper about those who do not know Jesus! Dare to dig deeper than superficial and talk about the really important things in life!

1. Book Club, Wednesday, September 10, at 6:30 pm.  They meet TONIGHT at Pizza Ranch to discuss "Clair de Lune” by Jetta Carleton.

2. Annual Carnival, Saturday, September 27, 1:00 PM - This is one of our best outreach events. Sign up for dates to pass out flyers, donate candy, and work at one of the stations.

3. Youth Ministries, Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30PM - Our ministries to children age 4 through 8th grade starts TONIGHT at Calvin Church. Contact Pastor Matt for more info.

4. Pray Muskegon - Remember to pray for Muskegon and our county on the 24th. We ask God to change the hearts of people and to use us in the process of renewing our communities! Sign up for your time at the info booth.

5. Sunday - Rumor has it that we will have guardrails to go with our sermon series "Guardrails"! Thanks!  Invite a friend Sunday as we discuss how this impacts our friendships. (Proverbs 13:20)

6. BASICS For Babes, Wednesday, Sept.17th, 10AM - We will meet to put together baby gifts for our area moms in need. Please consider joining us! THANK YOU so much for all the donations to this ministry. Questions?? Call Sue DeBoer 744-6579 while Marilee is home healing.

7. Prayer - Please do not forget to pray for:
- Ruth Hinajosa's sister Rosie was recently diagnosed with the blood disease, Lupus.
- Reyes' mom, Zoila has been having pains in her legs.
- Keep praying for Christians around the world who are being persecuted.
- The family and friends of Robert Muhamed, the man who drowned in Muskegon Lake on Friday night.
- Ryan and Rebecca Hunt, daughter and son-in-law of Walt & Marcia Jones, lost their unborn baby this week.
- Marilee Schut for a successful surgery this coming Thursday on her foot.
- Those dealing with addictions and looking for God's strength to overcome the things that enslave them.
- Duane Gray has another left eye injection today and another throat biopsy tomorrow (9th). The doctors still do not know what is going on but hopefully they will find out soon.
- Our annual carnival is September 27. Pray that God will direct people to the event that need to be there.

--
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 KNOW THIS WEEK!

AW Tozer's book "The Pursuit of God" has quickly become my newest favorite! "The impulse to pursue God originates with God, but the outworking of that impulse is our following hard after Him; and all the time we are pursuing Him we are already in His hand." I love God's grace that holds us, leads us, guides us, and saves us!

1. Iron Man Men's Group, Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7:00PM -  Our men's group starts up this fall at church next week. Men, this is your group!

2. Annual Carnival, Saturday, Sept. 27, 1:00 PM - This is one of our best outreach events. Sign up for dates to pass out flyers, donate candy, and work at one of the stations.

3. Hike For the Hungry, October 11, 9-11AM - This event at Heritage Landing joins 3 great charities: Muskegon Rescue Mission, Love INC and Catholic Charities. Register at the website and join Celebration's group! http://hikeforthehungry.kintera.org/

4. Youth Ministries - Our ministries to children age 4 through 8th grade starts next Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30PM at Calvin Church. Contact Pastor Matt for more info. Get ready, get set...

5. Sunday - Join us Sunday as we start a new series titled "Guardrails" based on a book by Andy Stanley. (Ephesians 5:15-18)

6. Prayers - Please pray for:
- September 21 is National Back to Church Sunday. Invite a friend!
- Jim Ring's dad recently fell and broke his hip. He also has gall stones, a blood clot in the lung, and had a heart attack. WOW!
- Bob Jackson's amd Amie Anderson's job interviews this week. Pray for God's will and direction.
- Darla's mom is doing quite well post surgery. Surgeon said "we got it all in the nic of time." Her biggest struggles now are not being able to drive or read.
- Carla Eenigenburg's Aunt Ruth who had her gall bladder removed on Wednesday.
- Those coming back to church after a summer (or more) away. May God give them what they need!
- A HUGE prayer of praise for the Baird's friend Darrold Pellegrom who had open heart surgery last Thursday. They were able to successfully repair his damaged heart valve, and every day he's doing a little better & will be able to go home soon.
- Kim Rhodes stated, "I am very happy and blessed that my husband is cancer free." Bill recently went in for a colonoscopy and they found suspicious polyps. They were removed and the report last week that they were benign. Whew!
- Here is a note from the Pray Muskegon Team: "I know some could be discouraged with the shootings and murders that have happened this summer. I have had the opportunity to talk with a couple of law enforcement officers about this summer. One told me that they had been expecting a pretty big uprising from one of the gangs in the area for a few weeks, but it never materialized. I asked, "Why?" He said, "We don't know. It just didn't happen. We had heard stuff on the street, but nothing happened." Another officer told me that there had been some miraculous instances where people survived, that should have been dead, and those that were missed by bullets like the recently. Where a man fired 6 shoots at someone and none of them hit the target. So, we may see some things that could be discouraging, but on the other hand there seems to be some places that our law enforcement officials are seeing the hand of God in."


--
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 27

"Complacency is the deadly foe of spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ in his people." 

AW Tozer wrote this in 1948 in his book "The Pursuit of God" and it still rings true today. Thirsting for God precedes growing in your relationship with him. I encourage you to seek him with focused pursuit, with serious intent, that you will starve without him!

1. Annual Carnival, Saturday, September 27, 1:00 PM - This is one of our best outreach events. Sign up for dates to pass out flyers, donate candy, and work at one of the stations.

2. Iron Man Men's Group - Starts up this fall on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 PM. Men, this is your group!

3. Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser - Save Saturday, October 4 for this event and invite a few friends too!

4. Mudders Needed! - If you can help mud drywall at the Community enCompass home rehab at 1264 Fifth St, please contact Kimi at 231-288-9403.

5. Prayers - Please add these to your prayer list:
- Jim Ring's dad fell and broke his hip. He also has gall stones.
- Thanks for great summer memories and great growing opportunities too!
- For our country including its leaders.
- Darla Baird's mom, Lillian Johnson, who had surgery on Tuesday to have cancer removed from her face (eye/nose area).
- Thanks for Matt's pastor friend Mark Niewsma who is recovering from open heart surgery in July.
- For Christians around the world that are suffering and being persecuted.
- Thanks for the blessings that God has showered on us!
- Pray for the Celebration family and friends.
- Mike Cerminaro's Aunt Pat had surgery to determine whether her cancer has returned.
- Lisa & Darrold Pellogrom, friends of the Baird's. Darrold recently found out he has an issue with a valve in his heart that will most likely require open heart surgery.
- Pam Williamson's neighbor Sandi is home and doing well after open heart surgery.
- August 31 is Hannah DeJonge's birthday. This is Rob's daughter.
- Pray that we might be able to leave give ourselves grace. It is tough for some to let the past stay in the past and move on in life with Jesus.

--
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 - September 25

Check out these important announcements for this week!

1. Carnival - Saturday, Sept. 28, 1-4PM.  This is one of our best events for people who don't know much about Celebration. Here is what you can do: 1) Invite a friend or neighbor! 2) Help set up at 12:30PM on Saturday. 3) Show up and have a great time!

2. Group Life - The luncheon was a wonderful event to highlight our groups at Celebration. As much as possible, we want to be more than a Sunday church. Doing life with a group helps! If you would still like to be in a group this fall, contact Brenda Swanson, Pastor Matt, or Marc Baird.

3. Facebook? - Churches are normally not good at communication. Actually, they are terrible at it! We have the bulletin on Sunday, the weekly email too. For more information on upcoming events and other fun things, go to our Facebook page and "like" it. http://www.facebook.com/celebration.muskegon

4. Sunday - We all long to be powerful or influential in our own way. Sunday we will continue our Choices series from the book of Proverbs that gives us God's wisdom to help us "Lead a Life of Influence". (Proverbs 11:30; 2 Timothy 3:10-15; Proverbs 24:11-12)


5. Prayers - Here's the prayer list from Sunday. Please pray for:
- Nancy Bosma's friend Julie. Her mom has suffered a stroke.
- Our Nation, especially our leaders.
- Those who are still searching for work.
- Those who are struggling with difficult family issues. 
- Natalie Sims for a new job, a new start and strength. 
- The groups that will be starting soon: Iron Man Men's Group, Apologetics Group, Book Club, and the traditional Small Groups.

-- 
Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441
www.celebrationmuskegon.com/
www.facebook.com/celebration.muskegon
(231) 571-4137

Celebration Midweek, Wednesday, September 18 (Hump Day)

While some dislike him I truly enjoy the camel who asks people what day it is. Hump Day! Whoot! Whoot! Maybe I am just easily entertained!  But I do know that it is another day God gave me life. That is what I excited about!  AND, since it is Wednesday and there are 4 important things to know for this week!

1. Doggie Pedal - September 21 (Saturday) at 4PM - We will start at Cafe USA (2020 Lakeshore Dr) for a beautiful bike trip to Heritage Landing and back. Then, we will enjoy some food at a Muskegon favorite: Max & Marley's! This is a perfect event for kids and adults! Join us for food even if you don't want to bike!

2.Small Group Kickoff Potluck - September 22 (Sunday) at Noon - We want to be more than just a "Sunday Church!" Purposeful groups will help! So, meet after Sunday Worship for a meal and conversation about your involvement in a group this fall. BRING: a salad or dessert to pass. We will have pasta for all and some hotdogs for the kids! Everyone is welcome!

3. Celebration's Carnival - September 28 from 1-4PM - This is our wonderful community event for the fall. Here is a link you can share to invite your friend!
http://secure.adpay.com/MLive_com/10940648/clicknbuy.aspx

4. Prayers - When a believing person prays great things happen! Thank you team for your commitment to prayer. Here are our requests for the week.
- For Ruth Hinojosa's mother. She is not doing well physically.
- For Marilee Schut as she undergoes testing for health issue. Pray that they find the cause of these issues.
- For John Warner and his family as he lost his mother this past week. John is Rob Ribbens' supervisor.
- For so many people who have suffered from the loss of someone they have loved in the last few months.
- For those searching for Christ and that we all seek after Him with our whole hearts.
- For the success of our small group kick-off next Sunday. So many people need a connection to positive Christ loving people in their lives.
- For Eric Fifolt who was in a workplace accident that busted a tooth and his lip.
- For Nancy Bosma who needs an MRI to determine if there is a fracture in the joint of her finger.


--
Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441
www.celebrationmuskegon.com/
www.facebook.com/celebration.muskegon
(231) 571-4137

7 Things to Know this Week

1. Welcome Back - It was great to see everyone last Sunday! What a full house! This Sunday, September 15, is the "official" Welcome Back to Church Sunday. There may be even more guests this week who will worship with us. Remember to take 5 minutes and welcome those unfamiliar to you. A good starting line: "I'm not sure I know you. I am..."

2. Doggie Pedal - On September 21 (Saturday) at 4PM, Start at Cafe USA (2020 Lakeshore Dr) for a beautiful bike trip to Heritage Landing and back. Then, we will enjoy some food at a Muskegon favorite: Max & Marley's! This is a perfect event for kids and adults!

3. Small Group Kickoff Potluck - September 22 at Noon - We want to be more than just a "Sunday Church!" Purposeful groups will help! So, meet after Sunday Worship for a meal and conversation about your involvement in a group this fall. BRING: a salad or dessert to pass. We will have pasta for all and some hotdogs for the kids! Everyone is welcome!

4. Celebration's Carnival - September 28 from 1-4PM - This is our wonderful community event for the fall. We know you will be there but let Julie know so she can assign a great place for you!

5. Adult Education Class, Sundays at 9:00AM - Relevant? The Apostle Paul wrote his letters to Timothy, a young pastor in a port town much like Muskegon. Paul's encouragement and wisdom is exactly what we need to deal with the same issues in our world today!

6. Sunday - This one may be for all of us! How does one manage their mouth and keep from hurting others with the words they use? How does one instead build up others and bring healing to their lives? Invite a friend who needs this too! (Proverbs 16:23-24; Proverbs 18:6-7)

7. Prayers - Here are a few prayer concerns from the communication cards on Sunday. Please pray for:
- A peaceful resolution to the issues in Syria and our discernment as a nation to deal with this conflict and others around the world.
- Encouragement to Deb Straley's Grandson, Brett in battling the struggles of high school and daughter Pancha, in her battles with being overwhelmed and depressed.
- Please pray for our soldiers.
- Prayers are needed for those suffering from addiction and those trying to break free from the prison of their addictions.
- Bill Essenberg asks for prayer for Barb Essenberg, she is in the hospital.
- For those who are looking for a home church, many who have worshiped at Celebration recently. Pray that they are led to where God wants them to grow.
- Please pray for our family members who do not know Christ.


--
Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441
www.celebrationmuskegon.com/
www.facebook.com/celebration.muskegon
(231) 571-4137

Celebration Midweek - September 4

Celebration!
It might be a few weeks before the rush of the school schedule levels off. Until then, here are 4 important things to know for this week!

1. Calendar items:
- Sept. 21, 4:00PM - Doggie Peddle - Start at Cafe USA and bike to Heritage Landing and back. Then, enjoy some food at a Muskegon favorite: Max & Marley's! 
- Sept. 22, Noon - Small Group Kickoff Potluck - We want to be more than just a "Sunday Church!" Purposeful groups will help! So, meet after Sunday Worship for a meal and conversation about your involvement in a group this fall. BRING: a salad or dessert to pass. We will have pasta for all and some hotdogs for the kids! Everyone is welcome!
- Sept. 28, 1-4PM - Carnival - This is our great community event for the fall. Sign up to be a part of it!

2. Sunday - Have you ever thought of wisdom as a choice? People choose to be either wise or foolish? Sunday we begin a series from Proverbs called "Choices". Invite a friend who needs to hear the "Wonder of Wisdom" (Proverbs 2:1-11)

3. Prayers since Sunday - Please pray for:

- Darla and Marc's good friend Scott is very sick and being tested for Liver Cirrhosis. 
- A new job. 
- The new marriage of Ryenn and Matt Dixon, friends of the Ribbens and the Bosmas.
- Paula Espinoza's brother Jim as he recovers from back surgery.
- Reyes' sister Joyce she is suffering from some medical problems. Prayer of praise for Reyes' niece and daughters who are recovering well after a car accident. 

4. Welcome Back! - Sunday, September 15, is Welcome Back to Church Sunday. I think I understand the purpose but I was puzzled by this event. Celebration does this every week! Celebration seems to be a safe haven for those who have been wayward and need to come back: to come back to Jesus and come back a community of his people, the church. So invite someone to come back this week and every week. Show them the grace, hope, and love of Jesus that is worth coming back for.

-- 
Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441www.celebrationmuskegon.com/
www.facebook.com/celebration.muskegon(231) 571-4137

Celebration Midweek

Here are 7 important items to know this week at Celebration:

1. Layette Ministry - Thanks so much for getting supplies for these newborn starter kits"! We are blown away by your support! How can you help? Visit your neighborhood yard sales and ask if they would donate gently used baby clothes for the Layette Ministry. Then see what God will do!

2. Carnival - Sign up in the entry way poster for helping out at the carnival on September 28. We are also in need of specific supplies! Contact Julie for more info.
3. Church Loan - In case you did not know, we now own our building! After 15 years of existence, Celebration now has a home base from which to launch into the community! Thanks to the Bigger Better Boat Team and other leaders for helping make this a reality!

4. College students - This Sunday we plan to "send off" our college students with God's and our blessing. Our college students are: Kadance Ribbens, Nicki Ribbens, Brandon Rowell, Adam Irish. Am I missing anyone?

5. Leaders - Sunday we hope to formally welcome our new leaders who were selected in June. They are: Doug Bergman and Sue DeBoer as Elders; Reyes Hinajosa to AMT; Marsha Dunning and Steve DuRose to the Finance Team; Cassie Workman to CSR. Continue to pray for our leaders as they serve this year.

6. Prayers - Please be in prayer for:
- The Glaser family. Amy’s father, Jack Southland has passed away. Son and daughter-in-law of Tim and Nancy Bosma.
- Paula Espinoza’s friend, Carla. She is now starting radiation and chemo. Pray for her comfort and healing.
- The Dobson family. We have prayed for them in the past as wife and mother Terri Dobson was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Please continue to pray for peace and comfort for her family as she has gone on to be with Jesus. Her husband Wil is the friend of Holly Ribbens. Terri and Wil’s children are 11 and 8.
- The DeJonge family as they continue to seek clarity for Rob’s job, home and education.
- The Celebration Church family. Pray for healing, strength, and discernment.
- Cheryl was able to visit Jena and she is improving. Her outlook seems better and she is working through her program again. Please continue to pray for Jena’s peace and the comfort that only Christ can provide.

7. Thankful - I get to rub shoulders with lots of pastors. Some easily talk about the "hard headed" people in their church or the many challenges with their church.   Mostly, I find it easy to talk about the great people of Celebration that drew me to Muskegon. Not to say that we do not have challenges but I have the mindset of the Apostle Paul to the Philippian Church. He was their pastor but also their partner in ministry. God is working at Celebration and I am so glad to be part of it with everyone! For that I thank God every time!

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:3-6)