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 - January 15

I'm a 21st-er! Huh? Let me explain.  For me, winter is already over! After December 21, the daylight hours of each day grow longer until June 21, the longest day of the year! For someone who loves the sun, this is a wonderful thing! Even though the gloomy grip of winter is strong and will continue for a time, I anticipate the final end of a long winter and the soothing warmth of a West Michigan Summer! In the middle of a cold and dreary Michigan winter, be assured that the end of winter will certainly come! Let me know if you have the intended sermon application?

1. Upcoming Events:

- Baked Potato Bar, Sunday January 26 at Noon - After the worship service we will have lunch together! Yay, food! Sign up at the info booth to bring something to add to the meal.

- Oasis Family Sledding Party, February 1 from 2:00-4:00PM - Come with your children and enjoy a fun day of sledding, talking, and snacks. Contact Julie Bergman for more details.
- Annual Wild Game Dinner, Saturday, February 22 - Are there men in your life who need the love of Christ and other Godly men? Consider inviting them to this event! If you are interested in cooking for this event or helping prepare. Please see Roger Doctor.Baked Potato

2. Layette Ministry - Will not meet this Monday as advertised but will meet next month. Continue to pray for this ministry and help support them by bringing to church: soap, shampoo, diapers, and new or gently used clothes. Contact Kathy Meyer for more details.

3. Next Steps Class Starts February 2 - We will meet after church with food (YAY!) before we dig in to what Celebration Church is all about and what your "next steps" could be here. Contact Pastor Matt for more details.

4. Sunday - Some people say, "I love Jesus but I can't stand the church!" What is the purpose and role of the church? Why should I join one and how do I know if I am in the right church? (Matthew 16:13-20)

5. Small Groups - The focus with small groups at Celebration is "Growing Closer to God and Growing Closer to Others". We are starting new small groups at the end of January. If you are interested in doing life with others in a group, contact Brenda Swanson or Pastor Matt.

6. Prayers - Please pray for:
- Lily,the granddaughter of Sue Weston cousin of Nancy Bosma. Lily was diagnosed with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
- Holly's friend Kristi Monette who had a very large cyst removed from her ovary. The biopsy results showed that she is cancer free!
- Join in prayer warriors around the country in praying for 1 minute each night at 9:00 PM Eastern Time for the safety of the United States and for a return to a Godly nation.
- For the many unspoken or unknown prayer requests of people that need God's help to overcome the obstacles in their life.


--
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

There are 8 things that you should know:

1. Home - The Zimmerman's have found a new home but will need furniture. They have a washer and dryer. They need a stove and fridge as well as living room furniture and beds. Contact Dave or Pastor Matt with more details.

2. Unity Fest - May 12 is the deadline for DISCOUNTED tickets. You may get tickets after this date but they will cost more. Contact Holly for more info.



3. Missions of Mercy - Sign up at Mission of Mercy website for the Saturday, June 8, afternoon time slot. Sign-up soon because the general helper positions are filling up quickly. This dental Mission of Mercy will be conducted June 6-9 in Saginaw Michigan, and will treat approximately 2000 patients in two days!

4. New Prayer Requests - Lacey's back has a nerve disorder and calcification in some of the vertebrae. Hopefully physical therapy will help. Prayers: There has been a death in Brenda Swanson's Mom's family. Prayers: Makenna was at DeVos this past week.

5. New Members - Meet after church in the Oasis room about the small group that is forming.


6. Oasis - We are proud of our Children's Ministries and the dedication of those that minister to the children. Please consider becoming an Oasis helper or a nursery worker.

7. Love INC - The Love INC of Muskegon Relational Ministries Coordinator position is vacant. This Full Time position is primarily responsible for mobilizing churches in life-changing ministries, primarily through the New Directions Ministry. Anyone interested in this position should submit a resume and cover letter to Matt Kaley, Executive Director at mattk@loveincofmuskegon.comor Love INC of Muskegon. 2735 E. Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442. Resume’s will be accepted until April 23, 2013.

8. Sidewalk Astronomy, Friday, April 19, around 8:30PM in the parking lot. If you are at all curious about the wonderful universe that our great God formed, this is your event! Pray for an end to the rain and clear skies because we will postpone the event if it is cloudy.




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