Celebration Midweek - June 30

Consider Being a Prayer Partner: There are high school students and adult leaders coming to Muskegon from July 7-16 from all over the US and Canada.  They will volunteer at work sites in the community and grow closer to Jesus in the process.  We need 10-12 people to actively pray for these students and adult leaders before, during, and after the trip.  We at Celebration understand the necessity and power of prayer.  Please consider being a Prayer Partner.  Contact Pastor Matt to confirm your spot by Sunday.


1. EVENTS TO REMEMBER
July 5, Church Cleaning Group, 6:00PM.
July 6, Baby Basics, 10:00AM at church.
July 11, Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church
July 29-31, Annual Church Campout

2. PRAYERS - 

• Pray for the rest and enjoyment of the wonderful West Michigan summer.  
• Pray for those recovering from recent surgeries: Sydney Williams (hand), Ruth Hinajosa (hand), Lynn Pluger (blood transfusion), Kim Rhodes (Achilles Tendon), Susan Schmok's son (broken jaw).
• Sue DeBoer thanks God for the safe return of her brother from his work in Mozambique with Orphans Unlimited for 8 weeks.  God helped him do great work and came home healthy!
• Kim who was hospitalized with lung and rib injuries and severe pain was released from the hospital on Saturday.  PTL!
• Frank Van Hees will need an MRI on his foot.
• Becky Fredrickson's great grandson who is 2 years old has a cyst on his spine.  He will be treated at DeVos.
• Pray for Ivy and Ethan Dudgeon as they are in California this week to visit family.  May God bless them with safe travels and a good visit.
• Pray for progress so Jackie Knight can have her surgery. She asks for prayers for her family and for her friend Mark who had 5 seizures last week and is still not feeling well.
• "Healing for kidney failure and diabetes, part-time employment to meet financial needs, and to redeem the time."
• Deb Mart asks for continued healing for her brother Dave.
• Patti Lacy writes, "Thank you, Lord, for answered prayers and keeping your promises."
• For safe travel and good memories for the Eenigenburg's as they visit family in Chicago.
• Pray for Godly protection for marriages and the healing of some that are frayed, breaking, or broken.
• Pray for The Baird's neighbor Suzy who has asked for prayer for healing in her family and for protection over her little grandsons.

Powerlessness and Poverty

Quote for the Day - "May all your expectations be frustrated.  May all your plans be thwarted.  May all your desires be withered into nothingness.  That you might experience the powerlessness and poverty of a child and sing and dance in the love of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."  (Blessing given to Henri Nouwen by his spiritual mentor)

1. EVENTS TO REMEMBER
June 15, Baby Basics, 10:00AM at church.
June 17-26 - Mission Trip To Nicaragua (Pray for Anika)
June 19, Father's Day Strawberry Festival
June 24, Pray for Muskegon
July 5, Church Cleaning Group, 6:00PM.
July 11, Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church
July 29-31, Annual Church Campout

2. THANKS - Thanks for contributing to the Men's Shower for the Love INC store.  We hope to focus on this ministry every quarter.  Contact Patti Lacy if you would like to continue to give items throughout the year.

3. PRAYERS - 

• Pray for Sydney Williams who will have surgery on her hands and wrists in GR on Friday.
• Lynn Pluger had a blood transfusion this week in her treatment for her Hodgkins Lymphoma.  She is home now and doing better.
• Sue DeBoer thanks God for the safe return of her brother from his work in Mozambique with Orphans Unlimited for 8 weeks.  God helped him do great work and came home healthy!
• Pastor Matt - Thank God for a great week at Synod.  I was so blessed to have wonderful conversations with people from all over the world where God is doing great things.  Pray for the church in Nigeria where there is some tension building between the Christians and the Muslims.  Thank God for the improved spiritual climate in Egypt and the building of churches.
• Deb Mart asks for continued healing for her brother Dave.
• Patti Lacy writes, "Thank you, Lord, for answered prayers and keeping your promises."
• Pray for Godly protection for marriages.
• From Carla Eenigenburg's mom "Kim, wife of Anthony Bolkema, was struck by a bus yesterday while riding her bike near their home in South Holland IL. She is hospitalized with lung and rib injuries and is in severe pain."

-- 

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 Note from Synod

Pastor Note: It is a huge (sometimes tedious) honor and responsibility to be at Synod this week.  I have so many stories of great things which I will bring home to Celebration from my time here.  There is a richness within the CRC, a love for people, and a desire to do this well.  There are also many other stories which should bring us to our knees in prayer.

Synod plans to adjourn on Friday at noon but there is many issues to decide and there is much to pray about.  The CRC struggles with many issues and we need the Holy Spirit to allow us to hear God's heart as we hear the hearts of others.  Pray for guidance, a spirit of unity, and a love for all people.  See you Sunday!

1. EVENTS TO REMEMBER
June 10-16 - CRC Synod meets at Calvin College
June 15, Baby Basics, 10:00AM at church.
June 17-26 - Mission Trip To Nicaragua (Pray for Anika)
June 19, Father's Day Strawberry Festival
June 24, Pray for Muskegon
July 5, Church Cleaning Group, 6:00PM.
July 11, Vision Team Meeting, 6:30PM at church
July 29-31, Annual Church Campout

2. CARNIVAL WATCH
Our Annual Carnival will be September 24 this year!  Look for the posters going up soon to sign up for donations and getting involved.

3. PRAYERS - 

I have not collected the prayer requests from the Communication Cards on Sunday.  We will add them to the bulletin this week.  The great part is God knows our requests and needs.  He answers them in his own time and his own way.  Please pray for the requests of God's people this week.  Thanks.

-- 

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 - May 11

Big Event of the Week: Church Work Day, Saturday, May 14, 8:00AM-2:00PM.  Help with some spring cleaning at church and tossing items from the very back of church.  Stay as long as you can.  Lunch is provided!

1. Celebration Family Meeting - Stay after church for the meeting on Sunday to know what great things are happening in your family!

2. 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 on the white table in the entryway at church.   Items could be: drill bits, saw blades, deodorant, body wash, etc.

3. Next Steps Class - There are several who are interested in their next steps at Celebration.  Becoming a member?  Involvement in ministry?  We hope to set a time soon for the next class.  Contact Pastor Matt if you are interested.

4. OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS

• May 14, Church Work Day, 8:00AM-2:00PM
• May 15, Church Safety Meeting, 9:45AM.
• May 15, Celebration Family Meeting after church.
• May 18, Basics for Babies, 10:00AM at church.

5. SUNDAY
What unites us as Christians?  What if we focused on these things?  Join us Sunday as we begin the second half of our sermon series on the Apostles Creed.  This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost and what difference the Holy Spirit makes in our lives.   (Matthew 7:37-39) 

6. PRAYERS - Please pray for:

• Sandy Ring will have carpel tunnel surgery on May 18.
• Those who have had bad experiences in previous churches.  May God bring healing and a place to grow closer with God and his people.
• Thanks for the recognition of moms on Sunday.  They are appreciated and we thank God for them.
• Those who have lost moms recently or in the past.
• Morgan Baker asked for prayers for her cousin in boot camp.  It's a tough time.
• Children who are not following Jesus and are not making it easy for their parents either.
• Continued prayers for Deb Mart's brother and his winning his battle with cancer.
• Our leaders at Celebration.  We thank God for them!
• Summer vacations being planned.
• Those seeking employment.

-- 

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

Be Encouraged - Galatians 6:9

May you be encouraged in the middle of your week: "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."  (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

1. Oasis Students - Arrive at 10:00AM at church to make sure everything is set for our role in thanking the moms at Celebration.  Contact Julie Bytwerk if you have any questions.

2. Photos for Directory - Sunday is your last chance to update your photo for the directory.  Marc Baird will be available to take your picture after the Sunday service.

3. Next Steps Class - There are several who are interested in their next steps at Celebration.  Becoming a member?  Involvement in ministry?  We hope to set a time soon for the next class.  Contact Pastor Matt if you are interested.

4. Church Work Day, Saturday, May 14, 8:00AM-2:00PM.  Help with some spring cleaning at church.  Stay as long as you can.  There will be lunch provided!

5. 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 on the white table in the entryway at church.   Items could be: drill bits, saw blades, deodorant, body wash, etc.

6. 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.

7. OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS

• TOMORROW, 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.
• SUNDAY, Mothers Day.
• May 14, Church Work Day, 8:00AM-2:00PM
• May 15, Church Safety Meeting, 9:45AM.
• May 15, Celebration Family Meeting after church.
• May 18, Basics for Babies, 10:00AM at church.

8. SUNDAY
"Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?..."  Some live their life this way and never make much of their time here on earth.  Join us Sunday as we conclude our sermon series through the book of 2 Timothy, "Famous Last Words".  This Sunday Paul tells us about "Finishing Well" from 2 Timothy 4:6-22.


9. PRAYERS - Please pray for:

• The daughter of Pastor Sinbondit (Friend of Pastor Matt) will have surgery next week.
• Thelma Bergman who will have a cyst removed from her face Friday.
• Healing for Deb Mart's brother Dave who continues to battle his cancer.
• Morgan Baker's cousin who is going to USAF boot camp.
• Eve Zwolinski's cousin who is in the hospital fighting kidney, heart, and lung issues.
• Sheri Doctor as she passes a kidney stone.
• The work day at church on May 14.  May lots of work get done and lots of relationship building.
• Lisa Crabtree's mom had her big toe amputated.
• Those coming to church on Mother's Day who rarely attend.  May they hear Jesus speaking to them..
• The students and leaders who will go to Guatemala this summer.   May they prepare to see what God is doing and help out wherever they can.
• For those screaming for answers in their lonely and confusing life.
• Eve Zqolinski's nephew who is in ICU and the are not sure what's wrong with him.  Also pray for her son Nicoli who has a hearing on May 13 for custody of his child.
• Brenda Swanson has a new granddaughter Emma Kay who born last week.
• Praise God for groups who lift our hearts and encourage our souls!
• Deb Mart has a new granddaughter born last week.
• Lisa Crabtree's mom who had toe removed due to complications of her diabetes.
• Thank God for those willing to list prayer requests and prayers of thanks on the communication cards.  They are taken seriously and prayed for during the week by our team of prayer warriors.

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

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