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
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(231) 571-4137