Celebration Mid-Week - Feb. 11

I have been holding my breath for the last few weeks when I open my email from Caring Bridge.  My friend is dying from cancer and his time on earth is nearly up.  I am sad for his family, for my old church in MN, and for me as I lose a friend.  There are no words that can make this all go away or make it easy.  

My comfort in this journey has been Psalm 13:5-6.  After David asks God what he is going to do about his tough situation, he reflects with these words: "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me."  

Hopefully we can trust that our God knows what he is doing and know for certain that he has been good to us.  Personally, God gave me many good years of ministry with my friend.  I look forward to seeing him again one day.  So I say my goodbyes to my friend with a mix of sadness and comfort in my heart, "Till we meet again."

1. Events 

- TONIGHT, Youth Ministries at Calvin Church, 6:30-8:00PM - (ages 4 years to 8th grade)  Little Peeps =  Lesson "Nicodemus--Being Born Again!"; GEMS = "Lesson: In a Word” and Valentine Craft; Cadets = Marshmallow Guns; Middle School = Lesson "Solomon: The Ambitious Son".

- Friday, Celebration Game Night, 7:00PM at church.  

- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM in the Nursery.  Join us as we journey through Corinth.

- Sunday, Worship Service, 10:30AM!

- Sunday, The Seekers Small Group meets after church in the Oasis room.  

- Sunday, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:00PM.  Starts with dinner!

- Feb. 18, Basics for Babes, 10:30AM at Church.

- Feb. 20-22, High School Winter Retreat

- Feb. 21, Oasis Winter Sledding Fest, 3:00-5:30PM.

2.  World Missions - Attached is a letter from Christian Reformed World Missions.  We support this great work to bring Jesus to those who don't know him.  Read and marvel at how God is changing hearts all over the world!

3. Leaders Wanted - We have so many leaders at Celebration!  You know them too.  Help us by nominating some people you know who would be a great servant leader during this exciting year to come.  Send your nominees to Tom Dunning at tdunn93337@comcast.net.

4. Oasis Winter Sledding Fest, February 21, 3:00-5:30PM at Jim and Sandy Ring’s home. Embrace the season with sledding and other winter games.  We will end the day with hot dogs and refreshments.  RSVP to Julie 231-286-9770 or Sharon 231-730-2768 so we know how much food to get.

5. Basics for Babes- We are in need of everything to keep going. This includes: newborn diapers, lotion, baby wash, wipes, bibs, receiving blankets, crib blankets, onesies, sleepers & outfits. Some of these items can be picked up at resale stores if they are in good condition.  FYI – Valueland has ½ price on the last Tuesday of the month. Thank-you for your contributions.

6. Sunday -  We continue our new series "Something New".  Jesus gives us just 3 things for a "NEW Focus" if we want to follow him.  Easy!  They are easy until they impact every area of our life!  (Mark 8:31-38)

7. Prayers

- Missionaries in Haiti,  Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Nepal ask for prayers for political stability in the countries where they serve. In some cases, violent protests have hindered regular ministry.  Pray for safety for missionaries in these countries. Pray for honest and fair leadership during times of election and political unrest.
- Summer plans can fill up quickly and CRWM has a number of opportunities to serve.

- That there would be no divisions among us, but that we would be perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgment.

- That each believer at Celebration would know and understand their purpose, and calling in the Kingdom of God.  

- Pray for Pastor Matt and Carla and all of the other leaders at Celebration.

- For miracles to happen in families because only God can bring them peace.

- For successful job interviews and employment that glorifies God.
- Lilia's father in the Ukraine is 78 years young and in the early stages of dementia.  He is struggling. Pray that he does not suffer.

- For the unspoken problem in our lives that we need God's guidance and direction to resolve.

- For the difficult people in our lives that make for tough days at work or at home.  Pray that God gives strength and grace to show love to them.

- For family members who are not making good decisions.  

- For Patti Lacy's friend Bob who does not have a tumor as feared. He has an infection that the doctor feels will respond to treatment.  Patti has an appointment on Tuesday for her knee. She is experiencing a lot of pain.
- For those driving on the roads during winter that God would keep them safe.

- For Duane Blohm who is experiencing severe shoulder pain lately.

-- 

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

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)