5 Things to Know This Week

Author Randy Clark wrote, "God is not looking for the well financed, the well educated nor even the well experienced in 'ministry.' He is simply looking for those who are willing to yield their hearts and lives to all He wants to do working through them. He is looking for those who are willing to believe for more, because there is more!" Do we as a church believe that there is so much more that God wants to do in us and through us? Oh I hope so!

1. Events
- TONIGHT, Youth Ministries at Calvin Church, 6:30-8:00PM - (ages 4 years to 8th grade) Little Peeps, GEMS, and Middle School = Christmas Program Practice. Cadets = Game Night!
- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM in the Nursery.
- Sunday, Fellowship Team Meeting, 9:30AM in the Oasis room.
- Sunday, Worship Service, 10:30AM!
- Sunday, Annual Congregational Meeting, Sunday after worship. Copies of the proposed budget are available on the Information Table. Contact your elder if you have any questions.
- Sunday, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:00PM. Starts with dinner!
- Dec. 20, Oasis Christmas Play Practice, 10:00-11:00AM at church.
- Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7PM. It is a wonderful way to enter into Christmas!
- Jan. 7, Book Club - Meet at the Brew House (on Seminole @ Seaway) to discuss Faith Bass Darling's Last Garage Sale by Lynda Rutledge.

2. Community Survey - On Sunday, make sure to write down and turn in your surveys of your neighbors, friends, and others in your community! Place them in the collection plate or turn in at the Info booth.

3. T-Shirt Sale - We sold enough T-shirts and raised $292 for the building fund!! 3. Sunday - What is the true message of Christmas? Are you sure? Join us Sunday as we continue our Advent series "The Miracle of Christmas."

4. Sunday - What is the true message of Christmas? Are you sure? Join us Sunday as we continue our Advent series "The Miracle of Christmas."

5. Prayer - Please send your prayer requests to our prayer team so that we may bring them before our God. Here are some recent requests:
- For the LoveINC events: "Christmas store" and "Share The Warmth PJ giveaway". They bless so many with these events and the comprehensive array of classes. May all their efforts help transform lives in Muskegon County.
- Brian and Sue Vredevoogd's friend Frank had encouraging news after his biopsy procedure. They still need to wait for the biopsy results there is reason to be optimistic.
- For those misunderstood and the feelings of deep hurt that come when someone lashes out at them.
- From a Communication Card: "I pray for my boys and the lukewarm people in the world, including myself. His mercy endures forever! Amen!"
- For the craziness and stress that has become synonymous with Christmas time. May we all seek and find Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
- That those who attend church this Sunday will be filled with everything they need.
- For those who have made commitments lately to trust in Jesus.
- Natalie Sims is looking for employment and to make matters worse also has pink eye.
- For all of the requests of our hearts that only God knows!--
Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441
www.celebrationmuskegon.org
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(231) 571-4137

Thanksgiving Week Update

Dearest Celebration,
Is it still unclear to us in the USA that we have so much for which to be thankful? Sometimes. I like the way the Apostle Paul encouraged his readers who had much less than we do. In Colossians 3:15, stuffed between his thoughts on the peace of Christ and the word of Christ, Paul simply says, "And be thankful." No big guilt trips given. No frustrated anger over whiny selfish attitudes. Just a command: be thankful. We are surrounded by the peace of Christ and the word of Christ. Let us be thankful both this week and those to follow!

1. Events
- Tonight, Thanksgiving Eve Service at 6:30PM at church.
- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM in the Nursery.
- Monday, Dec. 1, Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at Ring's.
- Wednesday, Dec. 3, Book Club, 6:30PM at Verdoni's. We're reading "In the Garden of Beasts" by Erik Larson.
- Dec. 6, Food Truck at Calvin Church, Saturday, 8:00-10:00AM. Help distribute food to those who need it.
- Dec. 14, Annual Congregational Meeting, Sunday after worship. Copies of the proposed budget are available on the Information Table. Contact your elder if you have any questions.

2. Sunday - Meh? It's the too common feeling of apathy and unconcern. Are we that way toward God? Join us as we conclude our series "We've Got Mail" and what Jesus says to Celebration Church from the book of Revelation.

3. T-Shirt Sale - This is the last week! Until Dec 1, get a T-Shirt, Long Sleeve T, or Hooded sweatshirt for Christmas! The costs range from $16-$36. All proceeds go to the building fund. Go to:www.bonfirefunds.com/celebration-church-building-fund. As of today we have 18 shirts sold already!

4. Baby Basics Help - Our supply of baby toiletries is severely depleted. We need baby wash, lotion, wipes and diapers. Receiving blankets and cozy crib blankets are also in low supply. New or very gently used newborn to 9 month old sleepers/outfits plus small infant rattles/toys make our "bags" special for these needy new moms. Thanks for your help!!

5. Miracle of Christmas - Every part of the Christmas story reveals a miracle. We can easily miss it if we don't look for it. Our Advent series this December asks us to consider how the miracle of Christ's coming into the world changed history, brought peace and hope of salvation, and impacts you personally. Invite a friend to hear of the "Miracle of Christmas"!

6. Prayer - Take some time to pray for:
- Pray for those coming to the Thanksgiving service on Wednesday at 6:30PM. May God continue to bless us all and give us all that we need!
- That God would bless all the families getting together for Thanksgiving.
- For unexpected money issues.
- Pam Williamson's friend Dave after his wife Diana died on Oct. 5. May he find peace and comfort during the grieving process.
- Prayers for families that seem to be falling apart.
- Marilee Schut as she continues to heal from her foot surgery.
- Those feeling stressed out at work and in need of Gods hand of encouragement.
- Thanks for those who have difficulty in life but continue to say that God is good.
- Bill Essenberg as he is in the middle of his 2 month cancer treatments.
- Those in the midst of relational issues.
- Celebration’s building project and closing the gap needed to begin.
- Those looking for employment.
- The unspoken prayers of our hearts that only God knows.
- Those dealing with loneliness and depression.
- Continue to pray for families who are separating or divorcing. Pray especially for the children who are always caught in the middle.
- Brian and Sue Vredevoogd ask for prayers for their friend Frank who has had his cancer come back.
- Harold West gave prayers of thanks for Janet Sykes, his resident who fell and was in a coma after a lot of blood loss. She returned home this past week.
- Nate Meyer, son of Bob and Kathy, has improved enough to be moved to Mary Free Bed after his accident.
- Pray for those who still grieve after the loss of loved ones. May they seek even more after our Comforter during the holidays.
- Pray for Congregational meeting scheduled for Dec. 14. The budget will be presented and updates given on several ministries.

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

6 Important Things for This Week

Here are 6 important items for this week:

1. Events - 
- Tonight, Youth Ministries, tonight, at 6:30PM at Calvin Church
- Friday, October 24, Pray for Muskegon, Attached to this email is a prayer guide that may be useful when you pray. Thanks.
- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM.
- October 26, Sunday, Annual Chili Cook-Off, Noon. Bring your favorite red or white chili even if YOU don't think it is anything special. I am sure others will like it!
- November 28, Tuesday, Iron Man Group, 6:30 pm at church.
- November 1, Saturday, Food Truck at Calvin Church, 8:00-10:00AM. Help distribute food to those who need it.
- November 5, Wednesday, Book Club, 6:30PM. Meet at the Denny's on Seaway Drive as we go through the book, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery.

2. Sunday - Jesus said that if we follow him we will need to endure suffering and persecution. Do we have what it takes to stay faithful till the end? Invite a friend to our new series, "We've Got Mail". (Revelation 2:8-11)

3. Adoption Benefit - This is a catered dinner & silent auction to raise funds for Bethany Christian Services for Brandon & Charlene Beck's Domestic Infant Adoption. Sunday, November 16th from 4:30pm-8:00pm at the Century Club in downtown Muskegon. Anyone is welcome to attend, tickets may be purchased at: www.westmibenefits.org by November 9th. Dinner: $30 per person, Dinner with drinks: $35. This event is being hosted by Tyler & Rachel Cebulla.

4. Directory - This is the final week to view and/or submit photos for our Pictorial Directory. Check it out at Info booth for any last changes. 

5. Building Project Update - We have raised 82% of the amount needed for the next phase of the building project! Our hope is to have the final $50,000 by the end of the year and have the Architect start the final drawings.
The Bigger Better Boat Committee would like every household to turn in a pledge card stating that you will commit to 1) prayer, 2) volunteer work, and/or 3) donate funds toward the project. Please submit your pledge card the 1st of November. It is important that potential donors from the community know the full support and commitment of the people at Celebration. Let the committee know of outside sources and individuals that the committee should contact for donations.

6. Prayers - Please take time to pray for:
- Remember to use this list along with the prayer guide when you pray on Friday (the 24th) for Muskegon.
- The unspoken prayers of our hearts that only God knows.
- We celebrate with Justin and Cassie Vredevoogd who had a baby girl, Emaline Ann on October 15.
- Those feeling stressed out at work and in need of God's hand of encouragement.
- The families of the 3 victims shot to death last week in Muskegon Heights.
- Jim Anderson and his family, Taylor and Carly, as his wife Jan died peacefully on Monday. These are good friends of the Baird's..
- Carla Eenigenburg’s Aunt Lillian begins her chemo treatments next week.
- The prayer team that we do not grow weary in our labor but press on with encouragement from each other.
- Reyes Hinajosa asks that his son Marcos will let God into his life. He thanks everyone for their prayers for his sister Joyce who is doing better.
- Kim Rhodes asks for prayers for her mother-in-law who is 101 years young this past Saturday. She has pneumonia in both lungs but is "still happy and feisty."
- Our "Snow Birds' who will be leaving soon. May God use them for great things during their season away from us.
- Terry Lacy's mom who was diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
- Bill Essenberg as he starts his 2 month cancer treatments soon.
- Nicole Sims; new grandson who is at DeVos hospital.
- Amie Anderson's last stage of interview process for a new job.·
- The DuRose family at the loss of Steve’s mom, Joyce. May god give them the comfort they seek.
- Judy Irish's Mom's moved to the Heartwood Lodge Nursing home. She is making progress with Pt/OT but she has a long road ahead of her.
- For those feeling anxious and nervous about life
- For Celebration's building project as we near the final stages before construction begins.
- Those with unexpected money issues.
- Those looking for 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 - 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

5 ImPoRtAnT tHiNgS fOr ThE wEeK

Reflecting on Sunday and our series "Jerks of the Bible", the song "As the Deer" came to mind. I pray that this song from Psalm 42 stays in your heart today:
"As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after thee. You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship thee. You alone are my strength, my shield, to you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship thee."

1. Ironman Group - Meet Thursday, July 17 at church at 6:30PM. Bring your oown snack and/or refreshment!

2. Pray on the 24th - Reserve your hour for praying for Muskegon for Thursday, July 24th! Go to the info booth at church or contact Pastor Matt. Grab a friend to partner with you.

3. Church Picnic, Sunday, August 10 – We will have our annual picnic at church after the worship service. Please bring a salad to share. Hamburgers, chips, dessert and pop are provided.

4. Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Saturday, September 13 - Mark your calendars for this event! It will be here before you know it!

5. Prayers - Please add these to your prayer list:
- Leslie Zimmerman as she looks from relief for her migraine headaches and their search for a different house to call home.
- The people at the SERVE Project that lasts through Saturday. May each person encounter Jesus this week. May everyone get home safely. May this week help them live a life closer to Jesus when they get home.
- Darla Baird's mom Lillian Johnson who is doing much better after being hospitalized last week after passing out while volunteering at LoveINC. Praise God that tests revealed no major issues but she needs prayer for strength, healing, and safety.
- Reyes gives thanks that his mom and neice Delilah are doing much better. He said that your prayers are appreciated AND needed! I agree!
- Lilia DuRose and the boys who made it safely to Ukraine.
- Those who need God's forgiveness and those who need to grant it to others.


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