Celebration Midweek - Jan. 21

I am looking forward to the movie "God's Not Dead!" that we hope to show on Friday night at 7:00PM. One huge reason is that many of us are just not equipped to share our faith to the skeptics around us. Most of us know what we know and can talk about it to other Christians. But when it comes to those who are resistant to the gospel, we quickly look for ways out of the conversation. I hope this movie will spur us on to be more bold in our witness and to dig deeper in our study so "the servant of God can be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:17)

1. Events
- TONIGHT, Youth Ministries at Calvin Church, 6:30-8:00PM - (ages 4 years to 8th grade) Little Peeps = Lesson "Let's Go", GEMS = Lesson and Craft, Cadets = Project Night , and Middle School = "Ruth: The Tenacious Outsider."
- Friday, Movie Night, "God's Not Dead!"
- Saturday, Pray For Muskegon, all day. Invest 1 hour to pray for Muskegon and the surrounding area.
- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM in the Nursery. Join us as we journey through Corinth.
- Sunday, Worship Service, 10:30AM!
- Sunday, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:00PM. Starts with dinner!
- Sunday, Soup and Salad Lunch after Sunday worship.
- Sunday, County-Wide Prayer Event, 6:00PM in the Orchard View High School auditorium.
- Feb. 4, Book Club - Meet at 6:30PM at Panera Bread. The book this month is "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter.
- Feb.. 6-8, Middle School Winter Retreat
- Feb. 7, Cadet Winter Derby

2. Weather Reminder – If a severe weather warning is issued, people should not come to church activities. If an official cancellation is necessary, we will post the cancellation on the WZZM web site. This will also be listed on channel 13 WZZM.

3. County-Wide Prayer Event, Sunday, January 25, 6:00PM in the Orchard View High School auditorium. This will be a non denominational gathering of the Body of Christ in the greater Muskegon area for worship, prayer, encouragement, testimonies, and more prayer!

4. Sunday - What do we do when facing skeptics to Christianity? Run away? Engage them? Invite a friend to worship as we consider this question in the last message in our present series "God's Not Dead!" (John 20:24-29)

5. Prayers
- Patti Lacy's uncle passed away on Monday morning!
- Ruth Hinajosa's sister Delores is doing well after her heart surgery. Pray for her continued healing as she will be in the hospital for a while longer.
- Ruth also has numbness in her hand from the repetitive motion of the job
- Linda Bergman's granddaughter is still experiencing seizures.
- Please pray for those who have lost loved ones this past year.
- Roger Doctor’s friend, Clint Ridley, has a brain tumor and is seeking treatment at Mayo Hospital.
- Pray for families with financial stress.
- Pray for those looking for a home church that God would lead them where they need to be.
- For the prison ministries around the country.
- For the conflicts within churches in the area.

--
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

1. Events 

- TONIGHT, Youth Ministries at Calvin Church, 6:30-8:00PM - (ages 4 years to 8th grade) Little Peeps = Lesson "Heaven Breaks Through" plus POINT STORE, GEMS = Lesson “Get Moving” and Craft, Cadets = Point Store , and Middle School = Sampson: The raging Prima Donna.
- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM in the Nursery.
- Sunday, Worship Service, 10:30AM!
- Sunday, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:00PM. Starts with dinner!
- Jan. 21, Baby Basics, 10:00AM. We will meet to put together baby gifts.
- Jan. 24, Pray For Muskegon, all day. Invest 1 hour to pray for Muskegon and the surrounding area.
- Jan. 25, Soup and Salad Lunch after Sunday worship.
- Jan. 25, County-Wide Prayer Event, 6:00PM in the Orchard View High School auditorium.
- Feb. 4, Book Club - Meet at 6:30PM at Panera Bread. The book this month is "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter.
- Feb.. 6-8, Middle School Winter Retreat
- Feb. 7, Cadet Winter Derby

2. Severe Weather – If a severe weather warning is issued, people should not come to church activities. If an official cancellation is necessary, we will post the cancellation on the WZZM web site. This will also be listed on channel 13 WZZM. 

3. County-Wide Prayer Event, Sunday, January 25, 6:00PM in the Orchard View High School auditorium. This will be a non-denominational gathering of the Body of Christ in the greater Muskegon area for worship, prayer, encouragement, testimonies, and more prayer!

4. Youtube - Many people have told us that they would like to watch the worship service online because they couldn't make it on Sunday or they live away from Muskegon. SO we will post videos of sermons and songs on the Celebration Youtube website listed below. If you "subscribe" to the site, you will get an email every time we add a video. Send us feedback so we can do this well. Thanks! www.youtube.com/user/celebrationmuskegon

5. Sunday - Is our faith blind or is there solid evidence that supports our faith? Invite a friend to worship as we consider this question in our present series "God's Not Dead!" (Acts 26:24-29)

6. Prayers:
- Linda Bergman's 17-year-old granddaughter Kennedy has been experiencing seizures of which she has no memory. The doctors can't find anything physically wrong with her. Please pray that they can find an answer and help her.
- Pray that our Christian Reformed World Mission (CRWM) missionaries may establish enriching partnerships with national leaders, churches, and other partners in every mission field. Pray that they would see further opportunities for working together to more effectively serve their community.
- The Oasis ministry will be using a new curriculum this next year. May it be helpful to building a solid foundation in our kids and lead them to know Jesus. God bless youJulie and your team!
- Bill Essenberg asks for prayers for his brother Tom and sister in law Julie. Julie's mom, Lee Manspeaker, passed away 12-24 in Athens Georgia. Pray for the grieving families including Bill Manspeaker who lost his wife.
- Rob DeJonge asked for prayers for families of two of his staff members and a regular. They were involved in a fatal accident last week.
- A former student of Eenigenburg's starting her first teaching assignment last week in Nampula, Mozambique! May God bless her in her mission work!
- Pray for healing and forgiveness among friends and families.
- Pray for all of the request we have on our hearts that no one knows about but God.
- For conflicts in churches in the area.
- Pastor Matt's friend and former pastor Archie VanderHart has stomach and esophagus cancer that has metastasized into his bones. He has started radiation treatments.
- Ruth Hinajosa's sister Delores had heart surgery on January 12. May God keep her safe and bring her back home to her family. Also, Ruth is experiencing numbness in her hand.
- Duane and Paula would like prayers for yet another financial problem.
- We praise God for allowing our church to reach our building fund goal! Yay Fundraising Team! You did a great job!
- We praise God for helping Ruth to reconcile with her sister Jane. God is so good!
- Brian and Sue Vredevoogd give praise that the biopsy of their friend Frank revealed no cancer at all! Praise God!

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

A New Year at Celebration!

Today I unceremoniously placed the 2014 calendar in the recycling box in my office. Out with the old and in with the new! Last year at Celebration was filled with great accomplishments but also great challenges. Some parts I don't want to remember. However, when reflecting further on the year, maybe I need to remember the "not-so-good" parts too. Isn't it comforting to know that our great God was with us through all of our circumstances? In the good times, he was there. In the bad times, he was there. Why do we only want to only remember the good events with God when he is always present in the lives of his people? Maybe we could remember both types of events, not with equal joy, but with equal comfort in knowing our God is always present wherever he leads us in our journey.

1. Friday Movie Night, 6:30PM - Join us at church this Friday for our movie "God's Not Dead!" Without giving away too much of the story, a college student, Josh Wheaton, has his faith challenged by his philosophy professor, and he has to defend God’s existence to the entire class. Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

2. EVENTS:- TONIGHT, Jan. 7, Book Club - Meet at the Brew House (on Seminole @ Seaway) to discuss "Faith Bass Darling's Last Garage Sale" by Lynda Rutledge.

- TONIGHT, Jan. 7, Youth Ministries at Calvin Church, 6:30-8:00PM - (ages 4 years to 8th grade)
- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM in the Nursery.
- Sunday, Worship Service, 10:30AM! We will be celebrating the Lord's Supper! May you take this week to prepare yourself (Matthew 5:23-24).
- Sunday, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:00PM. Starts with dinner!
- Jan. 25, Soup and Salad Lunch, after Sunday worship.
- Jan. 25, County-Wide Prayer Event, 6:00PM in the Orchard View High School auditorium. This will be a non-denominational gathering of the Body of Christ in the greater Muskegon area for worship, prayer, encouragement, testimonies, and more prayer!

3. Job Opportunity - Love INC of Muskegon County, a non-profit ministry, has an immediate opening for a part time (16-20 hours per week) Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper position. The required skills for this position include proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Publisher), and Quickbooks. Accounting experience is essential as preparation of financial reports, payroll, etc. are duties of the position. This is a chance to work in a fast paced, exciting, rewarding and positive Christian environment. Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Thank you for your interest. Resumes can be sent to mattk@loveincofmuskegon.com or Love INC of Muskegon. 2735 E. Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442.
4. Prayers of God's People:
- Pray that our Christian Reformed World Mission (CRWM) missionaries may establish enriching partnerships with national leaders, churches, and other partners in every mission field. Pray that they would see further opportunities for working together to more effectively serve their community.
- Please pray for Pastor Bob Bieringa who will undergo surgery on Monday for prostate cancer.
- Bill Essenberg asks for prayers for his brother Tom and sister in law Julie. Julie's mom, Lee Manspeaker, passed away 12-24 in Athens Georgia. Pray for the grieving families including Bill Manspeaker who lost his wife.
- Rob DeJonge asked for prayers for the families of two of his staff members and a regular. They were involved in a fatal accident this week.
- A former student of Eenigenburg's starting her first teaching assignment this week in Nampula, Mozambique! May God bless everyone starting a new semester of school this week!

- Pray for healing and forgiveness among friends and families.
- Pastor Matt's friend and former pastor Archie VanderHart has stomach and esophagus cancer that has metastasized into his bones. He is in the hospital and in a good deal of pain.
- Ruth Hinajosa's sister Delores will be having heart surgery on January 12. May God keep her safe and bring her back home to her family. Also, Ruth is experiencing numbness in her hand.
- Duane and Paula would like prayers for yet another financial problem.
- We praise God for allowing our church to reach our building fund goal!
- We praise God for helping Ruth to reconcile with her sister Jane. God is so good!
- Linda Bergman's 17-year-old granddaughter Kennedy has been experiencing seizures of which she has no memory. The doctors can't find anything physically wrong with her. Please pray that they can find an answer and help her.
- Brian and Sue Vredevoogd give praise that the biopsy of their friend Frank revealed no cancer at all! Praise God!
- Pray for all of the prayers we have on our hearts that no one knows about but God.



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

Christmas Eve at Celebration

At the tail end of December, when it seems that we are running a extremely hectic pace, may you still pause to take in the true meaning of Christmas. We can quickly pass it by without a word or comment.

Hustle and bustle, the time seems to fly.

"We're late! We're late! There's presents to buy!"

Christmas is over so fast every year.

Make time for Jesus, our great King is here!

1. Events
- TODAY, Dec. 24, Pray For Muskegon, all day. Invest 1 hour to pray for Muskegon and the surrounding area.
- TONIGHT, Christmas Eve Worship Service, 7:00PM at church.
- Sunday, Worship Service, 10:30AM!
- Sunday, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:00PM. Starts with dinner!
- Jan. 4, Seekers Small Group meets after the worship service.
- Jan. 5, Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at the Ring's.
- Jan. 7, Book Club - Meet at the Brew House (on Seminole @ Seaway) to discuss "Faith Bass Darling's Last Garage Sale" by Lynda Rutledge.
- Jan. 9, Friday Movie Night, 6:30PM at Church. We will be watching "God's Not Dead!" Popcorn will be provided!

2. Sunday - New Years is around the corner and we aren't even close to ready for it! What if this year could be the best one yet? Invite a friend to worship as we consider "Changing for Good". (Luke 19:1-10)

3. Prayers:
- Pray for those who still grieve after the loss of loved ones. May they seek even more after our Comforter during the holidays.
- That we may be filled with grace when we meet with those whom we disagree.
- For the 2 families who were blown away this week by gifts from the Mitten Tree. May God bless the giver and the receiver of the gifts.
- For small groups starting in January.
- 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.
- For Brenda and Steve Swanson and her family at the loss of her granddaughter Isabella.
- Marilee Schut as she continues to heal from her foot surgery.
- Bill Essenberg as he is nearing the end of his cancer treatments.
- Those looking for employment and feel like they are not wanted or needed.
- The unspoken prayers of our hearts that only God knows.
- Brian and Sue Vredevoogd ask for prayers for their friend Frank who has had his cancer come back.
- Terry Lacy's cousin, Patrick, had a serious reaction to his medication and is "burning" his skin off. It is called Stephens Johnson Syndrome. He is in the burn unit at Spectrum in GR for at least a week.
- Robin Harper's mom, Jan, fell this week getting the mail. Her face took the brunt of the fall. She is very cut up and bruised. Pray for a speedy recovery.
- Pray for the recent visitors and guests as they look for a church home. Whether it be at Celebration or another church, may they find a place to grow closer to God and his people.



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

Almost Christmas!

How sad that this quote by Clyde Reid written in 1966 could very much be written about us today: "As we have seen, there is considerable evidence to suggest that Protestant churches in the mid-twentieth century are in serious trouble. By their obvious action and inaction, the organizations often belie their avowed purpose for existence. They tend to be self-centered, not centered on others. They tend to be more interested in programs and buildings and statistics than in persons. In the great social issues of the day, they are foot-draggers, often jumping on the bandwagon to share the glory after the battle has been won by some secular agency. They reject the spiritually sensitive person and fail to help the sinner. They are enmeshed in a massive appalling contradiction between what they claim to be and what they actually reveal themselves to be." 
May we as a church always fight against this!

1. Events
- Saturday, Oasis Christmas Play Practice, 10:00-11:00AM at church.
- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM in the Nursery.
- Sunday, Worship Service, 10:30AM!
- Sunday, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:00PM. Starts with dinner!
- Wednesday, Dec. 24, Pray For Muskegon, all day. Sign up for your hour to pray for Muskegon.
- Wednesday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7:00PM. It is a wonderful way to enter into Christmas!
- Jan. 4, Seekers Small Group meets. Terry & Patti Lacy will lead the lesson.
- 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. Small groups - We will have new groups starting in January! If you are interested in growing together with God and with others at Celebration, contact Brenda Swanson or Pastor Matt.

3. Mitten Tree - It is awesome to see that all of the tags from the mitten tree are spoken for! Please bring your gift(s) on Sunday. We'll deliver them on Monday!

4. Sunday - "There's a method to the madness!" This quote seems to fit when we talk about why Jesus was born in a manger. Join us Sunday as we continue our Advent series: "The Miracle of Christmas."

5. Prayers:
- Pray for those who still grieve after the loss of loved ones. May they seek even more after our Comforter during the holidays.
- That we may be filled with grace when we meet with those whom we disagree.
- 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.
- For Brenda and Steve Swanson and her family at the loss of her granddaughter Isabella.
- Marilee Schut as she continues to heal from her foot surgery.
- Bill Essenberg as he is nearing the end of his cancer treatments.
- Those looking for employment and feel like they are not wanted or needed.
- The unspoken prayers of our hearts that only God knows.
- Brian and Sue Vredevoogd ask for prayers for their friend Frank who has had his cancer come back.


--
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

Where is the line between words filled with loving grace and loving correction? I think we err on both sides too often. We remain silent when the other person is on a bad trajectory in life. Or we blast them with both barrels on how they need to change their ways. The big picture when speaking our words is that they must be loving. If the person does not know that we love and care for them, re-think saying your words of correction. But if you love and care about the other person, please don't withhold loving words of correction that might help them? So, when in doubt: speak words of love!

1. Events
- Wednesday, Dec. 3, Book Club, 6:30PM at Verdoni's. We're reading "In the Garden of Beasts" by Erik Larson.
- No Youth Ministries tonight at Calvin church.
- Saturday, Food Truck at Calvin Church, Saturday, 8:00-10:00AM. Help distribute food to those who need it.
- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM in the Nursery.
- Sunday, Worship Service, 10:30AM!
- Sunday, Oasis Team Meeting, after worship in the Oasis room.
- 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. T-Shirt Sale - The website extended our sale for one week! So, 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 need to sell 17 more shirts!

3. Sunday - You have probably heard it said, "Timing is everything." Have you ever thought of that when it comes to Christmas? Join us Sunday as we consider this idea in our Advent series "The Miracle of Christmas."

4. Community Survey - Remember to ask your friends, neighbors, co-workers, boss, etc. your 3 questions before Sunday! 1) What are the biggest needs in our community? 2) How are those needs presently addressed? 3) How could a church be helpful in addressing these needs? We will collect them on Sunday!

5. Prayer - Please send your prayer requests so that we may bring them before our God. The following requests are ones we know.
- For Brenda and Steve Swanson and her family at the loss of her granddaughter Isabella last week.
- That we may be filled with grace when we meet with those whom we disagree.
- Prayers for families that seem to be falling apart.
- Marilee Schut as she continues to heal from her foot surgery.
- Bill Essenberg as he is in the middle of his 2 month cancer treatments.
- 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