Car Doors and Good Memories

This past Monday I was so glad of the broken door on my Civic.  Sounds strange, doesn't it?  The door was broken the summer I was in Canada during my pastoral internship.  Someone broke into my car and took a GPS which was loaned to me by someone from the church.  Embarrassing and not fun!

But I am so glad for my door because every time I look at it, my mind quickly goes back to the good memories in Canada.  I remember the patient and grace-filled people of Williamsburg CRC who allowed me to learn how to do things which I do regularly now in Michigan.  Wonderful people who were so generous.  It was a wonderful time!  So, thank you God for my broken car door!  

Do you have broken things in your life which help you remember some good memories and ultimately to our great God?

1. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Feb. 22, Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:45PM.

Feb. 24, Pray For Muskegon
Feb. 24, Play and Learn Class by LoveINC at Celebration, 10:00AM

Feb. 25, Annual Wild Game Dinner, 5:30 appetizers, 6:00PM dinner.

Feb. 26, Special Offering for Brenda Lange and Orphans Unlimited
Feb. 26, The New Small Group meeting after church.
Mar. 1, Ash Wednesday

Mar. 6, Council/Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church.

Mar. 8, Book Club, 6:30PM at The Pita Place.  We're reading "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline.
Mar. 10, Celebration Game Night, 6:00PM at church

Mar. 12, Middle School Ministries, 5:00PM at Church!

2. SUNDAY - “Identity Theft.”    Identity theft is a big problem in society today. It’s an even bigger problem when we’re dealing with spiritual identity theft.  Over the next 3 weeks we will take back what has been stolen: our spiritual identity.  Invite a friend to join us as we begin our Sunday sermon series with: "Robbed by Relationships" (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11).

3. BRENDA LANGE SPECIAL OFFERING - Feb. 26

We will be collecting a special offering for Brenda Lange during the morning worship service.  We attached a fact sheet in the email so you can know more of the ministry of Brenda and Orphans Unlimited in Mozambique.  http://www.orphansunlimited.org/

4. PRAYERS

Prayer Focus: Argentina

• Pray for the local church to reach out spiritually and economically to the 500,000 people living in slums.
• Pray for love and care from Christians toward large numbers of immigrants.
• Pray for national church support for Argentinian missionaries being sent to foreign Muslim areas.
• Go to http://prayercast.com/argentina.html for more info.

Local Prayers

• "Praise God for the gift of family."
• "I am thanking God for always being there for me.  I had a very rough week but he helped me get through it.  My request is that his will be done in my life, no matter what that is, even with the difficult times.  May he use me to bless others as I have been blessed!" (Paula Blohm)
• Patti Lacy is recovering from illness all last week. She requests prayer for her teenage great-niece, that the Lord will put someone in her life to guide her in making good decisions.
• Patrick, who was hit by a train, is making a remarkable recovery and will not need surgery after all.  He is turning his life over to God and we praise the Lord for this miracle.
• Praise God for grandparents.  May they be full of wise parental guidance.
• Please pray for a good outcome for Ruth’s appointment on February 27. May God’s will be done! 
• Terry Lacy's co-worker Todd’s cancer has now spread to his liver and he will have more surgery and is currently on chemo, which has been causing him to miss work.  
• Praise God for all the volunteer labor put in at Celebration!
• Praise God for improved relationships.
• Pray for the planning, organizing, and grant writing to fund the start of our middle school youth ministries.
• Praise God for employment.  Praise him even more when the workplace is not filled with conflict and drama.
• Pray for loved ones who are heading down the wrong path in life.  May God lead them to a U-turn.
• Pray for grown children who are estranged from their parents.
• Linda Bergman asks for prayer for her nephew John, who lost his wife 4 years ago to cancer.  He remarried and his current wife has also been diagnosed with cancer.  Please pray for her healing and for strength and comfort for each of them.
• Jackie Knight praises God for bringing her back to Muskegon, and for allowing her to get her old job back.  Please pray for good housing arrangements.
• Pray for loved ones who battle their addictions.
• Reyes praises God for healing both his mother, his brother, and his and Ruth’s dogs.  All are doing well!  Continue praying for his son Marcos who is in the VA hospital in Texas.
• Pray for those who will attend the Wild Game Dinner.  For some, this will be the closest they will come to hearing God's good news all year.  May this be a wonderful event!
• Praise God for the Men's Ministry at Forest Park Covenant.
• Pray for those recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.  May God bring healing and comfort.
• Thank you for your prayers.

-- 

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 - Feb. 16

Have you ever heard the Jamaican National Anthem?  It is a prayer to God to bless the country of Jamaica.  Don't worry, I am partial to our own anthem.  However, the words of this song are a great reminder for all of us and our leaders.  May we never forget the source of our blessed nation.  

Here are the first 2 verses.

Eternal Father bless our land, Guard us with Thy mighty hand.

Keep us free from evil powers, Be our light through countless hours.

To our leaders, Great Defender,Grant true wisdom from above.

Justice, truth be ours forever Jamaica, land we love. 

1. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Feb. 16, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave, 6:30PM.

Feb. 16, Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:45PM.

Feb. 17, Play and Learn Class by LoveINC at Celebration, 10:00AM

Feb. 19, Seekers Small Group meeting after church.

Feb. 19, Fellowship Team Mtg after church.

Feb. 24, Pray For Muskegon

Feb. 25, Annual Wild Game Dinner, 5:30 appetizers, 6:00PM dinner.
Feb. 26, The New Small Group meeting after church.
Feb. 26, Special Offering for Brenda Lange and Orphans Unlimited

Mar. 1, Ash Wednesday
Mar. 6, Council/Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church.

Mar. 8, Book Club, 6:30PM at The Pita Place.  We're reading "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline.
Mar. 10, Celebration Game Night, 6:00PM at church

Mar. 12, Middle School Ministries, 5:00PM at Church!

2. SUNDAY - “The Joy of Giving.”   Invite a friend to join us as we conclude our Sunday sermon series with: "Giving Our Treasures" (Matthew 25:14-30).

3. BRENDA LANGE SPECIAL OFFERING - Feb. 26

We will be collecting a special offering for Brenda Lange during the morning worship service.  We attached a fact sheet so you can know more of the ministry of Brenda and Orphans Unlimited in Mozambique.

5. PRAYERS

Prayer Focus: Angola

• Pray for reconciliation through Christ's love after 40 years of civil war.
• Pray for the safe removal of millions of landmines still killing and maiming many, especially children.
• Pray for desperately needed Christian workers to hear God's call to serve.

Go to http://prayercast.com/angola.html for more info.

• Pray for other churches and ministries preaching the word.  May their motives be pure but mostly may the good news of Jesus be heard.
• Pray as we develop our program to our middle school students.
• Pray for churches with staff reductions which cause stress. 
• Praise God for the blessing of 33 years of preaching ministry for Rev. Moffett, presently at St. Luke's Baptist Church in Muskegon.
• Praise God for Rev. Allen who at 90 years young is always ready to bring a word from God.
• Pray for Jessica Brown who is 28 and recently had cancer surgery. Pray for healing during her treatment.
• "Salvation for our children - to be drawn to Jesus and want him."
• Pray for physical therapy to begin for Charles Serene following his surgery a month ago.
• Pray for Reyes Hinajosa's son Marcos who is in the VA hospital in Texas.
• Ruth Ramirez says thank you for the prayers for her mom and her dog.  Both are doing well. "Praise God!"
• Pray for children which are estranged from us.
• Pray for those recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.  May God bring healing and comfort.
• Pray for strained business relationships which cause great stress.
• Pray for Amie Anderson's husband Ken who has shingles.
• Pray for Jill Bennett who is at Hume Home.
• Pray for our children.  May God shape them and lead them to know him personally through Jesus!
• "I know that no matter what, Jesus is with me on this journey.  So I am not afraid.  I praise him for his promise that he will never leave me nor forsake me!"
• Lilia DuRose’s mother is doing better but still has breathing problems.  Pray for answers and healing.
• Reyes Hinajosa's mother will be having surgery for a blockage in her vein.  Pray for a successful surgery and recovery.
• Pray for people experiencing unexpected events in life which drive us from our comfort zones.  
• Pray for the preparations for the Wild Game Dinner later in February.
• Pray for marriages that are under attack from Satan.
• Pray for those who need to trust God with the things they cannot control.

--

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

How Can I Pray For You Today?

How Can I Pray For YOU?  Consider this question in your conversations today.  Someone may be looking for someone who cares enough to lift up their needs before God.  Someone may be overwhelmed and need to know our God knows their situation and will carry them through it.  Someone may have a burden on their heart and not know where to go with it.  Asking someone "How can I pray for you?" may be the most important question you ask anyone today.

1.  THANK YOU - There are many people to thank for their help in making the Classis Muskegon meeting last week a successful event.  Much effort went into setting up, preparing food, logistical organization, arranging tables, adjusting AV needs, and cleaning up.  Thank you all for your help!

2. EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Feb. 8, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave, 6:30PM.

Feb. 8, Book Club, 6:30PM at Bob Evans on Harvey St.  We’ll discuss "Ordinary Grace" by William Krueger. 

Feb. 8, Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:45PM.

Feb. 10, Play and Learn Class by LoveINC at Celebration, 10:00AM

Feb. 12, Communion Sunday, 10:30AM

Feb. 12, New Small Group meeting after church.

Feb. 19, Fellowship Team Mtg after church.

Feb. 24, Pray For Muskegon

Feb. 25, Annual Wild Game Dinner, 5:30 appetizers, 6:00PM dinner.

Mar. 1, Ash Wednesday

Mar. 10, Celebration Game Night, 6:00PM at church

Mar. 12, Middle School Ministries, 5:00PM at Church!

3. SUNDAY - “The Joy of Giving.”   Is it even possible to be happier when we give than when we receive?  But what should we give and who do we choose as the object of our giving?  We have been called to give of 3 main things in life: our Time, our Talents, and our Treasures.  Invite a friend to join us Sunday when we talk about: "Giving Our Talents" (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).

4. OTHER ITEMS OF NOTE

LoveINC Volunteer Meeting, February 20.  LoveINC is looking for people to serve as mentors and financial coaches.  There will be a Volunteer Meeting at LoveINC on February 20 from 12:00-2:00PM or 5:30-7:00PM.  Lunch or dinner will be served.

5. PRAYERS

Prayer Focus: Afghanistan is one of the least reached countries in the world. There are 48,000 mosques but not a single church building. Pray for the 70 unreached peoples of this country.  Pray for appropriate and expedient solutions to ongoing threats of violence.  Pray for Afghans who are seeking Truth to boldly embrace a new identity in Christ.  Pray for protection over Afghan believers and perseverance despite suffering.  Go to http://prayercast.com/afghanistan.html for more info.

• Pray for Amie Anderson's husband Ken who has shingles.
• Pray for those having surgeries today.
• Pray for our children.  May God shape them and lead them to know him personally through Jesus!
• Pray for the organizing and start of our new Middle School Youth Ministries.
• Pray for safety for our children in our electronic media age.  May God keep the garbage of the internet away from them.
• Pray for our elected officials and other government servants.  Help them do what is right over what is easiest.
• "I am seeking God's will and peace at work."
• Paula Blohm's health is improving.  She is regaining her strength and able to walk much better because the swelling is finally gone. 
• "I know that no matter what, Jesus is with me on this journey.  So I am not afraid.  I praise him for his promise that he will never leave me nor forsake me!"
• Pray for students experiencing peer pressure at school for standing up for his principles.  Pray also for the students who are headed "down the wrong path."
• Pray for students preparing for various academic and sports competitions.  May God help them do their best and grow from the experiences.
• Lilia DuRose’s mother is doing better but still has breathing problems.  Pray for answers and healing.
• Reyes reports that his mother will be having surgery for a blockage in her vein.  Pray for a successful surgery and recovery.
• Terry Lacy’s co-worker Todd will have surgery this week to remove a cancerous tumor.
• Ruth Hinajosa’s dog Bobby has two growths that will need to be evaluated by the vet tomorrow.  We pray that it is nothing serious.  The Lord knows how important our pets are to us and we know how much he cares for them, and for us.
• Pray for people experiencing unexpected events in life which drive us from our comfort zones.  Pray for focus on Jesus and the peace which passes all human understanding.
• Pray for Amie Anderson's  grandma who had surgery recently for cancerous tumors.  Pray for a good recovery over the next few months.
• Pray for the preparations for the Wild Game Dinner later in February.
• Pray for marriages that are under attack from Satan.
• Pray for those who need to trust God with the things they cannot control.
• 
  

--

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

Fun Is Good!

My family loves to play games.  Carla and I wanted our kids to learn how to be gracious in victory and humble in defeat.  For the most part this has worked even though we give each winner a "Victory Dance."  The fact is we learn so much about others by playing with them.  

This is why the E-burgs do a Super Bowl Quiz each year.  The Super Bowl can be just another post-season game which doesn't feature "our team."  The quiz allows my family to still enjoy the game despite our team's non-participation.  And it is kind of fun!  For example, one question is: What will be the hair color of Lady GaGa?  Another one is: How many commercials until an animal is featured?  THIS is real competition!  We attached the quiz in hopes it will help you mourn the fact your team is not playing in the "big game."  Let me know how it works for you.

1.  EVENTS TO REMEMBER

Feb. 1, Ladies AM Bible Study will meet at Tootsie's on Glenside Blvd. at 10:30 am; there will be no meeting of Baby Basic.  NOTE: There will be no meetings for Baby Basic or Wed AM Bible Study in February and March. It will start again in April. Hope you can join us then.

Feb. 1, Student Ministries at Calvin Church on Norton Ave, 6:30PM.Feb. 1, Wednesday Night Bible Study, 6:45PM.

Feb. 2, Classis Muskegon meeting at church, 9:00-2:00PM.

Feb. 3, Play and Learn Class by LoveINC at Celebration, 10:00AM

Feb. 5, Seekers Small Group meets after church.

Feb. 5, Youth Ministries Parent Meeting after church.

Feb. 6, Council/Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM

Feb. 8, Book Club, 6:30PM at Bob Evans on Harvey St.  We’ll discuss "Ordinary Grace" by William Krueger. 

Feb. 25, Annual Wild Game Dinner, 5:30 appetizers, 6:00PM dinner.

Mar. 1, Ash Wednesday

2. SUNDAY - “The Joy of Giving.”   Is it even possible to be happier in giving than when we receive?  But what should we give and who do we choose as the object of our giving?  We have been called to give of 3 main things in life: our Time, our Talents, and our Treasures.  Invite a friend to join us Sunday when we talk about: "Giving Our Time" (Ephesians 5:15-16).

3. PRAYERS

• Pray for those riding cycles (bikes) across Canada and the US to end poverty.
• Paula Blohm writes "Praising God for all of my blessings!  Feeling much better and my cup runs over!  God is so faithful!  Thank you for your prayers!"
• Praise God for good honest conversations.
• Pray for our students.  May God shape them and lead them to know him personally through Jesus!
• Pray for women who have become pregnant and are considering the option of aborting the child.
• Pray for safety for our children in our electronic media age.  May God keep the garbage of the internet away from them.
• Pray for our elected officials and other government servants.  Help them do what is right over what is easiest.
• Pray for our school system and those who work in it to educate our children.  May God be the center of all that is taught so our children may gain a sure knowledge of him.
• Pray for God's shelter from the violence in our area which affects us all in some way. May God's peace be ever more visible and tangible.
• Pray for the planning of Unity Fest which will happen August 10-12 this year.
• Pray for Classis meeting on Thursday.  May the discussions be fruitful for each church represented.
• Pray for Amie Anderson's  grandma who had surgery recently for cancerous tumors.  Pray for a good recovery over the next few months.
• Pray for the preparations for the Wild Game Dinner later in February.
• "Pray for those who want to do something that betters their soul, but who will be frowned upon if they do."
• Pray for marriages that are under attack from Satan.
• Linda Bergman asks for prayer for 6-year-old Bremyn, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer, which is near his brain stem and could go into his spine.
• Pray for those who need to trust God with the things they cannot control.
• Praise God for improvement and good prognosis for Lilia DuRose's mom who was having trouble breathing and walking.

-- 

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