Celebration Midweek - March 19

1. Casserole Luncheon, SUNDAY - Stay after church and share a meal together. Stay even if you didn't bring anything!

2. Iron Man Group, Tuesday 6:30 at Western Michigan Christian High School Shop. Everyone is welcome. Will be working on service projects. Contact Dick DeBoer for more information.

3. Prayer Requests - When you have prayer requests for your church family to bring to God, send them to Pastor Matt or to one of the Prayer Team members. We take lifting up the needs of others seriously!

4. Church Safety Training, March 30 - Those hoping to volunteer in the Nursery or Oasis will meet briefly after church for training in our Church Safety policies.

5. Sunday - We would never play favorites or discriminate against anyone else, would we? However, if we're going to look like people that follow Jesus, we need to change some things.  We'll continue in our series of James: A Faith to Live By.  (James 2:1-13.)

6. Prayers - Please pray for:
- Those experiencing car issues: not having a car or having the expense of repairing the car that they have.

- The new small group that begins after church on April 6.
- Brenda Grabinski who is moving around better after another round of back injections to relieve pain.

- Duane Gray who is experiencing bleeding behind his eye. He starts treatment today.

- The many people who are stressed out due to jobs, family relationships, and other factors.
- For the many unspoken prayer requests that only God knows, hears, and answers.


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

5 Things to Know This Week!

1. 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, Roger Doctor will provide the meat and recipe for your dish.

2. Think about it - C.S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity, "If Christianity only means one more bit of good advice, then Christianity is of no importance. There has been no lack of good advice for the last 4000 years. A bit more makes no difference." Clearly there is more to Christ than just good moral advice.

3. Sunday - Listless, unmotivated, direction unknown? The Bible says "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Prov. 29:18) So, what is Celebration's vision? What is the vision for your life? Join us with a friend as we look at God's idea of vision from Mark 4:35-41.

4. Small Groups - It is difficult to grow closer with others and with God at church for only one hour on Sunday. That is why smaller groups are so important. Contact Brenda Swanson or Pastor Matt to do life with God and others in a small group. We will be starting new groups in late February!

5. Prayers - There are a couple of prayer requests from our Sunday communication cards.
- Continued prayers for those who are dealing with back issues or other pains.
- Robin Busch, sister of Tim Bosma, continues her radiation treatments for esophageal cancer.
- Our Classis (gathering of area churches) meets on Thursday, February 6. Pray for wisdom, guidance, and unity.
- Sean VanderJagt, son of Cheryl Ferguson as he enters the Army. Please lift in prayer all of our soldiers serving.
- Peace, comfort, and understanding within our relationships and marriages.
- That God may continue to direct our efforts in the building program.

--
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 - 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 - Happy New Year!

It is good to be back in Michigan! I hope that you were able to enjoy Christmas with family and friends. May this New Year for you be filled with all the blessings that only our great God can provide!

1. Sundays in January - Many churches in the last few decades have placed an increasing focus on people and missions to them. While that must be a reason why we exist, is it the primary reason? Where does our God and our relationship with him fit? We will use the book "Vertical Church" to help us to focus our efforts and start this year with a proper perspective as Celebration Community Church. 

2. January 10, Friday - At 7pm we will be watching the movie, “I Am” here at Celebration. "I AM" is a prismatic and probing exploration of our world, what's wrong with it, and what we can do to make it better. Come out for fun, fellowship and popcorn! Check out the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-Z-ZKoZN8Q

3. Next Steps Class - New to Celebration or looking to know more? In January we will begin a 3 week class to help you decide what your next steps at Celebration. We will meet after church, have lunch, and dig into important aspects of Celebration. Contact Sue DeBoer or Pastor Matt for more details.

4. Small groups - We will be starting new small groups in January. Groups are great places to grow deeper with God and with others. Contact Brenda Swanson or Pastor Matt for more info.

5. Prayers - Please pray for:
- Couples trying to keep Jesus at the very center of their relationship.
- Healing for so many who are hurting deeply inside.
- Rest from the hectic pace of the holidays.
- Pastor Matt's cousin, Karyl, has a tumor in her right lung that is causing her much trouble.
- Safety for the people in the armed forces who are in harms way.
- People who are missing loved ones and are dealing with loss during the holidays.
- Peace on earth and good will to people on whom his favor rests!


--
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 - October 23

Hey Celebration!
I am pumped! Here's why: the nursery is getting too small to hold the Adult Education class each Sunday morning. The Iron Man Men's Group needs extra chairs to get everyone at the table. The Wednesday Night "Defending Your Faith" Group may need to get a bigger home than the Ribben's to meet. We will fill the tables in the Oasis room this Sunday at noon with the newly formed small group.
This is exciting because God is moving in the hearts of the people of Celebration. People are searching for community. People long to grow deeper in their faith with Jesus. People yearn to be part of something that matters in eternity.
This is not a testimony to us. It is our God who puts these longings in the hearts of his people. I am excited to see where God is leading the people of Celebration who are seeking after the things that only our great God can provide!

Whew! That was a long-winded! Here are more things you should know:
1. Events:
Sunday, October 27, Pumpkin Contest! - Bring your carved pumpkin to church Sunday for the contest! Stay for the contest judging and the caramel apples after the worship.
Sunday, November 10, Annual Chili Cook-Off - Do you like a little friendly competition? Sign-up for our annual Chili Cook-off. The chilies will be judged by our congregation with categories in white and red chili. The sign-up sheet is at the information booth!!

2. New Roof - We will be putting on a new roof in the next few weeks! Whew! We were running out of buckets! This initiates the start to the remodeling of phase 2. Yea God!

3. More Building Progress - Three architectural firms have decided to give Celebration a proposal on how they could help us design phase 2. These proposals are due Friday October 25. Then the committee must decide which firm would be the best fit to work on this project. Please be in prayer that the committee follows Gods leading on this selection process.

4. Sunday - Our next step in our Digging Deeper series deals with the very basic question of influence.  Who or what has the most influence in your life?  Your answer makes all the difference!   (Luke 18:17-31)

5. Prayers - Please pray for:
- Norm Peterman, father of Jamie, was admitted to Hackley Hospital recently with pneumonia and other issues.
- Steve DuRose's mom and is aunt who are both battling health issues. Steve's mom is in need of surgery.
- Continued prayer for Carla, friend of Paula Espinoza who was diagnosed with cancer. She is done with her treatments and they are awaiting test results.
- Prayer of praise. Brenda Swanson was in church Sunday and is recovering well from her surgery.
- Nancy and Tim Bosma's brother Rex and Sister Robin. Please keep them in prayer as they go through health issues.
- Praise God for his care of our loved ones!
- Jena as she is struggling in placement.


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

7 Things to Know this Week

1. Welcome Back - It was great to see everyone last Sunday! What a full house! This Sunday, September 15, is the "official" Welcome Back to Church Sunday. There may be even more guests this week who will worship with us. Remember to take 5 minutes and welcome those unfamiliar to you. A good starting line: "I'm not sure I know you. I am..."

2. Doggie Pedal - On September 21 (Saturday) at 4PM, Start at Cafe USA (2020 Lakeshore Dr) for a beautiful bike trip to Heritage Landing and back. Then, we will enjoy some food at a Muskegon favorite: Max & Marley's! This is a perfect event for kids and adults!

3. Small Group Kickoff Potluck - September 22 at Noon - We want to be more than just a "Sunday Church!" Purposeful groups will help! So, meet after Sunday Worship for a meal and conversation about your involvement in a group this fall. BRING: a salad or dessert to pass. We will have pasta for all and some hotdogs for the kids! Everyone is welcome!

4. Celebration's Carnival - September 28 from 1-4PM - This is our wonderful community event for the fall. We know you will be there but let Julie know so she can assign a great place for you!

5. Adult Education Class, Sundays at 9:00AM - Relevant? The Apostle Paul wrote his letters to Timothy, a young pastor in a port town much like Muskegon. Paul's encouragement and wisdom is exactly what we need to deal with the same issues in our world today!

6. Sunday - This one may be for all of us! How does one manage their mouth and keep from hurting others with the words they use? How does one instead build up others and bring healing to their lives? Invite a friend who needs this too! (Proverbs 16:23-24; Proverbs 18:6-7)

7. Prayers - Here are a few prayer concerns from the communication cards on Sunday. Please pray for:
- A peaceful resolution to the issues in Syria and our discernment as a nation to deal with this conflict and others around the world.
- Encouragement to Deb Straley's Grandson, Brett in battling the struggles of high school and daughter Pancha, in her battles with being overwhelmed and depressed.
- Please pray for our soldiers.
- Prayers are needed for those suffering from addiction and those trying to break free from the prison of their addictions.
- Bill Essenberg asks for prayer for Barb Essenberg, she is in the hospital.
- For those who are looking for a home church, many who have worshiped at Celebration recently. Pray that they are led to where God wants them to grow.
- Please pray for our family members who do not know Christ.


--
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 - September 4

Celebration!
It might be a few weeks before the rush of the school schedule levels off. Until then, here are 4 important things to know for this week!

1. Calendar items:
- Sept. 21, 4:00PM - Doggie Peddle - Start at Cafe USA and bike to Heritage Landing and back. Then, enjoy some food at a Muskegon favorite: Max & Marley's! 
- Sept. 22, Noon - Small Group Kickoff Potluck - We want to be more than just a "Sunday Church!" Purposeful groups will help! So, meet after Sunday Worship for a meal and conversation about your involvement in a group this fall. BRING: a salad or dessert to pass. We will have pasta for all and some hotdogs for the kids! Everyone is welcome!
- Sept. 28, 1-4PM - Carnival - This is our great community event for the fall. Sign up to be a part of it!

2. Sunday - Have you ever thought of wisdom as a choice? People choose to be either wise or foolish? Sunday we begin a series from Proverbs called "Choices". Invite a friend who needs to hear the "Wonder of Wisdom" (Proverbs 2:1-11)

3. Prayers since Sunday - Please pray for:

- Darla and Marc's good friend Scott is very sick and being tested for Liver Cirrhosis. 
- A new job. 
- The new marriage of Ryenn and Matt Dixon, friends of the Ribbens and the Bosmas.
- Paula Espinoza's brother Jim as he recovers from back surgery.
- Reyes' sister Joyce she is suffering from some medical problems. Prayer of praise for Reyes' niece and daughters who are recovering well after a car accident. 

4. Welcome Back! - Sunday, September 15, is Welcome Back to Church Sunday. I think I understand the purpose but I was puzzled by this event. Celebration does this every week! Celebration seems to be a safe haven for those who have been wayward and need to come back: to come back to Jesus and come back a community of his people, the church. So invite someone to come back this week and every week. Show them the grace, hope, and love of Jesus that is worth coming back for.

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