cELEBRATION mIDWEEK - sEPT. 30

MINISTRY FOCUS: Your Baby Basic Team met today and filled pillowcases with baby essentials for needy new moms in Muskegon County.  LoveINC is so glad to get these gifts.  They are received with great excitement by new moms. 

This is part of our ministry partnership with LoveINC.  Join in with your time along with your donations of diapers, wipes, wash, and especially infant girl clothes. Thank you for your support as the Celebration Family.

1. Noteworthy Events

- TONIGHT, Work Night at Church, 4:00-8:00PM.  Did you see the pictures of the "new" carpet?  Join us tonight! 

- THURSDAY, Classis at Bethany Church, 6:30PM

- SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM!  Our class is continuing through the quite tangible book of 1 Peter.

- SUNDAY, Prayer Time, 9:30AM in the prayer room just off the worship center before the worship service.

- SUNDAY, Seekers Small Group, Noon at church.

- MONDAY, Council and Vision Team Meetings, 6:30PM

- TUESDAY, Book Club, 6:30PM.  Our next book is "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern.  We will meet at the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

- October 12, Oasis Work Bee, 6:30PM.  Come to talk about the upcoming changes in the children's ministries and do a little work in the Oasis room.

- November 14, Worship and Potluck with Area Churches, 6:00PM.  We have been invited to an interdenominational, interracial time of worship and food.  Put it on your calendar because it is going to be a great time!

2.  Youth Ministries
- TONIGHT, Wednesday’s at Calvin Church, 6:30-8:00PM.  This is for students ages 4-8th grade.  Pizza is available for $2 prior to the start of the programs.

- SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.

3. Sunday

When we become Believers, what are our responsibilities to the church and God's people?  Can we just attend?  Join us Sunday as we continue our series "Simple" with"Ministry Made Simple", (Colossians 1:24-2:5).

4. Glenside Neighborhood Events

Oct. 10 - Glenside Dumpster Day, 8 am - noon

Oct. 24 - Halloween Party, 12:30-4:30PM.  Look for the sign up sheet at the info booth where we can help our community.

4. Prayers  

Thank God for:

- God's mercy that he gives us when we least deserve it.

- The guests God has brought to Celebration this past month.
- For God's grace that sets people free.
- Patty Lacy wants to thank her family at Celebration for their prayers, support, calls, food, and visits

- The excitement surrounding our building project!  YAY Carpeting!

- For the people God puts in our path each day.

- Thank you God for the Church as a whole and in it's small local location at Celebration.

- Bob Jackson thanked God for and asked for prayers for the 4 ex-prisoners who were placed in jobs this past week.

Pray for:

- Pray for Kingdom Life Church and Pastor Nate Johnson.  It is a start up church in the McLaughlin neighborhood.  May God bless them through as they reach the people in this community.

- Friends who are asking for help with their anger issues.

- Pray for guests recently who are looking for "a new church" that they might find a home to increase their faith, grow closer to others, and get involved in ministry.

- For my childhood church (Oak Glen URC).  The congregation was duped by an ex-offender who got out of prison and was involved in a violent crime.  The community holds the church responsible.  Then, the Pastor received death threats.  Not a good week for their prison ministry nor the church. 

- Jackie Knight asks for prayers for her underactive thyroid.

- Pray for Pastor Paul and family as they have the memorial service commemorating her passing away recently.

- Pray for the deep pains and hurts of abuse from the past that continue to haunt some people in the present.

- Pray for people looking for ways to grow in their journey with Jesus.

- Chuck and Pam Serene ask for prayers for their friend's 8 year old granddaughter, Emma, who was diagnosed with a large cancerous tumor near her liver and spleen.  She is at DeVos hospital getting more tests.

- The person who wants to stop smoking by 10/20/2015.

- Those who need roofs over their heads, food, and money to pay their bills.

- Those who are frustrated at work. 

- Friends who have many questions about faith in Jesus.  May they seek and find peace and comfort and purpose in a relationship with Jesus.

- Prison ministries and their impact on the lives of offenders and their families.

- Those in or getting out of unhealthy abusive relationships.
- Those who continue to battle their addiction and the triggers.
- Those who are learning to let God control all of the areas of their life.  May God give them the strength and the will to follow Jesus wherever he leads.

- Those who are struggling with forgiving others due to past wrongs against them.
- Those struggling financially.
- All of the unspoken prayers on our hearts that only God knows.

-- 

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 - Sept. 23

Imagine this: This month, 41,600 people heard the gospel in Rwanda through my friend Pastor Sam and his ministry.  Even more, 7,050 know Jesus personally now who didn't know him before!  Can I get an AMEN!  May God continue to bless Pastor Sam and his ministry to the local churches in Rwanda!

1. Noteworthy Events

- THURSDAY, Pray for Muskegon.  Invest an hour in prayer for our church, community, city, county, and country!  We attached a prayer guide to help.

- THURSDAY, Work Night at Church, 4:00-8:00PM.  We are to the point of cleaning and laying carpet!  Join in!  

- SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM!  Our class is nearly through the first chapter of 1 Peter 1.

- SUNDAY, Prayer Time, 9:30AM in the prayer room just off the worship center before the worship service.

- TUES/WED, Work Night at Church, 4:00-8:00PM.   

- Oct. 1, Classis at Bethany Church, 6:30PM

- Oct. 5, Council and Vision Team Meetings, 6:30PM

- Oct. 6, Book Club, 6:30PM.  Our next book is "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern.  We will meet at the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

2.  Youth Ministries
- TONIGHT, Wednesday’s at Calvin Church, 6:30-8:00PM.  This is for students ages 4-8th grade.  Pizza is available for $2 prior to the start of the programs.

- SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.

3. Sunday

Wouldn't you think that it must be nearly impossible to complicate the gospel?  Yet we see it happen all the time!  Join us Sunday as we continue our series "Simple" with"The Gospel Made Simple", (Colossians 1:15-23).

4. Glenside Neighborhood Events

Sept. 27 - Fire Prevention Week Open House, 2-4PM

Muskegon Central Fire Station (next to Hot Rod Harley)
Oct. 10 - Glenside Dumpster Day, 8 am - noon

Oct. 24 - Halloween Party, 12:30-4:30PM.  Look for the sign up sheet at the info booth where we can help our community.

4. Prayers  

Thank God for:

- God's mercy that he gives us when we least deserve it.

- The guests God he has brought to Celebration this past month.
- For God's grace that sets people free.
- The excitement surrounding our building project!

- Kim Rhodes writes: "I would like to say thank you for all the kindness and cards from my church family to my family.  It's nice to know you are not alone."

- Lilia DuRose wrote: "Praise God!  My niece is doing well.  My aunt is out of ICU and trying to walk on her own.  My aunt and her family thanks everyone for your prayers!  Thanks! =)"

- For the people God puts in our path each day.

- Thank you God for the Church as a whole and in it's small local location at Celebration.

Pray for:

- Breakwater Church on Seminole as they seek to remain true to the word of God and share the gospel of Jesus.  May God bless Pastor Devin and the leaders. 

- Friends who are asking for help with their anger issues.

- Pray for guests recently who are looking for "a new church" that they might find a home to increase their faith, grow closer to others, and get involved in ministry.

- The person who wants to stop smoking by 10/20/2015.

- Those who need roofs over their heads, food, and money to pay their bills.

- Those who are frustrated at work. 

- Friends who have many questions about faith in Jesus.  May they seek and find peace and comfort and purpose in a relationship with Jesus.

- Those who have unresolved conflict in various relationships.

- The Fellowship Team as they develop events to connect people together and make Celebration more of a family.

- Sandy Leutscher (friend of Paul Crum’s) who is having heart issues.
- Those battling depression and eating issues.

- Those making big decisions.  May they hear God's voice leading them and that he give them the boldness to follow.
- Prison ministries and their impact on the lives of offenders and their families.
- Those in or getting out of unhealthy abusive relationships.
- Those who continue to battle their addiction and the triggers.
- Those who are learning to let God control all of the areas of their life.  May God give them the strength and the will to follow Jesus wherever he leads.

- Those who are struggling with forgiving others due to past wrongs against them.
- Those struggling financially.
- All of the unspoken prayers on our hearts that only God knows.

--

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 - Sept. 16

Thought for today: Theologian Dallas Willard wrote, “The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as ‘Christians’ will become disciples – students, apprentices, practitioners – of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence.”

Are we calling ourselves Christians or are we living like Jesus? There’s a difference.

1. Noteworthy Events

- THURSDAY, Work Night at Church, 4:00-8:00PM.  Come to church to paint walls, dust and sweep floors, and clean up.  You are needed!

- SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM!  This class will start off by digging into 1 Peter.

- SUNDAY, Prayer Time, 9:30AM in the prayer room just off the worship center before the worship service.

- SATURDAY - Doggie Pedal (bike ride), 4:00 pm. Meet in the parking lot next to Max and Marley's on saturday. We will ride up to Heritage Landing and back to the Dog House for supper. A sign-up is at the Information Booth, all are invited.

- SUNDAY, Back To Church Sunday. Invite a friend to church for next Sunday!  You will be glad you did!

- Oct. 6, Book Club, 6:30PM.  Our next book is "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern.  We will meet at the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

2.  Youth Ministries
- TONIGHT, Wednesday’s at Calvin Church, 6:30-8:00PM.  This is for students ages 4-8th grade.  Pizza is available for $2 prior to the start of the programs.

- SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.

3. Sunday

During our present series, "Simple", it would be worthwhile to read the 4 chapters of Colossians.   It might be of help in our discovery for the next few weeks. This Sunday:"God's Will Made Simple", (Colossians 1:9-14).

4. Glenside Neighborhood Events

TONIGHT - Glenside Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7-8 pm, McGraft Park Building
Everyone is invited to attend these monthly meetings where we discuss neighborhood issues and concerns as well as plan upcoming events. Our city commissioner and neighborhood officer regularly attend these meetings, too. Stop by and see what's happening in Glenside!

Sept. 11-28 - Film Crew In the Area
The city has notified us that a film crew out of California will be filming a horror movie in the area. Filming will take place at night in Kruse Park and also on McGraft Park Road. This is a small production, so not a lot of disruption is expected. However, there will be some intermittent street closures on McGraft Park Road between Addison and Glen on Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20. Please be prepared to use an alternate route if the barricades are up. Also, please be aware that since this is a horror film, there will likely be some screaming at night. The police department is aware of this and Central Dispatch will be notified also in case they receive any calls.
Sept. 27 - Fire Prevention Week Open House, 2-4PM
Muskegon Central Fire Station (next to Hot Rod Harley)
Oct. 10 - Glenside Dumpster Day, 8 am - noon

4. Prayers  

Thank God for:

- Successful surgeries for Patti Lacy and Mike Straley.
- God's mercy that he gives us when we least deserve it.
- The guests God he has brought to Celebration this past month.
- For God's grace that sets people free.
- The excitement surrounding our building project!

- Kim Rhodes writes: "I would like to say thank you for all the kindness and cards from my church family to my family.  It's nice to know you are not alone."

- Lilia DuRose wrote: "Praise God!  My niece is doing well.  My aunt is out of ICU and trying to walk on her own.  My aunt and her family thanks everyone for your prayers!  Thanks! =)"

- For the people he puts in our path each day.

Pray for:

- McGraft Congregational Church as they consider calling a new pastor from California.  May God lead the right person to them for this time.  

- Brandon E's friend Alisha fractured her foot and her back.

- Friends who have many questions about faith in Jesus.  May they seek and find peace and comfort and purpose in a relationship with Jesus.

- The guests we have had at church this past week.

- Those who have unresolved conflict in various relationships.

- The Fellowship Team as they develop events to connect people together and make Celebration more of a family.

- Mike Straley who is recovering well from surgery.
- Patti Lacy is rehabbing from her knee replacement and doing well.
- Brenda Swanson and family as her nephew died recently in an explosion at his workplace.
- Lilia DuRose's niece Sasha in Ukraine who is recovering from cancer surgery.
- Sandy Leutscher (friend of Paul Crum’s) who is having heart issues.
- Those battling depression and eating issues.

- Those making big decisions.  May they hear God's voice leading them and that he give them the boldness to follow.
- Prison ministries and their impact on the lives of offenders and their families.
- Those in or getting out of unhealthy abusive relationships.
- Those who continue to battle his addiction and the triggers.
- Those who are learning to let God control all of the areas of their life.  May God give them the strength and the will to follow Jesus wherever he leads.

- Lacey Kremmel asked for prayers for her co-worker who has mom and grandma in the hospital.  Pray for Lacey and her family too as they seek to move soon.
- Those who are struggling with forgiving others due to past wrongs against them.
- Those struggling financially.
- All of the unspoken prayers on our hearts that only God knows.

--

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

#CCIT

The theme for the CRC World Missions ministry this year is “Called to Serve, Called to Send”.  It brings to mind questions of how we stand with the gospel of Jesus.  Are you or others in our church called to serve in international missions, either long-term or short-term?  If not called to serve, how about called to send?  We as a church cannot stand by and do nothing.  Decide to pray with me as we consider God’s calling for the people of Celebration: to serve and/or to send.

1. Noteworthy Events

- THURSDAY, Work Night at Church, 4:00-8:00PM.  Come to church to paint walls and clean up.  You are needed!

- SATURDAY, Prayers for Muskegon Heights, 1:30PM. After a quieter summer, shootings have made things noisy in the Heights.  Join in united prayer on Saturday at the Temple United Methodist Church at 2500 Jefferson St. in Muskegon Heights.

- SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School resumes this week at 9:00AM!  This class will start off by digging into 1 Peter.

- SUNDAY, Prayer Time, 9:30AM in the prayer room just off the worship center before the worship service.

- MONDAY, Council / Vision Team Meetings, 6:30PM at church.

- Sept. 19 - Doggie Pedal (bike ride), 4:00 pm. Meet in the parking lot next to Max and Marley's on saturday. We will ride up to Heritage Landing and back to the Dog House for supper. A sign-up is at the Information Booth, all are invited.

- Sept. 20, Back To Church Sunday. Invite a friend to church for next Sunday!  You will be glad you did!

- Oct. 6, Book Club, 6:30PM.  Our next book is "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern.  We will meet at the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

2.  Youth Ministries
- SUNDAY, High School Youth Group will kick off THIS SUNDAY, September 13th from 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided. This group meets every Sunday evening at Calvin Church.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.

- Wednesday’s at Calvin Church will begin NEXT WEDNESDAY, September 16th, from 6:30-8:00PM.  We will meet every Wednesday except the 1st Wednesday of the month.  Pizza will again be available for $2 prior to the start of programs.

3. Sunday

Don't you wish everything in life were simple?  The Apostle Paul did that for us with his words from the book of Colossians.  Invite a friend to join us the next month as we discover the simple things in life.  "Theology Made Simple", (Colossians 1:1-5).

4. Prayers  

Thank God for:

- Genuine relationships that are being built.
- Successful surgeries for Patti Lacy and Mike Straley.
- God's mercy that he gives us when we least deserve it.
- The guests God he has brought to Celebration this past month.
- For God's grace that sets people free.
- The excitement surrounding our building project!

- Kim Rhodes writes: "I would like to say thank you for all the kindness and cards from my church family to my family.  It's nice to know you are not alone."

- For the people he puts in our path each day.

Pray for:

- For New Hope Baptist Church for their renewed unity for where God wants to lead them as a church.  It is exciting to follow Jesus!

- The guests we have had at church this past week.

- Lilia DuRose's Aunt Galina who had kidney surgery and is presently in ICU.  She can't breathe on her own. Pray for her family and her recovery.

- Mike Straley who is recovering at the Heartland Facilities (Barkley and Hackley) but may be able to go home soon.
- Patti Lacy is rehabbing from her knee replacement and doing well.
- Brenda Swanson and family as her nephew died recently in an explosion at his workplace.
- Lilia DuRose's niece Sasha in Ukraine who is recovering from cancer surgery.
- Jackie Knight asked for prayers for employment opportunities that she is applying for.
- Sandy Leutscher (friend of Paul Crum’s) who is having heart issues.
- Students who returned to school last week.

- Those affected by the bloodshed in Muskegon Heights recently.

- Those battling depression and eating issues.
- Those making big decisions.  May they hear God's voice leading them and that he give them the boldness to follow.
- Prison ministries and their impact on the lives of offenders and their families.
- Those in or getting out of unhealthy abusive relationships.
- Those who continue to battle his addiction and the triggers.
- Those who are learning to let God control all of the areas of their life.  May God give them the strength and the will to follow Jesus wherever he leads.

- Lacey Kremmel asked for prayers for her co-worker who has mom and grandma in the hospital.  Pray for Lacey and her family too as they seek to move soon.
- Those who are struggling with forgiving others due to past wrongs against them.
- Those struggling financially.
- All of the unspoken prayers on our hearts that only God knows.

-- 

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 - Sept. 2

Have you quickly read our prayer items and then quickly dismissed them to get on with your day?  You are not alone in this confession.  There are times where the crush of real-life pushes these prayer requests to the far margins of life.  We forget that each request is from a real-life situation of a real-life person we know personally. 

But that doesn't fit with what we know.  We know that our God loves each person behind each request.  We know he has the power to affect change in each situation and bring healing to each person.  We know that God may change the situation in the prayer request but always changes the person bringing the request in prayer.  May we bring these personal requests before God in unity and expectation that our great God will move with power and grace.

1. Noteworthy Events

- SUNDAY, Prayer Time, 9:30AM in the prayer room just off the worship center before the worship service.

- TUESDAY, Work Night at Church, 4:00-8:00PM.  Come to church to paint walls and clean up.  You are needed!  The new area is looking amazing.

- Sept. 14, Council / Vision Team Meetings, 6:30PM at church.

- Sept. 19 - Doggie Pedal (bike ride), 4:00 pm. Meet in the parking lot next to Max and Marley's on saturday. We will ride up to Heritage Landing and back to the Dog House for supper. A sign-up is at the Information Booth, all are invited.

- Oct. 6, Book Club, 6:30PM.  Our next book is "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern.  We will meet at the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

2.  Youth Ministries
- Wednesday’s at Calvin Church will begin on Wednesday, September 16th, from 6:30-8:00PM.  We will meet every Wednesday except the 1st Wednesday of the month.  Pizza will again be available for $2 prior to the start of programs.

- High School Youth Group will kick off Sunday, September 13th from 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided. This group meets every Sunday evening.

3. LoveINC Happenings:

- September 3-5, “Double Match Days”.  The Meijer North Muskegon will double match a donation to Love INC.  So a $10 donation would turn into a $30 donation to help fund the Love INC pantries in the community.

- Sep. 19 - Family Fun Fall Festival, 11:30AM–4:30PM. There is something for the entire family!  Live Music, Pie Eating Contest, Raffle Bags, 50/50 Raffle, Horse Dressage, Carnival Games, Pumpkin Painting, Crafts, Food, Fun and Fellowship. Location is at Hampton Green Farms, 5440 E. Farr Rd. COST: $30 per vehicle

4.  Sunday

Our country has a foundation of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."  Is that wrong?  Invite a friend as we conclude our "Toxic Faith" series. (Psalm 112; Ecclesiastes 2:1-11)

5. Prayers  

Thank God for:
- The excitement surrounding our building project!
- Genuine relationships that are being built.
- Successful surgeries for Patti Lacy and Mike Straley.
- God's mercy that he gives us when we least deserve it.

- The guests God he has brought to Celebration this past month.

- For God's grace that sets people free.

Pray for:

- Mike Straley who is recovering at the Heartland Facilities (Barkley and Hackley).

- Patti Lacy is rehabbing from her knee replacement and doing well.

- Please pray for our Brenda Swanson and family as her nephew died recently in an explosion at his workplace.

- Pray for Lilia DuRose's niece Sasha in Ukraine. She had surgery recently.  May she have a fast recovery and may her cancer not return.

- Julie DeMarr's dad who died recently. 

- Jackie Knight asked for prayers for employment opportunities that she is applying for.

- Paul Crum asked for prayers for Sandy Leutscher who is having heart issues.
- Pray for the students who returned to school this week.
- Pray for families that have grown apart.
- Pray for those in need of strength to battle depression and eating issues.
- Pray for those making big decisions.  May they hear God's voice leading them and that he give them the boldness to follow.
- Pray for efforts to plan the Grand Opening of Phase 2.

- Pray for Wayne Kittle as his uncle died last week.
- Pray for the Morris family as the dad, Steve, was involved in a motor-cross accident this past weekend and is at Butterworth in Grand Rapids with a broken neck, back, and some bleeding in the brain.

- Those who seek to break free from hurts and painful experiences in prior days.

- Ann who has been off work since November with 3 surgeries and 2 to go.

- Those in or getting out of unhealthy abusive relationships.

- Pastor Matt's friend Pastor Bill Fillmore who will need a knee surgery on Sept 3.

- Chuck Serene's aunt Joyce who fell in her home and is now hospitalized.  May she gain health and strength.

- Those who continue to battle his addiction and the triggers.

- Duane Gray who is battling stomach inflammation and the lingering foot problem.

- Those who are learning to let God control all of the areas of their life.

- Those who are struggling with forgiving others due to past wrongs against them.
- Our leaders at church that God would make them bold and eager to do his will.
- Those who want to be baptized.  We are thankful for God's work in their lives.
- People getting out of prison and their transitions.  May God direct them to true freedom and fruitfulness.
- Families that are in need of help due to a break up in the home.  Pray for healing of broken hearts and encouragement as they work through disappointments.
- The police officers and law enforcement officials.  

- The continued progress in the building program. It is exciting!
- The homeless in Muskegon.
- Those who are struggling with anxiety issues which "paralyze" them.
- Those who have lost loved ones recently.  May God bring them comfort.

- For Paula Blohm's friend who is having serious problems both at home and at work.

- For healing of ex-husbands (and ex-wives) and the pains in the past.

- For those struggling financially.
- For Celebration as we assess the next steps for our ministry to our students.
- For wisdom as the Elders talk about the future of our worship ministry.
- All of the unspoken prayers on our hearts that only God knows

-- 

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