September 2005 Archives

MORNING WORSHIP

Genesis 3:1-6, 4:3-7, 6:5-8
(Scripture Reader: Chuck Leininger)
“Crouching Pleasure, Hidden Danger: The Lingering Effects of Sin”
(Pastor Jeff)
Lead Worshipers: Praise Team
Offering: Unity Church Ministries

EVENING WORSHIP

Genesis 3-11
“What’s Up With That #2: Brokenness Explored”
Offering: Teen Hope

Welcome to Unity Church

We are glad you have joined today to worship Jesus Christ. We pray that you will sense the power and presence of God as we journey together through the Old Testament and witness his goodness and faithfulness.

Old Testament Challenge

Fast-Track Readings for this week (Week 3): Genesis 12-14, 15-17, 18:1-15, 21-23, 25:1-11 and Psalm 17, 47, 105. For more information about the OTC visit www.unitycrc.org/otc.

TONIGHT at 6:30pm at First CRC Disabilities Awareness Service

Speaker: Rev. Bill Van Dyken of Rock Valley, IA - Chaplain at Hope Haven
Music: First Church Praise Team and a local male quartet.
Offering: Friendship Ministries
A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the service.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Youth Group Italian Night Fundraiser Wednesday, October 26th at Unity Church

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Care Circle #6 Potluck TODAY
We welcome all visitors to join us in the Fellowship Hall following coffee this morning for a potluck dinner.

Thanks from the Youth Group
Last year we raised $4,130.85 from our fundraisers. Thank You!! It really helped us this past year.
Brent Dahl, Youth Group Accountant

Abuse Prevention Training
This Wednesday or Next Sunday
Those of you who received letters in your mail slots must attend one of the training sessions. If you absolutely cannot attend one of these sessions, please contact a member of the Abuse Prevention Ministry Team. Childcare providers under the age of 16 do not need to attend. We mistakenly sent letters to these care providers. We apologize for the confusion this may have caused.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

Library Team Meeting TODAY
Meet in the Library after worship.

Youth Group Bonfire This Week
Wednesday night we will have a bonfire as a memorial for Samantha. Meet at church and we will carpool to Dale & Donna Elliots’. Their address is 36193 US Hwy 212. Call Jill for rides.

Cadets Kicks Off This Week
The Prinsburg Cadet Club will kick off this Wednesday at 6:30pm at the First CRC Fellowship Hall. All boys in grades 2-8 are invited to join us.

Unity Childcare Substitute Position Available
We need someone who loves to work with children and is available for a couple hours per week. The person needs to be certified in child CPR. If you are not certified but are willing to go through the training to get certified please contact Unity Childcare to set up an interview.

Unity Childcare Fall Fundraiser Concession Stand - October 1
Goodies will be for sale at the CMCS Soccer Tournament next Saturday. If you would like to donate cookies or bars, please bring them to church by Friday, September 30th. We also need help selling that day. If you can help, please contact April Swierenga.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

From Sea To Shining Sea New Digital-Video Production Don and Fran Van Polen will present rare scenes from across our country, along with inspiring narrative about its wonders and natural resources on Monday, September 26 at 7:00pm in the CMCS high school gym. Cost is $5 per person or $12 per family. All proceeds go to support the CMCS yearbook. Come enjoy this amazing film about our country!

Senior Citizens Gathering Friday, September 30th
We will have a potluck dinner at 11:30am at the Community Center. A-G bring salads, H-M desserts, and N-Z casseroles. There will be a tour of Apol’s Harley Davidson in Raymond at 1:00pm for those who are interested. After returning, we will play games and cards.

Obesity: The Disease of Epidemic Proportions
The Parents Club of CMCS invites you to learn more about the growing epidemic of childhood and adolescent obesity on Monday, October 3 at 7:00pm in the CMCS high school music room. Dr. Bateman, pediatrician specializing in childhood and adolescent obesity, will provide information on how we as families, school, and community can promote healthy lifestyle behaviors.

GEMS BBQ SUPPER
Tuesday, October 4 GEMS will serve BBQ, beans, chips, bars and a beverage. Stop by the First CRC basement before the volleyball and soccer games at Central Minnesota Christian School or any time between 5pm and 7pm for a bite to eat!

Daycare Openings Available
Are you in need of childcare? Are you looking for a loving, Christian environment for your children? Unity Childcare has openings for children ages 6 weeks old to school age. If you would like more information or would like to sign your children up, contact the Unity Childcare to talk with Jenny or Mary.

Fourth Annual Caregiving Mini-Retreat - October 17
Join us from 1:30 to 4:00pm at the Willmar Area Senior Citizens Center for this free event. The mini-retreat features music by Terry Shaw and “Butterscotch Caregiving,” a presentation by Virginia McCone, author of Butterscotch Sundaes: My Mom’s Story of Alzheimer’s. We will serve ice cream sundaes after the presentation. Call Taryn for more information.

Attention all GEMS and Interested Women and Girls
The new and improved BELEIVIN’IT GIRLZ TOUR is coming to the area! Saturday, October 22 from 1:00 to 4:00pm at Sioux Falls Christian Middle School Gymnasium in Sioux Falls, SD. This event will help women understand the power of God’s truth and their own identity. Praise and worship will be led by Grace and Colleen, official worship leaders for GEMS Club. Don’t miss out! Be sure to invite your friends! Advance tickets are on sale until October 5. For more information contact your GEMS Coordinator, Barb Ahrenholz.

10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Lead Worshipers: Gar Jasper, Paul Knapper, Randy Groen, Pam Knapper, Shannon Stoel
Scripture Reading: OT Lesson: Genesis 1:26-2:3
NT Lesson: John 1:1-4 (Reader: Delroy Ledeboer)
Message: OTC Lesson #1: “God’s Greatest Dream” (Pastor Steve)
Giving of our Firstfruits: Unity Ministries

5:00 P.M. EVENING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Offering: MOPS
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1-2
OTC Lesson #1 Discussion: Q&A: “The Dream Unpacked”
(Hosted by Pastors Steve, Jeff, and Wendy)

WORSHIP NOTES

Welcome! It is our prayer that together we seek the face of God with our whole hearts and discover anew today how great is our God! May you be filled with wonder and amazement in light of God’s power and grace to us in Jesus Christ!

This morning the Old Testament Challenge (OTC) begins! Our focus this morning is the opening two chapters of Genesis. We often will spend time discovering our place in this world and why we were created. But have you ever spent the time contemplating why GOD took the time in the first place to create?! After all, if all fullness of God is all that is needed, why did God create? What moved His heart? What stirred in His fullness to create and to risk? Discover anew today the greatest dream ever imagined in all the universe and why it includes you and me!!

Tonight we will explore more in depth this greatest dream. If God knows the future and knew what man would do eventually, why did He bother to create in the first place? Why not spare Himself the potential misery and just exist in His fullness and that’s it? Was the greatest dream a setup for the greatest failure or the greatest expression of love? What does this all tell us about God’s view of community? These questions and more (including the one’s you bring) will be a part of tonight’s discussion.

Bon Fire! There is going to be a Bon Fire at Hub and Marilyn’s Farm after the evening worship on TONIGHT! Bring your lawn chairs, roasting sticks and your appetites.

Disabilities Awarness Worship Service: You are invited to the 3rd annual Disability Awareness Worship Service next Sunday evening, September 25, at First CRC of Prinsburg. The service will begin at 6:30 PM. Rev. William Van Dyken, Chaplain at Hope Haven in Rock Valley, IA will be the speaker. A local male quartet will bring a ministry of music. The offering will be for Friendship Ministry. Fellowship and refreshments will follow the service.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Congratulations to Nick & Keri (Wharton) Ninneman who were married in our church yesterday, with Pastor Steve officiating! May God grant blessing and many years of joy to you as husband and wife.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

Youth Group: Grades 9 - 12 at the Rock on 8th in Willmar, 7:00pm.

Dave Ramsey: There is still room to join up with the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class this coming Wednesday at 7:00pm. We will bring you up to speed on the material covered so far, with Lesson 2 this coming week. Over 65 households have already taken the course and saved thousands of dollars. You could be next. Join us this week. Call the church office for more information.

Dave Ramsey Childcare: We are in need of at least one person each week to help watch children while their parents are in class. Please call the church office to sign up today.

CMCS High School Annual Retreat: Please pray for the upcoming High School retreat of Central Minnesota Christian in Alexandria this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Intercede for God’s Spirit to fill each young man and woman with His power and grace as they seek His face with all their hearts!

Women of Faith Conference: Call your friends, family, & co-workers to make plans to attend the October 21-22 Women of Faith Conference in St. Paul. Tickets are $45.00/person. This event is always sold out. Contact Angela Zwart TODAY for tickets.

Classis Lake Superior (the 28+ Christian Reformed congregations of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Manitoba, western Ontario) will be meeting in Alexandria, Minnesota, on Monday and Tuesday. Delegates from our church are: Pastor Jeff and Elder Wally Marcus. Pastor Steve is the Stated Clerk for the Classis and will also be attending. Please pray for the numerous deliberations that will build up and enhance the witness of Jesus Christ throughout this region through the CRC.

COMMUNITY & SURROUNDING AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

HPC ~ Need For “Models” SOON
Hope Pregnancy Center has a huge need for ultrasound “models” (women who volunteer to receive ultrasound for training purposes). To complete their training, our three nurses must perform a number of ultrasounds under the direction of a registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer THIS WEEK! WE NEED HELP, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE! If you are in the 1st or 2nd trimester, or know of someone who is, and are willing to volunteer, please give Hope Pregnancy Center a call at 235-7619. Fathers are welcome. This will be a very exciting time, and you will leave with a picture of your baby!

Friendship Class
Friendship Class Monday, the 19th. 7:00 pm at the Willmar CRC. You will receive your material at this meeting. We will have a welcome party for our students.

Bethany Christian Services Phon-a-thon 2005
On September 19th and 20th, Bethany Christian Services will conduct its upcoming 15th annual phon-a-thon. This is the third phon-a-thon done from the Willmar office. Any call you receive on these dates will be from a volunteer in Willmar. Your donations will be used to support the local Willmar office and help to further Bethany’s mission: “to manifest the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families through quality social services.”

Ladies’ Aid Fundraiser Roast Beef Supper
Come and enjoy a wonderful Roast Beef supper! Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church Fellowship Hall. Serving is from 5:00pm till 8:00pm. The menu for the evening will be roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, coleslaw, home–grown corn, rolls, milk, coffee and a variety of desserts. There will be a free-will offering. Everyone is welcome.

From Sea To Shining Sea
A new digital-video production by Don and Fran Van Polen, will be presented at the CMCS high school gym Monday, September 26 at 7:00pm. Watch as Don and Fran capture rare scenes from across our country, along with inspiring narrative about its wonders and natural resources. The cost for the evening is $5.00 per person, or $12.00 per family. All proceeds will go to support the CMCS yearbook. Please come out to enjoy this amazing film about our country!

Senior Citizens
There will be a gathering of the Senior Citizens on Friday, September 30th at 11:30am at the community center. We will have a potluck dinner and later play games and cards. Please take the following,
A - G take salads H - M take desserts and N - Z take casseroles.

Childcare Substitute position
Unity Childcare is in need of some substitute providers. We need someone who loves to work with children and would like some thing to do just a couple of hours a week. We need someone who is child CPR certified. If you are not certified but are willing to go through the training to get certified please contact Unity Childcare at 320-978-9138 to set up an interview.

Daycare Openings
Are you in need of childcare? Are you looking for a loving, Christian environment for your children? Unity Childcare has openings for children of all ages, 6 weeks old to school age. If you would like more information or would like to sign your child(ren) up contact the Unity Childcare at 320-978-9138 talk with Jenny or Mary.

Unity Childcare Fall Fundraiser
For Unity Childcare’s fall fundraiser we will be doing a concession stand at the CMCS soccer tournament Saturday, October 1st. If you are interested in donating some cookies or bars for us to sell please bring them to church by Friday, September 30th. We are also looking for some volunteer help with running the concession stand that day. If you are interested in volunteering please contact April Swierenga (320-978-4300 during the day or 320-978-8014 after 4pm)

Obesity - The Disease of Epidemic Proportions
Many parents are rightly concerned about their child's weight and how it affects them. Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood. The Parents Club of Central Minnesota Christian School (CMCS) extends an invitation to the entire community to learn more about the epidemic of childhood and adolescent obesity and what we can do as families, school, and community in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Come, learn, and get your questions answered from an expert, Dr. Bateman, pediatrician specializing in childhood and adolescent obesity, on Monday, October 3, at 7:00 P.M., in the CMCS high school music room.

Trusting in the Grace of God in Unwanted and Unplanned Events Jeff Fisher September 2005

This past week, I had a lot to get done. There was an inordinate amount of things on my “to-do list.” There were things to do at home. Things that needed to get done at the church. And besides that, it was a thesis week for me - so I really needed to get some good studying done in order to stay on pace to complete my thesis. So Monday, after a very busy and filled week of work at the church, I stayed home and did most of the little projects around the house that needed to get done. But I was starting to feel tired and weak. More than normal – even after a very busy week. I didn’t think that much about it and the next day we continued with our plans. We finished some more things that needed to get done. I did some studying for my thesis. And we drove to the Cities to see the Twins play. The game went longer than we expected, ending with a 3-run walk-off homerun by Torii Hunter in the bottom of the 11th inning. So, it was nearly 2 o’clock in the morning when we got home. Of course, I expected to be tired then.

Then Wednesday hit. I didn’t have the energy to do anything. I felt slow. And when the afternoon rolled around, I was wiped out. I laid down for a little bit and the next thing I knew it was four hours later. No work done. None around the house. None on my thesis. None on the sermon I had to write for classis. I had two meetings at the church that night, so I got up and went to those without even taking the time to eat dinner. I wasn’t hungry; I was too tired to be hungry. Near the end of the second meeting, I started feeling light-headed and woozy. I just wrote it off as a result of not eating. And so I went home and laid down again, and fell asleep. And I slept until 4 p.m. the next day! And for two entire days, I was sick. I was exhausted, queasy, and ill.

But I had so much to get done. And none of it was getting done while I was lying in bed for two days (Well, some of it was, because my wonderful wife was picking up a lot of the slack from me being absent). When the weekend rolled around, I felt a lot better, but still could only be active for about five hours before I was completely wiped out again. When I finally thought I had kicked it for good, it hit me again on Monday - Labor Day. This time it wasn’t the fever and nausea, it was a massive headache. It felt like I had a concussion. My head pounded and every slight movement of my head made me feel disoriented. Again, I slept all day – from the time I’d gone to bed the night before until 9 p.m. the next night – almost 24 hours straight (which obviously meant I didn’t get anything done). I lost an entire week. And I really didn’t have enough time to get everything done in the first place. That left me frustrated, annoyed, and of course, overwhelmed.

Then in my daily reading, I ran across a meditation on patience. In this chapter, the author reminds us that everything is in God’s hands – including our time. It reminded me that the unplanned and unwanted events in our lives actually exist for our good – for our benefit. At the time (and even afterwards), they seem more like an intrusion and a detour from the schedule we had set for ourselves and the things we wanted to get accomplished. For me, this sickness had set me back a week in my thesis study, made me late for submitting my classical sermon (and this newsletter article), and forced me to miss meetings and times of fellowship with other people. But, as I’ve been reflecting on it, with Wendy’s help, we’ve started to recognize some of the ways in which we need to readjust our lives to make the pace of life a little more manageable and a little more in step with God’s will for our lives.

For example, I started to see how much our “instant” world has infiltrated my thinking. I want to get things done now. I want to see results now. I want the house to be ready. I want my thesis to be written. I want small groups to be started. I want sermons to be written. I want tapes to be converted to digital media. I want building projects to be started. I want outreach programs to be launched. I want discipleship meetings to produce fruit. I want worship services to be planned. I want my office to be set up and organized. I want bills to be paid and debt to be paid off. I want all of these things to get done. And I want them done now (or very soon after now)! But I have to realize and accept the fact that I cannot continue to attempt to do the same amount of things I could when I was working full-time in only two-thirds the amount of time. It is going to take a little longer, because every third week I have to set aside that time to devote to studying for my thesis. And I have to realize that I cannot entertain the thoughts of taking on anything more, as alluring and intriguing and enjoyable as they might be. And most importantly, I believe, I have to realize that it is not pleasing to God to run myself ragged trying to cram in as many things as I can (all for Him, of course!), and lose sight of who is really in control of my schedule.

I must continually acknowledge who is actually in control. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Literally the Hebrew says, “Stop! (or Relax!) And know that I (emphasized) am God.” The Lord is saying, “I am God. Not you.” We are running around, trying to accomplish so many things and fill our days with activities and enterprises, even with the intention of bringing glory to him. But we quickly begin to deceive ourselves into thinking that we can handle all this on our own. We know what is best for ourselves. We know the best way to organize our time. We know how to run our lives. We start to exchange God’s role with our role. And that’s why God says in Psalm 46: “Stop. Relax. Slow down. I’m God, you’re not. You don’t have to try to play God. I can handle that sufficiently on my own. If you don’t slow down, you will wear yourself out and get sick, because you can’t handle playing God.” And that should actually be a very reassuring thing to us.

One thing I have learned is that “lack of time” often leads to prayerlessness. Prayer gets shoved aside because our schedules are so full of other things. And when prayer gets shoved aside, God gets pushed out of the picture a little more. And when things come along that throw off our schedule, we get frustrated and angry and think it is an invasion on our time, forgetting that time itself is a gift from God. And when God decides to permit an event that is unplanned or unwanted by us to come into our lives, we must embrace it by faith and trust that he knows what he is doing. The entire Bible teaches us this valuable lesson. When delays and detours and opposition go against our schedules and plans and cause frustration for us, we must bank our faith on God’s sovereign grace and his sovereign purpose to bring about something even better in our lives.

We look at delays in our lives – whether it be a week of sickness, or ten minutes in a grocery line, or forty minutes in traffic, or a day of distractions, or a month of chaos, or a year of struggles – and too often see it as only a great hindrance. But God always has something better in store than we expect or anticipate. But it often requires patience on our part. It requires waiting. Abraham was 100 years old before he received the son promised to him. Joseph had to wait 2 years in prison before the cupbearer remembered to tell the Pharaoh that he could interpret dreams. And during his time as second in command, there was 7 years of famine. And when the later Pharaoh forgot about Joseph, the Israelites fell into slavery for 430 years. And upon their exodus from Egypt, they wandered around in the desert for 40 more years! And then it took seven years for them to finish the conquest of Canaan, the Promised Land. And near the end of the time when the Judges ruled over Israel, there was a 40 year period where they were subjects of the Philistines. During Elijah’s ministry there was no rain for 3 and a half years. During the reign of King Solomon, it took 7 years to build the temple. After the kingdoms divided, the northern kingdom (Israel) endured 200 years of bad kings before falling into the hands of Assyria. The southern kingdom (Judah) had 350 years of some good and some bad kings before falling into the hands of Babylon, where they would be in exile for 70 years. When they finally returned to their land, it took them 20 years to rebuild the temple. And after it was destroyed again, it took 46 years to build it the third time. Most notably, from the time the last prophet spoke until the time the Messiah arrived, there was a period of almost 500 years! The Bible is full of examples of people who had to wait years for what they looked forward to and anticipated. Generations went by before prayers were answered. God didn’t work based on their schedules. No, he set the agenda. He did it on his timetable – according to his schedule.

We would do well to be often reminded of this truth. An astounding truth of the Bible is that God works for those who wait. Good things do come to those who wait. Isaiah 64:4 says, “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Those who wait for him – not those who work hard for him. Not those who fill their schedules with so much stuff they can’t take time to sleep or pray. God acts on behalf of those who wait for him. God is the one working. We are the ones waiting. He is in charge of the schedule. Of course, we still have to make plans and do things, but when the unplanned, unwanted, unexpected events happen in our lives, we look to the Lord and his sovereign goodness and trust that he has good reason to bring about this event in our lives at this time. Only by trusting in his wisdom and grace can we find the joy even in times of trial.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the one who seeks him.” – Lam. 3:25

September 11, 2005

As I thought about what I wanted to write for this newsletter at the beginning of all the Fall activities at church, I originally thought about writing something that went along with Pastor Steve’s article, reflecting on some ways that we could “get more out of church.” But the more I thought about it, the more I was compelled to go in a different direction. I asked myself, “What do I want this congregation to think about, reflect on, and engage in, as we begin this new year of church activities?” The answer came in the words that Henry Wildeboer spoke echoing in my mind, “Read and Pray! Read and Pray!” It really is as simple as that. I hope that all of you are seizing the opportunity to do the reading part through the Old Testament Challenge or some other way of making God’s Word a part of your daily lives. Here I want to offer some insights on how you can do one aspect of the praying part: Pray for your pastors.

It is truly a privilege to serve on the pastoral staff at Unity Church. We don’t just say that, we really mean it! We are especially grateful to all of you who faithfully pray for us. As all of you I’m sure know, we are not perfect, invincible, or unbreakable. We are desperately in need of a Savior, just like everyone else. We need prayer.

I eagerly desire that God would make Unity Church more effective at transforming lives and reaching those who do not know Jesus. But, as we’ve been recently reminded, the spiritual vitality of the church rarely goes beyond the spiritual vitality of its leaders. What we need as a church, we need even more as leaders – prayer! The Apostle Paul over and over again appealed to those in the church to pray for him, and continue praying for him, and to never stop praying for him.

So following his example of appealing for prayer, I ask for your prayers in seven specific ways:

1. Focus – We as church leaders can be easily distracted, whether it is on a small level during our daily activities or on a larger scale of being pulled away toward money, fame, power, or even the life that other people get to live. Ask God to enable us to love his Word, to drink deeply from his Spirit, to make us more aware of the grace he pours out all around us, to give us wisdom to know how to bring vision and direction to his church, to have hearts that are not fragmented over countless concerns, and to be satisfied with the love of Christ immeasurably shown to us. Pray that our focus would be unwaveringly set on the gospel.

2. Refreshing – The work of ministry seems unending, but only because it is unending. There is never enough time to do all there is to do. But we, as pastors, need continual reminders that we are not the Savior. The work of ministry does not depend on us. In fact, when we chose not to follow God’s set pattern of work and rest, we grow weary in doing good and become easily frustrated and cynical. Pray that God would grant each of us “times of refreshing that come from the Lord.” We need them, but we don’t always seek them out!

3. Integrity – Jesus taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation…” Sometimes it feels like we as pastors are faced with countless temptations, sometimes just to slow us down. I ask that you would pray that each of us would be people whose lives are so integrated that every aspect of them is devoted to Jesus Christ alone. Go as far as to ask God to remind us, “It’s not about me.” It is crucial that not only our actions, but also our thoughts be pure and centered on things above so that we do not give into temptation and become useless.

4. Faithfulness – We ask for your prayers that we would be faithful to our spouses, to God’s Word, and to our callings. Pray specifically that we would have the wisdom to spend significant and appropriate amounts of time invested in each of these areas. It is far too easy for us to pour all our energy into the work of the ministry and only give the little that is left over to our spouses and families. It is also far too easy to fill our time in ministry doing other activities that need to be done and leaving little time to immerse ourselves in the splendor of God’s Word. God has called us to be shepherds and teachers, but so often we feel more like administrators and entertainers. Pray that we would stay faithful to what God has called us to do.

5. Boldness – One of the clearest evidences in the New Testament of a person filled with the Holy Spirit is inexplicable boldness. Pray that God would so fill us with the Spirit that we would be bold in speaking the truth to both those who do not believe and those who do – that the only source of true and lasting joy is found in God alone. Pray that whether we are in Cashwise or standing in the pulpit, we would always “speak the truth in love,” not being swayed to either harshness or niceness. We want to be people of grace and truth.

6. Inspiration – We need continuous visionary and creative energy that comes from drinking deeply from the wellspring of life in Christ and engaging with others in the body of Christ. Pray that we would not get lazy or apathetic when words of discouragement are constantly spoken to us or about us. Pray that we would continue to look ahead for what God has in store for this church. Pray that we would work diligently, dream immensely, and trust illogically so that we could see amazing things happen in this place and this community.

7. Power – Pray that God’s kingdom would come and that his will would be done at Unity the way his kingdom has come and his will is done in heaven. Pray that the Holy Spirit would so fill this place and every person that enters this place to the extent that Unity Church would be a small, but significant, part of a great global awakening. We want revival. We want an abundance of life in this place. And it always starts and only starts with prayer. Pray that God’s incomparably great power would continually be at work in us.

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to pray for us. Pray first that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 2 Thess. 3:1

Honored, privileged, and grateful to be lifted up in prayer,

Pastor Jeff

10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Lead Worshiper: Chuck Leininger Family and Shannon Stoel
Scripture Reading: Romans 15:1-13 (Reader: Lody Johnson)
Message: “A Source of Encouragement and Unity: The Old Testament”
(Pastors Steve & Jeff)

5:00 P.M. EVENING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Prayer Worship Service Offering: Bible League

WORSHIP NOTES

Welcome to Unity Church! We are eager to see what God has for us this day as we celebrate the beginning of a new year of activities. The message this morning will focus on Paul’s statements about the value of the Old Testament for our lives today. We will also have the instillation of our new Elders, Wilson Brouwer & Jeff Poppema, and our new Deacon, Wendell Bonnema. Tonight we will have a special dedicated time of prayer for Unity Church, our community, and the world around us.

CRWRC - Hurricane Katrina: The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) hopes to raise $5 million in aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina, which unleashed billions of dollars of destruction on Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and the Florida panhandle last Monday. The ambitious goal will help CRWRC continue to deploy rapid response teams, participate in clean up and repairs and purchase building materials. Donate today by calling 1-800-55-CRWRC or online at www.crwrc.org. Or mark your donations "Hurricanes 2005" and mail to: CRWRC, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560.

Bon Fire! There is going to be a Bon Fire at Hube and Marilyn’s Farm after the evening worship on Sunday, September 18. Bring your lawn chairs, roasting sticks and your appetites. More details to come.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Congratulations to Ben and Megan Taatjes in the birth of a beautiful baby girl, Lauren Grace, born Wednesday, September 7th. She was 8 lbs 4 oz and 20 inches long. There will be a baby shower for Lauren soon. Watch for details.

Thank you so much to everyone who came to help with Unity’s fall cleaning. You all did a wonderful job!
Lost and Found: Items found during the church clean-up are located on a table in the fellowship hall. Please claim your items! Unclaimed items will find a new home at the Bibles for Missions Thrift Store on September 19.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT UNITY

Youth Group: Kick-off on Wednesday, September 14th. Grades 7-12 7:00 pm at the Rock on 8th (1804 8th St. S.W.) in Willmar. If anyone needs a ride please call Jill.

Unity Golf Night: Come for a night of Golf at Hawk Creek Country Club in Raymond on Saturday, September 17th. Enjoy a night of golfing with your friends from Unity. The first tee time will be at 3 pm. After the golf ends around 6-6:30pm we will meet back at the church for barbeques. So please bring a dessert, salad or something that goes with barbeques. There is a sign up sheet for both golfing and the barbeque potluck on the back table. We need to know the number attending by Wednesday, September 14th to set up all the tee times. If you are not interested in golfing you may just come to the barbeque. You may also contact Natalie Vander Beek if interested or have any questions.

CMCS High School Annual Retreat: Parents and Friends of CMCS are again planning a high school retreat at Lake Geneva Christian Center, on September 23-26 and we need your help. Will you pray for the weekend, that God’s Spirit may move in the lives of those attending this retreat? We are also greatly in need of financial help, so that we can keep the cost affordable to the students. If you would be willing to help in this area, please send your donations to the CMCS high school, in Prinsburg, marked “Retreat Fund”. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Ladies in Jail need to hear God's Word: For the past ten months, a team of ladies from our church has been leading Bible studies on Tuesday evenings with the female inmates at the Kandiyohi County Jail. It is a fascinating ministry, and one which strengthens the faith of the Bible study leaders, even as it encourages the incarcerated ladies. We are looking for substitute leaders to come in on days when we are ill, out of town, or on maternity leave! We always lead in teams, so you will be there as moral support, not leading the Bible Study. If you are willing to help, contact the church office or Pastor Wendy.

Women of Faith Conference: Call your friends, family, & co-workers to make plans to attend the October 21-22 Women of Faith Conference in St. Paul. Tickets are $45.00/person. This event is always sold out. Contact Angela Zwart TODAY for tickets.

COMMUNITY & SURROUNDING AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

HPC ~ Need For “Models” SOON Hope Pregnancy Center has a huge need for ultrasound “models” (women who volunteer to receive ultrasound for training purposes). To complete their training, our three nurses must perform a number of ultrasounds under the direction of a registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in late September. WE NEED HELP, IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE! If you are in the 1st or 2nd trimester, or know of someone who is, and are willing to volunteer, please give Hope Pregnancy Center a call at 235-7619. Fathers are welcome. This will be a very exciting time, and you will leave with a picture of your baby!

HEY MOMS!
Have kids ages birth through kindergarten? Join us at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)Childcare is provided. 1st Meeting, Wednesday, September 14th.
When: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
9:00am – 11:30am
Where: Bunde Christian Reformed Church
5086 140th Ave. SE, Clara City
More Info: 320-847-3520 or (Becky at 320-967-4218)
2005/2006 Bunde MOPS Meeting Dates
September 14, 28; October 12, 26; November 9; December 14; January 11, 25; February 8, 22; March 8, 22; April 12, 26.

West Central Singers
The West Central Singers will begin rehearsals at Calvary on September 15th at 7pm. The group consists of twenty-eight adult singers, who presented four concerts last season. For further information on the group, please call Chet Sommers at 235-2384.

Bethany Christian Services Phon-a-thon 2005
On September 19th and 20th, Bethany Christian Services will conduct its upcoming 15th annual phon-a-thon. This is the third phon-a-thon done from the Willmar office. Any call you receive on these dates will be from a volunteer in Willmar. Your donations will be used to support the local Willmar office and help to further Bethany’s mission: “to manifest the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families through quality social services.”

Disabilities Awarness Worship Service
The third annual area-wide Disabilities Awareness Worship Service is scheduled for Sunday, September 25, 6:30 PM at First CRC of Prinsburg. The guest speaker will be Rev. William Van Dyken, who is the Chaplain at Hope Haven in Rock Valley, Iowa.

Ladies’ Aid Fundraiser Roast Beef Supper
Come and enjoy a wonderful Roast Beef supper! Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church Fellowship Hall. Serving is from 5:00pm till 8:00pm. The menu for the evening will be roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy, coleslaw, home–grown corn, rolls, milk, coffee and a variety of desserts. There will be a free-will offering. Everyone is welcome.

From Sea To Shining Sea,
A new digital-video production by Don and Fran Van Polen, will be presented at the CMCS high school gym Monday, September 26 at 7:00pm. Watch as Don and Fran capture rare scenes from across our country, along with inspiring narrative about its wonders and natural resources. The cost for the evening is $5.00 per person, or $12.00 per family. All proceeds will go to support the CMCS yearbook. Please come out to enjoy this amazing film about our country!

9:30 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Lead Worshiper: Bryan DeGroot and the Unity Praise Team
Prayer for the Church and the World
Scripture Reading: Haggai 1:2-11 (Reader: Arlene Groen)
Message: “Give Careful Thoughts to Your Ways” (Keith Kerstetter)
Giving of our Firstfruits: Unity Ministries
Closing and Benediction

5:00 P.M. EVENING WORSHIP CELEBRATION

No evening service or Night Vision tonight

WORSHIP NOTES

Welcome to Unity! As our thoughts and prayers pour forth for those to our south today, may we all “seek God while He may be found, and call upon Him when He is near. For the Lord is close to the broken-hearted and hears their cries to Him.” May we all humble ourselves before God today, giving thanks for the simple things of today, giving generously to those in need, and giving ourselves fully and completely to the worship and work of Jesus Christ!

A warm welcome to Rev. Keith Kerstetter, senior pastor of the Willmar Assembly of God Church, who is our teaching pastor for this morning! We thank God for you and your leadership in this area and pray God’s blessing and anointing over you today! Pastor Steve is completing the pulpit exchange by preaching at the Willmar Assembly of God church this morning. We praise God for the unity of the body of Christ!

Council Members: Please note the schedule this week for council: THURSDAY, Sept. 8: 4:00pm ~ Executive Team; 5:45pm ~ Elders; 6:15pm ~ Deacons; 7:00pm ~ Full Council. Supper will be provided from 5:45-6:15pm.

Extra Laptop? Ruth Veltkamp, our missionary in Nigeria, is seeking donations of good, used laptop computers. If you have one available, please contact the church office.

CRWRC - Hurricane Katrina: The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) hopes to raise $5 million in aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina, which unleashed billions of dollars of destruction on Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and the Florida panhandle last Monday. The ambitious goal will help CRWRC continue to deploy rapid response teams, participate in clean up and repairs and purchase building materials. Donate today by calling 1-800-55-CRWRC or online at www.crwrc.org. Or mark your donations "Hurricanes 2005" and mail to: CRWRC, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560.
Bon Fire! There is going to be a Bon Fire at Hub and Mariliyns Farm after the evening worship on Sunday, September 18. More details to come.

UNITY FAMILY CARES AND CONCERNS

Congratulations to Gary & Mandy (Layman) Johnson who were united in marriage yesterday! May God bless your new life together as husband and wife! Pastor Steve officiated the ceremony.

Church Clean-Up! Wednesday evening, September 7. Supper 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Cleaning will start after supper. Everyone is encouraged to come, Men and Women.

Youth Group: Kick-off on Wednesday, September 14th. Grades 7-12 7:00 pm at the Rock on 8th (1804 8th St. S.W.) in Willmar. If anyone needs a ride please call Jill.

Christmas Program: Anyone interested in auditioning for the “Return of the Christmas Kid” please meet after the morning service in the church sanctuary to receive a script. We especially want to see Grades 7th– 12th and an adult male for a primary part. If you have any questions please contact Gina Ohden, Rachel Marcus or Bev Mulder.

Needed: FRIENDSHIP MENTORS
Qualifications: A "need" to serve and being a friend. Time commitment: Minimal time for preparation, and one hour every other Monday evening. Starting September 19, 2005. Call: Helene Dykstra.

Ladies in Jail need to hear God's Word: For the past ten months, a team of ladies from our church has been leading Bible studies on Tuesday evenings with the female inmates at the Kandiyohi County Jail. It is a fascinating ministry, and one which strengthens the faith of the Bible study leaders, even as it encourages the incarcerated ladies. We are looking for substitute leaders to come in on days when we are ill, out of town, or on maternity leave! We always lead in teams, so you will be there as moral support, not leading the Bible Study. If you are willing to help, contact the church office or Pastor Wendy.

Women of Faith Conference: Call your friends, family, & co-workers to make plans to attend the October 21-22 Women of Faith Conference in St. Paul. Tickets are $45.00/person. This event is always sold out. Contact Angela Zwart TODAY for tickets.

Promise Keepers 2005 “The Awakening” Men of all ages come to Promise Keepers 2005 for “The Awakening.” Promise Keepers invites you to an Unpredictable Adventure you will never forget! September 9-10, 2005 St. Paul, MN. Call 1-800-888-7595 to reserve your place.

GEMS Kick-Off: The GEMS are planning their annual kick-off on Wednesday, September 7 at 6:30pm. Please meet at the fellowship hall. Attention Prinsburg residents we are planning on an outdoor scavenger hunt so please be ready for the girls to stop by your house and ask for selected items.

COMMUNITY & SURROUNDING AREA ANNOUNCEMENTS

2005 Minn-ia-kota Retreat Make plans now to ‘take a break’ from your normal routine to attend the Minn-ia-kota Retreat sponsored by Bible League Volunteers on September 13 & 14, 2005 at the Oaks Hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If you went last year, you probably received a mailing this week inviting you and a friend. You won’t want to miss this excellent time for spiritual renewal! Invite a friend or two to join you at this ‘retreat with a cause’! You will experience great music, inspiring speakers, a wonderful time of fellowship with other Christians, and while enjoying all of this, be able to help supply Bibles and study materials to our friends in the Philippines. Linda Evens Shepherd, our featured speaker, will share through her dramatic testimony how she turned the ‘pits of her life’ into stepping stones.

HEY MOMS!
Have kids ages birth through kindergarten? Join us at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)Childcare is provided. 1st Meeting, Wednesday, September 14th.
When: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month
9:00am – 11:30am
Where: Bunde Christian Reformed Church
5086 140th Ave. SE, Clara City
More Info: 320-847-3520 or (Becky at 320-967-4218)
2005/2006 Bunde MOPS Meeting Dates
September 14, 28; October 12, 26; November 9; December 14; January 11, 25; February 8, 22; March 8, 22; April 12, 26.

West Central Singers
The West Central Singers will begin rehearsals at Calvary on September 15th at 7pm. The group consists of twenty-eight adult singers, who presented four concerts last season. For further information on the group, please call Dr. Chet Sommers at 235-2384.

Bethany Christian Services Phon-a-thon 2005
On September 19th and 20th, Bethany Christian Services will conduct its upcoming 15th annual phon-a-thon. This is the third phon-a-thon done from the Willmar office. Any call you receive on these dates will be from a volunteer in Willmar. Your donations will be used to support the local Willmar office and help to further Bethany’s mission: “to manifest the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by protecting and enhancing the lives of children and families through quality social services.”

Open House Bridal Shower: You are invited to an open house bridal shower for Janae VanZee, bride elect of Matt Marcus, son of Larry and Lynn Marcus. It will be held Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 10:00am at First CRC Fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome.
Ladies’ Aid Fundraiser Roast Beef Supper
Come and enjoy a wonderful Roast Beef supper! Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church Fellowship Hall. Serving is from 5:00pm till 8:00pm. The menu for the evening will be Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Coleslaw, Home Grown Corn, Rolls, Milk, Coffee and a variety of desserts. There will be a free-will offering. Everyone is welcome.