November 2014.inside - Christ Community Church
Transcription
November 2014.inside - Christ Community Church
News & Views November 2014 Remember to Vote! “In this nation, we have the opportunity to select many of the people who will be in authority over us. Unfortunately, a number of Americans never exercise their right to vote. They rationalize that they don’t know the nominees, that none of the candidates are godly, or that one ballot can’t make a difference. But believers have a responsibility to investigate each contender and cast an intelligent vote.” (Dr. Charles Stanley) We are coming up on another “election day” on November 4th (Tuesday) when we as a nation will select the men and women who will govern our country, state, county and home town for the next couple of years. Who will they be? Will they be God-fearing men and women who will allow their faith to influence their decisions? Will they prayerfully seek the Lord’s will and the Lord’s way as they deliberate, debate and decide the direction our country will take? Those of us who profess to be believers in God do have a responsibility to ask these questions, to investigate the candidates by pursuing their views and biases, and to exercise our right to vote so that we may help elect God-fearing leaders who will seek to serve the Lord as they lead us. This is not some new theological position. 60 years ago Emanuel E, a protestant reformed theologian, noted that Christians are heavenly citizens who must sojourn in the midst of this world for a season. As such, Christians have a civic responsibility. This caused Emanuel to ask “What must this Christian do with these ‘rights’? What is his duty as a citizen of this world?” These certainly are good questions for us to ponder. Are we shirking our duty if we fail to vote? Leo Tolstoy wrote “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” So do something! Vote! I am encouraging you to vote. I am not telling you how to vote or who to vote for. That is a decision you must make. If you want help making that decision don’t look to other people to make up your mind for you. Rather, pray for God’s wisdom and guidance as you consider the choices you are about to make. Pray that God will give you the discernment you need to make His choice your choice. In fact, don’t just pray about the election. Keep praying for all those who are ultimately elected. The most powerful thing we can do as Christians is to pray! I think one of our biggest problems is that we too often do far more complaining and accusing than praying. It’s time for us to ask God to influence our leaders and to put His people in places of authority. The Psalmist says, “Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him and He will do it.” PRAY! VOTE! AND PRAY! His and yours, Pastor Dave Inside this issue: Church Calendar 2 Prayer Requests 3 Stewardship Report 4 November Birthdays 4 November Anniversaries 4 Looking Ahead 4 Thanksgiving Eve Service 4 Care & Share Annual Craft & Bake Sale 4 Is Christ Community Your Home Church? 5 Affirmation of Affiliation Form 6 Capital Improvement Updates 7 Thank You To Bud & John 7 Thank You From Helen Arnold 7 Thank You From Trixie 7 Christmas Orchestra 8 Caroling at City Of Lights 8 Adult Bible Study Schedule 8 Sex Trafficking Info Meeting 8 Children’s Church, Nursery & 9 Sound Booth Schedule AWANA Schedule 9 Youth Group Schedule 9 AWANA Crock Pot Fundraiser 9 November 2014 Page 2 Christ Community Church Nisswa, Minnesota Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 10:30 AM—Disciples of Jesus 2 3 9-9:55 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM – Coffee & Rolls 10:15 AM – Family Worship 5 ELECTION DAY 10:30A Care & Share 5:15P Family Fellowship Dinner 6:00-7:30P AWANA (Favorite Hat Night) Youth Group & Adult Bible Study 7:30P Praise Team Remember to VOTE 9 10 9-9:55 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM – Coffee & Rolls 10:15 AM – Family Worship Hallway & Entryway Carpet Cleaned 16 4 17 11 12 6:30PM Leadership Team Meeting 5:15P Family Fellowship Dinner 6:00-7:30 PM AWANA /Youth Group & Adult Bible Study 18 9-9:55 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM – Coffee & Rolls 10:15 AM – Family Worship 30 9-9:55 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM – Coffee & Rolls 10:15 AM – Family Worship 7 24 25 26 7:00 PM Thanksgiving Eve Service with Communion (No Wednesday Night Classes) 8 10:30 AM—Disciples of Jesus 13 14 15 9-2 Care & Share Craft & Bake Sale 10:30 AM—Disciples of Jesus 20 21 5:15P Family Fellowship Dinner 6:00-7:30 PM AWANA, (Crazy Hair Night) Youth Group, & Adult Bible Study 7:30P Praise Team Practice 9-9:55 AM Sunday School 10:00AM – Coffee & Rolls 10:15 AM – Family Worship 11:30AM AWANA Crock Pot Fundraiser 23 19 6 22 10:30 AM—Disciples of Jesus 27 28 Happy Thanksgiving Office Closed Office Closed 5PM Caroling for the City Of Lights 29 News & Views Volume 25, Issue 11 Page 3 We lift up many of our faith family who need an extra measure of God’s grace as they fight with illness, face surgery, gain strength in recovery and healing, grieve the loss of loved ones, search for new employment, and seek God’s will for their lives. Please Pray For: Prayer requested by: Please Pray For: Prayer requested by: People Battling Cancer: P •• A •• • R• • T •• N •• E •• R •• • S • I N P R A Y E R Branden Burnard Wendy Maravec Brady Lind Tim Patnenaude Kelly Marcum Deb Larry Olson Aunt Bonnie Deb Anderson Tina’s Dad Warren Swanson Donald Duscher Connie Norheim Wendy Beireis Mel Debbie McFarlane Erik Olson On Going Health Problems: • Tudy Burnard • Betty Hanson • McKayla • Dave Thomsen • Cole Southerton • Emily VanKampen • Berniece Anderson • Charlie Kriewald • Sue and Bradley • Kim Harvey • Dennis Trowbridge • Valerie Williams • Don Walter • Greg Kostik • Pastor Richie • Hattie Sunde • Tim Stange • Gilbert • Gordy Berg • Ardie • Becky Shinabarger • Mara Fortune • Ann Garland • Ray Simenstad Helen Arnold Deann Ebert Heather Cook Doreen Mahoney Nancy Wallin Kelly Betty Simenstad Kelly Erickson Tina Beck Nancy Garland Judy Eckart Heather Cook Sue LaFlex Deb Frazer-Leary Dana Kletscher Pastor Dave Helen Arnold Peggy Thomsen Judy Eckart Edith Thomsen Nieman’s Nancy VanKampen Kathy Kriewald Ray and Kathy Long Edith Thomsen DeLynn Howard Betty Simenstad Nancy Garland Pam Rice Pastor Dave Heather Cook Kelly Erickson Tiffany Berg DeLynn Howard Deann Ebert Pam Rice Nancy Garland Betty Simenstad On Going Health Problems: • Michael Hartwig Heather Cook • Kanee Kelly Erickson • Scott Young Helen Arnold • Patsy Rothmier Helen Arnold • Chris Schlais • JoAnn Tina Beck • Sarah Mendez Sheila Fox\ • Emily Mitchell Susan Mitchell • Jeff Hoffmann Lisa Johnson Recovery from Surgery/Rehabilitation: • Patsy Rothmier Helen Arnold • Jeff Thomas Ron & Kathy Kriewold • Martha Larson Helen Arnold • Helen Arnold • Lanny Norgren Pastor Dave • Kathy Kriewald Others With Needs: • Bonnie Jeremiah & Kelly Erickson • Donald & Joyce Tina Beck • Wayne Cook Heather Cook • Karen Jay Shelly Neiman • Jesse Arnold Helen Arnold • Rebecca Lisa Johnson • Makyla Thomsen Edith Thomsen • Tyrel Nelson Hattie Sunde • Mark Deb Frazer-Leary Those Greiving: • Family & Friends of Michael Friedman • Family & Friends of Brenda Sundstrom We Praise God for Answered Prayers: • Debbie Johnson Sandy Walker To stay up-to-date on the prayer requests we are asking if you have someone on the prayer list you want to keep on the list, please submit a new prayer request. Fill out the “Comments, Prayer Requests and Praise” tear-off on the side of Sunday’s bulletins. We will be compiling a new prayer request list EACH month. You will need to fill out one of these requests each month you would like us to continue praying. You could also e-mail your prayer request to [email protected]. This will help us to stay up-to-date on each individual request. We also appreciate your updates on answered prayers. News & Views Volume 25, Issue 11 Stewardship Report Page 4 by Nancy Garland, Financial Secretary Sunday Offerings October 5 October 12 October 19 October 26 $ $ $ $ 4,109 2,125 2,258 2,256 Year to Date January - December 2014 Actual Budget Difference General Offerings $ 125,669 $ 131,494 -5,825 We began a new budget year on January 1st, 2014. November Birthdays 1 2 3 4 6 7 10 13 13 14 14 15 16 16 18 18 20 21 24 25 28 29 Ester Mitchell Tim Prem Dave Kletscher Tammy Paulson Tracey Whitlock Carla Carlson Craig Van Kampen Nicole Atwater Alexis Converse Helen Arnold Betty Salfisberg Judy Eckart Thomas Dorion Kathy Long Char Brewer Damon Johnson Tyler Sylvester Jeff Simon Nathan Noyes Sheraden Grosskreutz Dylan Stumvoll Carole Lewis November Anniversaries 4 19 27 30 Don & Janet Mason Darwin & Shannon Sylvester Larry & Gloria Nines Robert & Linda Larson Remember: Set your clocks back 1 hour on Saturday night, November 1st. We give thanks to God and to each one of you for your faithfulness in giving. Please continue to pray that God will provide for our church’s financial needs. As you can see we are running behind our budgeted needs. Each of us has the privilege of prayerfully considering our pattern of giving and seeking God’s direction so that we are offering to Him what He desires. LOOKING AHEAD November 2 November 5 November 5 November 5 November 5 November 11 November 12 November 15 November 16 November 19 November 19 November 19 November 26 November 27 November 28 Daylight Savings Time Ends Care & Share Meeting AWANA (Favorite Hat Night) Youth Group & Adult Bible Study Praise Team Practice Leadership Team Meeting AWANA, Youth Group, & Adult Bible Study Care & Share Annual Craft & Bake Sale AWANA Crock Pot Fundraiser AWANA (Crazy Hair Night) Youth Group & Adult Bible Study Praise Team Practice Thanksgiving Eve Service (No Regular Classes) Happy Thanksgiving (Office Closed) Caroling at Nisswa’s “City of Lights” Join us for Thanksgiving Eve Service with Holy Communion on Wednesday, November 26th at 7pm. We will not have any of our regular scheduled Wednesday night classes. Care & Share Annual Craft & Bake Sale 9AM9AM-2PM November 15th, 2014 If you have items for the sale, please drop them off at the church during office hours, Nov. 11th-13th, between 9-2pm, Friday, Nov. 14th between 6-8pm, or Saturday, Nov. 15th before 8:30am. News & Views Volume 25, Issue 11 Page 5 Is Christ Community your Church Home? As we begin another new program year it seems only natural to look over our membership records and see that they are up to date and accurate. Part of that process involves trying to determine who is here and who may have moved on to another location due to the situation they find themselves in or the circumstances of their life. We need you to help us in that process. Please fill out the Affirmation of Affiliation form on another page in this newsletter and get the information back to our church office. Thanks! As our Leadership Team begins to seek candidates for the next year I also have been looking over the church directory to help them identify the people who are actively involved in the life of the church. (We do have some folks who affiliate with the church, but who are rarely ever present at anything we do.) We have a number of different circumstances that all include people for whom CCC is home. Some people are here all year round. Then there are those who are only here for a season (usually a warm one) and also those who are only “up north” on week-ends and have made our church their “home away from home”. All of these people are welcome as affiliates of our church. In fact, here’s what the by-laws say: Article 2: AFFILIATE Member 1. 2. 3. We acknowledge that believers, who have made CCC their church home, affiliating with the body of believers which fellowship here, should identify themselves as "Affiliates" of the body. Such identification is made when one demonstrates the support of this local ministry through the acceptance of the Church Purpose and Doctrinal Basis, and also through attendance, study, and support of this ministry with their giving and the use of their spiritual gifts. (I Corinthians 16:2; Hebrews 10:25; II Timothy 2:15; I Peter 4:10-11; Acts 17:11) As the adolescents of our congregation mature and take on responsibilities, we encourage them to pursue their own affiliation in order to exercise rights of membership, such as voting. Those who affiliate with the body here are requested to formally notify the Leadership Team and/or the Pastor that they consider CCC to be their church home. Such notification shall be made by: Completing an Affiliate Questionnaire Form It will be wonderful to get all of our records current so thanks in advance for re-affirming your relationship to our church! I’ve also been looking back at our past in order to have where we’ve come from and who we are now be an integral part of our planning for where we’re going in our future. I’ve noticed some very interesting things about our church’s growth, splits and sustaining membership. Most of you may be aware of the history...we have unfortunately suffered through a number of church splits through the years. By the grace of God we seem to have finally become a healthy congregation that is learning how to deal with internal conflicts without having to split the church. Praise God for that. Here’s some of what I’ve learned: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ After the dust settled following the major split in 2004 and preceding the departure of Pastor Jim in 2006 the church membership was 152 families representing 359 individuals. Of that membership 71 families comprised of 154 individuals were fairly regular in attendance and active in the life of the church. In 2006 - 26 families left the fellowship with Pastor Jim and formed a new church (Open Door Community Church which is now located in Breezy Point) 12 of those families (22 individuals) were already basically inactive. At that time 38 families (75 individuals) were remaining at CCC and active in the church. From 1996 to 2005 the church added 38 active families (57 individuals) From 2006 to 2014 the church has seen God add to her number 39 additional families (88 individuals) Of the 152 families on the church roster in 2006, 92 of them are no longer here (23 have died) and 26 of the remainder are inactive. Currently the church has 62 active (fairly regular) families which number 146 individuals. If Christ Community Church is indeed your church home, I would encourage you to be active and regular in the life of the church. After all, what makes you an affiliate is the fact that you have chosen this particular local body of believers to be your faith-family, your church. You demonstrate that through attendance, study, and support of this ministry with your giving and the use of your spiritual gifts. I am happy that you are a part of the family! Pastor Dave News & Views Page 6 Volume 25, Issue 11 AFFIRMATION OF AFFILIATION Christ Community Church 24646 Hazelwood Drive, PO Box 627 Nisswa, Minnesota 56468 LAST NAME:______________________________________FIRST:_______________________MIDDLE:_______________ Dates to use for permanent address: Permanent Address:_____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:_________________________________________________________________ Alternate Address:______________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:_________________________________________________________________ Dates to use for alternate address: Telephone Numbers (list area codes):_____________________________________________ Email address:___________________________________________________________________ Family Members: (please list full names) Be sure to list everyone, including yourself. Birthdays: (Month, Day & Year) Be sure to include the year…the computer defaults to 1900 if we don’t enter the year! _______________________________________ ___________________________ _______________________________________ ___________________________ _______________________________________ ___________________________ _______________________________________ ___________________________ _______________________________________ ___________________________ _______________________________________ ___________________________ Our Wedding Anniversary Date is: (Month, Day & Year) ______________________________ Our relationship with Christ Community Church We are regular affiliates…Christ Community Church is our “year-round” home. We are seasonal affiliates…Christ Community Church is our home during the season that we live in central Minnesota, and we have another church home during part of the year when we live somewhere warmer. We are seasonal affiliates…Christ Community Church is our “home away from home” because it is our church when we are up at the lake for the week-end. We are seasonal affiliates…Every year we vacation in Central Minnesota and we have become part of the Christ Community Church family when we’re here. We would like to be on the mailing list and receive the Monthly Newsletter…Christ Community Church is not our church home, but we are regular visitors or we are related to Christ Community Church or someone in the church in some way, and we love to receive the newsletter and keep up on all that’s happening. Thanks for completing this form and helping us keep our church records “up to date”. Please return the completed form to the church office by dropping it off when you’re at church, faxing it to us 218-963-3287 or mailing it to the church at: Christ Community Church, PO Box 627, Nisswa, MN 56468. Thanks again! (You can also email the information to us at [email protected]) TODAY’S DATE: ___________________________________ News & Views Page 7 Volume 25, Issue 11 Update on our Capital Improvement projects Here is a list of the projects that have been completed thus far: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Bring Elevator up to MN Code Upgrade Parking Lot Lights Rebuild Retaining Walls Replace carpet on stairway Interior Lighting Upgrade Upgrade Sanctuary Lighting Paint Garage Fellowship Hall Entry Doors Completed half complete Upper - Completed Lower – not done Completed (also re-carpeted elevator) Lower level – Completed Upper level – not done Sanctuary – Completed Completed Completed Also we decided to build a front deck, staircase and sidewalk. Completed The following projects still remain for us to do in the next year (or two): ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Sealcoat Parking Lot and Drives Replace Guard Rails Clean Upper Level Carpet Replace Roofing Paint Main Building Exterior Repair Windows and Screens Replace Interior Door Stops Landscaping (Upgrade Exterior Plantings) A special thank you to Bud Garland and John Ebinger for their hard work and excellent job building our front deck and retaining wall! I want to thank every one so much for all your prayers and cards during my knee surgery. God bless you all! I am so blessed. I hope to see you all soon. -Helen Arnold- A BEARY big thanks to all who helped Trixie with her Halloween event. Everyone had a BEARY good time! Consider yourself Trixie kissed! (It’s her way of showing her appreciation and love.) News & Views It’s time to dust off your instruments for this year’s Christmas Orchestra. We will be playing during the Sunday morning service on Dec. 21st, There will be two practices on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd and Wednesday, Dec. 17th after AWANA and Youth Group (7:30PM). If you would like to be a part of this group, please talk to Julia Biley. Volume 25, Issue 11 Page 8 This year’s caroling for the “City of Lights” in Nisswa will take place on Friday, November 28th. We will meet at the gazebo at 5pm. We will sing carols there until Santa arrives and then we will go caroling through all the stores. Stay and watch the fireworks at 7:30PM. Watch for a sign-up sheet out in the church lobby the first part of November. If you have any questions, talk to Betty Simenstad. We are offering an Adult Bible Study on Wednesday evenings during the same time period as AWANA and Youth Group (6:00 - 7:30 PM). This allows you to join us for the family fellowship meal at 5:15 and also to volunteer periodically as a helper or listener for AWANA. It also provides an opportunity for parents of AWANA kids or Youth Group kids to attend a Bible Study while their children are involved in our Children’s and Youth Ministries on Wednesday evenings! Each week is a study independent of the other lessons so it doesn’t matter if you can’t make every week...come when you can and be blessed. We’re studying the Gospel of Luke. Here’s our November schedule: Nov 5 Luke 1:39-45 The Paradox of Blessing Nov 12 Luke 1:46-56 O Magnify the Lord Nov 19 Luke 1:57-66 I Told You So! Nov 26 NO CLASS — THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP SERVICE Learn More About Sex Trafficking Join Communitas Church for a presentation on sex trafficking 101. Learn more about a growing problem in your backyard and how you can help! Time/Date: November 20th at 6:30PM Location: Communitas Church-824 Laurel Street, Brainerd Presenter: Joy Friedman, Training & Outreach Director at Breaking Free in St. Paul Please consider bringing a donation for the hundreds of women and girls Breaking Free helps escape sex trafficking. Current needs include: personal care items (shampoo/conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, moisturizer, etc.), diapers and other baby care items, gift cards to Target & Walmart. Questions? Call Shelly Lindsey at 218-821-8996 News & Views CHILDREN’S CHURCH VOLUNTEER DATE Volume 25, Issue 11 Page 9 NURSERY PHONE # VOLUNTEER PHONE # SOUND BOOTH PHONE # 11/2/2014 Learys 839-9709 DeLynn Howard 839-1736 Noah Blakeman 820-5645 11/9/2014 Lisa Johnson 963-4850 Nancy Wallin 963-2704 James Fox 963-1026 11/16/2014 Sundstroms 568-8025 Tiffany Berg 330-2317 Dana Uhrich 330-0790 11/23/2014 Bethany Bean 821-4660 Mariah Blakeman 270-0339 Todd Howard 822-4802 11/30/2014 Nancy Wallin 963-2704 Jill Clark 746-3821 Pastor Richie 232-3532 12/7/2014 Learys 839-9709 Jackalyn Fox 963-1026 James Fox 963-1026 12/14/2014 Jill Clark 746-3821 Tiffany Berg 330-2317 Dana Uhrich 330-0790 12/21/2014 Foxes 963-1026 Mariah Blakeman 270-0339 Kent Blakeman 820-5645 12/28/2014 Sundstroms 568-8025 DeLynn Howard 839-1736 Todd Howard 825-4802 *If you are unable to be here the week you are scheduled please call and switch with someone else on the list. Also, please let the church office know that you have switched weeks by calling 963-2626.* Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed CALENDAR-(Wednesday Nights) CALENDAR-(Wednesday Nights) Family Fellowship Dinner at 5:15pm Family Fellowship Dinner at 5:15pm November 5th-Regular Night November 5th-Favorite Hat Night November 12th-Regular Night November 12th-Regular Night November 19th-Regular Night November 19th-Crazy Hair Night November 26th-No Class November 26th-No Class (Thanksgiving Eve Service) (Thanksgiving Eve Service) AWANA will be having a crock pot fundraiser on Sunday, November 16th after the Sunday service. This fundraiser will help cover the costs of the supplies that are needed throughout the year. If you would like to bring something for the fundraiser, sign up out in the church lobby. If you have any questions talk to Pam Dorion or Tina Beck. NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID NISSWA, MN 56468 PERMIT #39 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED 24646 Hazelwood Drive PO Box 627 Nisswa, MN 56468 Phone: 218-963-2626 Fax: 218-963-3287 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.christcommunitychurchnisswa.com "A Loving Church" … An evangelical church whose mission is… TO KNOW AND MAKE KNOWN OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST AND HIS LOVE November 2014 — Volume 25, Issue 11 “News & Views” is a monthly publication of Christ Community Church, Nisswa, Minnesota November 15th from 9AM9AM-2PM Invite your friends to come along to purchase all the wonderful things that have been made by the men and women here at church. Sunday, November 16th Join us after the Sunday service A Free Will offering will be received for AWANA