Celebration Midweek - Oct. 15

"Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child." Can you relate? Our God has awesome power to command our storms in life to disappear. He also cares so deeply for you that he brings you safely through the storm. Does it bring you comfort to know this about our God?

Here are some important items for this week:
1. Events -
- Youth Ministries, tonight, at 6:30PM at Calvin Church
- Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM on Sunday.
- Pray for Muskegon, Friday, October 24 - Sign up at the info booth for your hour to pray.
- Annual Chili Cook-Off, Sunday, October 26, at Noon. Sign up at the info booth to bring a red or white chili.
- Food Truck at Calvin Church, Saturday, November 1, 8:00-10:00AM. Help distribute food to those who need it.
- Book Club, Wednesday, November 5, 6:30PM. Meet at the Denny's on Seaway Dr. as we go through the book, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery.

2. Sunday - What if Jesus wrote a letter to Celebration? What would he say to us? Invite a friend to our new series, "We've Got Mail". (Revelation 2:1-7)  Remember to prepare yourself for communion this Sunday!

3. Adoption Benefit: 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. The Glenside Halloween Party, Saturday, October 25,1:00-4:00 pm in the McGraft Park building. Admission and all activities and treats are free, but participants are asked to bring 2 nonperishable food items to be donated to a local food pantry. Volunteers are still needed to help out at this event. If you can help, please call/text Jenn Cole at 563-6749 or email cole021081@hotmail.com.

5. Job Opening - Love INC of Muskegon has an immediate job opening for the Relational Ministries Coordinator position. This position works with many churches in the area to offer and coordinate our New Directions Life Skills program. Contact Matt Kaley at 231-773-3448 for more info.

6. Prayers - Please take time to pray for:
- The DuRose family at the loss of Steve's mom, Joyce. May God give them the comfort they seek.
- For those who are feeling anxious and nervous about life
- Judy Irish’s mom moved to the Heartwood Lodge Nursing home. She is making progress with PT/OT but she has a long road ahead of her.
- Lacey Kremmel (Hentschel) asked for prayers for her search for work. Also, her husband's back has improved and he has returned to work.
- For Celebration's building project as we near the final stages before construction begins.
- Reyes Hinajosa’s sister, Joyce, is battling diabetes. Reyes' son, Marcos, is having PTSD after his tours of duty. We ask God to give him comfort and help him cope with life."
- Pastor Matt’s pastor friend Devin’s dad has the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s.
- Terry Lacy's step-mom, Dorothy, who has been diagnosed with Hepatitis A involving her liver and possibly gall bladder. She fell last week and is in the hospital because she is very weak.
- The Baird’s friends, the Anderson family, because their friend Janet Anderson who is in the final stages of a rare lung cancer. Please pray for strength, peace that transcends, acceptance, and adapting to their life without her.
- Paula Blohm’s dad is home from the hospital after having a stent put in to open up the blockage in his heart. He is doing fine. Also, Paula’s friend Carla has been battling cancer this past year and received troubling test results this last week. Lift her up in prayer to the Great Physician once again for healing.


--
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

Celebration Midweek - May 28

Thought for the day: The first question of the Westminster Catechism is: "What is the chief end of man?" The Answer is: "To enjoy God and glorify him forever." May today be another day that you enjoy our great God and glorify him with our words, actions, and our very lives!

1. Parking Lot - Ravana Seal Coat is resealing and lining the parking lot this as I type this email! YAY! Let's hope that the rain stays away!

2. Events
May 31 - Better Way Imports Fundraiser - There will be a fundraiser for those who have been rescued from human trafficking. You will be able to learn more about human trafficking and purchase products made by those rescued. The event will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 2-5pm at Church in the City - 1128 Roberts Street, Muskegon. For more information, call Crystal at 231-683-6258.

June 1 - Hot Dog Roast - You won't want to miss this time to connect with new friends and re-connect with old ones!

June 8 - Love INC Fundraiser - If you do lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings on June 8, 20% of your bill will go to Love INC! We attached a coupon in case you get hungry.
July 15 - Glenside Neighborhood's Ice Cream Social - The event will be held at McGraft Park in conjunction with the McGraft Park Summer Concert Series. A country western band, Silverado, will be performng that evening!

3. Application - Here are the "SPACEPETS" from the Sunday sermon. Hopefully this will be a good guide to help you apply "God's Treasure" in the Bible to your life.  When you are reading your Bible, is there a...
- Sin to confess?
- Promise to claim?
- Attitude to change?
- Command to obey?
- Example to follow?
- Prayer to pray?
- Error to avoid?
- Truth to be believed?
- Something to thank God for?


4. Prayer - People to add to your prayer list are:
- Kennedy Bergman who is experiencing some severe medical issues that are very scary. She is scheduled for a CAT scan on Thursday, 05/29/2014.
- Those who are feeling the void from the passing of loved ones.
- Pastors as they prepare for bringing God's Word to his people this weekend.
- The Dental Mission of Mercy at Ferris State University this weekend where several members from Celebration will be serving God as they serve others.
- The Council Transition Meeting on Monday, June 2. We hope for a good transition of leadership of our elders and deacons.
- Those feeling great amounts of stress in their lives.
- Pam Williamson's neighbor is doing better. She is out of ICU and has been transferred to Hackley Rehab.
- Our students who will be on summer vacation soon.
- Charlene Beck's grandpa is recovering at HOME.


--
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 - May 14

One of my new favorite authors is Andrew Murray writes about putting effort into spending time with God: "In academic study or in athletics, every student needs determined purpose to succeed. Christianity requires, and indeed deserves, not less but more intense devotion. If anything, surely the love of Christ needs the whole heart." May we never give God only part of our heart!

1. Love INC Fundraiser - If you do lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings on June 8, 20% of your bill will go to Love INC! We attached a coupon in case you get hungry.

2. Pray Muskegon - We will continue to have the 24th of each month as our day of prayer for Muskegon County. Sign up at the info booth or contact Pastor Matt.

3. Sunday - This is a busy Sunday for a host of reasons!
- We will have Communion this Sunday! Use these few days to get things right with others before you celebrate being right with God. (Matt. 5:23-24)
- We will conclude our series "What's the Diff?" with a look at Islam.
- We will have our annual Spring Congregational Meeting after worship. We will select

elders and deacons as well as the revisions in our church bylaws. Attached are the revised bylaws with the proposed revisions in red print. The Elder candidates are Tom Dunning and Sandy Ring. The deacon candidates are Brandon Beck, Mike Straley, and Pam Williams.
- The Small Group With No Name will meet at the E-burg's for lunch after the Congregational Meeting.

4. Hot Dog Roast on June 1 - You won't want to miss this time to connect with new friends and re-connect with old ones.

5. Prayers - Please pray for:
- Our guests at Celebration lately. Wherever they are in their journey, we pray God's peace on them in their search for him and a church home filled with God's people.
- Those who care for parents as they proceed into the "winter years" of their lives.
- Continued prayers for Jim Ring at the loss of his mom recently.
- Thelma Bergman has a new great grand daughter. Just ask her for more details.
- Those who have bumps, bruises, or skinned knees and are basically in need of some TLC.
- Duane Gray as he continues to encounter health issues.
- For a pastor friend of Pastor Matt's who is under a lot of stress and is dealing with his internal issues including depression.

--
Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441

www.celebrationmuskegon.org

Like us on Facebook!
(231) 571-4137

Top 10 List - April 9

Spring comes and all of a sudden there are a ton of things to know! Here is your Top 10 List.

1. Group Life
- The Seekers Small Group meets this Sunday after church!
- The Group With No Name will meet next on May 4.

2. Baby Shower - A BIG THANK YOU for all those who donated items for the Basics for Babes baby shower this past Sunday. It was fun to look at the table and see it overflowing with items. Great job!

3. Maundy Thursday Service, 6:30PM - Join us and at least 5 other churches at Church of God Holy Faith on Leonard Street for worship, making new friends, and celebrating communion together. Get a taste of heaven and experience the Church in all of its diversity.

4. Breakfasts & Egg Hunts: Yes, you can go to TWO Easter Breakfasts and Egg Hunts this year!

• Saturday, April 19th at Calvin CRC. They will serve a Pancake breakfast for a donation from 8:00-10:00AM with the Easter Egg Hunt starting at 10AM sharp. The egg hunt is for children 0-11yrs old. Bring a friend and an Easter basket to hold your eggs!
• Sunday, April 20 at Celebration. We will have our annual Easter breakfast starting at 9:30AM. The Egg Hunt will take place at 10:10AM in the Oasis Room. 

5. Church Campout - The annual church campout will be June 27-29 in Scottville, MI. Contact Sharon Bergman to reserve your site. The cost will be $25 per night. Reservations need to be in by June 1.

6. Muskegon Prayer Initiative - Sign up at the Info Booth to pray on Thursday, April 24, or contact Pastor Matt. Praise God that there are at least 31 churches have volunteered to pray for Muskegon County! 24/7!

7. Students - There are NO programs at Calvin CRC this evening due to spring break. Our last three meetings of the year will be April 16th, 23rd, and 30th. 

8. LoveINC Gift Cards - For every $10 "Simply Give" card purchased, Meijer's will donate $20 to LoveINC's food pantry. AWESOME! Also, this coming Friday and Saturday 10th & 11th), Meijer's will donate $30 for each $10 card purchased!

9. Sunday - Imagine that you have been invited to the banquet of the King! What do you do? What do you wear? How do you address the King? Bring a friend to hear one of Jesus' last parables before he died. (Matthew 22:1-14)

10. Prayers - Please take time this week to pray:
- For marriages with great stress and complications. For those who need to make important decisions soon that impact many lives.
- For Brenda Grabinski's knee replacement that appears to have gone well. She may return home Wednesday!
- For the many people battling diseases like cancer, Parkinsons, etc.
- For Pastor Matt's cousin Karyl Brouwer lost her bout with cancer recently. Be with her husband and family as they deal with this loss.
- For Spring Break adventures and travel. Pray for a safe and productive break.
- For the Beck's as they fill out mountains of paperwork and continue the adoption process.
- For high school seniors who are making college choices.
- For the Celebration worship team. Nothing special other than someone had the wonderful thought that we should pray for them.
- For those who are 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 - April 2

There are 6 important things to know for this week:

1. Baby Shower This Sunday

Remember to bring the following items for our Layette Ministry through LoveINC: outfits, diapers, wipes, lotion, bath essentials, formula, food and a blanket. Each Layette is put together with great care for the new mother. Drop off items before or after the morning worship.

2. Choir

Interested in singing on Maundy Thursday? Choir practice will be held at Church of God-Holy Faith at 6PM on April 3rd and 10th. The worship service will be on Thursday, April 17 at the same church. Contact Pastor Matt for more details.

3. Prayer Ministry:
- Muskegon Prayer Initiative - We as a church will be praying on the 24th of each month with our sister church, 2nd Timothy. Join us to pray 1/2 hour or 1 hour shifts. Sign up at the info booth and get a magnet for your reminder
- Prayer Board - Thanks for writing on the Prayer Board in the hallway between the nurseries. We will be praying for you and your needs! 

4. Education:
- Sunday School - There will be no Sunday School for the next 3 Sundays. We will resume on April 27.
- No student ministries at Calvin CRC this week for Little Peeps, GEMS, or Cadets due to Spring Break.
- High School students meet at Calvin CRC at 6:00PM Sunday.

5. Sunday

Ever think of heaven? Does it impact you life in the present? Do you have comfort for your life in the future? Invite a friend Sunday as we talk about "Life everlasting, Amen!" (Revelation 21:1-5)

6. Prayers - Please pray for:
- Nikki Rowell who broke her tailbone this past week.
- Brenda Grabinski's KNEE is getting replaced, not her back as I erroneously put in the bulletin.
- Paula Espinoza's sister is looking for a job. She also gives praise for God's provision!
- A visitor asked for prayers for her mom who is depressed and homeless.
- Pray for Karmen Kraft (friend of Kim Rhodes) whose husband had emergency open heart surgery this past week. Bev Rhodes (mother in law) is in a lot of pain at Hackley hospital after the removal of a kidney.
- "That our Celebration family and loved ones seek Christ-like ways and open our hearts to be filled with the Spirit and let God take control. Amen."


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

Yay! Celebration! Yay!

Wow, what a week so far! Here are 6 things that you should know.

1. Mother's Day: In case you forgot, it is Mothers Day on Sunday.

2. Love INC: The Council has formalized our partnership with Love INC. This means that we will work with them in meeting the basic needs of our church members and our community. Love INC has many great resources to assist with the financial, emotional, and physical needs. We view this as a good thing that will focus us on what God wants us to do to bring his Kingdom to come "on earth as it is in heaven."

3. Worry-wart. Not a pleasant name to be called. It is even worse if it is true. Sunday we will use the story of Martha in the Bible to address this condition. (Luke 10:38-42)

4. There are lots of prayers for this week.
Pray for Jamie Pereman whose Grandmother died on Sunday.
Pray for the family of Al Bouman (former member of Celebration) as Al’s mom has past away.
Pray for Jena DeWolfe as she progresses through her treatment program.
Pray for spiritual and physical healing in the family members of Ruth and Reyes Hinojosa.
Pray for Jake, friend of the Glaser family, who has a concussion.
Pray for all of the college kids finishing exams and returning home.
Prayer of praise for the healing of Josh Commans (Kadence Ribbens’ friend) and for Reese Holmes.
Pray for Pastor Matt's dad who is having surgery to remove a tumor today.
Pray for Pat Dunning for her surgery next week.
Prayer of thanks for Frank VanHee's son is back to work after colon surgery!

5. World Renew has an urgent need for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists in Union Beach, New Jersey. Licensed preferred, but not required. They are also looking for volunteers for short-term help in New York and western Michigan. Contact Art at 800-848-5818 if you can help for a week or more.

6. 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting: Where have you seen God working lately? Do you have a story to share during your prayers or fasting? Let us know!


--
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

Hello Celebration!
This is your second email of the day but there are so many things great happening!

1. Prayers - Continue to seek God's presence during our 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting which kicks off today on the National Day of Prayer. Join us at GVSU tonight for a Prayer Rally at 7:00 PM if you are able.

2. Surgeries - Please be in prayer for upcoming surgeries: Pat Dunning has foot surgery on May 15; Roger Doctor has back surgery soon.

3. Love INC - We are formulating a formal partnership with Love INC. We hope that our efforts combined with them and other churches will further God's plan of peace and healing in Muskegon! Presently they have a few needs that we may be able to help with: As you do your spring cleaning please consider Love INC for your donations to their furniture ministry, baby pantry, and household pantry. They all are at extremely low levels. Contact Kathy Meyer for more info.

4. Sunday - Loneliness and depression are not strangers for some of us. God has a lot to say to all of us who have felt like this at some time in our lives. Invite a friend who needs to hear God speak to them in their dark time about this emotion. (1 Kings 19)
--
Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441www.celebrationmuskegon.com/
www.facebook.com/celebration.muskegon(231) 571-4137

Midweek Celebration Update

The snow still falls in Muskegon in March! May we all be thankful it when the warm days of August come to town! Check out these 5 things for this week!

1. Prayers - Thanks: Both David Z and Eli B got a new jobs!
Concerns: Sometimes we are vague in our descriptions but God knows whom we are praying for: families that are going through financial stress. Teenagers who are "going through difficult times". For the the significant progress in getting a mortgage for church. Marriages that are strained. Parents as they seek to do their best to raise their kids right. Guilt from the events of the past.

2. March Madness - Here is your fun while the snow flies: go to this ESPN link to make your picks for the NCAA Tournament by tomorrow morning (Thursday). Join our group "Celebration Muskegon" to see who is the best guesser! Contact me if you need any help.

3. Seminary Education? - If you are interested in exploring the possibility of ministry or plan on attending seminary and ministering in the Christian Reformed Church, please contact Pastor Rich Hamstra at (616) 842-6370 or Pastor John Rop at (231) 737-5207 of the Ministry Leadership Team of Classis Muskegon. They can help you begin this journey of exploration and discovery.

4. LoveINC - April is volunteer month! LoveINC has close to 400 active volunteers in their Muskegon clearinghouse and in partner churches. If you would like to join this team, there are openings available in their clearinghouse answering the phones working (4) hour shifts. Teachers and mentors are always needed working with the budgeting and parenting classes too. If you are interested, contact Paula at 231-773-3448

5. Blessed? - How have you been blessed lately? How has God made your day? The stories of others are often the encouragement that we need to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Share them with others. Write a short (or long) note back to us to tell us all about it.

This Week at Celebration

Happy Thursday Celebration! Don't miss these 7 important things for this week!

1. Christmas Caroling! Meet at Seminole Shores at 6:30PM next Wednesday, Dec 5, for your opportunity to go caroling! Very important fashion request: Please wear read or green or just a real gaudy Christmas sweater! I just want others to share in my fashion disorder!

2. Adopt a Family - We have a family of 8 from LoveINC for our tree this year! Cheryl Ferguson will be talking about it on Sunday. Talk it over as a family or small group to see where we can bless this family this Christmas!

3. Offering - Our Thanksgiving offering was for World Renew (formerly CRWRC) for the cleanup efforts of hurricane Sandy. The total came to $338! WOW!

4. Advent - Our Advent sermon series highlights the hidden characters in the Christmas stories. This Sunday is the story of Elizabeth and the surprise of God's blessings (Luke 1:39-45).

5. Christmas Cookies - Bring your favorite Christmas cookies to share with others on Sunday. Sign up at the info booth for your week.

6. Prayer Needs: Please be in prayer for Jena DeWolfe who is going through some big challenges.

7. Thanksgiving - This past week it was very easy for me to be thankful for the many different, dysfunctional, and delightful people just like me at Celebration Community Church. It was our 1 year anniversary together! I am thankful for all of you and look forward to what God will do this next year!