Celebration Midweek - August 27

"Complacency is the deadly foe of spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ in his people." 

AW Tozer wrote this in 1948 in his book "The Pursuit of God" and it still rings true today. Thirsting for God precedes growing in your relationship with him. I encourage you to seek him with focused pursuit, with serious intent, that you will starve without him!

1. Annual Carnival, Saturday, September 27, 1:00 PM - This is one of our best outreach events. Sign up for dates to pass out flyers, donate candy, and work at one of the stations.

2. Iron Man Men's Group - Starts up this fall on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 PM. Men, this is your group!

3. Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser - Save Saturday, October 4 for this event and invite a few friends too!

4. Mudders Needed! - If you can help mud drywall at the Community enCompass home rehab at 1264 Fifth St, please contact Kimi at 231-288-9403.

5. Prayers - Please add these to your prayer list:
- Jim Ring's dad fell and broke his hip. He also has gall stones.
- Thanks for great summer memories and great growing opportunities too!
- For our country including its leaders.
- Darla Baird's mom, Lillian Johnson, who had surgery on Tuesday to have cancer removed from her face (eye/nose area).
- Thanks for Matt's pastor friend Mark Niewsma who is recovering from open heart surgery in July.
- For Christians around the world that are suffering and being persecuted.
- Thanks for the blessings that God has showered on us!
- Pray for the Celebration family and friends.
- Mike Cerminaro's Aunt Pat had surgery to determine whether her cancer has returned.
- Lisa & Darrold Pellogrom, friends of the Baird's. Darrold recently found out he has an issue with a valve in his heart that will most likely require open heart surgery.
- Pam Williamson's neighbor Sandi is home and doing well after open heart surgery.
- August 31 is Hannah DeJonge's birthday. This is Rob's daughter.
- Pray that we might be able to leave give ourselves grace. It is tough for some to let the past stay in the past and move on in life with Jesus.

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

6 Things to Know This Week

Listen to Jim Cymbala from "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire".
"More people are turning to crack than to Christ.  More people are dipping into drugs than are getting baptized in water.  What is going to reverse this tide?  Preaching alone will not do it; classes aren't going to do it; more money for more programs won't do it.  Only turning God's house into a house of fervent prayer will reverse the power of evil so evident in the world today."

1. Church Picnic, this coming Sunday, August 10 – We will have our annual picnic at church after the worship service. Please bring a salad to share. Hamburgers, chips, dessert and pop are provided.

2. Unity Fest, August 6-9 - Get your tickets for this year's festival at http://www.unitymusicfestival.com! Remember that Wednesday Night is free!

3. Sunday - No one names their daughter Delilah anymore. Why? She is the epitome of how NOT to build a strong relationship with a man. Invite a friend to hear what this "Bad Girl" Delilah failed to do. (Judges 16)

4. Nursery - If anyone is interested in being on the nursery schedule, please talk to or email Carla Eenigenburg. Thanks!

5. Summer Sunday Night Youth Group: 6:00- 8:30 pm – 6th-8th grade students meet at Calvin CRC, tonight, to go to the Dethlof's.

6. Prayers from Sunday:
- Marie Bradford asked for prayers "because the devil is on me." We pray that the devil will be removed from her life and that the Spirit of God might make her clean.
- Duane Blohm will have an MRI on his shoulder and will most likely require shoulder surgery.
- Pam Williamson's friend Diana was recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer. She doesn't know Jesus.
- Duane Gray continues to have medical issues. He said that he has 4 lumps in his throat.
- Praise for the gift of $5000 from 1st CRC of Muskegon.
- Judy Irish's mom has stabilized and is doing better. She is looking to get out of ICU soon.
- Amie Anderson's mom is recuperating at home following surgery last week.
- Steve DuRose's Dad, Jim, has been admitted to mercy Hospital and is having tests to determine the cause of his low blood pressure and hemoglobin.
- Patti Lacy is using a walker to aide her since she has fallen recently. The therapist gave her several exercises to strengthen the muscles of her legs.
- Continued prayer for Matt's pastor friend whose daughter was physically assaulted recently.

- The prayers of our hearts that only God knows.

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

Celebration Midweek - July 30

My friend Zantesah Ingalls writes, "The call for us to pay attention to the needs of our brothers and sisters is not new. God has always expected those who have been called to stand in the gap and lead others into his presence." Oh do you hear God's call to stand in the gap? (Quote taken from "Everything God Says I Am" by Zantesah Ingalls)

1. Unity Fest, August 6-9 - Get your tickets for this year's festival at http://www.unitymusicfestival.com!  Remember: Wednesday night is free!

2. Vision Team Meeting, August 4 at Sue DeBoer's - Contact your elder if you have something to discuss at the meeting.

3. Sunday - Which emotions sometimes get you into trouble? Wouldn't you like to get a handle on them? Read about Samson - Judges 13-16 and see how on Sunday!

4. Faithful Journey Quartet at 5PM, Sunday, August 3 - They will lead an evening of worship and music at Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church. Faithful Journey is dedicated to sharing God's Word through Southern Gospel music and testimonies, to help further His Kingdom here on earth, and to glorify and praise His holy name.

5. Prayers - Please pray for:
- Al and Marilee Schut's son who had good results from a recent ultrasound but still faces surgery on his leg.
- Family finances. Budgets are tight all over!
- Deb Mart's friend, Kara Westra, came home after her liver transplant in March. She is in high school. There had been many setbacks over the past 5 months but she and her family are so thankful.
- Employment for Amie Anderson who was let go from Baker College recently.
- Prayer of thanks for God to bring peace to parents of adult children when they seem to be making poor choices.
- My friend Rev. Stewart as he looks to find another church to serve.
- Thanks to God for Brian and Caren Stratton on the birth of their baby, Landon Allen Warner Stratton on Friday. 6lbs 7ozs 19inchs long.
- We have had several people visit recently who are returning to church and friendship with Jesus. May God continue to give them a hunger for Jesus and a desire to grow in their journey with him.
- Thanks for those who are regularly praying on the 24th for Muskegon.
- Josh DeHoag, Muskegon Police officer, said that there has been more violence in Norton Shores this summer than in Muskegon! The reality is that Muskegon Heights has been a hotbox of crime and violence. Continue to pray for our city!

--
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 - July 23

Thought for the day: Andrew Murray wrote, "To enjoy your food you must first be hungry. The first requirement for Bible study is a simple longing to find out what God wants you to do AND the determination to do it." When this is our focus, studying the Bible will be a blessing!  May we always be hungry!

1. Money Tree - Amie introduced the money tree a little while ago. It is designed for contributing even little amounts to the Building Fund. Tie whatever amount on the tree that you can!

2. Pray on the 24th - Remember to pray for Muskegon on Thursday, July 24th!

3.Church Picnic, Sunday, August 10 – We will have our annual picnic at church after the worship service. Please bring a salad to share. Hamburgers, chips, dessert and pop are provided.

4. Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Saturday, September 13 - Mark your calendars for this event! It will be here before you know it!

5. Summer Sunday Night Youth Group: 6:00- 8:30 pm – 6th-8th grade students meet at Calvin CRC, tonight, to go to the Dethlof's.

6. Prayers - Add these requests that have come in since Sunday:
- We lift up Sharon Bergman and her family on the passing of her brother Robert on Sunday morning.
- The Cadet International Camporee is going on this week. Pray for the boys and adult counselors for a great experience and safety.

- Those who need God's forgiveness and those who need to grant it to others.
- Kim Rhodes's co-worker, Mike, for guidance in making his decision to have surgery.
- Those who are homeless and broken.
- Thelma Bergman who celebrated her 29th birthday this week! May you have many more!
- My good friend Tim who attended a Memorial service this past weekend for his mom who passed away during the winter.
- For those hurting from unwarranted and unnecessary words.
- Daryl and LaVonne DeGraff who sold their boat and will be returning to life in South Carolina. We ask for God's blessing on you both!
- WMC due to their budget shortfall this past school year.
- Love Inc. sent a "Thank you" note for Celebration's continued partnership in ministry. May they continue to do great work in Muskegon!

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

5 ImPoRtAnT tHiNgS fOr ThE wEeK

Reflecting on Sunday and our series "Jerks of the Bible", the song "As the Deer" came to mind. I pray that this song from Psalm 42 stays in your heart today:
"As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after thee. You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship thee. You alone are my strength, my shield, to you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship thee."

1. Ironman Group - Meet Thursday, July 17 at church at 6:30PM. Bring your oown snack and/or refreshment!

2. Pray on the 24th - Reserve your hour for praying for Muskegon for Thursday, July 24th! Go to the info booth at church or contact Pastor Matt. Grab a friend to partner with you.

3. Church Picnic, Sunday, August 10 – We will have our annual picnic at church after the worship service. Please bring a salad to share. Hamburgers, chips, dessert and pop are provided.

4. Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Saturday, September 13 - Mark your calendars for this event! It will be here before you know it!

5. Prayers - Please add these to your prayer list:
- Leslie Zimmerman as she looks from relief for her migraine headaches and their search for a different house to call home.
- The people at the SERVE Project that lasts through Saturday. May each person encounter Jesus this week. May everyone get home safely. May this week help them live a life closer to Jesus when they get home.
- Darla Baird's mom Lillian Johnson who is doing much better after being hospitalized last week after passing out while volunteering at LoveINC. Praise God that tests revealed no major issues but she needs prayer for strength, healing, and safety.
- Reyes gives thanks that his mom and neice Delilah are doing much better. He said that your prayers are appreciated AND needed! I agree!
- Lilia DuRose and the boys who made it safely to Ukraine.
- Those who need God's forgiveness and those who need to grant it to others.


--
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!!!

Thought For Today: "There but for the grace of God go I." Hopefully this phrase by John Bradford elicits a sense of humility, especially when we think we are above the sins of others. It is so easy to judge others for the sins we so easily see in their lives! But all of us can fall into sin as easily as walking across the street. Remember it is God and his grace on you which has kept you from so many catastrophies. 

1. Prayer Partners - We need people to pray for the students and adults coming to Muskegon for the SERVE Project. Contact Pastor Matt asap.

2. Sunday - Remember to do your assignments! 1) What is your ministry? 2) Encourage 3 people this week. You still have time to complete them before Sunday! Can we still do homework over the summer?

3. Events -
- Sunday - Students (6th-12th) meet at Calvin CRC at 6PM to go to the Dethlof's.
- July 7 (Mon) - Council Meeting, 7:00PM at the Eburg's. (Note time change)
- July 8 (Tue) - McGraft Park Concert at 7PM - West Michigan Concert Winds
- July 12 (Sat) - Prayer Ministry Breakfast, 9:00AM at the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

4. Prayers - Remember to pray for:
- Jessica Josephson whose sister was shot to death this past Sunday.
- The students and leaders coming to the Muskegon SERVE Project on July 12. It will be based at Calvin CRC.
- Reyes' niece Delilah who is having pancereatic problems.
- Christians around the world being persecuted.
- Those making big decisions this week. God knows who they are!
- Nick and Leah Jennings who were married on Saturday.
- Safety for those "playing" with fireworks this weekend.

-
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 - June 26

Thought For Today - CS Lewis was asked about what is most necessary for the Christian: Faith in Christ or good actions. He said, "It does seem to me like asking which blade of the scissors is the most necessary." May others see your life as an example of strong faith in Jesus that is visible in your good actions!

1. Reports - Do you have a report on your prayer commitments we made on June 8? Don't be modest! Sunday, tell others how God has blessed you in prayer during this time!

2. Garden help at McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm - Do you like to garden, but don't have a garden of your own? Are you curious about what is grown on our Urban Farm? Contact Mike at mike@communityencompass.org or call 231-728-3117 to set up a time to help out.

3. Prayers - Please pray for:
- Those on the Church Campout in Stevenville, MI.
- Jill Bennett as her mother passed on yesterday.
- Thanks for MOKA who cleans our church building each week!
- Nick Grabinski who is at Webster House for a short stay.
- Thanks for your prayers for Ruth Hinojosa's son Shannon. Things are looking much better for him.
- For Frank Van Hees who was in the hospital recently for testing.
- For our government leaders that they will lead as God would have them lead.
- Thanks for your prayers for Muskegon on June 24th. Keep praying!
- For the students and leaders who will come to Calvin CRC for the SERVE Project which starts on July 12.
- For Nick Swanson and Leah Jennings who plan to get married this Saturday.
- Summer vacation for our children. May the use of their time and energy be productive!
- Couples and their children who are part of a divorce process.
- Reyes' mom, Zoila, who has come up with some medical complications.
- Christians around the world being imprisoned and tortured for their beliefs. The mass killings of Christians in Iraq is just one location of many.
- Students (Jessica Ribbens, Osha Towers, and others) and adult leaders who are on a mission trip to Nicaragua.
- The SERVE Project that will be hosted at Calvin CRC in July. There is still a need for people with construction experience to serve as worksite supervisors.
- Paula Espinoza's friend Kim who is having difficulties selling her house and buying another one. Stress levels are rising!
- Lilia DuRose's mom in the Ukraine is having heart problems and health issues.

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