7 Important Things to Know This Week

I am not sure I could say this better.  "The love of your neighbor in all its fullness simply means being able to say...'What are you going through?'" - Simone Weil

1. Men's Tool Box for LoveINC - We are requesting items which men have requested from LoveINC's store.  Drop off work related items in the tool box which is located in the entryway at church.   Items could be: drill bits, saw blades, deodorant, body wash, etc.

2. Mission Trip Opportunity - We are looking to get 6-8 people to do destruction work in Detroit on June 24-26 with Doug & Sharon Bergman and others.  Contact Pastor Matt or the Bergman's if you have interest.

3. Photos for Pictorial Directory - Our new directory is due out in May so look for Marc Baird on Sunday to get your picture taken.  Then stop by the info booth to make sure your info is correct.  Thanks.

4. Students - The Oasis Students will be involved in Mothers Day, next week!  The students are asked to be at church at 10:00AM to be ready.

5. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• Sunday, Creativity Team Meeting after church.
• Monday, Vision Team Meeting
• May 4, Basics for Babies
• May 5, National Day of Prayer.  There will be a Noon rally at the Muskegon County Building and an evening event at Orchard View Elementary School at 7:00PM.
• May 8, Mothers Day.
• May 15, Celebration Family Meeting after church.

6. SUNDAY

Anyone can preach, can't they?  Really, how hard can it be?  Join us Sunday as we continue our sermon series through the book of 2 Timothy, "Famous Last Words".  This Sunday is from 2 Timothy 4:1-5 where we look Paul tells us to "The Foolishness of Preaching!"

7. PRAYERS

• Pray for Lynn Pluger whose Lymphoma treatments seem to have failed.  Pray for Paul and Lynn as they look for the next steps.
• Paul and Crystal Ecklund, were in a very bad accident last week.  They have some small cuts and bruises but are alright.  Their car doesn't look good at all!
• Pray for Jackie Knight who will be travelling to Mississippi and California for three weeks.  Safe travels.
• Pray for those travelling to Mozambique for a Mission Trip with Orphans Unlimited.  May it be a fruitful time.
• Pray for the Men's Toolbox effort for LoveINC.  
• Pray for those choosing to quit their addictions.  May God give them all they need to see this through and may we encourage them along this rough road.
• Duane Blohm is having surgery on Monday, May 2.

-- 

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

Adjusting is Not Easy!

A friend told me today, "God is always moving in your life.  Maybe not in the direction you want but he is still moving."  I loved the idea.  I agree with his statement.  The tough part is what this truth asks me to do.  The fact that God is active and moving in my life requires me to adjust to where God is moving OR adjust to feeling distant in our relationship.  And since I value a close friendship with Jesus, I will adjust my life, expectations, direction in life to be close to him.  Willingly or reluctantly, I must adjust. Does this ring true for you too?

1. UPDATED DIRECTORY

If you haven't already, go to the information booth and make sure your contact info is correct. We want to have a new directory completed in the middle of June. Also, send an updated picture to Pastor Matt or Sandy Ring.  

2. IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• SATURDAY, Feeding America Food Truck, 9:00-11:00AM at Calvin Church.  Bring the whole family and help serve the hungry in our community!
• SUNDAY, we plan to celebrate Communion and the baptism of Sierra Ann Bytwerk!
• SUNDAY, Pray for Muskegon.  Attached is a Prayer Guide to help.
• SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School class resumes at 9:00AM.
• May 1, Creativity Team Meeting after church.
• May 2, Vision Team Meeting

3. SUNDAY

Are we living in the last days?  What does this mean for those who wish to follow Jesus?  Remember to invite a friend Sunday as we continue our sermon series through the book of 2 Timothy, "Famous Last Words".  This Sunday is from 2 Timothy 3 where we look at "Dangerous Times".

4. PRAYERS

• Pray for clarity in decisions which need to be made soon.
• Terry Lacy will go back to work next Monday.  Pray that he will not be overwhelmed by the physical aspect of his job after his surgery.
• Pray for lots of laughter in our lives.
• Praise God for answered prayers. 
• Praise God who allows us to cast our cares on him and helps us with our troubles.  
• Prayers for the needs of our family members whom we love.  God knows what their needs are better than we do.
• Lilia DuRose asks for prayers for her niece Sasha who is having kidney and eye issues.  Also, Lilia’s mother is having trouble walking. 
• Praise God for the beautiful weather!
• Pray for those who have experienced loss lately.
• Praise God for good results from Duane Blohm's brother Steve's PET scan.  His lymphoma has NOT spread!  
• Praise God for the love, support, caring and friendship of loved ones. 
• Mike Straley's cataract has returned. 
• Deb Mart's brother Dave as he looks for the best treatment coarse for his cancer.
• Sandy Perkins as she continues to adapt to life's changes.
• For those who are looking for gainful employment.
• Crystal Ecklund is continuing the process of completing her degree.  May the road be made smooth.  Pray for her neighbor and his multiple health issues.
• Lisa Crabtree's mom who is in need of better circulation in her toes due to her diabetic condition.
• Pastor Matt asks for prayers for the hectic sports season this spring and not allowing it to take away time from his family and work.
• Praise God that Avis Crum came home this week after her recent surgery!
• For the possible involvement of Celebration in a mission trip this June.
• Pray for the Dental Mission of Mercy in Ann Arbor in June.
• Praise God for the desire of new attendees to make Celebration their church home.

--

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 - April 6

We lift in prayer Charles Serene and family as they mourn the loss of Aunt Joyce.  Her love for Jesus and for other people was an inspiration for all those who met her.  She will be missed.  Funeral arrangements have not been set yet.

1. CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK

Sunday we were challenged to try to be Jesus to someone this week.  How are you doing with it?  Can you imagine if everyone built up even one person this week?  Send back a note to let us know how you are doing!

2. IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• April 10, Baked Potato Bar after worship!  This is the event to invite a friend to attend.  It will be great!
• April 17, Fellowship Team Meeting after church.
• April 23, Feeding America Food Truck, 9:00-11:00AM at Calvin Church.  Bring the whole family and help serve the hungry in our community!
• Adult Sunday School class will resume April 27 at 9:00AM.
• May 1, Creativity Team Meeting after church.

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• No youth programs tonight since it is the first Wednesday of the month.  Enjoy Spring Break with family and do your homework!

3. PRAYERS

• We ask you as part of the Celebration community to keep Lilia DuRose and her family in your prayers at the passing of her dad in the Ukraine this week.
• Pray for Jack Rottman and his wife Freddie.  Jack is at Knollwood rehabbing from a ruptured appendix. They are struggling with what is in store for them and what's next for his care.
• Sandy Perkin's cousin passed away.  Please keep the Peck family in your prayers.
• Pray for those in search for better employment and a stable living arrangements.
• Praise God for safe travels during Spring Break and vacations.  
• Praise God that Lynn Pluger is feeling better and not struggling so much with exhaustion. Praise God she feels she has purpose to her life.
• Pray for the Jarrell family and that God may be seen through those helping them.
• Pray for adult children in need prayers.
• Pray for couples struggling with infertility. May they find strength and peace as they continue on their journey.
• Praise God for great healing conversations.
• Praise God for improvement for people with PTSD.
• Pray for those watching loved ones struggling to live in the "winter season" of life.
• Pray for those who wish to be Jesus' hands in feet for those in need.
• Pray for Crystal Ecklund as she nears the completion of her degree program.
• Pray for Deb Mart's brother as he continues his battle with prostate cancer.
• Pray for those in Celebration's leadership roles.
• Pray for Linda Bergman’s granddaughter Greenlee who had her feeding tube removed after living with it for 11 years.  Pray a speedy recovery.
• Terry Lacy plans to have his gall bladder removed April 11.
• Pray for continued healing for Patti Lacy's back.
• Pray for God's anointing on our future President, whomever they be.
• Pray for Lilia’s niece Sasha, who is expecting a baby but is not feeling well. Also pray for Lilia’s mother after the loss of her husband.
• Pray for Duane Blohm’s brother in his continued battle with lymphoma.
• Pray for all the children on Spring Break who rely on their school for stability, food, shelter, etc.
• Susan Schmock is grateful for a newer car to drive and God's hand in all of the areas of her life.

--

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

2016 Post Easter Midweek Update

It is one week after Easter!  Jesus has still alive because he arose from the dead!  You still have been given the only way to become right with God!  You still have been assured forgiveness of sins through the work of Jesus!  You still have a story to tell your world because of the new life in your life!  Even one week after Easter, life is good!

1. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• April 3, The Seekers Small Group and New Small Groups will meet after the worship service.
• April 3, Creativity Team Meeting after the worship service.
• April 4, Council/Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church.
• April 10, Baked Potato Bar after worship!
• April 17, Fellowship Team Meeting after church.
• Adult Sunday School class will resume April 27 at 9:00AM.

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• TONIGHT, Family Service Night, 6:30-8:00PM.  We will go directly to Mike Miller Garden at 257 Muskegon Ave (across from Central United Methodist Church).  JOBS: raking mulch, cutting out sod, spreading concrete fill, weeding prairie grass, etc. BRING:  Rake, square-ended shovel, spade, hoe, trowel, and/or wheel barrow.  Thanks for helping to be Jesus' hands and feet in Muskegon!

3. FEEDING AMERICA FOOD TRUCK
When:  Saturday, April 23rd 9:00--‐11:00am
Where:  Calvin CRC Parking Lot
Who:  Bring the whole family and help us serve the hungry in our local community!!!

4. PRAYERS

• We ask you as part of the Celebration community to keep Lilia DuRose and her family in your prayers at the passing of her dad in the Ukraine on Tuesday.
• "Pray for upgrades in many areas of my life: Spirtually, job, and family."
• May God give guidance to couples in dating relationships.
• Pray for safety for those traveling during Spring Break.
• On one card: "Those who seek death find joy and happiness."
• Lacey Kremmel writes, "Prayers for peace as my family has many struggles going on right now."
• Pray for the selection of leaders at Celebration in the next few months.
• Pray for those who went to church on Easter who normally don't go.  May God do a work in their heart!

--

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

Holy Week Update!

According to Thom Rainer, 82% or people are somewhat likely to go to church if invited!  Isn't this great!  Your friend who you have been praying for is 82% somewhat likely to come to church and hear the gospel if you ask them!  During Holy Week you have 3 opportunities to invite your friend:

1. Maundy Thursday Service at Forest Park Covenant Church at 6:30PM
2. Good Friday Service at New Hope Baptist Church at 6:30PM (dinner at 5:15PM!)
3. Easter Morning Service at Celebration at 10:30AM (breakfast starts at 9:30AM)!

This is a great week to invite your friend to church!

1. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• Adult Sunday School class will resume April 27 at 9:00AM.
• April 3, The Seekers Small Group and New Small Groups will meet after the worship service.

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• TONIGHT, Wednesday Night Youth Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church. The evening begins with an Easter Egg Hunt for infants through middle school students.  Bring a friend and an Easter Basket!  Wednesday evening groups will meet as usual following the event. Little Peeps = Lesson:"The Sun Stops Shining"; GEMS = Lesson: One Body 1 Corinthians 12:27;Cadets = Game/Movie Night!; Middle School = Lesson: "Darkness Comes; Sunday is Coming".
• March 30, Family Service Night, 6:30-8:00PM.  We will go directly to Mike Miller Garden at 257 Muskegon Ave (across from Central United Methodist Church).  JOBS: raking mulch, cutting out sod, spreading concrete fill, weeding prairie grass, etc. BRING:  Rake, square-ended shovel, spade, hoe, trowel, and/or wheel barrow.  Thanks for helping to be Jesus' hands and feet in Muskegon!

3. Hospitality Team News

Do you remember the cans and bottles you have been bringing in and placing in the cardboard box by the kitchen?  This past week we brought them in for $37.20!  This money goes to buy the coffee and refreshments after church!  THANKS!

4. PRAYERS

• Pray for our nation and the elections this year.
• Ruth Hinajosa’s sister Lela who is having serious issues with her knee after having surgery.
• Pray for all parents who have concerns about their children, both young and adults.
• Praise God for good weeks at work!
• Pray for Todd who is receiving treatment for esophageal cancer. 
• Praise God for Patti Lacey being able to walk outside in the woods again.  Her back and knee are doing much better.
• Pray for the prisoners who will be released because they often have no or minimal skills to succeed in life outside of prison.
• Pray for Linda Bergman’s 17-year-old grandson Kyler who will be flying to Dubai on Spring break to visit his father, who is working there.  
• Praise God for all those who feel blessed in life!
• Matthew DuRose asks for focus through the end of the school year.
• Pray for Lilia DuRose’s mother who is still in the hospital with heart issues but is doing better.  Pray for peace, healing, and strength for her dad and her niece.
• Linda Bergman’s granddaughter’s uncle was seriously injured in a fall from a tree and needs our prayers.
• Praise God for Paula Blohm's blood pressure to be back to normal.  She will also be on diabetes medication and it will take some time before she knows if it is working.  
• Praise God for new teeth!
• Pray for Deb Mart's friend Dave who goes to UofM seeking answers to tests and a plan to battle his cancer.
• Pray for Kim Rhodes' son who is adopting a baby which is due April 20.
• Pray for Ed and Gayle Cohea's son who is ready to graduate from Army Infantry training and will be awaiting deployment overseas..  Pray for his protection, trust in the Father, and he would honor God by his good example.
• Pray for those with anger and hurt because of relational turmoil.
• "Pray for deliverance of addiction."
• Eve Zwolinski asked for prayers for her son Nicolai who is going to court to get custody of his son.  Pray also for her other 2 sons who are dealing with some heavy issues.
• May God bless all our efforts to lead people to know Jesus better!
• Pray for Brenda Doctor's dad.  His health is not good and his wife died last week.  

Celebration Midweek - March 16

Quote for the day: “A faith that moves mountains is a faith that expands horizons, it does not bring us into a smaller world full of easy answers, but into a larger one where there is room for wonder.” (Rich Mullins)

Jesus didn't die so we could inherit a  simple set of rules to follow.  Our faith in Jesus brings us face to face with harder questions and even gray areas of life.  My your faith continually help you wrestle with questions like this and more: "How did God do that?"  "Why must they suffer so?"  "How can I love this unlovable person?"  or "What is really important in my life?"

1. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• SATURDAY, Grown Up Game Night, 7:00PM.  Come for a night of euchre and other games!  Bring $2 in quarters.
• SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School class begins at 9:00AM.  We will read through the Gospel of John as we approach Passion Week.
• SUNDAY, The Seekers Small Group meets after the worship service.
• 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 25, Good Friday Service at New Hope Baptist Church.  We will have dinner at 5:15PM and the worship service will start at 6:30PM.
• March 27, Easter Breakfast, 9:30AM.  Start off your Easter with a breakfast before worship.  

2. STUDENT MINISTRY

• TONIGHT, Wednesday Night Youth Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church.  Little Peeps = Lesson:"A Dark Night in teh Garden; GEMS = Music Appreciation;Cadets = Finish Pinewood Derby Cars and test run.  Parents welcome!; Middle School = Lesson: "Our SIn; Jesus' Love".
• SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.
• March 23, Easter Egg Hunt at 6:30pm sharp.This is for infants through middle school students.  Bring a friend and an Easter Basket!  Wednesday evening groups will meet as usual following the event.
• March 30, Family Service Night, 6:30-8:00PM.  We will go directly to Mike Miller Garden at 257 Muskegon Ave (across from Central United Methodist Church).  JOBS: raking mulch, cutting out sod, spreading concrete fill, weeding prairie grass, etc. BRING:  Rake, square-ended shovel, spade, hoe, trowel, and/or wheel barrow.  Thanks for helping to be Jesus' hands and feet in Muskegon!

3. EASTER HELP

The Glenside Easter Egg hunt is Saturday, March 26 at McGraft Park.  You would be a great help in our community.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.

4. CHALLENGE - Remember our "5 Minute Challenge".  We try to invest 5 minutes each Sunday after the service to meet someone new.  Sometimes they are guests and sometimes we haven't spoken to them before.  You're doing well!  Keep it going!

5. PRAYERS

• Pray for those with anger and hurt because of relational turmoil.
• "Pray for deliverance of addiction."
• Pray for the students learning to drive.
• Pray for healthy resolutions to workplace dramas.
• Praise God for employment.
• Eve Zwolinski asked for prayers for her son who is going to court to get custody of his son.  Pray also for her other 2 sons who are dealing with some heavy issues.
• Mike Straley asked for prayers for the Orchard View Congregational Church.  May God renew them and give them life.
• May God bless all our efforts to lead people to know Jesus better!
• Pray for Brenda Doctor's dad.  His health is not good and his wife died last week.  
• Thank God for the community in small groups which God is using to transform lives.
• Pray that God will help us to be a better husbands and wives.
• Lynn Pluger went to Detroit on Tuesday for treatment.  She remains stable but they have not eliminated her Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  May they find clarity for future treatment options..
• Pastor Matt asks for great things to come from Passion Week.  May God bless the preparations and speak into the hearts of many people at these special services.

--

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 9

Purpose.  One of the first questions I have in life is "What's the purpose of___?" For me, purpose drives action.  For instance, what is the purpose of this weekly email?  We want people to be informed so they can actively be involved.  When people know events each week they can actively plan their calendar accordingly.  When they know the prayer requests they can actively pray for the person and maybe even meet their needs.  Hopefully purpose drives our actions in all areas of life.

1. OTHER IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS

• SATURDAY, Lumberjacks Hockey Game, 7:15PM.  Join us as the Lumberjacks take on the Sioux City Musketeers.
• SUNDAY, Adult Sunday School class begins at 9:00AM.  We will read through the Gospel of John as we approach Passion Week.
• SUNDAY, The New Small Group meets after the worship service.
• March 19, Grown Up Game Night, 7:00PM.  Come for a night of euchre and other games!
• 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 25, Good Friday Service at New Hope Baptist Church.  We will have dinner at 6:00PM and the worship service will start at 7:00PM.
• 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

• TONIGHT, Wednesday Night Youth Ministries, 6:30-8:00PM at Calvin Church.  Little Peeps = Lesson:"The Servant King!"; GEMS = Lesson: "God’s word is forever-Isaiah 40:8"  Craft: Infinity Dragon Fly”;Cadets = Paint Pinewood Derby Cars.  Parents welcome!; Middle School = Lesson: "Understanding the Old Covenant & New Covenant and the need for Jesus"
• SUNDAY, High School Youth Group at Calvin Church, 6:00-8:30PM. Dinner is provided.  Contact Pastor Matt for more details.
• March 23, Easter Egg Hunt at 6:30pm sharp.This is for infants through middle school students.  Bring a friend and an Easter Basket!  Wednesday evening groups will meet as usual following the event.
• March 30, Family Service Night, 6:30-8:00PM.  We will go directly to Mike Miller Garden at 257 Muskegon Ave (across from Central United Methodist Church).  JOBS: raking mulch, cutting out sod, spreading concrete fill, weeding prairie grass, etc. BRING:  Rake, square-ended shovel, spade, hoe, trowel, and/or wheel barrow.  Thanks for helping to be Jesus' hands and feet in Muskegon!

3. CHALLENGE - Remember our "5 Minute Challenge".  We try to invest 5 minutes each Sunday after the service to meet someone new.  Sometimes they are guests and sometimes we haven't spoken to them before.  You're doing well!  Keep it going!

4. EASTER HELP

The Glenside Easter Egg hunt is Saturday, March 26 at McGraft Park.  You would be a great help in our community.

5. PRAYERS

• Pray for our co-workers who do not know Jesus...yet!
• Steve DuRose asks for prayers for his two aunts and an uncle who are all battling cancer. 
• Lilia DuRose praises God for answered prayers with her relatives in the Ukraine.
• Pray for Matthew DuRose’s math team which is headed to Grand Valley State College for the State Math Competition on Saturday.  
• Pray for our nation selecting the right presidential candidate who will honor God.  
• Pray for family members who seem to be moving away from God.
• Pray for our small groups which have blessed people with a deeper family than they ever thought possible.  
• Pray for opportunities to shine Jesus into the lives of others.
• Patti Lacy asks for healing to her back and knee.
• Pray God's peace for Brenda Doctor at the unexpected loss of her mom.
• Pray for continued healing of Jim Ring.
• From Communication Card of first time guest: "To return to my deep belief and faith in Jesus."  "Pray for for recovery and for deliverance!!!"  Pray for my son to find peace in the Lord."
• "Pray for Hunter, a young man, 14, diagnosed with bone cancer."
• Deb Mart's brother will find results of her brother's cancer tests this week.  May the cancer be confined to his prostate and not spread.
• Praise God because Linda Bergman has a new great-niece!  
• Pray that we all find joy in our work.
• Praise God because Terry Lacy’s gall bladder issues are better and are under control right now.
• Pray for tense work environments which add drama and stress in our lives.
• Praise God for Paula Blohm's blood pressure medication which has brought it under control.  Pray for her management of her diabetes.
• Pray for the planning and preparation for Passion week events.

 

-- 

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