6 Things to Know This Week

The famous ground hog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw it's shadow and therefore predicted 6 more weeks of winter.  That takes us to mid April!  Wikipedia states that Punxsutawney Phil is right 39% of the time.  Doesn't matter to me since I have embraced Winter this year.  However, when it comes to important predictions, I like a more reliable source like the Bible.  

Jesus was the fulfillment of 353 Bible predictions made hundreds of years to his birth.  The accuracy rate is astounding!  Even more, the Bible predicts that one day Jesus will come again and separate followers of Jesus from followers of themselves.  There will be pleasant or unpleasant destinations for each and great surprises in many cases.  

Punxsutawney Phil may sometimes guess right on the weather but I am relying on what the accuracy of the Bible and what it says about Jesus!

1. Movie Night, Friday at 7:00PM, This Friday we will show the movie "Heaven is For Real!" at church.  Rumor has it that Doug is making popcorn again!

2.  Sunday -  We continue our new series "Something New".  Jesus takes every area of our lives and makes something incredible, something new of it.  Sunday we look at our transformation of our OLD LIFE to this NEW LIFE through Jesus.  (2 Cor. 5:17; John 21)

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.

5. 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.

6. Events 

- TONIGHT, Youth Ministries at Calvin Church, 6:30-8:00PM - (ages 4 years to 8th grade)  Little Peeps =  Lesson "A Little Girl and a Poor Frail Lady"; GEMS = Badge Night: Cooking Badge Please wear your hair up and be ready to get cooking. We will be baking and enjoying mini pizzas while earning our badge; Cadets = Winter Derby Practice; and Middle School = "David: The Flawed & Beloved King."

- TONIGHT, Book Club - Meet at 6:30PM at Panera Bread. The book this month is "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter.

- Thursday, Denominational Classis Meeting at Reeman CRC.  Tom Dunning and Pastor Matt will attend.

- Friday, Movie Night, 7:00PM, "Heaven is For Real!"  

- Fri-Sun, Middle School Winter Retreat

- Saturday, Cadet Winter Derby

- Sunday, Adult Sunday School, 9:00AM in the Nursery.  Join us as we journey through Corinth.

- Sunday, Worship Service, 10:30AM!

- Sunday, Fellowship Team Meeting, after the worship Service.

- Sunday, The New Small Group meets after church in the Oasis room.  

- Sunday, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:00PM.  Starts with dinner!

-- 

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 - March 5

Just imagine if Muskegon County were prayed for 24 hours a day! The Muskegon Prayer Initiative hopes to get at least 31 churches to take a day each month to pray for Muskegon County. Imagine what might happen if Muskegon County were lifted up to God in prayer 24 hours a day!

1. IMPORTANT! Saturday, March 8, move your clocks ahead one hour! Especially the important one is your alarm clock next to your bed! We want to make sure you are at church on time to worship our God and meet with your church family.

2. Upcoming Events
Wieners and Winners, Saturday, March 8, 5:30pm - Join us at church for hot dogs, games, a Sundae bar, and loads of fun.
Casserole Luncheon, Sunday, March 23 - We will be sharing a meal together after Sunday morning worship. Sign up at the info booth so we can best cover the food needs.

3. Prayer - Please pray for:
- Our Celebration families in need of comfort, healing and support.

- Those remembering Ash Wednesday with honest reflection of their hearts and minds and lives before God.
- Lilia who had a minor set back this week.
- The Meyer family as their garage collapsed from the snow.
- Robin Busch, sister of Tim Bosma, who has completed her course of Chemo and radiation.
- Marriages that have deep embedded conflict.
- Praise God the maker of the heavens and the earth for he knows our needs even before we ask, and cares for us even in our darkest hours.
- The team preparing to serve in Nicaragua from Calvin CRC. Pray for their provision and for God to fortify them as they are sent out "sheep among wolves".
- Cheryl Ferguson as she begins a new journey in her new apartment. Praise God for fresh starts and new beginnings.

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

Day 22 - Thursday

Day 22 – Thursday – Pray for the rescue and restoration of the victims of sexual trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Pray for safe and secure shelters to provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those who are rescued. Pray that the Gospel message reach their ears and be received in their hearts. Pray for the breakdown of the sex industry which fuels sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of persons. Pray for gainful employment opportunities so that the women and children will not be as vulnerable to the sex traffickers.

Matthew 18:6 – "If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Matthew 10:42 – “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

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

Yay! Celebration! Yay!

Wow, what a week so far! Here are 6 things that you should know.

1. Mother's Day: In case you forgot, it is Mothers Day on Sunday.

2. Love INC: The Council has formalized our partnership with Love INC. This means that we will work with them in meeting the basic needs of our church members and our community. Love INC has many great resources to assist with the financial, emotional, and physical needs. We view this as a good thing that will focus us on what God wants us to do to bring his Kingdom to come "on earth as it is in heaven."

3. Worry-wart. Not a pleasant name to be called. It is even worse if it is true. Sunday we will use the story of Martha in the Bible to address this condition. (Luke 10:38-42)

4. There are lots of prayers for this week.
Pray for Jamie Pereman whose Grandmother died on Sunday.
Pray for the family of Al Bouman (former member of Celebration) as Al’s mom has past away.
Pray for Jena DeWolfe as she progresses through her treatment program.
Pray for spiritual and physical healing in the family members of Ruth and Reyes Hinojosa.
Pray for Jake, friend of the Glaser family, who has a concussion.
Pray for all of the college kids finishing exams and returning home.
Prayer of praise for the healing of Josh Commans (Kadence Ribbens’ friend) and for Reese Holmes.
Pray for Pastor Matt's dad who is having surgery to remove a tumor today.
Pray for Pat Dunning for her surgery next week.
Prayer of thanks for Frank VanHee's son is back to work after colon surgery!

5. World Renew has an urgent need for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists in Union Beach, New Jersey. Licensed preferred, but not required. They are also looking for volunteers for short-term help in New York and western Michigan. Contact Art at 800-848-5818 if you can help for a week or more.

6. 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting: Where have you seen God working lately? Do you have a story to share during your prayers or fasting? Let us know!


--
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

Hello Celebration!
This is your second email of the day but there are so many things great happening!

1. Prayers - Continue to seek God's presence during our 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting which kicks off today on the National Day of Prayer. Join us at GVSU tonight for a Prayer Rally at 7:00 PM if you are able.

2. Surgeries - Please be in prayer for upcoming surgeries: Pat Dunning has foot surgery on May 15; Roger Doctor has back surgery soon.

3. Love INC - We are formulating a formal partnership with Love INC. We hope that our efforts combined with them and other churches will further God's plan of peace and healing in Muskegon! Presently they have a few needs that we may be able to help with: As you do your spring cleaning please consider Love INC for your donations to their furniture ministry, baby pantry, and household pantry. They all are at extremely low levels. Contact Kathy Meyer for more info.

4. Sunday - Loneliness and depression are not strangers for some of us. God has a lot to say to all of us who have felt like this at some time in our lives. Invite a friend who needs to hear God speak to them in their dark time about this emotion. (1 Kings 19)
--
Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441www.celebrationmuskegon.com/
www.facebook.com/celebration.muskegon(231) 571-4137

Day 1

We are going to send out a prayer reminder for each day during our 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting. May this be helpful to you as you seek God's presence today.

Thursday – May 2 – Pray for our leaders in local, state, and federal governments. May they be servant leaders of integrity and godly character. May they seek to bring God’s “Kingdom come to earth as it is in heaven.” May we obey them as people sent by God to lead our governments.

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people." - Proverbs 14:34
"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan." - Proverbs 29:2

"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:26-28
"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." - Romans 13:1

Midweek Highlights!

Here are some highlights for the middle of the week. Just a heads up: there are a ton of prayer requests and praises at the end of the email. If you are too busy to bring them before God now, save the email and pray about them at a better time. Thanks!

1. Moving! - Dave and Leslie Zimmerman are moving to their own home tomorrow! If you are available to move some boxes, meet at 2258 Henry St at 2PM tomorrow, Thursday. It is directly across the street from the Tradewinds car lot (SE corner of Henry and Hackley). Park in the back of the white house next to the car fix-it place. Call Dave at 231-720-9917 for more info.

2. Offering Collectors - We are putting together a schedule of students and adults that would collect the offering each Sunday. The big idea is to help students see Celebration as their church and to help adults see their role in the lives of our children. Contact Matt or Kathy Meyer if you would like to be involved. 


3. Sunday we will talk about what happens when we pray. We will use Acts 12 as our framework. We also look forward to Thursday, May 2, the National Day of Prayer and the start of our 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Sign up for your one hour timeslot at church. We have so much to pray about! Thankfully we have a great God who hears and answers our prayers!

• Pray for Joyce DuRose (Steve’s mom). She is having health problems. 
• Pray for Classis that meets at church Thursday, tomorrow.
• Pray for Derrick and Sabrina Busch, nephew of Tim and Nancy Bosma. Sabrina had a procedure to help her carry a baby to term but has just suffered another loss of a child. 
• Pray for Makenna Hentschel she is doing well and is home but there are some concerns with the infection on the incision line.
• Pray for Josh Commans (boyfriend of Kadence Ribbens) he is very ill and is entering into finals exam week.
• Prayer of praise!! Justin Schut’s wife Samantha was able to find a job while Justin finishes school.
• Pray for Jesslyn Thebo and Max Nicoles as they were in a car accident that totaled Jesslyn’s car. They are sore but okay. 
• Pray for Cheryl Ferguson as she travels to visit Jenna.
• Pray mighty prayers of mercy and blessing over our country, our community and our church.
• Pray for the leadership at Celebration as they make decision to move forward. Pray for God’s mighty hand to guide them and that they seek his will.
• Pray for the release of two churchmen and for a cessation of violence and persecution in Syria. Bishop Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo was kidnapped on Tuesday, April 23, on his way back to Aleppo from the Turkish border. He went there to bring back Bishop Boulos Yazaji of the Greek Orthodox of Aleppo. The news received is that an armed group stopped the car and kidnapped the two bishops and killed the driver. Bishops Ibrahim and Yazaji are well known as agents of peace and justice, not only for Christians in Syria but for all the Syrian people.

--

Pastor Matt Eenigenburg
Celebration Community Church
1260 W. Sherman Blvd.
Muskegon, MI 49441

www.celebrationmuskegon.com/
www.facebook.com/celebration.muskegon

(231) 571-4137