Thanks, Events, and Prayers!

THANKS!  Churches rarely show adequate appreciation for those involved in ministry.  The difficulty we face at Celebration is how most everyone is involved each week.  I am so thankful for so many people and could write a long list of people to thank.  Some people would be embarrassed to have their name on the list while others would glow for weeks just to be recognized.  If you are reading this email, you are someone for whom I am thankful.  

SO, who are people whom you are thankful?  Let them know this week!  Also, hit reply and list those who need some recognition of how much you appreciate them for who they are or what they do.  We will make sure they know they are properly thanked!

1. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School class begins at 9:00AM.  They are going through the important stories in Genesis!
• SUNDAY, The New Small Group meets after the worship service.
• March 8, Book Club, 6:30PM at Mango's.  We are reading "The Prisoner of Heaven" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  
• March 12, Lumberjacks Hockey Game, 7:15PM.  Get your money to Sharon Bergman for the Lumberjacks game. Cost is $9 for adults, $6 for children under 14.  Sign up at the Info Booth!
• March 24, Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service, 7:00PM.  We will join with other churches in the area at Forest Park Covenant church for worship.  You will want to bring a friend!
• March 27, Easter Breakfast, 9:30AM.  Start off your Easter with a breakfast before worship.  Contact Sharon Bergman if you are interested in purchasing Easter flowers for the stage.

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.
• March 2, Wednesday Night Youth Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church.  There are programs for ages 4 through 8th grade.
• March 30, Family Service Night, 6:30-8:00PM.

3. PRAYERS - Please pray for:

• Praise God for a wonderful Wild Game Dinner!  We are soooo thankful for those who helped make it a huge success.
• Pray for the families of the victims of the Kalamazoo shootings.  May God give them comfort and peace in the wake of this tragedy.
• Pray for those recently transitioning to Muskegon from Minneapolis.  May God grow them as a family as this becomes more like home.
• Pray for Lynn Plugar as tests results come in for her lymphoma.  May God give them peace and direction for further treatments.
• Pray for patience and discernment for dads and moms as they do their best to be parents.
• Pray for parents who must discern their role with their adult children who make poor choices in life.
• Terry Lacy had a car accident last Friday and he is thankful that it wasn’t worse than it was. Also he has a large gall stone and he will be needing surgery.
• Pray for our nation in light of the presidential race.  It’s very difficult to know who we should vote for!  May God help our country and may we turn back to Him.
• Lilia DuRose is thankful for another day of life!  Also, she has an appointment on March 11 with a rheumatologist and she is hoping for some answers at that time.
• Kim Rhodes asks for prayers for her son who is facing a very difficult time in his life.
• Paula Blohm has a doctor’s appointment on Monday for her blood pressure issues.
• Praise God for great small groups which breathe life into our lives!
• Thelma's brother Jim is out of the hospital and doing a little better. YAY!
• Duane Gray is still recovering from his hernia surgery..
• Pray for Freddie and Jack Rottman.  Jack is losing strength and has even fallen a few times recently.  This is tough for the family.
• Continue to pray for area churches which are dealing with the hurt feelings and distrust in members.
• Pray for children who are going to school ill-equipped to succeed due to family issues.
• Pray for "___" to accept the forgiveness of Jesus in the middle of the guilt and shame they feel.
• 
  

-- 

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. 17

Quote For Today: "The secret is that God loves us exactly the way we are and that he loves us too much to let us stay like this, and I'm trying to trust that." (Anne Lamott)

1. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• SATURDAY, Wild Game Dinner, 5:30PM appetizers, 6:00PM dinner.
• SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School class begins at 9:00AM.  They are going through the important stories in Genesis!
• SUNDAY, The Seekers Small Group meets after the worship service.
• March 8, Book Club, 6:30PM at Mango's.  We are reading "The Prisoner of Heaven" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  
• March 12, Lumberjacks Hockey Game, 7:15PM.  Join us as the Lumberjacks take on the Sioux City Musketeers. Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for children under 14.  Sign up at the Info Booth!

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• TONIGHT, Wednesday Night Youth Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church.  Little Peeps = Lesson: "Captain of the Storm!"; GEMS = Badge Night: “Braiding”; Cadets = Pinewood Derby Finishing and test run.  Parents welcome!; Middle School = Lesson: "Can Someone Lose Their Salvation?"
• SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.
• March 30, Family Service Night

3. PRAYERS - Please pray for:

• Pray for those recently transitioning to Muskegon from Minneapolis.  May God grow them as a family as this becomes more like home.
• Pray for Thelma Bergman's brother, Jim Cook, who is in the hospital in Florida.
• For the wife of Sara Williamson's old teacher, Brad Tate.  His wife is going through chemotherapy which is difficult for their 2 kids.
• Family members who choose to not believe in Jesus.  Also, praise God for those family members who do!"
• Pray for neighbors to whom we try to be a Christ-like example.  Especially the neighbors who are Atheists.
• Bob Jackson asks God for discernment and guidance in job searches locally and in other states.
• Pray for Lynn Plugar as tests results come in for her lymphoma.  May God give them peace and direction for further treatments.
• Pray for patience and discernment for dads and moms as they do their best to be parents.
• Pray also for friends and family members with infertility issues.
• Pray for the leadership of the area churches as they seek to care for the souls of their people.
• Pray for strength and wisdom in handling the stress in custody hearings.
• Pray for the family of Elijah Baird, the great nephew of Marc and Darla.  He was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning. 
• Pray for parents who must discern their role with their adult children who make poor choices in life.

-- 

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. 10

Fun Thought For the Day: “It's so funny being a Christian musician. It always scares me when people think so highly of Christian music, Contemporary Christian music especially. Because I kinda go, I know a lot of us, and we don't know jack about anything. Not that I don't want you to buy our records and come to our concerts. I sure do. But you should come for entertainment. If you really want spiritual nourishment, you should go to church...and read the Scriptures.” (Rich Mullins)

1. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School class begins at 9:00AM.
• SUNDAY, The New Small Group meets after the worship service.
• February 20, Wild Game Dinner, 5:50PM appetizers, 6:00PM dinner.
• March 8, Book Club, 6:30PM at Mango's.  We are reading "The Prisoner of Heaven" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  
• March 12, Lumberjacks Hockey Game, 7:15PM.  Join us as the Lumberjacks take on the Sioux City Musketeers. Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for children under 14.  Sign up at the Info Booth!

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• TONIGHT, Wednesday Night Youth Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church.  Little Peeps = Lesson:"The Singer!" Jesus Calls the Twelve Disciples;GEMS = Lesson: "Love One Another - John 13:35", Craft: Heart Pillow;Cadets = Pinewood Derby Designs;Middle School = Lesson: "Why should I pray the Lord’s Prayer when it feels like I am just going through the motions?"
• SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.
• March 30, Family Service Night

3. SEMINARY? - For any prospective students or current students seeking ordination in the CRC, the Classis Muskegon CMLT is now accepting applications for student aid and mentoring. The deadline for the 2016-17 school year is March 15, 2016.  If you have further questions, please call Pastor Ben Oliveira @ 616 540-8525.

4. PRAYERS - Please pray for:

• Pray for those in the "winter years" of their lives.  May God give them purpose and grace so they may remain faithful till the end.
• Praise God for new job for Steve DuRose.
• Praise God for academic success for students.  Pray for those who struggle with school.  May they both find God's plan for their lives.
• Praise God for Matthew DuRose's Math Team competition which will be going to the state competition.
• May God grant peace and guidance to deal well with workplace issues and stress.
• Patti Lacy’s back is feeling better due to massage treatments which appear to be helping.  
• Pray for the family of the 3 students of Ravenna schools who were in a car accident this past week.  The 18-year-old driver is in critical condition, her 16-year-old brother is on life support, and her 10-year-old sister was killed in the accident.  The driver especially needs our prayers.
• Pray for the recent passing of loved ones.
• Pray for challenging home situations filled with conflict.
• Pray for Paula Blohm's diabetes, high blood pressure and continued eye issues.    
• Pray for "strength and wisdom to handle the stressful dealing of ex-husband over custody of grand daughter."
• Prayers for Connie Verhagen's mom who is now at Hillcrest Nursing Home in North Muskegon.
• Pray for the family of Elijah Baird, the great nephew of Marc and Darla.  He was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning. 
• .

-- 

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. 3

FRIDAY GAME NIGHT!  We will start at church at 6:00PM with hot dogs for supper. Join in some group games and a few of your own personal favorites. Make sure you stay for dessert at the end of the night!  SO, bring your family, friends, and your favorite game! This will be the most fun you've had in a long long time!

1. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School class begins at 9:00AM.
• SUNDAY, The Seekers Small Group meets after the worship service.
• February 5, Family Game Night, 7:00PM at Church!
• February 9, Book Club, 6:30PM at Los Amigos on Sherman Blvd.  We are reading "The Orchardist"by Amanda Coplin.
• February 20, Wild Game Dinner, 5:50PM appetizers, 6:00PM dinner.

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• NO YOUTH MINISTRIES TONIGHT!  It is the first Wednesday of the month so do your homework and spend time with your family!  Programs resume next week!
• SATURDAY, Cadet Snow Derby at Unity Church.  This event is dependent on the weather so be flexible.
• SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.

3. PRAYERS - Please pray for:

• Our new Neighborhood Police Officer Emilio Trejo.
• Alexis (Reys and Ruth's grandchild) wrote: "Pray for my dad!  Pray for my mom!  Pray for Rocky!  Pray for Maxi!  Pray for baby cows!  Pray for grandma Ruth and Reyes!"
• Wayne Kittle writes: "Praise God for a good ultrasound.  It showed I have good kidneys and a fair liver.  Thank you all for your prayers."
• Those who are excited and hungry for God to great things in their lives.
• Crystal Ecklund who is approaching her 10 year anniversary with Jesus!
• Children who are "struggling in many areas including housing, job, and his emotional/mental."
• Kim Rhodes writes: "Pray for Michael Wilkinson whose mom is in hospice and is not doing well.  Also, Patti Griffin whose husband was found dead by school children in the snow with his dog."
• Connie Cerminaro's mom fell and is presently at Hackley hospital. Pray that they will be able to deal with the upcoming housing transition.
• Lynn Plugar as she has tests to discover the status of her cancer.  
• Those who need "peace and less anxious thoughts and to be able to let God have control of the issues in life."
• Loved ones who are fighting infertility issues.

-- 

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 - Jan. 20

Saturday we will have our Community Wide Worship Service, 5:00PM at Bethel-New Life Church (1218 Ransom St., Muskegon).  We will enjoy a meal at 5:00PM followed by worship with other churches in the Muskegon area.  Our hope is that this will be a wonderful mixing of cultures within the body of Christ.

1. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School class begins at 9:00AM.
• SUNDAY, The Seekers Small Group meets after the worship service.
• SUNDAY, Pray for Muskegon
• January 31, Soup and Salad Lunch after the worship service.
• January 31, City Wide Prayer Service, 6:00PM at Orchard View HS.
• February 5, Family Game Night, 7:00PM at Church!
• February 9, Book Club, 6:30PM at El Mesquite.  We are reading "The Orchardist" by Amanda Coplin.
• February 20, Wild Game Dinner

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• TONIGHT, Wednesday Night Youth Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church.  Little Peeps = Lesson:"Let's Go!" Jesus Calls the Twelve Disciples;GEMS = Baking Badge; Cadets = Project Night;Middle School = Lesson: "How can God be “three in one?"
• SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.
• Middle School Retreat - January 22-24 at Grace Adventures.  Contact Brian Kingshott or Pastor Matt for a permission form or other information. 

3. New Neighborhood Police Officer! Officer Emilio Trejo has over 21 years of policing experience including 3 years as a detective in the Narcotics Unit, 7 years assigned to crimes against persons and property, and 7 years as a patrol officer. He previously served 6 years in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and mountaineer. Glenside residents can contact Officer Trejo via his e-mail, emilio.trejo@shorelinecity.com, or leave a message at 724-6739 x 8302. 

4. Reading Volunteers Needed at Nelson School - Do you have an hour a week during the school day that you could spend listening to a child read? If so, we invite you to become a Nelson School Reading Buddy. We have openings on Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday mornings, and Thursdays. Contact Lynn Kamps at 231-557-9392 for more information

5. Prayers:

• Pray for Sue Vredevoogd who will have a bone spur removed from her shoulder on Thursday.
• Pray for Anika Eenigenburg as she prepares for a trip to Nicaragua this summer.
• Pray for Angel Kinney (friend of Sarah Williamson) and her family at the loss of her grandmother on Saturday.  May God grant her comfort and peace.
• Praise God for a successful eye surgery for Duane Gray.  Pray for the same success when he has hernia surgery on Feb. 15.
• Pray for the guests recently who are "church shopping" due to difficult situations at their church.
• Pray for Roger Doctor's son who had surgery on his colon last week.
• Pray for people making "new starts" in the next few months.

-- 

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

Things to Know at Celebration - Jan 13

FRIDAY MOVIE! - "WAR ROOM" - Invite a friend to see this great movie this Friday, January 15 at 7:00PM at Church.  Here is what IMDB says about it: "Filled with heart, humor, and wit, WAR ROOM follows Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, a couple who seemingly have it all-great jobs, a beautiful daughter, their dream home. But appearances can be deceiving. In reality, their marriage has become a war zone and their daughter is collateral damage. "  Definitely worth your time and the time of your friend.  Popcorn will be provided!

1. IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• FRIDAY, Family Movie Night at 7:00 pm.
• SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School class begins at 9:00AM.
• SUNDAY, Deacon Team Meeting after church.
• SUNDAY, The New Small Group meets after the worship service.
• January 20, Basics for Babies meets at 10:00AM at church.
• January 23, Community Wide Worship Service, 5:00PM at Bethel-New Life Church.  We will enjoy a meal at 5:00PM followed by worship with other churches in the Muskegon area.  Our hope is that this will be a wonderful mixing of cultures within the body of Christ.
• January 31, Soup and Salad Lunch after the worship service.
• January 31, City Wide Prayer Service, 6:00PM at Orchard View HS.
• February 20, Wild Game Dinner

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• TONIGHT, Wednesday Night Youth Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church.  Little Peeps = Lesson:"Heaven Breaks Through";GEMS = Lesson: The Truth Is a Treasure, Craft:  Snowman Paintbrush; Cadets = Hearts & Hands project Night;Middle School = Lesson: "Can it be proven that God exists?"
• SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.
• Middle School Retreat - January 22-24 at Grace Adventures.  Contact Brian Kingshott for a permission form or other information. 

3. EMPLOYMENT - Love INC of Muskegon County, a non-profit ministry, has an immediate opening for a part time (16-20 hours per week) Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper position. The required skills for this position include proficiency in Microsoft Office and Quickbooks. Accounting experience is essential. This is a chance to work in a fast paced, exciting, rewarding and positive Christian environment. Resume’s should be sent to mattk@loveincofmuskegon.com.

4. Prayers:

• Pray for DeeDee from MOKA in her interactions with her daughter who is addicted to heroin.  
• Pray for the medical issues of someone who wishes they kept anonymous.  Even today they still are uncertain of the actual extent of the condition but they hope for the best.  May God give them his peace as a Good Shepherd who leads them beside still waters and restores their souls!
• Pray for Roger Doctor's son who will have surgery on his colon on January 15.
• Pray for people making "new starts" in the next few months.
• Jim is recuperating at Hackley Hospital after his quintuple bypass surgery 2 weeks ago.  
• Matt Bishop, a former student of Carla Eenigenburg's, is fighting cancer at age 27 for the second time. He is having more tests to determine which type of cancer it is this time, but it looks like it could be leukemia. He begins chemo this week.
• Congratulations to Corey and Julie Bytwerk who are pregnant!  The due date is April 1.  Mark it on your calendar.
• Bob Jackson is looking for new employment.
• Thelma's sister in law, Esther, died this past week.
• Brenda Lange asks for prayers for the damage done to their mission station and the homes of some of their widows in Balama Mozambique.  They received 1.5 inches of water in 2 hours!
• For people who struggle with self-worth and their purpose on earth.
• Patti Lacy continues to experience back pain.
• Ruth Hinajosa is having issues with her neck.  Pray that the injections she receives will relieve her pain.
• Duane Gray had eye surgery to fix an aneurysm by his left eye today and is home recuperating.
• Lilia DuRose is experiencing pain and swelling in her joints.  She is being tested to determine the cause.  Please lift her up to the Lord in prayer.  
• Linda Bergman’s sister Nancy will be having surgery soon to remove cancer which has returned.  
• Paula Blohm is having difficulties with high blood pressure.  Pray for the new medication will work for her.

-- 

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

Happy New Year...A Little Late!

"WAR ROOM" - Invite a friend to see this great movie on Friday, January 15 at 7:00PM.  Here is what IMDB says about it: "Filled with heart, humor, and wit, WAR ROOM follows Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, a couple who seemingly have it all-great jobs, a beautiful daughter, their dream home. But appearances can be deceiving. In reality, their marriage has become a war zone and their daughter is collateral damage. "  Definitely worth your time and the time of your friend.  Popcorn will be provided!

1. IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• Adult Sunday School class begins at 9:00AM.
• SUNDAY, The Seekers Small Group meets after the worship service.
• TUESDAY, Work Group Night, 4:00-8:00PM.  We need the carpeting in the old sanctuary tore up and other smaller jobs completed.  The Facilities Team will meet at 6:30PM.
• January 15, 2016 – Family Movie Night at 7:00 pm.
• January 17, The New Small Group meets after church.

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• NO YOUTH MINISTRIES TONIGHT.  We will meet on the 13th, next Wednesday.
• SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.
• Middle School Retreat - January 22-24 at Grace Adventures.  Contact Brian Kingshott for a permission form or other information. 

3. FAMOUS!

Celebration is famous!  We have had an article written about us in "The Banner", the denomination's magazine.  It is impossible to capture the entire story of Celebration in one article but the author did quite well!  Here's the link to the article. Enjoy!

http://thebanner.org/news/2015/12/former-car-dealership-repurposed-for-worship

4. Prayers:

• Pray for DeeDee from MOKA in her interactions with her daughter who is addicted to heroin.  
• Pray for Roger Doctor's son who will have surgery on his colon on January 15.
• Jim is recuperating at Hackley Hospital after his quintuple bypass surgery 2 weeks ago.  
• Matt Bishop, a former student of Carla Eenigenburg's, is fighting cancer at age 27 for the second time. He is having more tests to determine which type of cancer it is this time, but it looks like it could be leukemia. He begins chemo this week.
• Congratulations to Corey and Julie Bytwerk who are pregnant!  The due date is April 1.  
• Deb Mart thanks God that her GR home has closed and they now have only 1 home!
• Pray for strained family relationships over the holidays.
• Amie Anderson asks for prayers as she starts a new job.  There will be an adjustment for her family too and a new income standard.  
• Continue to pray for those who make their home in "warmer areas" of the US. 
• Pray for the loved ones around us who do not know Jesus...yet!
• Pray for my Erika who acquired a rare cancer.  
• Pray for those who have many bills which have piled up this past month.
• Thelma's sister in law, Esther, is in the hospital.
• Randy Sturris died recently.
• Pray for new teachers for the LoveINC "New Directions class".

--

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