Northeast Community News

Northeast Community News – February 14, 2012

From the Pastor’s Desk…
Dear Friends and Family,

What another great day we had in the Lord, Sunday! After an hour of discipleship in
Sunday school, we turned our hearts to worship. This is the week of Valentines Day
and Irene Pratt challenged us to take some prepared treats she had made with a
message of love and appreciation to those who surround us in the community! Don’
t forget to deliver your cookies on Tuesday!

After a time of praise, prayer and a message from God, we enjoyed a meal
together! Thanks to Amy and Cherry and all of their helpers, we had lots of food and
great conversation! What a blessing to be fed spiritually and physically!

God’s message this week came from Acts 22:22-23:11 and was titled ‘Words of
Confidence.’ The Roman commander needed to understand what was causing the
Jews to riot, so he ordered him to be flogged. In a manner some still use today, he
was going to use torture and interrogation to get to the truth (22:24). But Paul held a
trump card – he was a Roman Citizen and flogging was illegal (v. 22:29).
So, the Roman Commander had the Sanhedrin (ruling Jewish council) assemble (v.
22:30) and brought Paul before them to get to the truth. In v. 23:1 we find Paul
standing before the 72 judges and speaking with confidence (v. 23:1). What gave
Paul such confidence to continue speaking even with so much opposition?

First, Paul had a clear conscience (v. 24:1). Paul had confessed his failure to Jesus
and the former acts of darkness had no control over him. He had long ago asked
Jesus to take his lousy past and purify it with his blood. Unlike a politician who is
constantly ‘spinning his past,’ Paul acknowledges his (Acts 22) and believes Jesus
has not only forgiven his past, but has redeemed it. If we want Paul’s confidence we
need to start by receiving Christ and then acknowledging the skeletons.

Second, Paul had a clear understanding. Paul knew the key truths of his faith and
could articulate them in his present context. In this passage he rightly concludes an
element of his persecution is theological. In vv. 23:6 he puts his finger on the
resurrection as a barrier to some trusting in Christ. If you want Paul’s confidence
you can start by learning how to articulate your faith to others, too.

Finally, Paul had crossed the line. Paul had moved beyond flirting with his faith.
Paul had taken the leap of faith and had plunged in deep. In God’s message, I
likened this ‘plunge’ to the commitment men made in the Alamo in San Antonio.
Those men were out numbered and they were certain to die, but they committed
themselves to something greater and more important than their own lives.

Have you made the plunge? Have you crossed the line or are you still flirting with
Jesus? By all means continue to flirt as opposed to walking away! Yet, I trust, I pray,
that one day you will conclude like Paul, like me, like many in this church that while
some may call us foolish, we have found in Christ someone who has not only saved
us and set us free but someone worth living and dying for. And, like Paul, that gives
us all the confidence we need!

This week we will continue our study in Acts by examining 24:1-26 and our
message is titled ‘Ringleader of the Nazarene Sect.’ Are Christians a peculiar
people who have put their trust in a single man from Nazareth or part of the true
continuation of the faith found in the Law and prophets? Join us Wednesday night
at 6:30pm as we discuss the importance of understanding our faith in a larger
context.

Blessings! Pastor Dan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello From Your Part Time Church Secretary!
My office hours will be on Tuesdays from 8am-1pm, but if you need to see me, you
may want to call first! My responsibilities also include preparing our weekly
program so if you have an event that you would like to put in the program or
newsletter, please feel free to contact me!

On Prayer Requests: If you have a specific praise or prayer request which you
would like to appear in the program and/or newsletter, please make sure to fill out
the tear-off sheet in the weekly program, or contact me at any time!

Please Update Me! We have a long, ongoing list of prayer requests. Please keep
me updated! Requests will be pulled from the newsletter & program after 3 weeks.
Thank you!

Church Office:616-459-2773 My Contact Info: 616-498-2776 or
amyorban@hotmail.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~NEWS & EVENTS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2nd ANNUAL KEEP ‘EM COVERED DIAPER DRIVE STARTING MARCH 18!
Once again we are partnering with the Kent County “First Steps” program to collect
diapers. We have found that this is an incredible need, as diapers are not provided
by most assistance programs and are a huge expense for people with little ones.
Last year for our diaper drive, we set a goal of 1,000 diapers, and received over
1,600! This year, our goal will be to collect 1,500 diapers. There will be a play-pen
set up in the back of the sanctuary for you to place your packs of diapers beginning
on March 18th and the drive will continue through April 29th.

Membership Class in April!
We are planning a series of 4 classes for anyone interested in learning more about
the Church of the Nazarene or becoming a member of our church. Classes will be
held on Sunday afternoons between 2:00-3:30pm on April 01, 15, 22, and 29. You
will receive a free copy of the book, ‘Welcome to the Church of the Nazarene’ which
covers our history, structure and what we believe. If you want to attend or have any
questions, please talk to Pastor Dan.

A Note on Newsletter Contact Info
You may have noticed that our program and newsletter are filling up with more and
more fellowship events, classes, and other exciting things. From now on, I will be
listing the contact phone numbers for anyone mentioned that week on the last page
of the newsletter. More contact info and email addresses can be found in our
directories, which you can pick up from the table outside of the sanctuary. Thank
you!

Did you notice the signs? We want your input!
Have you ever gone into a building for the first time and wondered where the
bathroom was, or the office, or the classroom? In order to make our visitors more
comfortable, we are beginning the process of putting new signs around the church.
We began with paper signs, because we want your input! If you see signs you don’t
like, words that should change, arrows that should point in different directions, or
think we have missed something, please let us know!
It would be helpful if you could put your request in writing or email us:
cpakiela@comcast.net, amyorban@hotmail.com. Thanks for your help!

New Sunday School Book! It’s Not Too Late to Join!
The Adult Alternative class which meets downstairs is covering a new subject. The
book is called “God’s Road Map For Us” and is the first of 4 books written by
Nazarene professor and theologian Frank Moore. This very basic study is great for
newcomers and also full of substance for those who have been in the church for
awhile. This week, we talked about our childhood sense of curiosity and
exploration, and we hope to try and carry this sense of curiosity with us as we use
scripture to learn about God over the next several weeks. It’s not too late to join, so
show up Sunday at 10:00am!

Expanding Children’s Program!
In addition to the weekly Children’s Church we have added two new programs for
our Children!

At 10:00am on Sundays during our Sunday School hour, we now have a Children’s
Reading time. During this 45 minute period before church we will be reading about
missionaries from the Church of the Nazarene. We have a series of 6 books that
will be read. These books will be read aloud by adults from the church. Children
who attend regularly and listen to all 6 books will be treated to lunch at Chuckie
Cheese! We will complete the readings by the end of May.

On Wednesday nights Pat and Shannen Parsaca have started the Caravan
program. Caravan is a scouting, or kids’ club, type of program. All children in
grades K – 6th are welcome to participate. The program starts at 6:30pm and ends
at 7:30pm.

In Children’s Church we have started a “Children Helping Children” program. This
will be part of the semi-annual Alabaster Offering. Each child will have a box of their
own. Every week they attend Children’s Church a quarter will be added to their box.
In addition they may bring an offering to put in the box. All Alabaster Offerings are
used to buy property and build schools and churches on the mission field. The
Children will be able to march with their boxes on Alabaster box Sundays. We hope
to see your children on Sundays and Wednesdays. If you have any questions
please ask Cherry Pakiela or Gerry Dawson!

Women’s Group Meets – THIS Thursday, February 16th @ 4:30pm
Our women’s fellowship group continues to meet on the first and third Thursdays of
every month. All women are invited to this group, so feel free to invite friends and
family who don’t attend our church as well! Meetings include a time of Bible study
and devotional, a craft or recipe exchange, snacks, conversation, and prayer. This
is a newly formed group, and Irene would love your input about your interests and
desires for this group! Currently the women are also trying to come up with a good
name for themselves. If you have questions please contact Irene Pratt. See you
there!

Crisis Care Kit Collection & Local Mission Help: Thru February 19th
Crisis Care Kits are a cooperative effort between Nazarene Compassionate
Ministries and Nazarene Missions International. The kits have been sent all over the
world to places like Belize, California, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Jordan,
Louisiana, Philippines, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Urkraine, and Zambia. Check out the
table under the Missions bulletin board to see what has already been given and to
drop off your donations. If you do not want to shop, Tracy Tamm would be happy to
go for you! Each kit costs $11-$15. Last year we filled 18 kits, and our goal is 24
kits this year. Shopping lists can be found under the Missions bulletin board. Be
sure to pick up a shopping list, because the requests for supplies are pretty
specific.

In addition, we will be donating any overflow personal items to the North End
Mission in Grand Rapids. They can use almost anything, such as soap, shampoo,
toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, towels, lotion, canned goods, clothing, etc. This
is our last week for collecting items! Thank you for your help!

Alabaster Offering – Next Sunday, February 19th
To end our drive for Crisis Care Kits, we will be taking our semi-annual Alabaster
Offering on Sunday, February 19th during our morning worship service. This is a
“loose change” offering, and every penny of the proceeds goes directly to the
mission field for purchase of land and buildings. We do hand out Alabaster boxes
so you can fill them throughout the year, just ask Janie in the sound booth on
Sunday morning. Thank you!

TEAM DAY 2012 – Saturday, March 10
All three Michigan Districts are joining together again for one big day of inspiration,
information and training at Perry High and Middle Schools between 8:00am–3:
50pm. There are workshops in Leadership & Administration, Media & Worship,
Missions, Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries, Youth Ministries, and Kids
Ministries.

The cost is $35 if you register (postmark) before the final deadline of Feb. 28
(online deadline is Feb. 28). Need more information? See Pastor Dan, check our
bulletin board, or check out this link to the Team Day Website where you can find a
14 page brochure! http://www.minaz.org/files/858/File/TD12_Brochure.pdf

ONU Ladies Day – April 14th
Olivet Nazarene University is hosting a Ladies Day on April 14th. This day includes
a ladies speaker, a comedian, lunch, a gospel choir, and entertainment from other
ONU groups. If you are interested and want more information, talk to Amy Orban or
check out this link: http://www.olivet.edu/events/eventDetails.aspx?
Channel=/Channels/Site%20Wide&WorkflowItemID=6d3695d9-40aa-4b97-9b04-
805c9357c378&choose=1

Want to help, but not sure how?
If you are wondering where to plug in, but are not sure how, we have opportunities.
Current opportunities include a soundboard worker, nursery helpers, childrens
workers, potluck coordinators, visiting our shut-ins, greeters and ushers, visitor
follow-ups, Sunday School teachers, music leaders, people willing to shovel snow
in the winter, and much more. It doesn’t matter how long you have been attending
our church, serving is a great way to honor God and get to know the people around
you! If you sense a call to a specific area or need some ideas to pray about, please
contact Amy Orban or Cherry Pakiela.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
As Christians, our greatest valued virtue is supposed to be love. So on this day of
Hallmark cards and romantic mountain-tops and great expectations, I want to stop
and reflect on what this love thing means in my life.

Valentine’s Day marks the 3-year anniversary of when my husband asked me for
our first dance together. Only 3 years, you say? Yes, 3 years, marriage, two kids,
and many other life changes. What can I say? When you know, you know.

Of course my husband and I went through the “falling in love” experience. Call me
immature, call me childish, say I have watched too many Disney love story movies,
but I am still there. I still get all kinds of excited when I see my husband’s truck
pulling into the driveway. I still love the way he looks scruffy in his dirty work clothes.
I get thrilled by the occasional times he peeks out from behind his manliness to talk
to me about how he is really feeling about something. I still like to hold hands when
we go out to dinner. Small compliments that he thinks are not a big keep me happy
for days on end.

So there are the highs, like our first dates, our wedding, and all those warm fuzzy
moments. And I cherish those. But there is also love not just as a feeling, but as a
doing. And I have to say that when I think of examples of people in my life who
make a choice to actively love, my husband is on the top of that list.

Currently, he manages an enormous construction site and a whole lot of workers.
His alarm goes off at 4am everyone morning. He works all day, and spends a
couple more hours on the road commuting. I know that when he finally walks in the
door, he is exhausted. He usually walks in to an equally drained mom who has been
home all day with two little ones, and is not only wanting a break, but also wanting
some adult conversation.

I know that he would love to just go somewhere quiet, close the door, and go to
sleep. I know he could really use some uninterrupted time in front of the television
with a bag of Doritos. Instead, he changes out of his work clothes, and sits down on
the floor, and builds blocks with his son. He shows little Theo how to hang up his
tools, he puts puzzles together with him, he changes diapers and he feeds Remi
mashed bananas and cereal. He listens to me talk, he carries laundry down the
stairs, he listens to me talk some more, and sometimes if he knows I am on edge,
he even cooks dinner so I don’t have to cook. I know he does not always feel full of
gushy mushy sweetness as he does these things for us – he is not big on feelings,
especially those kinds of feelings. But he does what is right and what is true, and
that is what matters.

I believe that one of the rewards of trying to actively love in the way Jesus did, is
that we do get to experience the warm fuzzy moments. But those moments don’t
sustain us – only the decision to continue to actively love even in the absence of the
warm fuzzies is sustainable.

And we can’t do that in our own strength, at least I know I can’t. I am someone who
is constantly thinking about myself and my needs, my feelings and “where I am at”
with everything. Then in my morning devotions, I read the 13th chapter of the gospel
of John, where Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, and commands them (and us) to
do the same for one another. And I am harshly reminded of how far I often miss the
mark. My husband shows me that love is a choice to serve the people we say we
love. He also shows me that Jesus’ example of washing feet is not just an ideal we
should talk about and romanticize, but is something we can choose to live out in the
monotony of our every day lives.

So who are the examples in your life? We all have them. They are all the product of
being in relationship with the Savior who steadily leads us away from self and
toward the understanding of true love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

                                                                                       With Love, Amy Orban

UPCOMING EVENTS!
February 16                Women’s Fellowship Group meets @ 4:30pm
February 19                Last Day for Crisis Care Kits & Alabaster Offering
February 22                Ash Wednesday
February 28                Final Registration for TEAM Day 2012
February 29                Wednesday Night Dinner @ 5:30pm, regular Family Night
follows
March 1                First Friday Chinese Lunch, 11:30am @ Empire Buffet, Alpine
March 4                Pastor Amanda Earley (Holt Church) visits
March 10                TEAM Day 2012
March 18 & 25        Reverend George Harris visits
March 18                Diaper Drive Beings
April 1                        Palm Sunday Preaching Ambassador (Olivet Nazarene
University) visits
April 1                        NE Community Potluck following service

Northeast Community Church of the Nazarene
Church - 616.459.2773
Parsonage - 616.459.0402
Pastor Cell - 616.204.1153

Other Contact Numbers:
Julie Orban:                        Weds Night Dinner Coordinator        616-452-4098
Tracy Tamm                        First Friday Chinese Lunch                616-406-9602
Irene Pratt                        Women’s Fellowship Group                616-949-4679
Gerry Dawson                  Sunday School/Children’s Church        616-863-6808
Cherry Pakiela                          Sunday School/Children’s Church        616-916-7595
Pat & Shannen Parsaca        Weds Night Children’s Program        616-272-6021
Theo Orban                        Weds Night Youth Group                616-890-4045
Amy Orban                        Church Secretary                        616-498-2776

“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The
only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” -C. S. Lewis

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY NEWS